Trying ... again ...

I haven't had a cigarette in two days now... not going to get too excited yet, I've tried to quit several times before.  Sometimes I make it 3-4 months, sometimes a few weeks or even just a few days.  I really do need (don't really WANT) to quit.  Bella gives me hell about it all the time, and lets face it, I need to be around for her instead of dying young from lung cancer.

I have a lump under my jaw line on the right side of my face, it hurts when I mess with it and it's been there for several months now.  I finally "broke down" and made a doctors appointment for Monday.  Hopefully it's nothing serious, I guess we'll find out.

I did all of my homework for the upcoming week today, it took about 4 hours, but I did it lol.  I've got one more week of school before Spring Break.  I'm excited for the break.  We're not going anywhere, or doing anything special.  It's nice to have Spring Break the same week as Bella though!  I have an exam to study for during the break lol that'll keep me some what busy.

Bella has her BFF over for a sleep over tonight.  They've been very well behaved and chill tonight.  Usually they're running around like crazy short people!  They had happy meals for dinner, took a bathing suit bath and watched movies all evening... I can still hear them whispering in Bella's room ;)

No big plans tomorrow, I want to watch movies and veg out!  It's supposed to be in the 80s tomorrow, maybe we'll go shooting.



The new crew...

So... Adam reconnected with an old co-worker of his several months back and we've been hanging with him, his wife, and their (now our) friends a lot!  These people are amazing!  They're bikers (Harley Davidson), older than myself (some as much as 20 years older) and so full of wisdom.  The best part about this awesome group of friend is they're SOOOOOOO drama free!  It amazes me how people my own age (give or take a few) can't behave like grown ass adults.  Adam & I have even been discussing buying a bike of our own!  Anyway, I thought I'd share some pictures of out new crew :) I love them!

Rebecca & I, Christmas Party 2011

Cinda & I, Christmas Party 2011

Brek, Terry & Adam, Christmas Party 2011

Tabby, me & Cinda, NYE 2011

The Ladies on Tabby's Birthday, Feb 2012

Horny (Dave) & I, Feb 2011

At Terry's Birthday Party, Feb 2012

What we have here... is a failure to blog...

So, I suck! I always say I'll be a more active blogger, and of course, I never follow through. In my defense, I'm SO damn busy all the time, I rarely have time to keep up with anything other than house work an school work!

Speaking of school, whew wee... 16 credits was a lot to take on this semester, but I'm doing it and maintaining my amazing grades. There have been a few "surprises" this semester, more like unexpect... I was really looking forward to my psych class, only to have it turn out to be my LEAST favorite class (outside of English). My professor is sooooooo monotone and his testing style is extremely tough. He's a nice guy, just boring and hard (I should have taken sociology). Not to mention, psych in itself is completely boring. On the other hand, Geology (one of my most dreaded courses) has actually been my favorite class! My professor, Dr. Roy, is the freakin gangster of all nerds. He's hilarious and is great at teaching a subject on rocks lol. I've actually decided to take his natural disasters course in the fall. My other 3 classes (Ethics, Jazz History and English) are fine... neither hard no easy, boring or exciting.

IzaBella, my baby girl, is doing ok. She currently has a really bad cough that's been nagging her for over a week, she missed 2 days of school last week and I'm keeping her home again tomorrow so we can go to Urgent Care for an X-Ray of her chest. She hasn't shown any signs or symptoms of a cold outside of her cough, so I'm worried it's an infection. She's struggling a little in school (nothing major, just having issues with her sight words) so she's in an after school program, twice a week, basically tutoring for kids who need a little extra help. She's in a hip hop dance class every Monday and LOVING IT! We finally signed her up for cheer yesterday. She starts the week of March 13th with practices, games start March 31st. She's been placed on a team with her best friend (Tori) from across the street.

Adam is Adam. I love him, but holy shit he's so self centered. It's all about the way he wants to do it, the way he thinks it should be, his way or no way. Not so much towards me, but life in general. He's so black or white about everything... I HATE IT! lol oh well, that's his! Anyway, he's just been working. They're closing down the Tempe office and he'll be working out of the house starting in April. Eww, I'm not sure how I feel about that!!

Our zoo (pets) are great! I love my pets lol they keep their mouths shut and are always happy to see me....

Well, I'd promise to keep this updated, but yea, we all know how that works! Take care!

Worst Blogger... Ever?

Well, I guess it's fair to admit I'm pretty much the worst blogger, ever!  I have no REAL excuse, other than I either A) Forget about it, or B) Just don't feel like doing it?  Maybe part of me thinks I have nothing of any importance (to anyone else) to say.  A lot of people blog for different reasons, part of the reason I wanted to start was to have a published step by step of Adam, Bella & I's lives together.  I should take a pledge to update my blog at least once a week?

So... what's been going on?

I just finished my "freshman" year of college!  I must admit, I'm so extremely proud of myself!  I've maintained my honor roll grades without getting burnt out.  I love school!  Everything about it.  I love the challenges, the learning aspect, the social aspect (even though I'm an old lady in comparison) and facing a new goal with every new semester.  I finished out my Fall semester with "A's" in both my Criminal Justice and Critical Thinking classes.  I've yet to find out what my final math grade is, but I'm anxious to find out!  Speaking of math, I am DONE with all of my required math classes!!!  I took my final this morning, and I'm feeling pretty good about it.  I hate math, so glad it's over.  I've signed up for my VERY busy Spring 12' classes.  I'm taking Psychology 101, Administration and Ethics of Criminal Justice, Geology 101, Geology 103 (Lab), English 102 (online, my LAST English class, thank God), and American Jazz and Popular Music (fulfills my humanities credits).  Yep, 6 classes!  One of which is online.  I might be biting off more than I can chew, but I have pretty high confidence in my ability to pass with honors again.  My goal is to be at ASU by Spring 2013, but in order to do that I'm going to be busting my ASS in 2012... taking 41 credit hours (13 classes).  That's more than most people take in 1.5 years!  I've been dabbling in the idea of going to law school after completing my bachelors.  My CJ professor pulled me aside and told me he thought I'd do wonderfully at it.  We'll see what happens.

Bella is fabulous!  Kindergarten started off pretty rough for her as she was having some behavioral issues.  Typical spoiled only child shit... but it has since been corrected.  She's learning quickly and I couldn't be prouder of her.  I think I'll be putting her cheer come February.  She REALLY wants to do it, so I figured we'd give it a shot and if she loves it, we'll continue it.  It's 85 bucks every 8 weeks, not too shabby.  Dip shit (Brandon) still isn't around... you wont hear me complain... and she pretty much has no idea who he is anymore.  She knows Brandon is her "birth father" but other than that, not a clue.  We don't talk about him, at all.  When he does come up, I never bash him (in front of her).  I figure when she's old enough to decide what's good for herself, she can decide whether or not she wants him in her life.  I'd imagine she wont though.  She never receives phone calls, money, Christmas or birthday gifts from him... NOTHING!  He called about 4 months ago, I asked her if she wanted to talk to him and she said no... so of course, I didn't force her to.  I don't think she should be forced to talk to him.  Am I wrong?  I recently opened a case through child support enforcement, hopefully I can get some support out of his dead beat ass.

Adam :) my love, is wonderful!  Working hard and working hard!  We try to get out about once or twice a month for some drinks.  There isn't really much to report on Adam.

There's a quicky update :) Maybe I'll post something in a few days!



Kindergarten already?

I just can't believe this day has come so quickly!  My beautiful, smart baby girl is in Kindergarten!  August 10th 2011 marks the big girl mile marker in Bella's life!  She did fabulously!  No crying, no nerves, just excited and happy!  I am so proud of her!

We had a special breakfast for her very first day, McDonalds :) and Bella will eat her first lunch in the school cafeteria.

Time flies!

Mommy goes back to school on August 22nd, can't wait!



Viva Las Vegas

Adam and I's trip was absolutely what the doctor ordered!

We left early Friday (6/17) morning and arrived in Vegas at 2:30 pm.  We checked into our room and quickly hit the Liquidity Bar at the Luxor, where my sweet friend Rhonda works.

She gave us amazing deals on our cocktails, which in Vegas, is a good thing!  Instead of 10 bucks a pop, they were comped.  Shortly after we ate some Mexican food for lunch.  A fellow classmate of mine, Henry, text me and said he and his girlfriend were going to be there later that night.  We then took a walk to the MGM where we checked out the infamous lions.  We found a great sushi restaurant, of course I can't remember what the name of it was, and had an awesome dinner there.  Adam and I went to the room at about 8:30 and took about a 45 minute "nap".  10 o'clock came around when Henry and Britt showed up.  We had several more cocktails before Adam and I went to bed at about 2. 

Saturday we slept in until 10:30, it was nice!  We had breakfast, where I met "Vanilla Ice", then we hit the pool for about 2 or 3 hours.  We really enjoyed the pool along with the sunshine.  Afterwards we went back to Liquidity to have a few more drinks and say goodbye to Rhonda.  Afterwards we, I, went shopping.  I got several new tops and an awesome new bathing suit.  We had dinner and met up with Henry and Britt.  We all went to Freemont Street, which quickly became the high light of my trip!  I loved all the freak shows and celeb look-a-likes!

After that we rode the New York New York roller coaster, which is something I do every time I go to Vegas.  It was a blast, as usual!

Vegas was great but I was so glad to get home to our daughter and pups!  Bella loved the fairy outfit I bought her, L O V E D I T!  

I don't have any class tomorrow, thank God!  But... I do have a communications exam online, and math homework to do.

Til next time! 

Summer is in full swing!!

Vegas Baby!!

I've been dying to go to Vegas for the past year or so.  So, we've got the extra money, let's go!  Our wonderful friends Brendan and Sam are going to watch the dogs and Bella for us next weekend (17-19) so we can get away for the weekend.  It's about a 5 hour drive so it's perfect for the weekend.  Just Adam and I, no friends, or family, just us!  Not that I would mind having others join us, but it's nice for us to be alone too.  We're staying at the Luxor, that's where I always stay because I tend to get the best rates there.  I'll be posting pictures afterwards for sure.

I booked our flights to Florida in September today.  1034 bucks for the 3 of us, round trip.  When did flying become so damn expensive?  We're leaving September 3rd and coming home September 12th.  We'll be at my parents until the 9th before we drive to Decatur Alabama to attend my dear friend Laura's wedding.  On the 11th we'll drive back to Florida and then fly home on Monday.  It'll be a bust 2nd half of the visit, but the first 5 days will be boating, beaching, drinking and eating.  I'm very excited to see my momma and step dad, and hoping my step sisters will drive down from Columbus.

Summer classes are going better than I expected.  My communications professor is HILARIOUS and so much fun.  He has the best stories (examples) for everything he teaches.  He keeps our attention very well that's for sure!  My math is going well too, algebra sucks, but I think I am finally getting the hang of it.  My good friend Billie is in the same class so it's nice to spend time with her, in or out of class.  Hoping for another 4.0 semester but we'll see how it goes.  My first math exam is on Tuesday. 

Other than that, life is good :)

Til next time!

Just another day :)

It's a hot one in Arizona today!  We had a fabulous weekend.  On Friday we went to Adam's softball game, then out to Sidelines for drinks and dinner after.  Adam's softball buddies are awesome and totally hilarious.  Adam is a very straight edged and serious, so it's nice to get around people who have the same smart ass sarcastic tendancies as I do!  Sidelines is fun, and kid friendly, with awesome food!  I always get fried mushrooms and potatoe skins.  They're fabulous!  Saturday I so desperatly wanted to sleep it, but nooo lol Adam got up at 8 and start fucking with me, which woke me up... At noon we went to Barro's Pizza for Bella's TBall party.  Michael and Jenny met us there, we enjoyed pizza and beer and watching the kids all get their pictures and trophys.  Bella is so proud of her trohpy, she carries it all over the place with her, and is constantly telling me how proud I am of her lol, only her!  We had a great season!  Next year, coach pitch!

After the party, we loaded up the 4 wheeler, the guns, the cooler, and headed out to the desert with Michael and Jenny for shooting and 4 wheeling.  We had a lot of fun, other than a few minor things which I wont get into.  After that we went to M & J's house for dinner and drinks.  We ended up sleeping over.  I love going over there, but holy crap their kids get up SO early!  Like, 6 am and shit, yikes!  Bella never gets up before 8:30 lol, so since we sleep on a matress in their living room, they all come in and out of the bedroom and bother us.  It's moments like that, that make me realize why I don't want anymore kids.  Mine is perfect, why ruin it with more? lol

Sunday we got up and came home.  I cleaned house, did laundry and picked up the dog shit while Adam cleaned the guns and Bella took a 3 hour nap (who could blame her, those damn kids woke her up at the ass crack).  Adam eventually came in and we watched the 2nd and 3rd Pirates movies.  I <3 Pirates!  Hopefully on Friday we'll go see it at the drive--in.  Maybe that and / or the 2nd Hangover!

Robin came and got her doggies today, they were with us for about 8 days.  Over all they were good dogs :) and we enjoyed having them.  Hoping in exchange we can get a weekend baby sitter one weekend as a repayment.  I think Robin will probably agree, so we'll see.  Adam and I are just in desperate need of an adult weekend!  Go to the club, have some fun! 

Saturday is our memorial day party.  We're looking at a nice little guest list, it should be fun!  We're going to make wings, pasta salad and jalapeno wraps.  Adam talked about getting a keg, we'll see if that actually happens.

Schools starts a week from tomorrow, it's going to be a busy 7 weeks, taking two 3 credit courses!  I'm looking forward to the challenge!

Welp, Adam and Bella are home and it's time to make dinner!

Adios!

Summer Break

Summer is pretty much official in the Cochran-Taylor household.  I wrapped up my Spring semester on May 11th, and it was a life changing experience.  I thought school was never in the cards for me, but once I took the first steps and enrolled I realized this is what I want.  Not only for myself, but for my daughter and Adam too.  I am proud to say that not only did I finish the semester with honors, but I finished with a 4.0 GPA!

I never imagined I'd do that well, but I am very excited about that!  I'm taking summer classes, to speed up my graduation date, starting on May 31st and going until July 21st.  I'm taking intro to communications and intermediate algebra.  The math is making me nervous, 7 weeks is a really short amount of time, for me, to take a math class.  I feel like that's the number one thing I struggle with, but I know I can do it.  Thank God for Adam and his bachelors in mathematics or it'd be a lot worse.  For the fall semester I've signed up for my final math class, college mathematics, my final English class, intro to criminal justice and college critical reading.  All of which are required for my criminology and criminal justice degree.  I'm what they call a MAPP student (Maricopa ASU Pathway Program) which guarantees my acceptance to ASU in the Spring of 2013, it all ensures all of my CGCC credits will transfer to ASU, and most importantly it looks the tuition in for me, at today's rate, regardless of if it goes up between now and then.  So technically I am an ASU student.  Pretty neat!

Bella is doing awesome!  She had a dentist appointment on Monday and I am so proud of her, no cavities, again!  She was so happy with herself.  Her top two teeth and loose and should be coming out in the next 3 to 4 weeks.  School is out on the 26th for the summer, her last summer before kindergarten!  I just can't believe my baby is going to be in elementary school, it seems like just yesterday I brought her into this world!  She is sooo excited about starting too.  But, I don't think she understands how much earlier we'll be getting up for school.  Right now we sleep until 8 or 9 everyday, and even later on the weekends.  She's already hard to get out of bed lol.  So it'll be interesting.  Thank God for the Mesa school district and full day kindergarten.  Because of them, I will be able to attend school full time without having to pay for child care.  June 1st she has her surgery on her herniated belly button.  I am terrified!  I've actually considered cancelling it a few times already.  The thought of my baby being put under for surgery freaks me out.  I know she'll be fine, but I'm still freaking out!  We'll see how it ends up!  I know I need to do it, it's just scary!  Tball wrapped up about 2 weeks ago, Bella did so well and I'm so proud of her for doing so well. On Saturday we're going to the end of the season party, and she'll get her little trophy and pictures back!  They're having it at a pizza joint, should be fun.

Adam is well, busting his ass at work.  He's got that electrical job at the Indian Medical Center and they're in the middle of a 2 week shut down.  3 guys working different shifts, 24 hours a day.  If one of them is sick, Adam has to go sit in and watch the job, so he's been working some early mornings and weekends.  He's a great man.  He works so hard so that I can go to school and Bella can have the perfect little spoiled life she has lol.  We're having a Memorial Day party on Saturday the 28th.  We should have about 15 people here.  Adam is going to make wings and pasta salad, I'll probably do up our famous dilish bacon jalapeno peppers.  I'm going to fill up a couple hundred water ballons for the kids to thrash eachother with lol, it'll be fun!

Other than life, not a lot going on here!  We're watching our friends two dogs until Saturday, so I've got a house full at the moment!  Til next time!

CJT

It's been far too long...

I wrote in this blog about 3 weeks ago, then I got done I some how deleted the entire thing, I was pissed and it was midnight so I didn't re-write everything!  Update!

School is going awesome, as of now I'm an honor student.  Finals are the week after next and I'm really nervous about my math final.  I'd love to keep my A, but we'll see.  I signed my Maricopa AZ State University Pathway Program contract a few weeks ago.  It guarantees my acceptance to ASU and that all my credits will transfer.  I should be at ASU by the Spring of 2013.  The thought of have a bachelors degree in criminal justice and criminology from Arizona State University is so exciting.  Now lets just pray I get to the end of that tunnel.  Spring semester ends May 11th, then on May 29th I start my summer semester.  I've settled on a math and communications class for summer.  4 days a week, 3.5 hours a night.  It's going to be a busy summer.

Adam has been so busy with work, he's got this electrical job at a hospital that's been giving him hell.  He's been working long hours and on the occasional Saturday, which I hate!  But, someone has to pay the bills.  I am very proud of him, and love him very much!

Bella is awesome!  TBall has been going wonderful.  We met another couple who's son plays on the team, we've become really close with them.  They're a lot of fun!  Bella is super in "love" with their son Braden.  Bella also has the summer off of school, so she'll be home with me during the days.  I can't wait until she starts ALL DAY kindergarten in the fall.  My big girl, makes mommy want to cry!

I'm trying to get Adam to fly my cousin Tarra out in about two weeks, as a mothers day gift.  Tarra is moving to Wisconsin at the end of May and I'd really love to spend some one on one time with her before she leaves.  I miss her so much as it is, then she'll move 1000's of miles away and it'll really suck.

We're throwing a memorial day BBQ over memorial weekend.  Looking forward to seeing my friends meet each other and mingle.  The kids will have a blast too.  Gotta get Adam to fix up the back yard first!

I think that's about it for now, I'm sicker than shit so I'm going back to bed!  Til next time!

Catch up!

Wow, it's been awhile, a long while!  I've been so insanely busy though!

Where to begin?  Mesa (Phoenix) is awesome!  I absolutely love living here!  More so than Colorado at this point.  Don't get my wrong, I miss my friends and a few select family members, but Arizona has it all!  The weather, the palm tree's, & tons to do, lots of hustle and bustle (which I've always preferred).  We live in a beautiful neighbor hood as well.  Our little house has been a work in progress but I think we're just about done making it our home.

School, I love school!  I have decided to major in Criminal Justice, which I'd wanted to do all along.  I could have majored in so many other things, things that would surely make me more money, but I love the CJ field.  And what is a job if you don't love what you do?  Misery!  My long term goal is to be a homicide or missing persons detective, but in order to do that I'd have to be a "cop", street patrol, traffic, yada yada... and work my way up in the rankings.  I know I don't need a degree to be a cop, but I want my degree so I don't care!  I am currently and all A student!  I've got a 93.3% in math (includes homework, quizzes and exams) I got a 94% on my first exam, the 2nd exam is next Tuesday.  I got a 96 % on my first English essay!  Score!  We do a lot of in class writing assignments in English as well, and as long as you put forth the effort on those you'll get full credit.  I finished my college success class with a 100%, but no shocker there, it's a 1 credit required class that lasted 5 weeks... ultimately it became a fuck off class.  I met my friend Billie in that class.  Adam and I have become good friends with her and her fiance Tim.  They're really good people.  I signed up for summer classes!  Math (intermediate algebra) and Intro to Communications.  Both required for my degree.  Summer classes will be hectic!  They're only 8 weeks long so they'll be condensed and fast pace, at least Billi will be in math with me!  I go to Math Tuesday and Thursdays from 630p-930p and Communications Monday and Wednesday from 630p-940p.  I would go days, but Bella wont be in school and Adam of course has to work so night classes it must be!  It's going to be rough but I know if I work my ass off I can get it done and maintain my honors!

On top of school, Bella started T Ball a few weeks ago.  The first game isn't until March 26th, but they practice 2 or more times a week.  I love that Bella is finally involved with sports, although, I'm not sure she cares much for T Ball.  I'm going to start her in soccer this summer.  I think she'll like it better because it's less structured and more fast pace.  These 4 and 5 year olds have a hard time just standing there, in the outfield lol it gets funny to watch them.  Bella booty dances -shaking my head- like no ones watching!  Adam and another father, Michael, have pretty much taken on the rolls of assistant coaches.  They help out at every practice.  I love it!  Bella's team is the Cubs!  Not our first choice of teams lol but it's T Ball, what can ya do?  Adam plays softball every Wednesday night.  They always play 2 games, so he's either playing from 630-830 or from 830-1030.  I go to all the early games.  He's on his own for late games.  Bella's got to be in bed WAY before 1030 so we don't go to those.  It's fun though, I love watching the games.  And don't get me started on the concession stand food (that shit is tasty!)

I'm smoking, AGAIN, ugh!  It's soooooo hard to "quit".  I've got a doctors apt next week so I can get a script for Chantix.  Every time I quit using the patch, I start up again as soon as I'm done with the patch cycles.  Sucks!  I'm sick of being a gross smoker!  Someday!  I have faith in myself!  I've always been slacking on tanning and the gym!  I need to get back into the habits!

I traveled back to the Springs for court on Feb 24th.  I was super nervous walking into that court room.  Thankfully I had my mom, dad and brother by my side.  We got into the court room and we sat down, Brandon on the petitioner side, myself on the respondents side.  We both swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but truth.  After that the judge asked Brandon why he didn't show up for our status conference on Jan 18th, in which he replied he had to work, followed by some other bullshit excuse.  We went back and forth answering any questions the judge asked of us, after that the judge informed us that the state of Colorado had no jurisdiction of this case because Bella lives in Arizona, NOT COLORADO!  Well no shit Sherlock!  lol but let me tell you how happy I was.  Brandon was pissed, he got up and left the court room before the judge even stood up.  Long story short, if he wants to fight for visitation he has to come here, to Maricopa County, and do it.  & let me tell you, AZ doesn't take kindly to dead beat parents.  I've already started the process of getting child support in the state of AZ.  If he wants to sign over his rights it may save him a lot of money.  We'll see.

I'm sure there is much more I could get into, but I've got so much to do today.  Til next time!

Catch up!

It's been awhile!

Been busy but not a whole lot has been going on.  The biggest reason I haven't written lately is because I started school.  I love it and I'm doing really well so far.  I know I'll have my bad times, but I'm trying to stay possitive about it.  I got a new HP laptop!  Love it, runs so much better than my last one and I love Windows 7.

Still going through this court shit.  Brandon didn't show up for the child support hearing or the status conference.  We'll see if he actually shows up for final orders next Thursday.  Adam & I have a friend who is a lawyer who helped me fill out all of my paper work and such.  Thank God for good friends in high places.  I'm flying to Colorado Springs next Thursday for court.  Bella and Adam staying home... too expensive for all three of us to go.  I'll be back Sunday, so I wont miss any class.  I'm looking forward to getting this shit over with, and seeing my new nephew, mom and other family and friends.

I enrolled Bella in kindergarten today!  I'll get paper work in the mail around July stating who her teacher will be and when we can go meet her.  It looked like a nice little elementary school though.  She's doing well in PreK.  She got her school pictures back today.  What a big girl my baby is now.  Sad!

I've come down with some crap.  I am hoping and praying it's not the flu, but if it is I need to be better by Tuesday!  No school Monday, so I have a whole week off.  I've got an essay and power point presentation due Wednesday... at least I've finished it!

Til next time!

This day 5 years ago...

A mother's treasure is her daughter.  ~Catherine Pulsifer

January 18th 2006

My baby girl is 5 years old!  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday I held her in my arms before she was taken to the NICU where she fought to breath for several days.  I'll never forget the feeling on being discharged from the hospital without my beautiful baby!  10 days later she was able to come home where she struggled with RSV that put us in and out of the hospital for the first two months of her life.  You'd never guess today by looking at my beautiful, healthy, smart, loving child.  There is nothing in this life that I'm more proud of then being her mommy.  I tell her all the time that God picked her out just for me.  I couldn't think of one thing I'd change.  I'm truly blessed.

Her birthday "party" is of course Tinkerbell themed.  She got new bedding, a scooter and big pink bean bag chair for her birthday.  I'm going to try to pick her up something else today before she gets home.  Having a birthday so close to Christmas sucks, she just got everything for Christmas so figuring out what to get her for her birthday was time consuming.  We also got her a Tinkerbell Ice Cream cake from Baskin Robbins.  Our favorite cake!  For dinner we'll make wings and fries (her favorite) and probably go to the gym.

Today was my status conference for child custody.  I was told to call "this number" at 9 a.m. & they'd give me the number to call the court room for my appearance at 9:15.  I called from 9 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. over and over again until I FINALLY got an answer.  The clerk informed me that Brandon didn't show up, so there was no status conference.  I was so pissed that I spent an hour calling over and over again, using cell phone minutes, and all of a sudden just because he didn't show up, I couldn't speak to the judge.  Believe it or not I was REALLY hoping to speak to the judge today.  I wanted to try to get a feel for him.  So now I must fill everything I want brought up in final orders through the courts before our final orders court date.  So looks like 2/24/11 at 1:30 p.m. is officially my final orders date.  I hope he doesn't show up!  That'd be a perfect world for me.  Either way I'm not worried about it.  I know he'll get some visitation but I also know my baby girl isn't going anywhere.  I just want custody and child support ON PAPER so we don't have to deal with this shit anymore.  It's not like Bella even has a clue who Brandon is anyway.  So this week (probably Thursday) Adam & I will go to the Mesa airport and get my flight booked to Colorado Springs from the 24th until the 27th.  Many exciting things are going on that weekend.  I get to meet my nephew Trenton, my mom is going to be there, I'll get to see my friends.  It'll be good times for sure.

Schools starts tomorrow and I am sooo anxious to see what it's all about.  It's been 11 years since I was in school lol I hope I can get the hang of it quickly.  From 1/19 til 2/28 I have 3 classes (Creating college success *required*, Math & English) on Monday's and Wednesday's from 11:15 until 3:45 p.m.  Sine the creating college success class is only like 6 weeks long, on the 28th of February I'll only have class from 12:40 til 3:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.  I plan on taking a class or two throughout the summer and then starting full time in the fall.  I hope I can maintain a good GPA but I'm terrified.  I have always sucked at school lol

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! 

Four Day Body Detox!

We had a wonderful weekend together.  Friday we went to the gym then made wings and fries for dinner (a family favorite dinner) in the fryer. 

Saturday I had new student orientation.  It was from 930-1130 a.m.  It wasn't bad, very informative.  After orientation Adam & Bella met me there and we purchased my books and got my student ID / parking pass.  I then went home and cleaned the house.  You know Cinderella has to get her chores done before she can have any fun.  Later that night we met up with Brendon and Sam at Chili's.  A few of Adam's old friends were there as well.  Everyone was very friendly.  I had 2 drinks and we went home.  We're too old for that shit ;) lol

Sunday we got up and made a yummy breakfast, then loaded up the new AR-15 and an old microwave, then headed into the desert.  It was about 30 minutes from here, neat spot that you can tell a lot of other people go there to shoot shit up!  Adam loves his new toy and I see many more trips to the desert foothills to fire it.

We took Bella, her first time.  She loved it but mostly played with rocks and dirt!

After shooting we went to the gym for family swim day.  Bella had a blast and wore off some of her damn energy.

Monday!!!  We spent 140 buck on all organic veggie's and fruits or our detox.  Today is day one and my weigh in after peeing was 142.8 and I'm totally excited to see what I weigh on Saturday morning when our fast ends.  We're making smoothies for breakfast and just doing raw fruits and veggies other than that.  Lots of water (2 + quarters per day) and green tea every morning and night.  I hope this works lol cause ya'll know me, I'd rather be eating Mc Donalds or Taco Bell!

I'll post our results on Saturday.

New Year, New Me, New Us!

I meant to write sooner... but things have been nuts!

Julie got here Wednesday the 27th and left Sunday the 1st.  Thursday we spent ALL day shopping.  I spent a ton of money but it was much needed and it felt good!  I got new shoe's for the gym and a ton of clothes, oh and some perfume!!  Later that evening went to downtown Tempe (totally neat little downtown by the way) and had sushi for dinner, minus Bella who had 2 bowls of "Chinese soup".  She took a bite of a California roll though.  She didn't spit it out and said she liked it, but she didn't want another bit either so you know how that goes.  Friday we did more shopping then spent our evening drinking wine.  It was nice to be with my best friend and have some one on one time.  It was very refreshing & just what the doctor ordered.  She went home late Saturday, we spent most of the day chillin'!

Since Julie left a ton has been going on.  I finally got an iron clad answer from the El Paso courts, I will be able to appear by phone for our status conference on the 18th.  I only had to call them 12 times to get them to give me an answer.  I mailed the damn request on October 26th.  I guess 2 months isn't enough time to get a yes or no from these people.  Anyway, after this appearance, once I know 100% that final orders will be February 24th, I'll purchase my plane ticket to Colorado Springs.  My cousin's wonderful boyfriend George has offered me his truck while I'm in town so I don't have to rent a car or depend on others for a ride (yay)!  He's a life saver!

Tuesday Bella & I went to our first mommy's group activity.  I'm the youngest mom there by 10 years!  I felt really out of place but Bella had fun non the less.

Wednesday I toured La Petite Academy and KinderCare Learning Center to determine which would work best for Bella.  Let me tell you, KinderCare won by a landslide!  It's over $200 a week (full time) but extremely worth it.  Bella went for a "test day" today and have a blast.  She'll start full time on Monday.

I've got new student orientation on Saturday from 9:30 - 11:30.  I'm totally stocked to tour my campus and see what it's all about.  Adam is meeting me there at 11:30 so we can go to the book store and purchase my school books.  Thank God a friend of my from Cowboy's (yes in Colorado) is working at the exact same book store that day.  She's been an amazing help answering any questions I've had.  Looking forward to starting school in the 19th!

Today, they finally came with the part of our refrigerator that was broken when we moved it and installed it.  He also painted our living room (much needed) and fixed a few other things.  He was here ALL day.  I was bored to death.  Chatty old guy though, and very nice!

All in all, a great but very busy week.  Tomorrow (Friday) will be spent de-weeding our front yard.  The lady that lived here before us didn't do shit but sit on her sloppy ass.  At least that's how it looked when we moved it!

Have a great up coming weekend!

Goodbye Prescott Valley!

Taken 5/15/2010

It's over!   We're finally done cleaning the old house and have turned in our keys to the landlord... it's a tiny bit bitter sweet.  I loved that house, but I love my new one more :) and we have wonderful times there.  The saddest part of the entire move was leaving our wonderful neighbors behind.  Ian and his girlfriend were great, even Mr. Paul... but Robin & Ray, ahh :( sad to leave them.  They were our sanity in a town with nothing to do and in which we knew no one but them.  We spent many weekends in that drive way enjoying each others company.  The good thing is, they're only 2 hours away.  My selfish side thinks they should move to the Valley close to us lol.  One thing's for sure, we're not moving again unless we buy!

This picture contains something else I miss, my car.  I loved that little car, and it was a GREAT car.  But I know with my sister in law Jessie and brother Thad taking care of it, it'll be all good.  Besides, with my nephew Trenton coming along in a matter of months, they need it more than I did.  I have the truck, which is a nice truck, but I can't wait to either trade it in for a bigger truck, or get something of my own.  We'll have to see how tax returns turn out this year.

Since this move Adam & I have been very giddy with one another.  We're so happy & I'm just so luck to have him as mine :) & on top of that, him and Bella are a trip together.  They're total buds :)

On a positive note, Julie gets here tomorrow!  I am soooo excited to have her come visit.  Adam gave me plenty of cash so that I could do some shopping while she's here.  After saving and not spending for so many months (due to the move and Christmas) I deserve it.  I haven't been shopping for "myself" since my birthday in September.  I don't even know what I'm going to buy.  Truth is, I don't "need" anything.  Two things I do need are some new sneakers for the gym and a new black belt.  A new purse would be nice, but with my taste in purses lol I'd spend all the money on one handbag.

Tomorrow we're going to the gym in the morning, then I'm coming home and cleaning.  We've also gotta run a load of trash from the move and Christmas to the dump.  Then I've gotta go to Fry's, we need more food :)  Julie's flight lands at 4:52 (right in the middle of Phoenix and the surrounding area's rush hour) so I'll probably leave at 4 or 4:10 to go pick her up.

Adam is outside putting together his garage, or at least starting to.  I'm getting hungry, we were originally going to have burritos for dinner.  I wonder if that's still the plan?  I'd better go check!  I'll check back in after Julie goes home on Saturday!

A Very Merry Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas we had.  I'm convinced I have the most wonderful family in the entire world!  My loving boyfriend and my beautiful sweet daughter are my life.  Celebrating our first Christmas in our new house was perfect.  We got up about an hour before Bella and got ready.  Adam made pancakes and sausage for breakfast.  Jessie came over with her gift for Bella and watched her open gifts.  Bella made out like a bandit!  She got a beautiful doll house from Santa and a stocking full of goodies.  She got an easel and all of the art supplies needed for it.  Aunt Chrissy got her a Mia Bella doll, a big girl doll.  Grandma got her clothes.  MiMi got her a beautiful snow globe, toys and moon dough.  Mommy & Daddy got her a pillow pet, Alice in Wonderland on DVD, and a ton of other things.

I then took about an hour long nap and we headed to Jessie's mom's house for dinner.  What wonderful people they are, we got along well with them.  It's always nice to meet really good people.

Today (Sunday) Adam is in Prescott getting the remainder of our stuff and cleaning up the back yard.  Bella is busy playing and I'm cleaning.  Took the decorations of the tree & did some laundry.  I love it here, a sunny 70's day.

My best friend Julie will be here Wednesday!  I am so so so excited to see her.  It'll be like having a little piece of home for a few days.  I plan on taking her to this really cool sushi restaurant in Scottsdale called RA Sushi.  It's a dark setting and they play really fun loud music.  We'll also get to do some shopping.  Phoenix and the surround cities have the best shopping.  I haven't been shopping in months so I'm excited about that alone.  Good thing I have an awesome hunny to give me money to do so. 

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Tis the season!

Well hello :) I've got the Internet up at the new house, finally!  This move has been a fucking nightmare (excuse my language).  I got sick the day before we were to load up the moving truck.  Your typically cold, stuffy nose, lots of sneezing and blowing.  It sucked!  Of ALL weekend to get sick I had to do it on a weekend where I couldn't lay around and feel better.  So, the move... ugh!  We loaded up the biggest truck UHaul had to offer, plus 4 trips with the trucks and we've still got things to go get.  We drove down bright and early on Saturday morning, when I walked in the door and saw the condition of the house I was pissed.  The walls and baseboards are filthy, one of the shelf's (the largest one) in the fridge is broken, there are no towel / shower rods in the guest bathroom, the garage wasn't swept out and this lady had cats so it was filled with cat hair, there is a wood strip between the tile and wood floors broken and our mail box key didn't come with a mail box number so we don't know which mailbox is ours!  I called the landlord and bitched, he said he'd take money off the rent for me to clean.  Well, this shit on the walls wont come off so paint is needed.  The maintenance man came yesterday and took a list, but I wont be seeing him until after the New Year.  I'm pretty sure Adam & I are going to end up painting at least the living room and main hallway, then we can touch up everything else.  Sucks, we paid almost 3 grand to move in here and it's dirty!  The Internet took 3 days longer than expect to set up due to damaged cables down the street.  Uhaul charged us an additional $100 for "not filling the gas tank upon return"... which is bullshit.  So we faxed receipts off to their cooperate office and we're awaiting a reply. 

Adam went to Prescott both Monday and Tuesday for work.  Poor Adam, those trips make for 10-11 hour days.  His back and ankle are killing him due to the move.  I feel so bad for him.  He works so hard for us, I hate to see him in pain.  Yesterday Jessie took Bella over night for us.  What a nice break that was.  We finished her Christmas shopping.  Her two "major" gifts are a beautiful doll house and an easel for all her art projects.  She just loves art, maybe she'll be an artist?  We also joined a gym down the road from us.  It's a wonderful gym offering classes, massage, and they have a pool / spa.  It's a very "state of the art" gym.  I signed up for tanning also, I can't wait to get some color back on me and shed some pounds!  I'm tired of being lazy and bored! 

I've been waiting for a reply from the El Paso courts, STILL, for my absentee testimony for the upcoming conference on January 18th.  I really hope they allow it.  Not only is it costly to travel back to Colorado for court, but Bella's 5th birthday is January 18th and then I start school January 19th!  I don't have the time to drive there for court.  I know I'll have to go for final orders in February, but one trip would be better than two!

I joined a website called meet up.  I've been exploring different mommy groups in my area on meet up and hoping I can join something soon.  I think it'd be a great way for Bella & I to not only get out of the house, but meet friends.  I've never done it before but I know a few moms that have and there experiences seem to be positive.

I may not be back til after New Years, my best friend Julie is going to be here December 29th for a few days.  I am SO excited to see her!  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!  & a Happy New Year :)

Load up and move out!

We picked up the UHaul this morning.  24 footer and still wondering if all will fit.  We shall see.  Adam is working until about noon then he'll be home and we'll load it up!  I was planning on spending this afternoon cleaning an empty house but since I'm sick we'll see how I'm feeling after lifting all afternoon.  Bella is excited that we've got a "big truck" in the drive way.  Adam will be driving it tomorrow that's for sure.  I'll drive one of the trucks and sadly we'll have to drive back up here Sunday for the other truck.  I'm so pissed that I'm sick.  Of all the weekends, it had to be this one.  I feel better than I did yesterday though, got enough drugs in me to keep me from sneezing 24-7 ... just 12-7 :)


I'll have a busy week unpacking next week.  At least it's going to be in the 70s all week.  Qwest comes Monday to set up our Internet and DirecTV.  I'll be mucho happy to have it back by then.  I've also got to set up our little Christmas tree and let Bella decorate it, then wrap all the Christmas presents I've got sitting in big black trash bags in the garage lol the only place Bella doesn't go often enough to care what's in there.  I went out Wednesday evening and used her Grandma and aunt Chrissy's gift cards to buy her presents, from them of course.  Marsha sent a box of wrapped gifts for her as well, that was really nice of her.  Wonder if we'll see anything from her "father who loves her so much"???  


Speaking of, he didn't show up for child support negotiations so they submitted and amount based off what he makes, which they were able to locate through the labor department.  It's a lot of money, I doubt I'll get that much but a girl can dream can't she?  I've been waiting for weeks for the El Paso County Courts to send me an answer for my phone appearance on the 18th of January.  I start school the 19th so I hope they'll approve it.  If not I'll be driving there the 17th, going to court and driving home on the 18th.  What a pain in the ass.  Oh well, I'm anxious to get all of this over with.

Adam & I went to the Cardinals vs Bronco's game on Sunday!  It was a great game.  I spent the 2 weeks prior debating on who I was going to cheer for.  At the last minute I picked the Cardinals and wore my Cards shirt.  Good thing, the Bronco's got their asses kicked 43-13!  It was a great "late" anniversary date (since I got the tickets for our anniversary in September).  We have our ups and downs but I sure do love Adam Clay Cochran <3 he saved us and loves us and we love him.  He and Bella are buds!  She loves his so much.  We're lucky to have him as ours :)


Other than all that, nothing new here!  I'll take pictures and post them when I get everything unpacked in Mesa!

Boredom Depression?

My entire life I worked full time to take care of my daughter.  I've always had my own money & I felt like I had a little more meaning.  Don't get me wrong, I love Adam and I'm thankful everyday that he takes care of us, but I'm BORED!  The entire reason I am going back to school is because I'm so bored.  If I still had a full time Monday thru Friday making 16 dollars an hour, I wouldn't think twice about school.  I'm just emotional drained.  Moving to Mesa and returning to school is just what the doctor ordered b/c I don't know how long I can continue doing nothing.  I can only clean house so much before everything is clean... and most of you know I'm OCD about cleanliness anyway lol.  Anyway... I'm BORED!


Bella's last day at her school is Friday.  She's excited to go to a new school.  I'm thankful we're moving before she starts kindergarten.  I moved every year until I was 12 so I never felt at home with a school until we finally got to the Cheyenne Mnt district.  Everyone seems to hear "Mesa" and think "ghetto".  What they don't want to hear is that we're on the east side of Mesa, bordering Gilbert!  I love our new house & can't wait to make it a home.


I've done some Christmas shopping for Bella.  She's going to be so excited.  I think we;re going to get her a big doll house too.  She's been expressing how much she wants one a lot lately.  She deserves it!  I want to get Adam something but I'm pretty much broke :( so we agreed no gifts for anyone but Bella.  I just hope he keeps up his part of the deal or I'll feel bad!


I've got to make the rounds to all of Bella & I's doctors tomorrow & Friday and sign release forms so I can get hard copies of our medical records.  That's one thing I hate about moving, you have to change all the information that you've got. 


Welp, that's all for today.  It's lunch time and my hunnie is home!  Have a great day!