May 14, 2006 - Happy Mother's Day!

Well, it's been an interesting month thus far. My new job at the South Central Adult Services is great! I love using my degree finally. I'm trying to get organized since getting married. You men have it so easy! We women have to change our entire lives after marriage. Name change, social security cards, driver's license, etc. What a pain! Oh well, as Chris would say, he's worth it. (eye-rolling)

Andrew is getting ready to take finals and is looking forward to summer vacation. He slacked most of the year though so he will get to go to summer school and will be taking driver's ed this summer as well. He's really looking forward to that as he can get his driver's license when he's done. Little does he know that he isn't going to be allowed to do so until he's old enough to hold down a job so he can help pay for gas and insurance. (I'm such a mean mom!) He turns 16 in March so it will be awhile before he can get a job anywhere. He's tried getting on at the grocery stores but they're reluctant to hire under 16 so he'll just have to wait.

Buddy is getting bigger. He's figured out how to undo his leash so we have to monitor him outside now until I can find a better system. He's quite the baby. Screams when he's left behind anywhere. He's getting pretty good at going on walks. Starting to get the hang of walking instead of sniffing out EVERYTHING. I've also got him trained to walk at the heal position so I'm not walking on top of him. He plays with Jake (our Springer) once in a while but Jake is pretty rough and he always ends up in Jake's water bowl so he's filthy by the time they're done playing.

Kaiti's classes don't end until the 26th. She gets one whole week break before her summer school begins. I'm glad they have summer school at the center as she needs lots of structure to keep from getting bored. If only they would start up the equestrian program again as she absolutely LOVES riding horses.

Jeff has quit his job with Remco. He's going or has gone to school to learn how to work at the oil rigs. He'll be working near Belfield when he's done training. Last I heard, he plans to save up to go to college so he can become a college professor teaching philosophy or physiology. I know. Huge difference. I'll let you know when I figure it out for sure. I'm very excited for him.

Jen has a new addition to her family. Poor Dakota had to be put down finally as he just got too sick. Montana was lonely as were Jen and Mike so they got another golden. Her name is Sheyenne and from the stories I've heard, she's a handful. Most pups are though. Mike passed the test for Captain. I think he just needs someone to retire so he can enter that position. If I heard correctly, I think there has been a large number of troopers retiring so we'll have a whole new younger group coming in. That's pretty exciting. Have to tease Mike about being an old guy on the force.

Mom is doing well. Her clinic has gone completely computerized now with charts being on computer and everything. She's having to learn the new technology whether she wants to or not. I think she's doing just fine. She's come a long way from when I was teaching her how to use a mouse. Boy, was that hilarious! She recently got a new garage door complete with opener so she's living in the lap of luxury now.

Well, that should bring everyone pretty up-to-date in our lives. I'll keep posting as I get new info and as new events happen. I HAVE to remember to take my camera with me everywhere as I am terrible at getting photos taken. My poor kids! Should be lots of things to shoot this summer.

Talk to you all later!

Jodi Elliott