Countdown...

Can I tell you how much I am looking forward to my vacation week? Nevermind that I really have nothing planned or any real excitement to look forward to. I am doing nothing. And I love it. Actually that is not entirely true. I am heading to PA to visit my family for the weekend, and I love visiting my family. I feel so out of the loop here in OH. I miss everyone. But it is nice to go home and be the "visitor" for the weekend. Sometimes it makes it feel more special. I'm so glad Michael is going with me! He has never been there so it will be even more special. I just want to read books, lay in the sunshine, get a little exercise, and visit with the people I love most on this earth. So....just a few more days.

However, these are not just normal days. I have soooo much to do before then. I have to finish preparing my report for my work presentation. Then I have to present it. I hate presenting! I have to take my PTCB pre-test by Monday to make sure I can sit for the actual pharmacy tech certification exam. Although I work in a pharmacy, I am realizing how very little I actually know about pharmacy. It is a lot to memorize. On top of that, I am in the middle of trying to relocate for work to an area that is expanding rapidly, which is supposed to speed up my career progression. I was hoping for NC, but I was told Buffalo, NY is expanding most rapidly so....who knows at this point. AND, on top of that, I was told yesterday that I am being transferred to a different store in my district. I am now going to be working in the lovely city of Springfield on Main Street. My favorite. Not quite. It is a 24 hour store though, so it will be a new experience for me. That will begin August 1st the day after I get back from vacation. Everything is changing so quickly!! How exciting though. Can't wait!

Parental Visit!

My parents decided to come out for the 4th of July weekend to visit me. I actually had a long weekend so it worked out perfectly. Although we didn't do a whole lot, it was great to just catch up and it was also an opportunity for them to meet Michael!!

Michael & Evie

Mom and Dad

Suzie & Evie

Suzie & Michael

I love my mom & dad!

Such a happy, smiling woman!

Evie finally has someone to play with her...

Finally....spring flowers!!!

Planters for my porch

I planted some seeds in this one. Some of them are coming up already but I think a few of them were duds. I guess I'll just have to fill in the holes!

Visit from the Fam!

Val & I bought my mother this planter for Mother's Day. She deserves so much more!

I need flowers like this allllll the time

My mom bought me some roses for my table : ) Aren't they beautiful!!

My Evie girl

We all bought matching flipflops!

My lovely mother

Preparing dinner and the flowers

Pancake batter in a spray can?? We had to try it!

My trip home to PA for the weekend

Tim and Carol

Grammie & the girls

Val with my little girl

He's peculiar

Entertaining the masses

I love her!

Even Dutchie likes cheerios from me

Awww...three very different chihuahuas join for a common cause

Evie, Evie

Ha ha! This makes me laugh : )

I must always be under the covers in some way or another!

What a pretty ribbon!

Someone please rub my belly...

I'd do anything for an apple core

Still after the apple core

There's nothing better in life than playing fetch!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Christmas with Mom & Dad!!!

My dad with one of his gifts from me: a Farmall tractor (yes he has one)

Matt, Krissy, Shelby & Colesy

Carol helped Harley open his Christmas toy. Deep down I know he really liked it. He just has trouble showing emotion.

Steeler fans

Our Christmas tree

My doggie!

Dutchie & Val

Evie in her Christmas hat

Another beautiful mantle shot!

Some of our STUFF!

Captain Dutch!

My mother always decorates her home so nicely! I love being there!

Some of my wonderful new gifts

Evie stole someone's elf to eat

Tim looks so cute in his new jacket

I put together a gift set for my grandma too! She also needed pampered.

A sweater my sister made for Evie. Unfortunately it doesn't fit her right because she has a long body, but it is incredibly cute!

My neices with some gifts I bought them: their very own ornaments for the tree and some earrings (they are pierced now!)

Evie is opening one of her presents!

Colesy & Aunt Suzie

Val & Dutch

Evie & I are reading Martha Stewart for inspiration

Mom & Dad with their boy, Harley

Mom with her girls!

Mom with a gift basket I put together for her. She needed pampered!

Val, Jer & Dutch

Mom & Dad