It's been a few days...

I figured I better get some blogging done, while I have a few minutes to do it.
We are still hard at work around here... Just because the contractors are done, doesnt mean the house is done.  Stacy started priming all of the new drywall, and we got the flooring down on the tub platform. 

I have thrown myself head first into planning and organizing my business stuff.  I have my pricing pretty  much set... I know I want to do training classes... and I put together info for pet photos. 
My next "paperwork" step is to get together my training folders. 

I am still waiting on my DBA paperwork and EIN to come from they lawyer.  Then I can get my sellers permit paperwork started.
I am hoping this evening Stacy will get my shower board walls up around the tub... then we can at least put the tub up on its platform... THEN I can start painting in there.  We also have to get that huge coal stove out of the room... since I have decided NOT to keep it in there! 

So much to do... and so little time left to do it!   I will be glad when it is ALL said and done!

The kids are getting into the swing of school.  Everyone is adjusting and dealing rather well.
Brittany has decided to get back into cheerleading.  Which is fine with us... I just want to make sure she is progressing with it... and not at a stand still for whatever mental reason she can come up with. 
I am still giving her until Sunday to make her final decision.  But I am pretty sure her mind is made up.

I hope everyone "LIKES" Amy's Groom Room's FB page... and Please... share it with all of your friends!  I will be posting all of the shop's current events and specials on there!
I really need to come up with some advertising ideas.  I have to get my name and number out there... and get business in here!!

Ok... gotta run... things to do before my Dr's appt this afternoon!
Enjoy the day, everyone!!

Can we get a break around here... please...?!?!?

Ok... Seriously...
April we have had a tornado, which damaged our house... and that damage is JUST NOW getting fixed finally. 
And in the recent weeks we have experienced an Earthquake... A Hurricane... and now THIS Tropical Storm crap!!!

Only the second week of school and the kids were sent home at 9:30 due to MAJOR flooding...which I will post pics in a bit.  I am surprised our house isnt floating away!  We had water coming in our back door... right into my NEW shop, where the guys were working on drywall.  Our basement is FLOODED!  Our Driveway... FLOODED!  A tree came down on the neighbors garage.  Roads are closed all over... the creek is the highest I have ever seen it... obviously flooded over its banks.  The houses down the road have the creek all the way up the their back doors!!!  Charlie (85+ yr old neighbor) said his rain guage is reading 9 inches of rain since last nite!!! 
Stacy was out on the tractor trying to divert water away from our house... and clearing all of the storm drains on our road... and helping Charlie move stones off the road.  ALL in the POURING rain!! 
The bad thing... it is still raining!!  And we havent seen the worst of the flooding yet!

We went out to take a look around.  Loyalton is flooded.  TONS of creeks and streams are flowing over the roads.... and some even through ppls houses! 
It is bad.  And I fear it will get worse before it gets better!
We also called and checked in with my grandparents and Mom... and Stacy's grandparents... while we were out and about, to make sure everyone had everything they needed and any flood issues under control.

The past few days have been filled with work getting done at our house.  The living room has a ceiling... and a new wall.  They havent been able to take the nook off of the house... due to the weather.  So we are at a stand still there.  All of the drywall seams are taped and mudded... hoping that all dries over nite.

I graduated grooming school yesterday!!!  I am really glad I didnt have to make that trip today... I wouldnt have made it! 
Now I am completely focused on advertising... and getting my shop ready for my Sept 26th opening date!!  I was hoping to get out and hang flyers today... I guess that will have to wait... maybe tomorrow!  I ordered my signs... and business cards... and a couple of T-Shirts!!  I am so very excited!!!  I just hope I dont crumble under the stress of the weather, damage, and everything else that is going on!!! 

I HAVE been keeping the guys that are here working VERY well fed!!!  Monday they had hot dogs/hamburgers and a bunch of sides.  Yesterday I had BBQ pulled pork in the crock pot for them and a bunch of sides.  Today I had meatballs in the crockpot and a bunch of sides.  Tomorrow I will have beef BBQ.... and Friday it will be left over day! 
I know we are paying them... and I dont really need to cook for them.  BUT, I am so thankful they are here getting our house back together!!!  It is the least I can do!  Plus, they are our friends... and I just appreciate how awesome they are!  Derick has always come to help us when we have needed him to... he just great like that!!  I hear that he wants to borrow Stacy and the tractor one of these days... and I think it will be GREAT to finally be able to repay the favors of him always been here for us!

I am not real sure we will get our bedroom floor in this week... but I am ok with that.  I know it WILL get done sometime real soon!  So will the bathroom floor... especially now that they guys fixed all of the drywall!  One step closer to having our house DONE!  Our next focus will def be the root cellar and front porch.  Since I am opening a business here... The last thing I want ppl to see is a huge hole in front of our house! 

Ok... well... I must go get my kids moving on our bed time routine!  And brown hamburger for BBQ tomorrow.  Nathan is being super miserable today... he has been a real joy.  NOT!!! 
I hope everyone is staying dry!!

Where did the weekend go???

Wow... time sure is zipping by!!  Here is the latest happenings around here...

Friday was Stacy's last day before vacation... and we didnt waste any time!  Loaded up and dropped off a book case to Josh's house, went picked up his Dad's trailer (we needed a bigger one than ours to haul 12ft sheets of drywall), then then headed to Lowes to get supplies for Derick for this week!!  Interesting trip... to say the least!  They loaded up the forklift with drywall for us... we spent a small fortune... My impatient hubby put the smaller sheets of drywall in the trailer before they got the biggers to us. We almost ran out of fuel looking for a gas station that had diesel! And to make the trip even more entertaining...  I was wearing my "Some chicks marry other chicks... get over it"  T-shirt!!  LMAO!!!  Well, that shirt got some attention!  I saw a few ppl looking at me, looking at my shirt... then looking at Stacy.  But the best was when we were waiting in line to check out!!  The ppl in the line next to us where trying to figure out if Stacy was a guy... or a chick that wanted to be a guy!!!  IT WAS HILARIOUS!!!  They were looking really hard... and whisper to eachother (and of course I could hear them!!!).  Oh, the free entertainment!!!  They were still looking as we were headed out to load the truck!  I almost told them he IS indeed a man!!!  BUT, I had to save my truck from the dumb bitch that didnt know how to push a cart and almost took out my truck with sheets of plywood!  UGH!  I guess I can move faster than I thought... especially to save my truck!!!  Oh well... the whole point of my shirt is to spread awareness and stop the hate ppl have for others!!!  (If you are interested in a shirt... they have MANY to choose from... check out   http://www.fckh8.com/)  Yes, I do indeed teach my children about these kinds of things!!  I dont think anyone should hate another because of who they choose to be with!!  Love is love... and if a woman gets it from another woman... or a man gets it from another man... that is their choice!!  As long as they are treated right and are happy!!!  If any of you ever text my Britt... her signature on her phone texts is "gaypride"... and I am 100% ok with that!!!  People of all ages need to get over themselves and spread LOVE and UNDERSTANDING.... NOT HATE!!  Ok... stepping down off my high horse.

Yesterday we boxed up the living room stuff.  I damn near cut my thumb off with that damn wind up antique car, music box thing!!  Grrrr... the shit we have setting around this house!!!  Stacy tried to glue it right away... but it didnt hold.
While we were out hiking... yes, we went hiking up on Berry Mountain... the glue gave way... and I was bleeding all over again!
The hike was great though!!  We took Gunner... so we could run him and play some fetch (his favorite).  He would play until he dropped, I swear! He also did some swimming while we were out.  He worked out a bunch of energy... and we didnt hear a peep out of him the rest of the night!!  LOL!!  I got some really cool mushroom pics while we were out!  And maybe a few good action shots of Gunner chasing his "flying squirrel"!
Once we got home we relaxed some... I worked on some homework... we watched a movie together.  Then Stacy performed "surgery" once again on my thumb!  It is taped together and bandaged now!  And it feels alot better... and it hasnt bleed since yesterday!  So, I think we have it now.

We were up bright and early to the dogs wanting out and fed!  We had to run and pick up dog food and an extra crate from TSC... since they are on sale.  We took Gunner with us.  He is MUCH happier when he gets to go out with me.  I also made a stop at Walmart to pick up food for the guys next week.  We will be feasting on hamburgers and hotdogs tomorrow... BBQ pulled pork Tuesday... Meatballs on Wednesday... and Im not sure about Thursday yet... Probably left overs!  I am going to make pickled eggs this afternoon for a side... and we bought chips and drinks.

I guess today we will make a quick appearance at a picnic... then I have to get back home to work on homework and getting the house ready for tomorrow! 
I bought my scheduling software today.  And I am beginning to get nervous about making this business work!  I mean... the stress is kicking in!!  We have put out a small fortune to make this happen... and I just hope I can get the ppl in here!  I am planning on offering training classes... as time goes on.  AND, I will sell my gourmet treats. 
Ugh... I just want to know this will work out.  But my damn crystal ball is broken!!!  LOL!!

Oh well... time to get moving.  I had to take more benadryl today... so did Nathan and Britt.  Which means everyone is kind of dragging! 
Hope everyone has a good afternoon... and stay cool!!  It sure is hot and sticky out !

Benadryl fog

I am going to try to blog while in a benadryl fog.  I just want to curl up and sleep... but I am trying really hard to push on through.
Obviously... my allergies are KILLING me!!  Ragweed season has hit.  This is a pretty bad time for me... but, as everyone probably already knows... I am allergic to EVERYTHING... so I should be use to this by now.
I have been doing pretty good with just my claritin.  I guess I will have to jump up to my xyzal for a little while. 
Josh stopped over yesterday to help me get Sprocket to the vet.  He is getting slammed with allergies too.  He actually broke down and took some claritin!!  Poor kid... his nose is all red... and he used about as many tissues as Brittany...LOL!

Sprocket got his drain removed yesterday.  They left the hole open... because the wound is infected... and they want it to still be able to drain.  I am hoping it was just his body fighting off the actual drain.  He is still on antibiotics... but they wanted to give him a $200 antibiotic injection.  I declined for the moment.  I want to see if the drain being removed makes any difference first.
I set up Gunner's neuter appt!  WOO HOO!  Oct 11th!  He NEEDS to have it done!  He is getting a "I'm man of the house" attitude... I had to knock him down a few notches this morning!  He wanted to eat the tub guy!!  It is really nice to have a dog that wants to protect me... BUT, he needs to learn to listen when I tell him it is ok!  I miss Rai-Ni and her controlled aggression...LOL!!  She would tear someone up for me, if neccessary... but as soon as I told her "I got this"... she would take a step back and wait right behind me in case I needed her!  (This happened A LOT with the UPS guy... she HATED him!  LOL)  Ohhhhh how I miss my Rai-Ni!  :-( 
Gunner has a lot to learn yet... and he is still just a baby.  I guess I need to step up my patience level.

Tub guy came back today to finish my tub.  I am not 100% satisfied with it.  And I sure let him know that!!  The color is a bit off...it should be a tad darker.  And the finish isnt super great.  There are some faults in the cast iron... so he told me.  But, I figured those are things he would have taken care of BEFORE he painted it.  He tried to play it off by telling me I am going to be putting dogs in it... so it wont stay "perfect" anyway.  Which I found totally unprofessional!!  Needless to say... this was a learning experience.  And he learned NOT to sweep what I was saying under the rug!  LOL!! 

Today is Stacy's last day of work... he is on vacation for a week!  A week to get done a million and one projects around the house!  Derick will be here starting Monday... I CAN NOT WAIT!!!
We have to make a supply run tonight or tomorrow.  Going to use Stacy's Dad's trailer... so we can easily haul larger than normal pieces of drywall!  Added bonus... we will have his trailer to load up this piano on... so we can get it out of here!  I am so tired of dusting it... it isnt like anyone plays it.  It will free up some space... so Stacy's lizard cages can finally find homes!  Right now there is one just sitting on the floor in front of the front door!  Hopefully we will have a nice porch out there soon... soooo we will need to use that door!!! 

I had the pleasure of paying bills today.  OH JOY!  LOL!!  I did plan the perfect time to open my shop.  Stacy is working all those extra "shut down" hours... so he is bringing home extra money!  Which means I can buy my equipment!  :-)
I am reminded just how spoiled my hubby is every time I sit to write out bills!!  Brand new car... brand new tractor... He sure does have it good!!  LOL!!  I must admit... he deserves it!!  I mean... really... he does put up with me every single day of his life!  AND... he LIKES it!  LOL

I really have to start packing up living room stuff!  I cant wait until the drywall is DONE and painted!!! THEN, I can give my house a THOROUGH cleaning/scrubbing and dusting... and get back to normal!!  I have been just doing below basic cleaning since the storm damage.  Because we have more than usual dust falling from the chopped up ceiling... and things are just thrown where ever to get them out of harms way!

Today will wrap up the first week of school!!  We did it!!!  We made it!!!  5 consecutive school mornings... and we are all alive to tell about it!!  This first week went smoother than expected.  I thought for sure I would have major trouble from someone... but I really cant complain.
Courtney is LOVING school...which totally blows me away!!  She didnt even complain yesterday when she came home with her first night of real homework!  Again... I AM SOOOOO PROUD OF HER!!!
Brittany is just moving along too.  Her only complaint is because of our stupid neighbors and no one knowing if they will be getting on the bus here or somewhere else!  I am thinking the parents are getting a divorce.  I feel for the kids... but they are all just nasty ppl.  Oh well.  As I was saying... Britt is doing fine.  She is the only one NOT real happy about this years "lunch money restrictions"... but she will get over it.  We are only paying for so many bought lunches a month... They will all need to pack a couple of times each week.  It's called a "budget"... and they will have to deal with it!
Nathan is being Nathan.  He likes to fight and complain about everything!!  But, it is typically in the evenings that his horns sprout!  But so far, mornings arent too bad.  Plus, he wanted to go away for the weekend... so I am thinking that is why.  If he is too out of control... he doesnt get to go!  And since we have had some issues with him this week... he is only allowed to go for 1 night!  That didnt sit to well with him... but he sucked it up as soon as I said I can make is 0 nights!!

Only a 4 day week for the kids next week.  They dont know it yet... but I will be putting them to work on Monday to help out with all of our projects!  I feel even less bad about it since I had to do most of everyone's chores today... which really upsets me!!!  I am NOT the only person living in this house... I will NOT be the only person taking care of it!
Since I will be opening my shop soon... I have already started to discuss with Stacy that things are going to need to get changed up a bit.  I cant think for everyone and do everything for everyone anymore! 
I think we are going to split up "homework hell"/bedtime routine duties... each of us taking 2 nights a week with Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights not being so bad.  I also plan on using my Crock Pot a whole lot more!  I LOVE my Crock Pots!!!  As a matter of fact... I will be using them all week!  Since I plan on feeding the guys working on the house!  And wont have the space to make any "real", off the stove dinners. 

Well... I guess I babbled enough.  I finally stopped sneezing... so maybe I will go kick up some more dust and box up our DVD's and Books... so they dont get ruined during the "construction"! 
I also have to go take some updated pics of the shop... so I can keep an accurate account of progress!
OHHHH.... I have been thinking about adding training services through my shop... since I am a cert trainer.  And also offering Holiday photo sessions for dogs... would just need to come up with some props... which shouldnt be too hard!  All just ideas I have been tossing around and thinking about!

Ok... time to get moving!
I hope everyone enjoys their Holiday weekend!!

Taking a breath, catching up

HOLY COW!  What a crazy few days around here!!!

I got so caught up in the first day of school in my last blog... I forgot to mention our weekend and Hurricane Irene!
We didnt have much damage to deal with (very thankful for that).  We lost power for a few hours...and our house leaked, in the normal spot (which will be GONE in a matter of days!)  We spent Sunday in Harrisburg...visiting my grandparents and doing some shopping (with free entertainment--my mom wanted to come along, and had to get into my truck!!  Needed a 2 step, step stool!!  It was GREAT!)  I took some really cute pics of the pups... and got to chit chat with some of my grandparents neighbors.  I wish we had decent neighbors!!  We also took around the kids pics... got everyone's order.  We stopped at Stacy's parents house on the way up through for a few minutes too.  To show them the pics too.

First day of school rolled around... the kids made it through.  Courtney did (and is still doing) GREAT!  We celebrated with a Dairy Queen trip after dinner!! 
Monday night, as we were getting ready for bed...we let the dogs out.  Sprocket came in with a HUGE wound on his side!  That was an ER vet visit.  He needed immediate surgery to make sure it didnt go through his abdominal wall... and to insert a drain and stitch him up.  What a night long ordeal... that kept me up ALL NIGHT LONG!!  Of  course, I was PISSED at my husband who came home at 1 am, decided to call off work yesterday... and then went straight to bed.  Meanwhile... I was up the entire night with the crying, panting, horrified dog... AND I had a full day of school to do yesterday!  Needless to say, I made it through my day... barely.  I am thankful for an amazing teacher... who knows me and my work... and understood that I was NOT my usual self yesterday.  I felt (and still feel) horrible for my drop off of "give a shit" as the day progressed.
That was the first time in a LONG time that I did a marathon 41 hours of being awake.  And it did NOT agree with me one damn bit!  I was super annoyed with Stacy... I couldnt focus on what my kids were telling me... and I had no patience for anything once I got home yesterday!!  On top of being exhausted... I was dealing with a migraine... and I hurt all over.  It just sucked!!

Stacy had to deal with taking Courtney and Nathan to see Dr K (their psychiatrist)...  since I was at school.  Dr K could not believe how much Courtney has changed!!!  He is so super proud of her too!  She took her Prom pics... and he cant even believe that she went to Prom!  He says she is making SUPER progress... and he got her to admit that she doesnt feel anxious much at all anymore!!!  (But she doesnt like to go shopping if she doesnt have money...LOL).  He is happy and proud that she is switching classes this year... and NOT dependant on an emotional support class room!!!  WOOOO HOOOO!!!  Way to go, Courtney!  Just thinking about this... and all that she has over come and accomplished over the years... makes me cry!!!  I wish I would have stopped listening to the "professionals" YEARS ago... and done what I felt was right.  Maybe she would have started making progress sooner.  I kick myself all the time for this.  See, this is what happens when you have a crappy support system that tells you that you arent doing the right things.  You start to believe the bullshit... and you doubt yourself!  Which is what I did for far too long!!  I guess better late than never is how I need to look at this... but it still pisses me off!
Oh well... Courtney is doing GREAT... and she may have autism... but she is finally starting to see and believe that she CAN do anything... Her Momma and Daddy-O  KNOWS she can... and now she does too!!!  I LOVE to hear her talk about Graduation... and Prom this year!  I LOVE that she is LOOKING FORWARD to things to come!!!

Ok... now... on with today.  I need to recover.  LOL!  I got a good nights sleep... but I am feeling a bit weird still from the pain meds.  I think I will work around the house this morning... then run to drop off Courtney's RX's.  Then I have to pick up a few things.  But, I am really feeling kind of lazy... so that may wait until later when the kids get home.  I am sure they will add to the list of supplies they need anyway.
I put a pork roast in the crock pot for dinner.  Not sure what I want to make with it yet.  I guess I have some time to worry about that.
The tub guy comes tomorrow... he better actually refinish my grooming tub this time.  Yes, I am not over the last time yet.
Monday Derick starts on our house!!!!!!!  I CAN NOT WAIT!!!  I just want our house fixed, completed and back to normal!  Oh... and having my shop done will be AWESOME!  I graduate grooming school next week!!!  Then I can focus on opening my shop!!!  Soooo exciting!!!
We really need to get this piano out of the way... and boxing up stuff that can sit around while they are doing the drywall.  OMG... our main bathroom will get completed.... our living room will be liveable... the shop will be done!  RELIEF!!!  Then our focus can be the root cellar and porch!  And then THAT IS IT!!!  At least until spring.
If our house is done... we will still be able to have our annual "pie party" in Sept!!  It has been our tradition since we bought this house... and I am glad that we will be able to keep with it!

OK... I have tons to get done... if I can keep my eyes open to do it... LOL!  I may need to pencil in a cat nap at some point today.  I am still tired.

I hope everyone enjoys the beautiful, sunny day we are having!!

First day of school

I cant believe summer is over!  What is even more unbelievable--I am down to 3 kids in school!  And today is Courtney's last 1st day of school!!  Thinking even more about it... it is Brittany's last first day of middle school AND Nathan's last first day of Elem school!!  I can't even believe it... my babies are growing up!!  Do you know how many first day's of school I have lived through...?!?!?  A LOT!  LOL
NONE of my children wanted me to go out and wait for the bus with them this morning... not even Nathan!!  :-(  He cried for a brief minute before he went out the door... telling me he will miss me.  When I went to get my shoes to go out with him... he said "NO!  I can do this myself...it is only out front!"  I fought back the tears and watched him walk out the door!  He did turn around and blew me a kiss.  And of course... once he was standing out front...I opened the front window and talked to him through the window!!  LOL!!!

Courtney left the house this morning upbeat and excited!  That was REALLY nice to see!!  I already sent an email to her ES teacher... letting her know what all we worked on over the summer... and telling her I hope her and I can have that same "united front" we had toward the end of last year.
Courtney left here actually looking forward to switching classes this year!  Which will be a big first for her... and it would be a SUPER thing for her to do for her SENIOR year!!!  I am soooooooooooooo proud of ALL of Courtney's progress over the past few years!  She is doing great!!!
I truly hope we can avoid her "normal" start of the year drama.

It is so quiet here right now... I guess I will make my feeding rounds.  Then get moving on the rest of my homework... and then write up my notes for the kids Dr K. appt tomorrow, which Stacy has to take them to since I will be in school.  Let me tell you how hard it is to "allow" him to take them to this appt!!!  I like to be the one doing these things... so I know things arent missed or left out!  Ugh... this is a tough one for me!  BUT... I know he can handle it...  he is an awesome Dad!

Oh boy... dogs are starting to get bitchy... it is feeding time!!  Sheesh, it is a bit chilly out there this morning!  Hope everyone has an awesome day!!!

Shortening the List

I am determined to shorten our to-do list!  And I am working on it!!
Today I did the kids "photo shoot" DONE!!  I have some good ones to use as Courtney's senior pics!!  After running all over the place for pics (sunflower field, abandoned house, hang glider spot, and covered bridge)... we took Courtney to order her class ring!!  She is soooo excited!!

Stacy took off today to get his tooth fixed.  He was happy with my dentist choice for him!  I sent him to the kids dentist!!  They are SUPER with the kids... I figured they could handle him too!  He said it was painless... which is a good thing.  AND, he will be making another appt to take care of a couple other issues!  I am so proud of him!!  LOL!

It was nice having him here today.  I have missed him so much!!!  He put in for vacation... while Derick is here working on the house.  And we will be working on that list even more!!!  Derick will be taking care of the living room...and my shop...and the bathroom drywall.  Stacy and I will be taking care of our bedroom floor and the bathroom floor! 
THEN... our list will consist of the root cellar and porch.  And then NOTHING until spring!!

The winter will consist of FAMILY TIME... FAMILY TIME... and MORE FAMILY TIME!!!  In a COMPLETE house/home!!!
I want to be able to focus on building my business... and grooming my heart out.  I want to have HELP with homework hell... yes, from Stacy!  This school year... there will be much more of a team effort!!! 

So... tomorrow I will continue to declutter.  I plan on grooming Sakari... and working on homework also.

BIG PLANS for the fuuture...!!!  I am so excited!!!

PROGRESS!!

Another AWESOME school day yesterday!  I cant say it enough... but I LOVE grooming!!!  I worked on a schnauzer... and a bichon!  I am finding that I really like to scissor!  I am looking forward to the Grooming Expo in Hershey in Sept!!  I cant wait to play with all kinds of scissors... and other stuff!!! 
Apparently there was an earthquake while I was happily grooming yesterday!!  I didnt notice a darn thing... but Cindy sure did!!  LOL!

Then I came home to the reality of my life.  Josh's car broke down... and he was sitting along side of the road until I got there over an hour later.  Poor kid.  We got it back to our house... where it will sit until Stacy can figure it out and has time to deal with it.  I think he is realizing that whole "Dad" job isnt as easy as his Dad made it look!  LOL!  I am glad Stacy has such a good relationship with his Dad now... and I am sure he apologizes to his Dad often these days (and thanks him)... LMAO!! 
On a funny note... Josh used my CRX last week.  And while coming in the driveway he got the exhaust caught on a rock and ripped it out!  Soooo... he is stuck driving the Bronco 2!  AND... he is lucky to have even that!!  Today Josh is coming up to help with some yard work... since he has some days off and we have been so good to him! (NOT his idea... but he is dealing with it)  LOL!

I also came home to some REALLY muddy dogs... that I JUST groomed!  Grrrr!!!  Oh well... looks like Sprocket is def going to get a make over now!!! 

We went over to Lowes last nite... and PetSmart.  I bought my little dogs fall and winter coats... LMAO!!  Yes, I really did!!  At lowes we picked up some plumbing supplies for my tub... which is now scheduled to be refinished on Sept 1st.  We also took the kids to Denny's for a late dinner ... AGAIN! 

To top off our night... When we got home and were getting ready for bed... Stacy went to brush his teeth... and out popped a filling!  Just what he needed during his busy month at work!  I hope he at least takes the time to get it fixed... before it becomes a real problem!!  But, he never listens to me...  LOL.

OK... well...I have to get ready to get some work in the yard done!!

GREAT weather!

It is so beautiful outside today!!  Sunny... 75... nice breeze...I live for these days!!
I spent my morning uploading pics to FB, and moving the girls along with their laundry.  I did all of their new, school clothes for them yesterday... but they have been hanging on to dirty clothes for the past 3-4 weeks!!  Sooo...  I decided today was the perfect day for them to wash and hang out laundry!  Yes, I am just that mean!  LOL!
I spent a little bit of time finishing up my homework before I am back to grooming school tomorrow!  I seriously can not wait!  I have to admit... the videos I brought home to watch almost made my brain ooze out of my ear (at least the poodle and schnauzer ones).  I will NEVER remember all the different cuts they showed... good thing we have this wonderful thing called the internet  now a days!!! 

After homework I started pulling things out of the garden!  I am so done with it now!!  I just dont have the time right now.  So, I am thinking my next big canning adventure will be apple season!!  We have a person that lets us have all of his harvest... as long as we go and pick (and I make him a couple of pies!)!  LOL!  THIS year I have my truck to fill!  I will have to see if I can rally the "troops" (AKA-my grandparents) to help me with applesauce this year!  Between having my kitchen aid... and an extra stove... it shouldnt take too long! 
I also spent some time coloring with the kids today!  I think we are ALL liking those color in folders and notebooks I found yesterday! 

As for tonight... I am not sure.  I know Stacy is beginning to wear thin on this marathon of work.  Not sure if he will get to anything in my shop tonight or not.  And I have NO clue what to make for supper.
Well, I guess I better get back outside and get some more work done while it isnt too hot... or too cold!  Although, my allergies are driving me crazy!  Grrr!!

How can I not...

...LOVE my life?!?

I will start off with stating that I love having Josh close!  It was nice to "bump" into him today while shopping at walmart!  He is always so full of sarcasm and witty comments... I taught him well!!  He even helped load the truck... and walked Britt to the cart return.  Such an awesome big brother!!  I LOVE that he insists on hugs from ALL of us when we part ways!! And Britt doesnt fight it quite as much any more...lol.

Again... stating the obvious... I have an AMAZING husband!!  He has worked so hard at the Mill the past few weeks... but he still comes home and puts so much energy and effort into my shop!
Last night we made a lumber run... then had a REALLY late dinner at Denny's with Britt and Nathan (Courtney refused to join us).  Britt LOVES spending time with him!!!  She helps him every night in the shop and ALWAYS goes on trips to the hardware store or where ever with him.  Anyway... last night I think she ate more than he did!!  The girl can eat... and I have NO clue where she puts it all!!!

I also know I am going to LOVE grooming!!!  Today, while going over Sprocket again (no, no poodle cut for him... my kids said they would disown me)  I was scissoring around his feet... and he laid his head on mine!!  It was soooooo cute!  I REALLY LOVE my pups!!!
I cant wait until my shop is done!!!  Now... that tub guy BETTER call on Monday!!!

I have to finish up some homework before Tuesday!!  It has been a real challenge to get time that my kids werent up my butt!!!  I swear... they want nothing to do with me... until I have something important to do for myself!!  Funny how that works.

I managed to get all of the kids new school clothes washed... and they got them all put away!!  I also picked up some cool new things today while at walmart... we all are really enjoying the color your own folders and notebooks!!  The kids sat for a good 2 hours coloring those things TOGETHER today!!  It was quiet and peaceful at first... but it didnt last long.  :-(

Last night, while at Lowes... I was trying to talk Stacy into letting use diamond plate on the floor under the tub!  I think I will have to have Derick help me get that one ok'd... LOL!!  Derick was all for the grooming shop/garage theme!!  LOL!!

I did have to deal with some stupid people drama today.  But, I refuse to let it bring me down.  Stacy and I have agreed NOT to give a shit about what others have to say... we are living life for US!  And no ones approval is needed!!

Ok... I think that covers todays update.  It is quiet around here... I have to go do some reading!!

A quick update before I start our day.

Things have been soooo crazy lately!!  Yesterday my freight delivery came... HUGE tractor trailer pulled up in front of the house... with a skid full of supplies just for my shop!!!  I had to back my truck down the drive way... transfer the stuff from the rig to the bed of my truck... then back up the driveway!!  THANK GOODNESS Josh came to help!!!  After that whole fiasco, he took Brittany and Nathan to the park in Gratz... of course it was because his girlfriend and her sister (who is Britt's best friend) were going to be there with the kids she was babysitting!  Oh well... it got them out of the house and spending time with their brother for awhile.

Stacy is still hard at work... working his 10-12 hour days straight through!  Even though he is working like crazy... he still comes home to work on my shop!  He is really THE BEST hubby ever!!
It shouldnt be too long until Derick to our house.  I can NOT wait!!  The living room with be done... my shop will be done... the drywall in the bathroom will be done!!!  Then our house can get put back into some kind of order!! 
It isnt helping that shop supplies are starting to pile up in our living room...lol  I am really not sure where I am going to put them once they are here working on drywall!  I guess I still have a bit of time to figure all of that out. 

Tomorrow the tub refinishers are suppose to come and start on my shop tub.  Gotta get that thing IN the shop tonight!!  It has been sitting out on the trailer! 
I am also waiting for the piano to get out of here to free up some more space!!

We SOLD Josh's car last nite!!!  Title gets transfered this afternoon!!!  WOOOO HOOOO!!!!  Getting rid of the lawn ornament!!!!  Next to go will be the Bronco 2! 

Soooo much is going on around here... I have been soooooo busy!!
I really cant wait until the shop is done and I am grooming dogs... even if they are my own dogs!  LOL!!
I am still waiting on my paperwork from the state to get back to me... so I KNOW I have my shop name... BEFORE I design and order my business cards and the postcards I want to send out announcing the shop opening!

It is hard to believe that school will be back in soon!!  Brittany has been keeping track of the days... and boy, they are flying by quick!

Ok... well... I am taking the kids school clothes shopping today!  I have to get my butt in gear and on our way to Harrisburg.  This should be fun!  LOL

Mid day break

The kids are all outside swimming... not sure how, I think it is too cold!  But, they do not agree with me!  LOL!!
I have been working on the house all day.  Derick is coming this evening to write up a materials list... I am hoping that means he will be here working some time real soon!!!  I want my living room back!!!  He is also going to finish the work on my shop... since Stacy is working 12 hour days.  (Blah... I miss him!!!)
I swear... we just have way too much stuff!!!!  I am getting rid of A LOT of stuff!!!

Right now my living room is cluttered with shop deliveries!!  My shop area is cluttered with lumber and kids stuff!! I dont know where to go with everything!  UGH! 
Oh well... slow and steady wins the race... right?!?

Last nite I pulled out all of my cucumber and bean plants!  No more pickles and no more freezing beans!  I also pulled out some of the tomato plants... the ones that kept giving me tomatoes with the rotted, funky bottoms!!  I am thinking one more batch of salsa will get made... and then I am DONE for this year!  I will save ketchup for next year!! 
I think I found my kitchen... from baking and cooking for my birthday boys last week!  Geez!!!  Brittany did a GREAT job with the mini carrot cake cupcakes!!  I showed her how to make fancy icing swirls!!  She LOVED it!  LOL!!  She really wants to include a mini cupcake business in Love Duck Farm.  I told her we had to hold off until my shop is up and running!!  I have to get through school...and homework... and the stress of starting this business!!

Speaking of homework...  I swear... everytime I pick up a book...my kids have some sort of alarm that goes off!!!!  I cant get 2 sentences read and understood without hearing... "MOM....!!!!"  or  "do you have a minute?"  or  "Can I ask you something?"  UGH!!!  And I know that as soon as I am done blogging... and I pick up a book... they will be in here saying they need something, or someone will get hurt!  NEVER FAILS!!

We had another really nice visit with Josh last nite.  He helped out with the shop door while he was here.  He looked a bit tired... and apparently he was!  He texted me after 1 saying he just got up today!!  LOL!!  He got Stacy a really awesome card!!  I had to fight back the tears.  It means a lot to know that Josh really sees Stacy as his Dad.  He knows who he can count on... and who is there for him!  It was an awesome card... and hilarious too! 

We have another person coming to look at Josh's car tonite... and someone else interested too!  I really hope someone gets it the hell out of here soon!!!  The first ppl that came wanted to take it that nite!  Well, at 8pm there wasnt much of an option for a notary... and Josh was working!  Sooo... that didnt happen.  Once they get home from visiting their daughter in college (who the car was for)... they are going to get ahold of us.  But I am NOT hanging on to it for anyone.  I want it GONE... and NOT to ANYONE in my family!!!

I was hit with the realization that school will be starting soon!  I guess I need to get my kids out school clothes shopping!!!  Hmmmm.... maybe this week one day.  These types of things can be draining! 

Ok... well I have wasted enough time!  I have a bunch more to get accomplished!!

Need a break!

First... I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my amazing hubby!!! 
I am getting ready to head out to pick up the things needed to make his birthday dinner AND favorite cake (which will actually be mini cupcakes)! 
Then home to cook and bake... and try to forget about the bit of stress I am dealing with! 
Opening a business has A LOT of good points... but damn, start up can be stressful!!  I opted to buy a new damn table... just one less thing we have to worry about and think about.  Stacy has the frame work of the dividing wall (from my shop and the mud room) up... next the door will go in.  We went out last night and bought the lumber needed to put the walls up around Nathan's stairway... and his door.  The chins have been temp relocated... until the piano is out of here and they can be put in that space.  I also got all of my craft stuff packed up to get relocated into the basement where my new craft area is. 
We still need to figure out how the tub is going to be built up... and get those materials.  Tub refinishers are coming on Friday!

I am getting a little tired of waiting on the contractor!  I want to know what supplies we will need... and I want the work to get done!!  We have to take the nook off the front of the house (Stacy found a really nice bay window on CL to go in that wall... which is sitting outside under a tarp).  We have decided that the porch may just have to wait until next spring at this rate.  Because we cant finish the root cellar until that nook is GONE... and the new wall and window are in.  I am REALLY sick of seeing our living room the way it is!!  The storm damage happened back in Apr or May!!  It is AUGUST!!!  Hell... soon I will rip down the rest of the drywall myself and say the hell with it... we dont need a ceiling... I am getting that use to seeing it this way!!! 

Tooooo much needs done around here... and it all is waiting on someone or something else to get done first!  UGH!!!!

Had a nice visit with Jen last night... before we showed Josh's car and ran to Lowe's. 
Just when I was beginning to think I was the ONLY person in the world NOT taught how to use scissors properly... Stacy proved I am NOT!  LOL!!!  Oh well... another new habit to learn before I open up shop!  LOL! 

OHHHHH.... JOSH GRADUATED!!!   THANK GOD!!!  Of course I was the LAST person to know... because my "mother" thinks she is someone special and held the info hostage.  I guess ppl forget I am his mother... but that is ok, I am over it.  It was her last 'horrah'.  We all know how she likes those power trips. 
I hear she is going to have a "party" for Josh too.  I guess I will be the last to know any of that info... goood thing I had something to do with that decision... wait... I DIDNT!  Whatever.  I know how this goes... she plans, my Grandparents host, my Grandfather pays.  Typical of my mother planning a party for someone.  Cant wait to see how this goes.  Then, I will have to have a party for him anyway... because they wont invite everyone that should be invited.  But, it's ok... it give me extra time... I cant have ppl at our house right now anyway... at least not until I have shop walls... LOL!  AND Stacy has a day off work... which isnt for another 2 weeks!!  Poor guy.  Tomorrow starts 14 straight 12 hour days.

I am just SOOOOOOO glad that Josh graduated!!  Too bad it had to be done in summer school... Thanks to my wonderful mother... who I will forever and always hold responsible.  But that is beside the point.
Now Josh needs to work on a full time job!!  Then he can step slowly into the real world of bills and responsibilities!!  I am just so proud of him!!!

Oh well... time to shower and get this day moving in the right direction! 

Keep moving forward...

First... and most important... My first born is turning 19 today!!  UNBELIEVABLE!!!  I made him one of his favorites for dinner... and baked his cake!  I am so proud of him!!  He FINALLY started to see the world in a better perspective... and I LOVE when he comes to me and tells me I was right about things!!!  LOL!  It is THE BEST feeling ever!! 
He is now glad that I did raise him the way I did... and I did make certain things hard for him... and I did have the expectations I had!  It is all making sense to him now... and I am glad!  He turned out pretty darn good... I hope he continues!

Yesterday was a stressful day for me.  I felt like things just werent coming together the way they should be.  On top of that... Courtney was having a 17 yr old temper tantrum!!  Oh we all love those moments!!  She seems to think that since Josh pulled his crap at that age... and talked everyone into buying into his game... she can do the same!!  HA HA HA!!!  Courtney is too much for anyone else to deal with!  Now she feels like Josh is the favorite of my family... and they all love him more.  And, I can see where she is coming from.  But... there is nothing I can do about it... they all made the choices they did... and they have to live with all the consequences.  The kids are seeing things through their own eyes now... and I wont make excuses for anyone... especially them!
Besides... like I said... Courtney is just too much for anyone to handle.  Everyone likes to complain about how I raise her... but truth be told... NO ONE that puts me down about my decisions can do a better job.  Just like I have said in the past (with Josh even)... hey, you think you can do better... GO FOR IT!!  With Josh they all decided to jump at the chance... LOL... that really back fired!!  Now he is back with us... yes, doing his own thing... but sees that my way was the better way.  Live and Learn!! 
As far as Courtney is concerned... NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!  No one wants to put that much time or effort into making sure her needs are met.  People KNOW I am doing a damn good job with her... and they see ALL of the progress she has made!!  It is a heck of a lot of work!  And I will fight FOR her (and WITH her) for as long as I am here to do it!!  NO ONE else can say those words and mean it!!! 
Anyway... it was a hellish afternoon and evening... and of course she had to get everyone involved... just more crap for me to deal with.  I wish a day would come when ppl could back me up instead of making things worse.  Some things will never change!
As we were going rounds... I was trying to make salsa... Of course I am pretty sure I put too much vinegar in it.  Stacy says it tastes fine... but, he would eat anything!  Lesson learned... DONT cook and battle Courtney at the same time!  LOL!! 

I realized that my shop table is way too small yesterday!  I tried to get my dogs on it... and it just wasnt gonna happen!  UGH!!  So I had a HUGE mental battle over ordering a new one... but decided to revamp this one!  I just dont want to spent the money on another table at this point!!  I am working within a budget... and other things are more of a priority!!
My PINK dryer came today!!  The UPS guy is goning to become a good friend over the next few weeks!!  Yesterday my bathing system, groomer's chair, shampoo rack, shear holder and a few other things came!
Stacy started on our dividing wall... to seperate my shop from our mud room!!  Thank goodness!!!  Tub guys come in a week... and I am hoping to have the tub in place by that point!

All in all... things ARE coming together.  I know I get worked up sometimes... but it is hard not to.
I am just really worried that I wont get the business... and all of this will be for nothing!  That really scares me!!! 

Well... time to get ready for Josh's birthday celebration!! 

Utterly Exhausted...

First I want to just say that Nathan comes home from the beach tomorrow... and I can NOT wait!  I miss him soooooooooo much!!  He has been gone for 6 days, and it is 6 days too long for me!
Since he will be home tomorrow... I took it upon myself to do a complete cleaning of his bedroom.  Oh boy, I dont think he will be very happy about it... but it desperately needed done!!  I got rid of 3 trash bags full of 'junk'!  It looks soooo good up there now!! 

Josh was here today... he got my printer hooked up to the wireless network!  Which means ALL of our computers can print from the printer!!  I am very excited about this!  It is going to make it so much easier when I have my shop!!
Speaking of my shop...  we made some more big decisions about the space!!  We decided to put up a wall... so we will have a "mud room" AND I will have my shop.  Now I dont need to worry about what to do with our coat and shoe station!
It was a small decision... but it is still progress... and I am really happy about that!! 

It was nice to spend some time with Josh today!  Although... I know he just wanted to use my high speed internet!  LOL!!  Ah, I dont care.  He gave me a hand with some stuff... loved up on the dogs... hung out with his sisters... and got attacked by an agry bee swarm.  Poor kid.

Tomorrow I plan on registering my DBA name!  I am still liking the name I picked... and I am thinking I will stick with it. 
I decided on going with vonage for my phone and fax services.  Now... I just need to design my logo!!  I am really excited about this whole thing!! 
I am still going back and forth on my tub decision.  UGH...
Tomorrow I am going to visit another local grooming shop!  And keep on working on my list!!

But, for now I need to call it a nite!  I am exhausted!! 

Just another manic Monday!

Today was pretty damn crazy!!  Worked this morning... had to rush off to another bank appt... then back to the kennel to get some more info... then home to just "process" everything and do some research!  Today, I felt like a chicken with my head cut off!!
I have done a bunch of research... and still have so much more to do.  I think I have come to the decision that I may take some classes over the summer... in between working and being "Mom".  I think it will be pretty important with this new business plan.

I wish the bank would be a little more informative as to where we are heading.  Either they are going to lend us the money... or not.  I hate having to keep running all over the place trying to get all the info and numbers and stuff... to STILL have NO IDEA if it is worth it or not. 
I guess patience isnt a major quality of mine.  But I would really like to know if I can move forward with my planning.  Soooo much to do... but it is such a slow process!!  UGH!

Kids spent the day in the pool.  Stacy is home on vacation this week... so they got to swim while I was at work. 
We leave for our camping trip on Thursday.  I am not even remotely ready for it.  Not sure if I will be able to enjoy it or not... with not knowing what is going on with everything.  I am hoping I will be able to turn off that info in my brain... and focus on biking, hiking, and having fun with my kids and Stacy!!  Oh wait... I think I may be able to do it... just thinking about it made me smile!!  :-) 
Well, there is my big update for the evening.  I know... not much of an update... still doing the same thing... WAITING!

Baby Steps

We are making progress with our new business adventure.  I have managed to complete our business plan!!  I am extremely proud of myself!!  It was far from an easy task... but, I set my mind to it and gave it my all.  Tomorrow we start meeting with banks!!
I have been putting mornings in over at the kennel.  I cant even begin to tell you how much I LOVE it!!!  I had this morning off... and I really missed it.  I absolutely LOVE working with all the different dogs... even the difficult ones.  I have walked away with my fair share of bruises.

The kids are away this week.  It is their yearly camping trip with my grandparents.  They call me every day... and as the week progresses they sound more and more miserable.  This year, Stacy and I wont be making the trip up until Saturday afternoon, then heading home Sunday morning.  The kids are NOT happy about it!  We just have sooooo much going on right now.  It isnt a good time to pack up and disappear for days.

Today is the start of Stacy's vacation!!  I am hoping he gets stuff done around the house...  but, only time will tell!  We do have an end of the week camping trip planned and I am really looking forward to that.

I guess that is all I have to update about.  Keeping our fingers and toes crossed that things work out with this new business adventure!!