Jessicas New Friend...

Jessica has spent much time in the pool. Our apartment complex does not have a lot of children. However, Morgan happens to be Jessicas age, and they will both start kindergarten at the same school.
By the way, the previous picture was taken on the 4th of July. It was raining, and we went to the Astrodome, where the worlds largest indoor carneval was hosted.

Still alive and well

Things are going wonderful!! I did an official Cowgirl Up!! My furniture is here finaly!!!
I am working at LA Fitness and a private pilates studio and LA is considering me for the aerobics coordinator position. That means that I would not only get paid for each class but I would also get a salary. Yeah me!!! clap clap clap
Right now I teach 7 classes a week. But I have to take a bunch too to qualify to be a coordinator I will be attending or teaching 17 classes a week holy crap that is a lot of sweat.
Eric and Jessica spend a lot of time at the pool and now it looks like Eric going to get job that would be fun
I will post pictures soon

Houston we have landed

In case you were wondering I may never quit using NASA terms. Heck I LIVE in houston.
Well after a long and prblem filled flight we made it. I am trying to be totally up beat and happy but I am camping in my apartment.
Our stuff hasn't even left new jersey yet. So it is paper everything no dressers and that is a little rough.
To add insult to injury Jessicas tooth started to hurt last night meaning we only have a day or two to qualify for state aid and get her to a dentist. We aren't holding our breath.
I have to wonder with all of the complications did we choose the wrong place to move too. Please I need to have friendly advice.
This my friends is me falling apart.

Houston prepare for an invasion

Jessica and I are flying out tomorow. We leave at 8 am to get to the airport for our 1:34pm flight. So the move will finally begin!!

Goodbye Alley

If you read my previous posts you know that Alley wasn't doing very well here. She continued to throw up no matter what I tried. She was happy outside though, in the apartment she was scared a lot, but she was a different cat outside. She loved it when she wasn't sick. She was loosing her hair and I just couldn't make her stay any longer for my sake. So I took her down to the vet to see what they thought and that is when I put her down. I mean I am the one that held her and preped her (I used to work for the vet). I couldn't do the shot I was an emotional wreck as it was.
Probly the hardest thing I have had to do in a long time. I have never had to make the call I always went a long when my parents did.

It's a BABY TOOTH

So my darling little star of a daughter has some serious oral trouble. First we find out she has 7 count them 7 cavities (somebody wasn't brushing very well) That was going to cost us a whopping $484.oo. Hell-o !!
Then they get in there to find out that she actually needs a root canal. That will cost well lets add it up
971.99 - surgical center
500-600 - anastesiologist
383.00 - dentist
484.00 - other cavities
=
--------------------
What the #$%@!!!$%^( #$#$%^&*($
Then to beat all when her lip was asleep she bit it. I mean Hard. Almost clear through. Guess what happened next? Wait for it,..... yes folks it is now INFECTED!!!
So why not pull it?? My thoughts exactly. The permanent tooth under it wont show up until she is 12, we need to save room for the real one coming in.
Heaven help us.

GOOD &@!!%^**

Ok so I can swear on my own freaking blog. It took me for freaking ever to figure out that my brother in law changed my password too.
So now I have a ton to catch up on.
We went to Salt Lake and saw Becca and Andy, Macy and Kate played with Jessica and they all had a good time. We were actually there for eric's concert which was really good not that I am byassed. I was thrilled to think that maybe Kate remembered me.
So sad news turns out that I am the worst person that have a pet. I brought Alley you know my cat with no teeth and too many toes and yup she is deaf.
I was affraid that the flight and change might be to much for her and it seems that might be the case. No matter what I feed her she throws up all of the time she is losing her hair in clumps. I am trying to give her pepcid because that is what worked in CT but so far it isn't working. But when she isn't pucking she really seems to enjoy her time outside. Even though she won't walk on the grass. She sleeps on the hoods of my parents cars. She also pucks there OOPS. I will take her into a vet before I head to TX but I will not be bringing Jessica just in case the vet isn't going to say this is totaly normal.

I have my blog back

I was helping my brother in law set up a blog and some how combined the two but they are seperate now.

I am back

I am currently at my Mom and Dad's house in Idaho. Jessica had a little meltdown today she said she might miss Connecticut. I don't know how to help her I miss it too.
I have all kinds of pictures of Eric graduating and all kinds of stuff. BUT this computer is too old and it takes a long time for things to work. So here is for hoping I figure out how to do pictures on this computer. To think I just about figured out MY computer.

Houston we have a house

We just signed a lease for a 2 bedroom condo, the school is good not stellar but good.
I dont have the exact address right here and I am just to freaking lazy to go and get the paper with it on it.
Let the never ending packing continue.

Blue eyes again

Let me give you the low down on how the antibiotics get into Jessica's eyes.
We sit down on the couch she lays onto my lap, I get the drops and go in for the drop when just as the liquid hangs above the target. She sits up and says wait wait wait. This happens many times making her forehead infection free. The first time I had to use one leg to hold down both of hers and V-Nat had her hands. Still the little crapper got away so we try again then she screams so loud and hard that she starts coughing and gaging. Now we have it down to a science, just me and Jessica. Her eye looks a lot better and tomorrow she gets to go back to school so that means I am back at the gym in full force.
Jessica has now decided that she loves the color pink for everything except her eyes those she likes blue.

Houston we have a plan

In case you didn't notice I have neglected my duties to the Blog. Well things have been a little more than crazy around here.
Eric is going to attend Rice University yup the one in Houston. So it is off to Texas we go.
Eric is there right now to finalize the application process, and find an apartment. Which is proving to be a definate challenge. Finding a nice apartment is easy enough but finding one in a good school district is a killer. Mainly because I am a snot when it comes to my kid. I mean a real snot I only have one .
Yesterday we had a tag sale and we did rather well I am now missing a large sum of my crap which is a really good thing.
Eric heads out today for Mexico he will be there for 2 weeks so that means that I will be packing up the house with the help of little Jessica. Who is currently sporting a large swollen pink eye not just the kind that you ignore, the kind where you have to take her to the doctor. And my friends, today is Sunday can you belive that doctors take a day off.
And so do apartment complexs well that makes today a day of rest no matter what.
But that doesnt mean I should avoid the shower I smell almost as bad as the garbage.

DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA

Now we know we didn't get into Juliard they only accepted 10 students for the entire school. Then there is Eastman our "sure thing" not so sure, we are onthe wait list number 1 or 2 but the wait list anyway.
Jobs look like this Colorado Springs wants to meet with Eric and there is a church in Houston he applied to and they called his references with in the hour of getting his resume. So read into that what you want I am done trying to read the minds of organists. That should have you all up to date and oh yeah I am flying to see my family the end of May we will move out before June 1st. Is anybody else worried about what we will do after we leave here. ME TOO

This is straight after the performance he was so happy. He did very well and got the only standing ovation for a student in Woolsey Hall. Of course Jessica was very proud of her Daddy and always looking for a photo op.  

Jessica is Erics closing act singing "since you been gone " by Kelly Clarkson 

Sit down and get comfy

My computer is finally letting me post pictures so this is a marathon of posts. Have fun!!!

This kitty also surfs 

She is a CAT folks.. who is trying to see the paint on her face. I totally let her try. Mean I know 

This my friends is a very expensive birthday party. At the Colony hotel in NH, fully catered and an open bar, (for the parents) every kid got a kick board just for showing up totally unreal. 

Carriage driver is not I repeat NOT a photographer. I was so freaking cold this blanket saven my lower limbs from frost bite. 

Mom Carrie and Krista waiting for their 5 minute makeover in grand central station brought to you by QTips. Not just to dig out crap form your ears, use um to put your lipstick on. Anyway it was totaly fun 

Money shot. She hates the camera Seriously:) 

Each girl got their own little cake they looked great and tasted great too. Jessica wanted them to be lemon because that is the way Samantha had it in 1904(American Girl) 

Ok that is cute Right?? She looks so big 

Heidi, my Mom, sister in-law Krista and sister Jeanna. This is the big kid table at the tea party. We weren't allowed to sit with the kids we weren't dressed up. AWWW Shucks 

Jessica's big 5th birthday party. It was indeed a tea party of the highest order.They had a great time. 

Not my best look but this was girls night out the very same night my Mom, sister and 2 sisters in-laws fly in. How would you look? 

Techno Dork

I obviously dont know what I am doing here hence the double post of Jessica at the museum. OOPS

Jessica is working it at the peabody museum. And is sporting this years must have headband. 

Jessica is working it at the Peabody musem. She is sporting an original head peace by... JESSICA. 

Her first Spring Break

Our little girl is growing up. School is out this week for spring break. It turned our world upside down. I am so lucky to have good friends who are willing to take on my kid. Jessica jumped into preschool with Alia, Eden, and Grayce. This allowed me to haul my large behind into the gym.
It is amazing how much she has learned. I never thought I would look forward to when she wanted to watch a kid show. Right now she is into the "teenager shows" like Thats so Raven, The suite life of Zack and Cody and so on. So my 4 almost 5 year old is rolling her eyes and basicaly acting like a teenager.
Heaven Help me!!!

He made it to the second round

So Eric made it through to the next round of interveiws at Julliard. We don't know when we will hear from them. But pray for us

Ok not a real cover

This is a promo but she was so excited. She loves that doll and we are very glad to have her the series has actually taught Jessica a lot about life as a girl in the early 1900's. We learned that we are not as rich as the average individual who owns these dolls but we had fun watching a couple spend $10,000.00 on a 3 year old and her dolls. No joke folks 10 K way too much money.

She is a covergirl:)  

Say what??

Jessica keeps talking about the cats Glitter box. Also known as the litter box. I tried to correct her and she said that a glitter box sounded prettier, well I must agree. I guess we do what we need to to deal with the less than plesant in our lives.
So Glitter box it is!!!

When in doubt call your MOM

So my last post was deperate. I was on the phone with my mom when Jessica was "cleaning" her room. So she got a front row seat. But just like a women with 6 grown kids she entered this heated situation level headed. And just like on Dr. Phil she told me what to say (you know when he listens in on fighting couples). Magically it worked child responded well I was calm :) Chalk one up for Mom. You would think this lady has a million kids, well she kind of does 6 kids and 18 or so grand kids. But I don't remember her being this calm when I was a kid. She said she has had a lot of practise since then.
Now we need to deal with the issue that Eric is the "nice" cop and I am well not... He tried doing the dicipline last night and she full on laughed at him.
Hey it is a work in progress

S.O.S

So I thought that kids weren't supposed to get really defiant and hate you until they were teenagers. Well Jessica must be very advanced. She told her teachers at school that she likes Daddy best he lets her do stuff, their response but what about your Mom? She replied "she makes me do stuff". I don't know where she started picking up that she could talk to me like I am not her Mom but instead a little kid. She has called me a JERK now TWICE!!! Yes people twice. I didn't think it would hurt my feelings but sure enough it did. The first time I swatted her on the butt, sorry it was my first reaction. By the second time I had, had time to think about what I would do if it happened again. So I threatened to call the cable guy. Yup the cable guy and have him take off the Disney Channel funny that got a much better response then the spanking. But now she really doesn't like me.
Currently she is in her room she is supposed to be cleaning, but she gets magical injuries that should keep her from doing her chores. I am at a total loss she is saying now " If Daddy was here I wouldn't have to do this HE loves me." What do I do she is 4 almost 5 but still only 4.
HELP

Not the best picture, but we had a good time. It was supposed to be a formal type dance we showed up in jeans. High class. 

No such thing as a FREE CAT

So as most of you know I managed to pick the most umm... special cat in the world. She was a stray and free, turns out she has no teeth and extra toes. Plus in case you didn't notice she is fat.
Well I think it is not normal for a cat not to have teeth. Then she gets a runny nose and throws up twice and she just acts sick. Logical think to do take her to the vet well $148.18 later. She got IV fluids, pepcid,she was dewormed and a rabies shot. Turns out the doctor doesn't really know why she is toothless. But pecked her as about 10 years old, but I couldn't afford the other tests to see how sick she really is so we now give our free kitty antibiotics and the best darn cat food out there. I am affraid the next time I will beable to afford a vet visit will be when she dies. This is the problem with old cats they get sick. Hopefully she will live to be roughly 20 years old.

Poor kitty doesn't stand a chance. Jessica loves to listen to the rumbling in her tummy. 

This is our Kitty Alley!! She is a little camera shy, or she is trying to sleep but we never let her. 

Stir Crazy

Here I sit on my lovely throne also known as my couch, just watching the days go by. Ok it is not that bad but I am rather bored day time tv kinda sucks, I thought I would catch up on a lot of sleep, funny I can't sleep under pressure. Rediculous huh.

So far so good

The surgery went well and I am still alive. They didn't do any lipo instead I find myself eating way too many calories and I can't workout. So instead of getting any thinner I seem to be getting quite fat. The cat is doing her job and taking all the love quite well.
I guess we will see if the surgery worked in a few months.

Mountain out of a mole hill

So tomorrow I head in to have my Lapraoscapy (I cant actually spell it). I asked if there was anyway they could do a little lipo while they were in there, they said no, hey I was just trying to multi task.
I shouldn't be nervous but of course I am. They will go in and see why it is that I have been barren for so long. I hope they find an obvious reason instead of saying everything looks great and we don't know what your problem is.
It is a little hard because Jessica is having a hard time of it. Not wanting to go to school or go to friends houses. So I feel bad leaving her anywhere.
Thank you all for offering your help it makes me feel much better.
I know this is a routine surgery and they do it all the time and the risks are extremely low, but I have a way of keeping even simple things complicated.
The cat has earned her keep and is definately a comfort to me, she doesn't meow at night anymore either.
All is well at the Gundersen house and I will post tomorrow hopefully a little smaller around the middle, heres for hoping!!!

Up all night

Who needs an infant to keep you up all night when you have a CAT. So the first night I thought would be easy she is an older cat with lots of nights under her belt. Don't be fooled. The sun went down the lights went out and CAT came alive. Jumping on things and of all things meowing. So I slept in the living room to try and keep her quiet. As I lay there thinking what am I going to name this cat. I started calling her cozy but after awhile damn it Cozy didnt flow very well so I tried damn it Hoos Moos, that was too long by the time I had it all spit out I had to start over. Next up was damn it whiskers again a little long and for unknown reasons I have an adverse reaction to the name. We even thought that speedy would be funny in the day she is nothing but a pillow, but when night falls she bounces off the walls. Finally fell asleep with no name stuck to the cat except damn it and I cant have Jessica telling her friends that name.
Eric decided that Alley worked so the true readneck in me came out and I said damn it Alley hey it works. Added benefit I can yell it and the neighbors will think I am abusing a child instead of smuggling a cat.
So instead of up all night with an infant and smelling like spit up. I have traded that in for up all night smelling like cat AND covered in hair. To think I couln't be happier I should be commited.

Kitty no name

So my need for a new little family member got out of control. My looming surgery has me stressed and I needed a destresser. Because it is against the rules to have a cat at school we couln't get a shelter kitty. But this fat cat was a stray. She is soo sweet
Eric likes her too when he came home from choir she climbed onto his lap so he could show her how much he missed her.
The names on the table are
Eric wants hoos moos in norwegian it means house mouse
I want Cozy for obvious reasons
Jessica wants whiskers or slowey
Cast your votes she cant be nameless forever

Our newest addition.  

Ignorance is not bliss

I have been trying to post this picture forever it seems. Every time I post a picture I go through this stupid stooper of thought. The computer got tired of my trying and shut down. That was funny. But now it is up and all is well.

So this is the living room now lots more room. 

It is Gone

The lovely Blue couch is GONEI am still sporting 3 couchs in my living room. But am on getting rid of the sofa bed. Eric is afraid he will need it one day. I tell him if he just does what I say doesnt make me angry or get in the way he shouldnt need the sofa bed. Now he wants it moved to our room so he doesnt have to go very far when he gets kicked out.

When you have too many couchs!!! And are down for a little while this is what your house will look like. Anyone want a blue couch???? 

Being a woman SUCKS!!!

Ok so this could happen to anyone. It didn't it happened to ME.
Story goes like this I am driving to teach a water aerobics class at aproximately 5:45, I get this horrific pain and overwelming desire to PEE!!! Get there pee and well that hurt.. So like a real trooper I taught the class got out called Eric and balled like a little girl.
I purchase an abnormally large container of cranberry juice. (for those who don't know I have a urinary tract infection or UTI) and a little box that claims it will help me deal until I can get to a doctor.
Now it gets a little graphic weak stomachs should stop now.
Here comes the Blood yes folks blood lots of freaking blood. Call doctor, did that, he is supposed to call me back no such luck. Finally 2 1/2 hours later he graces me with a call. To say come in tommorrow. Well this is getting long anyway I finally got into see the nurse who tells I have to go to the OB department, they can get me in in a couple of days. I am freaking out I pee a torch and did I mention the BLOOD. Enter Dr. Hill my primary care he was walking by in the hall I tell him my little story and he says. Pee in a cup, so I do and sure enough UTI I should be a doctor. But they had to think about admitting me to the hospital, the blood and now a fever. NICE.
Anyway I have been saved by antibiotics, super husband and great friends. Thanks yall
P.S. The car. Water hose blows up nocking off a belt, belt melts to engine, smelly and expensive. Big thanks to Felix V. for waking up to go save Eric from the mechanic late last night and to Deanna for letting me steal her car to go to the Dr.
I need a nap

Life lessons

When you are a very pale individual. You would think tanning is a good idea but, moderation is as better idea. So I went one day and thought that went well so I went the very next day and added 2 minutes doesnt sound like much but IT IS!!! My butt was blistered. No kidding blisters, wouldnt you know that is when I started teaching a new class at the gym where it is manditory that you sit on your butt blistered or not. Needless to say I was one hurtin' sister after that. Here is the irony I went again today, I obviously need help. Atleast I will have a great tan.

Touching Base

Ok so lets touch base shall we. Jessica got way too much for Christmas but so did Eric and I. Tis the season to over spend you can't eat for months but you look cute in all your new clothes. Priorites are very important.
We are in a race with the Ebberts to lose weight. I dont know if I should be happy for Eric or angry he has already lost 11 pounds two weeks we have been at this folks. 2 WEEKS!! That means my team is doing well but I have been trying for years to lose that same amount. Oh well such is life.

So this is what all the paint fumes were about. 

Paint Fumes

So much for sweet scents of baked goods or even a pine tree. This season my house is filled with the overwhelming aroma of baby pink PAINT. I am painting a book case for Jessica for Christmas the power of the pale pink is not quite enough to take over the fake cherry wood color. How many coats will this take?
Now I need to try and hide a large pink book case. Think she'll find it?

Tis the Season

What is it about this season that makes me think I need to be Martha??? I was up to my armpits in chocolate covered everything the other day. Not a wise thing for a fat chick on a diet to do but I did. As if that wasn't enough, I put together a Christmas Party for work. One of our instructors is a bartender so we just met at her bar. The Martha in me came shining through. They all get to be skinny so I get to be Martha if I want. Anyway, I made little somkies and again the chocolate covered everything came into play.
I haven't been out with friends like that since I got married so I had a ton of fun. Thanks to V-Nat Jessica was well taken care of.
Oh yeah and I got a purse. No kidding who else do you know that can buy a purse at a bar. Remember that bartending, aerobics instructor well she also sells purses. So I got a "coach" bag from her. Eric is happy he didn't really like the one I got on Canal street. Question is this a Christmas present, a birthday present or a your such a great Martha impersonater present?
May the debate continue.

Ok now I will play catch up

I got a whole year older. I even got an Ipod video. Not that I have seen much of it Eric really likes it. I would post pictures but I have to wait until I fill up the film in my camera and then get it developed. Hint Hint Santa ;)
I forced my parents to go to my trainer while they were here, mean I know. But I worry about their health. They did a great job so any family members reading this make sure they stay on top of their exercise.
We went to NYC and had a great time we hit canal street and yes I got a new purse. Then we hit Rockefeller Center and saw the tree it was a very big tree with lots of lights. And very pretty Mom and Dad did Sax fith ave. And Jessica saw the American Girl store so we went in. I have to tell you I stood out like a sore thumb in that store. We barged in looking like we were headed sledding. Jessica in full snow suit hat hair and snow boots. I was wearing tennis shoes and my big ole coat hair slicked back in a bad pony tail. Oh yea and we had the stroller too. Cute I know. Then you look around and all of the girls and their dolls were wearing matching clothes. And all of them just oozed money. Evidently coming to this store is a formal affair. Jessica of course didn't notice and was in awe of all the dolls.
Thanks to her Nana and Bestefar Jessica got one named Samantha. She has carried it with her everywhere she goes, now she wants to know when Samantha's birthday is? No worries she decided they could share a birthday. Works for me.
Mom and I went to lunch at Sweet Harmony with Deanna Ebbert and her mom, it was fun they have a lot in common. No wonder Deanna and I get a long so well.
Hey I claimed that Eric got rid of my Forgotten Carols CD but he didn't. He found it and put it on my ipod. He is innocent this year.

Playing Catch up!

They made it!!

My mom and dad that is, they got here late friday night. Jessica is of course thrilled.
She is showing Grammy and Grandad all of the things she can do. She made breakfast this morning. Ok, so she put the cereal on the table along with every other thing that could pass as a breakfast food. Right now she is showing Grammy how she can bath herself, but Grammy needs to sit and watch. But right now the two of them can't find her tights, I AM NEEDED!!!

This is Taffy with Jessica in Logan Utah. 

Sad News

My poor Mom :( On Tuesday she found my dog Taffy in obvious pain unable to use her back end at all. She was a 15 year old cocker spainel cross. With no one else to do it she took her to the vet who let her know that there was nothing he could do but put her out of pain. Like any good mother she let Taffy go back to heaven, rather than make her suffer on my account. I wanted to be there when she went I mean she was my best friend through it all. But of course I understand Mom, it took her until thursday to get the courage to tell me. I will miss her like no other. She was the best friend I could have asked for.
Goodbye Taffy