Katie's Joy

Lost

2009-07-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

I've always been a very success driven woman. Always had a path in mind and did whatever I could to accomplish the goal I had set out to accomplish. Through grade school I always achieved high grades and was generally a "good girl" for my mom. Through high school and college I worked two jobs while maintaining those good grades and keeping a healthy social life. Almost 3 months from graduating college in MA I decided to change paths and my journey led me here to South Florida. I worked at McDonald's through most of my life and enjoyed the interaction with people and learned a lot about different things. After many years of working in the stores I got the opportunity to do Marketing for a large Franchisee. I too learned a lot there-never having had any marketing experience I feel that I picked it up quickly and was successful there too! Through a friend I heard about JM Family- a place to better myself a better work environment than what i was currently in. So I did some research and took the chance. I applied and got the job! So just like that I up and left McDonald's and ventured on to bigger and better things.
Within just a few weeks I feel in love. WOW what a great place to work-just like their website had said! I loved it I got treated really well, paid well and felt respected. I loved going to work everyday,loved the people I worked with and felt like I would work there forever. The money was great and within the first 3 months of me being there I got more in bonus money than I had ever gotten at the last job-life at JM was great.
Having the extra income allowed my husband and I the opportunity to start the house hunting process. Four months later and we found our home. Great place just for us-definitely not out of our means-comfortable and a good place for us to raise our family.
Things were good-life was stable. But the economy was not.
I a newly 30 year old young lady whose family was just getting the start they needed....
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE LAID OFF.
No offense to anyone but i always thought people who were in there late 60's and at a company for many many years got laid off-not me. That's just what i thought that's what I always heard of growing up-never young professionals...
My world was turned upside down on March 2nd when the famous JM Family laid me and 499 other people off. What made the situation even more difficult was I was 9 months pregnant!
So my determined self the " go getter" that I was went straight home on that dismal day and tried to get on the net to find another job. 9 months pregnant silly me no one would hire me even if they wanted to...
Now JM took good care of their employees-but having only been there a year and a half-I wouldn't be taken care of for long. So with a new mouth to feed and not having been in our home for a year I tried my best to stay calm and relaxed to finish my pregnancy off to bring a healthy boy into the world. And indeed he did- Isiah came into this silly economy safe and healthy exactly one month later....
From the day i got laid off til now I've worked extremely hard on getting my resume and myself prepared for this new job market to find myself a job as soon as I gave birth. Started putting resumes out there shortly after bringing my little boy home from the hospital just because I've never not had a job and the thought of it scared me.
My husband was and has remained VERY supportive. Never once saying anything about the thought of being unstable or not being able to pay our bills. He always reassured. I treasure that and know that this experience has made us that much stronger. But how was I to assure myself?
This "go getter" this balls to the wall girl whose always got what she strove to get? It still bothers me to this minute not being able to "provide" for my family. Not being able to carry my own... How did this happen.
I loved JM I loved the lunches I loved the drive to work, I loved the people-those people who made me feel so good about myself, made me feel like the work I did was appreciated. The company that furthered my life to buy a home and get a taste of the "American Dream".
The market is scary out there very scary. And many tried to tell me to enjoy the time i had with my boys. To cherish my young sons infancy for it'll be gone before i realize-how could I? Those people were not paying my bills-those people HAD jobs! Funny. And those "friends" i had at JM. Well some tried to still B for a few weeks after i left but I guess they still had there jobs and like many that got cut with me-if they didn't see you on an everyday basis-then that was it.
Many months later I'm still putting about 4 resumes a week out there and Still not getting any calls back.
In this time off that I've had I've tried to lower our interest rate for our mortgage under Obama's new plan. And basically if we don't pay our mortgage for 3 months then they'll talk to us but as long as we're paying there not helping... Ha isn't that the way he intended this plan to work? I think not.
So for everyone that still has a job. For those that get up to go to work every day. I commend you. Hold tight, live wisely. Think of those that got "laid off". Think when you are having that "bad day" at work or hate Monday mornings-think of us who have always strived to better ourselves-those that have worked 2 jobs and always thought they'd be employed forever=
AND BE THANKFUL THAT YOU STILL HAVE THAT JOB!.
~K~

Just catching up-with new pics

2009-02-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while so i thought I'd catch up. Just some random pics of me and the growing belly, my cute son, and my 30th Birthday. It was nice to have a few friends over to celebrate. I didn't mind turning 30-everyone has to at some time.

This is me trying to get some sun on my white belly. It was funny-mid January and i called my mom to tell her i was sunning by the pool. She proceeded to tell me to shut up that she just got inside from shoveling (in Mass.)

While we were putting Isiah's things in his room Geo was brought back to memory lane. He's such a happy kid.

Geo in his bike riding gear that grammy bought him...

I showed him this number puzzle and he played with it for at least 1/2 hr. And got them all right!

Geo trying to be like daddy

I think Geo was more excited about blowing out the candles

Opening the gifts after a long night. I painted those two paintings in the back

Zoe took a liking to Rich-oh my he is so hot! And that's all i can say about that...

This is what Richard was doing at the party-he enjoyed himself!

My hubby and our newest edition-Isiah

For those that don't see me every day-this is the belly.

31 weeks-almost there!

2009-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Overall we had a good Christmas. I was so excited that Geo actually "got it" this year. He watched (and continues to watch) Polar Express which i think is the epitome of Christmas spirit and youthfulness. Two weeks after Christmas and he still thinks Santa's coming again... We had Rich's oldest sister and her son come to visit for two weeks so Geo had a playmate. It was fun. Now that it's January i can't believe little Isiah will be here in less than 3 months. Time will fly. We have to sort Geo's clothes by size and switch the furniture in the two rooms. Mentally I'm ready. My friend just had her baby girl and i went to see them in the hospital. So sweet little babies are. Well i put a few pics up so those who don't get to see me often can have the inside scoop at how big i actually am. I've only gained 18 lbs in 7 months so its not too bad-but i have a lot of work ahead of me to get back to pre-Geo weight!

Best wishes to all and a healthy 2009!!

Update

2008-12-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while but we had to get a new camera so i haven't had time to take or upload any pics. Its a good camera but still trying to figure out how to get natural lighting pics without them being blurry. I love the decorations in our house and wish they could stay up all year round-they give me such a warm feeling. Geo seems to be getting the holidays-ever since his second birthday anytime he sees a candle or balloons he sings Happy Birthday. He sand the song all day long when we told him it was my mother in laws birthday-he was so excited...He's doing great on potty training-which is good-maybe we'll get him out of diapers long enough that he won't revert back once the next one is born.We took pics with Santa, he wasn't scared just cautious. He smiled but it wasn't a real smile kinda like "ummmmmm ya who is this guy again"? But we got it done anyway.
I'm feeling good sometimes bigger than others-my stomach keeps getting rounder and rounder. I've only gained 12 lbs to date which is great but I think I'm starting to see my cheeks chub up. After seeing old pics of when I was preggo with Geo i don't want to look like that again. Geo was supposed to be taking a nap...

We took Geo to see the lights at Tradewinds

Boys cuddled up watching a Christmas special

The day we went to see Santa but he liked the train much better.

My new hair color-every year i have to change it up for a couple of months for a change.

Pumpkin carving and more...

2008-10-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

So I'm 4 months pregnant with my second, and am having some back pain. Hopefully I can find some ways to stretch it out or i'll be in trouble when this big belly doubles in size...Here are just a few pics of us, Geo building, and Richard and Geo carving the pumpkin. This is Richards first attempt at carving a pumpkin and I think he did a great job!

Pumpkins!

2008-10-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

We took Geovanni to his first pumpkin patch and he was so excited!! He saw the pumpkins from the car and was elated. MOMMY LOOK PUMPKINS!!! He said as he tries to get out of his car seat. He kept picking up the pumpkins and throwing them (nicely). That day was the first day that he didn't freak out in the bounce house (also the first one that hasn't collapsed on him), so we had an icy, picked out the perfect pumpkin to carve and left. Fun time!

Geo was supposed to stick his face in-but this is Geo's version.

Geovannis is getting so big!

2008-10-05T05:06:00.001-07:00

Geovanni is getting so big. I'm glad this pregnancy happened when it did, because it gave us time to spend "quality time" with him. We're able to watch him grow and learn and he's able to have had us to himself at least for two years. He knows there's a baby in my belly but i don't know if he realizes what that means. He amazes me everyday with something new he says. The other day he got in the car and said clear as day-"mommy is it 4:00" what!!!! But he's learning and absorbing everything.
the following are just some random pics i thought I'd post to show how big he is getting. We went to the beach last Sunday for a little while-he loves the beach. He actually took the picture of Rich and I, and then last ones are typical boy playing outside with his favorite-sticks! We were sitting outside and he found this stick and thought it should go on his head! The first day he did it i laughed and was so caught up in the moment i forgot to take pictures-so we went out the next day and he found the same stick and up on his head it went. So many funny things he does-sometimes i just don't remember to take the pictures.
Well i hope you all enjoy my big boy-i know we do!

First pictures of the newest Chambers baby

2008-10-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

So we had our second ultrasound and all went well. This was the first time Richard has seen his second child in the womb but my second. Geovanni came along and was very cute! When they squirted the gel on my belly he hoisted up his shirt and said "mommy lotion"-wanting some on his belly too! He proceeded to ask me when the nurse was jiggling my belly to get the baby to take its chin off of its chest-he asked me if i was ok. The nurses laughed and assured my two year old that they were not hurting his mommy. Over all the baby was super cute-sucking its thumb, bouncing up and down and even one point turning all the way around in a circle. The highlight for me is the last picture. After much jiggling the baby snapped its head around as to face the "camera" to say-"Hello I'm in here-i see you". Such the front shot of the baby's face. For those that have not seen these in a while, or ever-the first is a 3/4 view the two dark beadie spots are the eyes, with a complete view of its foot. The second is a side shot the arm closest to the camera is stretched up and behind its head-must be nice in there-to be relaxing. The third is my favorite-a head on shot of the head-again the two dark spots are the eyes and there is a perfect shot of the skull. The best part is that i go back to have my second ultrasound on Nov.13th. My mom will be visiting so she'll be there by my side when we will find out if its a Girl or a Boy!!
Well we're excited and ready for this second one. Hopefully this baby will be as good as Geo was. But we'll take a healthy one either way.

It's time to potty

2008-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

no picture with this post-just to say that i think Geo is potty training himself. The whole weekend he'd take off his diaper and insist that it stay off. So we enforced that he needed to make sure he went to the potty. Day 3 and no accidents yet. He even climbed up on the big potty-even sitting the correct way,he used his potty to get up. We just have to keep an ear when he is in the bathroom by himself cuz one time he had the whole roll of TP unrolled. Other than that he went outside with us while I mowed the lawn and Rich tied up the trees-without a diaper and didn't have any accidents! So although i'll probably jinx it-i'm making a trip to Walmart to get him some big boy underwear.
I know everyone is real interested in this post topic so i'll keep you all update!

Having such a good time in the new house

2008-08-11T06:17:00.001-07:00

So we're almost all unpacked, just a few boxes here and there that i'm procrastinating putting away. We've already had the family over twice and everyone had a blast. The pool still hasn't cleared up but its safe to swim in. Geo's having a great time some mornings he'd be in the pool at 8:30 AM with no clothes on We've been to clean out the old apt. but still have at least one more run (with two cars) to go. One never knows how much stuff they have until they move. We're excited to have our house warming soon!
I posted bigger pics because my friend Patty said she'd need to borrow glasses to see the last ones. Here's for you Miss Patty!

Geo hammin it up for the camera

My pantry!

Richards weight room (he doesn't want to share it with storage-but it IS a garage)

Everyone had a good time in the pool

Pops sporting Geo's Mickey ears

The boys had such a good time

Geo hating having to get out of the pool at 7PM

After a long day outside

Just a sneak shot of the marshmello man!!!

SOLD-now its time to really Live!!!

2008-07-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

Well we signed our names away, or pocket books rather, and got to work right away. We even had the lawn guy over before we closed-I like to get a move on things. 10 cans of paint later i think we finally have everything we need to complete the tasks. I am so proud of my husband-he has really dug in and has worked before and after work. So Proud!
Thanks to everyone for supporting us through the hole thing. Special thanks to my in laws for taking Geo for long days so we could get a lot accomplished, and special special thanks to our realitor Sarah. She stuck with us to the end and somehow always remained positive after all the offers we put in failed to end in a house. We say that this house was waiting for us to buy it! Walking into a home with little to do and $30 thousand in equity was a blessing, and a great start! We will have an open house soon-but i'd like to get some accessories in first!

Living room

Guest bathroom

Geo's room

Master bedroom

Pool before

Pool after 5 days!

Soon we'll be homeowners!

2008-07-15T11:17:00.001-07:00

So it looks like this is the one. We close in 3 days-on Friday the 18th!!! We are so excited last night i couldn't sleep. Oh man and the anticipation starts now. On Friday we got the clear to close, we already bought all of our paint choices (goo ones i hope) and the landscaper will be in tomorrow to cut the tree limbs off od the brand new roof! It's hurricane season you know so can't have that kind of stuff crashing in the roof right when we buy the silly thing. The house is in great condition and just needs a little minor touches to make it our own. I think Rich is more excited than I (of course doesn't show it like i do), but we're both eager to do some handy work. We bought him a new tool set and after we got home and watched a couple of HGTV shows, he soon regretted having new tools! But what fun any way. We hope to get the pool cleaned soon-so when it gets hot and we're painting we can jump in and get refreshed! We will have a house warming party and i will try to remeber to invite everyone. But it'll be a little ways out-we want to work out the details first.
Thanks to all for being patient with the blog and hope you can see the house soon!!!

After the party.

2008-06-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

So he wanted to help do the dishes-start them while they're young. We loved the foamy blogs-what a big difference from getting hit in the head with one of those from a wooden one. Geo thought the box that they go in was pretty cool- a new way to watch TV or his other mode of transportation. He's quite the character. Still in good health, weighs 30lbs and is 36 inches tall. He is in the 90% for height and the 75% for weight. Ya he's going to be a tall one. The past couple of days though it seems he was either bit by something around his eyes, or his allergies are acting up. We're noticing darker circles under his eyes.
He gets into major trouble at home though. makes such a big mess with everything. We pretty much leave his room the way it is-cuz he'll mess it up as soon as you clean it. He is in the terrible two's. Poor daddy..
Well I will post more on the house as it gets closer to closing. I don't want to post anything now-fearing i'll jinx the progress.

Geovanni's Birthday

2008-06-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all. Very simple for this two year old, i think it was just right. Our condo was too small for all of Geo's friends but maybe next year when we get into our new house! I made the cake this year and it had strawberry and cream in the center-yum! Geo didn't get too much-a few outfits from my family, a set of soft foamy blogs from his girl Aubrey and lots of "mess-free" artstuff from mommy and daddy. We went to a restaurant on his actual birthday-just the three of us and they came out with a candle in a dish of ice-cream and sang to him. He loved it! Since we had been singing Happy Birthday to him since the minute he woke, he knew the song, and relished that the candle was just for him! All in all I have to say i think he had a good time. Spending time with his family and his girl was perfect!!

Oh what fun it is...

2008-06-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Geovanni's Girlfriend Aubrey

Being 2-in his big boy bed.

Oh Boy We're In The Terrible Two's!

Geovanni is such a fun child. But he's definitely TWO! Yesterday Richard he told me of Geo's day. First when playing in his room he became quiet. Rich went in to check on his because he was too quiet. He had gotten a hold of my bottle of Tums and had dumped them all out on his bed. When he heard daddy coming he covered the mess with his sheet!Rich said when he asked him what he was doing Geo faced him and said-Goooooo (in his uh=oh I'm in trouble whiny voice) with his arm behind his back-hiding the Tum's bottle. Funny kid, and we're not sure where he learned the hiding things.

Next it was nap time-or he was supposed to be napping. Geo is trying to potty train-he doesn't want to sit in his messes any more but he's not telling us when he needs to go. So he takes his diaper off and tries too clean himself up-25 wipes later and a mess all over his room-is how daddy found him. Then when Rich was trying to pre-pare dinner Geo tried to help. He got the base of my magic bullet (off the counter my climbing on an empty o.j. jug) and was standing over the trash trying to peel a potato. What a good boy!!

So these "precious"moments will be logged into his baby book-typical two's but funny none-the less!

Geovanni's Early days

2008-05-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Geo sleeping

This is my mom and 2-week old Geovanni

This is my beautiful little boy-1 day old.

Who am I?

2008-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Who am I? I know exactly who I am-that's what makes me strong. The youngest of three, I have realized that people either like me or they don't! My mom raised me-as an independent person to carry my own. Although my parents were married until I was almost 17-my mother raised the three of us by herself. What a great woman! My family was poor and my mom made most of our clothes until we were teenagers. Nothing was given to us we had to earn it-one way or another.
When i moved down here in 2000 i realized that it was only I that could make myself succeed. That although i loved people and wanted to help everyone it was me alone who had to make my life better, perhaps better than my moms. I tell it how it is-and some people don't like that. I'd rather be real than fake. I'm not into sugar coating things and sometimes people can't handle that.
I love my family (especially my MOM) I talk to her every morning. I had many fond memories as a kid. Even though we didn't have much money, we did take family vacations often staying 10 people (always vacationed with one set of cousins and my aunt and uncle) to a two room cabin!
I love animals-horses especially. I've had many different pets-horses, dogs, a cat, an iguana, and a ferret. I love the outdoors, but love to read and paint too!
This blog will be a work in progress. I am excited about the idea of friends seeing My family-especially my son grow!

2008-05-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

My Life

2008-05-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

I came down to Florida 8 years ago to go to the Art Institute and I guess I never left. I met my husband almost 5 years ago and we just celebrated our second wedding anniversary. I have quite a large family but they all live in Massachusetts so it makes it hard when it comes time for Holidays or just having your own family around to hang out with. I love all of my cousins and although the distance-most of us are very close.
I'm glad that this type of web stuff is available so I can keep everyone posted without having to make copies and send everyone pictures.
I am going to post random pics of my family from all the beginning to keep a web journal-if you will. I think it'll be fun (and a lot less work than a scrapbook)!