Anyone Got $1400 Layin' Around?

Here's the story...

I'm starting my Masters in the fall. As part of a requirement of the program, I have to take 6 elective credits. My plan is to take these 6 credits in August so that they are finished before I start my program.

I spent the better part of 2 days filling out all of the nauseatingly boring and repetitive paperwork for MN GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, and my FAFSA for Federal Aid so that I can somewhat afford to continue my education. After all of the reading, research and filling out forms I was pretty confident that my going back to school wouldn't be THAT much of a financial burden on us. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I got an email today saying that my 6 summer credits wouldn't be covered by the VA because they are for "continuing education" and not "degree seeking." I was shocked and really mad at the same time! How am I supposed to get my degree without these 6 credits that ARE A REQUIREMENT!?

So instead of thinking that I would only need to pay for about $450, I will now have to pay $1400. Aggghhhhh! I hate all of this paperwork/money/government b.s.

Where Have All the Bloggers Gone?

...seriously people, I need something to read!

Shh...Don't Tell Mommy

Hey all...its me again, Jackson. I know that I said that I would post again when I was walking, but I have a little secret that I wanted to share, so don't tell mommy...

...the thing is, I think that walking is over-rated. First of all, it's tough work to learn how to do that. Second, my left leg is being really stubborn and goes out to the side like a duck foot. Thirdly, I'd have to actually do it! Who wants to do that when I can be held and carried everywhere I go? Yeah, yeah, I crawl and everything; isn't that good enough? I know that mommy and daddy really want me to walk, but I'm pretty content with how things are right now. They have NO idea, so this needs to stay between you and me...

My Birthday Party

Hey all...Jackson here. My birthday party was a week ago, and the weather was great! We hung outside for lunch in the garage and then opened presents on a blankie in the backyard.














The cake was really yummy. Mommy made it really pretty too. Her friend did the same thing, so she got the idea from her. Mommy thinks that hers doesn't look as good as TelegaWoman's, but I still thought it was really yummy. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my cousins and my grammas and papas. I got some cool new toys that are really fun.













Since the party I am growing and changing every day. Today I got a new booster seat so I sit at the big table with Joslynn and mommy and daddy; it's pretty neat! I am trying to say "mama," "ball" and "done" with my words. I am saying "more," "please," "eat," and "done" with my signs. Before you know it I'll be chasing after that sister of mine. (When I do...I'll post again and include pictures.)

YES and NO

YES, my first concert was fantastic! NO, my spirits weren't dampened by the freezing cold weather.

YES, it was cold, dreary, windy and did sprinkle/sleet a little bit. NO, it didn't feel like July at all.

YES, I was wearing layers; six to be exact. NO, not even the six layers kept me toasty warm all night.

YES, Sheryl Crow was amazing! She engages everyone, she's gorgeous, and, obviously, she has incredible talent, both singing and playing guitar. YES, I think I have a mini crush on her. NO, I'm not leaving Josh.

YES, I ate lots of bad food. NO, I don't feel guilty about it.

YES, there was a guy who was so annoying that he almost spoiled my 'Sheryl' experience. I really wanted to punch him in the face. NO, I didn't, but I was tempted.

YES, I am definitely going to another concert soon. NO, I'm not sure who or when, but I'd love to see Sheryl Crow again.

YES, this was a great 'date' for Josh and I without the kids (overnight away from them for the first time.) NO, I didn't cry. But, YES, I did miss the little munchkins.

My First

Tomorrow I am going to lose my concert virginity; I'm so excited! In my 27 years on this planet I have never been to a concert before. Tomorrow, I am going to Moondance Jam in Walker, MN to see (my favorite!) Sheryl Crow...Journey is also playing, and I'm really not even sure who else, but I am so excited that I'm almost nervous! Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather!

Decide. Commit. Succeed...

...that's the motto of the company that sponsors my P90X workout program. I decided that I had decided on this goal, I already committed 6 weeks to this and if I want to succeed I am going to stick it out. Holly was right; I would be mad at myself if I didn't finish it.

I have started my seventh week with a smile and the mindset that I will finish the 13 week program and if I feel like changing something up (like I've already been doing) then I will...and if I don't see the results that I had hoped for when I reach the end, then, what else can I do, right? Maybe Mary was right too...maybe my goal (for my noticed change) is/was unrealistic...a girl can dream right?

Thanks for all the comments of suggestion and encouragement. I appreciate it!