3 years...

So, 3 years ago this week(Thursday more specifically) a lot changed. First and foremost, our great friend Jake Pearly was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was 2 months from turning 21. Too fast to live, too young to die. Thursday was also the day(having nothing to do with the first topic) that Chad and I decided to move back to Illinois. We had been flirting with the idea for a week or so since Chad had been offered a job in Pekin, IL. We always knew that someday we would move back, and the opportunity presented itself. Well, technically, my cousin Shannon and her husband Ryan, called us when they saw the wanted add in the Springfield paper. So, we went into work the next day and gave a 3 week notice. We packed while going to services and such for Jake and left Cali on April 1st.
A lot has changed in the past 3 years, as we figured out that the owners of the dealership in Pekin sucked, and we hung in there anyway. And now new (wonderful) ownership has taken over and Chad got a raise and way better medical benifits. We also purchased our 1st home (well, the bank purchased it and allows us to live here until 2038 (choking!)when it is paid off) ha ha. We also had our first child(note all of the pictures of his cute butt). Not to mention all of the family things we have been able to be at. As well as the great friends we have made. All in all, the past 3 years have been a good 3 years. Hard at times and great at others(but, that's life!)
So there is a short recap. :)

Spring...is that you?!

After months and months of cold, spring might be near. Flowers are starting to pop out of the ground, and it is wonderful! We even had a nice day at the park. Here are a few pictures from the park. Chadders had a blast(minus falling backward off a slide).

Another year...

Today is 4 years since my Mom went home to be with God. I miss her everyday! For those of you who have lost a parent, you know the loss. For those of you who haven't, as much as I hope you never do; I believe even stronger that a parent should never have to burry a child. I must say that I thank God all of the time for the strength he gives me. I also thank him for my wonderful support group of friends and family. In memory of my Mom, I would like to share a few of my favorite memories. Sorry, no pics, as I don't have a scanner hooked up to my phone.
I loved the trip to Florida, just Mom and myself. Of all the trips we took(my Gma and Gpa lived there-so we went about 3 times a year) this one was so much fun. Erica wanted to stay at home because she had her 1st job and couldn't get time off(I am pretty sure she had a party or two planned for while we were gone-the house was clean when we got home though!). We spent a week or so at clearwater beach, FL right on the beach. We swam, tanned, shopped, and ate. We just relaxed the whole time! I was 15 at the time. I kept telling Mom that we needed to do something fun, like rent skis or something. But, Mom was scared of those things, so she told me to pick something else. On a random thought (and because I just KNEW she would say no) I said, "we should go get my belly button pierced!" And as I waited for her to say no! I looked up and she had this look on her face like she was actually considering it! So, of course I started in with all of the reason why I should. Mind you, a week or so before I had asked when we were still at home, and of course I got the whole "not as long as you live under my roof" speech. She actually said yes! I had to use my school I'd because you were supposed to be 17, even with a parents signature, and MAC had screwed up the I'd's that year, so mine said 17. My Mom was so carefree that week and so relaxed. We got to spend so much time just talking and really enjoying time together! I never really appreciated that time together as much as I do now.
I also remember my Mom waking Erica and I up early, just to have coffee with her. She did this quite a bit, and we enjoyed it so much. All 3 of sitting around in our PJs chit chatting and drinking coffee. That woman could drink pots of coffee all day and still sleep at night. I guess this is why we were all best friends and so close! What I wouldn't give to have her wake us up for coffee now.
I am so thankful to have a ton more memories of her, and maybe if I keep this thing going, I can continue to share them with you.
I love and miss you Mom, more than words can say.
RIP Joyce Eileen Fry
8/7/51 - 3/4/06

Another week

Chadders missed a night of swim class since he is sick. He is starting to feel better, so we took him tonight. Daddy isn't feeling too hot, though, so he skipped class. So, he got to take pictures! But, we forgot a good camera, so, still photos from the phone.
They are calling for temps in the 50's this weekend! Yay! Hopefully we will all get outside for a little bit.
Also, a couple other pics. Chadders chewing on the baby gate! Ha!

Randoms

Here are just a few random photos over the past few days. Nothing big going on right now. Chadders missed swim class today since he is sicky, AGAIN. Poor baby! Hope he starts feeling better so we can get back to being busy again.

Swim Class

Chadders is in his 2nd set of swim classes. His 1st set being at 9 months, and then his slacker parents that said, "we will skip one month, and do it again" let that one month turn into 7 months. But, he is enjoying it a lot more now, and does seem to be getting more out of it this go around. He is fearless! He goes under and doesn't think twice and does it again! Crazy kid! We go to the River Plex in Peoria every Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It has a very nice indoor water area. It even has a 2 story waterslide inside! Chad and I both do the class with him, so no one to take pictures. But, here are a few of Chadders and Daddy playing before class.

testing, testing

Okay, so, I am trying to send this blog post from my phone. It will esscentially be what makes or breaks this blog thing. Seeing as we don't have the internet at home, and only on our phones, this will be what makes or breaks it. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Well some people will, I am sure that not everyone cares to hear me ramble on and on about our daily lives. :)
Anyways, the biggest things happening right now are that Chad's work has new ownership! Pearl Automotive purchased Sud's of Peoria about 2 weeks ago now. So far, so good. The service employees however are working longer hours. 45 hours one week, and 50 the next. Then back and forth. So, to say the least, Chad is tired! Let's all pray for the best and hope it all works out. Chad says that "The grass isn't always greener on the other side, but when your in the freakin' desert, any grass would be better!" The Sud's were horrible owners, so we think it has to get better. :)
Okay, time to test this thing out! I will be adding a few pics just to see if it works.