the days of relaxation - NOT!

So much for having time off to relax! Between taking the kids to doctor appts, picking up and taking care of Isabeau 2 days a week, dealing with unemployment and other paperwork, all my doctor appts, and all of the other things that come up in between, I am pretty busy.
The last few days have been CRAZY! I went apple picking on Saturday with my friends Joanna, Gabe, and Isabeau, who I live with. It was so much fun, and the kids had just as much fun as Joanna and I did. A beautiful day, perfect for getting out and enjoying the weather. I'll be putting some pictures up soon. I finished off the day by going out to dinner with my family and some friends from CO who were visiting.
Yesterday my wonderful brother Seth came over to put up a shelf in my room (I have no clue how to find the studs), so it's starting to have a lived in effect, rather than a 'guest room' feel. Since our friends were leaving in the afternoon, I went over to visit for awhile after church. Mom made an awesome meal, complete with fried chicken, etc. Mmm.
So today my shoulder has bothered me quite a bit. Actually, the last week or so the pain has been worse again. So I have an appt set up for another procedure. Hope it works.

Zachary's Birthday Party

My younger (can't say little anymore) brother asked me to make him a 'football' cake for his 15th birthday. So I made the cake this morning, but when I went to take it out of the pan, it came out in so many pieces I couldn't put it back together again very well. Since I want Zachary's cake to be perfect, I drove all the way to Bennington and got another cake mix, came home, made the cake again, and this time it was a success. Next on the agenda is to go over to my family's house to decorate it (Joanna asked to watch the decorating part of the process). The party begins at 5:30 this evening, and I think he'll have a great time, and the rest of us as well. :)

Living in Hoosick Falls, NY

I'm done moving, and loving my living situation. It's working so well to be with the Pattersons. Joanna works during the day, so I take the kids - Gabe(11) and Isabeau(3) to any appts they have, and pick Isabeau up from school/daycare on Joanna's two late days at work. Gabe has football practice several evenings, so Joanna and/or I will usually take Isabeau out to watch him, and she enjoys the playground right beside the football field. His first game was the other day, and he played very well. Their team won, something like 25-0. We're proud of him.
Isabeau is quite the talker. I don't think she stops talking for more than a couple seconds at a time from the moment she wakes up till she goes to sleep at night. I love her, but at times it is a bit much. Ok, a lot too much. :) She has more 'friends' (stuffed animals) than I've seen in my life! Her room is filled with books and 'friends', all of which are usually on the floor within minutes of cleaning the room. Oh well. She loves cuddling, and often comes to join me on my cot or gets me to come to wherever she is.
Joanna is one of my closest friends here, and she is always an encouragement to me. No matter what is going on, she's willing to listen and offer advice if she can.
So all in all, living in Hoosick Falls isn't as bad as I thought it would be. But then, I'm not out and about in HF either. Time will tell.