Shocked and suprised!

This week I was surprised to be awarded DCFS Caseworker of the Year. I was completely shocked and still am. It means so much to me because this comes from my coworkers and community partners. I received a lovely certificate and some other little gifts. Thank you! I'm learning from the best!

A few more Disneyland pics

These are Renee's kids

Disneyland 2009

Last week I was able to go to California with my friend Renee' and her five children. Her youngest daughter, Cailee, participated in the national cheer competition. So, we decided to enjoy spring break and go to Disneyland. I had so much fun. I am not much of a fast ride kind of person but still had a wonderful time. Renee's baby, Ramzey, was a complete trooper. At 4 1/2 mo old Disneyland isn't exactly the baby's first choice of fun, but he did great. Thanks to Renee' and her wonderful children for including me in their family. Love you all!

Buck's birthday

Happy birthday to Buck. He will be 12 years old on this Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day. I don't know how much longer he'll be with me, but he has been a wonderful dog and friend!

Yes, a garden

Last week on of my friends and neighbors came over and dug 4 post holes for me. Then yesterday another friend and neighbor showed up with garden compost from the dump. And then tilled the whole future garden area. As I told them, after thanking them, they've taken away my excuses. So part of my yesterday included doing to Home Depot, using my graduation $25.00 gift card (thanks to my sister) and my $25.00 Christmas gift card (thanks to my brother and sister inlaw) and bought 4x4's, 2x4's, cement and other important things. Came home got my circular saw out and saw horses. set the posts in cement and hung the 2x4 rails. My next step is nailing up pickets and hanging a gate I made. I've got to keep the dogs out somehow! Oh yeah, I think I'm going to put in a small retaining wall so it's all one level. I'm so grateful for the generosity of my friends and neighbors. Now hopefully something will grow!

Spring is here!

My front yard if full of these!

March already!

Today is the first day of March. I can't believe it's already here. This past week was a crazy stressful week at work. We had the state reviewing random cases. It was two days of stress. Plus everyone of my cases blew up. I don't mean simple little things. I mean big blow ups. It seems like when that happens, it happens all at once. I hope the month of March, the month of the Irish, will bring me some good luck! :)