A Walk to the Park

New Job

I have been looking for a new job for awhile, hoping and wishing for the day when I could finally leave the Republic. I started there as Lisette Sorensen - 22 years old, fresh out of college, and single. Now 5 years later, I am leave as Lisette Merrrill - 27 years old, wife, mom, and with all the knowledge and skill I could take from the positions I have held. I am definitely ready for a change and to challenge myself with this new position.

On January 31, I will start as an Account Manager with FetchBack.  I know it will be a lot to learn, but I am so excited for this new opportunity and the growth possibilities with this new company. Plus I get to hang out with Jen Field again! : ) Thanks to Jen, who used to work at The Republic, I was able to get my foot in the door and my resume in HRs hands. After two interviews, I was offered the job today. 

My last day will be in two weeks and I plan to take my rooster and this picture with me. This picture has been hanging in my cubicle for the last year. It was taken over 2 1/2 years ago at a goodbye lunch for Renee who was leaving the company. It has most of the former Gilbert office people - except for Patrina and Lori. Not sure where they were that day, but I drew them into the picture one day when I was bored. One by one everyone has left and Elizabeth even came back to the company. I started checking people off and kept this at my desk for the chance to check myself off when I gave notice to leave. Finally, I can check myself off! I am sure the cleaning lady probably thinks I'm some crazy person for having this picture in my cubicle. 

What the heck?

This is Zander's new noise. A little freaky huh? He started doing it on Sunday when we were at church. There we were sitting in Relief Society trying to pay attention to the lesson when he pulls out this beautiful noise. I had never heard it before and have no clue where he got it from. It makes my throat hurt hearing it. 

A Smelly Situation

Today I was pooped on. I'm not talking solid pebbles. I'm talking runny, shoot right out of the bottom poop. I knew this day would come and I honestly thought I would freak out. The smell. The mess. Yuck! I was surprisingly calm. I just laughed, picked up some wipes and started cleaning it up. How could I be mad at this sweet face? I truly am a MOM.

7 Months Old

Weighs approx 16 lbs. * Sitting up by himself. * Likes to touch and eat his toes. * Has two teeth. * His hair is getting thicker. Papa says it looks like Zander is wearing a toupee. * Hates getting his nose and face wiped. * When sitting down, he moves his feet in a circular motion. * He still cuddles with us. * He is eating 3 meals a day. Tried meat for the first time and likes it. He is starting to hate vegetables so I have to sneak it in when I feed him. * Celebrated his first Christmas and got a ton of new books and toys. * Isn't crawling yet and gets really frustrated that he can't move over to you or grab that toy just out of reach. He can move left, right, and backwards so essentially can move himself in a big circle. 

Goodbye 2010. Hello 2011

2010 has come and gone and this was a great year for us! Here are some highlights that I will never forget. 

- Every little second of Zander Reed. He came into the world with a bang and has forever changed our lives. I can't imagine life without him now.  

- Becoming a mom. The greatest & most rewarding job ever. 

- Getting my braces off. 

- Showlow trip with our friends for the weekend. The most relaxing & fun vacation.

- Devin passing his Comp TIA Network+ exam.

- Celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary.

- Starting this blog. 

- Going on a road trip to San Diego with our besties Jason and Charlotte. 

- Zander's blessing. 

- Being pregnant & loving it. Can't wait until the next time. A bonus was being pregnant at the same time with 3 of my best friends - Jamie, Charlotte, and Kassidy - and my sister in law Megan.

- Spending time with family - 4th of July in Pinetop, Easter & Thanksgiving in Showlow, Family Reunion in Sedona, Christmas with everyone

- Camping trip at the lake with Merinos & Clawsons
- Cutting my hand with a knife and getting 3 stitches in my hand. My first stitches and trip to the ER.

- Cake concert

It will be hard to beat 2010, but I am excited to see what this year has in store for us. Here are my resolutions for this year. 

- Stop sleeping away the weekend 

- Find fun things we can do as a family

- Attend the temple more frequently

- Be more patient 

- Cook dinner more often & find new recipes to add to my normal routine

- Declutter & reorganize the house

- Find a new job

- Be more active & workout

- Be on time for church. We go at 8am now!

New Years Eve 2010

For New Years Eve we had a party at our house with some of Devin's siblings and cousins & their spouses - Kiley & Ryan, Olivia & Jarron, Sheree & Rob, Megan & Eddie, Lauren & Jason, and Tyler. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone since we normally are only all together at the family reunion. We played some games, ate some yummy treats, played Rock Band, talked, burned the Christmas tree, and counted down to the New Year together. Here is to a great 2011!