Hey friends!

There’s some major changes coming to the Cook house in the following months! I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you guys about what’s happening. My grandmother’s ability to live alone has slowly started to decline over the last few years and the fact that she has glaucoma makes it that much harder. She’s as healthy as a horse (mostly) and can still get around some but she needed around the clock care and an Independent Living facility wasn’t an option anymore. That being said, to the nursing home she went…until my dad approached me with the idea of her coming to live with me and honestly I didn’t have to give it much thought. If I can keep my family from going into a nursing home, even if it means rearranging my whole life (which I did) I’ll do it.

Basically, within two weeks, I have quit my job, changed health insurance, currently moving into a new apartment, bought new furniture, and became a caregiver and stay at home mom. Change normally terrifies me, like, I hate it. It’s just part of my personality, but for some reason, not this time. Now, don’t get me wrong, the move has me stressed to the max! But, it’s like I was ready for a change, I needed something new to recharge me. I was stuck in the day-to-day routine of going to work, coming home, cooking dinner and whatnot. Honestly, it will be good for everyone involved. My grandmother’s quality of life will definitely improve. I will be home to pick Caden up from school and save money by not having him in after-school care. I will have more time to work on my blog, meal plan, cook, do all the things I needed to do during the day at home while I was working and never had time. Oh, I left out the part where my dad is going to pay me more than I made at my 9-5 🙂

There may be more decorating/lifestyle posts coming your way because I have a bigger space to fill and I’ll be changing things up a bit and want to show off all the goods!

**Since I’m in the sharing mood, here’s a few other facts you may not know about me!

• I’m a certified phlebotomist, which means I draw blood. Your friendly neighborhood vampire!
• I’ve worked in an Emergency Room for 11 years of my life. Besides my brief time waiting tables and being a cashier, I’ve always been in healthcare.
• Speaking of health, I’ve been gluten free for 3 months now! After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in February, I thought I may need to start.
• I met my husband during my stint as a cashier. We both worked at the same grocery store. We had our first kiss on the bench outside, haha!
• I had a miscarriage, then was pregnant with Caden 3 months later. Found out years later I had endometriosis and had a hysterectomy so no more babies. Thankful for my one!
• I am a very introverted person, not shy, just observant. Blogging has helped me come out of my shell some with reaching out and meeting people and making friends when I otherwise never would’ve.
• I am the oldest of 4. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother.
• I’m OBSESSED with Christmas! If I had it my way, it would stay Christmas year round.
• My dream vacation would be to visit England, see the castles and Harry Potter World.
• I am a PLANNER! I have to be able to think things through before I do them.
• I am a morning person! I THRIVE in the morning and feel my best then!
• My favorite things to watch are murder/mystery shows, Grey’s Anatomy and of course all the Christmas movies.
• I honestly don’t think I have a favorite food. I love to eat and prefer salty over sweet for sure!  I do love me some avocado toast though!