Make a Joyful Noise...Even if it hurts Momma's ears!

My Favorite Animal....

2011-12-27T09:39:00.001-06:00

Our teacher asked what my favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken."
She said I wasn't funny, but she couldn't have been right, because everyone else laughed.
My parents told me to always tell the truth. I did. Fried chicken is my favorite animal.
I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA.
He said they love animals very much.
I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office.
I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.

The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was.
I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, so I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken.

She sent me back to the principal's office. He laughed, and told me not to do it again.

I don't understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am.

Today, my teacher asked me to tell her what famous person I admired most. I told her, "Colonel Sanders."
Guess where I am now...

Who do we really see?

2011-11-09T18:10:00.001-06:00

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in GRASS VALLEY, CA. It was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Missouri.

The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .... . . . . With faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . .... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . .... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .. . You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . .... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . .. . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . .. ... .. Who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . ... A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . .... . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children .. . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . .... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . ..... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . ... Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . .. . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.

We will all, one day, be there, too!

Tonight's Conversation....

2011-10-23T23:37:00.001-05:00

Me: That meat is way not done....(watching food network)
Dan: Yes it is - it is cooked perfectly...
Me: Ummm..No it isn't.
Dan: Well, do you want them to cook it to death.
Me: Well, actually yes, I do want dead meat if I am supposed to eat it!
Dan: The meat looses it's flavor once you cook it too long...
Me: My meat always has plenty of flavor when I eat it.
Dan: Did you know that some restaurants won't serve well done meat?
Me: Well, I guess then they don't want me to come eat at their restaurants!

School....

2011-10-18T16:47:00.004-05:00

Everyone has been asking lots of questions of me lately about how homeschooling is going and how long it takes and what are they studying??? The kids study the same subjects they would if they were in school....they have Math, Reading, Phonics, Science, Music, Spelling, etc but they just do it at home. As far as how long it takes, all depends on them....sometimes they "get 'er done," and othertimes it is like pulling teeth. Sometimes we have interruptions during the day and sometimes they just can't sit still. Overall, school is going well and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I love having my kids with me and knowing what they are learning and NOT learning. Anytime there is a stool that is empty K will hop up and fill in because she loves doing school too....

The Start of A New School Year

2011-09-09T11:23:00.003-05:00

This year I have a second grader, a kindergartener, and a preschooler. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed when the boxes of curriculum came. Two big boxes and I pulled book after book out. However, I was also excited at what my kiddos would be learning. Thank goodness for the teacher's manuals so I can help them correctly learn. :)

Kassie is all excited about going through her books and is already asking if she can do more! That is where Charlie was until he actually HAS to do it! LOL They are doing well so far - still trying to find a decent schedule. Dan is home during the morning to keep the girls busy will I work with the boys and then we usually find time while Tessa is napping to finish if we hadn't already. Tessa even has to do stuff too......

Needless To Say....

2011-07-22T12:38:00.004-05:00

So Charlie says to me the other day...."Mom, I need to go to the eye doctor." I asked why? He says, "Because we have no carrots in the house and the flashlights in my eyes are going out because you know that carrots are the only thing that recharge the flashlights in my eyes." I asked if I could just go shopping for carrots. He said, "Yes, I guess that would be fine." Needless to say, this morning's trip to the grocery store included carrots...

Yesterday, this was overheard...."You are not a robot, you are just a regular old girl." Kassie was pretending to be a robot and Charlie wasn't happy with her, so he told her she couldn't be a robot. Needless to say, she didn't listen.

The other day, I took out some lego kits the kids "lost" and now the quote of the morning is: "Can this day get any better?" Needless to say, they left them laying around and lost them again. That didn't take long....

Last Saturday we went on a bike ride and had a couple friends over after for supper. I gave the kids freezies afterwards and Kassie shimmied up next to Wayne and asked, "Do YOU want a freezie?" It was hilarious how she did it. Needless to say, we all got a good laugh out of it AND Dan is polishing his guns more because his little girl - who only turns three at the end of the month - is already flirting.

A New Kidney

2011-07-12T15:28:00.005-05:00

Six years ago today we were in the cities awaiting for my Dad to come out of surgery. A wonderful teacher from Duluth had decided she would donate one of her kidneys. My Dad was the perfect match for it. While waiting all day for word that the surgery had been successful we sat in the waiting room for hours! It was a success!

Dad will have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life but that sure beats the alternative. Since his transplant, his life has resumed some sense of normalcy. He had been on a strict diet and had no energy. He had been on dialysis but not as long as many others that have to suffer through that. Every year that passes I am forever grateful to those that choose to do live-organ donations. What an awesome thing to give - LIFE!

My father now has the opportunity to meet and play with his grandchildren....seven of whom were not born at the time. He has had a complete recovery and is able to enjoy life again. His energy and appetite has returned and he is doing many things they had wanted to but never would have been able to do - like travel.

This picture was taken last year but shows him with all of his grandkids....

Since then we have been involved in the National Kidney Walk raising money to find a cure for kidney diseases. The kidney disease my father had could also affect our brothers, sons, and grandkids - and so we continue to fight the disease. The Kidney Walk will take place on September 17th. If you would like to walk with us or help with a donation please check out this website....our team is Lauer Power....because you are strongest when you stand together and that is what it has done for our family....brought us closer together. PLEASE help by going to the site below - every donation helps and it is all tax deductible. Thank You!!!

Jody's Kidney Walk site

Forever Grieving the Loss of a Great Man!

2011-07-11T18:20:00.007-05:00

On the Fourth of July, the world lost a great man. Uncle Pat died in a four-wheeler accident as he was setting up a four-wheeling trail along his property. He was killed instantaneously but not found until the next day. His time here on earth way to short for us at only 56 years. Dan was very close as there was only eight years difference between them. The wonderful memories Dan has shared with me of going to his Grandparents' farm and growing up with his Uncle Pat. I had far less time getting to know him but was touched very much by his life as well.

Last year we celebrated Uncle Pat's retirement and 55th birthday. He was going to enjoy life with his family and do some farming. He had a contagious smile and laugh. He had the kindest heart and was very genuine. His concern for you was always evident and he made you feel very important. He would give the shirt off of his back to help others and never expected anything in return. AND, he was a Dodge man = gotta like that!

Here he is with his beautiful wife, Mary and

their two handsome sons, Joe and Tony.

We love you, Uncle Pat and will miss you so much. While your time here on earth was so very short, we know that you are partying with Aunt Anne, Uncle Don and your parents. God keep you close until we all meet again. Until then - soar on eagle's wing! We continue to hold Mary, Joe and Tony in our prayers....I know this won't be easy for you. Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!

Post some newer pics....

2011-06-23T15:02:00.004-05:00

Since I haven't been on here in awhile - okay so about 10 months....I thought I would come back and just post some pics of my beautiful kiddos.....playing on one of the FEW very nice evenings that we have had this spring....

A Night of Murder Among the Matey's

2010-09-07T12:32:00.008-05:00

It all happened at the Salty Sea Dog - an inn owned by Roger Dagger.

One-eyed Wanda (Anna) gunner and Sealeg Sam (Paula)

It is dangerous being around pirates - even for the good guys...

Captain Redbeard and his first-mate Merciless Morgan

The Governor and his wife along with their two daughters.

Mercilously Murdered was Morgan - the Captain and Gunner check out the scene...

The whole cast of the Party....awesome costumes and loads of fun!

Tessa did NOT have a good night...she was scared of everyone in their costumes but eventually sleep overtook her....

This was a great Murder Mystery! I loved the fact that it left a lot more to your imagination to get into the party and there was a lot more that you yourself had to find out - not just told in the booklet. Next murder mystery 1920's on New Years Eve....Gangsters and Flappers - if we decide we don't want one before than....

St. Cloud Kidney Walk

2010-08-09T11:36:00.007-05:00

September 18 will be the Third Annual St. Cloud Kidney Walk...My family and I have taken part of the last two walks and we are planning to be there this year too. Here are pictures from the first walk we did (because I can't find pictures from last year).

Our team is called "Lauer Power" because we walk for Our Husband, Dad, and Grandpa - as you can see by the backs of our t-shirts in the picture above. He had a kidney transplant about five years ago and without that he probably wouldn't be here today. His kidney was donated by a teacher from Duluth. We didn't know who she was but we are FOREVER greatful. Below is the team from the first walk the second year we had more walkers this year remains to be seen...

Did you know????

26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don't know it.
Once kidneys fail, you need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
367,000 people depend on dialysis.
84,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant.
1 person dies every two hours while waiting for a kidney transplant.

This walk will raise money for kidney research, patient advocacy, public education and free kidney screenings, because early detection and proper treatment can slow the progress of kidney disease.

As I said earlier, we walk for my Dad but since this disease is hereditary we are also walking for our children. Dan's old boss also has kidney disease and right before Christmas last year received a transplant. These are two lucky ones....please help in fighting this disease...and help me raise money for a good cause....even if you can only donate $5.oo every little bit helps! Click on this link to donate - St. Cloud Kidney Walk or talk to me.

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your help!

The Girls 2nd Birthday Party

2010-08-09T11:29:00.004-05:00

Getting ready for the party...Mom had a dress all picked out but because she knows exactly what she wants she chose this dress...."Princess Dress"Here are the Birthday girls....
Playing with her presents....
Yummy - "My Chocolate cake!"
D and her present cake....
It was a great day for a party....little on the warm side but there was a nice breeze and the rain held off until it was all over. Happy Birthday girls!

Happy Birthday K!

2010-07-31T17:11:00.003-05:00

Here she is - after waiting until Dan could make it home from Canada - our perfect little princess. She was my biggest baby and Mommy was so happy that she was able to stay with her the whole time we were in the hospital.

The boys fell in love with her the moment that they saw her...they aren't so enamored with her today but they still love her. I can't believe this was only two years ago...she isn't the same quiet little girl she once was.

Now she is out running through life with and talking her way out of anything. She loves wearing dresses but has to follow the boys where ever they go and do whatever they do. I call her my Mud Princess. She loves playing in mud but has to have that dress on. :)

She definitely keeps me hopping and keeps a smile on my face! Happy 2nd Birthday K!!!

PS Thank you to Lisa for staying with me while waiting for Dan - you made the time go much faster - who cares if they got mad at us for not staying quiet!!!

Como Zoo Trip

2010-07-26T09:05:00.005-05:00

Took two of my nieces with me to Como Zoo with some friends of mine...the kids had a blast. We had a nice picnic lunch and then walked around to see the animals. It was a little on the warm side but not too bad. Most of the animals were on the lethargic side and not very active.

T was in the stroller sleeping when this pic was taken that is why she was not in there.

K says she loves the giraffes, I think they are her favorites...but the orangutan mother came right down to the glass in front of her and she thought that was cool too. The boys both loved said they loved the polar bear but they both just kinda laid around...wish they had been swimming...then they really would have thought they were cool. It was a great trip - looking forward to going again...maybe this time in September or October.

Cousin Campout 2010

2010-07-20T14:56:00.008-05:00

Last weekend was the cousin campout...all the cousins get together for an overnight campout at Grandma and Grandpa's house. My sisters, Joyce and Kay, started it and now it has moved to Grandma's house.

All lined up for the Scavenger Hunt...

The weather was a little ominous but the

storms blew over.

They built bird houses...as well as doing other crafts.

And in the end we got a picture of everyone

with Grandma and Grandpa...

And, while Grandpa is glad to get back to his peace and quiet...all the kiddos are anxiously awaiting next year already!

Perspective

2010-07-13T14:20:00.003-05:00

One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the trip?"

"It was great , Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah , " said the son.

"So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.

We buy our food , but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have , especially your family and friends!

New Blog I found...

2010-06-29T10:32:00.002-05:00

If you want to see how the other half lives check out this website Catalog Living. It is hilarious...I added it to my sidebar so I can find it when I want a good laugh. The blogger takes photos from Catalogs and pretty much just makes fun of them. Check it out and you will see for yourself. If you don't find it as amusing as me - sorry to have wasted five minutes of your time!

It has been a crazy weekend...

2010-06-15T10:18:00.012-05:00

This weekend was crazy busy...once again. On Friday night, Dan left to go up to his parents - they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. And, I was cooking for Lisa's son's grooms dinner and then the wedding was the next day. Lots of fun stuff just too bad it was on the same weekend - couldn't celebrate any of it with my husband. Thankfully, my sister helped with the kids so that we didn't have to worry about them and could enjoy the celebrations. Then on Sunday, we packed up the kiddos and headed to Aitkin for Dan's nephew's Graduation party...

Here are some pics of the weekend....

Mr. and Mrs. Pederson

The beautiful cake Lisa made...

Sam made it through the wedding but once

he had to slow down...good night.

Pauline with Tessa

The Pederson kiddos enjoying themselves...

The grandkids on the John side.

The John kids...Steve, Carol, Karen, Bob and Dan

We are still in recovery mode....

Murder Mystery - Honky Tonk Homicide

2010-06-01T11:20:00.005-05:00

A nasty murder investigation sure can disrupt Karaoke Night, especially when everyone in town is a suspect! It's last call for Bubba Angus, owner of Bubba's Bar. Late tonight, he was found dead in his office - shot and killed with a .22 caliber pistol. Bubba was the town snake, but who did he bite with enough venom to trigger his murder? Sissy Wesson - town Sheriff? Carney Folk - carnival worker who was just passing through town? Rowdy Lawless - bad boy with short temper and love of his bike? Dusty Diamond - Host of Karaoke Night at Bubba's with big dreams of Country Western Stardom? Rev. Jim Bob Eternity - town's beloved TV evangelist? Mary Kay Eternity - preacher's wife, struggling for her own identity? Twyla Fleetwood - Cactus Court Trailer Park owner and designer of her own nuclear holocaust bunker? OR Crystalline Daniels - the young, beautiful and promiscuous barmaid? All had motive and opportunity - only time will tell!!!

Here are all the suspects:

Here are the Bad Boys of Cactus, Texas:

Rowdy, Reverend Jim Bob, Carney, and Dusty

Here are the Bold and Beautiful Women of Cactus:

Sheriff Sissy, Twyla, Mary Kay and Crystalline

with me (the hostess) in front

It was a night of suspense, laughter and fun with friends! And, we are not telling who the murderer is - in case you too would like to find out "Who shot Bubba Angus?"

Friday Funnies

2010-05-28T09:22:00.001-05:00

So the other night we are watching a show on Animal Planet - I think it was "Blue Earth," but not sure. The narrator is talking about Australian Squid and what makes them different from other squid. He says something like, "These squid only grow up to about a foot long." D turned to Dan and said, "Just like a Five-Dollar Footlong!" I guess that gives him something to compare it to since he's eaten a full footlong several times now.

Yesterday, K was being so sweet with T. T was laying on the floor and K came and sat by her with a Dora picture book and was "reading" it to her. Then she got her a pillow and blanket and kept saying, "Nap Time....Nap Time." Of course, she was covering her completely up with the blanket - face and all. She was very careful with her...the funniest part was T had just gotten up from her morning nap, but she thought she should take another one....

Jannessa's Bridal Shower

2010-05-18T09:22:00.008-05:00

May 16, 2010 - Anna and I had the honor to throw a bridal shower for a BFF's future daughter-in-law. We had lots of fun planning the shower, making decorations, shopping for everything, preparing food and throwing the shower.

Here are the decorations - we had fun one

afternoon working together. Lisa was only

allowed to help with these and the cake...

she is the Mother of the Groom after all!

The beautiful cake Lisa made - YUMMY!

The food....

And one of the games, you try to pick a winner!

The beautiful models in their beautiful dresses -

only 10 minutes to create.

Now, for the last minute wedding details and preparing for the groom's dinner!

Mitchell and Christina's Wedding

2010-05-18T09:16:00.003-05:00

May 15th, 2010 - It was a "great day for a......white wedding." The weather was perfect and the wedding at Historic Fort Snelling. So beautiful! We were so honored to be a part of the day. We pray the rest of you marriage will be just as beautiful!

The Happy Couple!

Carol and the boys!

Little T's Lastest Accomplishments

2010-05-11T23:26:00.006-05:00

My little girl is getting so big - I can't believe how much she has changed and how big she is getting. She looks so much like D when he was little but has C's coloring I see him in her as well. Last Saturday she turned FOUR months old - where does time go??? I went to get her from her nap and she had rolled over - I went to pick her up and she saw me coming and gave me the biggest grin. What a Dolly!!!

I started feeding her cereal on Monday, as you can see she wasn't quite sure if she liked it or not. She kind of has the look, like, what is this stuff you are putting in my mouth?

But the more that she had the more that she got used to it...she cleaned everything up that I had in the bowl....
And by the end she even seemed to be enjoying the cereal.
Today, she ate her cereal right up without any hesitation! That's my girl!!!!

Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-10T12:44:00.010-05:00

For Mother's Day this year we went to the Kelley Farm in Anoka. They were having a special where mother's got in free and were also highlighting "Animal Babies." While the kids had a great time running around and seeing the animals, I was disappointed that there weren't more "babies" to be seen. They had a total of 5 lambs and 1 calf. Plus, I was thinking since they were highlighting this as a big weekend they would have more activities, or at least staff that would be available to talk about what a day would be like. Maybe I was thinking it would at the very least have a little structure to it. I was disappointed. Here are pics of the kiddos having fun though:

Big cow - she loved it!

Horsey...

A lamb - they thought it was fun that this lamb

kept escaping from its pen to "play" with them.

A two day old calf....

Pumping water at the well...they could have

stayed here a long time....

And we ended with a trolley ride along the

Mississippi River with Tom and Jerry.

Here they are....

2010-05-03T16:40:00.003-05:00

Here are the pictures of Dan's shark...thanks for the copies Bob!

First shark...

Second Shark...

If you know me and how much I love fish, you will know how excited I am to have them in my freezer. For those of you who don't know me....I am allergic to certain types of fish/seafood and therefore stay away from all of it!

I am glad that he had the chance to do that though and had fun hanging out with his family!

Updates on the Family....

2010-04-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

We have a very busy summer ahead of us already! Most of our weekends are booked with two, three and four things to do...choosing is going to be hard and we will try to get everything in that we have planned but hopefully we can find some time to relax and enjoy it as well. Here are the updates and current pics.......

Dan just got back from a shark fishing trip with his family - still waiting on pictures (will post when I get them). He caught two sharks - not the dangerous kind :) And is now looking forward to his new job - see previous post.

D is finishing up Kindergarten...if I could get him to do more than the minimum we could finish up early but it is like pulling teeth most days. He knows what he needs to do and can do it quickly but gets "bored" with it. He is already using the "bored" word - anything but art is boring to him - he already went through over one ream of paper for drawing in less than six months.

It is great to see them get along with each other (for the most part!).

C is loving playing with the Dragon toys and being Batman. He is very into SuperHeros (along with his brother) - that is one thing that I didn't expect to have to know when becoming a Mom - all the SuperHeros! Everyone plays a role... He loves his little sisters and is very protective of them. Super Brother!!!

K is amazing me everyday with the things that she is learning. She can recognize a lot of the letters and can count (with some help) past 15. Now if she could figure out that everything isn't yellow we would be good. ~JK~ She is a girlie, tomboy(if possible) who loves to wear dresses and walk on her tiptoes but also loves dinosaurs and dirt. She graduated from the crib to the big bed - currently in the same room as the boys since her room still needs to be finished.

T is almost four months! She is smiling and cooing - she loves her swing and just watching the rest of them run around. She loves her big brothers and the kisses and hugs she gets from them. It is so fun to watch her interact with K - they will both sit and giggle at each other! Can't wait until they are best of friends...

Here are a couple of family pics from a recent trip to Munsinger Gardens....

And that is the update on our family - we would love to hear from you for an update on yours!

Hurray!!!!

2010-04-30T08:27:00.002-05:00

We have some good news to share - Dan got a different job!!! We are so excited, he will start on Monday. What does this mean?

We will have a steady income once again and it won't be from unemployment (even though he was still "employed" because he was not getting any hours he could apply for unemployment - but that would have been up on the 9th).
We will have Daddy home every day and every weekend (after some possible training).
We may have to get used to him working overnights - huge adjustment for keeping the kids quiet during the day!
But it will mean that he will have 3 and 4 day weekends!
The benefits are much better too...

It will take some time to get used to this new schedule but it will be a change for the better!

K's first haircut!

2010-03-27T16:29:00.006-05:00

Here are pics of K getting her first haircut! Auntie Jamie works at a salon so we always make sure to go and get their first haircuts done in the salon chair. She always does such a great job.

Just a little all-over trim and some bangs...

So pretty!

Wisconsin Dells Fun

2010-03-27T14:54:00.008-05:00

Sometimes I think that I never want to go on vacation - because I usually need a vacation from my vacation. And, while I still feel like I need that restful time after the vacation, we had so much fun going to Wisconsin Dells. I invited some friends of ours to join us in going because that way the kids would have someone to play with - and so would the BIG kids. I am so glad that the Pedersons could join us...we had so much fun.

We arrived Sunday - at the townhouse at Christmas Mountain in Wisconsin Dells - too late to do anything except unpack and order pizza - then try to get the too excited kiddos to bed - not going to happen but at least we could sleep in. Here are pictures of the kids and my big kid playing in the pool at the resort.

Daddy and K going down the big slide.

C going down the froggy slide all by himself.

D playing in the water as always.

K had lots of fun but also got a little banged up...she was running from Daddy when she tripped and landed on her nose - poor girl. That and almost drowning a couple of times and she was done with the water.

We also did some cookie decorating, went to Mt. Olympus, played at the playground, kite flying with Daddies, and hanging at the townhouse. I will post some more pics later...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T18:30:00.003-05:00

I was looking for some green to put on my kiddos for SPD...we found shirts and socks, but of course that wasn't good enough because they needed the whole leprechaun outfit. Jeans just weren't good enough, but I finally convinced them that leprechauns can wear jeans. Then I was going to put green hairspray in but they were mad because leprechauns had orange hair...I told them I was only doing green...they didn't want it so we went without.

I dropped them off at my friend Lisa's so I could take T to her two month checkup (Yes, I am a little behind in that). I drop them off and they proceed to tell Lisa that they are Captain Leprechaun from the planet Lepro, which is in the darkest black hole farther than the planet Germathon (which can hold a 100 germ guys since they are so small). At least that is what they were talking about on the way down...the story might have changed for Lisa. This is what he told Lisa...

Leprechaun Man from planet Lepro is visiting me. Planet Lepro is from way inside the deepest black hole, right above plant Germathon, where the germites have 4 arms.

They are continuing this play here at home...I know Saturday they were playing leprechauns with my sister while we were gone...they were finding the pot of gold under the rainbow. We could use a pot of gold right at the moment, but I guess we will survive.

K plays Mommie

2010-03-16T22:31:00.002-05:00

K and I went for a walk to get the mail...on our way back through the house she saw a baby doll that was not yet unpacked so we had to bring it into the house. She marched right over to where we keep the diapers and grabbed one, asking me to help her put it on the baby. We put it on the baby and then she put her hands up like she was missing something. I asked her what she was looking for and she said powder. We found the container of powder and she spent about 15 minutes pretending to put powder on the baby's bottom. Then of course she had to proceed to burp her because she has helped me burp T. I was waiting for her to try to feed her but that didn't happen - LOL. She did need her to be wrapped in a blanket and put her down for a nap because T was sleeping too. Again, I need to get pictures and add them to this...if you don't find it funny - well, I guess you had to be there then.

Scary!

2010-03-10T20:27:00.006-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, my dad started having problems with his eyes...just thought they were dry. When they weren't getting any better he went to a doctor, then to a specialist. They told him that he had a viral infection in his eyes...they thought it was shingles coming out in his eyes. I guess shingles can manifest themselves anywhere. He said it felt like sand paper. His vision is very cloudy - he cannot read, watch TV or drive. He tries to watch tv and says if he focuses on something then it isn't so bad but if he looks at something else or looks away and looks back it is all cloudy again.

To make a long story short he has been going in every couple days to get shots in his eyes, taking medication, and doing eyedrops. Finally today there has been some progress. The doctors say that they are clearing up, the pus spots have turned from milky white to dull grey. Still doesn't sound pleasant. He will go back on Friday and hopefully get some more good news. When the infection is all cleared up they will check to see if any damage is done and if there is he will need laser surgery. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Please pray for him...I can't imagine not being able to see clearly enough to do anything. Pray that there is no damage as well. Thank you!

Here he is with my girls - K loves

her Grandpa!

Update: Dad went to the doctor again and they said it was clearing up. He can tell a difference too...he is able to see a little better. Another shot it each eye and he goes back to the doc on Wednesday. Thanks for your prayers...keep on praying.

Latest Update: His eyes are continuing to get better...more shots (Ugh!)...next appointment is Monday...

Updates...

2010-03-09T12:41:00.004-06:00

We have been busy lately...Dan has been home - he still has a job, but just nothing to do. It has been nice having him around. We are still trying to get the house unpacked and settled. We just picked up some bunk beds and so I am trying to get the boys' room painted. The "sky" is mostly done but we ran out of paint. I need to work on the "dirt" that was wanted. Once we get that painted we can set up the beds and I will slowly work on the requests for dinosaurs, sun, worms and lava.

In a couple of weeks we are looking forward to a small vacation at Wisconsin Dells. We will be going with some good friends and so the kids will have playmates as well. We leave on Sunday and come back on Friday. Dan has to leave on Wednesday though to get sent on a job...go figure, we plan a vacation and he finally gets some work! He will be home in time for Easter.

We are a little concerned about my Dad lately too. He has a viral infection in his eyes. He is on drops and medication but it does not seem to be helping. They are too cloudy for the doctor to see if there is any damage to his eyes. He cannot see to read or even watch TV - definitely can't drive. If there is damage to the eyes they may have to do laser surgery to correct them. Prayerfully, they will clear up and there will be no damage - AND my dad will regain his normal vision!

The kiddos are doing great...T and D must be in growth spurts because both of them are eating non-stop. K is following behind the boys like normal, trying to do whatever they do and climbing on everything. C keeps us entertained like always. I love my kiddos - they are awesome (most of the time, frustrating once in the while). They are normal kiddos - Right?

Kid's bathroom all painted...

2010-03-03T10:38:00.003-06:00

I finally finished painting the kid's bathroom. Below are pictures...the boys decided on a safari theme. My colors are much brighter than the shower curtain and other accouterments (sp?) that came with it but I like the brighter colors.

Next comes their bedroom...they want dinosaurs, volcanos, lava, and worms on their bedroom walls. Should probably work on that soon since we are getting their bunkbeds this weekend.

My Boys are Bilingual...

2010-02-28T14:44:00.002-06:00

With cartoons like Dora, Diego, and Kailan how can your kids not be somewhat biligual right? Well, D has been making up words and then saying, "That is my spanish for ________ (whatever he is talking about at the time)." So, I have gotten used to him making up words. Well, the other day, C was talking and he made up a word - I asked him what that meant, and he said, "That is my way of talking Chinese."

Now because of the cartoons, yes, they do know a few words in each of the languages. They have just expanded on their knowledge to make words of their own in the different "languages."

Homeschooling...

2010-02-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

C finished his preschool book...he refused to stop at only a couple of pages per day...he would do as many as 15 in one day. He loves it so much that he doesn't stop. I have a drill book for him to do and another book from Walmart for preschool that I will have him do for the rest of this year but what do I do to keep him busy next year. He technically is not in Kindergarten so maybe I can just do the Walmart Kindergarten book with him and then do the actual Kindergarten books the following year. Crazy!

D on the other hand, I struggle every day to get him to do anything that he doesn't want to do. He will whine and complain about everything except Art. Now he is interested in Science so it makes it easier. I bribe him with the Arts and Sciences if he does the other subjects. I guess he is excited about his phonics since he is actually reading sentences and stories. It is the other stuff that is so "boring." I told him he is going to have a hard time in school if he thinks that way now!

Yesterday we went on a Field Trip to Cabela's - he thought that was lots of fun since that is his favorite store. And, he is looking forward to tomorrow though...we are doing some experiments with the five senses. Should be fun...I am sure that C will even get into it. Hopefully K and T will cooperate!

It finally happened!

2010-02-19T17:44:00.004-06:00

D has been waiting so long for this...his friends have been losing their teeth and he asked one day why his haven't fallen out yet. Well today it finally happened...I was on my way to my Aunt's funeral when I got the phone call from Dan saying that D fell (he was swinging - one hand on a table and the other on a chair) when he fell vertical and smacked his face on the floor losing his tooth. Dan made a call the the Dentist to see if he could get him in today - he thought maybe part of the tooth was still in there but it turned out to be his new tooth he saw poking through. The only time that he could get him in was at 12:3o - so that meant I had to leave the funeral early and get home because I had the car with the seats in and he didn't want to take C and K with. The dentist said that everything looked okay and that the tooth was about ready to come out anyway (beats the string tied to the door handle trick) along with the other top one.

As you can kind of see in the picture he also smucked his bottom lip up too. He doesn't care about that, he is excited to be able to put his tooth under his pillow tonight to see what he gets. Another milestone in the life of my oldest!

Belated Valentine Pictures...

2010-02-19T17:35:00.007-06:00

or you could say Halloween pictures. K found her costume from last Halloween...it was too big for her then but fits better now. She sees her big brothers putting on their dress up clothes and so she has been wanting to do the same. It fits for Valentine's day though...my little love bug!

This is actually the outfit that I had picked out for T to come home from the hospital...a couple of weeks later it fits her, sort of. It fits for Valentine's Day too.

So Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

It has been awhile...again...

2010-02-19T16:41:00.006-06:00

but not as long in between. Now I have some pictures to show again...

Here is T in the swing. We had to pull it out because there was no place to put her that was safe for her. Not that this is real safe but they kind of forget she is in there until she wakes up and starts crying.

Here is a beautiful quilt that Dan's Aunt Marge made for T. She has made each of the kiddos a beautiful blanket. I think that this one is my favorite. I love the purple and whites...you can't really see the details but the white squares are almost a really light purple with pink, yellow and purple flowers. It is the perfect size to fit in the crib. Thank you Auntie Marge.

Sunshine and Melting Snow

2010-02-16T16:58:00.003-06:00

Hurray! The snow is melting and the sun is shining... Hopefully this means that Spring is just around the corner. I am tired of the snow and clouds. At least the sun being out today gives hope...hope for warmer weather, hope for no more snow, and hope that wet, smelly clothes are done with. Well, I guess I have to wait until the snow and rain are gone for the last one, but I won't have to bundle the kiddos up so much once the warm weather comes. K loves it outside with the boys, it will be nice just to send her out and not have to worry about her face planting in the snow. Now I just need to find/get puddle boots!

Falling Asleep Anyplace....

2010-02-16T16:44:00.004-06:00

These two can sleep anywhere, but I guess that could be the case for any kid who is very tired. K fell asleep while eating lunch and C took a nap in the corner under the chair in the living room. I was looking for him and could not find him...finally D showed me where he was. I knew he was tired but usually he just keeps busy so he doesn't fall asleep. It was a nice couple of days with the naps.

Super Heros Living At My House

2010-02-11T09:29:00.004-06:00

My boys have been into Super Heros lately...C has a Batman costume from Halloween that he now wears everyday and where ever I let him go to in it. They are into the Fantastic Four and I hear "Flame on" all day long. K has even gotten into the mix with singing "NaNa NaNaNa Na Ba'Ma'." It is too cute. She even loves putting on the head piece and cape...I'll have to get a picture except the batteries are dead in my camera right at the moment.

The only problem is sometimes D decides to be a bad man and C will go after him. C usually wins and K tries to get in on the battles too. It wouldn't be so bad except the other day I had a dream that C broke his arm and I had to take all four to the ER because Dan was gone. Now I am the Mom that keeps telling them to be careful and stop wrestling. Not a fun way to spend the day.

NaNa NaNaNa Na - Ba'Ma'

Snow, Snow, and More Snow

2010-02-08T19:28:00.002-06:00

I know I live in Minnesota but I am tired of the snow already. I don't mind snow but I am ready for Spring. If March is supposed to be our biggest snow month ever, then I am not looking forward to it. Supper tonight was Chili and it was a very fitting supper for a night like tonight. I think that I need to plan a getaway for March...Wisconsin Dells is looking good for the kiddos.

T's First Doctor Appt

2010-02-03T17:25:00.003-06:00

T had her first doctor appointment today. She gained a whole pound in just 10 days. I knew that she was gaining weight but didn't think it was that much. She definitely looks bigger to me. She is now up to 5 pounds 15 ounces and is 18.25 inches long. Which also means that she grew an inch since she was born. Though if you look at her percentiles she is in the 1 % for weight and the 0.1% for height. It is a good thing that they adjust them for her gestational age, then she is in the 10% for weight and the 25% for height. I like those measurements better.

C had to come with me to the doctor appointment. I originally told him he needed to stay home but he started crying and said he wanted to go with T. He is so protective of her and so gentle with her. He still to some degree is like that with K - when he isn't falling down in front of her to "stop her from going." Then we went grocery shopping and of course spent way too much...

T's First Professional Pictures

2010-02-01T20:21:00.012-06:00

Once a month, the NICU along with March of Dimes sponsors a photo shoot with all of the babies in the NICU - if the parents sign up for it. A photographer from Dropp's Unique Photography volunteers their time to come in and take pictures of the babies along with their families. (Because of the flu and RSV season, they were not allowing anyone under 17 into the NICU - even siblings). They spent about 15 minutes with each family and gave each family a disc with all of the pictures that were taken. They do a wonderful job and are very careful and considerate of all of the babies and their families. We appreciate them giving of their time and talent to help us remember our little ones and how small and fragile they started out. THANK YOU to Dropps Photography!!!!

Here are some of the awesome pictures....

Off in wonderland...

Blowing kisses...

T's feet in Dan and my hands.

T's fingers with my finger.

T's hand with Daddy's hand.

Daddy's Little Girl...

Dan's Surprise!

2010-02-01T20:02:00.003-06:00

Dan surprised us all by coming home on Friday night - actually early morning on Saturday. I would have posted that sooner but our Sprint wireless is not working very well...it is hit or miss. Supposedly we live right next to a tower but we have never really had great service. The one guy told Dan today that we live too close to the tower - like that would make a difference. Now, they are saying that we have faulty equipment and need to exchange it...however we can't do that at the place that we bought it from and it could take up to six months if we send them back to get new equipment. Anyway, I will post more on that depending upon the outcome of what happens.

Now, back to Dan's surprise...I actually knew he was coming home that evening but I kept it from the kiddos to surprise them. They were very surprised because we were just talking about how it was going to be a while yet before he came home. D came into the bedroom to ask me what his surprise was and when Dan said, "Good Morning." I thought I was going to have to pick up his jaw off of the floor. When K woke up I sent her out and she gave Daddy the longest hug ever. C takes a little longer to wake up but he came right away and crawled up on his lap and sat for the longest time.

It is good to have him home and it was even better since Saturday morning I was not feeling very well at all...lets just say both ends were busy. It is great to all finally be home together though it has been almost four weeks since all of us were here together and now Baby T is added to the mix. She is such a good baby...eats, change diaper, goes back to sleep until next time I eat. K still sits and giggles at her - blowing kisses and waving Hi to her. C still says she is so cute and loves to hold her. D will pay attention to her once in the while but usually in his own little world.

Thursday Thirteen - Counting my Blessings

2010-01-28T15:23:00.002-06:00

It has been awhile since I posted something like this...don't know if they are still doing this around bloggy world or not but thought I should remind myself of my blessings...

Thirteen things I am thankful for right now...

1. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and whom I love.

2. I have four beautiful, healthy children.

3. All my children are finally home and we are able to be together.

4. Still waiting on my husband to get home but at least he is out working and we are able to pay our bills.

5. I have a great house that we own - no payments.

6. I have a wonderful family who has helped take care of me these last few weeks and who have proven to me that I can count on them when help is needed.

7. I have wonderful friends who I know that I can count on as well.

8. Even though it is freezing outside it is toasty warm inside.

9. My blood pressure is back under control and my incision is healing just fine.

10. My daughter is gaining weight and is healthy.

11. I am extremely thankful for all of the doctors and nurses that have taken care of my daughter in the NICU...many of them were the same ones that my sons had when they were there.

12. God has provided for all our needs and continues to do so...

13. My God answers prayers above and beyond what we ask and He has shown His faithfulness and that He cares for us.

Baby T on her way HOME!

2010-01-25T19:49:00.007-06:00

Updates from this weekend....

Jan 23rd: I got great news when I came in today...The doctor ordered them not to gavauge (again - don't know the spelling) T and see if she could tolerate all her feedings by mouth for 24 hours. If she could then she could go home. WOOHOO! I didn't tell because I wanted to surprise the kiddos. So, she was doing all 8 feedings by mouth and she had gained 46 grams (2 ounces).

Jan 24th: She gained a whopping 96 grams (over 3 ounces) last night at weigh-in. She is taking all her feedings by mouth and she is ready to go home.... The doctor knew I was anxious to get going so he did her discharge exam before rounds and we where on our way!!! She weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces when she was born dropped down to 4 lbs 3 ozs and now leaving the hospital weighed 4 pounds just over 15 ounces.

I went to Mom and Dad's to pick up the kids (they were there for the weekend)...Mom opened the door for me but went back in to finish up some stuff in the kitchen. I walked in with baby T and said I had a surprise. Everyone ran to see - they were very surprised because last I had mentioned she wouldn't be home until tuesday which is what I was originally expecting.

The other kiddos were so excited to see her...they only saw her in pictures and for two minutes through the window of the NICU. Here are some precious pics....
D was all smiles when he saw her...so gentle and wanting to be so helpful. He is definitely a proud big brother. He kept saying that he loves his little sister....

C was so excited too....he kept saying, "She's so cute!" Which is what he said about K and he is very careful to take care of her. Hopefully that will carry over to his new little sis. I think from the picture you can see that it will.
K seems to love her little sister now...we shall see how long that will last :) She keeps pointing to T and giggling. So cute! She loves to point out her eyes, ears, mouth and nose but has to be watched very closely. She is Grandpa's girl but didn't get jealous when he held T...she just went off to play with other things and when Grandpa's lap was empty she went to sit. She loves T's passy and tries to steal it...I will have to watch this one carefully - not that she would mean harm but it might just find her.

Here are all the kiddos...what a good looking family if I have to say so myself :) It will be interesting to see what kind of personality Ms T will have...the others have such different personalities. Only time will tell.

Oh, well...I am just glad that we are all home here together again. That was getting a little wearing on all of us. I appreciate all the help from my family and friends during this time when T was in the hospital. I never could have done it without all of you - I knew that my older three were being well taken care of and I didn't have to worry about them...I could concentrate on T and getting her home. Now we are just waiting for Daddy to get home and we will all be together again....One Big Happy Family!

New Baby T Update...

2010-01-22T23:21:00.000-06:00

Here are some more updates on Baby T...

Jan 19th: She was up to 4 feedings by mouth per day....the rest was gavauge (not sure of spelling). She was up 80 grams or just over two ounces last night when weighed.

Jan 20th: Still only on 4 mouth feedings per day - she still gets very tired and gets worn out very easily. Though she is eating more than what is "allotted" for her. She is supposed to be eating 43 grams but she has been eating 60 grams. She gained 10 grams last night.

Jan 21st: She is up to 5 feedings (when she is up to all 8 by mouth for 24 hours she can go home). She gained another 10 grams - not much gained but at least she is not loosing! They were going to try to the carseat test today but the seat that we used for K did not work for T because she is so much smaller. The shoulder straps did not fit right so it was postponed until I could get a different seat...

Jan 22nd: She is on 6 feedings by mouth...getting closer! She was down 53 grams...her first loss since she started gaining weight. Doctors said that was more typical though because she is working harder eating than she would just being fed by tube. AND, she passed her carseat test today!! Hurray! Another step closer to going home...now we just have to be eating all feedings by mouth and gaining weight.....SOON.....Here she is during her carseat test. She had to be able to sit there for at least a half hour without any "spells." She didn't have any problems but I didn't think she would because she hasn't had any problems normally...

Another Update on Baby T

2010-01-18T23:31:00.003-06:00

Here is Baby T all comfy, cozy in her isolette. As of Friday the 15th the top is off and she is regulating her own body temperature at room temp. She is still hooked up to the monitors but really has no need for them - that is just protocol.

On Saturday the 16th, she is up to her full feeding level of 42 ml per feeding and they are now starting to fortify it so that she is getting extra help to grow. She gained a half an ounce and so her weight is 4 pounds 5.2 ounces.

The nurses do weights at midnight each night. On Sunday the 17th at midnight, she gained 3 ounces!!! That is huge. The doctors said not to get our hopes up too high that she will continue to gain like that though - more than likely they said she may lose some of that again. She had a big day today...Daddy fed her her first bottle - she took some swallows but then got startled and would not take any more - total of 4 ml by bottle today. She had her first professional pictures taken - the NICU has professional photographers come in and volunteer their time to take pics of all of the babies and their families (unfortunately with RSV and flu season they do not allow siblings under 17 into the NICU). Later on this week we will receive a disk with all of the pictures on that they took. I will definitely be posting those when I get them. She also passed her hearing test as well and did two BF's. Whew! That is a lot for such a little girl.

Monday the 18th does not slow her down...she must know how much Mommy wants her to be home so that we can all be a family... Today, she gained a little over half an ounce so she is back up to her birth weight. She was also measured during the night, her head has gained a cm and she is now up to 17.52 inches - up from 17.25. Mom went to one of the workshops that they provide for NICU parents and she made a bracelet with T's name on it...I might have to take that up - it was kinda fun, besides now I need one for each of the other kiddos. She took her first full bottle this morning at the 3:30 feeding and also did 2 BF's. Hopefully she was awake enough at 9:30 for the nurse to try another bottle. (I picked up the other kiddos and brought them to my sisters not being able to make it back in time to BF).
Isn't she beautiful! It is so nice to be able to count on my family to help me with the other kiddos because I don't know what else I would do with them. I think that the kiddos are getting kind of tired of not being home though. I think this is taking it's toll and hopefully if T keeps up in gaining and feeding we will be home very shortly. I can't wait to have all of us just be home. Of course that will have to wait to be completely true until Dan gets back from this job in Canada. It was either go on this job or not have ANYTHING for awhile (who knows how long!) so in order to pay the bills he had to go! I am sure it is harder on him being gone but we will survive until he gets home.....

Update on Baby T

2010-01-15T11:40:00.003-06:00

The kiddos are not allowed in NICU so they have only seen her through the window for about three minutes. D made her a picture of "Our Family" so she would know who they all are. We hung it on her little crib for her. Can you tell who is K by the whale spout on her head? :)Baby T is doing great - she had maintained her body temp enough to be put at room temperature today. Which means they will pop the top on her crib. She had a hard time maintaining her temp after her first bath but did great after her second bath. She is up to 42 ml per feeding which is her "goal" feeding and so this morning they started adding fortifier to it to help give her more calories and grow more. Last night she gained a whole ounce back and so she is back up to 4 pounds 4.5 ounces and hopefully tonight will gain some more (they weigh them at midnight).

Once she has gained some more weight and strength we will have her start eating from bottles. Then once she tolerates all her feedings either nursing or bottles and she is gaining weight she can come HOME!!!! I was hoping this would happen before Dan left for Canada but I don't foresee that happening. Shouldn't be too long though. I am excited to have her home!

Tessa Lorraine John

2010-01-15T10:48:00.008-06:00

I haven't blogged for awhile - been in the hospital for a week. My blood pressure had spiked when I went in for my doctor's appointment on the 6th. They shipped me over to a bigger hospital close by. The doctors said that the baby was great and everything else was fine except my blood pressure - which they were managing. They were going to try to keep me in the hospital until I reached 36 weeks (I was at 34 weeks 3 days) unless some other complications developed or the baby was being harmed. I did not look forward to laying in the hospital for that long when I had other kiddos at home to watch. Actually, my sisters took care of where the others were so I did not have to worry about them - other then them not being with me.

On friday, a different doctor came in and said that there was a little higher than normal protein levels. He said he would like to do the c-section that day when both baby and I were "close" to healthy rather than wait to have more complications for both of us. I agreed because I was already going stir crazy! This was at about 8 am. I called Dan and asked if he would like to have a baby today - it was deja vu of when we had D. He hurried in...

I knew we were having a little girl but Dan didn't want to find out. I was so careful to make sure that he didn't find out - not even telling some very close friends for fear they would slip - making them not so happy with me:). We did good up until about 45 minutes before she was born - the doctor is the one who slipped up though - not realizing that he did. He was just reassuring Dan that girls are more developed at this gestational age then boys are and so we should not have anything to worry about.

At 10:42 our littlest baby girl was born. She came out crying! A relief for mommy when she is so small. She was four pounds eight ounces, 17.25 inches long and lots of blondish hair. She was the smallest of all my children... I sent Daddy with her to NICU while the doc finished up and anxiously awaited to hear his report. She was doing great - no problems with her breathing or heart at all. She was hooked up to monitors but that was just because it was NICU protocol not really because she needed to be monitored. She lost a little weight - which all babies do and is considered to be a "Feed and Grow" by the nurses, because that is all they need to do - feed her until she grows a little stronger and bigger.

Below is a picture of her with my Mom - whom she is named after. Too bad she wasn't actually born on the 11th because that is my Mom's birthday too. I don't think that I could have laid in that hospital bed that long just waiting for her to be born though.

My blood pressure stabilized and I left the hospital on the 13th anticipating the day when the whole family would be together...

Snow pictures

2010-01-04T11:03:00.010-06:00

I finally got a bunch of my pictures downloaded so I could post them. This is one of the first big snowfalls we had. K loves it outside and gets very upset if we have our coat on and she can't come with. She got new boots and the first couple times she wore them she kept tripping and falling because she was watching her boots and not where she was going...

I love the contrast of the pink against the snow...

Group Shots....Daddy was trying to help...

I love the contrast of D's jacket and the white of the snow...

C was all tuckered out afterwards but very deep in thought yet.

Pictures from the Water Park

2010-01-03T13:12:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures from the Water park on C's birthday. As you can see the lazy river was a big hit for the little two. D spent as much time as he could in the Cub Tub - little kids hot tub - he likes floating on his back in there.

Sorry, the pictures are not very clear because they were taken with my phone...the camera was forgotten at home and the hotel didn't have any disposable cameras. They did have fun though...

Pictures of the Sleigh Ride

2010-01-03T12:38:00.005-06:00

Here are we all are - ready for the sleigh ride - covered in blankets to stay nice and cozy. The weather wasn't actually too bad. The big wet snowflakes were kind of fun although C didn't really think so. K loved the horses but couldn't see them from where we were sitting so she had a few fussy spells but overall did great. D was worried about the wolves coming out of the woods to get him.Here we go...it was about a half hour ride. The horses really did work hard pulling us through the fresh snow. They deserved extra hay that night....

Well, I guess I survived another one...

2010-01-02T19:08:00.007-06:00

Not that I know where my blood pressure is but I survived another Christmas season. It was way too hectic and things will be done differently next year but I guess you are always learning. New Year's Eve was fun - I hosted a Murder Mystery Party called "The Good, The Bad and The Guilty." It was lots of fun - especially because everyone got into dressing up to their part even though I didn't get their information to them way late. Here is a group "shot" of the motley but interesting crew....

Yesterday was the boys' birthday party along with my nephew's. It was a great time - they had lots of fun playing with their cousins...Here are a couple of pictures of their day...

K loved the cake too - at least the frosting...

I just downloaded pics of Christmas so I will have to post some of them later. I forgot the camera on Christmas Day and at the hotel for C's actual birthday...but I guess that keeps it even for forgetting the camera on D's birthday. I do have a few pics on my phone of water park so I will have to get them too. And, hopefully Uncle Bob with email me some from the sleigh ride....More postings to come...

This used to be my favorite holiday...used to be...

2009-12-23T17:55:00.005-06:00

Now, I think that I would rather just stay in bed all day with my kiddos and they can bring all their toys and play in there. Much more comfortable, peaceful, and less stressful.

The peaceful has been replaced with stressful, the comfortable has been replaced with running around trying to make everyone happy and the joy of giving has been replaced by having to buy the perfect gift. Well, I refuse to find the perfect gift so if you don't like what you get this year - give it to someone else next year!

I no longer find joy in shopping for others because people at the stores are pushy and downright rude. There is no longer any time for relaxation and enjoyment of the day spent with family because there is rushing from one place to the other. There is no longer time to sleep in and just wait until the kiddos wake up to find "Santa" has come. And, who knows what the traveling will be like with the 11 to 20 inches of snow that they are predicting....

Oh, and did I forget to mention that between my pregnancy and my kiddos being sick all week that I haven't had much sleep. I guess that really doesn't help the mood either...still doesn't hide the fact that I am not looking forward to Christmas this year!

The one positive thing that is going to happen this year is that we will get to go to Christmas Eve service and be able to enjoy that short time of the true meaning of Christmas...maybe that will help my attitude to change for Christmas Day...

Wishing you a less stressful, more peaceful Christmas!!!

Stressed...

2009-12-16T16:49:00.005-06:00

Why do my kids think that they don't have to listen??? I think that I need to change the way I am doing things because nothing - not even the time of year - is helping! Maybe they sense that I am way too tired to do any follow up or disciplining. It is kind of stressful for me around this time of year...even if they were listening and it doesn't help that I am seven and a half months pregnant with no energy. I am waiting for the nesting period because my house needs a good cleaning - after it is organized and put away. We have no Christmas decorations out - much to the boys chagrin, except the little tree that my sister graciously brought over.

Somewhere around there they managed to kill the DirecTv...which makes things worse around here - I could at least turn that on and get a MOMENT of peace but can't even use that today. The only thing that works is that it shows that it is recording something constantly. Don't ask - I have no clue what they did.

Here is my schedule until after the first of the year - now mind you that my house is still not put together....tomorrow I work, Friday or Saturday Dan will finally come home, his brother is coming up from GA for the week, Sunday is D's birthday, Monday is our wedding anniversary, Tuesday I work, Wednesday I have an ultrasound and dr appt., Thursday is Christmas eve, Friday is Christmas, Saturday is C's birthday, New Year's Eve we are doing a Murder Mystery Party with friends, and New Year's Day we are having family over for the boys' birthdays. Christmas day is usually spent on my side but Dan's family wanted to have it on Christmas Day because Bob and the boys were up. That means we would split the day and it makes it more stressful. I really love time with family and friends - I just don't have the energy this year.

Gotta go - need to yell at my kiddos again!!!!!!

Most of the Painting done!

2009-12-14T20:26:00.003-06:00

Yeah! Most of my house is now painted...no more white. I love it - though the blue in my laundry room is a little brighter than I like but I think I will get used to it...The room has no windows so I wanted something that was a little brighter. The only ones left are the kid's (main) bathroom, boys bedroom and K's/baby's bedroom. I am doing murals on these though and so it will take more time - maybe have to wait until after the new year - before baby...hahaha!

I am so not ready for Christmas - though not really in the mood. I went shopping this weekend and got a lot of it done except for my kiddos because they were with. I just don't know what to get anyone anymore and I don't like giving gift certificates. We are going to be so busy from now until probably the end of January that it is just going to get crazy. Hopefully my blood pressure cooperates with this baby.

Dan's brother is coming up on Friday, Sunday is D's birthday, Monday is Dan and my anniversary, Wed is my ultrasound and Doctor appointment, then Christmas eve and Christmas day, then Saturday is C's birthday. We are doing a Murder Mystery party with friends on New Year's Eve and on New Year's Day we are having a birthday party for my two birthday boys along with my nephew whose birthday is on the first. Whew, I think I need a nap just thinking about it. Oh, yeah, my house is still a mess and not ready for company...guess I should go put the kiddos to bed and get busy....even though I would rather hit the hay too....

No rest for the wicked!

Painting

2009-12-01T12:44:00.003-06:00

Yeah! I can finally paint my house and start getting settled in... All of the rooms are primed and there is one coat of paint on three of my bedroom walls. The living room is complete - along with shampooed carpet so one room is completely done! Well, we still have to hang pictures and find the rest of our furniture but it is a start isn't it?

Busy last week...

2009-11-22T12:39:00.004-06:00

We have had quite the busy week. I worked Wed - Fri, so that has consumed most of my day. Leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night then getting the kiddos ready for the next day. I fall in bed exhausted but unable to sleep.

On Tuesday, I noticed that K had what I thought was a spider bite. I squeezed it to see if anything came out and then we soaked it in the tub with her bath. Afterwards I put neosporin and a bandaid on it. The next morning before heading to work I put some more on. When I got to work I noticed that it was bleeding and getting red. By afternoon it was hard, warm and very sore to the touch - poor girl. I took her into the clinic and it was diagnosed as a skin infection. Now, recently I heard of quite a few people with staph infections and so this scared me (dreams about her being seriously ill in the hospital!). She was given antibiotics and I was told to hold warm compresses on it. WOW! what gross looking stuff came out with just the warm compresses - I was amazed! It is much better now - but I am still keeping an eye on it...

Then, I felt horrible yesterday. BAD headcold...I have not felt like that for a long time. I was hoping to get lots of rest last night but that didn't happen. Dan called me at midnight to wake me up to give K her meds (every six hours), then C crawled in bed with me, then K was up about every hour and a half. Finally I put C back in his bed and brought K in with me. I am much better today despite my lack of sleep but I think the rest of us are coming down with colds. Hopefully that is all it is with Thanksgiving coming up.

Creative KidStuff

2009-11-13T15:04:00.006-06:00

Today, I had the opportunity (thanks to my friend Lisa) to check out a new store before it opened up to the public. It was great! We were allowed in an hour before it opened, they had breakfast yummies, a goodie bag and we were allowed to play with some of the toys that they had set up. The store is called Creative Kidstuff (located in The Shops at West End, 1665 West End Blvd, Minneapolis) and that is exactly what they sell. All three of the kiddos loved it and I will have to go back without them and do some Birthday/Christmas shopping.

This new store location allows children to explore, learn and grow while playing with their favorite toys. It has hands-on learning and playing areas along with a huge party room where they have more toys set up for play. I thought the store had very reasonable prices on all of their items. It was all very educational as well as fun to play for them to play with. D loves to crafts and they had lots of art, drawing and craft items. There were lots of fun games and homeschooling/supplemental books and toys for a variety of ages.

My boys loved the kitchen set...they had little chef hats and aprons to go along with a little kitchen and lots of kitchen accessories. They then raced around the rest of the store yelling back at me that they NEED this or that - which was everything. K loved the fact that she was able to get down and run - which is exactly what she did. She was playing in the books, by the kitchen, with the poppers, on a bouncy dog, and much more. I wish I had brought my camera but I will take some pics of them with my purchases...D wanted the chef''s hat (but was later mad because we didn't get the apron, spoon, pans, and all the other kitchen stuff), C wanted a king's crown (he would not pose nice with it so I took a picture of K with it - she loves it too), and I got K a book (she loves books and right now most of them are packed away).

I'm back and we've moved!!!

2009-11-12T17:35:00.003-06:00

Did you think that you would ever hear from me again??? Don't know if anyone has checked up on me since I have been gone, but a lot has changed in my little world.

First of all, I am pregnant with number four! I am 27 weeks along. It was a little surprise but we are very happy. This is by far the best pregnancy...not that I was sick or anything with the others but my bloodpressure is more stable and actually on the low side. The kids are excited - at least D and C. I don't think K has any clue what is coming her way. The kiddos are all getting big on me.

Second, we have started home schooling. D is doing Kindergarten and C is doing preschool. Both are liking it. D gets a little bored with the repetition and C doesn't want to stop half the time so he will finish his book way early, but that is okay because I have picked up some other books for him to work on.

Third, we have moved. We got this big house that needed a little bit of work to get going and will eventually be a great deal...if we can ever get it finished. I wanted to paint before we moved everything in but we are waiting on some drywall stuff to be done before I can do that. So, we are living in it with just the minimum stuff out so that we can move it when they do the drywall and we paint. It is a nice area - too far from my friends - but I am used to driving. I like the fact that there are trees here too. BIG PLUS!

Well, hopefully I will be more faithful in posting...I can't wait to get my faster computer now that I don't have dial-up anymore!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-06-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Vanishing Sculptor Summary and Review

2009-06-23T20:39:00.004-05:00

This book was different than what I expected. I am not a big fan of dragons and five-foot tall parrots but it has a wonderfully unexpected twist. I love the fact that it was an easy read and it kept my interest...hard to put down. It is a great read for anyone! I might just have to go and find the rest of her novels.

Summary

Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly-crafted novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.

In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

Author Bio:

Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

Bad Things Always Happen In Threes??!

2009-06-17T22:00:00.005-05:00

At least that is the old wives tale...however, very true for us this week. We have three older vehicles (at least we don't have a car payment!) and all three needed repairs this week. My Mazda had it's timing belt replaced a month and a half ago but the tensioner (?) was bad and so it was slipping - not good for the engine. Dan tried to fix it but he needed a special tool and so when he put it all back together, it would not even start because the belt was off position. He rented a car dolly and took it in...belts, tensioners, pulleys and labor later it will cost us four days with out that vehicle and around $700 later we will be getting that one back tomorrow.

Dan's tracker would not start when he was at the airport parking lot - his brother went down and hauled it home and he figured out that his ECM (Engine Control Module - or the computer) was down. He looked on line and called some junkyards but that part is very hard to find for his vehicle. He went to a Chevy dealership - they wanted $2400.00 (!!!!) for a brand new one. After he picked his jaw up off of the floor and told them to take a flying leap - that was 2.5 times what he paid for the vehicle - he did some more research online. He can get his rebuilt with a year warrantee for $80 plus shipping but it will be 24 to 48 turn around time. He is going to send it out tomorrow...

And tonight - picking up the loaner car from the garage where the Mazda is getting fixed - I guess Dan was trying to get my attention by honking the horn and flashing the lights on the loaner at me. But driving in the big truck with the mud tires that sounds like a jet taking off and landing you can not hear anything. I pulled up by the garage in the driveway and Dan was muttering under his breath. I asked what was wrong and he asked if I could hear him - "You've driven the truck - can you hear ANYTHING when you are driving?" Here the back rear tire was completely flat! I noticed it pulling a little but would not have thought that the tire was flat. He tried pumping it up again but air was just blowing out of the hole - at least making it very easy to identify where it was leaking... Dan did a quick patch on it and it is keeping air in but I will need to take it into a shop and have them do a better patch job on it. Shouldn't cost too much but with everything else this was just icing on the cake for Dan.

Then I read my emails and Pam my heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of your Father! Life just doesn't seem so bad with a few minor car problems. We need to keep things in perspective...our vehicles will soon be fixed and at just under $1000.00 for all three. Your Father has now met his FATHER! May HE comfort you in your grief and loss!!

Friday Funnies...

2009-06-12T00:14:00.001-05:00

The Husband Store

A store that sells new husbands has opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increase as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men Have Jobs

She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads: Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.

'That's nice,' she thinks, 'but I want more.'So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Extremely Good Looking.

'Wow,' she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads: Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework.

'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!' Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads: Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads: Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opened a New Wives store just across the street.

The first floor sign reads: Wives that love sex.
The second floor sign reads: Wives that love sex and have money and like beer .
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never been visited.

Thursday Thirteen - New Milestones for K

2009-06-11T00:35:00.003-05:00

(In no particular order...)

Waves hello and good-bye and mimics saying "Hi". (I'm trying to get her to do a princess wave for all of the parades this summer but we'll take what she's got.)

Eats all table foods - no baby food for her - not even in a pinch and she usually has seconds. She loves her food just like her mama.

She can drink out of a sippy cup all by herself now. We used to have to hold it for her but she even tips it the right way and can actually drink out of it.

She has four teeth through and still working on at least two more at the moment.

She has been told she looks like Pebbles (just needs the bone) with one whale spout and CindyLou Who with two whale spouts in her hair.

She does an extra long blink when she wants to flirt...mighty darn cute if I do say so myself - her Daddy is in TROUBLE! (Get the guns polished Honey!)

She can click her tongue and mimic other noises. She also claps her hands, gives high 5's and beeps my nose.

She teases her Mama...I try to get her to say "Mama" but usually when I say "Mama" she says "DADA." She loves talking to her Daddy on the phone...see number 13)

She is SUPER ticklish!!! Just like her Daddy...Especially on her yummy rolls and under her chin.

She tosses and turns and mostly sleeps through the night - except when her teeth are bothering her.

She has no interest in crawling but rolls to where ever she wants to go. She gets herself in plenty enough trouble without the crawling...especially when she spies certain toys that her brothers have not picked up.

She loves watching and playing with her "Bubba"s. They make her laugh, especially C - he likes to play with her. She is going to be one protected little girl - no one will mess with her "Bubba"s!

Her beautiful blue eyes light up the room when she laughs...they sparkle and twinkle.

OOOPPS! I know I am over the thirteen but just one more....She loves kitties...Auntie Jamie and Uncle Steve have baby kitties at their house and she would not leave those poor kitties alone. She was for the most part fairly gentle with them but she was trying to give it lots of kisses.

That is another thing she likes to do! Give kisses. Of course, they are open mouth but she does "blow" kisses by making a kissing sound (smacking her lips together).

Okay - I'll stop now. She is getting so big - getting close to a year - only 50 more days!!! I can not figure out where all the time went! She is definitely a joy in our lives!!!!

She Said - He Heard

2009-06-10T18:12:00.002-05:00

I said: Can either of you two boys bring me a diaper for K please?

D heard: We are going to Dairy Queen.

I said: Nevermind.

D said: Are we still going to DQ? Why not??

Yoplait Get Active Giveaway

2009-06-05T00:39:00.001-05:00

Yoplait Yogurt is giving away a Get Active package to three of my readers. Yoplait for Kids helps build strong bones, enabling healthy and active bodies. Calcium and Vitamin D are both essential nutrients for building strong bones. Though it can be challenging for growing kids to get Vitamin D, since it is found naturally in very few foods. Yoplait for Kids makes it a little easier to incorporate a delicious source of Vitamin D and Calcium in your child's diet. Yoplait includes brands such as Go-Gurt, Trix, Yoplait Kids. My kiddos love these - especially K, when I pull out one of the yogurt containers she knows exactly what it is and I can not feed it to her fast enough.

This package is perfect for a fun-filled day for your active children, the Yoplait Get Active Prize Pack includes a travel cooler (to take your yogurt on the road), coupons for free Yoplait yogurt, a jump rope, a water bottle and an outdoor game set that includes a beach ball, paddle ball, Jai-Ali and a Frisbee. Perfect for getting active with your family this summer.

To win just leave a comment telling me what your favorite Get Active activity with your family is before Thursday, June 11th. If you don't win you can always click on the following link to print a coupon and learn more about Yoplait for Kids! Sorry this is only open to US residents. Thank you and good luck!

Wordless Wednesday - Before and After

2009-06-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

You've Got To Be Kidding!!!

2009-06-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

On Friday, I worked until close - 6pm. I got my kiddos ready and headed for home. When I got home I noticed that K's eyes were goopy but wiped them out and forgot about it. But it got lots worse and so I knew it was pink eye. I tried some home remedies but they weren't seeming to work and so the next morning I called to see where I could take her. The lady on the other end of the phone said that I could take her to the clinic in Coborns and that other than the ER that was the only place in the area. I told her that they don't see anyone under 12 months and she said that my only other option was the ER.

How ridiculous is that!!!!! I was not going to pay $75 for some doctor to tell me she had pinkeye and write me a prescription. I knew she had pink eye - it was very obvious that that is what it was - why couldn't I just call and get the prescription. I continued to try different "Home remedies" but nothing seemed to be working. So, I finally caved and went in - yep, paying the $75 - for a doctor to tell me that she has pink eye and giving me a prescription. At least it was slow there and I was in and out of the ER in a half hour.

Now you tell me...why couldn't they diagnose pink eye on a 12 month old at the clinic in Coborns???? I could see if she was having trouble breathing or needed stitches or something more serious - but then it wouldn't really matter the age because if it was more serious - I would be taking any age kid to the ER...RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!

At least she has the drops and the goop is going away - hopefully she is feeling better too. She is also cutting FOUR more teeth - one just popped through today!!! She is a trooper though - they don't seem to be bothering her - except for at night. If I don't put on oragel she wakes up every couple of hours but with it she sleeps the night through.

Yesterday she turned 10 months - I can't believe it!!! Although, looking at a new little girl from our church born in the middle of May who weighed 8 ounces more than K when she was born it is easy to forget how little they once were. K now weighs 18 pounds 3.5 ounces but I love everyone of her rolls - especially because they are ticklish and I love her giggles!! :)

Playing at the Park

2009-05-25T14:46:00.014-05:00

Thursday was a perfect day for the kiddos to play in the park. We had to go to this park versus the one that was shaded because the other one was "overrun with ticks." Here are a some shots from the day...

Posing on the playground bridge...

D is telling stories while the others are resting....

Watching the "Party of Water"....K was having fun with her daddy

and Baby C was hanging out with Mom (Sarah) and Lisa.

"It's Working Now!"

2009-05-22T22:25:00.002-05:00

At least that is what C is now saying - and here is the rest of the story......

When I was potty training C, I would have him sit on the toilet but he would always say that it wasn't working. Meaning that he didn't have to go potty...but then he would go in his diaper within the next few minutes. It was very frustrating. He finally got the hang of going on the toilet - even running in by himself but he was still having BM accidents. So the "it's not working" got transferred to the BM aspect of training.

Tonight I was a little cleaning in the bathroom and he ran in to go to the bathroom. I told him that I was proud of him for coming in all by himself and staying dry. Next thing I know he looked up at me with this HUGE "I did it" grin and he said, "It's working now!" I know exactly what he meant, with a little help from the grunts. ;) He had to go get Daddy to show him and we all did the potty dance.

Hopefully this is the start of the end! His incentive is to be fully trained with no accidents so that he can move up to the next room and ride the school bus on fieldtrips.

Yeah C!!!

Friday Funnies - # Who can remember?

2009-05-22T21:11:00.003-05:00

I know it has been another LONG time since blogging - some of my friends have given up on me but I just have not had the time. Or if I had - I chose to try to catch up on my sleep. It is not for lack of material though....here is another good one.

We were in the car (the whole family) on the way to my parents to celebrate a belated Mother's Day. C has been really into Lightning McQueen and so once again the conversation revolved around that. C was pretending to be LMcQ of course, D was Luigi and C told Daddy he was Mater. And everyone knows that Mater has a "hooker." Jokingly under my breath I asked Dan who his "hooker" was - D heard and said "You, Mama, You're Daddy's hooker." Dan replied, "Yep, Mama is Mater's hooker."

Is that a compliment??? I guess I do wear the ring....

Precious Brown-noser!

2009-04-26T22:25:00.003-05:00

So my three-year-old tells his teacher, "I am glad that my daddy isn't home..."
She asked him, "Why?"
He said, "Because then I have my mommy all to myself."

Doesn't that just melt your heart?? It did mine...especially since they have been asking when Daddy is coming home non-stop, every day that he left.

My boys are also a little jealous of my Ladies Night Out - and the fact that K gets to come with me. They are planning to have their own versions of it - a Boys Night Out - the first one is in Florida (D's choosing) and the second in Texas (C's choosing). C is totally into Texas - don't ask me why but at any mention of the state his little face lights up and he says, "Texas, I love Texas!" They are too adorable.....

Friday Funnies - C's nightmares...

2009-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night I was laying in bed trying to get my boys to sleep because they are "all alone" without me - even though they have each other...
C tells me he "had a bad dream last night."
I said - oh that's not good what was it about.
He said - Actually, I had two bad dreams (as he holds up two fingers by his face).
I said - that really is not good. What were they about?
He said - Well, the first one was about monsters. (as he is holding up one finger by his face) They were big scary monsters, but only the ones with googly eyes are the bad monsters.
I said - You don't have to worry about monsters coming into our house because Murphy (our dog) will not let any monsters near the house, those monsters are afraid of Murphy. And I won't let anything happen to you either. And, if you are really afraid, you can always talk to God and ask him to protect you and He will help you too.
He said - Yes, you and Murphy and God will help me....
I said - what was your other bad dream?
He said - Well, the other bad dream...the second one (as he is holding up two fingers to his face)...was that we were sitting there and we were watching bad commercials...
I said - Oh, that is bad. (Which was all I could manage to say without busting up laughing because he was being so serious.)

Now I know that the kids at daycare have been playing "monsters" so I can see how he might have a bad dream about them. But, I have no clue where that second bad dream came from or what kind of commercials he has been watching because the TV has not been on hardly at all this last week or two, and if it was on it was a DVD playing but I guess it was traumatic!

My kiddos are getting big...

2009-04-22T22:27:00.013-05:00

K can sit - loves to eat "real" food and now has a tooth! When did she get so big?! I am sure that other teeth are close to follow. I actually didn't even realize that she was getting one until I noticed that her bottom gums had a spot on it...upon further inspection (sticking my finger in and scraping it against the sharp nubs of her tooth) I realized what it was. She had been waking up more at night but other than that not real fussy. She loves to watch her big brothers - I can almost see her wheels turning trying to find ways to upset them. She is such a great baby - but I CAN wait a little while longer before she starts to crawl :)

C is kind of getting the hang of potty training. Yes, I am actually bribing him with money...it is the only bribe that has been working. He earns a penny for every time he sits on the toilet, if he actually goes potty then he gets a quarter as well. If by some miracle of fate he actually has a BM in the toilet he earns himself a dollar. He said, "Mom, I want the green one." I told him what he needed to do so he settled for "the brown one" (penny). This after trying to bribe him with toys, meals out, and even a four-wheeler. **Check out my next Friday Funnies to see how he makes me laugh!

D is a great kid as well. His imagination is so great. I was going to put him in an ECFE class on acting but they had to be going into first grade to join. His latest interests are centaurs and griffins. He is learning the different sounds of the letters and has learned to spell many words (makes this momma proud). He can remember lots of things with such detail. His favorite book is a halloween one about a haunted house and he can verbatum remember the words to that book even though they have not read it in a long time. Or, he can remember scenes from movies or cartoons and repeat them word for word even though it has been a while since he has seen him...I am envious of his memory! Not that mine has ever been that great but I think it is non-existent nowadays.

Oh, to be young again - or at least have a portion of the energy that they have!!!!

Pics from Easter...

2009-04-14T11:26:00.011-05:00

Here are the eggs that we dyed. Dan and the boys colored on them with crayons and then I dyed them (they picked the color they wanted them to go into). I didn't trust the boys not to spill the dye all over - not something that I wanted to clean up. The crayons worked great on the eggs too because they added lots more color to the eggs and the boys were proud of their creations.

Here is one that D made, he says it is a picture of Kassie - not sure she would appreciate it if she were older but I think it is kinda cute!

C and D checking out their Easter loot...

Princess K with her proud Daddy! (Thanks Sarah for the dress - it was perfect!)

All 14 grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa....look at that wild and crazy bunch! (This was one of the better pics - it is so hard to get them to all sit nicely.) The oldest is thirteen and a half and the youngest is eight months. Notice Grandpa with both of the little ones on his lap :)

The weather was so nice and it was a great day. We went to breakfast at church - it was a youth fundraiser. Good food there! Dan had to usher and then afterwards we went to my parents house. Grandma made yummy ham and scalloped potatoes. Everyone was home and it was good to see everyone especially my brother again who is off travelling more than my husband!

The kids were so tired from playing hard with their cousins. It is so fun to have cousins for my kiddos to play with that are the same age as them. The Daddy was all tired out from playing on his four-wheeler with the big "kids." He had lots of fun too. C loved to go through the mud and the water, D didn't care where they went as long as he was riding. K enjoyed all the attention from Grandma, Grandpa, aunties and cousins. Time with family just goes by too fast! Hope you all had great Easter Celebrations as well!

Yes, Still Alive - Just busy....

2009-04-14T00:02:00.004-05:00

plus my husband was home for a longer stretch than normal...right hun!

We have been really busy...I had a Women's Retreat at our church that I was involved in the planning and execution of. Lots of fun was had by all - we did a Survivor - Laughter Island theme. Lots of fun - survivorish kinds of games, great company, and an awesome speaker! She has a Women's retreat planned for the end of September and we are already planning on going there to hear her again.

The next weekend we had a Girlfriends Weekend in Duluth - I LOVE DULUTH! We were right on Canal park and it was awesome! It is so cool to watch the ships come in. Here is a picture of us right before we came back to reality.

Of course this last weekend was Easter - or as my last Pastor had us trained to say "Resurrection Sunday." Saturday we colored eggs and then on Sunday we went to my Mom and Dad's. Everyone was home and the guys all went four-wheeling. I got some pics of all the nieces and nephews. I can't say that they were great pics but they were the best I could get with 14 kids late in the afternoon! :) Of course I also got a cute pic of my princess in her Easter dress with her daddy. I will post them later - it is much to late tonight to fight my slow speed computer.

In between these weekends, I have been working 4 days a week and so my day off is usually doing laundry and TRYING to keep a handle on my house. Having Dan home did help that because he stays up on cleaning more than I do....

Off to bed now - will post more pics later! Good to be back in the bloggy world!!!

Please Go Take Time To Vote!

2009-03-09T22:39:00.001-05:00

Lets surprise NBC

Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation.
NBC is taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to stay on our American currency.

Please send this to every Christian you know so they can vote on thisimportant subject. Please do it right away, before NBC takes this off theweb page.

Poll is still open so you can vote:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

This is not blogged for discussion, if you agree go vote and tell others to vote, if you don't, forget it.

By me blogging it, you know how I feel. I'll bet this was a surprise to NBC.

Wordless Wednesday - No Words Needed!

2009-03-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Book Review - "Perfect Stranger"

2009-03-03T19:30:00.004-06:00

These are two FABULOUS books! They were quick and easy to read but lots of good "stuff" in them. I read these books both in one day, with all the interuptions of my kiddos. I love the ease of conversations in them and also very modern. I am hoping the auther, David Gregory (see bio below), is going to have a sequel to these called "A Life with a Perfect Stranger" and write about Mattie's sister....I will be the first to sign up to review that book!!! I recommend these books for EVERYONE!

Dan read them too - He loved the fact that everything is explained so well, that it isn't religion but a relationship...

Summary Dinner with a Perfect Stranger:
You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth. The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched. The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life.………….."You’re bored, Nick. You were made for more than this. You’re worried about God stealing your fun, but you’ve got it backwards.… There’s no adventure like being joined to the Creator of the universe." He leaned back off the table. "And your first mission would be to let him guide you out of the mess you’re in at work."………….As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt–and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever.

Summary Day with a Perfect Stranger:
What if a fascinating stranger knew you better than you know yourself? When her husband comes home with a far fetched story about eating dinner with someone he believes to be Jesus, Mattie Cominsky thinks this may signal the end of her shaky marriage. Convinced that Nick is, at best, turning into a religious nut, the self-described agnostic hopes that a quick business trip will give her time to think things through. On board the plane, Mattie strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger. When she discovers their shared scorn for religion, she confides her frustration over her husband’s recent conversion. The stranger suggests that perhaps her husband isn’t seeking religion but true spiritual connection, an idea that prompts her to reflect on her own search for fulfillment. As their conversation turns to issues of spiritual longing and deeper questions about the nature of God, Mattie finds herself increasingly drawn to this insightful stranger. But when the discussion unexpectedly turns personal, touching on things she’s never told anyone, Mattie is startled and disturbed. Who is this man who seems to peer straight into her soul?

Author Bio:
David Gregory is the author of the best-selling books Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day with a Perfect Stranger, and coauthor of two nonfiction books. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning graduate degrees from The University of North Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary. A native Texan, David now devotes himself to writing full time.

For More Information:
To learn more about or purchase these books at RandomHouse.com:
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger
Day with a Perfect Stranger

Win One:
You can win a copy of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by simply leaving a comment here. You need not be a blogger to win. Giveaway will end on March 15th.

Time is Flying By!

2009-03-03T16:41:00.006-06:00

Where did this week go?? I tell you, I think that every year time goes by faster! It is already March - though I am glad it is almost spring...

We have been busy this last week - though when I think about it now I can't remember much of what we did - just that we were busy. One thing I do want to share though is a video of the boys singing Karaoke. Dan sang "Hey, Good Looking" for karaoke a couple of months ago and so I found that ringtone and put it on my cell for when he calls. The boys have taken to singing that - as I mentioned in last friday's post. My friend Jean recorded their singing it and put it on YouTube... Here is the link to the video of them singing... I guess when Charlie is done singing he don't mess around!

Here are some pics from that night...it was lots of fun because there were more people there and so a wider range of songs...along with my K and the soon to be Grandma!

It is also interesting to see the places your children will get into....

Book Review: The Echo Within and Giveaway

2009-02-23T15:17:00.005-06:00

Book Summary:

The Echo Within is a profoundly affecting, honest look at the myriad ways we are drawn into our life’s best work.
Written out of his own lifelong search for and response to the calling voice of God, Robert Benson recounts his discovery of the meaning of vocation, work, and purpose through the ups and downs inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience. With clarity and insight, and in the elegant prose for which he is known, he gently invites and encourages readers to find such deep truths for their lives as well. In particular, he illuminates the way for readers to explore:

· ways to sense the Holy in our pursuits, both in the pursuits themselves and within ourselves.
· how to fall into our vocation and chart a course toward it at the same time.
· how to love the work we do, and the process of doing it.

For anyone beginning a new career or sensing a needed change in their life or wrestling with a transition suddenly thrust upon them, Robert Benson delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in what he’s learned about listening for The Echo Within—and how it can help us discover our calling.

Author Bio:
Robert Benson has written more than a dozen books about the discovery of the sacred in the midst of our ordinary lives, including Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Home By Another Way, and Digging In. His work has been critically acclaimed in a wide range of publications from The New York Times and USA Today to Spirituality & Health and The Benedictine Review. He is an alumnus of The Upper Room’s Academy for Spiritual Formation and was recently named a Living Spiritual Teacher by SpiritualityandPractice.com. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

This was a very interesting book - not that I am in the process of changing or looking for my calling but I think that a lot can be learned from reading a book. It is always interesting to see how others handle different experiences in life and see how I would have done or what I would have done differently. You can purchase the book online at these great stores:
- http://www.amazon.com/
- http://www.christianbook.com/
- http://www.familychristian.com/

The great people over at Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, have also given me two of these books to giveaway...so if you would like to win one of the wonderful books - just leave a comment and good luck!

Friday Funnies...

2009-02-20T10:14:00.002-06:00

I need to start writing down more of the funnies that the boys say during the week...The other day C said something funny but I couldn't write it down at that moment - got distracted and now I can't for the life of me remember what it was but at the time I thought..."There is a Friday Funny!"

They have been singing, "Hey, Good Looking" by Hank Williams, SR. I think that is the name of the song anyway... Dan sang it for Karaoke one night and everyone thought he sounded great so I found the ringtone and downloaded it so that when he calls my cell that song plays. Well, the boys have both been singing it too. It is so cute to see their different styles of singing...D makes it sound more like a ballad and C definately has more of the twangy, country sound. C also does a little Elvis-like move as he is singing... I need to get a video of it and I would post it here but I am on slow-mow dial up and it would take FFFOOORRREEEVVVEEERRR!

So, until we get faster internet...here is something to laugh at....

Aloha Friday #2

2009-02-20T00:09:00.002-06:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on An Island Life's site. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends! You DO NOT have to be a blogger to make comments or to visit other blogs that are participating!!

My question this week is:

How do you potty train a three year old boy that does not want to be potty trained??? ANY help will be useful....Thank you!

Review: Outlaw Marshall by Al & Joanna Lacy

2009-02-16T00:09:00.000-06:00

This was a very good book, the first of the new series Return of the Stranger. It was one that I had to force myself to put down to get things done. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and will have to go back and read the books of the first series Journeys of the Stranger Series and the Angel of Mercy Series, although this is not necessary to understand this series. The authors did a great job of making sure that you did not have to read the first series to enjoy this one. But I feel captivated to read more about the main characters of John and Breanna Brockman.

Here is some more info about the book:
A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.

A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.

Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.

About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

Published by: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

2009-02-15T13:16:00.006-06:00

Here is what our Valentine's Day special meal looked like...The boys each decorated their pizza and to my surprise ate most of their pizzas.

Each "decorating" their pizzas with the ingredients of their choice.

What the pizzas look like before going into the oven...

C and D enjoying the finished product...

both of them had fun decorating their own pizza heart.

After that we talked with Daddy on the phone - we wished you could have been here with us but we saved some of the toppings so we can make more pizzas when you get home...We love you!! Hope you all had a great Valentine's day!!!

Aloha Friday!

2009-02-13T11:34:00.004-06:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on An Island Life's site. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is how do you celebrate Valentine's Day as a family?

This year we are hoping that my husband is going to be home but otherwise we are making our own homemade heart shaped pizzas, watching movies all cuddled on the couch and then maybe playing some games. Have a great Valentines Day!

Friday Funnies - Who needs a diet?

2009-02-13T11:15:00.001-06:00

Thursday Thirteen Signs of Spring...

2009-02-12T00:00:00.002-06:00

...No Matter What That Groundhog Says!

1. Saw FOUR Robins on Sunday!
2. Rain in February!!
3. Snow has mostly melted.
4. The snow that is left is full of dirt.
5. The ditches are full of water.
6. The driveway has no snow on it.
7. The driveway is all mud.
8. Temperatures are above average at 40 degrees (Thank you God!)
9. There are tornados in Oklahoma! Yikes!!!
10. There are lots of puddles for the boys to go stomping through.
11. My floor is full of mud that has been tracked into the house.
12. My car is full of mud not salt.
13. The grassy patches that are in the yard have a hint of green to them...

I am choosing to ignore the snizzle (for you non-Minnesotans that is a snowy drizzle) outside right now and to not look at the forcast that has us just below freezing...there were ROBINS for gracious-sakes!

WW - Wish they could be this close and not fight when they are awake!

2009-02-11T10:19:00.003-06:00

K's first ER visit...

2009-02-09T21:26:00.003-06:00

Sorry we have once again been away from the blogging scene but that is because my little K was sick. She had RSV and bronchiolitus (spelled?). On Monday, we had a Dr appt scheduled for that afternoon but during the day she got progressively worse...She was coughing more, more lethargic, and not herself at all. At the appointment, her temp was running 101.9 and the doc said she had the start of an ear infection so he gave me an antibiotic to get rid of that. He also said to continue doing her neb treatments more frequently...As you can see from the pic that she really doesn't mind them. She usually falls asleep and will help me hold the mask.

Tuesday, I took the boys in because they both had coughs. Also, almost as soon as we left the Dr's office, C started to complain that his ear hurt. I had them both checked out and a strep test done. Both of them were clear...C's ears looked good - just a lot of wax. D's one ear looked a little red but could have just been from the cough - not enough to warrant antibiotics.

That night I went to bed, hoping for a good night sleep - NOT to be had! When K went down for the night I gave her ibuprofen because she had still been running a temp off and on all day. She woke up around 1:30 and was breathing really hard - I picked her up and she was boiling! I took her temp and it was 101.9 under the arm so almost 103!!! It was too soon to give her more ibuprofen so I searched for my infant Tylenol and gave her some of that. After a half hour I checked her temp again and it had come down but very little and her breathing was still very labored. I waited another half hour (so full hour) and it had still barely come down...so I was left with the dilemma - I knew she needed to go in and be seen but I was home alone with all three kiddos and so would have to wake up the boys to take her in.

At 3:00am we were at the ER, all four of us. The boys actually did great - I was surprised. Of course the didn't like being woke up (not to say I didn't blame them on that) but I had grabbed their Leapsters and so they sat and played with them and later watched Peter Pan. K was given more meds to bring her temp down, a neb treatment and an oral steroid to help her breathing. Then, of course, we had to get our all time favorite chest x-rays (Dan always seems to get out of going with the kiddos for these - one of these times hun - one of these times!). We went down to the room and I think she was just so exhausted from the fever and the breathing because she actually didn't scream TOO much. And of course the boys are trailing behind.

The x-rays came back showing that there was no pneumonia - Thank you God! but that her bronchial tubes were swollen (something like that - you expect me to remember everything when it was early morning and having minimal sleep?). The nurse did another neb treatment and then the Dr asked if I would be comfortable going home with her still breathing like that or if I wanted to admit her...NEITHER would be my choice but I decided to wait and see what happened once the meds kicked in. After about half an hour she woke up and ate good and seemed to be more relaxed breathing so we packed everyone up and headed for home... The only thing was we needed to pick up some meds and all of the pharmacies were closed and didn't open until 8am - this being about 6:15.

Great - we went home and laid back in bed - the boys in my bed with me... D fussed about having to go back to sleep but fell asleep almost right away. C on the other hand is a morning person like his Daddy and so was sitting in bed between D and I just chatting away. I dozed in and out until about 7:45 and then got up. I got the boys breakfast and then packed everyone up for another run into town to get the meds. Drive up to Coborn's drive-thru and they said it would be about 20 minutes...okay now what. Drove through McD's for my breakfast and a snack for the boys then drove around, went back and got the meds and headed for home again.

The boys took a 5 hour nap that afternoon because they were exhausted. Me on the other hand - I have gotten little to no sleep all week. K needed to be get her neb every four hours and of course she eats every three hours - plus she still had high temps and hard time breathing. The boys have slowly gotten better. D still has a cough....C says that D took his cough. ;) I had a head cold with sinus issues but I think that we are all better now.

K had her follow up Dr appointment today and the Doc said it would probably take another 2 weeks for her to fully recover. So in the meantime, we continue her nebs and keep an extra special eye on her. You can tell she is doing much better because she is smiling and singing once again. I just need to catch up on my sleep now.....................

Why am I still up??? I am waiting for a call from Dan to let me know his plane landed in CT and he got to the hotel okay. He is there for the day and then back to Miami - hopefully, training in Miami will go good enough for him to be home on Saturday around noon.

And the For The Love of Chocolate winner is...

2009-02-03T08:40:00.002-06:00

Drum Roll please..........................................................

Number 121

Lisa said...
The BAYOU BOURBON GLAZE looks like something I'd like to try.the_outsider01AThotmailDOTcom
January 29, 2009 4:43 PM

Congratulations, Lisa and thank you to all who entered. Lisa has been emailed and she has three days to reply. If she does not within the three days then a new winner will be picked.

Lisa - enjoy your chocolate yummys!

WW #6 - Some People Have Ficus Trees!?!

2009-01-28T09:14:00.004-06:00

Does this work to leave it up all year?? Some people have Ficus trees - I just have an evergreen tree... I'll take the stockings off of the mantle this year.

OK, probably not - but it would save time next December!

Milkshake Giveaway...

2009-01-27T19:03:00.002-06:00

Hooray for Milkshake Music!!! This is just so much fun!!
Milkshake Music is family friendly rock and roll that the kids and parents will enjoy - fun fun fun! Yes, it is aimed at kids, but is a lot of fun for all. They have been seen on tv on Discovery kids and PBS kids and do regular live performances that have everyone dancing and joining in. If you are on the east coast, there is a list of upcoming concerts on their website. I'm hoping that they'll be heading west soon.
I popped in the dvd and my boys loved them...they were up be-bopping. I even enjoyed the songs.

I've been given a great prize pack to pass along to one of my readers.
* Milkshake Screen Play DVD
* Milkshake Play CD
* Milkshake Comic Book

***Main Entry: For your main entry, go to http://www.milkshakemusic.com/ and then tell me something fun you saw on the site.*** (If you are not a blogger or if your email address is not publicly available on your blogger account, please post it in your entry so that I may contact you if you win)
Extra Credit Entries: (must do main entry first- post a separate comment for each extra credit entry)
* Post on your blog about the giveaway and comment with the link (2 entries)

Giveaway ends on February 6th, 2009 at 10pm Central Time. Giveaway is open for US mailing addresses only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info - if no response, another winner will be chosen.
After you enter here, please check out the other giveaways in the Bloggy Carnival!

For the Love of Chocolate - Valentine's Giveaway!

2009-01-26T20:00:00.003-06:00

Here is one giveaway that you don't want to miss...

Yummy Tastefully Simple product in one package ready for Valentine's Day. A retail value of over $55.00 - includes shipping. For the Love of Chocolate includes: Truffle Fudge Brownie Mix(dark, velvety brownie mix loaded with chunks of chocolate), Chocolatini Drink Mix(Chocolate Almond Frozen Martini that's always ready when you are - can be made either with or without alcohol), AND a gorgeous wooden serving tray(Italian-inspired design). How cool and yummy is that!

Here is what you need to do: Go to my Tastefully Simple website - or on the side of my blog and check out their products...come back here and leave a comment on what you would purchase. For extra chances...you can place an order (five more chances to win), blog about it (be sure to link my to your blog in the comment), or email two or more of your friends (copy me on the email). Contest will end on February 3rd so that I will have time to get it sent to you for Valentine's Day! Good Luck!!!

PS You need not be a blogger just make sure I know where/how to reach you if you win!

A Brief Layover...

2009-01-26T18:58:00.000-06:00

Dan had a brief layover in Minnesota on his way from LA to a suburb of Miami. His plane arrived in Mpls at 1:00 PM and he left this morning at 7:30 AM. I didn't tell the boys that he was coming home...I wish I had a video of their reaction. They were so excited to have him home - they literally would not let go of him for hours.

I thought about joining him in Miami - and as I write this it is below zero again! But there is too much stuff to do around the house and we have bills to pay. Besides, if you know my kiddos - would you want to be in an airport/plane with them for that long? Or in a car for three days driving down? I didn't think so! Besides who will take care of the killer dog when it is freezing outside?

He will be home again in a little while and then I think it will be for a while - so in a way it is good he is gone again for awhile...

Fourth Friday of Every Month...

2009-01-26T18:38:00.004-06:00

Yep! That's right - it was Karaoke night. Not that I sing mind you but it is fun to go and hang out with friends. Actually, I did sing on friday - believe it or not I sang with my friends, Lisa and Anna. We sang, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
It was lots of fun - Thanks again Jean and Ray for hosting!!!