End of year update

It's Christmas Day and we're bored! Ok - thats not true. We're actually having fun watching movies, watching the kids do gymnastics, play catch (in the livingroom grr), wrestling with Dad. For not celebrating Christmas, we sure have done alot these past couple of days. Yesterday we made sugar cookies and decorated them. (MMM...tasty!) We're running out of things to do and we're getting a little bit bored. There's nothing but Christmas programming on, so we're tired of TV.

This has been one exciting year!!! A brief recap:

We moved to New Hampshire. We're still trying to sell our home in Michigan. Hunter is 6.5 and is having a GREAT first grade year. Lizzie is 4.5 and starts preschool in 8 days (and IS literally counting those days!). Tanner, who will be 3 in March, is - as usual - cracking us up!

We are enjoying New England. We've has quite the snow this year. We were told that our winters wouldn't be all that different from Michigan....whoever told us that LIED. We've had 33 inches of snow so far this year (I think it only snowed in December - can't remember). This is more than the snow they had ALL of LAST winter. So - hopefully, next winter will be more like Michigan...we'll see.

Jeremy has not had to travel in several weeks and we've really enjoyed having him home at night!! He will start some more travel in January, but hopefully it won't be so bad.

Thats my update for now. I'll try to get some more pictures up soon.

Some pictures for you all!

Here are some recent pictures. There are quite a few and you need to click "Older Posts" at the bottom to see the next page of pics...

Hopefully I'll have a written update on here soon!!

Individuals of the kids...at Hunter's school

Kids with the Parents!! (at Hunter's school)

Kids at Hunter's school

Our COLD outing! (lighthouse and Fort Williams area)

Seeing Maine!

These first two pictures are of the lighthouses at

Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

This is Portland Head Light at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth.

Thanksgiving Trip - Kids at LL Bean in Freeport, Maine

These hats on the kids cracked us up!! (however, the price on the tag didn't!)

Lizzie and Tanner Cooking with Daddy

Tanner helping Dad roll out dough for cinnamon rolls.

Lizzie's turn to help!! (keep a close eye on Tanner!)
And there he is - swiping some sugar!!

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

Sitting down to eat

If you look closely enough, you will see a that Tanner

took a finger dip of each cupcake!! Goofy kid

Another Tanner funny!

Well I'm determined to do better on these blog entries. I'm not sure how long that will last, but hey, I'm trying!

Yesterday, I took Lizzie and Tanner to ride their bikes down at the basketball court area. This requires loading the bikes in the van, unloading and them riding or walking their bikes a little ways down to the concrete area. So - I push Tanner most of the way and when we get to the riding area, he decides he's done (of course!) and gets off his trike and takes off his helmet.

I asked him: Are you done riding your bike Tanner?

Tanner: Yes.

Me: Really, you're all done??

Tanner: Yes, I'm done.

Me: Well, what are you doing to do now? (there are no toys in this area)

Tanner: oh, just chill out.

Me: (completely cracking up here) What did you say??

Tanner: I'm just gonna chill out.


He is just keeping us in stitches lately!!

That was a trip!!

Well - we arrived home from our impromptu trip to Michigan around 9:30'ish p.m. last night. Jeremy and I talked on Wednesday morning about winterizing our home in Owosso. After discussing costs for a professional, we decided (in about 30 minutes time) to hop in the car and do it ourselves. We left around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon.

We had a WONDERFUL time in Owosso. It was really nice to see many of our family and friends and it did MY spirit good to be able to visit! Thanks to everyone that put us up, put up with us, etc!!

AND - for my last note, Uncle Tim: you're goin' down!!! *oink* Here's a pic just for you!!

Lizzie's BEFORE and AFTER

We decided to get Lizzie's hair cut...I had envisioned it a bit shorter than we got, but we're very happy with the results. I'm glad we didn't go shorter! Very cute!!!

Plus - check out her piggies!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

AND HER TOESIES!

A silly pic...

Some pictures....

Settling in...

we're trying anyway.

We've been here in Portsmouth for a week now and so far so good. We've got ALMOST everything unpacked. I just finished the kids room today. WOW they have alot of shoes. HAHA. If I had 1/2 as many, I'd be doing great!! (I think that Jeremy's grateful that I'm not a shoe person!) The only room left unfinished is our room - isn't it typical that Mom and Dad's room is last (and usually never finished?).

We've managed to meet some kids and a couple of moms. At the playground yesterday I chatted with a mom that's probably around my age. They are a Navy family and have 1 child. He's 3.5 (I think) - so a good age between Tanner and Lizzie. She and I talked for quite a while - it was nice conversing with an adult! Lizzie made friends with a little girl that shares her name! She's 5 and as a little brother. It was nice fo them to have kids to play with. There are usually older boys on the playground...so this was a nice change.

I'm hoping to get some pictures in the next couple of days and will post them here.
We miss all our Owosso friends!!! Love to all.

We're HERE!

Well - we finally made it to NH. We arrived Wednesday, August 15 around 3p.m. We picked up our apartment keys and checked out our new pad. LOL. It's small. I'm not sure how everything will fit, but we'll manage I guess. We stayed two nights in a hotel, b/c our things didn't arrive until Friday morning. After spending most of the day Friday directing movers and such, we looked around at the sea of boxes and wondered what in the world we were thinking!! Just kidding. It will take a while to get it all put away, but we'll get there!

The kids are doing great. They're adjusting better than me! They love the playgroud (it is pretty nice). They have a playroom in the loft of the apartment...that's kind of neat! All three will share a room for now...they prefer it that way.

I'll continue to update here as I can. I'm going to try to get some pictures taken soon and get them posted on here as well!

I guess that's all for now. Please keep us in your prayers.

New Hampshire

Well - we're back from our visit to New England. It is definitely a beautiful area. The Atlantic Ocean is GORGEOUS. We got to hit the beach twice. The kids loved it.

Got everything done that was necessary. Now we've got approximately 2 weeks until time to go. We'll be heading out sometime during the week of August 13th. We're still unsure of an exact date, but it will be that week, for sure.

Hunter is all signed up for school and we're happy with where he'll be going. Seems like a GREAT school.

The apartments look great. I'm glad we chose Beechstone. Seems like it will serve us well for the next year.

Well - much to do....time to really get busy now that we've only got 2 weeks to go!!

Tanner's Vocabulary - now complete!

While waiting for cookies to cool before eating them, Tanner informed me..........."that's awesome!".

Yep, vocab complete!

Little Miss Lily Ann Rose

Is absolutely beautiful!! I got to meet her for the first time and I am in awe of God's mercy. What a wonderful blessing she is, especially to her church family.

Praise God for Baby Lily!

Stuff...

A few mini-updates on answered prayers!

I'm still a bit confused about my Dad's issues...but he had a heart cath done and he has NO blocked arteries!! Praise the Lord!!!! We're so very happy to hear this. They meet today? I believe, to talk about his treatment for the irregular and excellerated heartrate. Could just be meds - or could be another procedure similar to the heart cath.

Baby LILY! She's home!! We had thought August - but we found out over the weekend that she would be coming home this week. She got to go home Tuesday!!! WHOOHOOO.. she's certainly a testament to God still being in the business of miracles!! She's AMAZING! I can't wait to meet her!

Our move is still on. We're working on getting the house ready for sale. ICK. I don't enjoy this part. We are painting like madpeople. And when I say we, I mean Jeremy. LOL I don't get to help much, as it's easier for me to keep the kids out of the way. It's coming along... I don't know if I mentioned this in an earlier post, but we've secured an apartment. We're excited that that's done!

Kids are doing fine. Hunter just celebrated his 6th birthday. My how the time does fly!!

Update on Dad

My dad is out of the hospital and seems to be doing ok. He's taking medication to control the irregular heartbeat and elevated heartrate. It seems to be working. He DID NOT have a heart attack - and we're very thankful for that. I don't know that his problem was 'officially labeled'.

Thanks for your prayers!

Another Prayer Need

Please pray for my dad - as he's in the hospital right now. I'm pretty confused as to what's "happened" - was it a heart attack or wasn't it? Being this far away is hard. They are working to find out why his heartbeat is so irregular and why his heart rate is so elevated. I don't have any real answers, but will update when I find out more.

Thanks to all 5 of my loyal readers - LOL.

Please Pray For Anya!

Anya is the daughter of some church friends. She's been diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) and is currently undergoing treament. Anya is 3.5 years old.

Please be in FERVENT prayer for little Anya.

A new pic of Kids

This picture was taken at Uncle Randy's wedding - Memorial Day Weekend!

Thanks to Grandma Shirley Harrelson for sending it our way! We LOVE it!

It is official.

We are moving to New Hampshire. We have to be there by September 1. We'll actually probably be moving around the 15th or August or so - because I would really like to be settled a bit before school starts.

Hunter will start first grade on August 29. I decided not to homeschool for now, because I really want him to be able to meet some kids and make friends. That would be harder to do if we homeschool. We'll see how his first year goes and the make a decision about homeschooling for the following year. Most likely he'll stay in public school until middle school and then I'll pull him out and homeschool him.

I'm hoping to find some playgroups for the other two - or join some kind of activity so they will also be able to make some friends! And of course, that will help me make friends as well.

The next couple of months are going to be extremely busy - so this will probably be my last post until after we're settled in NH. There's much to do!!

New Hampshire?

Yeah, probably.

We're still not officially positive (LOL), but things are leading that way. Jeremy is in New Hampshire this week looking at houses, schools and such. We're hoping to be in the Portsmouth or Exeter area. Exeter is supposed to be known for their schools, but since we're considering homeschool (as of now, I will be homeschooling Hunter this fall), that may not matter much. We'll see.

I guess it's stating to seem more real again...I'm kinda ready to just go and be done with it...but there's so much involved.

We've gotta sell the house for one...that will be a fun task, seeing as how the house across the street has been for sale since we moved in here - almost a year ago. But we're leaving it in God's hands...if we're supposed to move, it will sell. Or Jeremy's company will agree to pay our mortgage until the house sells.

So much to consider...so much to do. And I'm so bad at being patient!!

Until next time...

Summer

Ahhh...almost summer. And it's 48 degrees outside right now. HUH? On a warmer note, it is supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow! WHOOHOO!

I **think** I'm ready for school to be out. Hunter's last day is June 7. I'll be glad that the kids can sleep in some. I'm hoping that means that Tanner will forego his nap and I'll just be able to put them all to bed early!! I'm hopeful for quiet evenings on the porch (bwaahhhahaha - whatever!).

This summer should be pretty busy for us. Hunter's in T-ball. He has games every Monday and Thursday night starting the 21st of May until the end of June. That's alot of games!!! He's really improving, even from the first practice (which was just one week ago!). He seems to really enjoy it.

Now to just find something for Liz to do this summer. Her last gymnastics class was Tuesday. They won't meet again until the fall. I'm hoping to work with her on some of the things they did so that she's ready for next fall. She's finally got the back bend down! We're working on skipping tonight...she's just not quite getting it yet.

Tanner will just be along for the ride this summer. He's still a bit too young to put him in anything organized. We are hoping to hit the park ALOT! I'm also planning DAILY morning walks. We've got friends with a pool - so hopefully we can be swimming a lot too! Oh - and I'm going to try to get them in swimming lessons. Probably just Liz and Hunter for now. We're not allowed to stay, so I'll just have to drop them off and go play with Tanner somewhere until they're done.

WOW - it's going to be busy!!! And it's already starting! EEEEK!!

Well - I guess that's all for now...I'm hoping to get pictures up before too long...but don't hold your breath!

Happy Thursday!!

And life goes on...

Well, we have the house to ourselves again. Feels a litte weird! We miss Bill, Tricia and Nate but are thankful that they are getting to get back home and begin their life as a little family! It seemed more like one HUGE family here...well, b/c it was. But I think they'll enjoy just experiencing Baby Nate without all the added noise of three other kids!!

I believe in my last post, I mentioned my friend Christie. Christie ended up having her baby on Tuesday afternoon and I'm so thankful to report that Baby Lily is doing VERY WELL. She weighed only 1 pound, 12 ounces, but it's been reported that she's strong and crying (they were told she probably wouldn't cry due to her under-developed lungs). We are so thankful that all is going even better than expected! Thanks to everyone that prayed for that family! Today I go see Christie and maybe get to peek at baby through a window. OK, so I probably won't get to actually see the baby, but I can dream, right?

Hopefully things are going to start to follow some sort of routine again...but so far, if we count today, it's not happening now. Hunter is home feeling a bit puny...he had a slight fever, so I just let him stay home.

More later,

Life is WILD!

Well - I think things will be slowing up soon! Mom leaves tomorrow and the new parents will be making their way homeward sometime this week. It's been pretty crazy around here!! Quickly:

Hunter is doing well - as always! He loves working with Jeremy on anything outdoors - especially his (yes, Hunter's) chainsaw! Jeremy's a bad influence on him! LOL

Lizzie's not going to preschool anymore. She seemed to love the idea - but when it came down to it - she never wanted to stay. It's just not worth it to me to fight her each day that she's supposed to go!! So - I'm pulling her out. Hopefully when "real" preschool starts next fall - it will go a little better!

Tanner continues to crack us up. His newest (that actually only cracked me up the first time, now he gets into trouble!) is, in his most defiant tone, "nuh uh, boss me!" Translated: You're not the boss of me". He is really very funny most of the time...just not so much with this! lol

Baby Nate is growing like a little weed. He's absolutely adorable and we're going to miss the new little "family" when the go back home. As much as I'd love for mom not to have to return to work, I'm really looking forward to getting to take care of him!!

That's all for now...oh - except:
Please pray for my friend Christie - in a nutshell, her water broke, she's only 25 weeks. We're praying for 10 more weeks before she delivers, but also for baby's health and safety if she delivers soon!!

G'night!

And baby (and mom and dad) makes 8!

We are busy busy busy here!

I'll try to give a brief update of family:

Jeremy: working hard, back's slowly improving, going on a date tonight

Amy: chauffer - that about sums it up! 0h, and of course - being an AUNTIE!

Hunter: doing well in school, gets to go on first field trip this coming Monday - a planetarium (I never got to go to a planetarium!! *sniff*), taking a break from his Lego Star Wars game! YAY - he's not nearly as obsessed as he first was!

Lizzie: started a 6 week pre-school program Monday (she was so excited, now she's not so sure about it - but doing well), going on her first date tonight

Tanner: vocabulary is increasing by leaps and bounds, his sentence formation is also taking off - MY BABY IS GROWING UP!! **double sniff**

Ah...well, we're all doing well. We are staying busy with preschool, school, gymnastics, etc. Bill & Tricia are staying with us for a few days until Trish is back on her feet! We're enjoying them here - especially the baby!! He's just too cute!!

My mom gets here next Tuesday and will be here for a week to see the new baby and his parents. We're very excited about her visit...Hunter even gets to skip school to go get her at airport! YAY!

Jeremy and Lizzie are going on a date tonight! They get to go to a Father-Daughter Dance...I'll definitely be posting pics!! I can't wait to dress that girl up!!

I'll try to do better posting here!!

HAPPY BIRTH DAY!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday to my newest nephew, Nathaniel Ross "Nate". Nate was born this morning to my brother Bill and sister-in-law Tricia. Whooohooo! He weighed in at 7lbs. 13ozs. and is 21 inches long!

Congrats to the awesome first-time Mom and Dad! We're very proud of you both and are so excited to have Nate as part of the family.

(will post pics later, if permission granted from the mom and dad!!)

Vacation time!

Tomorrow around noon, we will leave to take our very FIRST family vacation. We've been on trips and such before, but it was always to see family. This time it will only be us! I'm so excited. We're going to the "beach" up north in Traverse City. Friends of ours are giving us two nights in their timeshare - so it's a cheap vacation as well! Here's where we'll be! Pinestead something or other
Just a couple of days of doing nothing. We actually had hoped we would be walking on the beach - sticking our feet in the water a bit...um yeah...NO. It's supposed to be snowing!!!! ARGH!! Oh well - thankfully, there is an indoor pool!! I'm guessing that's where we'll be most of the time!

Hoping to take lots of pictures!! Will post when we return!

Of course - my very LARGE brother will be at our house dog-sitting for our VERY large rottweiler

Cute Movie

Charlotte's Web...the non-animated version.

The kids and I got to see this on Monday. We went with some church friends to a theater in Lansing. It was a part of the Dove Family Film Festival (?). Lots of fun...and cheap!

The movie itself was very much like the animated movie. Loved the animal special effects...man, that is one ugly spider, yet very likable (if you aren't freaked out by that sort of thing - Lisa is!). The kids really liked it and and were actually quite touched at the end when she dies and when the baby spiders are born (or however that works).

Very sweet - a Must Rent!

Ouch...

I never thought I'd be bitten by a blender.

And if I was bitten by a blender, you would think it would be from the blade.

I wasn't anywhere near the blade...wasn't even near the pitcher...

You know the thing that spins on top of the base - that turns the blade, provided the pitcher is attached to the base. I picked up the base to wipe the counter underneath, hit a button and the spinner-thingy got my index finger.

I think I would prefer the blade...

It took me about three times as long to type this message w/o using my forefinger!! Wah...

Last day

of Story Hour for Lizzie and Tanner. Tanner should start up again in October...hopefully I'm getting Lizzie into morning pre-school, so she won't be going...I'm sorry for her, but it will make things a bit easier for me. We'll see!!

So, since it was the last day - a little boy and his mom LOVINLY brought chocolate bunnies for everyone. Of course - neither Tanner nor Lizzie liked them - so being the great mom that I am - I ate them...BOTH!! EEEEEEGGHRHJGJHEWGfj

And of course, this is the day I'm not getting ANY exercise in. Will I ever learn??

Slim Me Fast...

Well, I'm trying it again. I guess I really only use Slim Fast to jump start my weightloss...when I notice that I'm losing, it gives me motivation. I've never stayed on Slim Fast very long!! Today is Day #1...and of course, I was REALLY wanting FOOD at lunch time. I considered eating, but I've got to bite the bullet and get this underway. So - Slim Fast for lunch. I like to buy the powder, instead of the cans. For one - it's WAY WAY cheaper. I can get twice as many shakes out of a can of powder - than the average package of cans...did that make sense? LOL Anyway - then I add ice!! YUMMMY shakes!

We'll see how it goes this time. I'm feeling good about it...

Speaking of heatlhy eating and exercise: First day of Tae Bo with Lisa was yesterday! Hurting today, but still got on the treadmill for one mile! YAY!

Cross you fingers that I stick with it this time! I think I can, I think I can!

Oh Yeah...

Lisa and I worked out today...

OUCH

And - it's SO WRONG that some people can actually still look good sweating.

Our Weekend

What a busy weekend we had! Lots of stuff going on - and while it was all fun, I'm glad it's over. Time to get back to normal!

This weekend was Spring Vale Academy's Alumni Weekend - and while I'm not alumni, I still enjoy participating in the services. I get to see lots of old friends - and sometimes even make new ones. These kinds of meetings are right up my alley!! Saturday night and Sunday were filled with volley ball and basketball games that were played by alumni and current students. One good thing about not being alumni - I don't have to play...not just a good thing for me, but for EVERYONE! lol

We did get to get some yard work done on Sunday, which was really nice. It was mostly just cleaning up a bit, reorganizing shed, etc. I'm excited that Spring is finally here!! I'm ready for warmer weather!! OH! Look at what we're considering getting!! OK - so I was hoping to find a picture, but no such luck - Think: giant wagon meets garden cart meets Jeremy. Basically it's a garden cart - carries up to 1000 pounds. Looks like a wagon. It will serve two purposes (provided Jeremy empties it after he uses it ). I will get to use it as a wagon for the kids! I've been looking at getting one, but I can't find one that will comfortably hold three kids and then some!! I'm so excited! We won't get it for a couple of weeks, but I'm already giddy about it.

Things that make you go hmmm....

How old is this phrase?? LOL

Got a call from an eye doctor today saying that my insurance company is asking for their $$ back on my appointment from November. They said I'm still covered by **Fred Smith** (name changed to protect whoever that person really is!). HUH? Who's Fred Smith? Apparently, I'm on his insurance, so I can't be covered on J's. What? So I call the number that they've been calling and dealing with. LOL It's not even MY insurance company!! I called my insurance company and they've never received a claim for that date from that eye doctor. So - b/c the P.O. Box # is only different by 1 number for both insurance's claim's depts., somehow my claim got sent to KP...and they paid it!! Do they even pay attention to what they're doing? LOL So - of course, now seeing the error of their ways (or according to them, my ways), they want their money back.

It's all straightened out now - and even works out for the better for us - b/c they wanted $20 more dollars from ME. Now it will go to the correct insurance company - and I am paid up!

Goofy!

It might have stormed...

this morning, but it ended up a beautiful day!!! We actually got to take a walk around our block...Tanner made about 3/4 of the way before needing to be carried. Then the kids drew on the driveway with their sidewalk chalk! Fun times! I got some pictures of them...will have to post soon - my card reader (printer) is not working correctly right now.

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is all.

See what I do on Thursdays...

Every Thursday morning (ok, most every Thursday morning, I do have three kids, so life doesn't always go as planned) I attend a Moms In Touch Meeting. Here we pray for our school-age kids and their school. I love these meetings. Not only is it a great way to intercede for our children - it's a nice break, too!! Any parents of school-age kids should check this out!!

http://momsintouch.org

Have a great Thursday!

Pray for Bekah!

Who is recovering from an appendectomy. Not sure if my Brother reads these - BUT IF YOU DO - We're praying for Bekah! And watch for a package!!

My Gym Partner's a Lisa

YAY! Maybe this will get my act together!! I now have a new workout partner!! Lisa and I will be meeting 2-3 times/week to workout together! YAY! Pilates, Tae Bo...etc. I'm hoping this will get my motivation in gear! I did walk this morning...but only for 15 minutes (and that's being generous - cause it was actually only 14 minutes - but 15 just looks better!! dontchathink?).

I've not had any pop today! And I've been drinking water!! Am trying really hard to get through this week! I am determined to make it happen - no matter how hard it may seem! I know that if I can prove myself this week - then next week will be a piece of cake!!

I still plan to hit the treadmill on our off days - and maybe even on the days we work out - we'll see!!

Wish me luck!! I've lost it before - I'll do it again!

Edited to add - NO, my kids do not watch this cartoon!!

death of a microwave

It served us well - it lasted longer than 10 years...

Today we said goodbye to the microwave. It took about 4 minutes to heat up my water to fix my hot chocolate this morning (and it still wasn't THAT hot)...um, yeah - time to go.

So - goodbye fair microwave - you been through alot - even being stolen and returned...but we're on to newer and match-ier. LOL

Happy Birthday Tanner

Well - this is it. My littlest baby is two years old today. When Hunter turned 2, we had just had Lizzie. When Lizzie turned 2, we had just had Tanner. Whooohoooo - we have not just had another baby!! It's nice to have just the three. Of course, when Nephew Nate gets here - we'll be happy dancin' for him!!

Two years old...where has the time gone? Amazing how quickly it passes us by. Tanner...what a sweet boy...what an onery boy. Here was our conversation just minutes ago:

Me: Tanner, its your birthday!! Yay!!! Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday

Tanner: Me, me

Me: to Tanner - yes you! Happy Birthday to you!!! Tanner, you're two years old!

Tanner: Four

Me: No - you're two years old

Tanner: Four years old (with baby slur of course)

Me: You're not four, you're two

Tanner: (indignantly) - FOUR!

ME: Two

Tanner: (again, indignantly) - Three!!

Apparantly - Tanner is four - or three...whatever he decides at any given time. What he is NOT, is Two years old.

We're probably not doing a whole lot today. We'll probably let him open his presents this evening...(I haven't even bought his yet - BAD MOMMY!!) Then tomorrow, since we're having company anyway - we'll have cake and ice cream after lunch. Pretty low key - but that's how we usually are with all birthdays. Usually a quiet family affair. When they hit the "big" time, like 5, 10, 13, 16 - then they'll get a big party!! But hey- works for us, since we're not allowing or kid to become teenagers - we'll only have to provide two birthday PARTIES for each! LOL

OK - NOW - you'll probably not hear from me again...much to do!!

Happy Friday!!!

Skating...

well, it was much better than last time. At the beginning of the school year, I took Hunter and Lizzie by myself...and vowed never to do that again. I hurt SOOO bad - just skating around with them. OUCH... Never, I repeat, never take two beginners around a rink ALONE.

Last night was much better. Jeremy had Hunter most of the night - when Hunter wanted on the rink. We both shared Lizzie. Hunte's not so into it...we think he's afraid to fall - therefore would rather be on the carpet - pretending to be a speed skater (but in slow motion! - hilarious).

Lizzie did AWESOME!!! She was really picking up on it! I was proud!! I wish I would have taken a camera - but, with both Jeremy and I skating it was probably good that I didn't. I bit the dust about 4 times...no worries, Liz broke my fall. Just kidding!!

All in all, we had a great time. The dudes left with glow sticks, fake lips, a small teddy bear (itty bitty tiny) and...oh a tiny plastic snake. We ate pizza, popcorn and drank Pop - yes, I know - even after getting a good report on teeth the same day...Jeremy bought them candy too. Goof ball! But it was a special night and we brushed as soon as we got home...and flossed!!

Have a great weekend...you won't hear from me again probably, as I have to get ready for a house-full of people tomorrow...and we'll be busy visiting!!

Actually, you will hear from me one more time at some point - Today is Tanner's birthday!!

Quick update!

Dentist:

NONONONONONO cavities - all around! Hunter checked out great, Liz's teeth are great and Tanner's looked good too - (no cleaning for Tanner, she just peeked at them, and pronounced them good!!)

Whooohooo - doing the happy dance!

Let's take the Dentist Skating

ok, maybe not -

Stay tuned for reports from the dentist!! Say a little prayer that they are happy with Hunter's teeth!...especially the spacers. We've not been as good with those as we should be!! UGH! They'll have to take that up with his Dad!! Hunter has 5 teeth coming in right now. Two 6 year molars (the other two are already in), two front bottom teeth, one front top tooth. Poor kid...
This is cool for him - but one bad thing. One tooth on the bottom is coming in VERY crooked. So - we'll ask today if we can do anything to help that or not...probably not. Boogers.

Lizzie gets hers cleaned too - so far, she's only ever had 1 cavity. I hope that we'll get a clean bill of health for her little toofers today.

Tanner might get a lap visit - where they just take a peek at his teeth - no real cleaning. They don't start that until they are three - unless there are problems - which is what I want them to see about today. We don't have the best dental genes in this family - so want to start early!!


AND - tonight's the skaing night. Tanner is going to Uncle Tim and Aunt Lisa's - and Jeremy is getting to go with Hunter, Liz and I. It should be fun - and I'm sure a bit painful!! I'll post tomorrow with severity, location and colors of bruises! HAHA -

I have a...

growing need to go do something "grown-up"....like shop for grow-up stuff, watch a grown-up movie (I said GROWN-UP, not adult) ;>) eat grown-up food....

You moms know what I'm talkin' about!! Who's with me??!??!

Wednesday...

another day, another dollar. Wait, I don't get paid!

Except in LOVE, Hugs and Kisses!! I love being a MOM!

Well, today's been an okay day so far! My night seemed like it would never end...I think I saw the clock at 1, 3 something, 4 something, 5 something...you get the picture. One bright spot was that I got a shower this morning!! Yes - I do shower EVERYDAY, it's just not always first thing in the morning...usually it's after I walk on treadmill after taking Hunter to school. And it's really hard to get one in early if Jeremy's out of town - but the kids had mercy on me and slept!! Thank Goodness!! Yes, I realize none of you care about the above...quit reading if it bothers you! LOL!

Got Hunter off to school and Liz, Tanner and I went to story hour. We read about bikes today. Cute books...most of the kids really didn't care. But they were quiet and sat through them. Off to the craft/snack room. We made bicycle helmets out of milk jugs and ate fruit snacks and drank juice. YUM. Helmets are REALLY cute!!! You can SO tell they are milk jugs! HAHA.

After story hour, we had more than an hour to kill before picking up Hunter from school so we hit Good Will. Their selection is really not that good...so we headed to Salvation Army. I love Salvation Army. And today's discounts were good! I got Liz a 1 shirt, 1 dress and snow bib overalls for next winter. Hunter got two pair of pants (to replace his high waters) and I got a bag of books for less than $6. Today was fill a bag of books for a $1. Love Salvation Army!!!

Picked up Hunter and went home for lunch. Yummy PB&J and cheetos - with milk (well, one thing had to be sorta healthy!).

OK - done rambling. Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday. Daddy comes home tonight!! Kids are excited!! Although they may be more excited about the fact that's it's only one more day until skating!

Ready to have

more energy. UGH. Just feeling very blah lately and on top of that, I have a cold that comes and goes. I start to feel better, then it hits me again.

What's been up here?

Tanner's finally better...medically, anyway! Once his fever broke, he turned into...I don't even know what. Lots of crying, lots of grumping, lots of snot. Lots of cranky...and he was bad too. Just kidding. That was all him. He seems to be improving in that area. I think he was just preparing us for what happens after Friday - The Terrible Twos. Yes, he turns 2 on Friday - I can't believe it! Where has the time gone? He's getting so big - using so many words and just growing up SO quickly. I want my wittle baby. Wait...he was NEVER little. We'll probably just celebrate Sat. afternoon with family. Something simple.

Lizzie's doing well - same ole, same ole (you know, I never know how to spell that expression? Anyone?, did I spell "ole" right?). She loves to wear her princess outfits...all the time. Even tho' we keep it at 67 degrees in the house. Doesn't bother her at all!! She's VERY talkative and if there's no one to talk to? No worries, she'll have a chat with herself. The girl doesn't quit!!

Hunter's Spring pictures were on Monday. I bought him a new shirt...it was too big. But he still wore it and he still looked way cute. I am glad that it was a pic from the waist up...'cause he was wearin' some HIGH WATERS!!(to be said with a serious southern drawl!!) Wowsers..gotta go get some clothes from the basement!! He's finally giving Lego Star Wars some resting time. He still plays, but not every waking minute that he's allowed to!! Yes, he was obsessed for a while.

Jeremy's in Detroit for tonight...we miss him! AND - we're really looking forward to Thursday evening! Thursday evening, Jeremy and I get to show off how OLD we're getting. Hunter's school is having a skating party. Yes, ROLLER SKATING. I'll post on update on Friday - to let you all know how many bones were broken.

Well - off to get the kids outside. It's a GORGEOUS day out today. First day in a LONG time that they've gotten to play outside. We're going to go enjoy it!!

Happy Tuesday!

Calgon..................

you know what to do!

OK - that was DISGUSTING...

We've had water pressure problems since we moved into our *new to us* home. We moved in about 7'ish months ago. Jeremy finally got fed up and had the city come tell us their opinion of the problem. It was either them or us. It was us. LOL

It was suggested that we replace our main line in the house and all the branch-offs with either copper or PVC - we chose PVC for finance's sake. Jeremy did the job in just a few hours time. It was quick work. Our water pressure has improved considerably. We're happy with it.

What was dsgusting? The galvanized steel pipe that we replaced was so corroded, we couldn't see through it. One piece I could literally see NO light through. GROSS. We were drinking the water that came through those pipes.

I wanted to hurl.

So - here's Liz's latest! What ever will I do with that girl??? LOL

Yesterday we had the water turned off for a while, Jeremy had to replace some plumbing downstairs in the basement! That's another post in itself and I'll get to that! LOL

She was thirsty and kept telling me so. I told her that I was sorry, but she would have to wait a few more minutes until the water was back on...of course, being three years (almost 4!) old, she continued to inform me that she was thirsty. About 4 more times, back to back. I was getting a tad irritated and told her not to say it AGAIN! Instantly she tells me again. So (being me), she gets one more chance. I told her if she said it one more time, she would be in TROUBLE. About THREE seconds later, she tells me............"Mom, my throat is dry!." ja;lgjawjfhoiwehfo'iwehf;oawhe

She spent some time in time-out...and her dad and I laughed about that one later.

Frustration

I can't seem to get this healthy eating/exercising thing going on again. About hmmm...6-8 months ago I lost 20 pounds. I had probably 20 more to lose...never did. And I gained about 16 back!! GRRRRRR!!!

How did I lose 20? I didn't use a "diet". I just cut out almost all sweets, cut out pop, drank LOTS of water, watched my portion sizes and exercised (treadmill, 30/day, 3-5 times/week). It worked. But I messed up and am almost back to where I started.

So - I really want to get this started again...I really need some motivation...I really don't have any...

Blah.

My baby

is a sickie. Tanner has been running a temperature since yesterday afternoon. I feel so bad for the little guy. When the meds wear off, he's just so pitiful. Hopefully today is the last of it, but if he's still running the temp tomorrow, we'll be off to the doctor...

which leads me to my mini-rant of the day.

It's so frustrating that stupid people make life harder for me. Our doctor's first line of defense for coughs and such is breathing treatments. Well, I'm in need of new accessories for our nebulizer. I learned that now you have to have a prescription to get EVEN the accessories (not the meds). What a pain that is!!! I usually start them on treatments to avoid the doctor...so frustrating!! The reason for the new rule of having a scrip is that some people are using them to inhale drugs/bad stuff I guess. How dumb can you be??? GRRR! Thanks - for making my life a bit harder!!

Ok - end rant!!

I love

Elle Woods...

yes, I'm watching Legally Blonde for the umpteenth time - on TBS.

Yes, she appears to be as dumb as a rock...but she's so smart!! OK - done with my mindless stuff...off to bed for me!

Yo

I'm not really sure what the purpose of pointless comments are....I've got a pointless comment on one of these posts...doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me at all - but it did give me an excuse to get another post up!!! Whooohooo - on my way now!

Dancing

With the Stars is returning!

Whoohoooo!

I am a DWTS geek! Big time! Love it! I think I want to dance like...Cheryl. Who am I kidding, I wanna dance like 'em all!! Which is hilarious - b/c I will NEVER be able to - no matter how in shape I may get. I get extremely nauseated just doing one complete turn. Not fun at all for me!!!

My favorites from the past include: Tia Carrere (she didn't make it very far, but I think she's was awesome for having the guts to try it!!), Kelly Manaco (I'm a secret GH fan), DREW LACHEY!!! and Joey Lawrence. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how John Ratzenberger (he's the newest cast member after Vincent Pastore quit) and the speedskater will do!!

Tune in - March 19th!

We love

the library! But I'm thinking that the library doesn't love us. We've got 19 books to go back - they were due February 14...wonder what kind of fine that will be! OUCH!

Can you tell

that I'm trying to inc rease my number of posts? I really want to do the PayPerPost thing, but I think that my blog will be rejected b/c I need more posts!!

So - here's another!!! LOL

Pepper...

is on her last leg!! Walking on thin ice. Hanging on by a thread.

The poor dog - and I'm not talking about her health. She appears to be healthy as ever...but she's driving us INSANE. There are only two things that are keeping me from giving her the boot this minute. Lizzie and concern for Pepper's well-being.

Lizzie - the girl will be heartbroken. I just don't know if I can do that to her. When we got rid of Hank, she cried for two days. We had only had that dog for about 3 weeks. We've had Pepper now for around 8 months. She may never recover. :)

Pepper - my biggest concern is getting her to a family that will treat her well. I just can't stand the thought of her being mistreated.

BUT - if she chews up another one of Jeremy's tools - he may take matters into his own hands!! (DISCLAIMER: he would NEVER hurt her).

Hope Floats

That is all.

Just call me Sandra Bullock...

why?

I wore my pajamas to take Hunter to school today - second day in a row for that!! Don't worry - I don't actually get out of my vehicle!!! Remember how she took Mae Whitman her lunch at school in...oh my - what was it called?? Something about Hope...yikes, I can't believe I don't remember!! Ah well - at least I didn't stand at the fence yelling his name!! And I could have b/c his hat fell off. But a young girl saved him that embarrassment! He lucked out...this time.

trying something

new...

I'm hoping to start getting paid to blog. But I need to get some more blogs posted! So today's first post will be about...getting paid to blog. I'm looking forward to trying this out! I think it's something I can definitely do and maybe make a little cash...hoping so anyway. Of course, I need more traffic around here and I'm not really sure how to go about getting that! If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open to hearing them. Of course, that means SOMEONE has to actually be reading my blog and I'm really not even sure if there is! LOL We'll see, I guess!

More on this as it develops...

It's the first day of...

March! Where in the world has the time gone??? WOW!

I'm going to try to be regular in posting here. Not really sure how many poeple are actually reading, but I guess it will be nice to have this stuff in writing for posterity (is that the right word?).

It's snowing here right now...supposed to be pretty bad today I think. Goody. Now, if it cancels school for me for tomorrow, then I might be able to forgive...Yes, I would be happy if school were cancelled and no, I'm not crazy! I have to drive Hunter to school every day. It's only 10 minutes away, but since he attends school in a school district that we do not live in, he can't ride a bus (not sure I'd let him even if we were within the district). Anyway - that's twice a day - getting the kids out. Not always fun...who am I kidding?, not ever FUN. Starting next year, I'll be doing this drop off/pick up THREE TIMES PER DAY and will continue for the next 4 years. Liz will be in 1/2 day preschool and then 1/2 day Kindergarten. And when Liz goes to First, Tanner will be in 1/2 preschool and then 1/2 day Kindergarten! What was I thinking??? LOL

Ok, so now that I have the "mindless" stuff out of the way...I guess I need to get on with my day!!

My first "REAL" post of 2007...

here at blogger/blotspot (whatever it's called).

This is a brag on Lizzie!!!

Liz takes gymnastics in six week sessions on Tuesday afternoons. This is her second session and her last class will be next Tuesday. Liz has always done a really good job. She seemed to be able to do a little bit better physicall than the rest of the girls - but mostly she did MUCH BETTER on listening and not running all over the place. Now - these are girls that are ages 3-5. Not unusual for them to not just sit and be at rapt attention throughout the whole class. Usually they're not really that bad. They just like to run to their moms/dads/grandmas to give hugs and such...ALL THE TIME. Yesterday was no exception. I was actually getting a bit frustrated. I mean, we do pay for these classes and I want Liz to be able to learn something.

Anyway - so yesterday was a bit frustrating...but there's nothing I can do, so I was trying to not let it bother me too much. After class, the teacher told Lizzie to have me wait so she could talk to me. She told me that when/if I sign her up for another 6 week session to put her in the next class up. That's the Kindergarten/First Grade class. She told me that they look for how well the kids listen and such before offereing to class to the younger students Liz turns 4 in May.

I'm very proud of my little gymnast that the teachers are noticing that she listens and stays put during class. She's learning alot and doing a great job!

YAY Lizzie!

Made a decision...MySpace 2-26-07 (from MySpace)

Hello Friends!! I am putting this in my blog and also posting a bulletin to read my blog so that hopefully all of my friends will see this SOON.

I have decided to delete my MySpace account. For MYSELF (29 years YOUNG), I don't think there's anything wrong with MySpace. I have enjoyed meeting up with new friends (March2005Babies, HC, etc), old friends (Sequoyah HS, Carousel Day Care, etc.), church friends and even several family members. I love that we've been able to connect and keep in better touch. I will REALLY miss being able to do this. For this reason, I DON'T want to delete. But there's a greater good involved.

I am a member of the Church of God (7th Day) located in XXXX, XXXX (LOL - most of you know where I am!) - this is the same location as a christian boarding school where the students are not allowed to participate on MySpace. I do understand the dangers that MySpace can present to young pre-teens and teenagers...even young adults. I see these students EVERY week and I really need to be a better example in all that I do around them. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that everyone that is a member of our church should delete. This is a personal decision I'm making for me. I hope you all understand. I'll be deleting my account in THREE days (Thursday, March 1).

I'll miss you and would love for anyone and everyone that is interested to email me at aesjls1996@yahoo.com so that I will have your email and be able to continue to be in touch with you! This is a temporary account and I'll be emailing you back from my main account.

Thanks everyone!!
Have a great day!
I'll miss seeing you around "mySpace"!
Love ya'll!

I can't win...2-15-07 (from MySpace)

So - Lizzie's been doing REALLY great staying dry at night!! This is very good! We've been praising like crazy and she even got to wear big girl undies to bed (no pull up) and stayed dry! VERY COOL!

Now she's having accidents during the day. One yesterday and one today!

My Valentine's Loot 2-13-07 (from MySpace)

So my hubby came home with the goods tonight! We usually don't buy for each other on Valentine's Day, but this year he's feeling particularly thankful, I guess. So - he showed me!!

I got new Jammies - soft, flannel like! Just the kind I like!

A Wal-Mart Gift card for "unmentionables". Just what I need! (yeah, I realize that you didn't need to know that, but hey, I like to share!)

Hershey Kisses - with Cherry Cordial creme inside! YUMMY

Two new pans for the stove! So - this was as much for him as for me, as he does about as much cooking (maybe more) as I do.

Whoohooo!

eh...whatever 2-13-07 (from MySpace)

Do you ever get a blog all set to post...it's something that you really wanted to share and while it's certainly not extremely important that you get this news out - you're excited to share it all the same...then your stupid computer acts up and you lose it all. And then you really don't care to share it anymore.

Yep - that happened to me this morning. And now I don't care anymore.
It was actually making fun of myself and my 'mad driving skilz.' It was a funny post...now it just seems stupid. LOL

OK - so I'll share a little. I was supposed to go EAST. I went WEST. Boogers. (that would be my kid-friendly version of CRAP).

Have a great day!!!

My Toes Are Frozen 12-07-06 (from MySpace)

Apparently I'm not supposed to share my week with you. I just had a bunch of stuff typed up... and hit a funky key and lost it all.

Let me see if I can condense it for you:

Monday: Jeremy left for Chicago. Tuesday: took kids to gymnastics, tried to buy them snacks, no wallet. Check at home, no wallet. Go back to gymnastics class, no wallet. Go pick up Tanner from Uncle Tim's. Hunter throws up on the way. Get paper towels from Uncle Tim. Clean Hunter up enough to get home. Go home the old way...waste 10 minutes and almost hit a deer. Hunter throws up AGAIN before arriving home. Get Hunter cleaned up and kids on couch in front of TV. Look for wallet again. Talk to Jeremy. Decide that someone at gymnastics had to have stolen my wallet out of my purse. (I was stupid and left it under my chair while taking Liz to potty) Feeling really stressed out about this. Still talking to Jeremy...and see my wallet on the counter in the kitchen under the calendar. OH YEAH! I remember now why it was in there. Stupid insurance company! Feeling much better. Put the kids to bed. I had plans earlier in the day to put kids down that night and really clean up my upstairs and get tons of launrdy done. LOL With all that happened that evening: I poured myself a huge Pepsi, turned on the TV in the bedroom and zoned out until I fell asleep on my bed. That was just Tuesday.
Wednesday: Kept Hunter home. He's fine ALL day. Still got NOTHING done around the house. Got nothing done last night except to get Hunter's vomit covered coat washed.

TODAY: My toes are frozen. Why? Took Hunter to school. Came home. Was locked out of house. It's stinkin' cold out there. Put kids back in warm van. Remember that I had the window in the kitchen open yesterday and didn't remember locking it. Thank goodness. Finally pry the window open standing on Pepper's dog house. Got ladder out of shed b/c dog house isn't tall enough, climb in window. Get kids in house. Put ladder back. Pick up snow covered purse in backyard. My toes are frozen and they hurt.

Will it ever end??

Going now to find some cheese for my whine.

Have a great day!!

He Gives Us So Much...11-21-06 (from MySpace)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Thanksgiving. This is my absolute favorite holiday and I'm so excited that we'll be hosting Thanksgiving in our new home.

This year we'll have my aunt Cindy, uncle Rick and cousin Karri. We're also having my uncle Tim, aunt Lisa and their 4 kids: Colby, Madeline, Chloe and Kassidy. It will be a houseful, but I can't wait. I like to "do up" Thanksgiving like the people that already have their Christmas lights lit and Christmas tree up. Hmm..another reason to be thankful I don't celebrate Christmas - I'd be exhausted if I had to "do up" both holidays! LOL
It's amazing how at this time of reflecting on all the wondeful blessings we've received, Satan is working extra hard to make it harder on us to remember. Things just aren't going according to plan and I'm getting a bit overwhelmed and a tad frustrated, but I am working on it.

I hope you don't mind me sharing with you what I'm thankful for this year:

First and foremost: My Savior - without Him, my life would have NO meaning. I would have no reason to get up in the morning.

My FAMILY. They mean the world to me. I would be absolutely lost without them. Jeremy is my best friend. My children are the second reason I get up in the morning. I could go on and on, but I know that those of you who are mothers (and fathers) understand just how much my kids mean to me!

My friends. I'm not the kind of person that has a great big circle of friends...but I do have several wonderful friends that I love very much. God has blessed me.

My church family. I LOVE you Owosso people. And I love that all of you have made me want to call this place HOME.

There's so much more....but I'm going to quit for now. God has richly blessed me and my family. We are so thankful for His Love.May God bless all of you during this Thanksgiving season.

Are We Having Visitors?? 11-09-06 (from MySpace)

The kids and I were talking in the van yesterday about how eating healthy will make you live a long time. This led to Lizzie telling me that she didn't want to die. This led to me telling her that there was a good chance that the Lord would be coming back before she would be old enough to die. This led to talking about when the Lord will come back....very cute conversation. Also a good opener for me to talk to the kids about how we should always strive to be ready.

So this morning at the store, out of the blue Lizzie asks: "Are God and Jesus coming over tomorrow??" She's ready for a visit!!!

I hope I can always be as ready as Lizzie is!

Loserville 11-01-06 (from MySpace)

I feel like such a loser...ok, I am a loser!!!

I signed up to do these articles for $$. Grant it, not a lot of $$, but some pocket change. Seemed easy enough and I took on my first assignment. With this particular assignment and the way it is to be written, I am clueless!!! Don't even know where to begin. 400 words and needs to be done tonight by 8p.m. Ahem...I'm a loser.

Kiddie Updates 10-26-06 (from MySpace)

Hunter: Loving school! Says "dude" about everything. That word has taken the place of the following phrases: "That's cool.", "Do I have to?", "Can I have that?", you say the phrase, he has somehow replaced it with "dude". HUH? I admit that he got some of it from me. I call them dudes all the time, but I don't use the word in those contexts...I'm not a 15 year old male! And neither is he - tho' apparently he thinks he is.

Lizzie: What can I say about our only, spoiled rotten baby girl? She's a bit whiny these days and doesn't seem to know how to listen, but she's the sweetest whiner out there. Also, she's very big into protecting her mama. Gotta love that one. She's very much enjoying going to Story Hour at the Library. She also gets to take her cousin/friend Chloe. It's been fun!

Tanner: Same tank as always! Big news: For the last 4 nights, he's not had a bottle in the middle of night. (yes, many of you think I had already had that problem under control - don't ask!). I've refused to bring him downstairs and we're down to waking once and fussing for about 10 minutes before falling asleep again. BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT for the little guy! As soon as the boy starts sleeping through the entire night, I'm gonna yank the bottle completely!!
That's the kids - in a nutshell!

I want my Mommy!! 10-19-06 (from MySpace)

So - this whole living 900'ish miles from my mother is just not working out for me at all. Yes, of course, I miss her. That is forever true, but having lived in a different state than her for the past years...I'm a big girl now, this is not my issue.

I miss my mommy today b/c I need a babysitter! LOL I don't get out much (he, and it usually shows). I hardly ever use a sitter - the kids just go along...grocery shopping, kid doc and dentist visits, I lug them around. I'm cool with this! It's usually just a waste of my time to cart them to a sitter, go to an appt. or grocery shopping and them go get them.
HOWEVER, when I do need one, I have a hard time finding one. Not that people aren't willing, but there always seems to be some reason that they can't (...hmm..or maybe they aren't willing...; >)

So - tomorrow night, I actually get to go see a christian comedian with a good friend. I'm really looking forward to it...I need someone from 3:30 p.m. until Jeremy gets home. Any takers???I want my mommy!