Hide and Teaque

Just cute

2010-02-02T23:06:00.002-05:00

Howdy!

2010-01-30T10:03:00.004-05:00

Since I have received far too many complaints lately about not posting here ya go. Honestly, I just like the simplicity of a simple statement here and there on Facebook AND the pics are way easier to post on there too. So here is what's been happening with us:

-sold our current house

-closed on it right before Thanksgiving

-the people who bought it, gave us 6 months (rent FREE) to move out

turns out is a blessing, yet also a curse do you know how scary it is to go back to a house payment after not having one??

-we decided to not go to Alaska after all. We had 2 job offers but they were both before out house sold and since the house has sold there hasn't been another offer. We both feel like we are just supposed to be here and that is ok. I am happy to just know what our plan is now and to move forward. I still really want to go visit AK at least!

-we looked at a blue million houses online, drive by's and in person

-wrote an offer on a house last week - it's now accepted

-should close on the new house at the end of February

-I'm thrilled, love it! 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, basement, over an acre in land, in a neighborhood we already liked and is still close to Etown

-the packing has begun around here.. oh the clearing out! but I really like it too. just love de-junking

-Byron is just plugging along at work and wishing the weather was nicer so he could finish up his pilots license

-Cade is still plugging along with school. He's reading like crazy and is now doing multiplication in math and seems to be getting bigger by the day

-Cory is still plugging along getting into everything she can find. in great news she will now watch tv (LOL!) but usually just "mimmee" (Mickey Mouse) and so we call her a Mickey Monster. She will be 2 Feb 20th! Where did the time go???

-I have managed to get almost all of 2008 scrapbooked but have yet to even touch 2009 - going digital on that year. My plan is to stay caught up with 2010 guess i better get going since January is just about over. OH MY!

-Still cleaning houses and posting insurance in the evenings so staying busy and now add packer extraordinaire to the list.

-it snowed a pretty good amount last night so the kids will be heading to a friends house this afternoon for snow fun and a birthday party. pics to follow (but probably only on FB, just adding this one pic took me entirely too long on here!)

Here is a picture of our new house!

well hello there...

2009-10-11T03:21:00.002-04:00

Yep It's me. Since it's already 3:23AM!! I decided I might as well blog about what's been keeping me up so late tonight. THIS GIRL'S blog, that's what. What an amazing story and she has an amazing personality. But beware: if you read her blog you WILL cry, trust me, I know! I found her from Oprah, I was catching up on all my Oprah's I had taped from this week and man did she have some doozies... Stephanie's story as well as a 7 year old with schizophrenia. So incredibly sad! Both of these stories make me step back and look at my life and feel sooo incredibly blessed! I find myself having pity parties sometimes, sometimes too often and ALL THE TIME they are unnecessary. God gives me these sob-fest stories to remind me to keep it real, get over it, and to help me realize that I have it SO incredibly good around here.

I am more blessed than most and I am thankful!

MIA

2009-08-25T23:35:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been missing in action lately! You can find me on Facebook if you want to see recent pictures or keep up with what we're doing. Oh and school has sort of started around here, I've taken on cleaning a few houses for some extra money and of course am still posting insurance payments at night so... needless to say we've been busy. Come see me on Facebook if you aren't already my "friend."

Today (well 2 weeks ago really)

2009-07-21T19:24:00.007-04:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

I came across this quote today ( well actually almost 2 weeks ago when I started this post) on Lacy's blog. It is very fitting for today, since we put our house up for sale this afternoon. We are not sure of what's next IF the house sells. Our house was built in the 1961 by Byron's grandfather and uncles. It is in great condition, but needs a lot of updating hence the big IF it sells. We do not have the money to put into fixing it up besides just some minor work here and there to help it hopefully sell better. It's hard to let it go to a stranger, but we feel this is the right thing to do IF it's in God's plans. I am at peace at listing the house, but we are still unsure of what is to come. Last week Byron had an interview with a fire department in Alaska. We have talked a lot about moving and going for some adventure. We both tend to get antsy and enjoy going to new places. I always say my max somewhere is 3 yrs and we've been here 4. Ha Ha. Anyway... back to the AK job... the interview went well and they told him he is at the top of the list if and when we are ready to move there. We have the Chief's number and are supposed to call when the house sells. If they have an opening then we are welcome to move there. They have 2 openings coming so... we'll see if this all times out right. If we sell the house and no openings then that is ok. It's a great house but not the location we are really dreaming up. OR we may just end up here... no telling... stay tuned. We have done a lot of cleaning up, de-junking and some minor improvements around the house. Here are some recent pics. I am loving the new look in the kitchen and living room.

8 years!

2009-07-10T00:50:00.000-04:00

Today marks our wedding anniversary! I can not believe how quickly the last 8 years have gone by. Only 42 left on our contract! Wohoo!!

My 2009 word update

2009-06-29T08:49:00.004-04:00

Ali posted about the word for 2009 and I couldn't even remember what I had chosen, but I found it on my handy-dandy blog. BECOME was my word. You can read my original post here... as well as see an updated version of this post. I'm actually kind of proud of my progress.

Today...

2009-06-25T22:14:00.004-04:00

Outside my window... hot tub and lots of Smoky Mountain trees

I am thinking... I'm pretty stinkin tired from DollyWood and swimming today

I am thankful for... a week of family/vacation time

From the kitchen... Byron making flying plans at the table

I am wearing... comfy jammies

I am creating... memories and not much else

I am going... home tomorrow... I'm ready sort of

I am reading... my THIRD book of the week! The Power of a Woman's Words

I am hoping... and praying for safe travel tomorrow

I am hearing... Orange County Choppers on TV

Around the house... signs of vacation... beach towels drying, shoes piled up at the door, snackie foods in the kitchen, suitcases exploded in the rooms

One of my favorite things... vacation

A few plans for the rest of the week... a stop at a Discovery Center in Knoxville, home, bday party for my niece, Viacolori on Sunday maybe

Vacation Day 1

2009-06-22T09:16:00.006-04:00

On our way to Gatlinburg, TN we stopped and ate lunch at Cumberland Falls. Cade and I have been doing a Kentucky study this summer and have learned about Daniel Boone since he spent a lot of time in KY. We know that he went through the Cumberland Gap which is very close to the falls. We decided to visit the falls since it's more exciting than the Gap itself. It was blazing hot (high 90's), but the kids thought the waterfall was cool. Cory loved walking around and peeking through the fence at the top of it. We think she might be the hiker kid, stay tuned. Oh and this waterfall has a moonbow when the moon is full. Only this waterfall and Victoria Falls in Africa have a predictable moonbow. Pretty cool for little ole KY.

ok I've had it...

2009-06-11T21:23:00.002-04:00

I'm going digital with my scrapbooking (well sort, maybe, kinda, I don't know really...) BUT this post from Ali makes me want to really badly, I just want my LO's to be cute and finished and anymore when I try to scrapbook I just kind of suck at it, I don't like it and I would really like to just sell my entire stash and clean up the mess of a craft/school room I have going on in there and make it one big school room... BUT then I'm afraid I'd miss the "cutting and gluing" of it all you know?!??! What's a girl to do?? (Oh and Yes Shelley I know you suggested hybrid, but I'm just not sure I'd like that either.. I kind of like the idea of sending off for a digital book and it being all done, no printing and trying to put into a regular album etc... ) I DID get an online photoshop class from Byron for Mother's Day and have yet to do it... just been a WEE BIT busy... we'll see what happens... stay tuned!

Cade's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-06T23:06:00.003-04:00

My crazy 5 year old...

The grad with the sister (whose hair needs some help)

during the Kindergartner's group song - It was a cute song about going to 1st grade

sung to the tune of Frank Sinatra's, "Start Spreading the News."

Cade performing his "talent" - he sang the United States President's song. He would not even say his name into the microphone on Tuesday night's rehearsal so I was scared he wouldn't even go up there. OR would get really nervous and mess up. He has always been so shy so for him to do this AND to do it well (Byron said it was the best and most clear he had heard him sing it!) He only had one little mistake and that wasn't even with the president's names. I was beaming with pride for this boy! Such a huge accomplishment for him to go up there alone and sing a song!

My sister and all the kids.

My mom and dad.

Each graduate had a table to set up any schoolwork etc. I used a lot of pictures b/c so much of what we do is hands on. He was very proud to show everyone his work.

I am pleased with how well things went and am relieved to have it over it... we've planning this for months now and it has worn me out! :)

Hi Daddy...

2009-06-06T22:50:00.001-04:00

Thanks for coming by to say hi yesterday.

Busy...

2009-06-06T08:57:00.002-04:00

You know you have been busy when your Google Reader has 64 unread blog posts and your email STILL has 39 unread emails (even though you have been checking it and cleaning it out). But...

Life is good! I have completed:

1. the co-op's yearbook

2. homeschooling Cade for his Kindergarten year (although we will still have plenty of school to do over the summer - KY Unit, Human body unit, as well as staying up on math and reading)

2. completed the Doctors scrapbook album that was due this past Thursday

3. finished planning/held Cade's Kindergarten graduation

4. watching daycare kids for the past 5 years!!!!! This is huge people! No more daycare kids. I am now only a part time work-at-home mom! I will still have insurance payments to post, but hey it will at least be without 3 extra children around! wohoo!

Pics to follow!

man...

2009-05-29T14:12:00.001-04:00

It's really tough to fuss at this face (don't worry though I DO!).

Houston, we have pig tails!

2009-05-28T21:52:00.004-04:00

FINALLY!

Please excuse the 5 year old photography skills, nothing like a close up of the doorknob. And yes, yes we do store our cereal in the bathroom, so what.

Thank you Cory, for helping with the groceries.

Today I have learned...

2009-05-24T23:44:00.004-04:00

1. I should NOT run 4 miles when my hamstrings were hurting BEFOREhand! It really doesn't make them feel better.

2. sugar free jello is NOT a replacement for chocolate

3. I CAN make it 5 whole entire days without junk food and coke - regular AND diet

4. no matter how many days are added on to the weekend it still goes by too quickly

5. even though Cade seems really grown up sometimes, he still really gets into fun kid stuff (thank goodness) - we had a Peter Rabbit party at my mom's house today. I'll post more pics another day, but below is a highlight

6. the stupid MMR vaccine will give your child a rash/grumpiness that will make you feel really guilty about giving her the vaccine in the first place

7. that I need my mommy to still tell me when to go to bed, I stayed up too late last night and here it is almost midnight again... someone MAKE me go to bed

8. I don't like cutting up watermelon

9. I do like Havarti dill cheese

10. I miss having a newborn who sleeps the entire time you are at someone's house (I was reminded of this as my sister's baby slept all afternoon and I chased Cory ALL afternoon). However, at least Cory sleeps through the night now.....

Apologia Homeschool Curriculum

2009-05-20T13:09:00.001-04:00

Apologia is now producing notebooking journals that accompany each of the elementary science books. Both Botany and Astronomy are now available. You can see samples on the Apologia website here:

These journals are beautiful spiral bound notebooks that will save you time and money. You won't have to print and keep up with your child's notebook pages, buy and maintain page protectors, or purchase and compile binders...everything that makes notebooking time-consuming and labor intensive for mom. Also, your child will adore having their own notebooking journal.

Each of the notebooking journals include:

A daily schedule for those who like to have a plan or would like their children to complete the book on their own
Templates for written narrations, the notebooking activities and experiments
Review Questions
Scripture Copywork, with both print and cursive practice
Reading lists and additional activities, projects, experiments for each lesson
An appendix with beautiful, full-color, lapbook-style Miniature Books
Field Trip Sheets to keep a record field trips
A Final Review with fifty questions the students can answer either orally or in writing to show off all they remember and know at the end of the course.

See the sample pages here:

Botany: https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=128

and

Astronomy: https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=127

Jeannie is giving away four Astronomy Notebooking Journals and four Botany Notebooking Journals to bloggers who post about this on their site. Visit her blog to learn more about this contest: www.jeanniesjournal.com

confessions of a junk food junky gone runner

2009-05-18T22:32:00.006-04:00

I'm supposed to be working - was actually supposed to start posting payments 2 and 1/2 hours ago - YIKES - the Internet is a death trap for me....

So by some crazy fluke I ended up on Oprah's website reading Jenny McCarthy's blog. I remember watching her in HS and thinking she was so funny (I admit raunchy, but still funny) and I loved how she just didn't care what people thought. I always admired that. So... who in a million years would have thought she'd end up being that really health conscious mom? I sure didn't.

Anyway - has anyone read the book The Yeast Syndrome?? Jenny recommended it and I think I'm going to. Apparently Jenny has a sugar addiction and bad acne - me too. (She also recommends Sugar Blues.)I have so many books I want to read (and rarely are any of them at the library and then I feel bad buying a book I know I'm only going to read once and of course this time it's not available on kindle so then I can't get it cheaper and blah blah blah... I used to read so much and well now, I spend my time blogging about how much I want to read... and I don't even bother using periods and just make tons of run on sentences b/c I'm practicing just not caring what you people think!) Let me know if you read it and what you thought.

So lately I've been thinking about me and who I am and what I'm all about etc, etc. kind of off the topic stuff there, but I hear people talk about the big deep issue of why someone is overweight (on Oprah, Biggest Loser etc). YES, I realize I'm not really in that category and I just have 13 pounds to lose at this point, BUT really all of that is chalked up to really great metabolism most of my life. Trust me, if everything I have eaten in the last 30 years REALLY showed up I would definitely be the woman who couldn't leave her house. I'm not trying to be mean - just real. I got lucky some how and was able to eat really badly all of my life. Lots of junk, lots of cokes, lots of eating out etc. So yes I was blessed, but yet still have a problem that needs some attention. I was gaining an average of 10 lbs a year awhile back - that means that if I had continued like I was going then I would weigh approx 370 pounds by the time I was 50 years old (yes I really did the math) - not good. So... really if you are still reading I'm impressed. I think this is really for me to just get this out...

SO... I've been trying to think about WHY do I eat like I do. I think most of it is just habit, but there is something else there. Not sure just yet, but I DO know that I don't like to tell myself no. There is some mental block there (all this is so much jibberish), but I don't like to say no on doing things, going places, buying stuff, and eating. What happened yesterday during my killer run (that I have NEVER done in my life) was that I was able to keep going even though I REALLY wanted to stop and I learned that this running thing is ALMOST more mental than physical and somehow in that crazy hour of pain I was mentally able to continue on. I got some weird urge to run with my eyes closed (can you imagine what that would be like?? me running through my little town with my eyes closed.) I didn't really do it, just kind of squinted. I listened so intently to EVERY single word of my songs and told myself that I really could do it. AND then I DID! Something seriously empowering happened yesterday. I realized that b/c I had just ran 3 miles without stopping a week or so before that I told myself you did it before so do it now. Then that turned into maybe you can do more. I think all this conversation in my head was really just something to keep my mind off the burn in my legs and back not to mention the annoying pain my toes were in. (Time for real running shoes, now that I think I might REALLY use them.) But either way it worked and MENTALLY I made it. AND you would not believe how stinkin proud of myself I was last night! Like tell everyone about it proud - like didn't eat the ice cream that I really wanted proud b/c I was afraid one little bowl of ice cream would cancel out that run.

So all day today I've been thinking about all this junk and my eating (you know as I finish off the box of Whoppers that I totally shouldn't have bought Friday). See the proud didn't totally last - LOL! I think mentally I'm getting stronger and this running thing is mental and maybe that's why people do it. I THINK I just might be getting it. Thirty years old and am JUST now getting why people would run just to run. It's about fighting that inner self and winning, about pushing yourself to do something you never thought you could AND actually doing it. That feeling when I FINALLY made it back to my driveway was unreal - like I don't think I've had that before. and NOW I want that again. Today I was thinking I'm supposed to not run today, but I kind of want to - I wonder what I could do today or how much can I do tomorrow. I may just have the bug.

So... I THINK this runner inner challenge mental deal I've found can be translated into my food issues. If I can do the running thing surely I can simply NOT put that candy in my mouth - it sounds so easy and so simple and for ME it's just about impossible, but I also thought running was impossible before too... maybe I can beat the Junk Food Monster that lives within me. Maybe....

Productivity Addict

2009-05-17T21:36:00.002-04:00

My definition of a really good day:

1. slept in till 8:30am

2. posted a few insurance payments BEFORE church

3. listened to a sermon that really spoke to me

4. didn't eat out for lunch (of course we all know how much I love to eat out, but I am always proud when I don't - but all that goes to Byron, he put his foot down LOL)

5. dusted, vacuumed, did dishes, put laundry away WARM (many of you can understand the importance of WARM), mopped the kitchen floor, cleaned the bathroom

6. Cory took a really long nap (see above)

7. ran for an HOUR - which translates to 5 YES 5 miles!! ( walked only one of those miles in the middle the rest was running without stopping)

8. took an extra long, extra hot shower

9. had my car washed (thanks babe)

10. ate dinner at home (yes a bummer, but still proud)

11. gathered up all of Cade's school work for the week, printed what's needed, AND even read him the book for the week already

12. had family play time before bed (which means Byron and I lay on the floor in Cory's room she has carpet, Cade has hardwood, and the kids climb on us - oh joy!)

12. watched Survivor finale (well still watching...)

13. actually posted on my blog

14. AND it's only 9:45pm

15. hanging on the couch with Byron now

**YES that defines a good day for me - see title - I suppose scrapbooking in there somewhere would have made it even better, but well I'm entirely too pooped!**

Can't sleep...

2009-05-12T00:53:00.002-04:00

must have had too much sweet tea at Buca tonight for Tracy and Heather's birthday celebrations. Found these inspring messages in my google reader just now.

found on Rhonna Farrer's blog:

“...love life, engage in it, give it all you've got. love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it” Maya Angelo

found on Kollette Hall's blog: **Heather this the blog I was telling you about.**

I am a strong believer in the power of personal choice when it comes to how we respond to life’s ups and downs, twists and turns, and peaks and valleys. I know that times are tough for many of you out there right now. I don’t have to look far in our own neighborhood to see the effects of the economy. We feel the pinch in our lives as well. And if that isn’t enough, many people have challenges with health issues, relationship problems, self-esteem struggles, natural disasters, and anything else imaginable (as well as much that is beyond imagination) to deal with.

But through it all, no matter what your individual challenge is, we each have a choice. We get to decide how we are going to respond to our circumstances – those of our own making as well as those out of our control. Yes, things are hard right now for many people. Yes, it might be discouraging or scary or overwhelming.

So take a moment to pause. You may not like what you are dealing with but you have to go through it anyway. How are you responding to your circumstances? Can you change the choice you are making in how you deal with things you are facing?

True, there are definitely people who struggle with chronic depression and I know it’s hard to overcome that. But if you can, remember what Jason would say:

Happy or sad I’ll still be in a wheelchair, I still won’t be able to walk…so I might as well enjoy the ride.

This week’s download is a quote that our lucky Big Picture Scrapbooking students got to have a few months back and now I want to share it with you.

Give happiness a try. In spite of everything – make the choice to be happy. Choose not to complain. Look at the positive instead of the negative. Be grateful.

You just might be surprised at how your life changes when you do.

Welcome Home Maynard Family, Welcome Home

2009-05-10T00:10:00.012-04:00

I only took OVER 300 pictures between 5:30pm and 10pm tonight - that's all! Here are some faves so far. Talk about emotional - oh the tears! Would you believe that they actually arrived 20 mins early?!?!? I couldn't believe it - with all those flights (31 hours in airports and on planes) and they were EARLY! Amazing I do believe God should get some credit for all that! :)

Mickey's sign says the boys' names and then I don't remember what the last line says. Probably home, or welcome or something...

They were pretty shy at first which totally expected and there were a LOT of people there and some pretty wild kids!

The little girl above came from the same orphange as well.

But... in no time Yesak was playing!

and holding big brothers hand.

AND even giving kisses, one on each cheek and one on the forehead, so sweet!

and then they enjoyed their new home... so much to look at.

The picture above is special to me b/c JUST before I took this picture the older boy (also from the same orphanage so he KNOWS these boys) kissed Lincoln on the cheek totally out of the blue! Sooo sweet!

But you can only stay up so long (I got the honors of holding the sweet baby while he slept!)....

Then Granny took over.

I bet these boys sleep well tonight.

I am so happy for you all and can't wait to get to know your little guys!

I'm in love

2009-05-07T23:54:00.003-04:00

with Bryan Adams all over again.... the concert simply rocked! It was a solo acoustic so just him and his guitar (no band) and then the piano player on some songs. He chatted with the audience (ME!) and told US (well ME!) the background on the songs. He sang to us (ME) the entire 2 hours... no breaks etc! AND the first song he sang was just as good of quality as the last one. I'm telling you it took everything I had to not cry... I wasn't even all that in love with HIM just his songs back in the day, but I think it was just being there and hearing all those ooozy love songs LIVE... Man good times! Byron even knew a lot of the words to the songs and sang along. He's now playing his guitar to some BA songs! I think he's trying to win my heart back from Bryan - hmmm.. Bryan and Byron this could get confusing. Oh and you know how they tell you no pictures etc?? - well EVERYONE was taking pics the entire concert... so mad I didn't smuggle in my camera - they obviously didn't care! I did take a few with my phone - but now how do I get them off my there?

wohoo!

2009-05-05T23:50:00.005-04:00

So today was a big day for some of us in our family...

Cory - managed to hurt herself 3 whole times and before I get a call from CPS - YES I watch my child. I watched her dive head first off the coach today b/c she was running on it and I couldn't get to her fast enough (despite the fact that I TOO was on the couch). I also watched her fall off the kitchen chair and then seriously HANG from the table until Byron could rescue her. I then also watched her smash her finger in the bathroom cabinet door while I ummm sat in there with her. SO YES I watch my child - today I just happened to not watch her very well. (Doesn't the sitting in the broken chair thing, just LOOK dangerous?? Oh and yep there's a water bottle again)

Cade - well poor Cade, nothing really major happened in his life HOWEVER he still has that loose tooth and well quite frankly we ALL know that, that alone is enough excitement to last at least until his birthday. And well maybe if I hadn't been watching my daughter so well I may have noticed something big HE did today. The pictures that are posted at top are from school yesterday. The book we read referenced Goldilocks so we went around and tried out all the chairs (there are way more chairs in this house than I realized). I made him try the high chair and well this was the response. We had a good giggle over it. We also, worked on money and he helped roll a bunch after he counted it. So see he did something!

Byron - Today was Byron's first solo flight. Which means he got in the airplane and took off, flew around a bit and landed alone NO INSTRUCTOR - eeek! Yes, this made me nervous. I knew he was going to do it before he left so I said extra prayers for his lesson today. Of course he did awesome and was pretty pumped when he came home. The pictures are somewhere on this post. The shirt is cut out b/c once you do your solo flight they "cut your shirt tail." He said that along time ago when people flew behind each other the instructor would pull on your shirt to give you instructions. Once your shirt tail is gone then they don't do that anymore (which isn't totally true - he still has a lot of lessons to go, but he is definitely on his way) You also know he is thrilled b/c he let me take these pictures!

Me - I ran 3.2 miles today WITHOUT stopping!! It only took 4 months to accomplish, but hey I did it - FINALLY and I didn't die!

just got lost...

2009-05-04T23:00:00.001-04:00

in youtube land gearing up for Thursday's concert!!! For the only 2 on this planet that haven't heard of my man go check him out here... I'm telling you... you love him too and just don't know it.

More details from Bethany

2009-05-04T20:48:00.002-04:00

I received an email from Bethany today! I was so excited to read all the details. I read it several times in fact! Here are bits and pieces from her email. She included info for 2 other mom's that had kiddos over there so I have left that info out so it may not flow b/c of that, but you can at least get the gist of her trip so far. It sounds amazing and I wish I could be there to experience it with her. I'm am so happy for her and the fact that she is actually over there experienving every bit of this!

Okay where do I start??

I will skip the OMG this country is awesome part and go right into meeting the boys!

We arrived on Sunday and the boys were at church.

We waited and went out to eat..YUMMY!! The food in Rome was less than delightful so we were ready for good food....our bill was $496.84 !!! (Oh that is only $50 in our money...including tip and appetizers and good ole coke in a bottle...YUM!

We arrived at the orphanage and my children were napping so we were introduced to the older children....upon walking into the room I saw Haile (beth's son) and immediately burst in to tears...to see that he was a real child was unbelievable..overwhelming..I look around and see many faces I know...the boys are hugging me and kissing me and shaking my hand...they are so well mannered and polite!

We walk outside and here they come bringing Yesak and "Baby" yes Mickey was right they call him "Baby"!! They were woke from their nap so they are a bit dazed and confused! They give Yesak to Paul and Baby to me. Yesak immediately holds Paul as tight as possible and looks at peace in his arms. Baby is scared to death nearly shaking and when I look at his face he has silent tears streaming down his face...Eyob tells me he is slow to warm up but once he does he is yours for good! (In less than 1 hour he will not even go to Eyob !!) We go inside and sit with all of the children crowded around..we hand out bubbles and candy...they LOVE it! Haile sits beside me the entire time...grinning from ear to ear every time I speak of mommy and daddy! Eyob tells me that Yesak asks every day when "can go"...Eyob tells him he gets to "go today"..(incredible that this tiny boy knows what is going on!) Eyob says he always asks when he can go to America!

The staff prepare a coffee ceremony for us..the children sing...oh Yesak leads them in a "play/song" TOO CUTE!! He also prays for us. We figure out he is the youngest of the children in the older area so he is a bit doted on by the children! EVERY child there is happy and well mannered...they are polite and BEAUTIFUL! Yesak knows his ABCs and a some writing of letters.

The boys are are very acclimated with us by the time we leave...and they are excited for the car ride!

They came home and slept all night...they are good eaters. Yohannis is happy to just be around people...he rarely makes a peep! Yesak is a doll...he is not as active as I had heard...at least not yet...but truly the life of the party! He LOVES STUFF...he has unzipped and re-zipped his backpack a million times and keeps adding our things to it...you hear of children that hoard food...well he hoards toys!

Seriously they are doing great! Oh ages..hehe they are younger and smaller than we thought. We were thinking Baby was about 1 1/2 and Yesak was about 3 1/2...then today we see the birth certificates and the judge gave them Dec. birthdays so it goes along with what we thought! They will be 2 and 4 in Dec.. Names: We will call Baby, Lincoln and we are a bit unsure right now on Yesak...I will have to get back to you on that...he will actually answer to Issac..so hmmm. not sure yet! Oh and Yesaks name is Yishake on paper??

We will also meet the boys mom on Thursday! She WAS critical the week we had court and the doctor had to be bargained with to let her out of the hospital...2 nurses accompanied her to court!

I feel like I am forgetting something!! Well obviously i am!! (She was forgetting that both boys are potty trained which came in a later email.)

LOTS!!! I am in overload but I will end with this if I had to live in Rome or Addis...I am going with Addis!!!

Bethany

More neice photos

2009-05-03T21:17:00.006-04:00

**NEW post below**

Again... I can't rearrange these pictures. I need some help! I was able to take my sister's kids back up to the hospital Friday and they were able to see Vanessa this time. They both held her and were pretty proud Big Brother and Big Sister. It's crazy looking at Natalie and saying she is a big sister. On Saturday they all came home from the hospital and Cade was dying to see the baby. He was so proud that he knew what to do and how to hold her. So cute! He did say she was beautiful. Cory just smiled and would pat on her - too sweet! In the picture below she looks like she is poking her in the eye, but she's being easy and just patting on her. I tried and tried to get her to just touch her feet, but every time would go for her face. Congratulation Jana and Sam!

Bethany and Paul update

2009-05-03T20:57:00.002-04:00

I'm sure some of your have been wondering how things in Africa are going...

Bethany sent me a text message on Saturday and said that she was loving Rome and that they had seen it all. They were getting on a plane in a few hours for Africa. I think she was really proud that she was actually flying all these places. I was definitely proud of her! I also, know she called Leah (her kids are with her this week) and was able to chat with the kids yesterday (they ahdn't left Italy yet and would be getting the boys while we were asleep last night). They planned to call the kids this morning and let the boys talk to the other 3, but I have not heard from Leah and am not sure if that was all able to happen. BUT... I just saw this message on Paul's facebook and had to share.

We finally picked up the Boys today and it was awesome. Yesak is smaller than I thought and Yohannis doesnt weigh much. Yesak is extremely outgoing and did a song and dance for us at the orphanage that we got on video. He's a ham! Very friendly and loving, and very outgoing. Daddy's boy! Yohannis is an observer, laid back cute as can be and definitely a mommy's boy. Look forward to seeing the other kids Sat.

I really cannot believe they are actually there and all of this is finally happening. I am so excited for them all. Their flight will be in on Saturday evening. Let me know if you'd like to join us at the airport for their arrival. There will be quite a crowd. I'm super excited and so is Cade!

Welcome Baby Vanessa

2009-04-30T23:55:00.007-04:00

Well, for whatever reason I can't rearrange these pics so here ya go.... We finally make it up to see my sister's new baby Vanessa and they of course have her in the nursery and she won't be back for 2 hours. So the only picture I was able to take of her was when they were giving her a bath. I think the kids were disappointed. Ethan really wanted to hold her. Jana later sent me the above picture from her phone. She looks so different than Natalie did when she was born. Vanessa almost looks Asian instead of Haitian. OH she weighed 8lbs 15oz. yikes - Jana and Vanessa are both doing well.

I have been watching Natalie today and now have Ethan so Cade is thrilled to have company. The girls ended up with matching dresses and so I had to dress them alike today. I love this dress!! Talk about a chore getting these two in the same pic- whew! So somewhere on this post is a picture of Cory and Natalie. Cade was pretty sweet today too, he said "I can't wait to see how beautiful Vanessa is." awww. He was sad that they won't let him go into the hospital to see her. He's looking forward to them coming home! We plan to go back up there tomorrow so I should have better pictures. The family picture minus one.

Ever been really excited???

2009-04-30T14:17:00.002-04:00

From: Rob Zombek [mailto:rzombek@kentuckycenter.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:07 PM
Subject: Bryan Adams VIP Instructions

Hello and thanks for purchasing tickets to the Bryan Adams concert on
Thursday, May 7 at the Brown Theatre. If you are receiving this email, then
you purchased a VIP ticket which allows you early access to the venue and a
meet & greet with Bryan. Please be at the venue by 6:00pm sharp. If you are
late, we can not guarantee you access to the meet & greet. Someone will come
out and escort you in to meet Bryan. There will be some complimentary drinks
for you while you wait to meet Bryan.
Please do not bring any items to be autographed. Bryan will have a special
CD that he will autograph and give to you. Also, please do not bring
cameras. There will be no photos during the meet & greet.
Thanks again, and we hope you enjoy the show!

Then you have a really BIG let down!

From: Patrick Thompson [mailto:pthompson@kentuckycenter.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:08 PM
Subject: Please Disregard Bryan Adams VIP Instructions

Dear Patron, it has come to my attention that several of you may have received VIP instructions for the Brian Adams performance on May 7^th 2009. While all who received these emails did indeed purchase tickets to this event, not all of you have purchased at the VIP level. Please disregard any previous emailing concerning this performance. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions of concerns.

Sincerely

Patrick T.

**Yep - I knew I didn't purchase the VIP thing, but thought maybe I was just stupid and didn't realize it. Either way - I still get to go to the concert. Yes, the concert where Bryan Adams will sing to ME and only ME and profess how he wrote all those love songs so many years ago and they were all because of ME!***

Getting there...

2009-04-29T00:50:00.004-04:00

Tonight I ran a little over 2 miles WITHOUT stopping! I realize this is minor to many, but in my non-running- self- world (if that makes sense) it's big. I started in January being able to run for 2 minutes without stopping and tonight I ran for 24 minutes (that is at a 12 min mile pace). I thought it would be easier to get here honestly, so I'm still disappointed, but I think I had unrealistic expectations. I planned to be running my little 5K in like a month. Four months later and I STILL can not run 3.2 miles without stopping. It's coming soon... stay tuned. OH and I need to go to a junk food detox camp for like a month. I am learning that I am an all or nothing kind of eater. Meaning: I can not even have 1 little piece of chocolate, b/c then I just want more. I think if I could go truly a month without any junk, I might be able to kick the habit. Who knew I had such an addictive personality, good thing my addiction is just food... life could have been a lot harder...

FINALLY!!

2009-04-21T13:39:00.004-04:00

This kid has a loose tooth. He will no longer be the "only kid" who has not lost a tooth. If you only knew how long I have been hearing him whine about wanting to loose a tooth. He has since been bouncing off the walls and talking non-stop. So funny. Oh and his permanent tooth is already coming behind his baby tooth (just like Evan's Shelley!) Did I mention that I do not "do" teeth?? - uggg! Guess I better get over it. So happy for this goofy kid! When did he grow up?

anyone relate???

2009-04-08T23:21:00.001-04:00

(hope you can read it)

**several new posts below**

Today....

2009-04-08T22:48:00.003-04:00

Today Byron started working on a dream he has had for a very long time. He took his first official lesson towards his pilot's license. He was pretty excited when he got home (so excited he let me take these pictures) and apparently has his next lesson tomorrow. It does make me a bit nervous, BUT I am honestly happy for him. Making a dream come true finally is a huge thing and I am glad that in a small way I can be a part of it.

For me, however... it was not such a great day. It's the 8th and I weighed and did my measurements. The good news - I didn't GAIN any weight, but I didn't lose any either. I KNEW I had, had a bad month so didn't really expect to lose that much. I was sick 2 of the weeks and well the other 2 I just lost some serious drive and will power. OK so now that I've wasted a month it is time to get serious.... I have 2 months until we leave for Myrtle Beach for vacation... yes a BEACH - ackkk do you realize that means a swim suit??? another ackkk!! 15 lbs left... I need to register for another race maybe that will get me more motivated.

Silly Kentucky weather....

2009-04-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

Hiking on Saturday

(Mommy disclaimer: *I* did NOT dress my child)

Kite flying on Sunday

Snow and a REALLY cold soccer game on Tuesday

Friday Night Fun

2009-04-07T23:15:00.003-04:00

If YOU are bored: organize the silverware drawer

If the KIDS are bored: let them play with the extra medicine cups and syringes

Next step: get a real life and have some real fun on a Friday night!

Rock Band a year ago

2009-04-02T14:35:00.002-04:00

One year ago..... We were "The Jammies"

Today, only a few of us are still dressing the part (too funny, I didn't even realize the kids were in their jammies when I took this) AND we have a new ACTIVE member of the band! OH, and we are much improved since our Lead Singer can now actually READ the words to the songs!

We should sell tickets!

stuff

2009-04-02T13:55:00.008-04:00

We had studied solids liquids and gases in science about a week ago and yesterday we received a gas in the mail (with our order from Omaha Steaks) so Daddy did some science experiments with it. Cade thought dry ice was super cool! So do I! This is the dry ice in water that has soap in it so the bubbles are really thick and made a huge mess which for some reason I didn't take a pics of.

This little sister sure likes to pick on her big brother. Can you find Cade in this picture?

That's my little thug!

Cow girl up!

Her cute pink boots I won from a Funky Finds Giveaway

New jammies thanks to her GG (Byron's mom)

There's the lovie and water bottle again.

AND finally SPRING!!!

Did you know???

2009-03-26T16:58:00.001-04:00

that you can MAKE your own clear stamps with the Cricut?? I sure didn't.... I heard about HERE but am having trouble finding info on cricut's website... only just had to share.

Busy Day

2009-03-22T11:11:00.002-04:00

Soccer

Football

TWO sets of grandparents

TWO Birthdays

and

SPRING!!

Do you know who this is??????

2009-03-15T23:19:00.002-04:00

http://www.lzphotography.com/

click on maternity and newborn too

and you can see the gallery HERE - for some reason it's not connected to the other site

Forgot to post these

2009-03-14T22:06:00.003-04:00

Cade's 5 yr pics taken in February...

Cory is wearing the shirt I won from Little Uni awhile back.

March 8th weigh in

2009-03-14T21:52:00.004-04:00

YES - these posts all random and out of order.... do you want posts or not????

My running and attempting to eat better have paid off again! Another month of NOT showing the nasty before pic.

Lost another 4 lbs! This happened to be the month that I went down a pants size too. I'm sure it's a combo of the 7lbs not just these 4lbs! Only 15 more to go! Sadly, at this rate we are talking 4 more months! UGGG - I need to step up my poor eating and try to make it to 5 lbs next month.

As for inches - I have lost in some really high fat areas - my chest, my fingers and my wrists! You know all the places I REALLY need and want to lose weight. HEY BODY!!! - Are you kidding me!?!! My rings and watch are spinning! I have plenty of other areas to lose weight, try hips, try butt, try belly! HELP A GIRL OUT will ya!

I DID lose one inch on my hips and oh get this gained an inch on my calves (must be all that running LOL) Anyway... it IS coming off and my clothes are fitting better. The exercise is working! AND honestly posting on HERE is helping me too! I find myself saying "if you don't lose and have to post on the blog that you sucked it up this month that's not cool!!!" it's quite encouraging! Several have asked when the next race is and I can't seem to find one that works for my schedule and is fairly close by.... BTW who is running with me next time???

Valentine's Day a month late

2009-03-14T21:24:00.003-04:00

A month ago, we purchased tickets for Cirque du Soleil (but the show wasn't until March) and I was kind of under the impression that we would use that as a late date for Valentine's Day. Here we are heading out. The show was impressive (a bit confusing as far as story line) but very cool. I believe Byron summed it up well when he said "it's Dr. Seuss in French." Sadly, no photos were allowed - arggg!

March 12th, 2009

Back, to my story - apparently I was wrong about that being our Valentine's Day stuff because the morning of the 14th Byron woke me up at 6am and told me to pack my bags. I was totally confused because he was supposed to going to work that weekend. He had been brewing up a plan to take me on a surprise trip for just the two of us. He even had Bethany in on it because I was supposedly watching her kids while her and Paul went out since i had nothing else to do that night. They both sure did get me! I was not expecting anything at all! We normally don't do much besides a date night for V-Day. But you know, being the good sport that I am I went ahead and got up at 6am on a Saturday and packed quite quickly - MAN I love surprises! We ended up going to Cincinnati and stayed at the Westin Downtown.

Talk about fancy - like valet parking fancy. This was our view from our room. Outside was kind of like a mini Rockefeller Center. Pretty cool, but we were surprised there wasn't more to do downtown. We ate a great restaurant across the street and went on a horse and carriage ride through town. The last horse and carriage ride we went on was the night we got engaged so it had been awhile. It was cold, but romantic all snuggled up. I of course left my camera in the room thinking we wouldn't be doing anything.. arggg again.
The V-day package that he bought included champagne and a chocolate treat (not that I handle the taste of champagne, but we all know I can handle chocolate). It included free (fancy hotel room service) breakfast. This was not the continental breakfast at Motel 6, mind you! As well as 4pm checkout (wohoo no getting up early).

He also had a massage therapist come to the room and give me an HOUR massage! Talk about heaven - that's all I ever want and then to be able to just go take a nap afterwards - perfect. We totally just relaxed and did a little shopping too. GREAT weekend from a GREAT husband!

February 14th, 2009

A Basketball Super Star

2009-03-14T21:03:00.004-04:00

So basketball season is over for Cade. He is not happy about it, but I believe he is happy about the progress he made during the season. A couple weeks back he made his FIRST (and only) basket in a game! The first picture is NOT the actual one made (honestly his mommy kind of didn't think it would go in so I didn't even try to take a picture... sad I know) BUT the 2nd picture is HIS real reaction to making that shot (not a great picture,

but you can tell he's trying to keep it cool, yet totally proud).

He had quite the audience that day since we were doing Corynn's party afterwards. This boy can hustle I tell you - F-A-S-T!!
His forever cheerleader -
she looks for him on the court and claps when everyone else does.

Of course there was an awards ceremony for all the players. He didn't know there would be a trophy at the end so there was some serious excitement that day - his FIRST ever trophy!

I don't think there are words to explain how proud of him I am! He went from being the kid in the back 40 watching everyone else play and not wanting anything to do with the ball to the PLAYER who was fighting for the ball, hands in the air for rebounds, attempting shots, MAKING a shot, and then in his final game showed the world his "SPIN" move. This was impressive I tell ya - he took that ball and dribbled around and around and around and around and ummm yea you get the point, he ran around for a good while - not passing or shooting, but you know doing his "spin" move. So yes, he improved and actually got in the game! So incredibly proud of him!
These are his stars he earned after each game. The colors represent things like most Christ-like, defense, offense, sportsmanship etc. The other sleeve has all green stars and those are for memorizing Bible verses. (I do believe I should take more pics of him like this - love it.)

Now we are off to Soccer season.

HELP!

2009-03-13T16:50:00.001-04:00

I did it!

2009-03-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

5K all done! Wohoo AND I had my best time ever - 35 mins!!! Just this week my best time was 39 mins (I know knocking off 4 mins doesn't sound like much, but trust me IT is!) I have to tell you there WAS something about running through that finish line - a very cool feeling almost brought tears to my eyes. I have to tell you that 2 months ago I could run for only about 2 mins and that was pushing it and to now be up to running 2 miles without stopping and then continue to walk/run the last mile is pretty exciting!

I am now currently searching for my next 5K run. My goal is to run the entire 3.2 miles without stopping AND of course beat that 35 min time!

my children

2009-02-25T16:33:00.003-05:00

One of these pictures makes a momma smile - the other not so much.

Can you figure out which is which??

**2 new posts below **

Birthday pics

2009-02-24T21:40:00.004-05:00

Here are some random pics from her party this weekend. It's late - I'm tired - I'm supposed to be in bed - I'm supposed to be exercising - I'm supposed to be finishing the doctors scrapbook etc etc etc.... and here I sit posting pics so they are not in order and this isn't all of them and it's not even all of the story but you can at least get the idea...

my nephew loved this Horton that my mom gave Corynn.

Cory got her very own Rag to Britches doll from Shelley for her birthday and she loves it.

Her tag says Hi Cory my name is Sylvie. Isn't she darling?? I just love her little baby pig tails.

Corynn picking at the top of the donut cake and eating the donut hole!

Cade played Happy Birthday on the piano for her.

Donut cake only made sense since it was a brunch party.

My inlaws were going to miss her party so they came over Friday night and brought her a mini cake. Boy did she like that.

new header

2009-02-24T21:02:00.004-05:00

yes I am fully aware that I should be posting pics of baby girl's bday, but I just couldn't help myself adding this new header! Kinda proud of myself too - I got it FREE from House of 3 go HERE to get one too. They have others you can buy too. OH and *I* all by myself used Phototshop to add my name to the yellow banner deal! Go me!

ONE year ago today

2009-02-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

...sweet little Corynn Danielle was born. It is absolutely amazing how quickly this past year has flown by! I can remember so clearly that February 20th and how quickly she was born and everything has been speeding along since.

In one year's time I have:

*learned to really like pink

*decided that pacies can stick around for a little longer (no biggie)
*learned that peek-a-boo is darn cute no matter how old you are

*reconciled myself that being messy is quite fun

*learned to go with the flow even more with the addition of another child (notice she is eating a cookie)

*made my mind up - my kids are the cutest I don't care what anyone says LOL!

*witnessed some of the sweetest moments of my life as Cade and Corynn get to know each other

*accepted that Daddy's really do have a special place in their hearts for little girls

*seen this little girl throw some nasty fits

*come to the realization that matching jammies really ARE a necessity

*accepted that fact that little girls are so cute with baby dolls

*learned that I CAN take 2 kids no matter the age gap places and it will be ok

*decided brother/sister bath time is quite a riot

*seen my family's heart grow bigger as we added another child (thanks Shelley, you were right)

*accepted that frilly dresses aren't so bad after all, as long as there is a sweet baby in it (the headbands, however, are STILL a no go)

*ok so bows aren't too bad either

*realized that mommies of little girls will put ridiculous hats on their babies simply because it matches that seriously cute swim suit

*learned that summer sun dresses are the BEST ever

*decided my kids really DO rock!

*learned it doesn't matter how many children you have, each one's first smile is priceless

*seen this big brother be quite proud (and protective) of his little sister, let's hope it lasts for many more years

and last but not least in ONE year's time I have come to the conclusion that our lives will never be the same again and that's ok.

Tomorrow we will have a small birthday party for Corynn - brunch style.

This and That

2009-02-11T16:56:00.003-05:00

a basketball player

a cheerleader

and some warm weather

wohoo

no before picture to post for me!

2009-02-09T10:34:00.003-05:00

So it's been a month (CRAZY!) since I posted the whole weight thing. I am proud to say that I LOST weight (only 3 lbs though) and therefore I do NOT have to post my scary before picture. I'm disappointed that it's not more really, but I DID lose a week in there with the ice storm so there was no running then and well sometimes (as the trainer way back when told me) your pounds lost may not be a good indicator. She would also take my measurements - which I did - So... I am thrilled to say that I have lost 4 inches from my waist, 1 inch from my hips, and 1 inch from my thighs.... at least there is a big change there. I can get a size 10 on now even button it, but don't really think I could go have dinner in them! LOL! So there is change and the running is getting easier. Only 4 weeks left till the 5K race though - scary! I am now fighting some sort of cold/allergy deal that has totally kicked my tail so hopefully this won't slow me down too much.

snow skiing

2009-02-06T16:05:00.005-05:00

**NEW posts below** I was incredibly excited to finally take Cade snow skiing. Byron and I have talked about taking him for years and for one reason or another it just hadn't happened until this week. Well of course the day we had planned to go was a day that the daycare kids didn't have school (didn't actually go back until Thursday) so it was either take them too or not go. I opted for taking them with us -I was THAT desperate. I decided it could help Cade and thankfully it was not a big deal and everyone had a really good time. Cade even cried when it was time to go so we have promised him we would go again. I know it's incredibly goofy, but watching him ski was surreal for me. It actually brought tears to my eyes. First of all, a year ago I don't think he had the guts to try something new and THEN to watch him go down the hill (bunny hill that is) by himself over and over was just hard for me to believe that we were actually there. Now, I've got a few more years for Corynn's first time. Byron and I are thrilled that he loves it and look forward to more family adventures.

The Magic Carpet - my nemesis! I can ski just fine, but totally fell on this little doozy -

Cade did great on it - go figure!

NO - I am NOT falling I'm helping him, it just LOOKS like I'm falling - promise! :)

Love this shot!

dress pictures finally

2009-02-06T16:01:00.001-05:00

I finally got around to taking pictures of Corynn alone in her froofy dress she was dedicated in. **NEW post below**

Ice Storm Images

2009-02-04T16:29:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from the ice storm. Some are from around our house, our town, sledding with the kids at our friends house, and everyone's favorite things to do while we stayed with Jason and Amy. Let's face it - I'm just too lazy to organize these so deal with it.... Can you believe that there are still some people without power?!?! We were lucky to only lose it from Wed early am to Saturday am.

Byron wearing a homemade "Snuggie" (like on tv) that Amy makes - he thought by being inappropriate I wouldn't take his picture - wrong oh buddy! I'll just post it on the blog so the world can see. I think he looks cute all snuggled up.

You've heard of price gouging with gas, but have you ever heard of it with food?

(If the pic won't enlarge, it says Lunch for $300)

Home again, home again, jiggity jog

2009-01-31T23:24:00.004-05:00

We have power and heat and water! Me and the kids oh and the dog (Byron is at work) will be heading home Sunday morning. I do believe Cade will be a sad boy. He has had so much fun here and I do believe just might have a little girlfriend. I'm about ready to go home and have totally appreciated the hospitality we have received!

Ice Ice Baby

2009-01-29T19:23:00.003-05:00

Tuesday night we had lots of rain mixed with some snow and a decent low temperature which resulted in quite the ice and snow storm. Which leads to:

Quiz time:

We are not at home because:
a) we have no water
b) we have no electricity
c) the only heat we have is the ONE gas fireplace
d) ALL of the above

You guessed it! All of the above. So we have gone to a friend of Byron's house in Louisville and have spent the day here and are not really sure when we are coming home. And from the looks of this house I do think we might just move in - wowza. Since it is Byron's friend's home I have never been here before, but um yea, let's just say it's nice! The county we live in supposedly has 80% of the people without power and they are saying approx 7-10 days until they get it back on... yuck!! But, really it's not too bad, like I said we are living in style here, it's warm (unlike last night!!), nothing is wrong with our house amazingly (except the basement might flood), and well Byron got paid today so if all else fails we're going shopping - just kidding. Here are some other tidbits about our adventures:

*yesterday we had water until about 5pm so not too bad and the fireplace was doing an ok job, so I got the entire freezer and fridge cleaned AND brought my scrapbook stuff downstairs and scrapped, but then quickly lost daylight
*the people whose house I am at do not scrap so, I didn't bring my stuff, so sad, I could really be cranking out some pages right now with nothing else to do
*both of our parents (who live in different towns than us) do not have power or water
* THE walmart ran out of gas today while we were in line
*we finally found a station that has power AND gas and they only had the Super kind left (oh well better than nothing)
*since this family has 3 kids about Cade's age he is in heaven here
*Cory has totally taken off walking, like all the way across the room!
*there is another family here who have 4 older teen kids and so there are 9 kids total and you know, it's not bad at all (a testament again to this house!)
* It's not really that bad, could be babysitting!! always look at the bright side
* THE Walmart was packed with people and the lines unreal as well as the shelves bare
* The sounds of branches breaking off the trees the other night was incredibly freaky, at times I KNOW I heard entire trees fall down
* I left my card reader for my camera at home so no pics to post yet, but I have been documenting

So how are you??? Did you get hit with it too?

NEW post below

I believe...

2009-01-27T19:15:00.004-05:00

This is my own spin off on the Random Things post. I felt like my responses were not as deep as they could have been and decided that it needed to be less about "things" and more about what's in my head. I'm sure I will have more to add as time goes on (may even make this into a scrapbook page someday)

WARNING!! below you are about to find out what's in my head. So, here is the place to write about religion, and politics, vaccines (LOL) etc etc - so if you are feeling it, consider yourself tagged.

I believe...

... Jesus died for me

... my husband and children are the best "things" to have come into my life

... we should pray for our President regardless of who he is and what he stands for - some just need MORE prayer than others (wink wink)

... in setting goals of any kind and working hard to achieve them

...change is good, I actually really like it

...you can't please everyone (believe me, I've tried)

...what doesn't kill you really does make you stronger

...sometimes being a good friend requires telling them something they don't want to hear

...that vaccines are ultimately OK for my children, but I am still scared about the effects of them and will watch for reactions closely

...places in this world are not really that far away and if you want to go there badly enough you will find a way

...your physical relationship with your spouse can often tell so much about your mental relationship

...no matter how much money we make we just spend more, so we will probably not ever be rich (maybe we should work on that)

...it IS possible to lose weight

...in having a positive attitude (even though I let negativity sneak in entirely too much)

...we are responsible for our own happiness, not someone else - SO moral of the story - if YOU are not happy - then YOU need to do something about it

...in living a life of "NO REGRETS" - I TRY to make my choices based on that

...there is so much to be learned from how you were raised, no matter if it was the best OR worst situation

...there is a place for everything and everything in its place

...my face will always look like a hormonal teenager's

...disciplining your children is quite possibly the best thing you can do for them (and those around them too - HA)

...in miracles

...the world is full of some really great people - many I even know personally

...that I have become my mother in so many ways and I don't mind :)

...you can be amazingly close to people even though they are miles away (a lot has to do with good ole technology)

...the Internet is the one thing I would take on a deserted island, I also believe it is the biggest time waster on earth, and that's ok

...family can make or break you, most often it is both

...the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way - sorta just singing a song, but it's actually quite true

...anything is possible, if you put your mind to it (yes a bit over used, but I DO believe it)

First eye appt

2009-01-26T14:38:00.003-05:00

I decided to have Cade's eye checked since most Kindergarten kids are supposed to. My mother in law works for an eye doctor so naturally we went there. I also took advantage of knowing the girls that work there and took some pictures. He did great, has 20/20 vision - but does NOT like having his eyes dilated. He did find one perk to it though - no school since he still can not see well. I guess kid drops last 24 hours...

Oh and BTW I did NOT pester the doc with pics, but mother in law sent us back in the room to get a picture of him with a kid for some brochure -so of course I was totally fine with that and it wasn't even for ME technically - LOL!

weekend randomness

2009-01-25T22:48:00.005-05:00

basketball game (Cade "The Force" Smith) and

baby dedication at church (Little Miss Polka Dot)

Byron's grandfather and mom

Cade's strategy - avoid the action as much as possible, (he is getting much better though)

can you figure out which one is him???

Pictures are a result of a being a "back row Baptist"

Gifts from the church - A little lamb and a pink Bible with her name on it

Super blurry but all we got... can we say annoying!??!

My mom with us

Byron's parent's and sister with us

25 random things

2009-01-23T14:29:00.005-05:00

I did this for Facebook and thought I'd share here too. I love reading this stuff from other people and think it's kind of fun doing it too.

1. I make lists about everything so this is a perfect activity for me
2. my husband planned our entire wedding and told me one day that we had a plane to catch - July 10, 2001 Cayman Islands - it was the BEST!!!
3. I just registered for my first 5K
4. I was able to find real snow in Hawaii
5. I hate to cook!!!!
6. my grandmother had a pen pal literally all of her life (60 years) from England. I have the letters from her friend and hope to some day get copies of the letters my grandmother wrote. There is so much history in these letters and they never even met.
7. some day I am going to "flip" a house
8. I'm a reality TV addict and dream of being on Amazing Race
9. Had my first cup of coffee a year ago
10. Paid to use the toilet in Europe
11. I live in a house that my husband's grandfather and uncles built. My father in law's old room is now my son's room.
12. b/c of Facebook I was able to reconnect to a friend I had in 5th grade! (Hi Tanna!) I don't think I can remember too many people much before then so she would be the friend I've had the longest.
13. I didn't have a cavity until I was 25, not sure what happened, blame not drinking tap water - LOL!
14. I'm a Before and After junkie (houses, people etc)- I love to clean and organize things - a dream job would be cleaning someone's house that hordes things (sick I know)
15. I took pictures inside the Sistine Chapel even though I wasn't supposed to (rebel I know)
16. have been skydiving twice, love love love
17. believe with my whole heart that peanut butter and chocolate is the best combination ever!
18. am considered a "paper slut" by my scrapbooking friends
19. had a bucket list before the movie even came out
20. I took over 2000 pictures in 2008 (that's just how many I kept, no telling how many more were deleted!)
21. I used to collect Pez in high school and actually thought they'd be worth something someday -my son now plays with them
22. my husband and I drove a Corvette to Long Island for a guy who bought it on Ebay - talk about quick road trip
23. was the most scared I have ever been at a scrapbooking retreat place, was pretty sure the owner was a murderer....
24. I homeschool because it is what is best for our family at this point in our lives.
25. consider myself to be just average at most everything, still looking for that one thing I'm really good at

Pray for Dustin and Shelley

2009-01-22T15:10:00.005-05:00

Shelley just called and said Dustin is going in for emergency surgery. He was having trouble breathing, went to the doctor and they wouldn't let him leave the doctors office. Apparently one of his lungs is almost collapsed and they are doing surgery in a couple hours. So, please pray for a good turn out with the surgery and pray that Shelley does well with it all too. It looks like he'll be in the hospital for a few days. It is so incredibly hard having a family member in the hospital so please keep her in your prayers too. I'll let you know more when I hear more.

First Haircut

2009-01-22T09:15:00.004-05:00

My mom helped me cut Corynn's bangs over the weekend. They were just getting into her eyes so badly that it had to be done. I wish the back would grow some now. She didn't seem to mind too much and I was glad mom was able to get a few good pics. Thanks mom!

BEFORE (See other jammies besides the monkeys!!)

AFTER: (however there are those stinkin monkey jammies AGAIN!)

NEW POST BELOW!

Scary!

2009-01-22T08:21:00.006-05:00

Dear Teaque,
Congratulations! You are now registered for 2009 Anthem 5K Fitness Classic. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://www.anthem5k.com

I did it! Registration complete! YIKES!! I only have 6 weeks left to get my time down by a sad 13 mins. My goal is to run this race (my FIRST race ever!!) in 30 mins and NO walking! Ultimately my goal is to just not be last and (here's the chubby buddy in me) to finish before the cutoff so I can get my free bagel! LOL! Nah, I'll just stop at McD's on the way home - kidding, totally kidding!)

I guess I'm doing ok - earlier this week I ran/walked 3 miles in 46 mins and this AM I ran it in 43 mins. So it's at least going down, and I WAS able to walk back up the stairs afterwards. For those of you who are runners I'm sure you'll laugh at my time, but I'm working on it. OR you may just laugh at the fact that I'm nervous about running a piddly 5K, but in my world, (a world where the last race I ran was middle school track and field and that was a sprint) this is pretty hard for me.

So, looking forward to Feb 8th weigh in - feeling like I've lost some and have definitely exercised way more in the last few weeks than I have in a long time. Wohoo!! My friend Laureen is running with me and I know she will be a huge motivator (she's been doing this for awhile). Anyone else up for it???

A little on the dumb side...

2009-01-19T20:54:00.002-05:00

Was anyone going to tell me I posted Corynn's steps TWICE? Or did you just think I was THAT proud?? Man, what a goober!

I scrapped Friday night and all day Saturday and will have to take pics during the day. I wonder if I could scrap for a week straight!?!? I never feel like my time was long enough.

1st Game for #2 of the Thundering Herd

2009-01-15T16:46:00.005-05:00

He had quite the cheering section (my mom, my sister, my niece, my nephew, Byron's mom, Cory and Byron (he took a few hours off work so he could come to the game - made Cade's day!)

-not that he really needed it.

He has more team spirit than the entire team put together.

I liked that they said a prayer before the game.

He was pretty timid during the game and didn't really get in the mix much,

BUT still managed to touch the ball a few times and even had an assist.

At the end of the game each player receives a colored star for their game play. It is then ironed on to their sleeve for others to see. Cade was given the white star for most Christ-like. I think that means he was never close enough to any of the action to be mean to anyone -LOL! Or maybe it's for team spirit. I really like the Upward League and how they are so into teaching the kids how to play. The refs and coaches were right in the game the whole time to tell them how to play and it wasn't this huge gotta win thing - just let's learn how to play ball! Just what he needs!
AND baby it is COLD!! outside. Byron told me it was 6 degrees this am! He also informed me that it was warmer in Kodiak Alaska (his new dream job location) today than here. Ice on the INSIDE of the window - brrrr!

Jan 8th weigh in

2009-01-15T16:33:00.003-05:00

So I decided I need to go public about this weight loss thing. I hate looking stupid or like a failure so figure if I put this out here (to all 3 of you) then it will help. Nothing like a little public humiliation as some motivation. YES, I am fully aware that I'm not obese, but I honestly have such an issue with exercising and eating right. I blame the fact that most of my life I have been able to eat whatever I want and it not affect me. I have a terrible sweet tooth that you would think would have rotted out of my head by now! So, even though I haven't always struggled with my weight this is a struggle for me. I have learned that each person has their ideal body image and that there is no comparing or saying "oh you are fine" if that person is bothered by it then they need to do something.

As of Jan 8th I weighed 152lbs (down 4 lbs from the beginning of December) I have decided to only weigh once a month (I like to see BIG results) and my goal is to just be down from 152lbs. AND I have to post it on here. If I am not down from that number then I should post my lovely BEFORE shot I took back in August! SCARY!!!

Anyone else in with me???

Just Cade

2009-01-15T16:30:00.004-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things (well Cade's favorites) - no shirt anymore despite the cold!!, the comics - my mom mails them to him every so often - it's the highlight of his day, and of course a bowl of cereal AND I'm SURE his blue blankie is in the chair with him.

1st steps

2009-01-15T16:26:00.003-05:00

She took her first steps on Jan 6th! Nothing like a Diet Coke bottle for motivation. She has taken a few more since, but not much. She is standing alone more and more though. And YES she does have other jammies than these, seems these are the only ones that ever getting photographed though.

Corynn's room

2009-01-15T16:19:00.003-05:00

Corynn received money for Christmas from Byron's grandmother so I took advantage of her not having an opinion (YET!) and purchased these two shelving units from good ole' Target. I was sure that she had plenty of stuff to fill up the bins AND the open spaces, but there is tons of room. Love it! Byron anchored them to the wall so she doesn't pull them over.

He just has to be in all these pictures. I need to buy more of the flowers I stuck to the wall from Uppercase Living. I bought all different colors and only put them on the pink wall and now wish I had only done white in various sizes. Live and learn I suppose.

December 31st

2009-01-09T23:16:00.003-05:00

FINALLY! It's only a few days late!

Thankful for a wonderful 2008 and NEW beginnings in 2009! AND thankful this project is completed!!

For New Year's Eve Byron worked so I had a killer New Year's party here at home with 2 kids who went to bed at 8pm. I DID however stay up making the book for all these December pictures. I'm obviously not done with it yet - plan to tie on ribbons all over the rings at the end, but don't want to mess them up just yet. I decided to not complete it like Ali suggested and will complete each page as I have the pictures. I think I'm going to make them into collages since I took so many pics then print them as 5x7. The book is just a little bigger than a 5x7. I also plan to type/copy and past my blog entries from the month for the journaling.

December 29th and 30th

2009-01-07T00:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, I'm a cheater by putting two days together, but seriously do you all want me to finish this project or not???
I'm thankful we were able to sneak a quick family trip into the madness of the holidays. We loved Great Wolf Lodge . Decided it would have been better to spend 2 nights instead of just one but the place was so much fun for all of us. Cade ended up getting sick towards the end of the 2nd day and so that was a bummer and of course Cory's naps didn't' time out quite right with swimming, but we still really liked the place.

On the way there you have to go through Florence Ya'll... I say this all the time so finally got a pic of it.

Cade's first glimpses of the waterpark.

I bought a waterproof camera there so we'll see how those pics turn out IF I ever remember to get them developed.

The kids had their own little Den which was cute. Had a tv and bunkbeds and video games. Cory's pack-n-play fit in there too.

There was a big arcade and several places to eat. At night they have bedtime stories and this singing thing in the lobby at the huge clock tower. The kids wear their PJ's. Cade was thrilled to do this and while we were eating dinner he was scared we were going to miss it and he wouldn't be able to wear his jammies. We will definitely be back!

Look what happened at midnight!!

2009-01-07T00:24:00.002-05:00

Amazing how modivating a Diet Coke bottle can be! AND I was thrilled that I had just given Byron the camera too! We also found a new tooth today (hence the being up at midnight) she's going to look LOVELY with a new top "fang" - can't wait for that. Byron is hoping the other side comes in the same... oh a mommy's dream come true! ugggg

2009 WORD

2009-01-03T22:53:00.009-05:00

Ali does a word for each year and you strive for that word through the entire year.

For 2008 I chose CONTENT (Like being content with my life, my job etc. etc).

For 2009 I have chosen the word BECOME (as in become a better me, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better teacher). To start this little project I bought a treadmill today. Thanks to the homeschool loop it's basically an "ask and ye shall receive" I posted that I wanted to buy a slightly used treadmill and tonight... I brought one home. I've also decided to post my list of 2009 intentions here too, kind of as an accountability thing. Some I have taken off of my 29 before 30 list to help mark those off.

in no particular order
*get back to 130lbs - getting closer... down to 141lbs
*run a 5K did this in March! wohoo... I am planning on registering for a Half marathon in December!! ackk 13 miles!!
*volunteer with Cade we have done one thing so far, volunteering at a laundromat handing out money with our previous church, but I plan to do more this year
*rock climb/rappel at Natural Bridge just recently did this - so much fun!! I think I need to post pics... maybe... I'll check
*hike to the top of Mt. Leconte with Byron Byron just did this trip while on vacation, but we had the kids so I wasn't able to go too... maybe in the fall...
*read more than 1 book (so sad....) I have read Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado and When the Game is over, it all Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg
*stay caught up with my scrapbooking failed pretty miserably here... I don't even want to scrap anymore.. really struggling, but am going to try to go back to my scrap room soon
*learn to cook something other than spaghetti (yep, had that on my list last time... only added ONE thing to it - SHELLEY - HELP!!) I made banana bread for the first time and it was a hit - how about that???
*try a new church in town we have been attending Grace Heartland Church here in town and are liking it, man trying new churches is so hard!
*not lose my mind when my baby turns ONE!! (only 7 weeks away!!) LOL!! I survived this back in February and I don't think I even cried. It's amazing how quickly the time goes by, but I didn't think I freaked out.

I was thinking there were some more, but can't think of them now. Will add more as I think of them.

I have really been working on BECOMING just a better me in my thoughts, actions, and relationship with God. I just know that there is always room for improvement and have been trying to focus on the things I CAN change. Since I'm not doing the daycare anymore the peace I have is unreal. I'm just a happier person all around and that is helping make these changes much easier.

December 28th

2009-01-02T23:38:00.004-05:00

Thankful that my kids will grow up knowing even the extended of family members....
We went to Indiana today to visit Byron's dad's family. (Take notice of Byron's shirt, it totally fits where we were... and it was a gift Cade picked out on his own for him - it has UK on it, but he loved the camo... uggg)

December 27th

2009-01-02T23:13:00.006-05:00

We started our day off at my mom's house with a Feliz Navidad Fiesta with my mom's twin sister, my uncle, and my sister and her kids. The kids had a blast!

Cade showing Aunt Becky his bball skills!

Watching my aunt and uncle's bear story.

Apples to Apples Jr. we love this game!

Grandma likes to have polar bear parties (root bear floats).

It's not a fiesta without a pinata.

THEN... we headed to Otter Creek Park for one last time (so sad Byron's family has sooo much history/memories in that park. It's hard to believe it's closing.) Some family was there camping so stopped for a visit.

She's eating marshmallow - have I lost all control?? or do I just not care anymore??

December 26th

2009-01-02T23:02:00.005-05:00

-I'm thankful for a day of chillin at home and good times with long lost friends!
-The kids played with their new goodies and I tried to find a place for them
- I then met up with several high school friends. We hadn't seen each other since HS and had met back up through Facebook.

Jes reading our Gua or Gau (SP??) using I Ching (some Chinese deal)..

it was pretty cool actually.

Reminiscing with old pictures.

December 25th

2009-01-02T22:40:00.005-05:00

Christmas Day
-I'm thankful for both sides of our family being so close that we are able to see everyone around the holidays (even though it is usually pretty tiring trying to get everywhere).

-I am thankful Granny was feeling well enough to make it over to my mother in laws house too!

-Me and the kids went to Byron's grandmother's for breakfast at 8am (a tradition they've had for many years)
-then we headed to my mother in law's house for lunch where we met up with other extended family (like Heather, glad you were able to make it this year!!)
-After that we went to see Byron at the fire dept
-met my parents at the movie theatre to see Tale of Despereaux
- then my parents came back to the house for dinner and gifts
-the kids were seriously worn out after all that.. and so was I

AND you know it's Christmas day when there is no one at THE Walmart.... (bad picture, trying to do a drive by, look under the guard rail...)

December 24th

2008-12-31T17:46:00.006-05:00

Ummm.. kind of fell off the blog wagon in the last little bit of December. None of you really expected me to actually complete this project did you??? I will in my album but here is going to be my faves from the following week....

Christmas Eve...
-Thankful for a special Christmas morning with Corynn and Cade.
- Santa came a day early. In his note he said he knew Daddy would be at work the next morning and he didn't want him to miss it. That was nice of Santa.
-Opened the presents that were from each of us.
-Went to Byron's parent's house for lunch and to open gifts with his sister and his parents.
-Went to Christmas Eve service at church
-Drove through the park that they light up every year. Cade and Cory of course loved it - Cory pointed at the window for most of it.

one more thing

2008-12-23T23:11:00.003-05:00

We decided tonight that Santa was coming tonight... Cade doesn't know so he will be sooo surprised. With Byron working Christmas and having to leave so early for work, we decided it was just better to do it this way. Sure glad we read this tonight. My mom got it for me in 1999 (glad she wrote me a note inside) - it totally reads funny and Santa has gators instead of reindeer.
Oh and here is Cade's Lego ornament for this year - just now getting a pic taken.

December 23rd

2008-12-23T21:36:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for a 1 hour massage that I didn't have to pay for!!! (had a gift certificate!) Sorry no pics of that! Just imagine, me asleep in about the first 5 mins... I don't believe I've had one in over a year - and Jana just so you know, no one compares to you girl. (Side note: my sister is a massage therapist and no one beats her massages!!)

Just 2 more doors! Cade is so excited! About a week ago my friend Laureen brought over 2 chocolate advent calendars so he has been in heaven with all this stuff to do each day.

Good mail day! Thanks LA - we added it to Corynn's tree tonight.

Took me a bloomin month to get this bad boy open!
I just love her packages and it had special notes - girl you make me laugh so hard!!

We also visited Byron's grandparent's today.

Byron has to work Christmas day so we made a special trip.

Granny always wants to feed Corynn goodies - she's getting ice cream here.

" Please sir can I have some more..."

They gave her and Cade one of those cards that plays music and she is dancing here.

All Granny wanted for Christmas was an 8x10 family picture for us so that's what she got as well as a personalized 2009 calendar - whatever makes her day.

December 22nd

2008-12-23T00:40:00.008-05:00

Wow only a few more days till Christmas!! It sure came fast this year!

And yet another day that I drug around a camera WITHOUT the memory card - all this obsessive blogging is causing me problems. I keep leaving it in the card reader on the computer. I tried to take a pic of the car thermometer (is that what it's called?) anyway - it said 11 - YES ELEVEN!! degrees today at NOON! - but no pic! Tomorrow will be 60 degrees and I might get a pic of that - ha -just kidding - good ole KY weather humor.

Today I am thankful I went with my gut and took Cade to the doctor. He had been kind of sick this weekend and we decided that I should take him today so that if he had something real then we could get it taken care of before Christmas - and yet again he has strep throat. I think we caught it a lot earlier this time - they aren't sure if he never got over it the last time or what - so now we have to go have him checked again in 2 weeks.

And today I busted out the old school winter decorations - hand cut snowflakes. Cade had never done this before and didn't even know what would happen. Pretty cute. I remember doing this as a kid.
I also tried to get Cade to take a pic of Cory standing by herself - not a great one, but ok. She was also kissing her baby but we couldn't get a good pic.

December 21st

2008-12-21T20:47:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful it's not always this cold - 20 degrees - BRRR! (wish I had taken a pic of the thermometer) I like the winter, but have found that KY's length of seasons is just right for me. About the time I am tired of winter it turns into spring and about the time I am tired of summer, fall begins. I snapped a few pictures of the kids before we went to church today. Man, is it rough with Cory now and Cade having some sort of issue with real smiles anymore. Ended up having to take it with the flash on which I just don't like anymore...

For those of you who don't know, I have a serious problem with eating out. I especially have a hard time turning down eating out when Byron is gone. It's even harder when he's gone and my in laws invite me out to eat after church AND it's to a restaurant that Byron has banned (yes there are quite a few) so... I am also thankful for the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's - petty - YES - so what! LOL!

I won something!!

2008-12-21T00:04:00.001-05:00

Go see what I won at FUNKY FINDS!! I got the pink boots!!! Thanks Jessica!!

Introducing #2 for the Thundering Herd!

2008-12-20T23:52:00.004-05:00

So at Thursday's practice they FINALLY handed out THE jerseys!! This boy has waited for HIS number for an eternity (you know like about 3 weeks). Apparently the reversible-ness is a big hit in the 5 year old crowd - he asked me to take a green pic and a white pic. It's quite amusing to watch his team play -the Thundering Herd (what's up with that??) (well just practice so far - first game is in January). There is a lot of diving on the floor to stop a ball and chasing after it across the gym. Not to mention the really CUTE attempts to make a basket. Now, on a serious note I DID almost cry watching on Thursday. It was just one of those moments when you see your baby doing something that big boys do and realize that he's more grown up. I suppose it's also one of those moments that I wasn't sure was going to happen with the shyness/social silliness going on. I was really proud of him. He didn't come over to me during practice except to give me his sweatshirt and even when he got hit in the face once (gotta work on those catching skills buddy) he didn't cry or even look at me. He's coming along - such a good moment for me to see.

Watch out - this is his game face? Scary huh?

December 20th

2008-12-20T23:18:00.008-05:00

Today I am thankful for a fun day of running Christmas errands ALONE -got the stocking goodies, my fave, getting a haircut (nothing to post a pic about, just a little trimmed up and THE eyebrows!!), just chilling around the house, and making some Christmas goodies. I DID drag my camera around with me all day to document, however, not having a memory card in the camera posed a small problem. Oh well, I went places ALONE!! that's the key. Oh and I am also thankful I married someone with better cooking skills than me. I finally got around to making the chocolate pretzels like Kristin, and Shelley, and Heather (who made them but never posted, in fact hasn't posted since Nov 21st - AHEM!!)... however *I* managed to be the only one who had to call for help!! Go figure - I seriously need help in the kitchen. What I learned was that you CAN cook them in the oven too long and therefore the chocolate gets harder as you go along.. not cool! Heather enjoyed my stupidity though. :) I decided that I would go for a different pic since this was the process I struggled with the most.

Cade helped with this project, but not the next.

I also made Bisquick Sausage balls (that I DID NOT screw up thank you very much!!)

and they were mighty tasty not great looking though! Cory helped with this one.

While the sausage balls were baking we had a rousing game of Candy Land. I bought it today since it went along with our theme book from last weekand the poor kid is 5 years old and has never played - such a shame!

Oh and Corynn's daily has become this:

I believe getting to open that ONE present yesterday sent her over the edge - she won't leave them alone now. See Exhibit A:

Funny thing is, that's HER present! AND NO it's not wipes, there is a Pooh toy in there for her.

She is going to be in sooo much trouble when Cade sees that in the morning.

December 19th

2008-12-20T23:07:00.003-05:00

I am thankful to have the next 11 days off!!!!! I just don't know what to do with myself!! I'm SURE I will find something to keep me busy. LOL! We had a a small party with the daycare kids and Cade gave them each a present. Corynn received her first Christmas present ever - a baby doll that giggles. She really likes it and smiles every time it giggles - pretty cute. I was really proud of Cade - when he saw that he got a truck he started to say "That's not really what I...." and I cut him off. I didn't even have to say anything except "Cade" and he then immediately went into thank you T and B! I was glad he at least understood that he was about to hurt someone's feelings and was smart enough to fix it.

We also made these little puzzle piece reindeer (apparently Rudolph is a girl) and now I need some help -any suggestions on what to do with them now??? They were supposed to be pins you would wear on your clothes, but that's not going to happen. I was thinking they would be cute ornaments, but they are small... and I would like them to be all attached somehow so they might look like they are pulling the sleigh or something - Ideas???

December 18th

2008-12-19T00:25:00.004-05:00

Today I was struggling with what I was going to write down and this evening I watched the little old neighbor lady be taken out of her house on a stretcher by the EMS. She was sitting up and it wasn't a mad dash and she has had that happen before, something with her heart. So I'd imagine she's ok, but just not great. My point is - I am thankful for my health. I take it for granted. Byron's grandmother has been sick as well and it just makes me realize that when I feel bad it eventually goes away. So many people stay sick or are in pain for a really long time or even worse - forever. I need to appreciate my health more NOW b/c I know down the road I will miss it. Please pray for Ms. Irene and Byron's Granny.

As for a daily pic: We played a silly game with flavored candy canes today. I made him guess what flavors they were and then he got to eat them - wooo - but he loved it. Sort of went along with our Legend of the Candy Cane story.

December 17th

2008-12-19T00:16:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for a fun end to a very long!! day! I met some great friends for some great food and just an overall great evening. - thanks ladies (NOT that I have a picture of you all!!) They (who will remain nameless b/c they are turds, EXCEPT for Heather who cooperated in the car but then I decided that neither of us looked all that great with the flash going off in our entirely too upclose faces) were pretty excited that they escaped taking any pics. We did a fun scrapbooking product exchange instead of a gift. The rules were that it HAD to come from your current stash - no buying - and then we had 3 categories - 4 pieces of paper, ribbon, and embellishments. I was thrilled with the goodies I came home with and can't wait to do another swap and another dinner for that matter.

December 16th

2008-12-16T12:37:00.004-05:00

Allie's AFTER shot - it took quite a few pics to get a good one - maybe that's why she's not in any photos anymore... anyway, much better and she gets a cute little bandana.

I am thankful my boy is "getting it"!! This morning he's watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas with his friends (who didn't have school b/c of snow and ice- arggg) and was telling them about how Christmas isn't all about the presents, it's about Jesus' birthday. And then just now he tells me that they are making money (not sure what that means) for people who don't have any money because "I know there are people in this world who don't have money and we need to give them some." Makes a momma proud! We also ventured out to take the dog to a last minute grooming appointment - see before! - She is looking rough and smells... My place is always booked so when I called today and she could get me in today due to cancellations I was there - snow and ice or not!! I'll post an after!

December 15th

2008-12-15T17:15:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for feeling a little better and learning something new. Our book this week is The Legend of the Candy Cane. and I loved the story. I don't think I had ever heard it before. I also found this candy cane ornament at the Christian bookstore that actually hangs like a "J" - perfect.

December 14th

2008-12-15T17:08:00.002-05:00

Today I am sick and tired and soooo glad my hubby came home! And NOT just b/c he does this...

I also made it upstairs to wrap a few gifts finally.

I just love how it looks with presents under the tree.

Oh and I was so excited to use my new tool -

I bought it last year when everything was 50% off -

cause you know that extra $2.50 breaks the bank...

December 13th

2008-12-15T16:19:00.006-05:00

Today I am thankful for a fun new Christmas adventure with family! While in Indianapolis we met up with my mom's aunt and uncle. They live in Michigan, but came down to visit and show us the wedding video they took for my sister and her new husband. So we gathered at my aunt's house in Indy to watch that and then headed to the Indy Zoo. It was chilly, but we all had a good time - especially Cade. I even think Cory liked the lights - she kicked her legs and waved her arms as we walked under them so I took that to mean she liked them! They had several fun things set up for the kids - cookies with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa, a live reindeer, letters to Santa, caroling (my cousin's high school sang in this), a nighttime train ride (which we did but didn't get good pics), and of course you can see the animals. We got there before dark and saw a few animals - the walruses were quite funny and actually moving!

The girls - Natalie is my niece (18 months old)

Cory was OBSESSED with her hair!

The boys - Ethan my nephew and Sam my brother in law.

I think they wore Sam out.

Great Uncle Dick - he is 72 and still snow skis!! I guarantee he's better than me. He was telling us how he made 22 runs in Vail last year in ONE day!! I seriously don't think I can do that!

Cory reminded me of the younger brother in A Christmas Story all bundled up

and couldn't move. Hey - at least she was warm!

My mom helping decorate a cookie.

Cade was a little concerned with his antlers being gone.

The man told us that they lose them every year and that they will grow back.

BTW: Cory is tired of all the chubby comments...

December 12th

2008-12-15T16:03:00.005-05:00

I'm behind... went to Indy this weekend, got sick, didn't have the oomph to blog.

Today I am thankful for GOOD books! This is our Christmas basket. We read Polar Express today. Cade tires of me reminding him that PE was his first movie seen in the theatre - but I have always loved that book and want it to be special for him too.

This evening me, the kids and my mom headed to Indianapolis to meet up with some extended family and I got to see SHELLEY. - I haven't seen her in a few months and realized I hadn't been to her house since October 2007! YIKES - Thanks for putting up with me sick and my kids being annoying - wish we could have stayed longer.

Evan - Cade - Nate - and NO we didn't make them do this!

Corynn - Elizabeth - YES we made them stand at the couch and try to get them to look at us at the same time - but NO we didn't do the jammies on purpose.

December 11th

2008-12-11T17:52:00.005-05:00

I'm thankful Byron gets into this. Every year it's been HIS idea!

This year we had a new audience member.

2007

2008

And some daily stuff:

Bethany gave this sweater to Cade (Corynn has a matching one),

and he wants to where it EVERY DAY!

Corynn gets this fan remote out of my nightstand drawer EVERY DAY!

December 10th

2008-12-11T09:09:00.008-05:00

Would have this posted earlier but stinkin blogger didn't like my pics!

Today (well yesterday really) I am thankful for fun times with family. We went over to my parent's house for dinner and to celebrate my dad's birthday. Mom had bought him a game called LCR which apparently people around here call LRC... go figure. We had a good time playing and eating root beer floats. Can you figure out who ended up winning even though he was sure he was going to lose at one point?

Byron was able to catch her on film giving me kisses!!

So sweet yet so slimy!

And this would be Corynn's daily, lately - and yes those are nice clean clothes

on my kitchen floor. Thanks for all the help!

29 things before 30 - YIKES!

2008-12-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

So this is overdue by about 2 months... just remembered it. It's not as checked off as I would like but I'm going to say that's OK (and blame being pregnant (at the time of trying to keep this list) and new baby on some of it - HA HA!) - December 2008

EDITED: So since I'm in this huge cross stuff off the list mood I decided I would post this list again with my updates to it. I think I'm doing ok - still have 8 months to accomplish the rest. February 2008

I don't remember when this list was actually written, I believe it was around August/September of 2007
So Elsie challenged us to make this list of things to do before your next birthday but with mine at the beginning of October I'm going to bump it around to the next one the big 3-0!! One thing she mentioned is putting down things that you will really be able to accomplish in that time so here it goes... (maybe another day I'll post about the other things on my life list, already have been able to check some of those off-yipee)

1. take Cade to Disney World (it will be my first time as well) we have this booked for Sept 2, 2008! I cannot wait! September 2nd 2008 enjoyed the WORLD!

2. figure out this job issue of mine - hopefully just be staying at home with my kids and NOT watching other people's too Byron informed me this weekend (Aug. '07) that he understood that doing the daycare with our baby coming was just not going to happen and it was just too much for me - so it looks like we are on our way to being done with it - yipee - so I know I will be down at least 2 kids come February possibly 3 - such a relief - thanks Babe!! Back in say March I had this huge revelation that I just need to treat raising my kids as my job and quit wasting so much energy searching for that perfect job. The peace I have felt since then is awesome!!

3. take on another client for scrapbook for hire besides the doctor - in April I scrapped a wedding album for a lady and I do believe I'm done doing other people's pics for awhile. Dec 2008 about a week ago the doctor whom I had scrapped for awhile back called again - looks like I'll be doing her daughter's Senior album beginning in Jan.

4. lose the baby weight that I KNOW will be there as of May I have lost approx 30 lbs but still a lot to go Dec 2008 - sadly I would like to still lose 25lbs!

5. rock climb

6. rappel again

7. learn how to use my digital rebel the RIGHT way - my father in law (who actually reads his manual) showed me about program setting this weekend... great for low lighting

8. continue to fight the battle against Photoshop, take an online class

9. visit my friends in Colorado -made arrangements to fly to CO in July for a wedding and a week vacation - May, had to cancel this -it was just going to cost too much money. I'm super disappointed that I'll miss the wedding, but plan to try for skiing in the winter.

10. back pack to the top of Mount LeConte with Byron

**man I should have made this list when I was younger.... yikes... having trouble**

11. teach Cade to read been practicing CVC words and sounds He is doing so awesome memorizing sight words AND I have officially decided to homeschool him in the fall so I KNOW that he will have th reading stuff down then. Dec 2008 - can read all of the Dolch sight words through 3rd grade and can MOST anything

12. remodel the bathroom for Mother's Day Byron tore up that awful place - I predict it will be done sometime in May - what a major project LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

13. complete my Europe album (as if that will ever happen)

14. finally landscape around our house we did plant some bushes and hibiscus flowers!

15. master cooking something other than spaghetti - I sooo do NOT like to cook I have taco soup in the crockpot down!

16. read more books (not blogs) my current goal is 3 books a YEAR how sad is that - the even sadder part is that I usually don't make it!! (I sure used to rock the book reading back in the day though.) 1. For One More Day by Mitch Albom - Aug. '07 , Twilight, Eclipse, and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer - Dec '07 - wohoo read 4 in one year!! Breaking Dawn

17. think more about others and less about me still working on this....

18. pay cash for #1 wohoo - for the most part

19. pay off half of my student loan who was I kidding???

20. eat more fruits and veggies again - who was I kidding??

21. attend church more regularly been doing better, will probably start looking for a new church soon as well, ready for a change - we've been there since we started dating 8 years ago

22. change my hair color

23. go on another road trip just me and Byron

24. help find/hire 6 more design consultants for a la mode - 8/22/07 I was offered a sales director position with them so I do believe this will be accomplished! As of 10/25/07 have hired 8 consultants As of 1/31/08 hired 13 Sadly - I quit working for alm in Feb. 2008

25. complete 100 more scrapbook pages pretty sure I've done this - completed ALL of my 2007 pics in an album!

26. get my mom to scrapbook a page finally

27. volunteer more

28. quit making so many lists this is not looking good so far....

29. ummm struggling here - how about give birth... like I'll have a choice but hey that will be before I'm 30! - almost got this one marked off! wohooo! FEBRUARY 20th 1:47pm!!

You know you are raising a kid in Kentucky when...

2008-12-09T21:43:00.003-05:00

he writes a short story with characters named Mullet and Bullet and the "ho0ker" gets thrown our of the helicopter to save the reindeer from falling into the frozen lake. YES - that's what he really said and YES that's what I had to write down, but in my defense and his - he means hook but somehow it always turns into and ER on the end. Like Indiana Jones has a whipper... Things a momma wants to remember...

December 9th

2008-12-09T21:15:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for the amazing social changes this boy has made! Cade has always been quite shy and afraid of new situations or new people. It has gradually gotten better, but even about 8 months ago we tried to get him into karate and it was rough. He would not leave the step to even try it out. (We tried 3 days in a row even!) He often would hide behind us in new places and not talk for a good while. I noticed over the summer he really started coming out of it all. Then when we went to Disney World in September I was blown away!! He tried new things, met with characters and truly had a blast (now granted there were some incidents that weren't so pleasant like literally peeling his hands off the railing at Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the funny very stiff first character picture with Goofy - BUT those were on the very first day!) Anyway... back to today - today Cade had his first ever basketball practice! He was so excited and I was for him too. It's hard to believe he's old enough for all this, but he is definitely ready! I took him for the Upward evaluation a few weeks back and he went into the gym by himself!! and did everything they asked. The best part was when I came in to watch him towards the end he was having a blast! Byron took him tonight and said that he had fun and totally participated. They ended up changing the team he was on so now he goes back again on Thursday to practice with his new team. He can't wait! I truly am thankful for such a simple thing!

December 8th

2008-12-09T19:48:00.006-05:00

Today I am thankful for Christmas traditions! Obviously, there are several of these, but I will save them... there are a lot of days in Dec. I think traditions are just so important to children and helping them feel like they are part of a family. There is just something about them. When Cade was little I started getting him one Hallmark ornament for his fire dept tree in his room. In the last few years I started adding in another for the main tree that has something to do with what he is into that year. One year was an Elmo ornament, another Spiderman. I don't have his this years here yet, it's ordered - it's a Lego's one (I asked his opinion and he thought Legos was better than Star Wars - go figure.) I also picked up this one for Cory's first Christmas which she thinks is tasty - guess that means she likes it. I also ordered one of these from LA and it will say Corynn. I will put the name one on her tree in her room.. I decided to not do a theme in hers, it was just too hard to decide and I kind of wish I hadn't done it with cade's b/c now I don't want to stop, but can't bring myself to add something different to his tree. I know, I know, the drama!

Corynn's tree - it's made of feathers. This year I had to put it on top of the dresser but I'd like to put them on the floor at different heights. Oh and I bought those red feather things for the top b/c there are red bulb son the tree, but I'm not really liking them...

Another tradition I like to do is drive around and look at Christmas lights. I remember as a kid doing this on Christmas Eve and I think it was only that night, don't remember for sure. Anyway, I loved it! So I wanted to drag it out a bit more so we usually pick a new neighborhood to look at whenever we are out in the evening. Here are some that Cade liked (have to excuse the blurry, stopped in the middle of the road, trying to not cause major traffic problems).

Cade's faves this night

My fave this night