The Old Apple Farm

Look What We're Getting!

2009-06-17T07:11:00.002-04:00

Aldi's!!

It's going to be here soon!! I can't wait!!

I have been waiting for any store but Wades to open up near us! I would have loved Wegmans since the closest one is 15 minutes away! I know it's only 15 minutes but I was raised a city/suburb girl and everything was either in walking distance or within a 2 mile radius from our home-going Webster was a day trip!

(Isn't it sad when your life comes to this.)

My Biggest Fear Almost Came True!

2009-02-19T11:50:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks ago I posted here about how one of my biggest fears was getting stuck on train tracks. Well doesn't it figure that on the way home from church on Sunday a train was crossing. The gates went up and as I was just about to cross- my van stalled! I freaked out! What are the chances of that right? I put it in neutral and able to roll backwards (we were on a slight incline) and it started up again.

So scary!

2009-02-19T11:28:00.002-05:00

My boys got a hold of camera!

The other day I watched a couple of extra kids- I know I'm nuts right? It was only one day- no biggie. So I was listening to their conversations at the lunch table which went a little like this:

Can I have more milk?
Can I have more carrots?
I sleep with my eyes open. (that was John of course and I don't doubt it either)
Can I have more macaroni?
I don't want sauce, wait yes I do, wait no I don't.
Can I have more milk?
I HATE carrots MOM! (that was John)
Get them off!
I can spell poop- P-O-O-P. (John)
Hahahahaha!!
I det ma dhut otay? (?)
Poop! Poop! P-O-O-P!
Can you spell poop?
I tan spelt my daddy- M-U-C-G-K
No! That's not how you spell it!
Mommy is M-O-M-M-Y.
Poop!
Can I have more milk?
Can I have a popsicle?
Can I have a popsicle?
Can I have a popsicle?
Can I have a popsicle- MOM!!!!
(this is me ignoring John)
Can I have a green one?
Can I have a pink one?
Can I have a red?
MOM!
Can I have a popsicle!?
MOM!

The child of mine literally stabs my eardrums with the shrillness of his incessant talking at times- ear plugs- thank God for them! I owe my life to the woman who invented them- yes it must have been a woman!- who probably had a son named John

Diddle, diddle dumpling my son John.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

Me and my girlie wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Busy Weekend!

2009-02-02T07:11:00.005-05:00

It was Jer's birthday on Saturday!
Little Jerry went 'shopping' around the house and filled this bag with his toys for daddy! He got him a drum pad and drumsticks, batman, and an Elmo book.

The kids all drew him pictures- which are very good- they have all definitely inherited his talent!

I made him a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting...

The birthday boy!

A rare species not normally seen in my house... GIRLIES!
These are Leigha's friends posing after a fun game they played! We had to postpone her birthday because of the snowstorm in Decemeber. They were soo stinking cute!

The Color White

2009-01-30T15:40:00.005-05:00

I think I'm going to paint. Notice I said I think I'm going to paint. What I am painting? The living room- it's never been done. And what color? Very creative of me- WHITE! Yup. White.

Do you have any idea how many shades of white you can choose? A lot. And like an idiot I stood in the store comparing shades of white. White. Not yellow, not beige, not green. White. And do you know that shades of white really are different? There are some that I flat out shook my head and thought 'this will never do in there'.

The swatches I brought home were: Vanilla Delight, Innocence, Linen White and Navajo White. And do you know what else? Three of those swatches look exactly like what is on the wall now. Maybe it should have been named 'Nasty-been-on-the-wall-since-1982-when-the-house-was-last-painted White.

Of course it will look fresh but it's not the point. What is the point exactly? I am debating, taping swatches to the wall and the most disgusting part, paying full price for a can of paint- and not the cheap kind either, all in the name of white.

The reason for paying full price: I didn't like Glidden's shades of white. *Sigh* I didn't like the other shades of WHITE!

But I feel a little better because I bought these new light fixtures! See the tag? $79.97 marked down the $33.00! But you know what I really paid $11.00. Yup- $11.00! I have no idea where it's going yet, but I have some ideas....

When I brought it in the house Jer looked at me that read 'Oh God, now what do I have to do?!' But quickly changed his expression to a smile when I looked his way. I asked if there was something wrong. 'Oh nothing, I was just trying to see what was in that big box you're carrying.' Smart man. (In his defense he's repaired the ceiling, installed two light fixtures, a shower head, and fixed the two pipes that burst all in the last two weeks.) I assured him that he doesn't have to do anything until I decide where I want it.

I would attempt it myself, but I'm afraid of electricity. I'm not afraid of much, but getting stuck on train tracks and being juiced are at the top of my list. Well that and falling off the two step ladder we have- no lie. When I watch Jer fix anything electric I hold my ears and tell him over and over to be careful while planning what to do if he does get hurt.

He thought it was hilarious to yell "Aaaahhhh!!" several times when he was installing the light fixtures in the kitchen because I nearly jumped out of my skin each time.

Not funny.

NC Pictures- Finally!

2009-01-21T06:32:00.006-05:00

The first day we left a little later than planned because we had to drop off the dog. We didn't leave Rochester until close to 10:00 am and we took our time at rest stops to eat and stretch. By 7:00 at night everyone was very irritable and Uncle Sam said that it was foggy so we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Virginia. My first experience with southern hospitality as the front desk manager gave me the AAA discount even though I don't have AAA! We got the room including breakfast for only $62.00 and had we planned this I would have had the kids bring their bathing suits because they even had a pool!

I gave the kids a warm bath and we snacked on sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers, and juice.

Waking up and snuggling!
We woke up early the next morning feeling refreshed, I had the remaining kids take their showers and we were on the road again by 7:00. The kids all fell back to sleep, but the quietness in the van and the fact that no one was screaming was actually lulling Jerry and I a little too much. Thankfully John was up and demanding within the hour!
We had a lot of trouble in Greensboro getting on the right ramp-it took us 3 attempts before we made it. Ridiculous I know but we were exhausted by then. We were finally at Grandma and Grandpa's by 12:15. We would have been there sooner, but Uncle Sam's directions were too detailed!He told me to turn onto McKinzie so when we passed a 'McKenzie' I was very upset that they would name two streets almost the same- they just might confuse someone! Or your husband's uncle just may have picked up a little southern accent...

We took the kids and Grandpa to the 82ND Airborne Museum in Fort Bragg. It was very nice and it's free too! They have life like mannequins of soldiers from all different war we have fought in. At one point it looks like your walking through a European village that has felt the effects of the war and in the background it sounds like there a re bombers overhead and you can hear people shouting. There are helicopters on the ceiling and life like tanks and an Arab village. It was very educational and literally brought the history book alive.

One thing about this museum is that I was impressed by the courtesy and friendliness of the volunteers. They offered up a wealth of information and seemed truly passionate about educating people about the wars and how they were fought!

My lifesaver was this great wooden park we found a couple minutes from Jerry's parents house. (Thank you Uncle Sam for the map and detailed directions- I once again got lost- lol)

Jerry and Uncle Sam (Aunt Diane is in the background). We had chili over at their house one night. While we were there Jer's cousin Sammy called and said that he would rather cut his....... never mind.... then be there. He was very jealous that we were there and I heard that he cried himself to sleep that night because he missed us all so much. It's okay Sam.

It was suddenly quiet and when I looked over.. there was Johnny fast asleep.

Aunt Tina playing with the boys!

The road driving down to Grandma and Grandpa's!

Here I Am!

2009-01-16T05:52:00.002-05:00

It has been crazy busy over here lately, and I haven't had much time to post!

I will be getting up Christmas pictures, and pictures from our North Carolina trip that we took 2 days after Christmas.

Steve finished in the top 6 out of 1,100 students in a geography bee yesterday!!! The rest of the kids are all doing great....

Hopefully I'll be able to get some more posts in soon!

Catching Up!

2008-12-23T15:53:00.002-05:00

First of all, happy belated 13th birthday to Leigha!!!

We had a really fun day today! We went to the mall so the kids could do a little last minute Christmas shopping. There were tons of great sales and really nice things in their little budgets. They've been saving their money for a while now. They did such a good job choosing their presents carefully and were so thoughtful of each other:)

We had a ball singing Christmas songs, making fun of the really bad ones and laughing sooooo hard!

A janitor walked by pushing a cart and humming Christmas songs on her kazoo. I thought it was so cute and festive to hear Christmas songs in the mall! Steve said "Mom my friend and I donated to that to her on Saturday!"

On Saturday Steve volunteered for Camp Good Days and Special Times selling kazoos, key chains, pens and suckers. Apparently he and friend gave it to the janitor. It was really neat to see how giving someone a small bit of joy can turn around and spread joy to others!

On that note, I'm extremely behind on my Christmas time table, and I don't care! I'm not stressing, or worrying, or getting upset. I am simply going with the flow, enjoying the simpleness of it all, and having a great time with my family!

Since I will be busy the next few days- as we all will be- sooo

Merry Christmas to all the ones we love!!!!

(btw- their kindness to each other has worn off and they are now throwing card board at each other :D )

Me and My Baby

2008-12-16T07:16:00.004-05:00

Some Pictures!

2008-12-14T16:56:00.004-05:00

Leigha auditioned for all county band Saturday, had a dance class, a dance show and we had a church dinner! Very busy but a fun day too! Here she is stretching before her show.

She was an angel in the song 'Santa Baby' (her halo is crooked!)

They had a book donation for children.

Hope you had a grest weekend!

Christmas Past

2008-12-13T06:48:00.004-05:00

Just a few Christmas pictures -I'll be sharing more this week!

New and Improved Garland!!

2008-12-12T07:25:00.000-05:00

Just in case you were wondering what it looked like!

2008-12-06T19:50:00.003-05:00

Joey reading the little ones Christmas stories.
My lamp table... I love these little ceramic houses!

The house is decorated for Christmas ... well most of the house.

My daughter eating the cookies I made!

The manger scene we inherited when Grandma and Grandpa moved.

Peeking into the living room from the kitchen.

Ecclesiastes

2008-12-04T09:22:00.002-05:00

This morning my devotions lead me to Ecclesiastes. It's been a while since I've read this book, but it really jumped out at me. I've decided that I'm going to read through it in great depth until I'm finished with it.

One of the themes is searching.

Solomon had every earthly possession he could have ever wanted- wealth, power, wives, food, clothing...

Yet he was still empty inside.

Through his searching he found that life without God was meaningless and fruitless. He found that no matter how many things we have, we always want more.

So true.

We pray, 'Lord if only I had ____ I would never ask for anything else, it'll be the answer to my prayers, solve all my problems!' And yet, if and when that prayer is answered, we find we need something else.

I'm not implying that we shouldn't go to the Lord with our needs and prayer requests because that's what He wants us to do. We do have certain physical needs. It's also okay to enjoy the Lord's blessings without feeling guilty. As parents, we provide for our children and would feel awful if they felt guilty for enjoying gifts we've given them.

But there will always be something that our flesh desires. The more we try to get, the more we realize how little we have.

"All things are full of labor; man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." Ecclesiastes 1:8

Sshh!! Don't Tell the Big Kids!

2008-12-04T08:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I got everything done early so I called Kay and we did a little Christmas shopping! In the back seat all the way there he was singing 'I love my mommy! I'm the baby I'm the baby I'm the baby...' He was soo good!

Peace At Last, Peace At Last, Thank God Almighty! I Have Peace At Last!!

2008-12-02T07:25:00.002-05:00

Last night the kids voices seemed so high pitched and shrill. They weren't doing anything wrong, there are just a lot of them. So Jerry looked at me and said- you want these? And in his hands were these beautiful yellow colored ear plugs!

I put them in and I honestly could tolerate anything!

Jer spilled his milk, no problem honey, just clean it up. (Umm Little Jer that is)

The kids were arguing, I just looked at them and smiled. Awww... aren't they adorable and calling each other suck kind names?

Jer said to me "do you hear water running, I think it's the boiler?"

"No Honey, I can hear nothing!"

And it was the boiler leaking all over the basement floor. No biggie!

So moms or dads out there- give it a whirl! You'll love the results! * :D * (that's me smiling with a ding sound)

Thanksgiving Weekend!

2008-12-02T07:06:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving was filled with lots and lots of food, fun and family time! Aunt Joyce, Uncle John, Johnny, Bob, his mom Lucille, and his son TR all came over for dinner!Uncle John at the "mature table". Aunt Joyce doesn't think the kids will ever let him leave!

The table setting....

On Saturday my parents, Kay, Nick, Jason and Jamie came over for our annual Chrisstmas cookie bake!

One of the kids bent this cookie cutter- but it's kind of the way I felt that day!! :)

Joey got creative with his cookies!

Mootchie baking, the cookie cutter is peeking out from behind the bowl....

Jason will looking suave in his penguin apron! Actually it's one of the kids but he was a good sport! Mom is in the background baking away!

My dad- ready to eat and relax :)

This is just a picture of Joe's card tower he built!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T16:43:00.000-05:00

2008-11-26T17:32:00.001-05:00

HaPPy tHanKSgiVIng!!

2008-11-20T17:14:00.001-05:00

My blog wanted a new outfit since my other blog has one! Do you like it?

2008-11-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

Even the child's picture show his halo! If you look at my face you can see that I'm telling him to stop screaming at his sister and be nice for the picture. He will make a fool of me yet. Whoever said crack kills never had to make a turkey project for school with John! But just look at that baby face! Innocent I tell ya!
A little better...

There- it did turn out to be fun once we got started!
Today we went sledding because the boys had a half day. The picture of this view does no justice! It was absolutely beautiful!

The boy who doesn't know how to put on his shoes by himself... hmmmm....

My Son John

2008-11-15T08:06:00.002-05:00

John is something. One minute he can be a holy terror, and the next minute a little angel! He was up first this morning, just as Jer was leaving for work. I got him snuggled on the couch with me and flipped on the news. They were doing a segment on the brain and showed a cartoonish diagram.

So he says, 'Mom is that a brain?'
'Yes, very good John!'
'Why are there jelly beans in it?'
I looked and sure enough it looked like jelly beans!

Then I flipped over to Rachel Ray's Thanksgiving special. She was making a turkey and explained how whenever she made a big bird she put a little flavor of citrus in it, and then she put it in the oven.

John asked if Big Bird was going to come out when she was done!

He can be such a cutie when he wants too!

Conversations in the Car

2008-11-11T06:37:00.003-05:00

Last night I was driving home and the kids were talking about their day.

When it was John's turn he said, "Mom today my friend told me (growling through clenched teeth) 'you cannot play in the art center!' and she showed her teeth at me!"

Initially I had to quietly laugh because the way he demonstrated it was so funny and cute!

But then he said, "And it hurt my feelings, I was very sad. So I played by myself at a different center."

Then I wanted to cry, my poor baby. Stevie heard all this and turned around and gently told John that if someone hurts his feelings that he should tell that person. And he could play in the center that he wants, because no one should tell him what to do. This warmed my heart because these two fight so badly and to hear Steve giving him big brother advice was so sweet!

Then we got on the topic of mustaches. Steve says "I wonder if it tickles when mustaches grow in. Mom, does it tickle when mustaches come in?" I knew what he meant, but it just seemed strange that he was asking me!

We stopped at CVS and there was a police officer standing near the entrance and John was so busy looking at him that he walked right into the glass window! It looked like something from America's Funniest Home Videos!

Questions!

2008-11-07T22:42:00.003-05:00

The little boys are at the age where they want to know everything!

What color is a flu shot?

Why can't we eat candy for breakfast?

Can I skip writing workshop? (John of course- and I can't believe there's writing workshop in kindergarten!)

Where is Carolina?

Why is it far away?

Why is Buddy a Buddy?

Why didn't Miss Lori drive the bus?

When will she be back?

Why is it dark out?

Why do we sleep at night?

Why do we have to wear a jacket?

Why are you a lady?

Why can't I play with Stevie's toys?

Why can't we color money?

Why can't we color in library books?

Will Mrs. Madd(en) be mad that I colored in the library book? (John)

*sigh* They keep my mind busy!

Conversations With My Son

2008-11-05T08:25:00.003-05:00

Yesterday John woke up and asked for breakfast. He sat down at the table and I asked him if he'd like cereal or toast.

He replied 'Chocolate cereal.'

'We don't have chocolate cereal John. Would you like rice krispies or frosted flakes?'

'Chocolate cereal!'

'Well, John. I don't know what to tell ya- we're fresh out of chocolate cereal!'

'Can I have a bowl and spoon?'

'Why so you can eat air? What would you like?'

'I don't want to say it! Can I have a bowl and spoon?!'

'Sure- here ya go. Enjoy!' (I was in no mood)

'Can I have rice krispies?'

'Of course! Good choice!' I give him the cereal. He looks at it.

'Can I have chocolate cereal?'

Check out Leigha's Blog!

2008-11-02T17:14:00.001-05:00

You can check out Leigha's blog here!

2008-11-02T07:17:00.004-05:00

This weekend has been good so far! Jerry is working his first 36 hour weekend (blah!) But thank God for daylight savings time! It was so nice to get that extra hour of sleep!

So far he likes the job.

Yesterday we had a good day! We went to the library, snuggled and watched a movie, made pizza and played outside! Today I planned on going to church and Aldis, but Joe caught the fever that Steve had so we'll be staying home instead.

I baked pumpkin bread for breakfast- I was too lazy to get milk for cereal- and I 'll do a Thanksgiving bible study/project with the kids.

Here are some pictures I forgot to post of a city the kids built a few weeks back. They used every single building material they could find!

And here are some pumpkin carving pictures. Confession- I hate carving pumpkins it is soo much work and I have very little patience! But I fake a smile and do it for the kiddos!

And one of Johhny's cakes!

2008-10-30T21:08:00.001-04:00

I received this email from John's teacher and wanted to share it with you because it was cute!

"I just wanted to let you know that JohnRobert was climbing under some equipment on the playground today and got a little muddy. Corinne and I tried to clean him up the best we could. He has a change of pants that he is wearing. He's so funny - when I asked him why he was crawling when it was muddy in that spot he replied, "Because I fit under there!" Sorry about the mud! "

Kids are so honest aren't they!

2008-10-29T10:21:00.004-04:00

Isaiah 40: 28-31

28
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases their strength.
30
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall.
31
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up on the wings of eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not be faint.

Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God's strength never diminishes. He is never too busy or too tired to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength.

Our time is not the Lord's. Do not give up hope. Do not give up praying.

Wigs

2008-10-29T10:09:00.004-04:00

We were trying on wigs the other day! It was soo funny! John wouldn't let us take his pictire and mine was hideous, but here are the others!

Leigha...
Little Jer ...

My baby sister...

Steve!

Halloween Parade

2008-10-24T21:00:00.005-04:00

Leigha had to play in band for the Halloween Parade at school tonight, so the boys got all dressed up! Joe was a jeidi, Steve a Russian soldier from WWII, John a king and Jer was Spider Dude!

Leigha setting up her music ....

I love this picture! John had moved all the way over to the edge to watch the school librarian!
And guess who was a winner! He was 4th place in the Kindergarten Division for 'Most Original'- and that he is!

(BTW- the librarian is sitting behind him wearing orange)

All the winners...

He won a dollar!

Joey in his division...

Cute little Mootchie!

2008-10-21T19:40:00.002-04:00

"Exercise increases endorphins and endorphins make people happy. Happy people just don't kill people" ~Legally Blonde

I did a 7 minute mile on my eliptical machine tonight :D

Smoking

2008-10-21T09:40:00.004-04:00

Jerry starts his new job on Thursday working 12 hour shifts, and he can't smoke. I know, I know he shouldn't, but he does. He's been wanting to quit and here's his chance. However, as any former smoker knows, it'll be a challenge nonetheless. He has a good attitude about it and plans on taking gum and candy to help him along.

He wants to try Nicorette gum, but unlike the patch or the medicine that makes you puke if you smoke, the gum is over the counter instead of being prescribed. After several phone calls I found out that our insurance plan will cover over the counter items as long as there is a prescription for it.

I have spoken to several people, including the doctor who gave Jerry his physical for work to write a prescription. No, they can't help. I called his primary doctor even though he hasn't seen him since we moved. I asked if he would mind calling in the prescription and explained the situation and Jerry's desire to quit. She called back and explained that since he hasn't been to the doctor in a while he would have to be seen first to discuss the side effects. I explained to her that it's over the counter and he could walk in, pay for it, chew it and the only explanation of the side effects would be from him reading the box. Could she please have him prescribe it? He's trying to make a healthier choice for himself. She said 'No he needs to be seen.'

I understood what she was saying. Honest. Had it been a phone call where I was asking them to prescribe blood pressure medication because the blood pressure machine in the grocery store indicated he had high blood pressure, I would understand. Instead this was because he wants to stop putting poison into his lungs.

So here's my gripe. We've been working at this for almost a week. There are commercials where they show a parent smoking in a closed up car and the baby choking, or kid's saying things like 'I'm down to a pack a day' or the children crying because their parent died from cancer or even the one where the guy is missing limbs because of cancer from smoking. They're supposed to touch on your raw emotions and how you too should quit. Taxes on cigarettes have been increased even higher. You can't smoke anywhere and Wegmans doesn't even sell them.

I get it. My husband is ready. I've been praying for this day! Where's the help on quitting? Why don't they make it easier to find these resources? Why isn't there Nicorette gum next to the cigarettes in the stores so when someone is running in to buy a pack of smokes they have healthier options instead? My opinion- hand out a sample of the gum with the cigarettes! If you're going to raise these taxes put them to good use! Stop spending so much money on commercial and start making smoking cessation more accessible! I've received one piece of literature years ago when Jerry visited the emergency room for stitches. Put leaflets and brochures in pharmacies and on counters at the gas station! Have a booth in the center of the malls!

My frustration is because I don't see the cigarette tax money being put to good use. If they want to prevent and pass laws to do so to ban smoking, that's fine, but it's only half the battle. Put as much effort into providing other options as well.

Phew! I'll step off my soap box now, I feel a little better :)

2008-10-20T19:25:00.004-04:00

One of Leigha's assignments these past few weeks was to watch one of the presidential or vice presidential debates and answer questions relating to them.

Because she has to get up at 5:30 for school, I wasn't crazy about the assignment. I told her she could watch them until 9:30 and then it was lights out. She watched the debate last week on her little TV in her room where instead of in the living room.

Well, the boys happened to pass by her room and saw that she was staying up late to 'watch TV'. Steve, my little salesman, says 'Aww man Leigha is soo lucky!'

I asked him why and he says 'Boy I wish I could watch the debates, they look so interesting. You know mom, I would really like to learn what the candidates stand for.'

I asked him which policies he was interested in.

He says 'I don't know, but if I could watch them I would know better.'

He has pulled a lot of fast ones, but this was by far the icing on the cake!

'Goodnight Steve!'

Happy Birthday JohnRobert!

2008-10-18T12:08:00.003-04:00

HaPpy 5th BiRThDaY JohNRoBeRt!

We LOVE you!

I'm 2 Today!

2008-10-17T06:51:00.004-04:00

I'm 2 today! Leigha received that button on her 2nd birthday and I remember feeling that it took so long to get there. It seemed as though she was so grown up and getting so mature. But then she was my first baby and she was more mature than a lot of 2 year olds. In fact she's still more mature than her peers.

Two years old. She loved wearing dresses and I always put her in cute little outfits and her little strands of hair in a barette. We'd walk through Irondequoit mall and visit the Disney Store or I'd buy her cute outfits at Children's Place. We would do projects for each holiday and season and bake Christmas cookies together. It seems so long ago, so easy.

Of course it was anything but easy. Maybe it's one of the Lord's gift to us to forget the hard parts.

Little girls just have a certain sweetness to them that only little girls can have. Now, don't get me wrong, little Jerry is one of the snuggliest little boys ever, in fact he's nicknamed our professional snuggler. But girls like to do girly things- make crafts, dress up their dolls, read stories- not throw rocks at windows or jump out of trees. They have little interest in fire, engines, their father tools, digging 4 foot deep holes, or nails.

Leigha was on the computer last night looking at the American Girl Dolls. For different Chritmases we had bought her Samantha and Molly. She actually wants another one! I can't tell you how it warms my heart that she still loves them!

I want to cherish every day with my babies, to stop worrying about things that work themselves out anyways, and enjoy life and make lots of memories to fill their little memory banks!

A Visit to the Fire Station

2008-10-11T16:41:00.003-04:00

We did our annual visit to the fire station open house. The boys absolutely love it and there is a lot to see and do!

We saw Mercy Flight land!

The boys in the helicopter ...

It doesn't look this big when it's flying overhead!
The bounce house!
My future fire fighter getting in his 'gear' to fight the 'fires'!
He's holding the hose ...

He's concentrating so hard!

It was beautiful out! They had free cider, donuts, popcorn, donuts, hots and soda! They had a smoke house and used dried ice to show the kids house it's difficult to see.
They also had the canine unit there and we learned how they trained the dogs. Did you know that from the time they get the dogs, their toys smell like narcotics? When they search people or buildings it's actually a game to them because they think they're looking their toys!

We had a great day!

2008-10-10T20:00:00.002-04:00

48 hours without a phone. That's all I have to say. As far as cell phones go- all we have is a trac fone for emergencies only.

So we used a few of the minutes on our trac fone and went to our neighbors to use their phone and each time they promised it to be fixed in 24 hours. I won't go into details but I know the new meaning of frustration.

And when the repair man finally showed up today, he mosied up the driveway and asked what the problem was.

When we explained the situation he said 'Oh. Did you still want broadband?' And it only took 5 minutes to fix.

But the best yet is that he said if we ever have any other problems we could drive around Manchester looking for him and he'll come out to our house to fix the problem. It's faster that way he explained. And if we can't find him to check the alley between Herendeen's and the post office and bang real hard on the double doors to the phone connection box. He's usually there he explained.

You have to admit- that's customer service!

2008-10-09T07:25:00.002-04:00

Quick note- I have no phone! I am furious because I ordered broadband 3 weeks ago (it would save almost $400 a year) and it was supposed to be installed on 9/19. I called to reschedule the installation for 9/22.

They didn't show but I didn't pursue it because Jer wasn't sure he wanted to make the switch. Understandably so because our phone book from this company still has party line instructions (NO LIE!). Last week someone called and asked how it was working. I told them that it wasn't because it was never installed and told them that I better not be charged for it. They said I'm not. (I'll believe it when I see it) She said I could be scheduled for this week sometime and that someone would call in advance.

So I called yesterday to pay a bill and then was transferred to a tech to discuss the installation. She said I was scheduled for that day. I told her that I didn't plan on it and would be gone from 11-12 and no one would be here. She said she would tell them.

I changed my mind and was home and good thing because guess what time the showed up- right 11:00!

He worked for a while and left so I figured he'd be back. Meanwhile I have no dial tone! After 2 hours I called from my tracfone (which only has 55 minutes) left to complain. They told me it would be fixed within 24 hours. I went nuts! I explained that they were the ones who disconnected me and I wanted my phone service then. After looking at the the work order and contacting the technician that told me it would be running that afternoon. Great!

Guess what! No phone yet!

So if you need to get a hold of me- I guess email! And I'm cancelling broadband :)

Quick Update

2008-10-06T07:26:00.003-04:00

Here's an update on the kids and what's going on with school:

We'll start with John. Roger stopped calling him a coconut, but now he's calling him a pineapple.

Joe came home from school one day with 2 shoes and 1 sock. He lost the sock. (?) The next day he lost his wet bathing suit and towel. Checked the lost and found- nothing. The bus- nothing. Four days later in his backpack- ding! ding! ding!

Steve sat on a whoopie cushion during silent reading- got it taken away.

Leigha, hmm nothing to out of the ordinary. She's just busy with school, dance and the musical.

The Bills Make Me Want to Shout!

2008-09-28T19:54:00.001-04:00

Need I say more?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHAd_0R4fo

2008-09-25T20:13:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted my escapades with my darling son John. Maybe because he's been a little angel. Maybe because he's in school all day and exhausted when he comes home. Whatever the case, he's been good. You know where this is going right?

So today I gave the boys a healthy snack when they got off the bus and then we left to pick up Leigha from practice. While we're waiting in the van he starts in with 'I have to go potty. Mom. Mom. I have to pee.'

Since we were on our way to Cold Stone Creamery for free ice cream sundaes, I told him that we would be there in a minute and to hold it. He loudly asked over and over for the rest of the 5 minute drive to the store. We took him to the bathroom as soon as we got there.

After we got ice cream, I stopped at Target because I left all my coupons in the cart last week. For some odd reason I thought they might be stolen. It may as well been my wallet that I had just found because I felt a big rush of relief come over me. I was so elated that I blissfully waited for the automatic doors to open. I found myself staring at a woman on the other side. That's when I spotted the "This is not an exit" sign. I may as well have had 'moron' stamped on my forehead.

Next stop Home Depot to buy a new $5.00 toilet seat- only the best- and a can of paint because I accidentally painted our hallway bubblegum pink. Jer's not too crazy about the color. We get to the checkout and John spots the Skittles, the only source of fruit for him. He claims he's hungry. I tell him he's not. He's says he is. I tell him to stop talking. But oh know he doesn't.

Don't ask what the reasoning was behind my great idea to use the self checkout, because after scanning everything I realize I only have one dollar bills. So I proceeded to put 12 ones in the slot and of course it spit back each one at least once. Behind me sat the candy display and Jer and John touching every single package of candy. Out of the corner of my eye I could see two cashiers with their arms crossed staring at us. I could honestly care less. Their strategy is put it their for children to ask their parents for it over and over until they buy it. My strategy is to make them suffer along with me so maybe they'll move it.

All the way home he cried for those Skittles. Me? I found the Hand Jive on a CD and embarassed them all with my savvy dance moves as I drove through the center of town.

Fiddler Pix!

2008-09-22T20:03:00.002-04:00

Here's a link to a photo of Leigha at 'Fiddler' rehearsal!
And here's another!

2008-09-22T07:06:00.002-04:00

I thought I would have more time to post things once the kids were in school, but it's a little crazier than usual! I was always a little hesitant to get the kids too involved with extra-curricular activities when they were young because play and imagination are so important.

I remember playing house with my sisters in our playroom for hours. We'd create a kitchen, living room, bedroom and I'm sure a bathroom! We'd make fake candles to set the table with.
In the basement we had an imaginary elevator because of course offices could never be on the same floor. I'd clunk around in my high heels with my pen and "cordless phone" and march down to my sister's "office" to give an important message.
We'd have restaurants under the big pine tree in my backyard complete with a kitchen, tables (on top of our sandbox cover) and Italian accents!
We'd pretend we were mermaids and make a little island. I remember diving off our "dock", swimming and climbing out of the lake using a "ladder" on the other side.
And our plays? We'd blow bubbles if it took place underwater, we'd string up Christmas lights for stage lighting, Costumes! Rehearsals! Music! Tickets sales!
We had a newspaper, a beauty salon, haunted houses for Halloween, paper Christmas trees and fireplaces that we would hang in our playroom side of the basement!
We pretended we were old fashioned and gather food and firewood!

I want my children to have the same imagination! I want them to create things to act out and play!

I knew that someday things would get busier as they got older. I knew there would be time for sports, dance, plays, and football games. And this is just the beginning!

I was thinking about it, and in four years my husband is going to be 40! I remember my dad turning 40! ( My mom is still 29) ;)

And Leigha will be a senior in high school, Steve 10th grade, Joe will be 13, John- 4th grade and my baby will 7 and in 2nd grade!!

Where does the time go?

2008-09-18T07:13:00.003-04:00

My Little Moochie

So the kids are all in school (except Jer) and I should technically have nothing to do right? Wrong.

I get so much done that last week my head was pounding. Yesterday I actually sat at lunch and read my Bible! I didn't want Moochie to feel left out so I read it out loud to him :)

I can listen to the music that I want to because- no one cares! I can make lists and do the things on them, I can make phone calls and there's no screaming and I hear my own voice in my head~and I wish I'd shut up! I can get dinner ready, do ebay listings, pay bills, organize closets, and put the laundry away.

Leigha got a part in Fiddler on the Roof in the daughters chorus! For some reason when I read through the parent information that I had to sign and return to the teacher, I was under the impression that there were only 2 days of rehearsal each week. Nope- there are five days of practice. So maybe instead of making us sign and return them so they know we read them, maybe we should be allowed to keep them for reference since we are adults after all.

And lastly, apparently my boys have inherited their father's artistic abilities because this is what they did with their snack and took the picture too!

Our Weekend

2008-09-07T15:10:00.002-04:00

Johnny's First Day of School

Leigha At Victor Days

Leigha did a great job dancing her duet! We dropped her off at the studio to get ready and then walked around for a little while with the boys. I asked a staff member which stage they would dancing on and he told me that they would be way at the other end of the festival.

It was a nice walk and some of the free handouts that we got were balloons, candy, water bottles, and cards. I couldn't find the stage and asked another staff member who had no clue what was going on. He told me to ask the woman at the veterinarian booth because she had been there all day and probably knew. Obviously, she didn't. However behind her was a wall with a schedule and we found out we had to go back to where we started from.

Not a biggie, we had plenty of time and we stopped and got more samples and pamphlets on our way back.
Just as the dance show started John, who up until now showed no interest in his balloon, wanted to hold it. Distracted, I gave it to him and he let go of it. So of course he cried about it. And whined and cried, and whined and cried........

We ~~threatened~~ changed the subject, but to no avail. Jerry decided to look at some of the other booths close to us to see if they had any and took John with him. After a half an hour he finally came back with a balloon, John, a cigarette, and a stressed look on his face. He had walked a mile because the only booths with free balloons was the one where we originally got it from.

He told us that after he got all the way back to the booth, John told him that he didn't want it!

After that we went to a library sale. I have to say that when I first saw it I wasn't impressed because it was so small. But, I found 3 American Girl books! I was so excited! The boys found 6 books to including chapter books and I found a Holly Hobby book for myself!! Leigha also found the last Little House on the Prairie book to complete her set! We bought about 25 books in excellent condition for only $8.50! My sister Nicki found a whole bunch to!

Lots of Pictures!

2008-09-05T06:29:00.005-04:00

Last Day of Summer Vacation

What a busy week!!! Since our first day of school didn't start until Thursday, we had an extra day of fun! We took advantage of the warm weather that didn't come until the final days of summer. But, at least it came because we had a fun afternoon. Maybe I had the most fun because I dunked the kids, flipped them off their rafts, cheated at Marco Polo, and splashed them like crazy!

First Day of School

I took Leigha's picture inside because she wakes up at 5:30 to take the bus at 6:40! Of course Steve and Joe had to make faces instead of taking normal pictures!

We saw a couple of Jonn's friends at school. He only has one preschool friend in his class and he's lucky because some kids don't have any friends in their class from preschool!

And last but not least, take a look at Jer's face-his shirt says it all! 'Dirt it does a body good'. Grandma hit the nail on the head when she picked this one out!

Kindergarten Visitation!

2008-08-28T18:42:00.003-04:00

Today we got to see John's classroom and meet his new teacher! He seemed really excited to be there and his teacher is very friendly and nice! I might want to go to Kindergarten!

2008-08-25T07:06:00.002-04:00

Next week school starts and I have so much to do this week! Thankfully they start on a Thursday so I have an extra day to finish getting their things in order, but it doesn't make sense to only have 2 days of school! And Johnny only has one because he has orientation is on Thursday for an hour!

This week Leigha has a dance rehearsal because she was asked to perform her duet at our town's festival. It's a festival with food, music, games, and fireworks to help promote the local businesses. The idea is to attract a whole bunch of locals in hopes that they'll walk around and check out the different little shops.

John, Joe and Steve have one last get together with their friends before school starts. John and Joe get to meet their teachers and put their supplies in their desks, and Leigha has to decorate her locker.

Sunday is our church's annual picnic which is always fun! And I'd like to plan something special to do for Labor Day weekend.

Summer is almost over and the rat race is about to begin!

Mail Lady's Substitute!

2008-08-23T14:27:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen the movie with Chevy Chase where he and his wife move to the country to get away from the busyness of the city? I always forget the name (Nick help me out here).
There's a mailman in it who drives a pick up truck and throws the mail out his window and it blows all over the lawn. Then in a cloud of dust he drives away with a cackling laugh.

Well apparently Shortsville liked him too and they hired him to work for the post office.

I don't like him.

I don't think my regular mail lady does either.

I have no idea how he got the job to begin with.

I have received my neighbor's bank statements, school letters for the kids who live 2 miles away, and the former residents mail.

So Monday I go to the mailbox and there's no mail. Tuesday I go to the mailbox and there's no mail. Let me remind you that we are a family of 7 and not only to we get personal mail, but business mail too. So how we can NOT receive mail for 2 days is ridiculous and unheard of.

The people in charge of junk mail have no idea that the rest of the world is 'going green' so I should at the very least be receiving some credit card applications, donation solicitations, or pet food coupons every day. Unless the mail mansub is stealing my coupons to feed his dog. Hmmm....

Anyways, Wednesday I got 3 letters from our insurance company letting me know that they received my payments and I still have coverage with them. Yes, 3 letters, 3 envelopes, 3 stamps. Nevermind the fact the insurance agent already gave me a receipt from the insurance company when I physically went in to pay the insurance. Or the fact that the insurance is all business related and could have compiled it all into one letter.
Someone should let the insurance companies know that everyone else is 'going green' too.

Thursday- no mail. Three whole days without mail!

Friday. Friday! Friday, I looked and there was, you guessed it, no mail. In the mail box.

A package was balancing on top of the newspaper box. I live on a highway that has a speed limit of 55 mph and huge semis drive up and down it all day long. It wouldn't take much for that package to blow off into the road!

Today my mail lady is back. No, I didn't see her. You see, my mailbox was so full of mail that she had to have packed in layers because that's how I removed it. I had 2 community newspapers, 2 magazines, the former resident's mail, a bill, a school newsletter, a car sale invitation for a dealership 45 minutes away, and a voting registration form. Also 4 letters, yes 4 because I have 4 children attending school this year, all stating the bus schedule for this year. Three of my children all ride the same bus at the same time.

By the way, Leigha's bus number is 197, and for the boys it simply says 'BUTT'. How very appropriate.

*sigh*

We've Been Busy!

2008-08-20T20:16:00.005-04:00

The sunset- I didn't color enhance this either!

Here are the boys- they keep me on my toes that's for sure! Notice the remnants of dinner on the table. Yes, this is truly a typical meal. The pediatrician asked Steve and Joe if we all ate dinner together and they enthusiastically answered "YES!" So as much as all the joking can be a little aggravating at times- they at least love this time of day! And family togetherness and happy memories mean more to me than anything!

Some more cloud pictures ....

I love this one! This was a hail storm that went through Victor and Farmington. The hail was golf ball size! The damage from it was incredible! I come up here to this spot to pray to the Lord. It's here that I come and realize that He's so much bigger than I can even fathom!

And here is my new hair cut and color thanks to my very talented sister! :)

Not Posting Much...

2008-08-15T22:21:00.002-04:00

I haven't been posting much lately because we've been busy!

Yesterday I took the older two boys for their yearly check up. It was also our first visit with our new pediatrician because ours retired. She was also Jerry's pediatrician! She will be missed greatly!

But our new one seems to be pretty nice and she's about 20 minutes closer.

She said to Steve "Before you know it you'll be driving, although your sister so be real nice to her so she'll drive you around!" So Steve says real seriously "Nah that's alright I'll take the bus!"

Staples Deals!

2008-08-10T12:29:00.002-04:00

Staples has more awesome back to school deals this week!

Elmer's Glue- Free! Limit 2

Papermate mechanical pencils- $0.25/pack Limit 2

Staples Wide/College Ruled Notebook Paper 150 sheets- $0.09/pack Limit 5!

Cloud Pictures!

2008-08-10T12:23:00.002-04:00

Jer loves taking pictures of clouds and I think he's going to be doing some paintings soon! These pictures all face the fields in the very back of our yard.

Go Green?

2008-08-07T19:27:00.002-04:00

On the first day of school when I was little, I remember we brought the basics. A folder, crayons, pencils, notebook paper, pens, lunch boxes, backpacks, glue and erasers. We might get a more extensive list of a three ring binder or spiral notebooks, but that was about it.

So now that I have 4 kids in school (wow!) and their lists have arrived in my mail box.

In June I put all unused supplies away along with supplies I've stocked up on from sales. I've purchased quite a few folders, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, etc. when Staples had their penny sales.

Today I sat down to start dividing up the school supplies I bought so far, check off things on each kid's list, and make a shopping list of things to left to purchase.

In the end I had 4 piles with sticky notes on top so I knew whose was whose and a list one page long of supplies yet to get!

Here are some totals from their lists that I found interesting.

Altogether they need:

4 backpacks
32 folders (and not any folders- they have to be certain colors and styles!)
5 binders (again specific colrs!) this includes John!
4 packs index cards
1 index card holder
10 glue sticks
1 bottle of glue
4 pencil cases
2 packs of crayons
3 packs of colored pencils
2 packs of markers
6 packs of loose leaf notebook paper
6 dry erase markers
2 composition books
2 packs of dividers
4 packs of pencils
2 packs of pens
1 pair of scissors
3 boxes of Kleenex
1 box of ziploc baggies
1 package of paper plates (are you kidding)
1 graphing calculator ($110!!!)
1 pack of graph paper
1 french-english dictionary
2 packs of highlighters
1 sharpie (great idea! this teacher is not married nor has kids or she wouldn't have asked for it mwah haha!)
9 book covers
4 packs of post it notes
1 bottle of hand sanitizer
2 three subject notebooks
3 one subject notebooks
3 Master Locks
1 trumpet
1 flute
1 saxaphone
3 music books and instrument maintenance supplies

NO LIE!

Okay the book cover thing urks me sooo much! I covered Leigha's with a paper bag and decorated it with her one year and she was mortified. I'm sorry but that was the best part when you were little!

And Kleenex? BRING YOUR OWN! THEY COME IN LITTLE PACKAGES THAT YOU CAN KEEP IN YOUR DESK!

So maybe going green would be by starting with putting some of that green back in my wallet.

And seriously is all this stuff really necessary?!

What is wrong with the traditional way of doing things?

Summer Vacation sigh

2008-08-02T21:31:00.003-04:00

We've been soo busy lately (who hasn't?) Today the kids were obnoxious! Maybe it's this crazy weather. Which actually don't mind too much because it hasn't been so hot that nothing can get done. It's just the dodging in and out of rain drops! (or storms rather!)

I've taken them to parades, fireworks, fun classes at school, the library, playgrounds, and they've gotten together with friends. Of course, not every day, they average about 1-2 fun things a week. But, with the price of gas we haven't gone to the lake or anywhere to far.

Plus we have an aboveground pool, small playsets, a large one with monkey bars and a fort, a trampoline, bicycles, scooters, roller blades, a sand box and 2 acres of yard to play on. So I'm sorry, but these things are free and they have plenty to do.

And guess what we hear. Yup --- 'I'm boooredd.'

I think I saw Jer's head spin around when they said that.

And the arguments. Here's some actual ones I've heard:

* I want to shut off the TV. No I want to turn it off. No me! No me!

* I want to shut the cupboard. No I want to shut the cupboard!

* Mo-oom he jumped in the pool first last time why can't I be first on the ladder!?

* Can we have lemon ice? No we're having something else. Well, Leigha had it, can we have later and she can't?

*I AM COOL! No you're not. YES I AM. Well, cool kids don't say dummy.

And the ultimate-make-me-want-to-go-back-to-bed argument:

Well a little back ground first: My kids have always had their own way of communicating. They say that often times mulitples have their own language, but seeing how close in age my kids are, it's kind of like having multiples at times. They are always making up silly voices and words. Sometimes they will walk past each other making spitting sounds and pointing their fingers. (Although this is usually instigated by their father) They keep doing this until they're out of ear shot of another.

At the dinner table someone may randomly shout Dodgebaaallll followed by a chorus of dodgeballllll in return. Actaully it was funny because I bought them noodles for the pool and when I walked in the door I shouted Dodgenoooodle and they all shouted it back at me!

And Mr. Hink. I thought that would never end. They turned poor Mr. Hinkle from the kid's cartoon Caillou into mean man that they called Hink. Leigha even wrote contracts for us to sign asking us to stay away from him.

Lately they have been talking about koanky koanks and dicers- it's like a real life West Side Story in my house. Koankys are very cool and have to wear a certain color each day, and dicers come in a close second and sometimes have to wear a certain color also. I'm going to have to come up with strict dress codes soon before gang fights start errupting!

So here was the argument:

JohnRobert: Mom koanky koanks are cool if they wear blue right?

Steve: No only if they wear green.

John: NO KOANKY KOANKS ARE COOL IF THEY WEAR BLUE!!!

Steve: No John, they can only wear green today.

John: Wahh!! I don't have green...

Me: STEPHEN! Tell him that koanky koanks can wear- BLUE!

Steve: Yes John dicers actually wear blue today, and you can be a cool dicer.

John: sniff Okay!

Steve: But koankys are a little cooler than dicers but that's okay.

2008-07-24T20:30:00.002-04:00

I love to read while I eat my lunch. Sometimes I read a magazine, other times I read a devotional. Today I read county documents from an online newspaper. What?! I read everything else in the house!

So I was reading the list of birth names. Have you ever read them? The names nowadays are sttrannge!

Here are a few:

Chloe Camryn

Avery Roxanne

Addison Lake- her parents chose this name after their favorite picnic spot

Chandler McDaniel- McDaniel is actually his middle name

Lynwood Bernard- unfortunately he will always be picked last or have his butt kicked

Kaleb Chance- sounds like his parents named him after a slot machine in Las Vegas

Chasen Mark- What are you doing Chasen Mark?! they actually answer the question for him- get it? Chasen Mark? LOL ...ehhh

Zaki Nazarius- no comment

And then the list of court dokets were a real hoot! Hoot!? Ha! I'm cracking up!

Unlawful use of highway- $10 fine- Idon't even want to know the details

One guy got 9 days in jail and is not to go on the premises of Kangaroo Gas

Another guy was charged with possession of a malt beverage/unfortified wine. When I first read this pictured a paper cup with a milkshake in it-you know malt

And then some got ticketed for doing 25 in a 20, and 2 got 40 in a 35. Why bother!

More Landscape Pictures!

2008-07-24T13:55:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures of another landscape project Jer is working on it... it's not completed yet though.

Before ...

After...

Before ...

After ...
There wasn't a before picture for this one and it's really not an after either- kind of an in between shot .....

Brain Dead

2008-07-22T22:11:00.003-04:00

Yep that's me when Jerry tries to wake me up after I've fallen asleep in front of the TV. Brain. Dead.

Apparently I talk in my sleep too. Jerry thinks it's fun to ask me questions when he tries to wake me up and it makes no sense whatsoever. But who does when they're half awake.

Last night I fell asleep in front of the TV. Jer woke me up to go to bed. I was fully conscious when he told me there was no hot water and he'd have to check the hot water tank in the morning. And that we may need a new one because it has been sputtering the past couple of days when we turned it on.

So I said very cheerfully 'Oh okay. Great hon thanks!' and then 'I'm going up to bed now.'

When I got to the top of the stairs my brain finally processed what he said. No hot water. Hot water tank might be shot. Hmm.. no big deal? And then, there goes the money we've been trying to save. Crap!

But no biggie. What could I do about it at 11:00 at night anyways?

So I get in bed and he comes up stairs and said 'I finished my sheath tonight.'

And I said, 'Great hon, I'm so glad!'

I don't know if you ever seen the Sponge Bob episode where there are little people in his brain running around with files and papers flying everywhere and things are smoking and on fire. But that was my poor brain!

Sheath. Sheath. I know this word, he's said it so many times but I didn't know what it was!

'What the heck is a sheath!?'

Now some of you are thinking the same thing I know.

'Umm it holds knives...'

Ahh yes! See Jer collects WWII knives and he started making and designing them. (not WWII knives, knives in general and they are amazing!) And he made a sheath too. That's why I knew what a sheath was!

Oh! And he showed to me this morning, when I finally remembered the sheath conversation and it's beautiful!!

2008-07-17T11:49:00.002-04:00

I could never identify poison ivy. My dad would point it out to me and I would cluelessy nod my head that yes I saw it. Everything looked like it had 3 shiny leaves so I would just stay away from the area where he said it was.

Years later Jerry would point it out to me, and I would nod my head cluelessy that yes I saw it and keep the kids out of the area that he showed me.

Then the kids got it. Leigha and Joe get it the worst. Very badly. So I would keep them out of the area that had plants, because I still was clueless.

Joey got it so bad last year that the pediatrician had to give Joe prednisone. She does not just hand out prescriptions liberally, your case has to be bad. (Which is why I love her! She was Jerry's pediatrician too and I just loved her and the way she understood each family and individually!)

So she gave me packets of information and of course pictures of poison ivy plants, and with a frustrated sigh I became determined to identify this awful plant! In the spring I began pulling weeds around the pool and Jerry stopped me because there was poison ivy. He pointed it out to me, but this time it was all by itself so I knew which was the poison ivy plant!! He told me to leave it alone and that he would spray it. But he forgot until each time we were working near the pool and I would try to sneak pulling it out. He would tell me to get away from it that he would take care of it. But he forgot. And I remembered.

So last week he was at work and Joe was skimming the pool. And I was pulling weeds. I reached for that pesky plant and Joe yelled 'No, mom that's poison ivy!' I proudly told him that I knew, but that I wasn't allergic to it and I would wash my hands as soon as I went inside. And I did.

But poison ivy is sneaky, and now I have this itty bitty rash on my face and collar bone. I don't know how it got there. I mean I didn't rub poison ivy there. But as small as it is, it's painful!

And I can't imagine what my poor honeys suffered through when they had those huge welt like blisters all over.

I still don't what it looks like either. (Except for the one I pulled!)

** Oh here's a picture of my bathroom

2008-07-15T20:13:00.002-04:00

Today we went to Aldi's in Canandaigua. There are a lot of Mennonites who shop there that dress like traditional Amish people do. Little Jer kept saying something about cowboys, but I thought he was trying to repeat something I had said.

When we were in the van the kids were talking about 2 little Mennonite boys that Jer kept calling cowboys! LOL!

Jer brought home a snake from work. A snake! It was dead, I think he ran it over with the the mower wheel. But soo disgusting! Why?!

2008-07-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

Leigha dressed up the little boys and took their pictures!

Yesterday was wonderfully hot out! We finally have the pool opened and clean. Last year was a constant battle trying to clear up the water that Jerry decided to start from scratch this year. We scrubbed it down and started fresh. I'm soo glad we did!

I filled the little pool for the little boys and got out their kitchen so they could 'cook' and reinflated the tubes for the older kids. They played for hours and hours! I had plans to lie in the sun all day, but instead took advantage of the peacefulness and weeded the garden, straightened the garage a little, and trimmed the weeds. When Jer got home from work he mowed the lawn, trimmed the weeds and straightened up parts of the yard.

We have sooo much work to do in the yard!

We ate lunch and dinner outside too. It was such a great, peaceful and productive day!

Right now the skies have opened up to keep the grass growing so Jer can keep cutting! Today we'll do some light stuff around the house and rest up for the week ahead!!

Landscape Pictures

2008-07-11T11:02:00.003-04:00

Before....

It's getting there...

Each block is 80 lbs!

Almost after :) There are still some little things to be done.

Home Improvement Projects!

2008-07-09T19:28:00.002-04:00

Lately we've been trying to get stuff done around the house (and while the weather is warm!) Jer started making this retaining wall with some rocks he found buried in the back. It's amazing the difference it makes!

You can see a corner of the steps he built going into the house. He also took out the rug in the mudroom and put down remnants of linoleum and carpet left over from his parent's house. I didn't take pictures because the little boys were playing in there and made a MESS! But it's nice to have an extended area for them to play.

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-04T13:16:00.003-04:00

7/4/2005

7/4/2006

Today as we were leaving the parade, Steve who is hard to please at times, said to Joe "I love the 4th of July!"

I took this as a compliment because as I speak for all moms 'I try so hard!'

I try to make things special and fun, and I knew he had fun this morning!

*Sigh*

I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

Adventures on the Prairie!

2008-07-02T20:16:00.002-04:00

It's a little inside joke that we live on the prairie!

But in all actuality we aren't that far from civilization. At least we don't feel like that anymore. Of course it's 2 1/2 miles to the closet store. It only takes about 3 minutes to get there because we can go 55 mph- or 40 if you're Jerry!

So yesterday Jerry was lighting the grill and I was showing him some pictures when the dog started barking. He always barks, but there was definetly something other than a squirrel in the back field behind our yard. I figured heard the neighbor's dog or something. We can't actually see our neighbors because the houses are about 3/4 of a mile away to the right or towards the back, and all we can see are alfalfa and bean plants.

He stopped for a few minutes and then started up again so we looked up. And what to our bewildered eyes should appear- but 3 HORSES!!

They went running by with no riders!

I asked Jerry if I should call 9-1-1 because I didn't want them to run toward the road and get hurt. He said to and he went towards the field to see if he could see them.

It took me 5 minutes to call because I felt kinda like a moron. When I called it took 3 rings before the guy picked it up. A visual of this man in an arm chair with a beer in his hand flashed through my mind.

9-1-1

Hi, yes I'm actually calling because 3 horses just ran in the field behind my house.

Ah, yeah we gotta coupla calls about them. Are they chestnut?

YES! Oh good someone else called besides me!

Yea, the sherriff is out trying to locate them.

Well they're running in the direction of the next road!

Well, do you know who they belong to?

Do I know who they belong to? Umm noo-oo, but there's a couple of stables near here.

Oh. Hm. Ok thanks I'll let the sherriff know.

So we looked for a few minutes, when all of a sudden they came running back and were just standing still on the top of the hill. They were beautiful! I had the phone in my hand so I figured I call again seeing that the sheriff was trying to locate them. The phone rang three times- I started to wonder if this guy had some sort of etiquette policy.

9-1-1

Yes hi this Amity Dec-

Yes ma'am.

The horses are standing in the back of my yard now.

Okay.

Well, I thought you might want to let the sherriff know that they're headed toward Payne Rd.

Okay thank you ma'am (he chuckles). We're still trying to locate the owner.

(Well, duh- the stables dude!)

Which direction are they headed?

Well, towards Payne Rd.

Is that the north or south?

West. Oh they're running away again!

Okay I'll let the sheriff know.

Do you want me to call if I see them again?

Nah, not unless they're in the road.

So, I guess I do in live on the prairie. I don't think they have GPS yet either. That's the real reason for needing Mercy Flight.

BRAG ALERT!!!!!!

2008-06-23T15:39:00.002-04:00

My kids have BLOWN ME AWAY this year!

First of all, Leigha was placed into advanced math and science again for next year, but wasn't recommended for Advanced English. I questioned her teacher because she earned all high A's on her report card this year. He suggested that she not take the class because she may struggle with taking 3 advanced classes, but left it up to Jer and I. We decided to not have her participate so she wouldn' be overloaded.

Then she had a Civil War writing project. She wrote a poem and also a "diary excerpt" of someone in the Civil War. She chose to be Clara Barton and wrote an amazing piece (I already planned on posting part of it) Her teacher gave her a 100 on the project with a notation that said "WOW! WOW! You should submit this to the historical society!" Then last week he called me and said that keping her out of advanced english would be a mistake because she received a 97 on her final! Then today Steve came home with a certificate for placing high in the Science Olympiads! Only 5 other kids received them! I am soo proud of my kids!

2008-06-12T19:14:00.003-04:00

*Okay- for those of you who think this blog entry is queer- so do I!*

Tonight I made BBQ pork spare ribs and potatoe pancakes ( a new recipe that I got from Rachel Ray). Which on a side note- I love RR's recipes but frankly her littles quips are queer. I mean who says E-V-O-O anyways?- Olive oil is so much faster!

Anywho, the ribs are soo easy but they taste like you've slaved all day, and the pancakes were a little more time consuming but they cooked slow so I had time in between to dice and slice tomatoes and apples - not in the same bowl of course ;) .

Aren't I sounding a little quippy?

Ok- back to my story- again. So the ribs are in the oven and I could smell them outside- and it smelled so good!

I called Jer in for dinner after I had put the ribs on the counter to cool and set the potatoe pancakes on the table. He stood over the ribs and says- whoo-ee hunny- you make da best ribs eva-mmm...mmmm!! Of course I started laughng because he kept saying it and was ever soo dramatic, but I also knew that he meant it. Then at dinner he had thirds of the potatoes.

It just made me feel so good because all I did was what I normally do, but when someone expresses such appreciation- it makes it all worthwhile!

Thanks honey!

Joe

2008-06-11T13:41:00.002-04:00

Yesterday when I went in the boy's room I made a mental note to sort and declutter it.

Joe's side of the bedroom looks a lot like the inside of his dad's truck. (I won't even describe that!)

I'm not sure why he can' keep it organized, all the other kids actually keep their stuff fairly picked up. But clutter doesn't bother him at all! He'll ste around it or over it, or if it's on his bed he'll just push it aside.
I literally freak out when there are things out of place.

So today I picked up and straightened out his things, including this one pile of junk under his bed that I purposely left last time. I wanted to see if he actually even played with the stuff!

He saves candy wrappers, pencils tops, pencil stubs, GI Joe body parts (hands, legs, heads), plastic bugs and snakes, bottle caps, crumpled up papers, army guys, pennies, dirty socks, wet bathing suits, sticks, and rocks- all under his bed.

The last thing I checked was a plastic box that had stuffed papers in it. I took them out and noticed that it was mail from the past 2 years at school. (They have a Wee Deliver post office in the primary in June. The kids and parents can send mail out the kids. Each room has a zip code too! Then the 3rd graders either work in the mail room, or deliver mail to classrooms- it's really cute!)

Some of the letters said stuff like Joe is an awesome name; excuse me is an awesome name; you are so kool;will you sit with me at lunch, etc...

Then one of them said P.S. I like boom!boom!

I remember that one specifically! Joe read us the letters one day after school, and when he read I like boom!boom! I burst out laughing. Jer arched one eyebrow like he always does when something has caught him off guard.

We never find out what boom!boom! was.

Steve

2008-06-11T13:25:00.004-04:00

Steve made Student of the Month this month!!

He had trouble in the beginning of the year remembering assignments and getting them completed on time. But after talks and different strategies between Jerry and I and his teachers, he ultimately made the decision that he didn't want to always be in trouble. He buckled down and and worked very hard on his school work!

For that his teacher nominated him- and because he is a huge WWII history buff.( At the last conference he mentioned that Steve knew facts that he himself didn't know!)

I think the turning point may have been after a big project he had to do over Christmas break. We had to guide him quite a bit on it, and encourage him to go above and beyond what was expected. When he was finished and saw how nice it turned out and the grade he received, it really made him do that much better. He liked how it felt to get that good grade!

Something like this makes a kid like Steve feel so proud of himself! He read and reread the letter that was sent home to us.

We are sooo proud of him!

2008-06-10T21:34:00.001-04:00

hApPY BirTHdAy aUNt nICKi!!! wE Love yOu AND HopE yOU Had a GREAT bIRthDAy!! (by the way-you're catching up to me-LOL)

2008-06-05T21:38:00.001-04:00

I wrote something on memories on my other blog if you want to read it!

2008-06-05T13:11:00.002-04:00

Here's a little known fact about me-I hate using copiers. So today Jer asked me to make some copies for him. The last time I made copies for him, I went to Office Max- with John.

John is not a store person, Little Jer is. And when you put the two of them together, they seem to share the same brain. When we went in the store it started with them both wanting to sit in the same spot in the cart. And neither wanted to compromise.

After I straightened it out I walked over to the counter and told the woman standing behing it that I wanted to make some copies. She looked at me and said- go ahead.

But don't I need a counter thingy.

Yes, she said, it's already in the copier.

Great.

John poked Jer who screamed, I glared at John, told him to cut it out now, he said Nah! I gave him a threatening glare, he smiled, my heart did a palpatation thing, he stopped.

I went over to the copier, put my paper on the glass, pressed 5-0 and then start. It started printing. Yay! But when they came out, they page was blank. Okay. Pressed stop. Glanced at the guy at the copier across from me. The know-it-all was doing fine and happily copying away. Show off!

I moved the paper over to the corner that said- place paper here. Yay for me- I figured it out!. Pressed
5-0 and start. Copier started and printed blank pages. And of course while I'm doing this- John is busy voicing his hate of the paper store and raising my blood pressure.

I took all the blank copies to a different girl at the counter and asked her to explain why my copies all looked like this. She looked at me, then John and said she'd do it for me. In 2 minutes they were done!

Today since there were only a few pages I took it to the library with just Little Jer. I've used this kind before so it was really easy and Jer loved putting the coins in the slot and taking them out of the coin return!

2008-06-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Graduation Day to my cute little cousin Angee!!!

Bonfire Pictures!

2008-06-04T15:06:00.001-04:00

2008-06-03T16:41:00.003-04:00

We had such a good weekend this past weekend!

Saturday I spent the whole day rearranging the downstairs. It came out soo nice! I wish Leigha's room was mine!

After Jer got home from work we had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows with the kids. (See living little house on the prarie style has it's perks!) Then they took turns telling stories. Even the little guys did- and they were hilarious!!

Sunday I made coffee cake for breakfast- or breakfast cake because the little boys thought it was made of coffee and wouldn't eat it! And we put up the enclosure on the trampoline. I won't even tell you how long that took!

Since it was cold and cloudy I made an apple pie and chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. It was sooo good!

It was relaxing just to be home!

2008-06-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

HaPpY bIrthDAy DaD!!!!! We lOVe yOu!!

2008-05-31T10:24:00.002-04:00

Well, we have a new addition to the law enforcement! He goes by the name JOEY!

Yes you heard me right! Joe will be a Safety Scout, aka- the Haaallll Monnittooorr- for all you SpongeBob fans out there! He had to fill out an application in September and was asked to join the forces yesterday. Training will begin on Monday morning.

He is soo excited! Plus it will help the last month of school go by quicker!

He will be visiting the Intermediate Building soon. The ironic thing is that he'll be visiting Steve's 4th grade teacher. I told Joe to be sure to tell the teacher that he's Steve's brother- mwuhahaha!! ;)

Today I'll be switching bedrooms again. We're giving the Leigha the playroom because it's bigger. Then I have tons of weeding and yard work to do.

Happy Saturday!

Memorial Day Pictures!

2008-05-26T19:53:00.003-04:00

Uncle John used to drive the back of this firetruck...

Leigha is the one on the left. The Jr. High band played at the Memorial service.

My boys!

Leigha is the very last one on the right ....

2008-05-24T20:50:00.002-04:00

I've been spending the last couple of weeks, sorting, scrubbing and decluttering. And every morning the house looks as though a cyclone hit it! I want to give up and say "Why bother! It'll just look like a sty anyways!"

And the kids have chores too- and threats. Today I told them to clean their rooms and if I found anything on the floor it would be history. I know- I'm a cruel mother. But saying it nicely the first 15 times didn't work, and the threat got them moving real quick!

I started with the usual routine of dishes, coffee, changing one of the little ones sheets because they were peed on, sweeping the kitchen, porch, and mudroom and starting the first load of laundry. That was fine, nothing that no other mom doesn't do.

I clenched my teeth and thought nice positive thoughts to get me through it. I was already aggrivated when I got up, and so I just wasn't as cheerful.

Jer went to work and I put away laundry, sorted Jer's drawers and closet, cleaned my room (this never gets done) made lunch. Then I relaxed until Jer got home. We scraped and primed one side of the house, and swept up the paint chips.

I played a game with the kids, and then we took out their trampoline which hasn't been out since we moved here. It took a while to clean it up and figure out how to put it together again. And of course we're missing one spring. Little Jer some how fell off his playset and tore the piece of skn that's attached between the upper lip and gums! My poor baby was soo sad. But we cleaned him up, gave him a bubble bath and wrapped him in a towel.

So what does he do next? He pees on the living room rug. Not on purpose, I don't think he expected it.

Aahh! I give up!

But tomorrow is another day.

*sigh*

2008-05-23T14:33:00.000-04:00

HaPpy BirthDAy 29tH mOM! wE lOVe YoU!!

2008-05-20T13:59:00.002-04:00

Today I went to Target to pick a prescription, detergent and toilet paper. Honestly, I should just have stock in Charmin! Because John was in school, I took my time and browsed the aisles. Jer is such a good boy that I can! I was looking in the toddler department at the sale racks when Jer pointed out a "Cars" shirt to me. They were way overpriced, even if it was on sale. Then I noticed a sticker that said "Try Me! Press here I make noise!" Only a childless adult would design a T-Shirt to make additional sounds to the child wearing it. All I know is that I have a hard enough time trying to get a little piece and quiet let alone having a shirt talk too! And they came in different characters to. There was The Incredible Hulk, Shrek (ugh! listening to that talking donkey!Shhrek!) and I think SpongeBob. Genius! Another lovely article of clothing was in the junior department. The tag on the shorts read "Lowest Rise". Eexcuuse me? After it "Lowest Rise" it should've said "Over my dead body" or "Don't even think of wearing this in public". But the choice was between buying shorts too low for your daughter's waist or denim underwear. Take your pick!

2008-05-18T14:16:00.003-04:00

On Friday night we went to the ball game! I haven't been to one in so long! It was the older kids first time at a real game. We left the little guys home with Aunt Cake :) .

Leigha's school sang "God Bless America" at the 7th inning stretch. It was soo beautiful and I wish I had my camera- I am sooo bummed! They did an awesome job!

I have to say that the "new" stadium is very nice. It's well patrolled and very clean. Tickets are inexpensive- so much cheaper than a movie! We bought the kids a snack and paid for parking and it was still about $10.00 cheaper than 5 movie tickets.

Plus we were outside in the fresh air and had a beautiful view of the city! We took a wrong turn (my fault?) and went a little too far. But, we showed the kids the Liberty Pole, Midtown Plaza, the Granite Building, The Hyatt, The Riverside Convention Center, and some other really beautiful buildings. I would have loved my camera for that! It's a shame about the crime rate though because there is nooo way I would dream about getting out and walking!

This week the Travelling Vietnam Wall (I don't know if this is the exact name!) will be coming to Seneca Lake State Park. It'll be passing through our town so I might be pulling the kids out of school a little early to see it. Leigha has a concert Wednesday and then the kids have off on Friday and won't go back until Monday!

Saturday we might pack a picnic and take the kids to Seneca Lake to see the color guard and ceremonies for the wall. Then Lei is in the parade on Monday!

We also hope to open the pool this weekend. Who knows if it'll even be warm enough....

Lilacs

2008-05-15T07:42:00.002-04:00

Spring Fever

2008-05-13T21:12:00.004-04:00

Okay- I've been MIA for awhile because this is such a busy time of year!

It's kinda like Thanksgiving/Christmas time when the school decides to choose the busiest time of the year to hold any and every activity known to man! On top of birthdays there's Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day...

Then the recitals, pictures for the recitals, concerts, Kindergarten Orientations, picnics, field trips, three week long North Dakota projects. And thank God we're too young for prom season!!

And my children have caught the spring fever bug. Symptoms include: forgetfulness, hearing loss, and stupidity.

Forgetfulness:

Me: Are you ready for the bus? Joe: (After he slowly peels his eyes away from SpongeBob) The bus?

Me: Steve have you been working on your North Dakota project?
Steve: No I forgot! We only had a three weeks to do it! (BTW-it's week 3)

Hearing Loss:

Monday:
Me: Boys time to wash up for dinner now! (5 minutes later I stand glaring at them)
Them: Wha-at! We didn't hear you!

Tuesday:
Me: Boys time for dinner! (5 minutes later I stand glaring at them)
Them: Wha-at! We didn't hear you!

Wednesday:
Well, you know the drill.

Stupidity:

(I find some clothes knocked over at our garbage sale)
Me: Ugh! The wind knocked these over again!
Them: (sitting in lounge chairs) Yea, we saw it fall down.
Me: THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU PICK IT UP!!

Actually, they're good kids, I just don't know where their brains have gone!

And boys and dirt are magnets! I try to let them have fun because they're kids, except the little ones will lie in the dusty driveway! And it's stone dust besides! So I pick them up and distract them with something else. Except gravity seems to pull them back. And they practically bathe in this dust. They'll lie on their bellies like they're swimming and it goes in their hair, fingernails, legs and face. Gross!

But I think the real reason is that they wanted to try out the SpongeBob bubble bath I bought.

And I have a pedometer now so I can keep track of my steps and get in the suggested 10,000 I should take per day. I thought that would be hard! But without exercising, I average about 9,000! Literally 200 of them is just tucking in the boys! And that's just the initial, "I need another kiss, I can't find my blanket, where's Daddy Bear". Putting them back in bed is another 700!

So I've been tired. So tired that last night I dreamt I was holding the cat by his stomach, dipping his back in paint, and painting my bedroom walls and ceiling. And the cat was making these horrible screeching sounds. Then Jerry walks in and says to me "Umm, Hon what are you doing?" I dipped the cat in the paint again, smiled and said "Painting."

So I'm going to go to sleep now. I cannot wait to close my eyes and sleeeeeepp!!

Our Gar-Bage Sale!

2008-05-12T08:57:00.003-04:00

I decided to have a gar-bage (pronounced like garage) sale on Saturday. We've been planning it for a few weeks and getting some things together. I didn't have a lot because most of the stuff I have has been used so many times that the next step should probably be the garbage!

See what I mean? I literally had a $1.00 sticker on sandbox. Why bother with a sale? Don't ask! Apparently I have nothing better to do right? In fact, these things never sold and when I put them on the curb- they were snatched up right away! (I didn't put the whale thing on the curb though cuz it was too cute!) My husband picked up the lamps where they ended up where they started from!!

So I got all of 1 customer in 3 hours! I made $2.00!!

I tried arranging my sign better, moving stuff closer to the road, arranging things so it looked like I had a lot... you name it! Plus I live on a main road! However, I'm guessing that the 55 mph speed limit would make the sign look like a blur, and the few customers we did have had to slam on their brakes.

Then finally someone stopped! They offered me a ridiculous price for something on my table and when I said no she rudely walked away. Too bad for her! When she left with her male accomplice, I went to move these shirts and noticed 2 were gone! I was fuming because you don't steal from a garbage sale!! I was really, really mad!

I went inside for a few minutes to get some lunch for little Jer when Leigha poked her head in and told me she found the shirts! They blew off the coat rack onto the top of my van where I couldn't see them- oops!

After a few more hours we got 3 more customers, I made six more dollars, and gave the kids their allowance which left me with -$1.00 profit. *sigh*

Was it worth it? Absolutely! Some of my friends and family called me ambitious! We got the house sorted and a little less decluttered. It only cost me $1.00 out of pocket for allowance.

But most important- it confirmed to me why I never bother having them :D

2008-05-03T21:03:00.001-04:00

Thanks for the email Aunt Barbara!

Before I was a MomI never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.Pooped on.Chewed on.Pee d on.I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.I slept all night.
Before I was a MomI never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I could n't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom

Happy Happy Birthday Steve!

2008-05-01T14:23:00.003-04:00

HaPPy BIrThdAy StEVe!!

First day of school this year....
This picture is Steve and Joey helping to a welcome home a soldier who is a son of one Aunt Joyce and Uncle John's friends. They were so excited to meet a real soldier. He gave them some Iraqui money, flags, photos, and some welcome home signs as keepsakes. We plan on keeping in touch with him.

His costume for his play...and one of the many creations he has made! I actually found more pictures of legos than of him!
He doesn't really like to have his picture taken!

Happy Birthday Sweetie! We love you!!

Thunderstorms!

2008-04-28T13:54:00.003-04:00

My dad beat me to it and posted the Saturday afternoon thunderstorms on his blog.

It was still sunny but the storm clouds were rolling in!

After we saw these clouds coming towards us we head inside. A few minutes later there was a lightening strike out my kitchen window and I knew it hit nearby because a white flash went back upwards. And then the loudest thunder! It rattled all the windows!The power went out halfway. Half the lights were out, some were dim.. and then everything went out for a second before coming back on!

Out the other kitchen window another lightening strike and immediate thunder! I told Jer that it hit something- and boy did it!

It hit the Pro-Shop about 1/2 mile away and burnt it to the ground!

Happy Birthday to You!!

2008-04-27T21:16:00.002-04:00

HaPPy BiRThdAy MoM/GrAnDmA!! We LoVE YoU!!!!

We HOpE yOU HaD A woNDerFUL dAy!!!

Honey- You Shouldn't Have!

2008-04-25T15:35:00.006-04:00

So, like what'd you get for Mother's Day?

Here' Jerry driving home with my Mother's Day present....

The guys- Jer and Jamie....
Actually, I returned it.

Why?

No, not because of gas prices or the fact that it's a $25,000 car.

I already had one in this color so I took it back.

I'm holding out for hot pink.
But thanks Baby! I love you MWAH!!

Speaking of Mother's Day:

I decided to enter a writing contest to win a Spa gift Certificate or something. They're looking for a a story that's inspirational-BORING!- or it could be funny!! I was thinking of entering mostly cuz I want to win! So- could you help me pick a story from my blog that stands out to you??

Leave me a comment and let me know! If I win I'll share it- Thank you!

Oh, this is my favorite- let me know what you think

2008-04-23T07:08:00.002-04:00

Last night at the dinner table, Steve was complaining about a girl in hs class and how much she aggrivated him.

So he said "She thinks she's so cool and she brings her Webkinz to school every day!"

Jerry got real mad all of a sudden and says "Uh-uh! That shouldn't be allowed in school! That's too young- they shouldn't even have those!"

I looked at him and said "Webkinz, honey, not web cams. Webkinz are like little beanie baby things."

The kids started laughing so hard!

Jer's Birthday Pictures!!!

2008-04-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

I love you soo much my littlest man!!

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

2008-04-20T10:57:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Little Man!!!

We love you soo much Mookie!

Sun-Kissed

2008-04-18T19:48:00.003-04:00

What a great day! The kids are all sunkissed and happy!

It was soo beautiful today! We went to the playground with my mom this morning to play, picnic and hike. Then we stopped home so Leigha's friend could be picked (she spent the night). After that we went to another playground to meet up with the kid's friends from school. I've made it a point to really get to know the mom and through her I met some more people today.

The kids are now exhausted, and lying on the couch as I wait for them to drift off into dreamland!!

Oh! I also discovered that by having John outside all day he can argue with everyone else to his little heart's content and I can't hear it! It doesn't bother me and I am so not stressed out! Plus now he's just plain too tired to aggravate anyone!

Aaahh.. thank God for warm days!

These two pictures are my favorite places in the yard! Thay are soo peaceful! (I took them tonight)

Spring Break!!

2008-04-16T19:47:00.002-04:00

The kids have had off from school for spring break since last Thursday! It's been so nice to spend time with them! The best part is just being able to talk to them about everything! We've had wonderful conversations about friends, school, what they want to be when they grow up, the Lord, college, etc. And we've been able to joke and laugh so much!

And thank God for good weather, if we'd been cooped all week it would not have been as much fun! We've gone to the playgrounds a couple of times and just played in the backyard.

Steve took all these pictures of some of the stuff they did today- it saved me half my blog work!!

I hope you're all enjoying spring!!

2008-04-12T19:27:00.005-04:00

These weird looking things on the plate are donut holes. They're Johnny's donut holes. He eats all the glaze off like it was an apple and leaves the middle! You should see the way he eats corn muffins!

I haven't posted in a while because we've been very busy! Steve was in a play at school on Monday night. It was about immigrants coming to America to begin better lives. He loves dressing up in suspenders and a hat!

Yesterday Jerry worked for Uncle John "out of town" :) I took the kids on some errands with me- one of them being Target. I knew exactly what I was getting and that I would be in and out fairly quickly. But I forgot how John and stores DO NOT mix. And that I feel suffocated when have 5 extra bodies shopping with me.

The women's deptartment- torture. He was in and out of the racks and then wouldn't come when I called him. He was found wandering around asking other women if they knew where his mother was. After threatening to take him to the bathroom and ~~beat~~ spank his bottom he straightened out- I guess. After that we went to the toy department because Joe got a duplicate gift from a friend and had to return one. (Steve had tried convincing that he needed two- but I knew better- he just wanted to play with it!!) Apparently John had gotten tired and decided to lie down in the middle of the aisle staring at the lights on the ceiling. *sigh* So I ignored it because I had no energy at this point and was saving my patience for Joe who was very carefully selecting a different toy. After he found it (and I got a new perspective on how it must feel when they're being dragged into the ladies department) we left. And they followed behind me like little ducks. How cute I thought. Until I heard slapSLAP slapSLAP slapSLAP. I turned to see a single row of board games on the floor directly behind John as he walked with his hand out. "John!" "Nah!" I give up! Where did this child come from? If I so much as give my other children "the look" they stop! So we turned the corner and there stood shelves of glass. I quickly grabbed him and went down another aisle!

2008-04-11T20:30:00.004-04:00

Happy 22nd Birthday to my Baby Sister- Aunt Cake!!!

We love you sooo much!!!!!!

You are so special to me and I love you! Thank you for being such a great sister and best friend!! You deserve the best in life :)

And a Happy Belated 22nd Birthday to my "little" cousin James!!!

Things You Thought You'd Never Say...

2008-04-03T17:28:00.002-04:00

*Stop bear- butting the floor

*Get out of the dryer

*Get the cat out of the dryer

*Don't put your head in the puddle (in the winter anyways)

*You cannot wear your underwear over your pants-NO! you can't!!

*Stop licking the salt off the table

*Stop licking the parking lot

*Stop licking the Coke cooler (in line at Wal-Mart)

*Sop licking the cat

And that's just to my husband!

No, actually I've said all those things- to JohnRobert. The bear-butting the floor and underwear over the pants ones were from today. And now he's informing me that the table is clean- so I'm off to find out why it was dirty!