The Story of Us

Copycat

2009-02-24T10:38:00.002-05:00

Obviously and old picture, but one of my favorites!!!!

I stole Amanda's idea, and decided to interview my kids. It was fun to ask them the questions and to hear the different responses that they gave me.

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Chloe: A scientist and a vet and a mom.

Janey: A mom and a teacher.

Nolan: Spiderman or Ironman.

2. What is your favorite animal?

Chloe: Panda and dolphin.,

Janey: Puppies and Cats.

Nolan: Spiders

3. What is your favorite thing to do?

Chloe: Spend time with my family and read.

Janey: Play with my friends.

Nolan: Work.

4. What is your favorite song?

Chloe: My Savior, My god and So What(nice combo, huh!)

Janey: I 've got to move on and Hot N Cold.

Nolan: Thnks Fr th Mmrs and Back in Black

5.Favorite movie?

Chloe: All High School Musicals

Janey: Spectacular

Nolan: Spiderman and Ironman

6. Favorite color?

Chloe: blue

Janey: all the colors of the rainbow

Nolan: Black

7. Favorite food?

Chloe: Pizza and popcorn

Janey: chicken

Nolan: chicken

First of all, the girls are indecisive and can't pick one of anything. And well, Nolan his answers pretty much describe where we are now!

Day 3

2009-01-27T09:20:00.003-05:00

I am on day 3 of single parenting, and it isn't fun. I don't sleep at all when Tom is gone and I am dealing with the kids being sad over his absence. It really is quite ridiculous since he will be back Friday evening. I guess the kiddos really love their dad. Can't say I blame 'em!!

I am really wanting to get back into blogging with some regularity, but to be honest, I find it hard to know what to type over here. I feel that words are a lost cause for me right now. It must have something to do with the vitamin D that I am lacking from not seeing the sun and also to blame is the white crap on the ground that won't melt and is returning today in a supposed Winter Storm! Oh joy.

So until I find some words to say over here, I leave you with some much needed updated pictures of the kids:

edited to add.......blogger wouldn't let me post images. I will try later.

where I have been....... Oh

2009-01-21T11:26:00.003-05:00

Well, well. Many things have happened in the Carson home since September. I did attend school Autumn quarter, and I got a 4.0 and was put on the Dean's List. Wowza!! I NEVER could say that when I attended Ohio State the first time. But unfortunately, I am no longer a student. I wasn't happy with Nolan's preschool and I really wanted him to attend the preschool that Janey did. In order to do that I couldn't do traditional classes. After talking to a neighbor friend, I started the process to take my GEC classes through Columbus State's Distance Learning, making it so I wouldn't be leaving the home for class and Nolan would be at the preschool we wanted. After speaking to my financial aid advisor, I learned that I was not eligible for any grants since I graduated from Columbus State in 1997. So therefore I am not taking any classes and I am happy with that. I did some soul searching during Christmas break, and I am supposed to be a wife and a mother. As much as society makes me feel that being a wife and mother isn't enough;I am happy, my kids are happy and Tom is happy. We are fortunate that we don't need an income from me, and probably won't until the kids are much older(their college expense will need to be paid!!) and me staying home is what works for our family. So even though I did well in school and impressed even myself, it was the beginning and end for me with school.
Christmas was great and we had a wonderful time with each other and our families. The kids are great. Nolan just had a birthday on Sunday and turned 4! I can't believe it. Time just flies by. We are entering a whole different type of parenting with the kids being 8,6 and 4. And as much as I love babies and the way they smell and feel in my arms, I am really enjoying mothering older children. They make me proud and happy. I am so blessed.
In other news, Tom received a promotion at work and is actually headed to D.C next week for a class. So I will be doing it on my own for week. So not looking forward to that!! I will need to eat my Wheaties to make through the day!
Oh, lastly.......I turn 33 today. Funny, I think I am okay with it. I feel good, I have the best husband and kids in the world, I feel the world shifting to be more optimistic and positive, and it feels everything is going to be fine. Wonderful even. Now if this snow would just melt!!!

I'm Baaaaccccckkkk!!!!

2008-09-25T05:53:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have been a terrible, horrible blogger!!! Between kids, and house and work and Summer and all the stuff that falls in between I let go of blogging for awhile. We had a great summer. We didn't do much, but is was a nice time. Tom installed a stone patio all by himself. It is beautiful and I am very proud of him! The kids are all great. The girls did the YMCA summer camp this summer and they LOVED it. Every day was an adventure with hiking, swimming, making crafts and new friends. And a weekly Friday trip to the Roller-Rink was the icing on the cake! They started school a month ago with Chloe in 3rd grade and Janey in 1st. They are really liking their teachers and classes this year. I worked throughout the summer at Huntington, but things have changed for us recently. I gave them my notice the last bit up August and continued to work until this last Tuesday. Yesterday, I started a new chapter in my life...........I am now a college co-ed again! I am excited and nervous and anxious and everything rolled up in one!! I am a junior and my major is Middle-Childhood Education. I have three years to go to get my Master's from Ohio State. My first day of classes were yesterday and I am taking Human Geography, Political Science and an American Literature English class. I am the OLDEST in my PoliSci class. My professor was a DJ in the 70's and he had Bob Dylan playing at the start of class, and after our break he mentioned playing something for the ladies and put in No Doubt's 'I'm just a girl'. After it started playing he said everyone in the class was 8 years old when that song came out, to which I replied, "Actually I was in college the FIRST time when this came out!!!!" Yeah, I felt old. During our class discussion the Lucasville Prision Riots came up, and he asked how old people were when that happened in 1991. SO many people said 1 or2!! WTF!!! Holy Crap I AM OLD!!! Regardless of my age, I am excited to be embarking on this new chapter in my life. It will be a lot of work, but I have confidence in myself that I can do it and do it well. My classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:25-12:25, 12:45-2:45 and 3:00-5:00. During that time Nolan is in the preschool there on campus and is first day was yesterday as well. He did great which shocked and pleased me to no end!
I promise to be a better blogger in the days to come. I can't say it will be everyday given all the reading and work I have to do, but I will be back more often with new pictures of the kids!

A rundown of sorts

2008-03-14T05:41:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am back. Boy have I missed blogging!! I am so surprised that the world has not stopped since I haven't been putting my boring day to day activities out for people to read!! Amazing. Nonetheless, we are good. We ALL have spring fever, but are good. This is going to be a short and to the point entry sans pictures. I have some, just too crunched for time today to included them. This is what we've been up to;

Working. My job is going really well so far. The hours are GREAT (11-3) and Nolan seems to be enjoying his change of scenery for those few hours!
Sickness! Blech. Chloe had a terrible ear infection last weekend that is still making it hard for her to hear. Me, strep AGAIN!!!! This makes the third time since Nov. What the hell!?! I hate strep.
A blizzard last weekend. It was kinda fun being snowed in for a couple of days. It was cozy and the kids liked all of the snow. BUT, I am OVER IT!!!!!! I hate winter too. Please come a little faster Spring. I heard talk of more snow this weekend though. $%*# You Old Man Winter!!!!!
List making of all the things we want to do on the house this Spring. Dreaming is always a good time!
Paying $3.50/gal. for gas. I guess we won't be taking some of those weekend getaways we had talked about for this summer. Stick it where the sun doesn't shine oil companies!!

Well it seems as though I am in bitchy mode today and this has all turned into a complaint session! So sorry. I promise days of witty, interesting and funny blogs w/ pictures soon.

Checking In

2008-02-27T06:15:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am still alive. Barely, but anyway..... I started my job on Monday and it is going well. Lots of reading, training and paperwork blah, blah, blah. I am so tired by the evening, that I have been in bed at 9:30 and quickly off to snoozeland. I am adjusting, we ALL are adjusting. I miss my kids. I am doing full-time while training, so I am anxious to begin "working" in my position with my normal hours. I will be back with more interesting stuff when I get a moment to think!!

Silence

2008-02-21T19:25:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling quiet lately. Honestly, I feel like I don't have a whole lot to blog about that would be worth reading. I have a major case of the winter blahs. I am finding that every winter that comes, I hate it a little more. Tom has been teasing me that in a few years he will be able to go anywhere for a job within the government. It is sounding more and more appealing. I know our families and roots are here, but I am so sick of cold and snow and sleet. Winter can kiss my (thanks to lack of sunshine) white ass!!

Like I said before I did get the job that I was hoping to get. I start on Monday. I will be working at a local Huntington Bank as a Customer Service Representative, a glorified 'teller'. I have a good bit of experience in banking and I have to say that I am excited to start. The hours are 11am-3pm during the week and 8:15-12:15 on Saturday mornings. I may have Mondays off. Still don't know for sure. Tom's mom and my mom have agreed to watch Nolan while I am working and he will start preschool in the fall going from noon until 3:15pm. It is perfect for our schedule. My mom or Tom's mom will take him to school and I will pick him up. We are looking into the YMCA summer day camp for the girls this summer. I know they would love it; it's just getting them enrolled and paying for it! Not cheap!!!

So, in a nutshell that is pretty much it for me and us here. I told you that things have been uneventful around here. Hopefully soon I will feel more inspired and creative. But for now all my energy is trying to beat off the winter hum-drums! Please Spring, come soon!!

Hearts, Flowers, Candy and L.O.V.E

2008-02-14T14:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hope you all get some lovin'!

xoxoxoxo

Flashback

2008-02-13T14:09:00.001-05:00

I had to go over to Columbus today for a drug test.(yes, I got the job-more to come later.) Usually when I am in the car I am listening to the i-pod, but today I left the house and forgot to grab it so I was left with the radio. One of the local stations has a lunch hour flashback and I was JAMMING and loving it!! I jammed to 'Rock With Ya', 'Pump Up the Volume'(totally drived-danced with that one) and MANY more!! I love all that cheesy pop stuff from the 80's and 90's. Reminds me of good times! And I remembered ALL the words to 'The Humpty Dance'. Do you? Yes, I am a dork. But it was a great way to pass the drive on a cold, nasty winter day. At least the sun was shinning!!

Put the needle on the record. I'm outtie 5, G!!

Please quit stopping by....

2008-02-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

I am sick again. Everyone else has seem to have a stomach bug that has lasted 24 hours. Could I get that? No. The strep buggies had to come a knockin' again. I just had strep right before Christmas. All in all I have had strep three times in the past year. It sucks. Strep throat completely knocks me on my butt for a few days. I can't function and I am worthless to the world. Thankfully, I have three doses of Zithromax in my body and I am finally feeling a little better.

On the job front, I had a phone interview on Monday and Friday I interview in person with the hiring managers. I hope something comes from it!!

I am still not feeling stellar, so I leave you with some overdue pictures from Nolan's birthday party.

A few of MY favorite things.....

2008-02-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

Taking inspiration from Amanda I have decided to post what I am loving right now.

Half-Price Book Store

Before our dinner out last weekend for my birthday Tom and I stopped into one of the stores in Columbus. I LOVE bookstores, I especially love to spend time in them when I : A) Don't have my kids with me and B) they are all much cheaper than the price at Barnes and Noble. Who cares if they have been read. They have jsut been loved and enjoyed by others. I have been reading a lot more than usual especially because of the strike and how crappy tv is! I picked up 'Middlesex', 'Emma and Me' and for a whopping buck, I bought 'Sex in the City'. Yes, I have seen every episode umpteen times, but I thought for a buck it would be enjoyable reading!

Nolan going pee-pee in the potty consistantly!

Yes, consistantly is the key word here. He still won't poo in the potty. But we can go virtually all day with no pull-ups and he goes into the bathroom when needed without me asking every 10 minutes! I see a diaper and pull-up free life in my very near future!

The idea of warmer spring weather on the horizon.

Yeah, I know it is only the first day of February( one of the shittiest months ever, only to be out done by March!) and being that we live in Central Ohio and will probably see cold and snow and sleat until late April sometime. But the thought of Spring is what gets me through the next couple months of winter. It helps me, so shut up about the fact that it is only February!

The prospect of a job soon!

I don't want to jinx anything, so I am not saying much. But it is something that I like, I am good at it and the hours can't be beat! 11am-3pm Monday through Friday. Occasionally a Saturday morning. I can deal with that!! Keep all fingers crossed for me!

The great news we received last night at our parent-teacher conference!

Janey is doing great and is learning to read and seems to be a little leader in her class. But Chloe amazes me!! She is now reading at the begininng of a fourth grade level. If you don't know she is in second grade. I am so proud of her!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

I am sure this stuff is so fatty boom batty, but it is delicious!! I have made it for the National Championship Game, New Year's and now I am making it for the Super Bowl. Try it, it is so good!!

Are you lovin' something today?!?

Too bad there isn't such a thing

2008-01-28T08:53:00.000-05:00

Today Tom starts his new job(Good Luck Honey!). He had his box of things from his old desk to take today for his new location. He had lots of odds and ends in the box, and Janey was watching him go through it. The conversation went as such;

Janey: "Do you still have to have cough drops Daddy?" (he has had terrible cough that has lasted awhile)

Tom: "No, I don't think I am going to need them anymore."

Janey: "You NEED to get stinker drops."

She had me cracking up at 7:00 this morning. We might have a budding comedian on our hands!

Happy Birthday Nolan!!

2008-01-18T13:12:00.000-05:00

Today Nolan turns 3! He is such a wonderful little boy. Ornery, but very sweet when he wants to be. My favorite thing about him right now is that he likes to go around the house naked and wear other peoples shoes. The choice as of late, are Chloe's boots. Isn't his little hiney so cute!! Weirdos stay away!!!!

He has been doing great going potty. No number 2's, but he will come around! I 'm not stressing about it too much, afterall he is my baby and my last.
He loves his sisters so much, and he loves it when they get off of the school bus. He has missed them so much! But he is normal, and it doesn't take long for him to start fighting with them!! He completed our family and I am forever thankful for him. How could you not fall in love with that face?!

Happy 3rd Birthday Nolan. I hope someday you will know how much you are loved. May you grow up to be a strong, caring, loving, sweet and kind man. Just like your Daddy. I love you my little man. *kisses and hugs* to you Bubby!!

Ho Hum

2008-01-15T13:27:00.000-05:00

I had an interview today at the hospital. Actually, I had three consecutive interviews for a position at a physician's office. I initially had an interview scheduled with HR, but I guess things went well enough that she sent me over to the hiring manager for an interview. After meeting with her, I had to interview with the physician. It went well and frankly, it is a job that I would like to have. It doesn't hurt that the benefits seem great(FREE dental for the whole fam!!), plus 4 weeks of paid time off per year. It is the hours that I am struggling with. I was hoping to start work at 8:30am, so I could at least get the girls off to school. Unfortunately, the hours are M,T,TH and F 8-5 and on Weds. 7-12, sometimes 5. It is a rotating schedule on Weds. I am brainstorming and trying to come up with a plan so that if the job is offered to me, I will have a plan for the girls. I would love any insight from you readers!! Not much else is new around here. I do have a new 'do'. Trying to get used to it. Don't tell Tom, but I really miss my blond hair. I am telling myself to keep it this way until spring. I just hope I can hold out that long, so I don't have to hear "I told you so" from Tom.

Chloe has started basketball and made her first basket in a game this year last Saturday. She seems to love basketball and is doing great this year. Sorry the pictures are blurry, but as I was trying to take them Nolan was climbing and pulling on me! Story of my life!!

Speaking of Nolan, he turns 3 on Friday and we are having a party for him on Saturday. We are doing the whole 'Cars' theme and he is super excited for his cake!! I can't believe he is turning 3 already! Where has the time gone.

Holy Mother

2008-01-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

I have a hangover! I am too old for this crap! Yes, it was fun while we were at the winery tasting and drinking with friends. And yes, it did seem like a good idea to walk over to a local historical landmark watering hole and continue the chatting and drinking. But when you can't remember coming home and you still feel like dog doo at 11:30 the next morning, it is time to call it quits!! I am done. No more can I treat my body like this. I am getting old. Crikey, I will be 32 in about a week and I think my mind and body are finally speaking to me and saying, "We have been putting up with your shit for a long time now, and we are taking a stand! We will make sure that you will feel like this every time you decide to over-indulge in spirits!" So I have decided to listen. As I said, I am done. Now I need to spend the day trying to detox myself of the poison running through my insides. I wish I could take a nap..... for like the rest of the day. Tomorrow is a new day, one that I will begin treating my body nicer.

Weekend Recap

2008-01-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

I know that I am probably way behind most of you, but Tom and I saw a great movie this weekend. We saw 'Reign Over Me'. Now I have seen lots of tear-jerkers in my day, but this is the sadest movie I have ever seen. Don't get me wrong it was a great movie, but really sad. It is one of those movies that makes you think. What would happen to me if everything that means anything to me and everything I love suddenly wasn't there anymore. If you need a good cry, rent it. We also rented 'Zodiac'. It was good too. Creepy, but good. Since the holidays are over, Tom and I are back into movie rental mode. Although, not tonight. We will be watching the big game! Oh, how I hope our Bucks will pull through and win. Not to be a fair-weather fan, but I am not holding my breath for a win. I know, I know, what kind of fan am I?! I just hope if they can't win, they will put up a fight!

Tomorrow I have my first interview! Yay!!! I have an initial interview and testing at State Farm. They have a regional office here and I am really hoping it goes well. Anybody who wants to cross their fingers for me is more than welcome to do so. I will keep you posted! Oh, Go Bucks!!!

Merry New Year

2008-01-03T09:06:00.001-05:00

Oh, where to begin! We have had a fun-filled, busy but relaxing couple weeks. Christmas was great-Santa came, left goodies, ate his treats and everyone was happy! Thanks to my hubby, I will be enjoying an hour long relaxing massage from a local spa here soon! Thank you so much honey! The kids got everything they asked for and then some. I have such great kids, Chloe only asked for Coconut(a dog for her American Girl doll) and a National Geographic Solar system Janey asked for a crib for her Bitty Baby and a candy cane, and Nolan asked for a firetruck.
The following two pictures are when the girls came around the corner and saw that, yes, in fact Santa had come during the night! Aren't they hilarious!

We did Christmas with my family the Saturday before Christmas. Then on Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Tom's family and went to church. On Christmas night I cooked dinner for my parents and it was low-key and relaxing. I really like being able to stay home on Christmas. It makes for a nice day and the kids get to play with their toys all day.

We stuck with tradition and did nothing on New Year's. The kids stayed up a little later and then Tom and I had our game of Trivial Pursuit and drinkies. We rang in the New Year with some champagne and a kiss. I think 2008 is going to be a great year. A year of change, but a good one too.

The girls were excited to go back to school today. Actually, they were ready last week! Today is an exciting day for them; they get to go to a brand new school! Our district has been building and renovating schools and their new building was completed right before Christmas break, so during break the teachers and administrators moved from the old building to the new one. I took them to school today so I could see it and it is amazing! Next Thursday night they are having the ribbon-cutting and Open House, so I will get to see more of it then and Tom will get to see it too!
My little blog break was nice, but I am ready to post more regularly. No news on the job front for me yet. Tom will most likely start his new job the last week of January. I have submitted my resume to a few companies, so hopefully something comes through before he starts his new job. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Happy New Year to all, and may this year bring us all, health, happiness and peace!

Christmasy Stuff

2007-12-21T07:38:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas card pic of the kids, which most of you received!

We have been up to all things Christmasy lately. Shopping, driving around listening to Christmas songs and looking at the lights, baking cookies, making chex mix, making these yummy treats, having grown-up treats in the evening with a fire in the fireplace. I look this time of the year! I do feel a bit behind because I haven't wrapped one present, and we are celebrating Christmas with my family on Saturday. That is one my agenda for today as well as going to the grocery. I could use some ideas for Christmas dinner. We always have my parents over for dinner on Christmas evening and I ALWAYS fix my lasagna. It is really good, but I want to fix something different. I am open to any ideas you can offer. Also, I need a new mixed drink to fix. It is a tradition for Tom and I to make a mixed drink and enjoy them while we are doing "Santa" things on Christmas Eve. We have done cosmos, old fashioned's, rum and cokes, appletinis and these (which are delicious by the way!) just to name a few. So again I am open to ideas!!

For the kiddos and Santa

For the grown-ups!

I might be posting before Christmas, it really depends on how much time I feel like I have. If I don't, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Holiday or a Nothing ~whatever your thing is!

Indecisiveness

2007-12-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

The girls have a wonderful and exciting way to make any decision. It is the wonderment and unpredictability of eenie-meenie-minie-mo! No matter if they are deciding what cereal to eat, shoes or clothes to wear, movie to watch, color of crayon to use or book to read. The power lies in the hands of the eenie-meenie-minie-mo gods. It is so damn annoying!! I know I did it as a kid, but not to this extent. The funny thing about Janey is, it doesn't matter where her finger lands at the end of the little rhyme, she still picks what she wants. Therefore, making Tom and I wonder why we had to listen to it for the thousandth time when she made the decision regardless of what the E.M.M.O gods had to say. Gotta love having school-aged little girls in the house!

In other news, Tom has recently been given a wonderful opportunity for a new job and has decided on taking it. He won't start for another month or so thankfully, because it does involve a temporary pay cut. He will be a Contract Specialist with the government. He will be using his degree plus the room for advancement is huge, unlike the company he is working for now. This brings me to finding a job. We can't make our budget with this pay cut, so I am pounding the pavement looking for a job. This was a hard decision for us but knowing where Tom could be at in just a few short years made the decision sway to him taking the job and me finding a job. We didn't want to put Nolan in daycare, nor the girls when they are out from school for breaks and what not. Unfortunately, I am not willing to work evenings and weekends and never be a family either. So I am at a crossroads at what to do and what would be better for my kids. I did interview for an Office Manager job at our local Montessori school. The hours are good and I could have Nolan in preschool there and be in the same building as him. The hours are 10am-6pm making it so I can get the girls on the bus, and Tom will be home to get them off of the bus. The pay is not too shabby and more than I had anticipated. I wasn't sure how I felt about the job when I was headed to the interview yesterday, but now I am thinking it may work for us. I do have to admit the idea of joining the working world is appealing to me, I just don't want to upset my kids. I know they are resilient and kids have both parents working all the time, but it was important to OUR family and to Tom and I that one of us would always be here for the kids. Again, as a parent what do I do?

Sorry for the absence on my part with this blog, but my mind as been on the job situation for awhile now, and I just wanted to think about things and pretty much worry myself sick that we won't be able to make ends meet. I know we will and it is just temporary, but still hard nonetheless.

I have no pictures to share today. We have been all over including the Zoo for the Wildlights and I haven't taken one picture. We picked out our tree and decorated it, no pictures. I am a bad memory maker!! One more thing for my kids to be angry at me for when they are older. Not only did I return to work, but I also didn't take enough pictures. Their childhoods are ruined and my therapy bill just went up!

I've been a bad blogger!!

2007-12-03T08:42:00.001-05:00

Yes I have been a bad blogger, and we have been up to a lot this past week and a half! I will give you a quick run-down of what those things have been;

Great Thanksgiving and anniversary. I got one of these from Tom.
Homemade soup from leftover turkey. YUM!!
Movie day with the girls. We saw this.
A new car to replace Tom's old beater. We got a Ford Five Hundred. It's nice and we can all fit so we don't always have to take the minivan wherever we go as a family. Boohoo to having a car payment again!
Christmas decorating, putting up the outdoor lights, wreaths, candles, stockings and anticipating cutting down our own fresh tree. (We haven't had a fresh tree since having the kids!)
Coffee, coffee and more coffee!
Heated mattress pads turned to high.
Seeing Santa
Looking forward to a trip to the Zoo this Saturday to see the lights and reindeer.
Sweet sentiments from Chloe this morning; "You are such a good Mommy. You take great care of all of us!" Funny, I think they all take great car of me. I don't know how or why I got so lucky...
A promise of new things on the horizon.
Being excited to watch the Bucks in the National Championship game!!
Trying new recipes like homemade cheese enchiladas and tried and true ones like pot roast w/roasted veggies.
Looking forward to holiday baking with the girls. You HAVE to make these!
Trying hard not to put on 5lbs while eating new delicious recipes and holiday treats.

Well that's it in a nutshell. I guess nothing overly exciting happening, but our life none the less! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

10 Years Ago.......

2007-11-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

today I married my best friend and became the luckiest women alive! 10 years has passed so fast, but yet we have been through so much in the last 10 years; A couple states, a few homes, three kids, two loses, a few jobs, a couple of degrees, some heartache, some fights, but lots of love and laughter. He is my everything, my other half(my better half), the ying to my yang (or yang to my ying, I'm not sure which!). We are book ends, without one the other is useless and when paired together we can hold up anything. Here's to many more happy years with my love.

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving as well! Have a great weekend filled with pumpkin pie, family, some wine and of course L.O.V.E!!

Loving~Living~Laughing

2007-11-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

I don't quite know where to begin. Our weekend was just what we needed. I am sad that I didn't get to see Amanda, but we are planning on meeting up with you and Bob in February! But other than that disappointment, our weekend was perfect. I can't think of any other word to use. It was perfect. We did nothing. I didn't even take one picture. Saturday we were having too much fun for me to think about it, and then Sunday we walked around the city and when I went to take a picture my batteries died. It doesn't matter, everything is in my head and heart and I still feel as though I am floating through my days. We talked, we laughed, we loved, we dreamt, we reminisced, and we really talked! Uninterrupted conversation. Something we rarely get. We talked about how unbelievably lucky and blessed we are to be married and be the best of friends, and how we are blessed with three healthy, smart, loving and happy kids. It was a weekend of reflecting and reconnecting and making new promises. I am filled with love and hope and peace and happiness. My cup runneth over.........

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2007-11-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Less than 24 hours from right now, we will be kid free and on our own for two days and a night!! I don't think I can contain my excitment. Especially because as I try to type this blog entry, Nolan insists on shutting the laptop closed. He is driving me batty! I do love my kids more than anything and I know I will miss them and be so excited to see them again, but right now I am excited to have some time for ourselves. I will be Kara for the time I am away. I will only have to wipe my own nose and ass, no laundry, no messes, no cooking three different dinners because of picky palates, no diapers, no whinning, no fighting and no crying. We will have time. Time to talk, to laugh, to love and to relax and melt into one another. I am feeling giddy as I type this. I will return Monday refreshed, rejuvinated, relaxed and ready to take on another week. Have a great weekend!

Reconnecting

2007-11-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon Saturday with an old friend and her daughter. Mollie and Maggie travelled to Newark to visit me and my family after not seeing each other in almost 10 years. It was so nice to chat and catch up in one another's lives. It felt as though no time had passed. Yes things have changed, we have changed. It is to be expected;especially after having kids. But conversation flowed and we laughed and enjoyed each others company. It was fun seeing our kids play nicely together.

This weekend Tom and I are going to Cleveland to celebrate our anniversary and will hopefully be seeing another old friend from college whom I haven't seen in nearly 10 years either. It is strange that I haven't seen these two amazing women and mamas in 10 years, but suddenly within a 2 week period I get the chance to visit with them both. It is almost like the universe is telling me something. Don't let old friends fade away. Reconnect.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

I know, I know Halloween was so yesterday! Well, two days ago to be exact, but our society and the advertisers have already moved on to the next holiday. Afterall, I did see the first Christmas commercials yesterday! Not ready yet!!!!! But anyway, I know I am a little behind but it isn't because I am lazy! I spent all day yesterday cleaning the house and doing the laundry that I have so easily ignored during the last week. Therefore, no blogging or Halloween update until today. The kids had a lot of fun, got lots of candy, etc., etc., you know the rest..... Enjoy the pictures!

Out of the Mouths

2007-10-27T16:20:00.000-05:00

Over heard today while the kids were playing outside......

Chloe- "I love having a little brother! Sometimes it is miserable, but sometimes it is GREAT!"

Exactly how I feel about my kids. (No, I didn't tell her that!)

Nolan is feeling much better thank goodness. We have a big pot of chili on the stove, a twelve pack of Commodore Perry in the fridge (oh, and some Widmer Hefeweizen as well and the Buckeyes on tonight. Could and evening get much better I ask? Not much! Have a great weekend all!

Peace~Love~Happiness

It has struck

2007-10-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

Our first bout with the sickies this season have come to our home. Nolan started in with the pukies last night and is doing nothing today but laying around which is so out of character for him. He isn't talking either; just shaking his head 'yes' or 'no' when I ask him a question. He has managed to keep the water and soda crackers down today, but he still looks pitiful. My poor baby boy. And of course things like this strike at the worst times. I am supposed to take cupcakes and treat bags into the girls' classrooms this afternoon, and we were planning a pizza and pumpkin carving night tonight. Hopefully, after resting all day and getting a good nap later today, he will be feeling a little better tonight. I think we will just make tonight a movie night for the kids and us. Anyone have any good recommendations? I want the kids to watch a kid friendly Halloween flick, and anything new worth renting for Tom and I. Suggestions please. Hope everyone has a great weekend, and please keep your fingers crossed that these germs go away and don't take anyone else down! I can't be sick and care for the kids, it is impossible!! Happy Friday!!!

13 Years Ago

2007-10-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am sure it has something to do with the weather and also the fact that I was in Athens County last week, but I have been doing a lot of reminiscing of my college years and all the memories that I have from that time. I sure wish I had a scanner so I could post some doozies of some pictures here. I have been thinking of the apartment that I lived in on 8th Avenue at OSU and the fun parties that we had, and how we would have 3 kegs and not a one of us was 21 yet! Halloween at OU. And walking through a Taco Bell drive-thru wasted with yes, you Amanda! Do you remember that? And then as I was thinking fondly of my college years, my memory turned to the second apartment I lived in at OSU on 13th Avenue. How when my parents and brother moved me in, my brother could not believe that our folks were actually letting me live in such a place. It was an OLD house or something that had been made into a few apartments. In the kitchen, our trash can was essentially a Rubbermaid trash barrel, our coffee table was one of those wheels that are for wires or cables. But is was big enough for a group of people to come around it for a game of Quarters or Asshole. In the only bathroom, there were some pipe problems and I swear for MONTHS there was a hole in the wall right beside the toilet that looked directly down into the kitchen of the guys apartment next to ours. Nice, huh?! In the ceiling of my room I would hear scratching sounds and what not. It normally freaked me out a bit, but if I played my music loud enough, it would drown out the scratching noises. Sure enough, one day as I was getting ready for class, the scratching 'thing' made it's way through the plaster and out popped the bottom half of a huge raccoon(I think). Talk about freaking out!! I grabbed my stuff, ran out of my room and shut the door. After talking to our landlord and telling him what happened, I returned home to find that they had tried to get the raccoon and patch the hole, but when they went to grab what they thought was a dead raccoon, they scared it and it ran back into the ceiling. They patched the hole anyways. Gee, thanks! I swear I slept with one eye opened the rest of the time I lived there!
The Dorm that I lived in Freshman year was an old insane asylum or hospital or something during WWII and it was haunted. I shit you not, it was. I wonder if everyone's college memories are as colorful as mine? Did everyone live in haunted WWII buildings, Keg central and shitholes in college? Sometimes I feel like a book should be written or a movie made about my college years. Didn't we talk about that once before roomie and roomie? You remember, we were sitting in a booth at that dive bar drinking pitchers of Natty or Bud Light talking about who would play us in our movie? Ahhh, good times.
Whenever I hear "Sweet Caroline" a feeling of nostalgia comes over me and I am so damn happy I have all the memories that I have. And then I want to get drunk and go to Mustard's and dance the night away. Thanks for the memories girls!

Could have been great

2007-10-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

Last night as I was laying in bed and I was in the place where, you know.....not asleep but not exactly fully awake and your mind is still turning and thinking. Well, I had a blog topic to write about. It was interesting and thought-provoking and quite frankly, I was impressed with it considering I have been feeling pretty quite as of late. I am sure you know where I am going with this....darn it if I can't for the life of me remember what I was going to blog about this morning! Chalk it up to the fact that I was well on my way to Dreamland, or that I am getting old, or I have three kids and a husband to try and remember things for. I don't know. But I have a feeling it would've been great! I can say that since I couldn't remember what it was about and therefore can't blog about it. Because chances are it would have been mediocre. After all, I am no writer. But one can dream right?! I think from now on I am going to keep a notepad and pen on my bedside table so I can jot things down when they come to me. So sorry that you all have to read this mumbo-jumbo instead of that awesome post I thought of last night. My apologies.

Little Red Caboose

2007-10-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

Friday we took the kids on a train ride. We really were thinking of Nolan, given his adoration for trains, but the girls loved it and so did Tom and I. We had a spectacular day. It was warm, breezy, sunny and the leaves were on a colorful display for us all to enjoy. I have never seen anyone so excited as I saw Nolan when he caught a glimpse of the train. He immediately started yelling that we need to get tickets and see the Conductor. Which we did by the way! There were three or four conductors on the train ride and they were all 'dressed to the nines' and Nolan was completely in awe.
The scenery was beautiful and the kids had a lot of fun when we stopped, as Nolan called "in town" to the Pioneer village that was along the train route. There were 6 or so log cabins decorated in eclectic, simplistic and rustic furnishings.

I can't explain the feelings that came over me seeing Nolan on that train. I was in complete happiness surrounded by my wonderful kids and my loving husband. It was a great day. Life is good, very good!

Goblins, Witches and Ghosts

2007-10-18T11:03:00.000-05:00

We have been thinking about Halloween and what to be for going on probably two months! I love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday. I love the idea of dressing up and being someone or something else for a night. I love scary movies and to be spooked! This year Janey has decided to be a cowgirl for Halloween. So she has purple cowgirl boots with silver shiny stars up the sides, jeans, a white shirt, a pink bandanna, a black cowgirl hat that we are going to adorn with jewels to make it a little bit girly and two guns in her holsters. I promise I will post pictures from Beggers Night! I am also making Nolan's costume. Seeing he has a complete obsession with all things trains, he is going to be an engineer inside a train. He will be such a cutie in this get up!! And now on to Chloe. She has requested to be Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I have convinced her to be a Gypsy instead. Now, I need help. I can't seem to find anything that will work for the vision that I have in my head. I am not a seamstress, but I can do tiny bits of EASY sewing. So if anyone has an ideas for a gypsy. I and Chloe would GREATLY appreciate them!!

The girls are off from school tomorrow and Tom is taking the day off and we are headed to The Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad. I know Nolan will love it and the girls are looking forward to it to. So off we go on a little adventure!

What are people thinking?

2007-10-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went with Janey's class on a field trip to a local Apple Orchard. It was a fun trip and I enjoyed being with her and the rest of the kids in her class. BUT, I have a rant, complaint whatever and it is directed to the mother that also came along on the field trip and thought it was appropriate to chain-smoke the entire 3+ hours we were there. I am not trying to begrudge people of smoking(although I will say that I am not at all sad that there is no longer smoking allowed in public places!) Everyone is entitled to do what they please to and with their bodies, but chain smoking on a kindergarten field trip?! Come on. Not only are you leading a bad example to the 60+ children in attendance(all of the kindergarten classes were there) but it is trashy, gross and just nasty! I am not trying to come off "holier than thou" because I used to smoke and I know the addiction of smoking, but I can't understand not being able to go 3 hours without a cigarette for the sake of your child and all the other kids that were around. Sorry if this sounds pretentious, but I am so freakin' glad I kicked that habit.

Nothing New

2007-10-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

Again, I am feeling very quiet and not really having much to say. Today I am volunteering at the girls' school with COSI On Wheels. It should be fun. It is a program teaching kids about agriculture and farming and without farms and farmers we would be lost and hungry. They are demonstrating making pizza from scratch and I mean scratch. They are taking it all the way back beginning with soil to the finished product that we love so much. I am excited to volunteer and learn some things myself. I have to be at school by 11:30 for training so I have little time to talk about, well..... nothing!!

Tom and I made last night into movie night and watched this. It was pretty funny and heart-warming at wrapped up in one. For a teensy-tiny millisecond, it made me want to have another baby. Thankful that was a fleeting moment and well frankly, it can't happen anymore anyhow, if you get my drift. Thanks Honey! Rent it if you haven't seen it yet.

Thankfully, it is finally Fall around here. Man, I LOVE fall. It was 90 on Monday and 55 yesterday. Major change, but welcomed all the same. Hopefully soon I will find more words to jot down and not feel so quiet. Because seriously, I am not a quiet person!!

Grateful

2007-10-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

Having Nolan say "Wuv You Mommy" to me before prompting him
Cinnamon ice cream
Date Night tonight thanks to Grandma for providing babysitting services for us.

Having a "birthday party" for Lamby, Chloe's 'lovey'
Seeing Chloe be so patient, caring and loving to her little sister and brother while they are outside playing w/neighborhood kids that aren't patient or caring. I swear she is an "old soul".
Janey participating in the "Walking Program" during recess instead of playing on the equipment.
Making the last car payment and OWNING 2 vehicles!! Reason enough to celebrate!
The promise of cooler, much more fall temperatures on the horizon.
A weekend full of soccer games, yard work, Fall Festivals and football.

Getting Serious

2007-10-02T09:46:00.001-05:00

Today Nolan and I are getting serious with this potty business. He is having a day of nakedness and his potty. So far he has had one really good pee-pee in the potty and kept saying he wanted to do it again. I am keeping my fingers crossed. No accidents either by the way. Yay for that!! So the rest of our day will consist of his potty, lunch, a nap and his favorite movie. Wish me lots o'luck please!

Weekend

2007-10-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

We had a great weekend filled with;

Blue skies and cooler temperatures
Birthday Parties (2 to be exact!)
Bonfires

Watching the girls play soccer
S'mores
Oktoberfest beer
Haircuts for all (I got mine chopped off into a short bob!)

Watching the Buckeyes
Eating pizza
NyQuil

Dreams of what we want our backyard to look like next year
Shopping
Family

Here's to hoping everyone had a weekend full of good things!

The Power of Prayer

2007-09-26T12:42:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you all remember when my friend had her baby at 24 weeks by emergency c-section last April. They named him Luke and the doctors weren't always positive about him and his survival. They gave him a 30% chance of survival and even if he beat those odds, he *could* be facing many obstacles in his life. He spent almost 5 months in the neonatal unit at Children's Hospital having many ups and downs. He came home Monday, just 2 days shy of being 5 months old. He is doing great at home and my friend and her husband are experiencing all the wonderful things that come along with bringing a baby home, especially sleepless nights!

They took him today for a visit to his pediatrician here, and was tested for cerebral palsy and other debilitating illnesses. Initial tests show that he is clear of the the obstacles they had originally prepared them for. And the pediatrician said he is nothing short of a miracle. He had so many people praying for him and asking God to watch over him, and he is doing great now. If this isn't a true testament to the power of God and prayer, I don't know what is.

Travel Help

2007-09-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

I know I have posted about this before, but I am still in need of help/advice. Tom and I are wanting to get away for our anniversary but don't know where we want to go. We have been playing with the idea of going up to Cleveland, but would REALLY like to jump on a plane and get away for a long weekend. Preferably, on a SkyBus flight(CHEAP!). So any and all ideas are welcome and I would love to hear ideas from ALL of you! So this is your challenge, if you choose to accept it; SEND US ON A ROMANTIC ANNIVERSARY GETAWAY! We are looking at going the first part of November. Also, I would like some things to do at our destination, but not too much. Thanks a bunch in advance!! Oh, have a GREAT weekend!

Finding a Cure

2007-09-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many of you watch Oprah. But she recently had Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson-Peete on her show and they spoke out about their sons having Autism. They spoke of startling statistics with children and Autism. Not too long ago, the ratio of children with Autism was 1 in 500, and as of late it has grown to an absurd 1 in 150!! And of that, it is 1 in 94 boys. 1 in 94!! That is entirely too many children, parents, siblings, grandparents and aunts and uncle having to face this neurological disorder. I have a nephew who just turned 15 who is Autistic, so I am close to someone suffering from it. My nephew is an incredibly smart and intellectual young man. He is in mainstream school and just started High School this year. So far, he is getting along very well and doing great in all of his classes. He just isn't very social to family or people in general. Although, he does do great with Nolan and Janey by being a great older cousin to them! It is heartbreaking to hear and read stories from parents that are trying to accept and move forward after getting an Autism diagnosis. Some parents never get to have eye contact with their children, or have their children show them affection or even hear them say, "I love you Mommy and Daddy".

My nephew Ryan.

Jenny McCarthy has a new book out regarding her journey of helping cure her son of Autisim. I can't wait to get my hands on it and read someone elses thoughts on this. I know that there are organizations and also the Center for Disease Control trying to find a cause and a cure for Autism, but it isn't happening fast enough. As I said before, the statistics are startling and how many will be affected in a few more years? Hopefully, a miracle will happen and Autism will be wiped out, and no other children will have to be "lost" inside themselves anymore. I hope and pray that someone will find a cure for Autism.

For more information on Autism visit here or here.

Because it's Tuesday

2007-09-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

I really feel like I have been kinda silent over here in my little corner of the world. I just feel like I don't have a whole lot to say or share. Not that things have just stopped in the Carson house(things just don't stop when there are 3 kids around), but I just don't know how to go about writing about them. I am content and have found myself feeling peaceful and happy and lucky. Lucky to have the husband I have and the kids that I have and a warm home that is full of love. Maybe it has something to do with a new season approaching. I find that I am my best in the fall and I feel better about myself in the fall. Autumn has always been good to me. It was in October 15 years ago that Tom and met and 10 years ago this November that we married. I love fall and everything that goes with it.
I had many things to do today. Laundry, cleaning out a closet, cleaning, working out. But I think I am going to take a "vacation" and drown myself in my new book. I am not one to buy books very often(that's why libraries are so wonderful, although I buy a lot of books for the kids), but I splurged and bought 'Eat Pray Love' the other day. I have been on the wait list at the library FOREVER for this book and I was tired of waiting so I plunked down my moola and bought it. So today I declare as my mini vacation and I will lose myself in a book. Have a wonderful, crisp cool air, sunny, fall smelling beautiful day!

Little bit of this, little bit of that....

2007-09-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

Day three with no Hubby or Daddy is going surprising well so far. I speak this before the girls are home from school. I am sure I will change my tune at 4:00pm. Bedtime is what really sucks for all of us. The kids miss Tom and I am lonely after I put them to bed. Sunday night I didn't sleep at all, so last night I decided to have a glass of wine to make me sleepy and it worked! So tonight I will indulge again and have a glass, so I can sleep. I don't normally drink alone.

Tonight Janey and I are headed for Kindergarten Family night at her school. She will walk me through her morning routine and show me some of the things that they have been working on. I am just sad that Tom isn't here to be able to go with us. After that we are going to order her birthday cake for her party on Saturday. She wants a High School Musical party and normally I try and make their birthday cakes, but I haven't a clue on what to do for a High School Musical cake. Therefore, off to the bakery we go. If any one has any ideas for a cake, I am all ears.

I have been cleaning and doing laundry all morning and I just put Nolan down for a nap, plopped down on the couch to type this post and turned the tv on and guess what is on one of the HBO channels?!?! 'Singles'. I am so excited. I haven't seen this movie in a long ass time. I love it!! So I declare my work down for the afternoon and I am enjoying a movie. All by myself. With no kiddies around. Ah, sweet serenity.

"Happy Birthday Dear Janey-Do......"

2007-09-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

As I started typing this post I realized that it wasn't but just a couple of hours ago 5 years ago that our little Janey entered this world and took us from a family of 3 to a family of 4 and became a little sister to Chloe. My pregnancy with Janey was so easy as pretty much it was with Chloe as well. I started labor just fine with just my water breaking at about 2:30pm. We took our time getting to the hospital after my mom picked up Chloe and I really wasn't feeling very hard contractions. Chloe and Janey( in my tummy!)

I started having terrible back pains, but not the normal labor pains that I had with Chloe. I could talk through all of the contractions that the monitor showed I was having. I remember telling my nurse(who looked to be about 13 years old) that I was having a tremendous backache and she brushed it off.

After awhile of having these back pains, the real labor pains came shooting through my body and my O.B came into to check on me. I was almost ready to push. Wow, that was fast! Little did he or we know that Janey had decided to come 'sunny-side' up and extremely fast through the birth canal. Less than two pushes she came screaming into the world and was whisked away by doctors and nurses because the cord had been wrapped around her neck and she was blue.

Janey's 1st Birthday

Not only was she blue, but she was completely bruised from her top lip all the way up her head. With her coming out the way she had, she had bruised her entire face on my pelvic bone. She had such a traumatic time trying to meet us for the first time. Janey's 2nd Birthday
Janey's 3rd Birthday
The doctors at the hospital said the bruising on her face and head wasn't a big deal and would fade over the next few days. When we took her to our pediatrician when she was a week old, he was concerned about the bruising because she had a serious looking bruise behind her ear which *could* indicate a skull fracture. He immediately sent us to Children's Hospital for a CAT scan to make sure that there wasn't any fractures.
Janey 4 years old Fall 2006

Thankfully, the CAT scan showed that everything was normal and we were utterly relieved that she was okay, just REALLY bruised! She has been 'perfect' to us and for our family since the day she came to us 5 years ago today. We are so lucky to have this little girl in our life. She makes every day a little brighter and a little more interesting.
Janey -Birthday Girl age 5

Happy 5th Birthday Janey! We love you so much skeeter.

In other news, Tom left for a business trip today and is just outside D.C until late Wednesday night. I will be doing it all on my own here until then. I am not looking forward to it considering he is my rock and my better half. I miss him so much already and he only left this morning. Wish me luck to get through until late Weds. night!

My Worst Nightmare

2007-09-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

The girls ride a bus to school and this is a first. At our old house we lived very close to the school that Chloe attended and I had to take her to school everyday. This wasn't a big deal considering I stay at home with them. But I have to say I was thrilled when I found out that they could be bussed to and from school. Call it being a lazy mom, but the fact that I didn't have to get everyone ready and out the door by 8:15am excited me. Last week things went smoothly with the girls and the bus. They have memorized their bus number and know the routine of the bus. I knew it was too good. Yesterday afternoon I was outside waiting for the bus and I see Chloe crying as she is getting off the bus. I don't see Janey. I immediately ask Chloe what is wrong and she said Janey got off at the wrong stop and that she tried to yell for her not to, but she did anyway. I stopped the bus to ask the driver about my other little girl and he says, "Oh, I think I dropped her off at another stop back." He said this as if it wasn't a big deal. Are you shitting me asshole!!!!! I don't let him finish talking, I grab Nolan and tell Chloe to get in the van. I drive all over our neighborhood, she is nowhere. Chloe then tells me Janey was sitting with a little boy and got off with him. I still can't find her. I am in hysterics! I drive home get my cell, but then I don't know what to do but call the police. So that's what I do. Then they tell me to stay at home and they are sending an officer to my house. I don't want to stay at home, I WANT, NEED to go a look for my little girl who is only 4 and having a birthday on Sunday and I just bought her birthday presents today, and she can't be missing, this is not happening to MY FAMILY!!! I felt like I was in an effing movie and I was sitting in my driveway crying and trying not to puke. My phone is ringing and other lines are beeping. The school calls, my brother calls, Tom calls. They have found her, and the school gave me the address to where she was. I flew to the house and a nice lady opened the door and then my baby girl came running to me. I am sure I looked like a nutball to this woman. I repeatedly said 'thank you' and 'I am sorry' to the lady all through tears and sobs and kisses. Janey did try and follow a little boy and then got lost and tried to walk home, but then a dog that wasn't on a chain scared her so she started back from the way she came. This lady's son saw Janey wandering up and down the sidewalk and told his mom that there was a little girl outside that looked lost, so she went out and took Janey into her house, got her name and called the school so they could call me and let me know that she was safe. This all probably lasted 20 minutes, but it felt like hours and I still didn't feel quite right even later in the evening. I didn't know where my child was for 20 minutes and there are parents in the world who don't know where their children are and it has been YEARS! I cannot imagine......it is my worst nightmare.

* i apologize if this post is written with terrible grammar, I just don't feel much like editing it to make it read better....I promise a more positive and uppity post next time.

Long time, no blog

2007-08-29T11:43:00.000-05:00

Janey's first day of school(today)!

Chloe's 1st day of 2nd grade

It has been so long since my last post! I did what I said I was going to do; I took a break from this blog and from being on the computer in general to take the time to be with the girls(and the little man) before they both head off for yet another year of school. Where does the time go? Chloe started second grade last Thursday and Janey started kindergarten today. Boohoo! She was very much ready to go, I just wasn't quite ready to let her go. It is all day kindergarten which is a change since Chloe was in kindergarten and I know she will do great and make friends, but I will really miss her throughout the day.

Chloe and Janey today on Janey's 1st day

Janey at her table in her classroom

On Monday my Grandma(Dad's mom) turned 100. Her name is Cathern. To quote Janey; "That is REALLY old!" Um, yea, that's old. She has been in a nursing home for a few years now, but she is still with it and whenever she sees us, she immediately asks to see Nolan. I think Nolan reminds her a lot of my Dad when he was a little boy, and my Dad was her baby. She is a fantastic women. Her and my grandpa started a business that is still in operation that my Dad and Uncle now own. They celebrated 50 years in business about 6 years ago. She has 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. We had a cake reception for her on Sunday and *almost* the whole family was there to celebrate. I remember fondly going to my grandparents house and picking beans with her from the garden and then taking them into the house to "snap" beans for dinner. I hope I can have a life has filled as she has. By the way my grandpa(Dad's Dad) lived to be 96 and passed from an infection from a sore. He had brain surgery at 93 and was told by the doctor that he was as healthy as a 50-60 year old. I guess longevity is in my genes!

This lovely lady is my Grandma who is 100.

This above picture is how my son has been wanting to spend most of his days. Shorts, no shirt and his high top Chuck Taylor's. I wish I knew what was going through his head sometimes! The break from being on the blog was nice, but it feels good to be back!

Okay, I am back for this one.......

2007-08-10T07:04:00.000-05:00

Amanda at Party of Four tagged me for this meme so I will play along....

*We have to post these rules before we give you the facts

*Players start with 8 random facts/habits about themselves

*People who are tagged write their own blog post about their 8 things and include these rules

*At the end of your blog, you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they are tagged and they should read your blog

1. I like to watch Drake and Josh with the kids when it is on. I don't really "do" any other kids show and I really find SpongeBob annoying, but I find Drake and Josh amusing.

2. Sometimes I think when people see Tom and I out with the kids they will think we had to get married because we were expecting Chloe. People always seem so surprised that we got married "SO young" at 21 and can't imagine that we knew then that we were meant to be together. I don't know why I care if complete strangers think that, it is kinda weird of me. (For the record we were married in 1997 and she was born in 2000).

3. I have a complete and utter crush on Tyler Florence, Him, and this man. Wowza!!

4. When I walk my tushie off, I like to listen to Akon and Ludacris on "the best invention ever!" It is what gets me a-going!

5. Besides being a mom and more than that a SAHM, my favorite job I have ever had was when I waitressed. I think I like self-torture. But I am a people person.

6. I have a tattoo on my right side of a sun, but I REALLY want another one. I failed French my freshman year at OSU because for an entire quarter I skipped my class every Friday to go to a tattoo parlor that had walk-ins on Fridays. They were a popular tattoo parlor! The one I want means more to me because it represents my family. I would like a sun and a moon)representing Tom and I, a flower(Chloe), a leaf (Janey), a snowflake(Nolan) and two stars for the babies that Tom and I lost.

7. I LOVE road trips(not so much with three young kids). But when Tom and I were first married we would drive to the mountains to camp, we opened the map once and closed our eyes and "picked" a place to drive to for a night or two and ended up in Jackpot Nevada. Oh, and I love to fly as well. I guess it's the excitement of someplace new.

8. I LOVE basil. The taste the smell, the eye pleasing shape and color. If I could bottle it I would wear Eau de Basil.

There ya have it. I don't know who to tag. Everyone I know has been tagged. So I guess I am breaking the rules a bit.

Tonight is Date Night for Tom and I. We haven't had one in a long ass time. We are going to dinner to here and then to a baseball game. The Babe Ruth World Series for 16 -18 years old is in our town and we are going to watch the local team.

Blogged out....

2007-08-07T06:51:00.000-05:00

I am going to be taking a little break from this blog. Suddenly, I realized that it is the first of August and the girls start back to school in just a hair over two weeks from today. Where has the summer gone? I want to soak these next two weeks in with them while I can. I don't know if we will do anything special or out of the ordinary, but I want to be outside with them (as long as it isn't 98 degrees!) read to them, listen to Chloe read to me, color and draw with them, and just use our imagination together. Before I know it, they will be gone all day and it will just be me and Nolan. There may be an occasion or two where I will jump on here and blog a little, but for the most part I will be enjoying the remnants of summer with my kids.

Have a great rest of the summer and I will be back soon!!!!

Who IS this person?

2007-08-01T06:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's only been three days, but I have been getting out of bed every morning between 5:15 and 5:30am. Yes A.M.!!! I put my track pants, a t-shirt and my tennis shoes on and I come down to start coffee while Tom is jogging and then I head out for my walk when he gets back at 6:00am. I walk like there is no tomorrow with the greatest invention ever stuck in my ears and let my mind wander. I never thought I would get my day started this early, but I feel GREAT!!! I feel like I get so much accomplished by 8am. Plus, the bonus, I get to have coffee with Tom before he heads out to work and I get some quiet alone time before the kids wake up(generally, today Janey got up earlier than usual) and I get to shower and get dressed all by myself. Imagine that! Plus, we are getting into bed earlier, which feels wonderful. For a long time we have been up until 11:30 or so, which is rough when Tom goes into work between 6:30 and 7:00. Monday night I was in bed, asleep by 9:45. It was magical. Who knows how long this will last, I hope for a long time because it feels great. I feel great!

Vodka

2007-07-30T05:52:00.000-05:00

Ah, yes the Appletini. Oh, how I adore you. So crisp and refreshing and tasty! Yum! Unfortunately, I am limited to only one of these little guys at a time. TWO at the very most. You see, me and vodka.....we have a love/hate relationship. We don't mesh well together. And it goes way back. The first time I EVER tried drinking(besides the occasional sip of beer from my Dad). I was trying vodka, and it was the most retched tasting stuff I had ever tasted. To me it tasted how I imagined rubbing alcohol would taste. I didn't even drink it, just tasted it and I still got busted for drinking it. I should have stopped there. Fast-forward a few years to freshman year at Ohio State. Lemon drops. Wow, delicious. But I lost count of how many I ingested. And I drunk dialed, an ex-boyfriend, told him I loved him because in truth I thought I was going to die that night from too much stinkin' vodka. Then I spent all night in a dorm bathroom with my head in the john. Good thing I had great girlfriends to take care of me then! ~Hi Guys!~ The good thing is that I did end up marrying the drunk dialee and everything is peachy now!

Fast forward again like 4 more years. I am now newly married to the one previously mentioned a.k.a Tom, living in Idaho and we are at our friends house drinking and playing cards. I am drinking vodka and cranberry juice.(It was my way of cutting calories-no beer, just vodka and juice. Yea, I was thinking right!) Anyway, too much vodka, too much juice, an argument ensues, turning into a real yell at and hurt each other fight and I wind up calling the airlines at 2 or 3am requesting flights back home to Ohio. I was leaving him. Dear Lord, what was I thinking. This was by far the worst fight we have ever had in almost 10 years of marriage and it was within the first year or so of getting married, and quite frankly, the vodka was to blame.

Finally, a little over a year ago. the Appletini. Man, oh man they are good! Tom and I were having our own little party and shakin' our mixer and having a grand ol' time. Again, I have no idea how many of those pretty green drinks I tossed back, but we were in the kitchen, laughing hysterically and I slipped and fell flat on my my face. I kid you not, on my face. It was quite funny. But the terrible thing was, that we had to get up in a few hours and go to church. That's right I said church, I had to confess that I drank too many appletinis. But we also had to meet with friends for lunch who had recently moved afterwards. I had the worst hang-over ever. I even had to get up in the middle of service and go to the bathroom. That is just awful. But I will tell you, nothing has ever tasted so good as that burger and Coke from Ruby Tuesdays.(Hi Angela)And it darn near cured my hangover.

So there you have it folks, my love/hate relationship with vodka. I love it, it hates me. Thus, being the reason I only allow my self one of these delicious babies at a time.

Simply Summer

2007-07-26T20:23:00.000-05:00

The zoo in perfect, breezy mid 70 degree weather, corn on the cob, painted faces, big HUGE beautiful flowers, fluffy white clouds and just summer. Sweet,sunny,perfect summer.

Oh, I'm a redhead now too. Tom has always had a thing for redheads so I thought i'd give it a try!

Crayons, Rulers and Pencils....Oh My!!!

2007-07-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

I love, LOVE school supplies! I am not sure what it is about them, but I adore them. I love the newness of a just sharpened pencil, all the untouched rainbow of colors in the crayon box, the freshness of a new notebook. I even love the smell of school supplies. I am like a kid in a candy store when I walk down the Back-To-School aisle at the store. I want it all!! I have a hard time sticking to the list of supplies needed for each grade. Even as a kid, I loved the time of summer right before school started when I was able to get all of my back to school supplies and clothes, but I still had a few weeks of summer left to enjoy. Weird I know. What kid actually looks forward to the start of a new school year?! I did, and I still do. I will miss my girls as we return to a schedule in our daily lives with school and other activities, but I am excited for what a new school year will bring for them. Chloe will be in second grade and Janey will start kindergarten. All day kindergarten. I am a bit concerned to how she will do being in school all day, but she is anxious and ready to begin.

I encourage you all to go and roam the school supplies aisles at your local stores. Buy some new crayons or a box of pencils and reminisce about the days when we all had our back packs full and our new Muppets or Pac-Man(whatever your liking was) lunch boxes and the world was our oyster!

Have a great weekend!

SPC~Earth~

2007-07-17T08:47:00.001-05:00

I love flowers and gardens and my goal is to have a small vegetable garden next year. I love gardening and weeding and digging and getting dirt under my fingernails. My problem~ I have a black thumb. I try, I really do and I am learning. Next year I WILL have beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.

Advice Please

2007-07-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

This post is a request for info from anyone who can pipe in with some help for me. First of all I am in search of some t-shirts for the kids. Not kiddy-esque shirts. But shirts that are hip and trendy. i.e rock shirts, pop culture, political. So if anyone has websites or stores they can refer me to I would greatly appreciate it. I need toddler sizes and kid sizes.

Okay secondly, Tom and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this fall and we want to get away. But cheaply, considering the house and the vacation we just took. I have been on the Skybus website and we would love to go to Boston, but really know nothing of the area. Also any other long weekend trip ideas would be great for us to hear about. So come one, come all with the ideas.

We need to escape from this(see above Picture) for a little while, and just be us. Plus, I think we have deserved it. Unfortunately, by today's standards 10 years of being married is quite an accomplishment!

Music, the universal language

2007-07-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

Recently, Tom and I have been into watching this show on the Sundance channel. It has been such an interesting and great show to watch. Sometimes I feel since becoming a mom and devoting my life to three incredible people, I have "lost" a little bit of myself. I feel really out of the loop with music anymore. I still constantly listen to music and expose our kids to it all the time, but it seems different. I am thoroughly enjoying listening to the artists on this show. I have been loving him for awhile now and of course even though he is popular with mainstream, i really love listening to him as well. But this show is exposing me to artists I have not had the chance to listen to yet and I feel like I am finding myself again and my love for music. I have missed that part of me.

Technology I tell Ya.....

2007-07-03T07:39:00.000-05:00

The sleep over on Saturday night went well. It wore me out, but it went well. They had pizza and cake and ice cream, played Hullabaloo(which is a 21st century Twister), did sparklers, caught lightning bugs, and watch this AND this! They had a fun-filled night! I did notice that even at 7 years of age, girls are clicky and catty. I told Chloe never again would we have two friends over at a time for a sleepover. Two girls always pair up and leave the other one out in the wind. Boys are different. Their thinking is 'the more the merrier'. But not girls. Why on earth do girls have to be that way. I hoped my girls would be different, for I am not raising them to be that way. I wasn't that way. I had two best friends as a girl/preteen that we always got along when we were together. We always had fun together and I have some great memories of Alex and Jennifer and me. Plus, in college I got along well with the girls I lived with.(Hi Amanda and Mollie!) We weren't catty and bitchy! Hopefully, I can instill a little bit more into Chloe so she doesn't end up like 'one of those girls'.

On to the whole technology thing......we have a new obsession in our house, it is the Webkinz. Chloe got one for her birthday and it has become all that she wants to do. Go online and shop for it, play with it, take it to the doctors, feed it. It is crazy! But the thing is, it is just a stuffed Panda. A stuffed animal that you bring to 'life' and play interactively with online. I am sure I am like way behind the times like everything else these days, but supposedly these things are really popular among the elementary folks and are the new 'hot item'. Damn, I wish I would have come up with the idea.....

Have a great 4th!

Peace~Love and Happiness

Nuestra Casa

2007-06-29T07:25:00.001-05:00

here is our home in pictures...... we still have a lot of painting to do....things to hang on the walls....but this is it......pay no mind to the loft, it is just a mish-mash of things right now. nolan's big boy bed is in there waiting for me to put it together and have him in a big bed. i am just not ready, and if he isn't climbing out(knock on wood) he will stay in the crib a little while longer. As far as the loft goes, we don't know what we want to do in there. what kind of furniture? what kind of look? so it will be the last room to get done.

Chloe's Room
Chloe's room(it will be either a turquoise or lime green color)
The lovely, unfinished loft

the kitchen (can't decide what color to go with in here)

Tom and I's bedroom(painting it a light olivey color)
Nolan's room. His bedding is blue's and red's and we are painting it a khaki color.
Janey's room, will be purple of course!!

Dining room. we are painting it a green that looks like the vase that is on the table.

The eating area just off of the kitchen
The den. Looking at painting it a mustardy gold.
the entry way and staircase.

Have a great weekend. hope you all have bbq's, drinks, family time, fireworks, sparklers and parades this weekend and week!!
PEACE~LOVE AND HAPPINESS

Summertime and the living's easy......

2007-06-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

i know this sounds cliche, but i love summer. i love fall too, but right now i am really enjoying summer. yes, i wish we were still at the beach, but it feels good to be back at home. not only do i love the warmth and sunshine that summer brings, but i love the smells of summer and thunderstorms and summer food. good corn on the cob season is right around the corner for us(i can't wait and neither can the kids) but for now we are enjoying the fresh tomatoes, zucchini, squash, peppers, melons and herbs.

tonight's dinner is one i am already anticipating; fresh tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, green and yellow peppers, and basil(I need to make a perfume from eau de basil, i love the smell THAT much!) marinated with chopped garlic and an olive oil vinaigrette. Accompanied by grilled provolone, tomato and basil sandwiches on Italian bread.
And lastly, fresh watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries for dessert. and because i feel like it and it is Wednesday a glass or two of Pinot Grigio. YUM!
the kids and i have a mellow rest of the week planned. Friday I am taking them downtown to the library(the girls are in a summer reading program and want to go and get new books and to redeem their prizes for reading more than 6 hours this summer. Yay them!!!!) and after the library we are stopping by the Farmer's Market to see what kinds of delicious goods they have.
We have an exciting weekend planned. Chloe is having a couple of friends over Saturday night to celebrate her birthday now that we are home. i don't know if we will be doing the whole family with me cooking thing, or just the girls over with pizza. we'll see how energetic i am feeling, because they are spending the night as well. Yipee, this should be fun.

The weather Is here, I wish you were beautiful......

2007-06-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

A blog in photo form....having too much fun to write........enjoy the pictures.......I am never coming home........

Things I Love Beach Addition

2007-06-18T22:23:00.001-05:00

Coming to you from Corolla Outer Banks, North Carolina! We made it! After a long exhausting road trip here(and I usually LOVE road trips) we are here in one piece. It was a trip that was supposed to take us 11 or 12 hours, but it ended up taking us 15 1/2 hours. We were held up in a few nasty traffic jams along the way which sucked. But we are here now. Now on to the things I am loving right now:*The smell of the salty air

* Freckles

*drinking beers by the pool before noon *Real Carolina BBQ

*As bad as it is, a suntan!!

*seeing my girls love the ocean and Chloe riding the waves on a boogie board

*Spending the whole day in our bathing suits
*Seeing my baby girl turn 7. Isn't she beautiful
I am posting more pictures later and a little update on Chloe's Birthday. I hope everyone is having a great week. I know we are. Vacations are the best!

My Secret Obsession

2007-06-15T08:27:00.000-05:00

Only it isn't too secret now right. I love, love, LOVE this show!! I hate American Idol and just about every other reality show (besides America's Next Top Model). But I am addicted to this show. I TiVo it every Wednesday and Thursday and I have even been known to go back and watch the performances again. I know, I am officially a dork!! For those of you who don't know, I grew up dancing. I did everything, ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz and I was even on my High Schools drill team for 4 years and the captain of the squad my senior year. I love dancing. I would really like to take lessons with Tom. You know, the tango, the fandango, jive, salsa even the waltz. Maybe when the kids get a little older we will give it a shot.

Last season I was diggin' Benji and of course he was last years winner.(I say that like you all who read this blog watch this show and are total nerds like I am!) I am trying to figure out who I am picking for this seasons winner. There are so many great dancers on the show this season, that I don't think I will have a favorite. I do like him, him, her, her(but I feel like she thinks she is privileged because she is Benji's sister) him and her. I just rose above myself typing on this laptop and realized how incredibly nerdy this is. I am 31 and blogging to a sea of strangers about my love for a reality show. I will be changing my identity soon! Seriously, if you want to be entertained check out the show. You will love it and it will make me feel better about myself!!

Little this little that

2007-06-14T06:55:00.001-05:00

Janey had her 1st ballet recital on Friday night. She did such a great job. I was so proud of her. The funny thing is that she was taught by my dance instructor and learned the same dance that I did for my first ballet class. I love it. She wasn't at all nervous about being on the stage in front of all of the people and she did her dance just as she was taught.

Here are some pictures of her during the recital, sorry they are so fuzzy, I am a bad photographer! She is still constantly doing her dance and it doesn't matter where we are. The store, the sidewalk while we are trying to take a walk, this morning while eating breakfast. Maybe she'll be my little ballerina.

So sorry that I have yet to include pictures of the house, but I want all the rooms to look nice, and even though I have pretty much cleared out all of the boxes, now I have stuff strewn out everywhere for our vacation. I promise when we return, I WILL post pictures of our house. I am so damn excited to leave for the beach. We are headed here for a week. We will be staying in Corolla which is North of Duck on the map. We are going with my family. My mom and dad, my sister and her family and my brother and his family. We are staying in a three level house with a pool and hot tub. We are on the ocean side and can easily walk to the beach everyday. It makes for a nice vacation because the kids can all play together and spend some time together. I know I mentioned before that Chloe will be having her 7th birthday while we are gone. Poor girl has to have her birthday at the beach! We are having a BBQ and cake and ice cream. Then a walk along the beach. Tom and I have got her present all ready for her. She asked for an i-pod, a diary and a new book and bookmark. I guess the days of baby dolls and the like are over for her. She seems so grown up to me. Tom and I got her a pink i-pod shuffle and a lockable diary. Janey and Nolan got her the book and bookmark. I think she will be one happy 7 year old!
This is a picture of my reading material while we are gone. I haven't begun any of them, but I am hoping to have them all finished by the time get home. We'll see. I might just completely veg while we are there and not do a damn thing but swim and lay in the sun. With SPF of course! I will hopefully post some while we are on vacation. We are taking the lap top so the kids can watch movies on the way there, and the house as a wireless connection, so I will still post. probably not every day, but I will be back!

Okay, I'm back... sort of

2007-06-06T06:38:00.000-05:00

I am back but sans pictures. I am waiting for all the boxes to be outta the house and all the rooms so I can take pictures and post them. Which, as it is looking now, might be around Christmas time! If I never see another box again I will be one happy woman. Even though moving absolutely sucks, the house is wonderful. I did a lot of decorating in my head and so far they have all come into play the way I wanted them to. Unfortunately, some of the rooms that we want painted aren't yet and won't be for awhile. They suggest not painting for a year in case there are nails pops from the drywall, but we can't wait that long. We will be starting the painting process in a few weeks. Getting a family of 5 settled has been a long and tiring process but it is coming a long and I think I am down to 10 or so boxes left to unpack. That is nothing compared to the 3,478 that I started with.
Summer break started last week, and I am already wondering when the 1st day of school is. The girls just fight ALL OF THE TIME! We had one good day on Monday and they played well together all day, but made up for it yesterday when they decided it was a fight and whine and cry and bitch day. Oh, and I did have to break up some physical fights. Someday they will appreciate each other. The kids have settled in nicely to their new homes and bedrooms and the girls even made friends with some kids behind us. We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood filled with kids. Our last neighborhood had a girl(Chloe's best friend) and her brother who lived next to us and that was it. So this is a welcome change for the kids.
I promise to get on here and get back to blogging about us and our lives. And I will post pictures this week. I will be absent from the blogging world again in about a week and a half. We are leaving for vacation a week from this weekend. And believe you me, we NEED this vacation. Nothing but a house with a private pool and the beach! I am taking not much more than some clothes, my bathing suit, flip-flops, BOOKS and sunscreen. And I don't plan on doing much of anything but sunbathing, swimming and reading and spending some serious down time with my family. We are getting our family picture taken on the beach which I hope turns out well. We haven't had a professional picture of all of us since, well Janey wasn't even born yet. It is time. We are also celebrating Chloe's 7th birthday at the beach. She wants a Luau Party. I am excited for her. What could be better than celebrating your b-day at the beach? We did promise some sort of friend party when we return from vacation. She is torn between inviting some friends to the movies or a sleepover. Both seem like fairly easy ideas to me.
I am glad to be back. I have missed this little bit of creativeness in my life. I also want to get back into the self portrait challenges. One thing at a time.

Graduation Day, Part deux

2007-05-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

My little girl graduated from preschool today. Tom and I are so proud of our little skeeter. The program was so nice. The kids said the pledge, sang some songs, did a little program to 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' and then one of the student teachers did a powerpoint program with really cute individual pictures of all the kids in the class with what they want to be when the grow up. Um, I cried a little. I am a weepie mommy. I will say I was taken by surprise with what Janey said she wants to be when she grows up. She said she wants to be a nurse. Not that she is not a loving little girl, but she is not the concerned or compassionate one, Chloe is. Janey is the bull-headed, strong-willed, "I WILL get what I want" child. She will argue with you until she is blue in the face. Tom and I had her pegged for a lawyer or a CEO of a huge corporation. Chloe is more the nurse or humanitarian type. She is our tree-hugger as well. Janey is just a little more intrepid, argumentative, um scrappy!! Maybe it is just a phase she is in, but she has always been one to demand attention since she was a baby, and she usually gets it.

Enjoy all of the pictures of my big girl. They weren't kidding when they said time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe how fast it is whizzing by and just how incredibly fast my babies are growing up and becoming amazing, smart and interesting people. I am having the time of my life! Have a great weekend all!

PEACE~LOVE AND HAPPINESS!

Blog Break

2007-05-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

I will be taking a mini break from blogging. We have a very busy couple weeks approaching and I don't see how or when I will be able to take the time to write about our life. We are closing on our house a week from Friday and will be moving the ENTIRE Memorial Day Weekend. Yipeeee!!! I have never been more excited to move in my life. We have a couple of walk throughs with our salesman and our contractor, but we will be moving in a week. I will email all of our friends and family to let you know our new address. Oh, I lied. I may take some time this weekend to blog because my Janey girl graduates from preschool tomorrow and you know I will take pictures that I will just have to post!! Other than that we will be busy trying to gather all of our sh%t from all over the county to get it in the new house. Seriously, we have belongings in at least 5 different places. So, yeah, that will be a blast. (insert sarcasm) I will check in on everyone elses blog when I can,because I think I have a blog addiction. Do they offer a support group for that or a sponsor of some kind? Anyhoo, I will be back soon. In the meantime, I will continue with my voyeuristic obsession and will be peering into your lives.

Graduation Day

2007-05-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Saturday was Tom's graduation and it was a perfect day. Sunny and warm. A little too warm. It made for a hot and long ceremony with all of us getting sunburns. I have to be the worst mother when it comes to sunscreen. Something I need to work on. After the ceremony Tom and I and the girls went here for lunch and had a very pleasant time. Mostly because we weren't trying to entertain Nolan the entire time. He was able to stay at home with MeeMee and PawPaw and go watch a soccer game and have lunch with them. Thank Goodness. It was a nice ceremony and I am so proud of him. I know I have said that before, but I am proud of him and very proud to be his wife. Tom and I are both very blessed to have each other and three beautiful, happy, witty and loving kids. The girls and I were talking about daddy graduating from college and Janey said to Tom; "When do you graduate from work?" Oh sweetie, if only we could all do that. Tom mumbled, "In about 40 years!" This is Saturday in photos;

Oh, I had a fantastic Mother's Day as well. Some of my goodies include; a mini rose bush to plant in hopefully a week and a half in our NEW FLOWER BED at OUR HOUSE!! YEAH!!! a clay sun made by my most artistically talented girl Chloe, a picture from my equally talented Janey girl of her hand print in the shape of a flower growing, lots of kisses and hugs from Nolan, the girls and Tom, and last but certainly not least, breakfast in bed. Seriously. I was woke up by Janey whispering Happy Mother's Day in my ear while waving a banana in my face, to then seeing Chloe holding a plate with an omelet and toast and Tom with grapefruit juice and my morning elixir of coffee. I am such a lucky girl!! I hope you all had a great weekend.

I am a Mom because of them...

2007-05-11T13:13:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some poems and thoughts for all the Mother's who happen upon my little corner of the world here. For Mother's old or new, learning or old-hands, mother's in waiting, or mother's dreaming. Mothers of children holding their hands or in their hearts. I hope you all have a day full of love and laughter, sunshine and bubbles, kisses and hugs but most importantly time with the ones that make us Moms.

The Miracle of Love
Author: Maureen Hawkins
Before you were conceived I wanted you before you were born I loved you before you were an hour old I would die for you

This is the miracle of love.

Being Your Mother
Author: Barbara Cage
Being your Mother means that I have had the opportunity to experience loving someone more than I love myself.

I have learned what it's like to experience joy and pain through someone else's life.

It has brought me pride and joy;your accomplishments touch me and thrill me like no one else's can.

It has brought me a few tears and heartaches at times,but it has taught me hope and patience.

It has shown me the depth,strength, and power of love.

Being your mother hasn't always been easy,and I'm sure I've said or done things that have hurt or confused you. But no one has ever made me as satisfied as you do just by being happy.

No one has made me as proud as you do just by living up to your responsibilities.

No one's smile has ever warmed my heart like yours does;no one's laughter fills my heart with delight as quickly as yours can.

No one's hugs feel as sweet,and no one's dreams mean as much to me as yours do.

No other memories of bad times have miraculously turned into important lessons or humorous stories;the good times have become precious treasures to relive again and again.

You are a part of me,and no matter what happened in the past or what the future holds,you are someone I will always accept,forgive, appreciate, adore,and love unconditionally.

Being your mother means that I've been given one of life's greatest gifts: you.

Happy Mother's Day.

Zoo, Zoo the wonderful Zoo!!!!!

2007-05-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

Today's adventure took us to the zoo. Janey's preschool class had a trip to the zoo and I was able to tag along. The preschool program that she is in is through a local joint vocational school and the "teachers" are high school kids who are in the child development program. So the trip today was a learning experience for them as well as for the little ones. I got to enjoy myself while Janey's assigned student teacher did all the work!! Her and I had a lot of fun together, just the two of us. I guess now I have to figure out something Nolan and I can do on our own since I was able to do COSI w/Chloe and now the zoo w/Janey.

We did buy a zoo pass, so if anyone wants to meet up at the zoo I am all for it. We have been talking about a trip to the Cinci Zoo and maybe the Indianapolis Zoo. I have heard they have a great zoo.This snake is the largest snake in captivity. It was HUGE!!! I swear it could swallow Tom whole. I really wanted it to stretch out so I could see it in it's entirety, but it was napping which is what a lot of the animals were doing.
This is Janey's boyfriend Ethan. She says that she is going to marry him and he is in full agreement. I have decided if they do end up getting married some day, this picture will accompany the invitation!!
We were disappointed in the zoo today. There were no giraffes or zebras. And what did Janey want to see at the zoo?!? Giraffes, zebras and frogs! They are revamping the zoo and they moved the giraffes and zebras to The Wilds and I was told that they won't return until 2010. How upsetting! I love the giraffes!
We have a jammed-pack weekend! Tom has his graduation on Saturday and we are taking the girls so they can watch their Daddy graduate. Nolan will be staying at home with MeeMee. Then we are headed to a nice lunch then to Tom's cousin's Quinceanera . There is a special Mass and then a reception/celebration. I haven't been to one of these before, so it will be interesting and I am sure it will be fun!!

Fun at COSI

2007-05-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend. Yesterday was such a long day, that I don't remember much about Saturday. Chloe did have a soccer game Saturday morning and then we took the kids to lunch and they came home and played outside. Tom and I rented 'The Pursuit of Happyness'. It was a good movie. It was depressing a sad most of the time, but that was easy to get over when you know that currently he is a millionaire. It was a good flick and I happen to have a crush on Will Smith. Not the same feelings I feel about him or him. Yum!(Those two are in fantasies that involve dark bars, too much wine and dark alleys) Um excuse me,I need a second......... Okay, Will Smith is more of a crush. Anyway, totally off the subject, rent it , it was a good movie.

Chloe and Janey dressed and ready to go to Chloe's Sock Hop at school. I made both of their outfits, thank you very much!!!

Sunday at COSI was full of discoveries, science, archeology and adventures. Chloe and I had so much fun, and it was wonderful to spend the day with just her. She is a budding scientist who has a love for learning. I love that about her.
The above picture was taken after she went on her archaeological dig and she found an artifact to clean and study. Doesn't my little nerd look so adorable!!!!
This was in Progress or better known as 'The Streets of Yesteryear'. We played pinball in a 50's dinner, sat in horse carriages, saw ourselves as news reporters on black and white tv's and got to stand in an actual telephone booth. Strange, my kids will never see a telephone both on any given street.

They had so many exhibits at COSI; Ocean, Life, Science, a real adventure looking for ancient pieces in a cave to solve the mystery so we could receive the gift of knowledge( I felt like Indiana Jones!) But Chloe's favorite exhibit was Gadgets. They had to lift themselves while on a chair using a pulley system. It is harder than you think. Just take a look at my girls strength and concentration!! She also had to opportunity to try and build a bridge and learn about physics and the law of gravity. Oh yeah, she and I lifted a car off the ground as well. Just call us She-Ra and mini She-Ra!!

The most WONDERFUL day of the week....

2007-05-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

I love Thursdays. No, I ADORE Thursdays!!! I like them more than Fridays, Saturdays and even Sundays. I don't really care for Sundays that much as it is. I think my college roomie over at Party of Four coined one of the best phrases, "Sick Sunday." How many years later(um, 12 years Holy Crap!!!) and I still use that phrase when describing something. Thanks Amanda. But back to Thursdays. I have always loved Thursdays. The weekend is right around the corner. But it is more than that. In college, Thursdays were the best night to go out to the bars dancing. It was the kick-off to the weekend. Now, I love my Thursdays because of the little tradition between Tom and I. Every Thursday we have good tv, a good bottle of wine and some, er, ahem, "grown-up" time. Not that we are prudes and schedule our time like this, it is something that has just happened. Nor, is it the only time we have "grown-up" time, but it something we both look forward to every week. Yea, I think I will shut up now! But seriously, I love Thursday's!

We have a busy weekend filled. Soccer tomorrow and some work on the house on our part. Speaking of the house, we are in the home stretch. The painters are there today as well as the plumber. The plumber will be putting our bathroom sink and tub fixtures and toilets in today and tomorrow. Next week, they will be finishing up the trim, installing the carpet, grading the yard and putting down the sod. I think, I THINK I finally see the end in sight. Hallelujah!!!!

Sunday, Chloe and I get to spend the whole day at COSI with her Brownie Troop and then to The Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner. I haven't been to COSI in 13 years and it has been longer since I have been to The Spaghetti Warehouse. Hopefully, they are both still good!! I hope you all have a weekend filled with sunshine, science, discoveries and electrofield-whatever spheres!! I know I will!!

The fascination begins young

2007-05-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

Nolan is such a sweet and loving little guy. He is also hysterical; a bright and budding comedian. He is obsessed with trucks, cars, trains,planes and the like. He is also crazy about giving hugs. And most recently, has a fondness for his penis. Yes, it has happened. He is becoming a little man. We have taught him the correct word for it, except he has a hard time saying it, and refers to it as "pepis".
The other day while I was changing his diaper(which by the way, he needs to get out of) he said, "Hi, pepis" Fine, I am okay with that. But then he decides to incorporate another thing he is fond of and says, "Hug pepis?" Um, what do you say to that? I guess it is true, everything will play second fiddle to a pepis when it comes to the male species.

*i didn't know if i should post this for fear of what sickos may happen upon this blog, and also for what it may do to my boy and my therapy costs down the road*

Blah, Blah, Blah

2007-04-30T12:20:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we had. It was relaxing and the weather was beautiful! Tom went and purchased his cap and gown for graduation on the 12th and then we drank cold Corona's with limes and had pizza for dinner. Yum!!! Something about warm, sunny weather makes me crave a Corona. Sunday after church we played around outside with kids and did nothing. It was fantastic! Tonight, Tom and I are having a mini date night with dinner out and shopping for stuff for the house!(surprise, surprise) We have a ridiculously busy month approaching us. Tom's graduation, a trip to COSI with Chloe's Brownie Troop, a trip to the Zoo with Janey's class, moving, end of the school year wrap-ups, Janey's pre-school graduation just to name a few. Why does everything have to happen at once? I hope everyone had a sun-filled, relaxing and fun weekend!

ME

2007-04-27T12:24:00.000-05:00

this is how i feel. like the rock above. i feel as though i am just sitting here not going anywhere, but as i sit there all these beautiful things are growing around me. i kept tom up late last night running my mouth about how i have been feeling lately and how i feel the need to re-invent myself. i have been a wife for almost 10 years and a mother for 7. i feel as though i have "lost" myself. who i am, what i believe, what i want to do. my wants and dreams and desires. i know we all have places we want to see or things we want to do. i have a list in my mind that is a zillion miles long of places i am waiting to travel to. i LOVE being a wife and a mother and i wouldn't trade either of them for anything in the world, but i need just a little bit more. there are three things specifically that i have an unstifling urge to do. first and foremost, i want to get fit. yes, i am overweight and flabby. (thank you my lovely children) but it is more than getting into a size 6 or looking good in a bathing suit. i want to be fit and lean and healthy. i want to RUN in a marathon. Seriously, i was as shocked by the urge to do this as much as you who know me probably are. i have always said, i don't run unless someone is chasing me. now, i love a good fast paced walk, but a runner i am not. so, now i need to figure out how to get lean and fit and healthy and how to train for a marathon, all with three young children to take care of. i am taking suggestions.
the next change i am wanting to make, is an educational change. i want to go back to school. Chloe and i had a conversation the other day about college and how living arrangements work and i was telling her a little about my college days, being careful not to divulge incriminating information about those years or to give her ideas for when she does get there. she said, "but you don't DO anything mommy" Huh, wha..., i don't!!!! I said to her I am a mommy to you and Janey and Nolan. to which she says, "but you don't have a job." so now, i am more determined to go back to school to show my girls that they can have a college degree, a career and be a mommy. it is so okay to be a feminist while staying at home to raise children. i want them to know that they can have it all if they want, and what better way to tell them that, then to lead by example.
lastly, the other component i am wanting to incorporate in my life is to find a cause that i am passionate about and that i believe in, and volunteer my time for that organization. i do volunteer at Chloe's school and at our church, but i want to help in a bigger way. we have talked about taking chloe to a shelter and have us all help in some way or another. but again, i want to lead by example. i really want to help people that need it. i feel like i still have a lot to give.

maybe all this is coming to head as i slowly realize that am a 31. time isn't slowing down or standing still, instead it is travelling at speeds that i have never experienced before. i know i am young, but i don't want 41 to come and go and say "oh, i still have time, i am ONLY 41!" then 51, 61, so on and so on. that can't happen.
if you are still reading this, i apologize for the kind of post this is. but maybe if i put these desires and goals out there i will be sure to follow through with them. after all, i am already 31 and time is just a ticking away...........

update

2007-04-26T08:07:00.000-05:00

an update on my friend; she had a little boy yesterday at around 4:00pm. He was just shy of 500 grams. I spoke with her last night and they were able to decrease his oxygen to 30%, so he was breathing some on his own. Wonderful news!! Unfortunately, he does have a tough road ahead of him and he has to meet quite a few benchmarks before he will be able to go home. She told me that they most likely will discharge him closer to his due date which is in late August. Thank you to all who prayed for her and the baby. Miracles do happen. Oh, they named him Luke.
We have had an uneventful week. Just counting down the days until the house is finished. Which, couldn't happen sooner. I know I have bitched and moaned about this many times, but seriously, i think I am on the verge of crazy here. I feel like Melvin Udoll(sp?) in As Good As it Gets when the lady comes knocking and he tells her to sell crazy somewhere else, because he is all stocked up at his place. That sums up how I feel. I don't think I can take much more. On a positive note, they have begun to lay the wood floor and all the flooring is in in the upstairs bathrooms and laundry room. The cabinets and counter tops are in, the fireplace is done and the doors and trim are all painted. So really, it is finishing the floors, installing the fixtures, finishing the plumbing. Hopefully, only 2-3 more weeks at the most! We are going by tonight with the camera so I will post some pictures tomorrow.
So excited for this evening, it is a bottle of wine and Grey's Anatomy night! Yipee!!

prayers for a friend

2007-04-24T13:27:00.000-05:00

I have been terrible about blogging recently. So sorry. Today I am asking for prayers and positive thoughts for a friend and her baby. She is a friend of mine since high school and she is expecting a little boy(due date in Aug). She was at a routine U/S yesterday and was told that some of the babies measurements are behind. Specifically his legs and arms and the placenta is dying. She is 24 weeks along and unless they have to do an emergency c-section today due to a lowering heartbeat, they are taking the baby tomorrow via c-section. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for her as so many doctors are getting her hopes up to then crush them with worse case scenarios. They also have a little girl that is 4 and friends with Chloe and Janey. Please, if you will, say a little prayer for her and the baby. I know that they have miraculous neonatal care now, but all the prayers you can give would be so very appreciated.

SPC #3 My Secret Weapon

2007-04-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting back on track with the Self Portrait Challenge this week. April's challenge is all about body parts. Even the ones that may wobble a bit. Now, after three kids not a lot of my parts DON"T wobble. I chose to photograph what I feel are one of my best assets. My chest. Boobs, tiddies, tits, puppies, breasts, um, humps?! Whatever you want to call them. More specifically I chose to photograph my cleavage. I didn't really want to completely expose myself and I needed to keep it PG.

My cleavage or chest has really done a lot for me over the years. Funny, I know. I did get made fun of them when I was younger because I developed before all my friends did, but then I became the object of all of their envy as we got a little older! I have gotten free drinks with them in the past, especially handy when you are a poor college student!! They have nourished all three of my children. And they still make my hubby hot for me. Yes, they aren't as perky as they once were *whimper whimper cry* They probably aren't as pretty as they were when I was 17, but by golly they are mine and they are real!

It's my turn to play!

2007-04-13T06:50:00.000-05:00

Amanda at ~Party of Four~ tagged me. It is my first real tag. I stole something like this awhile back. So here it goes.........

What are five things that make you automatically happy?

1. Seeing Tom come home from work.

2. The sun.

3. My kids all playing nice together.

4. Unexpectedly hearing a really good song come on.

5. Road trips.

What are five things that give you physical pleasure?

1. Um, not sure if I should say it, but S.E.X

2. Drinking good wine

3. The first cup of coffee in the AM

4. Walking

5. A foot rub from my hubby.

What re five things that make you immediately angry?

1. Bad drivers!!

2. Nolan's screechy screaming that he has taken to doing recently

3. People that take up the entire aisle w/their cart or just themselves.

4. The media.

5. *See previous post*

What are five things that make you automatically sad?

1. The thought of anything happening to my family.

2. Children who become sick with a terminal illness.

3. Cancer

4. Thinking of my children growing up in a world filled w/fear and hatred.

5. Seeing my babies grow up at the blink of an eye.

I tag you Mollie and anyone else who may want to play! Have a great weekend people! Peace, love and happiness!

What are things coming to?

2007-04-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

I am treating my blog as a place where I can keep friends up to date on our life and my kids. But I also treat it as a soap box that I can climb upon and shout out my opinion or viewpoint. Or bitch and gripe. Which ever I feel like doing on any given day. So today's post I am sitting on my soap box and bitchin'. I am so tired, so sick and tired of everything being politically correct. I am all for people being treated equally and being kind to one another and the Golden Rule and the like. But I am tired of people not being allowed this so called freedom of speech that we as Americans supposedly have. There have been so many recent events that have happened that, frankly, are irritating to listen to. I am sure you all know what I am talking about. The media is a joke, and they have to rehash everything. Let's move on people. Thus being one reason I prefer not to watch the news. I don't agree with the things that Imus, or Kramer or that dude from 'Grey's Anatomy' have said, but it is their right to feel or think that way. And it is also everyone's right to listen or not listen to them. Right? I mean I have the ability to change my radio station or the television channel. And I can also choose who I would see in a stand-up show or on stage. Don't we all have that choice? Let me say right now, I am not racist or against any one's sexual preference. I feel all people were created and loved by God and everyone should be treated the same regardless of the things that make us different. Isn't that what makes things so interesting among the human world? Our differences! But could we all just stop walking on eggshells around each other and accept each other. People can be so self-righteous and catty. This judgement goes beyond race and sexual orientation. It goes into different religions, different political views, varying income levels and even working mothers versus stay at home mothers. We all think we do things better than the next. Why can't we all just accept the fact we are different, with different opinions and feelings, but we all want the same thing, to be accepted and loved and have a little place in this world that we feel safe and that we can call our home. Let's move on already!!!! I am now hopping down off my box. Thanks for the gripe session.

Will it EVER be done?!?!

2007-04-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

I am seriously needing this house of ours to done. The old saying, "You can never go home again", is so flippin' true. I think I am going to lose it. Not only am I sick again, but now with a stomach thing or food poisoning (I am not sure which it is) but living here is driving me batty. I need this house to be done. We just received the word Monday that the tentative completion date is May 22nd. Son of a ........... Please hurry workers. I feel like time is just barely ticking along.
The great room and fireplace

The master soaker bathtub

My Boudoir (oh, and Tom's too)
The kitchen sans cabinets or anything else for that matter
Tomorrow is another day, and it will be better. Maybe that should be my new mantra. Yes, I think it will be.

It's April!! NO MORE SNOW!!!!

2007-04-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

We had a busy, packed, COLD weekend!! The pictures of Chloe playing soccer are from last week. It was too cold and snowy for them to play this last Saturday! Even though it was snowing and cold, we dyed our Easter Eggs on Saturday and celebrated my Dad's birthday. We were all going to go out to dinner(14 people in all), but thankfully he decided he would be just as happy ordering pizza and celebrating at home. I was not looking forward to doing the nice restaurant thing with the kids and having to keep Nolan entertained while 14 dinners were prepared and then having to keep him sitting still while everyone enjoyed their dinners. I don't know if all boys are like this, but no joke, he eats all of his dinner in three maybe four huge mouth fulls and he is done and on to something else. Needless to say, I was happy about staying home where he can go and play when he is done eating.
We woke up Sunday morning to a snow covered ground and thinking that Santa had come, not the Easter bunny! The kids found their hidden Easter baskets and the eggs that the bunny hid, and then proceeded to gorge themselves on chocolate for breakfast before church. It's the only day they are allowed to eat candy for breakfast, I swear! After church, we had an Easter egg hunt outside bundled in our winter coats and boots. The kids still enjoyed themselves and loved their treats
Hopefully, the weather breaks soon and we get some of those sunny 75 degree days back. I am feeling down in the dumps with this yucky weather and the fact that I am not in my own home doesn't help matters either. I am officially in a funk. And I need a swift kick in my ass to get out of it.
I hope you all had a great Easter weekend and that you were are able to keep warm. I promise to myself, next week I will get back on track with the Self-Portrait Challenge. I find that I am missing doing them. I need some sort of creative outlet in my life!!
"Gotta get more eggs!!!"

They got me!!

2007-04-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

The yucky, blucky germ bugs that is. I thought I had gotten off pretty lucky. I mean three kids and I never once got sick all winter. No, instead it decides to rear it's ugly head in Spring. Saturday afternoon I started to feel kinda achy and my throat was scratchy and I knew it was coming. Sure enough, shortly before the game I was bundled in clothes and two blankets w/ a temp of 102. So we didn't get to our friends house to watch the game, instead we stayed home and I watched it in and out of conciseness. Sunday was worse. But let me tell you how wonderful my husband and kids are. Chloe made me so many cards and pictures and Janey kept rubbing my head and telling me that she loved me. My poor little guy kept wanting to give me kisses and didn't understand why I wouldn't let him. And then there is that better half of mine. He did everything for the kids and me. He even took yesterday off from work so I could rest and he would be there for the kids. Then took the girls to Chloe's schools last skating party for the year. How on earth did I get so lucky? I did end up going to the doctors yesterday and it is strep throat. I don't react well to strep. It completely sucks all the energy from my body. And don't you just love how drinking something as simple as water feels like swallowing shards of glass?! Needless to say, I have no pics to share today, unless you all would like to see the loveliness that is going on in my throat? No?! Trust me it's a sight! The great thing is I have lost 5 lbs in just 3 days! BONUS!!!!

I really wanted to participate in the newest SPC. Hopefully next week I will have a picture for it. Hope you all are healthy and germ-free!

I am NOT 21 anymore

2007-03-30T07:28:00.000-05:00

I am, er, huh, well 31 now!!! Not feeling so hot this AM. Drank too much wine last night while watching one of the oddest movies I've seen in awhile. We watched this, and yes it was odd, but it wasn't bad. It was funny at times and Annette Benning did a pretty good job playing a loony.
We have a grown-ups only night out tonight. Gee, that sounds like we are headed to a swingers party or something. That we are not! We are going out to dinner just Tom and I to have a quiet celebration for him finishing graduate school and then we are meeting his class at a bar to have a bigger celebration. I know he won't like me saying this, but I am so proud of him. And I am so lucky to call him my husband and my best friend. He is smart, funny, giving, loving and he makes me happy. The kids are blessed to have him, and he is a great Daddy. Okay, now that he is pissed that I said those things, I am done raving about him. I love you honey, and I am so proud.....
We are also going to get some stuff tonight for the "Easter Bunny" to leave for the kids. I love Easter! We don't do much candy in their baskets, but instead a toy, a book, maybe an outfit or pj's and then a chocolate bunny and a handful of jelly beans.
Saturday Chloe has her first soccer game of the season and Tom is doing some work on the house. They are going to start drywall on Monday! Whooyoo!!!!! I SO want the house to be done! Then Saturday night we are going to friends house for pizza, beer and the Buckeyes! It should be fun. I know this post is all over the place, but it is Friday and remember I am suffering from a sulfates or tannins headache. Whichever of those two causes wine headaches. I can't remember which one it is. Have a good weekend people. Peace!

Sisterly Love

2007-03-29T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am beginning to see a new relationship blossom from my girls. Yes, they still fight and pester each other. But when they don't think I am watching I see them really take care of each other and love each other. They laugh, they hold hands, they play, they giggle, they get sad when the other gets punished. They have an incredible bond. I knew when we were going to have another baby after Chloe that I wanted her to have a sister. I wanted them to have each other for their whole lives, when Tom and I may not be here anymore. I look forward to the times and moments and secrets they will share as they get older. They are so lucky to have each other to lean on, to ask questions, to protect each other, to cry to and to talk with. I hope they will be the best of friends forever.........

"You can't think how I depend on you, and when your not there the color goes out of my life."

-Virginia Woolf--- to her sister

Day three of Spring Break was another winner. We did have some rain so we spent the day at the mall. We did some spring clothes shopping, had some lunch and enjoyed the stroll. They were all wonderfully behaved which is a shock considering Nolan loathes to shop and the stroller. But he must have been feelin' sympathetic to his ol' mamma and took it easy on me today. We have a great weekend planned. More to come later.

Spring Break Day 2

2007-03-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

Spring Break Day 2 in pictures..........

Have a great day!!!

SPC Last one for March

2007-03-27T07:09:00.000-05:00

Me and my children; three in one.......

To check out more, click here.

Spring Break Week Day #1

2007-03-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

So far, so good. I was really not looking forward to both the girls being home during this week because of the constant fighting and arguing that they do. But to my surprise they have been playing well together and we even ventured out to the grocery together. It is a beautimas day here. Sunny, breezy 80 degrees. My perfect weather!! We are outside soaking it in now as the rain comes in tonight. That's probably when the girls will begin tormenting each other again and I will begin pulling my hair out!! Thank God it is during the summer that they have 3 months off so they can be outside all the time and fall dead asleep at night. Man, I love summer!!!!! I will continue tomorrow about our Spring Break week. Oh, by the way... GO BUCKS!!

On Birds:

Chloe: "What is that sound outside?"

Me: "It sounds like it is the fountain and maybe a woodpecker."

Janey: "I've never seen a pecker before!"

Good! Let's keep it that way for awhile!!

Holy Mother Mary and Oden??

2007-03-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

Did you see it? I have to confess, I did not!! At half time when they were down by like 14 or so points I went to bed. I don't enjoy watching games when I think they are bound to lose. This morning when I got up, I said to my mom, "So the Bucks lost." And then she tells me that they won by ONE POINT!! Holy Crap, what a comeback!! Matta must have had some incredibly inspiring words for them in the locker rooom. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall during that speech. I bet it would make anybody feel like they could accomplish anything!

I was thinking today while I was driving that I feel sorry for those people who aren't Buckeyes! What a great school and athletic program to support. There is so much pride that goes into being a Buckeye that it gives me goosebumps to think about or write about. I ALWAYS get the goosebumps and I even tear up when I hear the band play the Fight Song. ( I sure hope it played for you all to enjoy!) Didn't you get the chills!!!! If you didn't you aren't human!

I didn't know if we were doing much this weekend, but now I know that my butt will be planted on the couch Saturday at 4pm with a yummy Sierra Nevada in hand!!! Have a great weekend all and GO BUCKS!!!!!!

Drum Roll Please........

2007-03-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

Prttttttttttttttttt............................

Here is our house!!!! There are some bare places up by the attic windows and around the porch pilars because those two parts aren't sided but they will have matching shake shingles. I am so anxious to get into our house. I have already begun decorating in my head! April is just around the corner!

Liar, liar pants on fire!

2007-03-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am a terrible mother. I have started telling lies to my children so they will behave better. We, or really just me; have been telling the girls that every time they lie or fail to tell the truth, their nose will grow. Only a tiny bit, but the more they tell the bigger it gets. And it will shrink back if they go a long period of time without telling a fib. Also, I have been misinforming them that if they do not listen to their Daddy and Mommy, their ears will grow. I know, I know I am terrible! But you want to know something?!? IT IS WORKING!!!!!!! We have been having potty issues with Janey and her just not wanting to go. So now, whenever she feels like she has to go potty, she runs up to me and says,"Mommy, is my nose growing?" To which I reply, "Do you have to potty?, because it is growing a little bit." And off she runs to the bathroom. Why, oh why did I not think of the ridiculously simple solution before? Now, if I can just get Nolan to understand what I am saying!

In other news, we have siding on our house! I am so flippin' excited! And they have begun the process to pour our basement. They work so backwards to me. But what the hell do I know about building a house?! I am so glad we picked the color that we did for the siding. It is like a sageish gray with white trim. (I will post pics tomorrow) I was afraid that we wouldn't like the color once it went up on the house. I am actually afraid that we won't like other color choices that we made either. It is so hard to pick a color from a 12 inch square that will cover an entire two-story house, or the floor of all the rooms. Yes, that little square looks quite pretty, but what will it look like when you see a much larger scale of it? Fortunately, we are liking this first choice .
This is the second to last night of class for Tom!! Next week is his last week, and he just completed his last paper..... FOREVER!!!!!!! I am so excited and proud of him. I can't imagine doing the work he has done for this MBA, plus a full-time job, plus 3 kids, plus moving, plus building a house, plus, plus, plus=stress, stress, stress!!!!!! But he is done, with like a 3.7 GPA or close to that, something I never saw in college!! Hope everyone is having a warm and sunny and happy week!

SPC What we are......

2007-03-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

I believe that whenever we cross paths with someone, we take a little bit of them with us. The good and the bad. We are a product of our enviroment and surroundings. We are made up of many feelings, thoughts and emotions. We are individuals but all connected to one another.

(click on the picture to enlarge it and see all the pictures "I" am made with)

for more SPC click here

let's move on people

2007-03-19T11:16:00.000-05:00

i know i am a little late with this, but what is the fascination with famous people and their lives? if i have to hear another report or news program about Anna Nicole i think my head may explode! yes, it is a tragedy that she died and yes i feel bad for that poor baby of hers, but enough already!!! here is my take on things; howard k. stern made sure that her son overdosed on whatever drugs he was into and then soon after married her in a committment ceremony so it "looked" like they were a couple and it was his baby (plus i think he had her totally f*d up on drugs ALL the time so she didn't know her ass from a hole in the ground) and then murdered her, thinking that all of her money would come rolling his way because he would obviously get custody of the baby. moving on, who cares what britney spears drinks in rehab? in the paper this morning it said, "britney spears drinks 24 cans of coke a day while in rehab, no wonder she is the 'pop' princess" who gives a flying *bleep*! at least she is staying in rehab and getting help. (another two little kids that i feel sorry for) these so called reporters have to make life so shitty for people in the limelight. you can't be too fat (like a size 8!!) because then your are just nasty and constantly called 'full-figured' and you can't be too thin because you are ostracized and most likely a druggie. forget every having a relationship, because if God forbids it doesn't work out, you will be on the cover of US weekly and so will the stripper that caused the split. of all the wishes i could think of if a genie appeared and would grant me three, NEVER would 'being famous' cross these lips of mine. i don't have thick enough skin.
*tomorrows bitch session; "American Idol" One gigantic popularity contest and how it strips hopefuls of any talent and completely takes away creativeness from the music world!! in my opinion of course.

New Relaxation Techniques courtesy of Chloe

2007-03-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

(the scene: getting ready for bed)

Chloe: "Look Mommy, I can do yoda!"

Happy St. Patty's Day to all.

May the Luck O' The Irish be with you today!

Gratefulness

2007-03-16T12:08:00.000-05:00

I am making a list of all things that I am grateful for today. I have seen other bloggers do this and I think it is a great way to keep perspective.

kisses from my little man
Cadbury Dark chocolate eggs
foot rubs from my hubby
Yellow Tale Reserve Shiraz
seeing the trees budding
large nonfat lattes(w/cinnamon) YUM!
hugs from my Janey girl
walking through Target for two hours today while Janey was at school
seeing the flowers start to bloom
the sun on my face
my new sunglasses
listening to Chloe read to me
the library and the way it smells
the spring air
seeing the springy Easter colors in the store
movie night tonight!!

On a side note: I would LOVE any reading recommendations from those of you that peer into my little corner of the world. I want some enlightening reading that leaves me wanting more. Have a relaxing and cozy weekend!

Sweet Jane, Sweet Sweet Jane

2007-03-15T07:19:00.000-05:00

Today is all about my girl Janey. She and I spent some time outside yesterday afternoon for some nature, fresh air and some lovely picture taking. Let me to you a little about Jane. She is the most stubborn child I have ever met! One of the major personality traits that i love about her. Yes, she pushes my buttons and she frustrates me, but I know that one day her stubbornness will serve her well.

She can be hysterically funny. She gets this little goofy thing about her that will make you go from being upset with her to smiling and laughing. She is so curious about everything, especially nature and bugs . She is not your typical girl. She does love her doll babies and Polly Pockets, but she can't resist a good mud puddle or an ant hill to observe for hours.

She loves to cook. Or more so, the idea of cooking. When I prepare her lunch for her, she has to concoct it into something very different from the PB&J and carrots. She also loves birthdays(it doesn't matter whose). Her and I often sing "Happy Birthday" in front of a cake she has made complete with candles from said PB&J and carrots. She loves, loves, loves to watch Food TV with me, especially Giada and Paula.

She goes by many nicknames i.e. Janey-Do, skeeter, skipper(she insists on skipping wherever we go instead of walking) scamper and my favorite Mini-Me. She is a spitting image of me when I was a little girl. Plus, it is most likely my fault she has the fore mentioned stubbornness. I love her to pieces. She loves her brother and sister. She fights with them and Mother Hens Nolan, but she truly loves them and she shows them that everyday. I can't wait to see what she becomes as she grows and matures. I do know that she will be great at whatever she chooses to do. She is my daughter. I am so utterly blessed

While watching Giada today at "rest" time.

Janey: What is she cookin' Mommy.

Me: I think it is a pork roast in a yummy looking wine sauce.

(Giada then begins to chop dried figs to add to the simmering sauce)

Janey: Eewww! Is that poop?!

Me:(hahahahahahahah)No baby, they are figs. kinda like big raisins.

Janey: Well it looks like she is chopping poop.

Me: Yes babe, it does kinda look like poop.

Note to self : *Never argue with this child*

Welcome to Parenting 101

2007-03-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

Do any of you remember 1st grade? What did you learn? What did you do? Well I don't remember everything, but I do remember some things. Like I remember a little boy named Clay and I used to play Star Wars during recess. I, of course was Princess Lea (buns and all) and he was Luke Skywalker and we did a fantabulous rendition of our version of the movie. I also got my ears pierced in 1st grade. I was beginning to read simple books and learning the correct way to form my letters and even spell simple words. We were learning basic addition, but nothing too much into double digit solutions. Why this subject matter you ask? Let me enlighten you all as to what 1st graders do in the year 2007. Chloe is now reading books that have a few paragraphs on each page, she is writing multi-syllable words and forming her writing into sentences and even pages. She is doing adding and subtracting into the double digits, greater than and less than sums, WORD problems and the real kicker came tonight........FRACTIONS!!!! What the hell is up with that?!?! I knew when she was going into 1st grade that things were tougher and a bit more 'survival of the fittest' than when I was her age, but come on! FRACTIONS! Maybe I am just living in the dark and this is a common thing with 6 and 7 year olds now, but I was a little surprised when that came out of her homework folder tonight. On the subject of homework, the poor kid(on a nightly basis) has a word page that she has to write different words that are listed, math homework handouts, a book to read, plus questions to answer about the book, and now poetry homework. EVERY NIGHT!! I don't think I did that much homework in High School. College maybe. Man, she better get into a top rated college! For all of you who's kiddos are just young toddlers or preschoolers, this is what you have to look forward to. I am assuming by the time Nolan is in 1st grade he will be bringing home the Periodic table and Macbeth. I better start brushing up on my Shakespeare now. Now where did I last store those Cliff notes?
On a happier note, today was a BEAUT!!!!!! I think it got up to almost 80 today. It was so nice. I love that first sunbeam of spring on my face. In all it's warm and golden goodness. It warms me through to my soul. And after a cold and frigid winter, it is long overdue. I know, I know, it is going to get cold again, but today was enough to carry me through a few more days of cold and drab. I hope you all had some sunshine in your day and you were able to go and run through its rays!

SPC Offtype

2007-03-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

I haven't participated in a Self Portrait Challenge in awhile, so I thought I would give it a shot for a "be creative" challenge.

I am wanting to change myself in many ways, but one way in particular is to be more happy and less angry, more calm, peaceful, patient, reflective and not so quick to lose my patience. This picture represents how I am feeling about myself lately....mad and pissed-off. I am going to change that.

Monday Monday

2007-03-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

I just have to say that it is 55 degrees right now, and tomorrow it is going to be 70!!! Hallelujah! Spring has Sprung!! Unfortunately, not for long. Son of a...... !!!!! We took the kiddos to an awesome playground yesterday and they also rode their bikes and scooters on the path nearby. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Then they begged us to go out again after dinner, and with it still being warm and light out, how could we not oblige!!! Come on nice weather for good!
Our trip to Pitt was quite an adventure. Being newbies to shop at an Ikea, I felt as though I was going to an amusement park. The parking lot was huge and there were flags everywhere waving in the wind crying out, "Ikea, Ikea, Ikea!" Then we actually entered the store with mobs of people. I think Tom and I touched almost everything in the place because we could not believe how cheap the stuff was. I think we were both thinking as soon as we touched it or shook the furniture they would just fall apart into heaps of particle board. Not so! We ended up with a bed for us, a dresser, 2 nightstands, drawer units for our walk-in closet, a dresser for Nolan, a mirror, sheets, curtains, a down comforter and some other odds and ends for a mere $875!!! Holy crap! Can that be possible? I just hope between the two of us we can manage to put it all together! I will be shopping from them again, but not until the one that they are building closer to us is finished next spring.
Moving on to Janey. Things seem to be fine with her. The Dr said that based on preliminary readings of the x-ray it doesn't appear to be reflux. That is great, because now we won't have to have her on low dose antibiotics until she is 5 or 6. I don't like antibiotics and only want the kids to take them if it is absolutely necessary. My poor baby had to endure a catheter, which was awful for her. But stickers and a Graeter's ice cream cone made it all better. My brave, brave big girl. I am very proud of her.
For those of you that asked, the Tooth Fairy brought Chloe $1 each for her bottom teeth that she lost, but she must have felt generous for that first front top tooth, because that generated $2 whole dollars under her pillow!! Talk about inflation! I think the most I ever got was 50 cents!!

*edited to add.* Janey's ped just called and said although there were no signs of reflux, there seemed to be some calcification of her right kidney, and we have to take her back to Children's in a month for another ultrasound on her kidneys. I have no idea what calcification is. Off to search it on WebMD......

Toothless and nothin much Thursday

2007-03-08T15:57:00.000-05:00

Chloe has lost one of her upper front teeth. It happened a week or so ago, but again, me being lazy with the camera has just shot a picture of it. She is growing up so fast, and I love that little space in the front of her mouth. The Tooth Fairy was very good to her and Chloe was very much delighted! We are anxiously awaiting the other to loosen up and fall out.

Today we received the first of our movies through the Blockbuster thing like netflix. Let me just say, that it is another thing that I could become hooked on. I do feel like a lazy piece of you-know-what, getting rented movies shipped to our home, But come on, it is frickin' genius!! Wish I would have thought of the concept!!!! So tonight after ballet and dinner and homework, Tom and I are relaxing to a bottle of Shiraz and "The Last Kiss" I have been wanting to see this for awhile now because I like Zach Braff. Scrubs could almost be one of the funniest shows! I can't wait for 8:30!!
We also received this and this. I have heard good things about both of them. So again a movie weekend for us. But most importantly a grown-ups only trip to Pitt for that Ikea shopping spree!!! Can't wait!!

This morning before school

One last thing, I would like all the positive thoughts and prayers for Janey tomorrow. We have to take her to Children's Hospital for a test to make sure that her bladder and kidneys are all functioning normal. It involves a catheter, dye, an x-ray and NO sedatives!! I hope she cooperates with the Radiologists and it can be over in a snap!!!

Weekend Rundown

2007-03-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

We had a nice somewhat relaxing weekend. Chloe is having to go to Saturday school for three Saturdays in a row to make up the calamity days our district used for the cold and snow and ice we had. Saturday school days suck. I feel bad sending her 6 days a week! I don't think she is going next Saturday because Tom and I are headed for Pittsburgh to shop at the Ikea there for the new house. I am SO excited!!!! I wish they would build one closer, but it will only be a 2 1/2 hour drive (one way). Not too bad. especially with no kids in tow.

On Thursday night we had an awards assembly for Chloe's basketball program. It is a program called Upward and it is a Christian based basketball and cheer leading program for kids kindergarten thru 8th grade. It was such an awesome program for her to be a part of and I love how they make all the kids feel as though they have contributed to the success of the team. Well, at the celebration on Thursday they had an Illusionist performing his act. He was a pretty good magician! But he chose Chloe out of tons of kids to be his assistant for part of his act. She is so shy, but she got up there in front of a whole slew of people and did great. Unfortunately, I am a piss-poor mother and I forgot to bring the camera!

Speaking of illusionists, we had a movie weekend and one of the films we watched was The Illusionist with Edward Norton. It was a pretty good movie. I wasn't expecting much from it and I got a pleasant surprise.

The other flick we rented was Babel. Again, a great movie. No disappointments this weekend!! Check them both out.

Kidisms

2007-02-28T20:56:00.000-05:00

I love the conversations that I have with the girls after we have read books and turned the lights off at bedtime. I really should be posting more of them, because they are so honest and sincere and naive but yet so thought out. Monday night we had a conversation that was about monsters and how they aren't real and so the conversation continued;

On Bad People and Incarceration
Me: There are no so thing as monsters. They aren't real and are just something that people make up in stories.
Chloe: Yea, there is no such thing as monsters, just bad people that could take us away from Mommy and Daddy and kill us.
Me: (thinking to myself, "oh a wonderful subject matter right before bed!)
Janey: (obviously scared) People would take us away?!?
Me: Yes, they could, that is why Daddy and I tell you to stay w/us when we go somewhere. But I would NEVER let anyone take you away from us!
Chloe: What would you do?
Me: (really wanting to say "I'd kick their ass") I would punch them in the nose!!!
Janey: You're one brave mother!!!

Then Chloe went on to talk about how the bad person would go to jail and have one of those balls on their foot so they couldn't go anywhere, and how the police wouldn't even have to lock the door, because the ball would keep them in their room!!!

On Love and Marriage

Me: Janey, how old are you going to be when you marry Ethan?
Janey: Um, eleven.
Chloe: You can't get married when you are 11, that is way younger than when you get your drivers license and you wouldn't be able to drive to the church on your wedding day. Plus, that is also probably way before you even pay taxes!

I love how the put things together and the way their minds work. I will have to remember to post more of these. Enjoy my quirky little kids and the things from their mouths!!

Nuttin' Much

2007-02-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

I don't have a whole lot to blog about today, but I do want to post some pics. There are some of Nolan's 2nd B-day party and of the house. It is comin' along. We are about 2 weeks out from drywall. Yeah!!!!!!

Nolan on his new tricycle

I am a Thief!

2007-02-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have been such a lazy blogger, and today is no different. No pictures today either. But I did steal this from a blog that I occasionally lurk on. Nothing too interesting, but quirky little things about myself.

what curse words do you use the most? I say shit way too much, and I know this because Nolan has said it.
do you own an i-pod? YES! Best thing since sliced bread!! I use it when I walk and when I am at the computer and when I am doing dishes I would have it plugged into my hears all the time, if it wasn't rude.
what time is your alarm clock set to? My hubby sets it for 5am, but I don't get up until 6:30ish
would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? I enjoy taking pics, but it is fun trying to take pictures of myself for SPC.
what was the last movie you watched? The Departed. It was a great mobster-esque movie.
what cd is currently in your player? In the car it is a mix CD that I made of lots of Pop stuff. I like to blare it when I am by myself.
do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? neither. I am not much of a milk drinker. The only time I want milk is if I am eating pancakes, which is not that often.
has anyone told you a secret this week? not that i can think of
when was the last time you had Starcrack Starbucks? A LONG time. There isn't one in our area, but I do go here a lot for a nonfat latte.
can you whistle? Whistling is not a talent that I possess! Tom on the other hand can whistle so loud that it hurts my hears. I imagine that is what it feels like to be a dog and hear a dog whistle!!
what are you looking forward to? So many good things that are coming into my life in the next few months. Our house being completed, Tom finishing his MBA, Spring, our vacation to the Outer Banks in June, me starting school again in a few months(hopefully)
did you watch cartoons when you were little? Of course, I grew up in the 80's. That is when cartoons were the best! I loved Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Do( i still watch those with the kids) and the Smurfs, Snorks The Gummy Bears.
do you own any band t-shirts? Yes. The best one is a Huey Lewis and the News shirt that I got at a concert from when I was like 10 or something, and I STILL have it!
what will you be doing in an hour? Playing with Janey and Nolan and getting ready to fix them lunch.
what was the last song you heard? MoneyMaker by Ludacris on my i-pod
last time you cried? this past week. all the stress in my life caused a mild meltdown.
desktop or laptop? we have both, I prefer the laptop.
desiring any new ink? yes, I have something in mind that I would love to see a sketch of . It is much more meaningful than the tattoo I got in college.
what's the weather like? Sunny(YEA!!) Warmer(low 40's) but windy and still tons of yucky black slushy snow.
what were you doing an hour ago? Took Chloe to school and drove by our house. (We have a roof with shingles and all!!!)
how many hours of sleep do you need to function? I could benefit from 8 or 9, but I usually get by 6 or 7.
do you eat breakfast daily? Usually it is just coffee. Sometimes I will eat a little something, but I am not much of a breakfast person. At least not right after I get up.
what did you do last night? went to church for Ash Wednesday and came home and watched OSU men's b-ball.
do you use sarcasm?WAAYY too much. I actually love sarcasm.
do you like mustard? I lOVE mustard. All kinds too. I don't like ketchup, except for on fries.
do you sleep on your side/back/stomach? I start out on my side, but end up on my stomach. I did recently hear that it is best to sleep on your back to help prevent wrinkles, so I have been trying that too. Generally, I am so tired when I get to bed, I could sleep any contortion!
do you watch the news? Not when the kids are around!
how did you get one of your scars? I have a scar on my forehead from when I was little and fell on to a brick fireplace, but the best scars I have are from keeping three little babies warm and safe in my tummy!!

Anyone else want to play??