Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Colt's Last Test before Surgery...
...is today. Please keep us in your thoughts. He is having a CT scan so he will be sedated and it won't be any fun for him at all :(
I will update you when we get home.
I will update you when we get home.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Gee - Thanks Doc!
When I took Colt for his 15 month check up the doctor looked at his forehead (which he has a big one because he is a Lemcool after all) and she said "don't worry - this is normal" WTF! HA! Seriously - I didn't ask if his forehead was abnormal but she felt the need to notice it and point it out and then tell me it was fine. She is a trip!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Why I no longer buy pudding for my house.
Thanks for sending home the treat Grandma! NOT!
*Please pay special attention to the pudding ON the wall and the big glob on his head!*
Thankful
I am thankful that this blog is still here even though I have all but abandoned it :( I have been so busy lately that I haven't thought about the dear ole blog much. But I'mmmmmmmmmmm back!
So how is everyone here you ask?
Jamie is doing great - loves MOST parts of his new job. He worked all season with the local football team (his DREAM!) and they actually won a few games which was a change from the past few years. Whether Jamie had an impact or not...we will never know!
I am busy working, working, working. I have a few challenging students in my room and some days I struggle to stay sane. Most of my class is wonderful though - I am already realizing how much I am going to miss them next year :( They are learning and growing so much and it's awesome to introduce them to a whole new world of reading.
Hunter is doing EXCELLENT! He is doing math at a beginning 1st grade level and his reading is about 3rd semester Kindergarten --- I am amazed at how well he is doing. He is starting to sound things out and write phonetically and the transformation is amazing to watch. He is also growing like a weed!!! We bought him new shoes in August for school and 1 month later we had to buy him new shoes because he OUTGREW them in 30 days. ugh! It has been amusing though to watch him run like a newborn giraffe! lol He is finally getting used to those long legs.
Dane is Dane. I am hoping his strong-willed sense of self will help him later in life because it sure isn't helping him now! He sometimes lives in his own world where he makes the rules and when we try to interfere WATCH OUT! I am sure it is a phase and HOPEFULLY he will be out of it soon - all kids have to test the waters and he is no exception to the rule. When he isn't being so bull-headed he is a very funny kid; very goofy sense of humor. He is also doing well in pre-school - shockingly they say he is shy and reserved there - HA!
Colt is a pistol. He thinks he is one of the big kids and wants to do everything they do. He still doesn't talk much but he gets his point across with pointing, grunting, stomping, etc... He has a smile TO DIE FOR and a giggle that you can't help but smile at. He loves his brothers and is even hugging Hunter as I type this. (until Hunter bucked him off and made him cry! brat!) He has to have surgery in 9 days and my nerves are starting to get the best of me about it. But I know that everything will be fine.
I still truly believe that moving to Kentucky was meant to be. I love our community, I love how close I am to my parents now (see them and interact more) and I love my job more than I thought possible. Jamie sometimes gets frustrated by how much I have to work BUTTTTT I have to remind him that I will have 3 months off in the summer, which somehow doesn't make him feel better since he will be working!!! lol I still get anxiety when I think about the house in Michigan as it has yet to be sold, but eh - it's just a house. I do ok with being away from friends and family until they come to visit -- then it makes me realize that I miss them more than I really admit. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE when they visit but it just makes me realize how much I miss them. The great thing about visits is that we spend true quality time together whereas we didn't always take the time to do that when we lived near each other.
So that is what is new with us. I promise to try to do better with my postings :) *muah*
So how is everyone here you ask?
Jamie is doing great - loves MOST parts of his new job. He worked all season with the local football team (his DREAM!) and they actually won a few games which was a change from the past few years. Whether Jamie had an impact or not...we will never know!
I am busy working, working, working. I have a few challenging students in my room and some days I struggle to stay sane. Most of my class is wonderful though - I am already realizing how much I am going to miss them next year :( They are learning and growing so much and it's awesome to introduce them to a whole new world of reading.
Hunter is doing EXCELLENT! He is doing math at a beginning 1st grade level and his reading is about 3rd semester Kindergarten --- I am amazed at how well he is doing. He is starting to sound things out and write phonetically and the transformation is amazing to watch. He is also growing like a weed!!! We bought him new shoes in August for school and 1 month later we had to buy him new shoes because he OUTGREW them in 30 days. ugh! It has been amusing though to watch him run like a newborn giraffe! lol He is finally getting used to those long legs.
Dane is Dane. I am hoping his strong-willed sense of self will help him later in life because it sure isn't helping him now! He sometimes lives in his own world where he makes the rules and when we try to interfere WATCH OUT! I am sure it is a phase and HOPEFULLY he will be out of it soon - all kids have to test the waters and he is no exception to the rule. When he isn't being so bull-headed he is a very funny kid; very goofy sense of humor. He is also doing well in pre-school - shockingly they say he is shy and reserved there - HA!
Colt is a pistol. He thinks he is one of the big kids and wants to do everything they do. He still doesn't talk much but he gets his point across with pointing, grunting, stomping, etc... He has a smile TO DIE FOR and a giggle that you can't help but smile at. He loves his brothers and is even hugging Hunter as I type this. (until Hunter bucked him off and made him cry! brat!) He has to have surgery in 9 days and my nerves are starting to get the best of me about it. But I know that everything will be fine.
I still truly believe that moving to Kentucky was meant to be. I love our community, I love how close I am to my parents now (see them and interact more) and I love my job more than I thought possible. Jamie sometimes gets frustrated by how much I have to work BUTTTTT I have to remind him that I will have 3 months off in the summer, which somehow doesn't make him feel better since he will be working!!! lol I still get anxiety when I think about the house in Michigan as it has yet to be sold, but eh - it's just a house. I do ok with being away from friends and family until they come to visit -- then it makes me realize that I miss them more than I really admit. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE when they visit but it just makes me realize how much I miss them. The great thing about visits is that we spend true quality time together whereas we didn't always take the time to do that when we lived near each other.
So that is what is new with us. I promise to try to do better with my postings :) *muah*
Sunday, August 30, 2009
I'm not dead
...but working full time is overwhelming to say the least. I LOVE my new job, but with that and Hunter's homework, Dane's homework, soccer, meetings, etc... I don't have time for much else!
Dane did get into the preschool at the local elementary so he goes Mon-Fri all day - it's been an adjustment for him but he has done GREAT. He is adapting awesome! Hunter is loving school too. Baby Colt is loving getting all of grandma's attention :)
Not much else has changed. Did I tell you how much I LOVE my new job. Seriously. I didn't realize how much I TOTALLY missed teaching until I stepped back into that classroom! :) I have a great group of kids and they are busy - just think, 16 5-yr old boys and 7 5-yr old girls in one small room. Yep, busy. I can't believe we are already almost 1/2 way thru the first marking period already! CRAZY!
Dane did get into the preschool at the local elementary so he goes Mon-Fri all day - it's been an adjustment for him but he has done GREAT. He is adapting awesome! Hunter is loving school too. Baby Colt is loving getting all of grandma's attention :)
Not much else has changed. Did I tell you how much I LOVE my new job. Seriously. I didn't realize how much I TOTALLY missed teaching until I stepped back into that classroom! :) I have a great group of kids and they are busy - just think, 16 5-yr old boys and 7 5-yr old girls in one small room. Yep, busy. I can't believe we are already almost 1/2 way thru the first marking period already! CRAZY!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
1 month
We have been in Kentucky for one month and it's amazing how much our lives have changed already - for the better. I just secured a full-time teaching position for the 2009-2010 school year - YIPPEE!! That could have never happened in Michigan, with the way the job market is up there, it was a lost cause! So I will be teaching All-Day Kindergarten which is what I wanted more than anything :) My emotions are very conflicting right now because I feel so ECSTATIC about getting the job but am having ANXIETY because of how much stuff I now need to do because school starts next Thursday! OH MY! I have 7 days to get my room together - get my lessons planned - get school clothes for me - get school clothes for the boys - etc - etc! Overwhelming to say the least!
Jamie is adapting well to his new job - he seems to like it. He is doing a lot of homecare right now though and down here that equates to HOURS of driving a day - so that kind of stinks.
He just bought himself a new Sirius satellite radio to make the driving more bearable :)
Hunter attended Kindercamp this week (Mon-Wed) and he seemed to enjoy it. He officially starts school next Friday. The kindergarten down here is all-day and I am thankful for that because he could use the extra learning time :) Where Dane will be going to preschool is still undecided. He may be going at the same school Hunter is at BUT only if he qualifies for speech. He already had a preliminary assessment and they think he needs the extra help because he is "backing all of his sounds" according to the speech teacher. If he does qualify he will also be in an all day program. If he doesn't qualify - then I will enroll him in a local, private preschool for 2 or 3 days a week :) That leads me to Baby Colt - I don't know what he is going to do without them two here all day! Oh wait, yes I do - RUN GRANDMA RAGGED! :) I am so blessed that my mom is able to watch Colt while we both work, it will be such a great experience for Colt and Grandma I think. Colt is getting big and bossy! He has a tribal scream that sends you running up the walls when he wants something! He also FINALLY cut 3 more teeth - that brings his total to 7. Well, actually he is "cutting" those teeth right now so we are having lots of drool and fussiness at night but we will make it thru. He can easily say "moooo" "quack quack" "da da" "ba ba" annnnnnnnnnnnnnd, if he is feeling generous, "mama" but he makes me work for that one :) I have a sneaking suspicion that his next word will be Grandma :)
Overall, the fact that we have been here for 1 month is strange because in some ways it feels like we have been here a LOT longer and other ways like we just arrived. There have been moments of "did we do the right thing" but when I think back to what Michigan had to offer us I quickly come to the realization that this is definitely the best choice for us and our boys. The hardest part so far has been to be away from family, but I did make a weekend trip a few weeks ago and we will be going back to Michigan in 3 weeks for my family reunion. I will just have to take lots of road trips when I start to feel lost without them :)
Jamie is adapting well to his new job - he seems to like it. He is doing a lot of homecare right now though and down here that equates to HOURS of driving a day - so that kind of stinks.
He just bought himself a new Sirius satellite radio to make the driving more bearable :)
Hunter attended Kindercamp this week (Mon-Wed) and he seemed to enjoy it. He officially starts school next Friday. The kindergarten down here is all-day and I am thankful for that because he could use the extra learning time :) Where Dane will be going to preschool is still undecided. He may be going at the same school Hunter is at BUT only if he qualifies for speech. He already had a preliminary assessment and they think he needs the extra help because he is "backing all of his sounds" according to the speech teacher. If he does qualify he will also be in an all day program. If he doesn't qualify - then I will enroll him in a local, private preschool for 2 or 3 days a week :) That leads me to Baby Colt - I don't know what he is going to do without them two here all day! Oh wait, yes I do - RUN GRANDMA RAGGED! :) I am so blessed that my mom is able to watch Colt while we both work, it will be such a great experience for Colt and Grandma I think. Colt is getting big and bossy! He has a tribal scream that sends you running up the walls when he wants something! He also FINALLY cut 3 more teeth - that brings his total to 7. Well, actually he is "cutting" those teeth right now so we are having lots of drool and fussiness at night but we will make it thru. He can easily say "moooo" "quack quack" "da da" "ba ba" annnnnnnnnnnnnnd, if he is feeling generous, "mama" but he makes me work for that one :) I have a sneaking suspicion that his next word will be Grandma :)
Overall, the fact that we have been here for 1 month is strange because in some ways it feels like we have been here a LOT longer and other ways like we just arrived. There have been moments of "did we do the right thing" but when I think back to what Michigan had to offer us I quickly come to the realization that this is definitely the best choice for us and our boys. The hardest part so far has been to be away from family, but I did make a weekend trip a few weeks ago and we will be going back to Michigan in 3 weeks for my family reunion. I will just have to take lots of road trips when I start to feel lost without them :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
TV Judges
Have you ever noticed that ALL TV judges have a bailiff of a different race? Black judges have white bailiffs and white judges have black bailiffs. A lot of them also have the opposite sex too? I wonder why they do that?
Goooooooood Morning!
Had a phone interview this morning at 7:30 for a teaching job, went pretty well (I think!) It is always hard to tell over the phone. She said I should hear something by early next week. Hunter is in the shower getting ready to go to Kindercamp - Day 2. Dane is laying in bed whining, "I am NOT going to get up!" so this should be fun. The baby is running around playing. HE woke up RIGHT before my phone interview started ~ YIKES ~ but fortunately he was really, really good during the interview.
Gotta get Hunter to school. TTFN!
Gotta get Hunter to school. TTFN!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
FML
Seriously. I feel like sh*t. I can't breathe, my head is pounding, I can't decide if I want to puke or eat.... this sucks. AND to top it off, we had all the boys in bed by 9 BUUUUUUT by 10, Hunter was up screaming in one of his night terrors for ohhhhh, 20 minutes. Then I finally get him to sleep and Dane wakes up screaming which wakes up Colt. Seriously? So I take the baby to Jamie in our room, get Dane a bottle of water, just get settled back into my chair with my icepack and Dane starts screaming again b/c he can't get the lid back on the water. Ugh.
So now - Hunter is sleeping in my recliner, Dane is sleeping on the couch and Colt is in our bed. Not one kid where they should be, but I guess i should be happy they are sleeping, eh?
So now - Hunter is sleeping in my recliner, Dane is sleeping on the couch and Colt is in our bed. Not one kid where they should be, but I guess i should be happy they are sleeping, eh?
It's just another manic.... Sunday!
Not much going on here. I had a job interview on Thursday and did NOT get the job. BOO! But the principal was very nice when he called and I think that if another position opened I would be top choice :) For now I am going to sub and be happy about it! ;) Besides - subbing will be flexible and that works for me. I won't even know what to do with myself with Hunter and Dane gone ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL day long! (YAHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Hunter will go to Kindercamp next week Mon - Wed from 8:30-11:30. The schools do that so that they get acclimated to the school,teacher, kids before the actually school year starts. I think it's a great idea. Dane is super stoked about going to school this year. He is so mad though b/c kindergarten starts on the 7th and preschool doesn't start until the 17th and he doesn't think that is fair! So it looks like I will be dealing with a crotchety boy for a few weeks until he can go too. I just ordered Dane a Buzz Lightyear backpack and matching lunch box - he's so excited it's adorable.
The baby is getting so vocal! He now can say: mama, dada, baba, "moooo", "quack quack" and of course AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! The last one is his favorite - he likes to scream! He is super mischevious though... lots of fun times ahead me thinks.
OH - I have to tell you something SO freaking exciting that happened yesterday! Highlight of my week! Jamie took Hunter and Dane to see Harry Potter at the movies and the baby took a 3 1/2 hour nap. I HAD 3 1/2 HOURS OF QUIET BLISS! That may seem lame to some of you - but if you NEVER EVER get a break from your kids, you understand. I love my boys - but sometimes mama needs a break. So THANK YOU JAMIE! :) You are the best!
Well - that is all for now - off to read this book called Water For Elephants for the local bookclub. It's actually a pretty good book!
Hunter will go to Kindercamp next week Mon - Wed from 8:30-11:30. The schools do that so that they get acclimated to the school,teacher, kids before the actually school year starts. I think it's a great idea. Dane is super stoked about going to school this year. He is so mad though b/c kindergarten starts on the 7th and preschool doesn't start until the 17th and he doesn't think that is fair! So it looks like I will be dealing with a crotchety boy for a few weeks until he can go too. I just ordered Dane a Buzz Lightyear backpack and matching lunch box - he's so excited it's adorable.
The baby is getting so vocal! He now can say: mama, dada, baba, "moooo", "quack quack" and of course AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! The last one is his favorite - he likes to scream! He is super mischevious though... lots of fun times ahead me thinks.
OH - I have to tell you something SO freaking exciting that happened yesterday! Highlight of my week! Jamie took Hunter and Dane to see Harry Potter at the movies and the baby took a 3 1/2 hour nap. I HAD 3 1/2 HOURS OF QUIET BLISS! That may seem lame to some of you - but if you NEVER EVER get a break from your kids, you understand. I love my boys - but sometimes mama needs a break. So THANK YOU JAMIE! :) You are the best!
Well - that is all for now - off to read this book called Water For Elephants for the local bookclub. It's actually a pretty good book!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Back Home & School Screenings
We got back home last night from Michigan - looooong drive! It was so totally worth it though to spend the weekend with family, we made a ton of memories this weekend which I will hold in my heart during the long months we can't see each other.
When we got back into Kentucky last night we stayed at mom and dad's house because the baby was there and I was missing him REALLY bad! Anyway - he was already sleeping - but this morning he climbed up on me and laid his head on my chest for a long time just snuggling. It was so nice to hold him again. But then the cutest thing ever happened - Dane woke up and Colt was so overcome with emotion he kept hugging and kissing Dane over and over and over. Hugs and kisses are rare for Colt so for him to be so enthusiastic was so heart-warming. My boys really really love each other. Dane was just as excited to see him too. Hunter got the same treatment from Colt BUT not as drawn out as it was with Dane.
Today was school assessment day. I am trying to get Dane into the preschool at the school and it appears he may qualify based on his speech evaluation. He will do further evaluations the week of August 10th to see if he qualifies. They both did good overall though - my boys are getting so BIG!
When we got back into Kentucky last night we stayed at mom and dad's house because the baby was there and I was missing him REALLY bad! Anyway - he was already sleeping - but this morning he climbed up on me and laid his head on my chest for a long time just snuggling. It was so nice to hold him again. But then the cutest thing ever happened - Dane woke up and Colt was so overcome with emotion he kept hugging and kissing Dane over and over and over. Hugs and kisses are rare for Colt so for him to be so enthusiastic was so heart-warming. My boys really really love each other. Dane was just as excited to see him too. Hunter got the same treatment from Colt BUT not as drawn out as it was with Dane.
Today was school assessment day. I am trying to get Dane into the preschool at the school and it appears he may qualify based on his speech evaluation. He will do further evaluations the week of August 10th to see if he qualifies. They both did good overall though - my boys are getting so BIG!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
MICHIGAN VISIT!!!
I just typed a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG post about our visit and crap - but blogger deleted it.
So here is the synopsis.
1. We came to Michigan to surprise Missy for her birthday.
2. We are going out for birthday dinner tonight.
3. Nate's bday party was yesterday too - HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!
4. We are heading back to Kentucky tommorrow.
:)
So here is the synopsis.
1. We came to Michigan to surprise Missy for her birthday.
2. We are going out for birthday dinner tonight.
3. Nate's bday party was yesterday too - HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!
4. We are heading back to Kentucky tommorrow.
:)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Our New House
is small. It's VERY cute, but small. I didn't really realize how small it was until the first day I was home alone with all three boys. SMALL! It doesn't help that they feel the need to follow me room to room to room. Good thing Kentucky has good weather and they can spend LOTS of time playing outside!
I will have to post some pictures of the house soon -- but I have yet to get my netbook up and running so you will all just have to wait :)
I will have to post some pictures of the house soon -- but I have yet to get my netbook up and running so you will all just have to wait :)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
HAPPY 1/2 BIRTHDAY CONNIE!
:) Love ya lots!
Now you are _ _ 1/2
There is no way I would reveal your age on the internetz... I am still skeered of you in a healthy mother/daughter way! :)
Now you are _ _ 1/2
There is no way I would reveal your age on the internetz... I am still skeered of you in a healthy mother/daughter way! :)
Back in the saddle...
I have neglected my blog long enough. In fact, the only comments I have received since my last post are from some friendly anonymous posters:
I hope that you are not american because shopping at Wal Mart is the most unamerican thing you can do in this country. Ask Wal Mart why our economy is so bad considering that everything they bring over here is from China, Afghanistan or Taiwan. Way to go American.
This was posted on my Meijer's Sucks/Black Friday post in 2007 where I casually mentioned going to Walmart for deals. GET OVER IT - Does it bring you pleasure to comment on 2 year old blogs that mention Walmart. Really? Someone needs a life.
This other comment is a peach:
I just came across your blog and wow..hope you don't use that potty mouth around your kids.Everything we say around our children, believe me, is remembered and used by them..
LMFAO - oops, I mean "That's funny!" This was posted on my Dane Wars Star Wars post where there is NOT ONE single bad word. Yes, overall, my blog does contain swear words. No one ASKED you to read it, and furthermore - last I checked my kids couldn't read so I think we are safe. I do appreciate your deep concern Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous - you are saving children of the world by your random blog comments. (oh, and just so you know - I have been used to use the occassional cuss word in front of my children - but only if I really mean it!) lol
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway, on to important news. We moved. Far. We are now residents of a teeny, tiny town in Kentucky that currently holds the Guiness title for the World's Smallest Walmart. It has been a HUGE adjustment so far - but things are finally settling in. Jamie is working at the local Hospital doing outpatient and homecare and I am trying to secure a job teaching. If I can't secure a position this year - I am going to try to sub this school year to get my foot in the door. The boys like our new house and they really love our new street where they can ride their bikes up and down all day long. The goal is no training wheels by end of summer, we'll see how that goes.
We are still trying to sell our house in Michigan. The bank has been sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (un)cooperative. So, we are kinda just twiddling our thumbs waiting for them to do something - anything. We have great offers on the table and buyers who want it --- but how long are they willing to wait, ya know?
Well, that is all for now. I have a ton more stories about the boys and how rotten, er, great they are! :)
Love ya all and miss you much!
Amanda
I hope that you are not american because shopping at Wal Mart is the most unamerican thing you can do in this country. Ask Wal Mart why our economy is so bad considering that everything they bring over here is from China, Afghanistan or Taiwan. Way to go American.
This was posted on my Meijer's Sucks/Black Friday post in 2007 where I casually mentioned going to Walmart for deals. GET OVER IT - Does it bring you pleasure to comment on 2 year old blogs that mention Walmart. Really? Someone needs a life.
This other comment is a peach:
I just came across your blog and wow..hope you don't use that potty mouth around your kids.Everything we say around our children, believe me, is remembered and used by them..
LMFAO - oops, I mean "That's funny!" This was posted on my Dane Wars Star Wars post where there is NOT ONE single bad word. Yes, overall, my blog does contain swear words. No one ASKED you to read it, and furthermore - last I checked my kids couldn't read so I think we are safe. I do appreciate your deep concern Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous - you are saving children of the world by your random blog comments. (oh, and just so you know - I have been used to use the occassional cuss word in front of my children - but only if I really mean it!) lol
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway, on to important news. We moved. Far. We are now residents of a teeny, tiny town in Kentucky that currently holds the Guiness title for the World's Smallest Walmart. It has been a HUGE adjustment so far - but things are finally settling in. Jamie is working at the local Hospital doing outpatient and homecare and I am trying to secure a job teaching. If I can't secure a position this year - I am going to try to sub this school year to get my foot in the door. The boys like our new house and they really love our new street where they can ride their bikes up and down all day long. The goal is no training wheels by end of summer, we'll see how that goes.
We are still trying to sell our house in Michigan. The bank has been sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (un)cooperative. So, we are kinda just twiddling our thumbs waiting for them to do something - anything. We have great offers on the table and buyers who want it --- but how long are they willing to wait, ya know?
Well, that is all for now. I have a ton more stories about the boys and how rotten, er, great they are! :)
Love ya all and miss you much!
Amanda
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Star Wars Dane Wars
Dane is addicted to Lego Star Wars for the Wii. A-DDIC-TED. I have started setting a timer for him because if I didn't - he would play all day long. I will admit for a 3 year old he had some mad skills - he is getting better and better and can navigate a lot of boards that he couldn't at first.
It is a good game for the younger crowd - I think it was hard finding games that were appropriate for EC (early childhood) for the Wii, but now we have quite a few. The boys love Carnival Games, Circus Games, Wii Fit and Lego Star Wars.
Don't tell them, but for Easter we are going to get them Lego Batman for the Wii. They have been asking for it - but really we are getting it because Jamie and I are getting bored of Star Wars (oh, did I forget to mention that we are slightly addicted to that game too! lol)
It is a good game for the younger crowd - I think it was hard finding games that were appropriate for EC (early childhood) for the Wii, but now we have quite a few. The boys love Carnival Games, Circus Games, Wii Fit and Lego Star Wars.
Don't tell them, but for Easter we are going to get them Lego Batman for the Wii. They have been asking for it - but really we are getting it because Jamie and I are getting bored of Star Wars (oh, did I forget to mention that we are slightly addicted to that game too! lol)
RUN, COLT, RUN!
Ok, well he can't really run *yet* but he already has developed the "oh shit - I'm caught - let me get the hell out of dodge" crawl. It cracks me the hell up. Seriously - if he is doing something he's not supposed to be doing and I say "COLT! What are you doing?" He starts crawling away as fast as he can in the other direction and after he has cleared the offensible area he will turn to look at me.
I don't know why I think it's sweet - It only gets worse from here.
I don't know why I think it's sweet - It only gets worse from here.
Hunter Can WORK It!
So, I am writing this quick note before I forget what he did this morning. While we were waiting for the bus, Hunter and Dane were being mean to each other - typical bus stop morning. Well this morning, Hunter grabbed Dane around the neck for something (who ever really knows!) and so I gave his hand a little pinch. I am a firm believer in if you can dish it - then you can take it.
Well, anywho- he FREAKED out over the pinch and just started mouthing off - bad. Fortunately for him and his future life - the bus was pulling up so I calmly said "Now, when you get home from school you can go straight to bed - think about that all day." He instantly got that "oh crap - I'm sorry - I'm sorry - I'm sorry" face as he got out of the car. So he started across the road to the bus - got half way there, turned around and blew me like 5 kisses with the sweetest most innocent smile ever. HA! He NEVER blows me kisses - he was totally trying to butter me up!!!! lol Well, it worked - I was cracking up.
Well, anywho- he FREAKED out over the pinch and just started mouthing off - bad. Fortunately for him and his future life - the bus was pulling up so I calmly said "Now, when you get home from school you can go straight to bed - think about that all day." He instantly got that "oh crap - I'm sorry - I'm sorry - I'm sorry" face as he got out of the car. So he started across the road to the bus - got half way there, turned around and blew me like 5 kisses with the sweetest most innocent smile ever. HA! He NEVER blows me kisses - he was totally trying to butter me up!!!! lol Well, it worked - I was cracking up.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Encouraging Article!
NOT! Well, I guess it is encouraging for people who want to buy houses - but not so much for those of us who want to sell.
This article is so freaking depressing. I can NOT understand why people want out of the Flint area (no, really - I can't) The article does talk about other cities besides Flint too, but I don't really care as much about those :)
Radical cheap: $1,000 homes
Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Thursday January 8, 2009, 12:31 pm EST
The real estate market is so awful that buyers are now scooping up homes for as little as $1,000.
There are 18 listings in Flint, Mich., for under $3,000, according to Realtor.com. There are 22 in Indianapolis, 46 in Cleveland and a whopping 709 in Detroit. All of these communities have been hit hard by foreclosures, and most of these homes are being sold by the lenders that repossessed them.
"Foreclosures have turned banks into property management companies," said Heather Fernandez, a spokeswoman for Trulia.com, the real estate Web site. "And it's often cheaper for them to give these homes away rather than try to get market value for them."
In Detroit for instance, Century 21 Villa owner Randy Eissa has a three-bedroom, one-bath bungalow of about 1,000 square feet listed at just $500. It's a nice place with lots of light, but it needs a total rehabilitation inside, which Eissa estimates will cost between $15,000 and $20,000. But that's not bad, considering that the home last sold for $72,000 in late 2007, according to Zillow.com.
With prices this low, lenders aren't looking to make any money on these deals. They just want to get these houses off their books, so they don't have to bear the cost of maintaining them and paying property taxes.
In fact, the $500, $1,000 or $3,000 that a buyer forks over often goes straight to the real estate brokers as a commission. And often the lenders have to kick in extra cash to make it worthwhile for a realtor even take the listings, according to Eissa.
"Usually these homes are bank repossessions that the lenders have already tried to sell on the market, perhaps then put up for auction without success and then re-listed," he said.
Fixer uppers
These houses are almost always small fixer-uppers. Wiring, plumbing and heating systems have to be replaced, walls and ceilings sheet-rocked, plumbing and light fixtures installed and new kitchen cabinets and counters put in. Few come with working appliances.
Often buyers are legally required to rehab these homes to bring them up to code. In Detroit, buyers are required to sign Affidavits of Compliance Responsibility, which obligates them to make repairs outlined in an inspection report. Only after that can a certificate of occupancy will be issued, which makes the house legal to live in.
But even factoring in these costs, they're still bargains.
And as the housing crisis drags on, there are more and more four-figure listings popping up, as lenders try to unload their repossessed properties.
Cleveland is another city with many incredibly inexpensive homes. On Ardenall Avenue, in East Cleveland, McMullen Realty has a listing for a four-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath house for $1,900. It's been vandalized inside, but the outside is in good shape.
It features a deep front porch with Doric columns, double dormer windows and a separate garage. It's an excellent opportunity, according to agent Tonya Stoudamire. The last time it sold was in March of 2008 when it went for $16,677, according to Zillow.
"East Cleveland has a beautiful housing stock," she said. "These houses just need someone to come in and love them a little."
Another property for sale in Birmingham Ala. is priced at $1,900. The one-bedroom, one bathroom home was built in 1923 and has major fire damage, according to its listing broker, Tom Murphy Realty. The listing states that "Rooms are hard to distinguish."
But it's on a nice-sized lot, about 0.38 acre, close to downtown and transportation and has all utilities. Nearby, comparable homes in good condition sell for about $100,000, according to Zillow.
Rehab money
Most of these $1,000 homes can be renovated relatively inexpensively, and buyers can actually get government help to finance these repairs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a special loan program for just such purchases.
Its rehabilitation mortgage insurance, available through FHA-approved lenders, was designed to encourage banks to issue a single, long-term loan to buyers that covers both the acquisition and rehabilitation of a property, according to HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan.
He adds that there may also be grant money available from the $4 billion Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which was a part of the massive housing rescue bill passed by Congress in July, to assist buyers with grants for down payments.
Buying homes like these is certainly a leap of faith; they're generally not in the best of neighborhoods and they're often surrounded by many other vacant and deteriorating homes. Still, some of these neighborhoods may turn around and provide residents with good, dirt-cheap housing.
"It's a sad time," said Stoudamire. "But it's also a time of opportunity, especially for low and moderate income people."
Article Link
This article is so freaking depressing. I can NOT understand why people want out of the Flint area (no, really - I can't) The article does talk about other cities besides Flint too, but I don't really care as much about those :)
Radical cheap: $1,000 homes
Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Thursday January 8, 2009, 12:31 pm EST
The real estate market is so awful that buyers are now scooping up homes for as little as $1,000.
There are 18 listings in Flint, Mich., for under $3,000, according to Realtor.com. There are 22 in Indianapolis, 46 in Cleveland and a whopping 709 in Detroit. All of these communities have been hit hard by foreclosures, and most of these homes are being sold by the lenders that repossessed them.
"Foreclosures have turned banks into property management companies," said Heather Fernandez, a spokeswoman for Trulia.com, the real estate Web site. "And it's often cheaper for them to give these homes away rather than try to get market value for them."
In Detroit for instance, Century 21 Villa owner Randy Eissa has a three-bedroom, one-bath bungalow of about 1,000 square feet listed at just $500. It's a nice place with lots of light, but it needs a total rehabilitation inside, which Eissa estimates will cost between $15,000 and $20,000. But that's not bad, considering that the home last sold for $72,000 in late 2007, according to Zillow.com.
With prices this low, lenders aren't looking to make any money on these deals. They just want to get these houses off their books, so they don't have to bear the cost of maintaining them and paying property taxes.
In fact, the $500, $1,000 or $3,000 that a buyer forks over often goes straight to the real estate brokers as a commission. And often the lenders have to kick in extra cash to make it worthwhile for a realtor even take the listings, according to Eissa.
"Usually these homes are bank repossessions that the lenders have already tried to sell on the market, perhaps then put up for auction without success and then re-listed," he said.
Fixer uppers
These houses are almost always small fixer-uppers. Wiring, plumbing and heating systems have to be replaced, walls and ceilings sheet-rocked, plumbing and light fixtures installed and new kitchen cabinets and counters put in. Few come with working appliances.
Often buyers are legally required to rehab these homes to bring them up to code. In Detroit, buyers are required to sign Affidavits of Compliance Responsibility, which obligates them to make repairs outlined in an inspection report. Only after that can a certificate of occupancy will be issued, which makes the house legal to live in.
But even factoring in these costs, they're still bargains.
And as the housing crisis drags on, there are more and more four-figure listings popping up, as lenders try to unload their repossessed properties.
Cleveland is another city with many incredibly inexpensive homes. On Ardenall Avenue, in East Cleveland, McMullen Realty has a listing for a four-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath house for $1,900. It's been vandalized inside, but the outside is in good shape.
It features a deep front porch with Doric columns, double dormer windows and a separate garage. It's an excellent opportunity, according to agent Tonya Stoudamire. The last time it sold was in March of 2008 when it went for $16,677, according to Zillow.
"East Cleveland has a beautiful housing stock," she said. "These houses just need someone to come in and love them a little."
Another property for sale in Birmingham Ala. is priced at $1,900. The one-bedroom, one bathroom home was built in 1923 and has major fire damage, according to its listing broker, Tom Murphy Realty. The listing states that "Rooms are hard to distinguish."
But it's on a nice-sized lot, about 0.38 acre, close to downtown and transportation and has all utilities. Nearby, comparable homes in good condition sell for about $100,000, according to Zillow.
Rehab money
Most of these $1,000 homes can be renovated relatively inexpensively, and buyers can actually get government help to finance these repairs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a special loan program for just such purchases.
Its rehabilitation mortgage insurance, available through FHA-approved lenders, was designed to encourage banks to issue a single, long-term loan to buyers that covers both the acquisition and rehabilitation of a property, according to HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan.
He adds that there may also be grant money available from the $4 billion Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which was a part of the massive housing rescue bill passed by Congress in July, to assist buyers with grants for down payments.
Buying homes like these is certainly a leap of faith; they're generally not in the best of neighborhoods and they're often surrounded by many other vacant and deteriorating homes. Still, some of these neighborhoods may turn around and provide residents with good, dirt-cheap housing.
"It's a sad time," said Stoudamire. "But it's also a time of opportunity, especially for low and moderate income people."
Article Link
Friday, February 27, 2009
Some Fun Sites
I have been meaning to share these sites with you for some time!
This is a site where you can play original Nintendo games! (I think you have to have cable internet though, my dsl wasn't too fond of these games)
Nintendo games
This is a site with hilarious pictures! FAIL!
FAIL!
This site has a lot of "uncommon goods" to purchase for friends and family. Hence the name.
Uncommon Goods
This is one of my new favorite sites. You can take your pictures and make them look antique! Not sure what I can do with that, but I LOVE it!
Antique Pictures
This is a site where you can play original Nintendo games! (I think you have to have cable internet though, my dsl wasn't too fond of these games)
Nintendo games
This is a site with hilarious pictures! FAIL!
FAIL!
This site has a lot of "uncommon goods" to purchase for friends and family. Hence the name.
Uncommon Goods
This is one of my new favorite sites. You can take your pictures and make them look antique! Not sure what I can do with that, but I LOVE it!
Antique Pictures
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You NEED this!
Holy Shit - this forehead thermometer is the coolest invention! I have procrastinated buying one because they are more expensive and I am cheap. But since I have broken/ruined (with the help of some dwarfs I know) 3 cheapie thermometers in the past year, I thought "What the hell- I'm getting the one I want!" Granted, it was only $29.99 and I am acting like it was a forture, but still!
I also used to have an ear thermometer. Whoever invented the ear thermometer is the debbil. Seriously. I could never EVER get an accurate read with my ear thermometer. I always had the thermometer at the wrong angle or it was too big for the baby's ear. It was a horrible experience. So then I moved on to the trusty ole regular thermometer, but even though have to be placed just right and I was always second guessing myself if the temp was accurate enough... blah blah blah.
That is why it is so great the forehead thermometer is idiot proof! (Yes, I am calling myself an idiot. I must be an idiot to write an entire blog post about a thermometer) You just touch it to your forehead, move it across your forehead and VIOLA! you have your temp. Super easy and accurate.
(As a side note, while looking for a picture for this post - I realized they also make "talking" forehead thermometers! I wish I had known that last week!!!)
The (ex) Flint Mayor is a crook
Plain and simple. He is the sleaziest, wierdest, most pompous man! (Oh and ugly too!) EX- Mayor Don Williamson who refused salary while he was mayor is now requesting ALL of his backpay because he "deserves it." What a louse.
Does he not realize that the main reason he got elected, re-elected and not recalled was BECAUSE he wasn't getting paid? Do you really think people thought he was a good mayor? The fact that he wants all that back pay is scandalous because he wouldn't have gotten elected in the first place if he hadn't said that. (of course that is my own personal opinion)
Oh, and his "retirement" --- right! It's soooooo coincidental that he decided to retire the WEEK before his recall election. I understand getting out while the getting out is good, but still don't pretend like you wanted to retire, you should have just said it like it was "I was about to get the boot for being a jackass so I took my fate in my own hands"
If the city of Flint gives him this supposed backpay it will be absolutely ridiculous. Don Williamson is a scam-artist and deserves NO money.
Does he not realize that the main reason he got elected, re-elected and not recalled was BECAUSE he wasn't getting paid? Do you really think people thought he was a good mayor? The fact that he wants all that back pay is scandalous because he wouldn't have gotten elected in the first place if he hadn't said that. (of course that is my own personal opinion)
Oh, and his "retirement" --- right! It's soooooo coincidental that he decided to retire the WEEK before his recall election. I understand getting out while the getting out is good, but still don't pretend like you wanted to retire, you should have just said it like it was "I was about to get the boot for being a jackass so I took my fate in my own hands"
If the city of Flint gives him this supposed backpay it will be absolutely ridiculous. Don Williamson is a scam-artist and deserves NO money.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
This was not a recording, it was an actual conversation....
Dane: Look at my wiener!!!!
Mom: I don't want to see your wiener, get it in your pants.
D: Sometimes my wiener gets big, but you didn't see it.
M: Oh really? Nice to know
D: It happens when I sleep sometimes.
M: Nice.
D: You wanna see it next time
M: Oh yes, I would love to see it- please make sure to tell me (insert eye roll here)
- - - - -
Fast-forward 6 hours later after nap time
D: MOMMMMMM! Come here. (he was just waking up from nap)
M: What Dane? I don't want to come in there.
D: But my wieners big!
M: Greatttttttttt.
Mom: I don't want to see your wiener, get it in your pants.
D: Sometimes my wiener gets big, but you didn't see it.
M: Oh really? Nice to know
D: It happens when I sleep sometimes.
M: Nice.
D: You wanna see it next time
M: Oh yes, I would love to see it- please make sure to tell me (insert eye roll here)
- - - - -
Fast-forward 6 hours later after nap time
D: MOMMMMMM! Come here. (he was just waking up from nap)
M: What Dane? I don't want to come in there.
D: But my wieners big!
M: Greatttttttttt.
Cute - Not Cute
Cute
When your first child starts to pull himself up - LOOK HOW BIG HE IS GETTING!??!
Not Cute
When your third child starts to pull himself up. Great, now he's gonna get into even more things!
Cute
When your first child gets a new tooth even if he is a little crabby.
Not Cute
When your third child is being a total whine-ass over a little tooth. You are gonna get 20 of 'em, get over it!
Cute
When your first child cries when you leave the room. "Mama will be right back baby!"
Not Cute
When your third child cries when you leave the room. "Seriously?!? I have crap to do - stuff it already!"
Cute
When your first child starts to eat table food. Sure it's a mess, but look how great he is doing?
Not Cute
When your third child starts to eath table food and throws it all over and makes a HUGE mess... Why can't he just drink bottles!?!?!
Ok - so it may not be fair, but it's reality.
Peace.
When your first child starts to pull himself up - LOOK HOW BIG HE IS GETTING!??!
Not Cute
When your third child starts to pull himself up. Great, now he's gonna get into even more things!
Cute
When your first child gets a new tooth even if he is a little crabby.
Not Cute
When your third child is being a total whine-ass over a little tooth. You are gonna get 20 of 'em, get over it!
Cute
When your first child cries when you leave the room. "Mama will be right back baby!"
Not Cute
When your third child cries when you leave the room. "Seriously?!? I have crap to do - stuff it already!"
Cute
When your first child starts to eat table food. Sure it's a mess, but look how great he is doing?
Not Cute
When your third child starts to eath table food and throws it all over and makes a HUGE mess... Why can't he just drink bottles!?!?!
Ok - so it may not be fair, but it's reality.
Peace.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Girls, Girls, all types of Girls
Why are all of my pregnant friends having girls? Not only is it a bunch of crap since I am living in a house full of testoterone BUT I have a ton (and I mean a literal TON) of baby boy stuff that I want to get rid of and no one to take it. Ugh. I am going to sell some stuff at a Mom to Mom Sale at Hunter's School on February 28th (http://www.mom2momlist.com/list/spring.shtml - Weston Elementary) but still, I have so much stuff!
And before you ask, YES we are done! Done! DONE! I am pretty sure if I got pregnant we would have some marital issues since Jamie already had the big V done. :)
And before you ask, YES we are done! Done! DONE! I am pretty sure if I got pregnant we would have some marital issues since Jamie already had the big V done. :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
House News
We now have our house on the market. Fingers crossed that we can sell it before we leave for Kentucky. We did have a showing already, but have yet to hear anything from them. The good thing is - we got our house clean. Jamie and I worked our tails off on Sunday morning to get it ready for the showing, and it feels good to have a clean house. I should say felt good, because the boys have already trashed it again!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
That's what cha get!
I have heard about people doing this before - but I just don't get it. Really I don't.
I am talking about the "picture messaging a significant other a naked picture of yourself"
No way.
So a friend of mine tried to send her husband a naked picture and accidently uploaded it to Facebook. Luckily for her (and for anyone who may have seen it! lol) she caught it before it posted - but still it was a close call! But that's what cha get for being a dirty girl!
I am talking about the "picture messaging a significant other a naked picture of yourself"
No way.
So a friend of mine tried to send her husband a naked picture and accidently uploaded it to Facebook. Luckily for her (and for anyone who may have seen it! lol) she caught it before it posted - but still it was a close call! But that's what cha get for being a dirty girl!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Let's Catch Up!
1. I had a phone interview with Jefferson County Schools! I am officially in the pool of teachers for the 2009-2010 school year - wahooooooooo!
2. Jamie turned 30 also - so now he can't call me the old hag! (not that he did, but even if he wanted to now - he couldn't!)
3. I totalled my car by hitting a pot hole. Seriously. Gotta love Michigan roads!
4. I sold above car for $400 bucks whereas I could have gotten at least 1200 for a trade in if I hadn't waited too long. Such is life.
5. I bought a new car! Well, new to me! It is a 2005 Ford Freestyle. I am in looooooooooooove! I got a great deal on it too!
6. I found out Hunter is not *getting it* at school. It really hurt to hear it BUT it motivated me to really work with him on letter recognition and letter sounds and I have already noticed a significant change in last week or two.
7. I was thinking about putting Dane back into preschool for a few mornings a week, but now that we have a new vehicle and extra expenses I am gonna wait and reevaluate. I don't really think he needs school, but I think he might like it for the social aspect.
8. Colt is getting wayyyyy to fast army crawling around here! He also has 2 teeth now and likes to see if he can get you to scream when he bites you, fun stuff! He is waving hello and bye bye, shaking his head "no" and also sticking his tongue out. He is so freakin' cute!
9. My mom had a birthday! I may have forgotten to tell her Happy Birthday right away on the 15th, but I still love her!
10. Dad is still in Kentucky working. We all hope to be down there by August - and by all I mean MOM and all :)
2. Jamie turned 30 also - so now he can't call me the old hag! (not that he did, but even if he wanted to now - he couldn't!)
3. I totalled my car by hitting a pot hole. Seriously. Gotta love Michigan roads!
4. I sold above car for $400 bucks whereas I could have gotten at least 1200 for a trade in if I hadn't waited too long. Such is life.
5. I bought a new car! Well, new to me! It is a 2005 Ford Freestyle. I am in looooooooooooove! I got a great deal on it too!
6. I found out Hunter is not *getting it* at school. It really hurt to hear it BUT it motivated me to really work with him on letter recognition and letter sounds and I have already noticed a significant change in last week or two.
7. I was thinking about putting Dane back into preschool for a few mornings a week, but now that we have a new vehicle and extra expenses I am gonna wait and reevaluate. I don't really think he needs school, but I think he might like it for the social aspect.
8. Colt is getting wayyyyy to fast army crawling around here! He also has 2 teeth now and likes to see if he can get you to scream when he bites you, fun stuff! He is waving hello and bye bye, shaking his head "no" and also sticking his tongue out. He is so freakin' cute!
9. My mom had a birthday! I may have forgotten to tell her Happy Birthday right away on the 15th, but I still love her!
10. Dad is still in Kentucky working. We all hope to be down there by August - and by all I mean MOM and all :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
And so it is....
Yesterday was my 30th birthday - the big 3-0. It was sooooooooooo super skeery!
Ok, not really.
I did/do not care.
The only thing that 30 brought to me was a day of reflection. First, it feels like I was 18 yesterday. I don't think anyone young realizes how fast time flies - it's almost unbelieveable. Secondly, I am very happy that my age is finally catching up to my gray hair - it was embarrassing being in my 20's with all that gray!
Third, I honestly have been "30" for quite some time. I never really partied or lived it up. Don't get me wrong - I've had a few drunken "can't remember anything past 10pm" nights in my life, but overall - I really have been drunk less than 10 times (I count the cruise as one long drunk-fest, not individual days :) So, it's not like I'm old now - I've always been old. Some people say you need to get the partying "out of your system" while you are younger, but eh - I just don't have it in me to waste all that money on alcohol. I am wayyyyy to cheap for that. (Actually I believe the bargain hunter in me has steered me clear of excessing drinking, smoking and drugs - I am not too smart for it - just too cheap!)
Which brings me to my next point. How can I be upset about 30 when my life is so great??? I love my boys to death, Jamie is a GREAT husband and our future is looking bright! Who could be upset with the life I lead? (well except for obesity, but I am working on that!) I don't acknowledge it everyday - but I truly am blessed. I have great parents, a wonderful family as well as a decent (mostly) extended family (yes, I am talking about you Melissa!) I have truly loyal friends and even Erick, my "I wish I was hetero" bestest friend ever! I really have little to complaint about - I even get naps almost daily (you wish you had my mad "getting the boys to sleep at the same time" skills) and all of my friends and family don't call me during my nap time! lol Seriously, how can I complain?
So that's it - I'm 30. No big deal. Actually, it's awesome. I hope everyone can be as happy at 30 as I am :)
The only thing that will make 30 better is when Jamie turns 30 on Friday - then he's officially OLD too :)
Ok, not really.
I did/do not care.
The only thing that 30 brought to me was a day of reflection. First, it feels like I was 18 yesterday. I don't think anyone young realizes how fast time flies - it's almost unbelieveable. Secondly, I am very happy that my age is finally catching up to my gray hair - it was embarrassing being in my 20's with all that gray!
Third, I honestly have been "30" for quite some time. I never really partied or lived it up. Don't get me wrong - I've had a few drunken "can't remember anything past 10pm" nights in my life, but overall - I really have been drunk less than 10 times (I count the cruise as one long drunk-fest, not individual days :) So, it's not like I'm old now - I've always been old. Some people say you need to get the partying "out of your system" while you are younger, but eh - I just don't have it in me to waste all that money on alcohol. I am wayyyyy to cheap for that. (Actually I believe the bargain hunter in me has steered me clear of excessing drinking, smoking and drugs - I am not too smart for it - just too cheap!)
Which brings me to my next point. How can I be upset about 30 when my life is so great??? I love my boys to death, Jamie is a GREAT husband and our future is looking bright! Who could be upset with the life I lead? (well except for obesity, but I am working on that!) I don't acknowledge it everyday - but I truly am blessed. I have great parents, a wonderful family as well as a decent (mostly) extended family (yes, I am talking about you Melissa!) I have truly loyal friends and even Erick, my "I wish I was hetero" bestest friend ever! I really have little to complaint about - I even get naps almost daily (you wish you had my mad "getting the boys to sleep at the same time" skills) and all of my friends and family don't call me during my nap time! lol Seriously, how can I complain?
So that's it - I'm 30. No big deal. Actually, it's awesome. I hope everyone can be as happy at 30 as I am :)
The only thing that will make 30 better is when Jamie turns 30 on Friday - then he's officially OLD too :)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Hole in the Wall
Have you seen this hilarious show? My boys think it's funny to watch and I enjoy it also, but for a much different reason.
How can you NOT laugh when the host says "It's time to face the hole!" Crack.my.ass.up
BUT WAIT - It gets even better! At the end of the game, the host says "It's now time to face your final hole!" OMG - rolling on the floor laughing my ass off!!!!!! I think this line should be required by all persons performing wedding ceremonies!
Sorry - I have a sick, twisted sense of humor!
How can you NOT laugh when the host says "It's time to face the hole!" Crack.my.ass.up
BUT WAIT - It gets even better! At the end of the game, the host says "It's now time to face your final hole!" OMG - rolling on the floor laughing my ass off!!!!!! I think this line should be required by all persons performing wedding ceremonies!
Sorry - I have a sick, twisted sense of humor!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Out of the Abyss....
We have all been down and out this week - sick as dogs. Luckily Jamie didn't get it (thank God we had someone to take care of us!) but all 3 boys and me - sick, sick, sick. AND it's viral - so basically, suck it up and get over it. ugh.
On top of that the poor baby has an ear infection and a tooth coming in.. a mess.
On top of that the poor baby has an ear infection and a tooth coming in.. a mess.
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Man and his Mama!
A Woman's Poem
He didn't like the casserole
And he didn't like my cake.
He said my biscuits were too hard...
Not like his mother used to make.
didn't perk the coffee right
He didn't like the stew,
I didn't mend his socks
The way his mother used to do.
I pondered for an answer,
I was looking for a clue.
Then I turned around and smacked the shit out of him...
Like his mother used to do.
He didn't like the casserole
And he didn't like my cake.
He said my biscuits were too hard...
Not like his mother used to make.
didn't perk the coffee right
He didn't like the stew,
I didn't mend his socks
The way his mother used to do.
I pondered for an answer,
I was looking for a clue.
Then I turned around and smacked the shit out of him...
Like his mother used to do.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Circus - Overrated
So we took the boys to the circus today with my mom and dad (on mom's dime too - :) Anywho - why do we keep going back? The ticket price is outrageous, $60 for 4 adults and 2 children. BUT that was because we bought tickets from the Shriners, at the box office it would have been $80 dollars - just.to.get.in.the.door.
The acts were mediocre at best. Okay, okay - I know I can not balance on a tightrope, but really neither could they - one guy barely saved himself by catching the wire at the last minute when he fell. Also, the guys who walks on the inside and outside of this rotating circle thing - yeah, he almost fell too. My heart was testing by the cost of admission, but was sent into overdrive when those guys were almost dead.
But the highlight of the evening. The man who trained cats! Nooooo, I'm not talking about lions, and tigers (and bears OH MY!) I am talking about MEOW-MEOW kitty cats!
For real.
Cats.
They climbed a post - came down the post. Climbed a post - jumped off the post. I bet that trainers mother is sooooooo proud, really.
There was one act that totally impressed me! This lady was a contortionist! A TRUE CONTORTIONIST! Even Jamie commented on how he had no idea how the back of her head could touch her back while she balanced on her neck. It was the freakiest thing I have ever seen (in real life anyway! The internet is a whole 'nother story!)
So, some of you are probably thinking - she sure is complaining enough about something she didnt' even have to pay for... Well, that is true - but the torture of the circus is much worse than the hit to the pocketbook I would have taken!
Something Awesome!
Here is the before picture again:
And the AFTER!
I totally made those letters on my cricut too! I am the awesome-est awesome person!
The only thing that stinks is that our tub used to leak a little bit (I can not grout good for the life of me!) and so there are stains on the wall above my new do-hickey sign. Ah well, I don't have anymore of that AWESOME mint green paint they used so it is what it is.
I Rule!
Find out tommorrow how I turned this (where the previous owners painted AROUND a shelf on the wall in the laundry room:
Into something awesome!
Into something awesome!
A Simple Solution!
Jamie has been working me like a dog around this house to get it ready to sell (THANKS HUN!) He should have been a drill sergeant, seriously. BUT - it's a good thing - no a GREAT thing because he is my motivation. Honestly, we wouldn't get anything done without him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anywho, on the the momentary subject. I want to show you how these:
Helped me with this:
WAH-LAH!
A FREE and EASY solution to my hat/glove/winter stuff issue! I have been using that hideous dollar store yellow/blue flower box since we moved here in 2005 - time.to.go. I was going to buy some baskets - but then I has an epiphany when saw the diaper box and wipe box! It was super easy. It took a few pages of scrapbook paper - my beloved Cricut - and some glue! BAM! Instant and CUTE storage solution! I actually have another wipes box that I might scrapbook up to balance it out up there :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anywho, on the the momentary subject. I want to show you how these:
Helped me with this:
WAH-LAH!
A FREE and EASY solution to my hat/glove/winter stuff issue! I have been using that hideous dollar store yellow/blue flower box since we moved here in 2005 - time.to.go. I was going to buy some baskets - but then I has an epiphany when saw the diaper box and wipe box! It was super easy. It took a few pages of scrapbook paper - my beloved Cricut - and some glue! BAM! Instant and CUTE storage solution! I actually have another wipes box that I might scrapbook up to balance it out up there :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Who would buy this?
But Wait! Not only can you now make toast with your computer - you can also do this!
Print images on your toast! It would be fun to play with a few times - but would get old. I bet if I worked everyday, this would be fun hooked to my computer!
There are also other wacky USB powered things. Such as missle launcher, which would be great at work!
and this, which any co-worker would love!
And who could live without the mini-fridge! Probably a pop would be more appropriate for at work though!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Fat Girl's Dream
So I was laying on the couch last night eating some Twizzlers - Well, exactly 9 Twizzlers to be exact - yes I counted! So I was laying on the couch and they were laying on my boobage-area and I was eating them while watching "How I Met Your Mother" (that was hilarious, by the way) and anyway I had eaten them all - and after I sulked for a few minutes (hey! They are like crack!) I was just laying there watching TV and when I went to change the channel my hand bumped into 2 more Twizzlers! Those little buggers had somehow rolled away trying to escape me.
But the funny/embarrassing? part is - when I found them I squealed like a kid on Christmas morning. seriously. Then, when I realized I did that I started cracking up to the point of making myself snort. It was a sight to see I'm sure.
I think I have issues.
No, I know I have issues.
But the funny/embarrassing? part is - when I found them I squealed like a kid on Christmas morning. seriously. Then, when I realized I did that I started cracking up to the point of making myself snort. It was a sight to see I'm sure.
I think I have issues.
No, I know I have issues.
Cold & Snow
Just wanted to update everyone on how *GREAT* Michigan is right now. High's of single digits this week - wahoooooooooooooo.... ick.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Kitchen Pictures!!
So today we did the ENTIRE kitchen. From clean-up, sanding, washing walls, taping off, plastic down and painting - we did everything. (I use we loosely - I mean Jamie did do all the sanding, for which I am VERY THANKFUL - but I did everything else.He was a huge help though because he wrangled the mini-football team we have created while I worked all day - so it was a teamwork type of day!)
I even pulled out the fridge and cleaned back there and painted. You do NOT want to know how nasty it was back there.... omg.
Anyway, here are some pictures. Nothing too thrilling, because all I did was paint - but trust me, it looks better! We did stop about 1/2 way thru thinking that it was more purple than blue - but we decided it looked well enough to use :)
This pictures doesn't show the walls/ceiling as much as the counters and sink area. Just wanted you to get a feel of the whole room :)
I even pulled out the fridge and cleaned back there and painted. You do NOT want to know how nasty it was back there.... omg.
Anyway, here are some pictures. Nothing too thrilling, because all I did was paint - but trust me, it looks better! We did stop about 1/2 way thru thinking that it was more purple than blue - but we decided it looked well enough to use :)
This pictures doesn't show the walls/ceiling as much as the counters and sink area. Just wanted you to get a feel of the whole room :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Dining Room - TA-DA!
Whew! Finally! It turned out great! The light fixture replaced a ceriling fan circa 1980 and it is beautiful. Best part is that Jamie's mom gave it to us so it was f~r~e~e! We also got new curtains and curtain rods.
Dining table, new light fixture, new curtains
, and one plant i am desperately trying not to kill!
Dining table, new light fixture, new curtains
, and one plant i am desperately trying not to kill!
Side table (with phone and catch-all basket)
Close up of gorgeous light fixture!
Another view of room .
I can't tell you how upset I am at myself for waiting so long to get it done. That door you see in the third picture has been unfinished since we moved in, almost 4 years ago! Sad really.
This make-over was totally budget friendly too!
Paint & supplies -$25.00
Light Fixture - $4.00 (for hardware to install it)
Window Treatments - $19.00
2 placemats - $5.00
Plant & Planter - $15.00
Total: $69.00 and a little bit of sweat equity!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Crawling - oh no!
Colt is starting to army crawl across the room...it's only a matter of time before I need to put the baby gate back up :( :( :( :(
Dining Room Update - #2
So I finished all the touch ups (I think so anyway) and handmopped every square inch of the floor (boy, did it need it!) So next is to try to get Jamie to install the light fixture and theeeeeeeeeeeen put the room back together! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Dining Room Update - #1
So, I just finished all the trim/cutting in work. WHEW! That is so much more work than rolling! Tommorrow (in the daylight) I will look for touch-ups - then it is a thorough cleaning for the floor, putting the room back together and installing the new light fixture... YAHOO!
Hopefully by next weekend I can show you pics of the COMPLETED dining room.
Then we start on the kitchen!
Hopefully by next weekend I can show you pics of the COMPLETED dining room.
Then we start on the kitchen!
Now these are cards I would buy!
The New "Say What You Feel" Line of Hallmark
My tire was thumping.
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat. Sorry!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...
She moved in with me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking back over the years
that we've been together,
I can't help but wonder...
"What the hell was I thinking?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How could two people as beautiful as you
Have such an ugly baby?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've always wanted to have
someone to hold,
someone to love.
After having met you ..
I've changed my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
(This one reminds me of Erick and one special girl from his past)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go...
Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Alabama , Kentucky & West Virginia)
^I don't know why I think this is funny since it is about Kentucky and all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When we were together,
you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up
think it's time you kept your promise
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We have been friends for a very long time ..
let's say we stop?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm so miserable without you
it's almost like you're here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your friends and I wanted to do
something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put sleep
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So your daughter's a hooker,
and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side,
it's really good pay.
My tire was thumping.
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat. Sorry!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...
She moved in with me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking back over the years
that we've been together,
I can't help but wonder...
"What the hell was I thinking?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How could two people as beautiful as you
Have such an ugly baby?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've always wanted to have
someone to hold,
someone to love.
After having met you ..
I've changed my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
(This one reminds me of Erick and one special girl from his past)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go...
Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Alabama , Kentucky & West Virginia)
^I don't know why I think this is funny since it is about Kentucky and all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When we were together,
you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up
think it's time you kept your promise
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We have been friends for a very long time ..
let's say we stop?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm so miserable without you
it's almost like you're here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your friends and I wanted to do
something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put sleep
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So your daughter's a hooker,
and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side,
it's really good pay.
Dining Room - In progress...
Remember back in, oh October, when I started talking about home improvements? Wellllllll, I am back at it. I don't know why it took a hiatus - I'm sure it was pure laziness on my part ;)
Anyway - we finally finished prepping the dining room (started in October!) and I got all the walls painted and now today I need to do the trim work. It looks freakin' awesome! I love it. It it is the palest shade of yellow, almost an off-white BUT it makes the room feel so warm!
When we bought this house, there was no door to the garage from the house. THE ATTACHED GARAGE HAD NO ACCESS. It was the stupidest thing I had ever seen. So, one of the first things we did was hire a contractor to install a door from the house to the garage and the only room that was possible was the dining room. SO since we have lived here, that door has been unfinished (3 years) and I also painted that yesterday and it is sooooooooo awesome looking already. It makes me almost want to stay....... naw, not really.
Anyway - we finally finished prepping the dining room (started in October!) and I got all the walls painted and now today I need to do the trim work. It looks freakin' awesome! I love it. It it is the palest shade of yellow, almost an off-white BUT it makes the room feel so warm!
When we bought this house, there was no door to the garage from the house. THE ATTACHED GARAGE HAD NO ACCESS. It was the stupidest thing I had ever seen. So, one of the first things we did was hire a contractor to install a door from the house to the garage and the only room that was possible was the dining room. SO since we have lived here, that door has been unfinished (3 years) and I also painted that yesterday and it is sooooooooo awesome looking already. It makes me almost want to stay....... naw, not really.
Jamie drugged our baby!!!
I know he did! Colt has NEVER slept all night, never EVER EVER! But Jamie gave him a bottle around 10:15 or so (laced with something, I'm sure) and then he slept until ---- 7AM! WAHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO! It would have been even that much better if I had went to bed before 3:15am, but that's another story. :)
Either way, laced or not laced, Jamie is now the official bottle maker/giver for the evening feeding because he sure did something right!
Either way, laced or not laced, Jamie is now the official bottle maker/giver for the evening feeding because he sure did something right!
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Reflection
2008
Hmmm, this year was a rollercoaster of a year for sure.
First and foremost, we completed our family in May with the addition of Colt, our 3rd and last son. It's a wierd feeling to feel "complete" as a mother, but I totally do. Jamie and I had talked about Dane being our last baby, but even within hours of delivering him I just knew I wasn't done. It was wierd, usually the LAST thing a woman thinks about just after delivery is NOT giving birth again.
We also were faced with the reality that Colt's kidney issues that were noticed in utero were not going to resolve itself and we have spent many a hour at Children's Hospital of Detroit with him and will likely spend many, many more in the years to come. To refresh your memory, his right kidney did not develop normally and therefore only a small portion (20-25%) of it works at all, and on top of that - the kidney has grade V reflux (the worst there can be) and hydronephrosis. All around, it's almost useless. NOW TO THE GOOD NEWS - We are fortunate that he has not had any complications resulting from all those issues. It is common for children with reflux to get numerous bladder infections and Colt has not had one at all. He actually has been my healthiest baby ever as far as illness/fever/colds go, go figure.
Colt is just over 7 months now and starting to try to crawl. He does this thing that is not quite an army crawl, but it's more like a push one leg up stiff, and then throw his body forward. Whatever works - he is becoming too mobile for my likings. He has started to wave hi and bye and has a killer smile. He has been by far the happiest baby I have had and loves to play on the floor with his toys for long periods of time. Watch out though, when he's done - he's done and he has the cutest, fakest screechy cry when he thinks you might not be picking him up. It can be cute, but only sometimes.
Hunter started school this year. *sniff sniff* It's hard to see him becoming such a big boy. (Almost as hard as it is to drag the other 2 kids to the bus stop 2 times a day, but that's for another not so positive post!) He is actually in young 5's because he just was not ready for kindergarten. It has proved to be a blessing, he is gaining skills he will need for kindergarten next year and his teacher is beyond amazing with him. We are so fortunate to have such a adorable, loving boy.
Dane, oh Dane. 2008 has proved to be a trying year for you, and therefore Jamie and I :) The addition of Colt was difficult for Dane. Oh, he loves Colt to death - but he was super jealous and resorted back to becoming quite dependent (which is crazy b/c he was SUPER independent) and even peeing his pants again. He is starting to get better now. As I noticed with Hunter, three's are much harder than two's and it proved to be true with Dane as well. I never realized life was so hard for kids :) He is amazingly adorable though, and I just love his shaggy hair and his *big lip* kisses that I get all day long.
Jamie has had quite a few changes this year. He has had a few job transitions, with the most recent one being this week. Hopefully he can find happiness and peace inside of a job he truly loves. I can not express in words how awesome of a father he is (he can be a pretty snazzy hubby too if he tries :) He is never too busy for a wrestling match or a quick video game with his boys. He doesn't care if they only play in the snow for 10 minutes - he will certainly take the 20 minutes it takes to get them all bundled up. AND, he often gets up with the kids so that I can sleep in. He rocks, seriously. I love him to death (didn't I pledge that somewhere???) He even went and had the big *V* this year to ensure our family was complete. He was scared to death, but thoughtful enough of a man to know how much easier it is for men to take care of than woman. I only wish everyone could have someone as great as he is. (oh, but he is absent-minded like a mug. Do NOT ask him to tell someone something or bring something home from the store - not-gonna-happen) :)
My mom is starting to feel better again (well, most days anyway) and we are all blessed to have her as a part of our lives. It was scary there for a while and we were all immensly worried about her. I think 2009 is going to bring her even more prosperity and health EVEN if she doesn't think so :)
This year also brought the closing of my dad's plant; a place where he worked many, many years. It was a hard thing to hear for him, but fortunately he is such an amazing worker and so extremely good at what he does, a buddy of his who is working in Kentucky called and offered dad a job the day after he learned of the plant closing. Even though it seemed a world away, it was the only prospect for him. Unfortunately, the economy in our area is so horribly bad, EVERY industry is hurting. So, currently dad is working in Kentucky, coming home when he can and doing the best he can. The funny thing is - I am probably closer to him than I have been in years b/c we talk much more. It's wierd what you take for granted when it is right in front of your face.
AND - since dad has been displaced, Jamie and I are hoping to make the move to Kentucky this year (even if we have to drag mom kicking and screaming!) Jamie has wanted to move south for a looooooong time, and I was dragging my heels because of my parents being here. Well, now they will be there - so Kentucky here we come! Of course a few things need to fall into place - me securing a teaching position, finding reasonable housing and of course trying to sell this "investment" YEAH RIGHT of a house. We know the chance of it selling is so freaking slim, but we have to try.
So, knowing what I know about 2008 - I have a feeling that 2009 is going to bring even more change and challenges for us but we are super excited at the prospects of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OH - I forgot about me! That is something that is easy to do when you are a mom. Anyway, this year was the last year I will ever hold my own newborn in my hands and have to overwhelming feeling of love for a new little man that I have been carrying for so long. I really do feel complete as a family, but those moments are sooooooooo special it's hard to think you will never have another.
I had every intention of losing weight, but actually ended the year at more than I began the year - I suck at exercise committment. I did give up pop for the most part, rarely buying for the house - but that made no difference. The secret to my fatness is lazyness. I know it - I just can't seem to motivate myself to change it. It sucks.
As far as career goes, I like the job I have now, but I want, no need, more. I really want to get back into education and that is never going to happen in Michigan because of the crappy job market in education. That is why the prospect of moving to Kentucky is all the more exciting for me. I love my boys and spending a lot of time with them, but I miss summers off and I think a teacher's schedule is a great schedule for family.
Ok, I think that is all for now - whew! I am seriously sweating after typing all that up. I didn't really think it would take that much to reflect on 2008!
Hmmm, this year was a rollercoaster of a year for sure.
First and foremost, we completed our family in May with the addition of Colt, our 3rd and last son. It's a wierd feeling to feel "complete" as a mother, but I totally do. Jamie and I had talked about Dane being our last baby, but even within hours of delivering him I just knew I wasn't done. It was wierd, usually the LAST thing a woman thinks about just after delivery is NOT giving birth again.
We also were faced with the reality that Colt's kidney issues that were noticed in utero were not going to resolve itself and we have spent many a hour at Children's Hospital of Detroit with him and will likely spend many, many more in the years to come. To refresh your memory, his right kidney did not develop normally and therefore only a small portion (20-25%) of it works at all, and on top of that - the kidney has grade V reflux (the worst there can be) and hydronephrosis. All around, it's almost useless. NOW TO THE GOOD NEWS - We are fortunate that he has not had any complications resulting from all those issues. It is common for children with reflux to get numerous bladder infections and Colt has not had one at all. He actually has been my healthiest baby ever as far as illness/fever/colds go, go figure.
Colt is just over 7 months now and starting to try to crawl. He does this thing that is not quite an army crawl, but it's more like a push one leg up stiff, and then throw his body forward. Whatever works - he is becoming too mobile for my likings. He has started to wave hi and bye and has a killer smile. He has been by far the happiest baby I have had and loves to play on the floor with his toys for long periods of time. Watch out though, when he's done - he's done and he has the cutest, fakest screechy cry when he thinks you might not be picking him up. It can be cute, but only sometimes.
Hunter started school this year. *sniff sniff* It's hard to see him becoming such a big boy. (Almost as hard as it is to drag the other 2 kids to the bus stop 2 times a day, but that's for another not so positive post!) He is actually in young 5's because he just was not ready for kindergarten. It has proved to be a blessing, he is gaining skills he will need for kindergarten next year and his teacher is beyond amazing with him. We are so fortunate to have such a adorable, loving boy.
Dane, oh Dane. 2008 has proved to be a trying year for you, and therefore Jamie and I :) The addition of Colt was difficult for Dane. Oh, he loves Colt to death - but he was super jealous and resorted back to becoming quite dependent (which is crazy b/c he was SUPER independent) and even peeing his pants again. He is starting to get better now. As I noticed with Hunter, three's are much harder than two's and it proved to be true with Dane as well. I never realized life was so hard for kids :) He is amazingly adorable though, and I just love his shaggy hair and his *big lip* kisses that I get all day long.
Jamie has had quite a few changes this year. He has had a few job transitions, with the most recent one being this week. Hopefully he can find happiness and peace inside of a job he truly loves. I can not express in words how awesome of a father he is (he can be a pretty snazzy hubby too if he tries :) He is never too busy for a wrestling match or a quick video game with his boys. He doesn't care if they only play in the snow for 10 minutes - he will certainly take the 20 minutes it takes to get them all bundled up. AND, he often gets up with the kids so that I can sleep in. He rocks, seriously. I love him to death (didn't I pledge that somewhere???) He even went and had the big *V* this year to ensure our family was complete. He was scared to death, but thoughtful enough of a man to know how much easier it is for men to take care of than woman. I only wish everyone could have someone as great as he is. (oh, but he is absent-minded like a mug. Do NOT ask him to tell someone something or bring something home from the store - not-gonna-happen) :)
My mom is starting to feel better again (well, most days anyway) and we are all blessed to have her as a part of our lives. It was scary there for a while and we were all immensly worried about her. I think 2009 is going to bring her even more prosperity and health EVEN if she doesn't think so :)
This year also brought the closing of my dad's plant; a place where he worked many, many years. It was a hard thing to hear for him, but fortunately he is such an amazing worker and so extremely good at what he does, a buddy of his who is working in Kentucky called and offered dad a job the day after he learned of the plant closing. Even though it seemed a world away, it was the only prospect for him. Unfortunately, the economy in our area is so horribly bad, EVERY industry is hurting. So, currently dad is working in Kentucky, coming home when he can and doing the best he can. The funny thing is - I am probably closer to him than I have been in years b/c we talk much more. It's wierd what you take for granted when it is right in front of your face.
AND - since dad has been displaced, Jamie and I are hoping to make the move to Kentucky this year (even if we have to drag mom kicking and screaming!) Jamie has wanted to move south for a looooooong time, and I was dragging my heels because of my parents being here. Well, now they will be there - so Kentucky here we come! Of course a few things need to fall into place - me securing a teaching position, finding reasonable housing and of course trying to sell this "investment" YEAH RIGHT of a house. We know the chance of it selling is so freaking slim, but we have to try.
So, knowing what I know about 2008 - I have a feeling that 2009 is going to bring even more change and challenges for us but we are super excited at the prospects of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OH - I forgot about me! That is something that is easy to do when you are a mom. Anyway, this year was the last year I will ever hold my own newborn in my hands and have to overwhelming feeling of love for a new little man that I have been carrying for so long. I really do feel complete as a family, but those moments are sooooooooo special it's hard to think you will never have another.
I had every intention of losing weight, but actually ended the year at more than I began the year - I suck at exercise committment. I did give up pop for the most part, rarely buying for the house - but that made no difference. The secret to my fatness is lazyness. I know it - I just can't seem to motivate myself to change it. It sucks.
As far as career goes, I like the job I have now, but I want, no need, more. I really want to get back into education and that is never going to happen in Michigan because of the crappy job market in education. That is why the prospect of moving to Kentucky is all the more exciting for me. I love my boys and spending a lot of time with them, but I miss summers off and I think a teacher's schedule is a great schedule for family.
Ok, I think that is all for now - whew! I am seriously sweating after typing all that up. I didn't really think it would take that much to reflect on 2008!
Christmas Pictures
Yeah, about those. I would GLADY upload our Chirstmas pictures to share with you all EXCEPT being the forgetful mother that I am, I did not buy batteries for the games/toys on xmas morning - so immediately after opening presents my camera batteries were transferred to Dane's new domino train thing-a-ma-jig and I can't upload without the batteries. I will get to it sometime soon :)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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