Beautiful!

It was absolutely beautiful outside today. After the kids gymnastics we played outside until dinner. J rented a stump grinder and now we have no more stumps. Very cool. Now we have to level the built up landscaping around the border of our property then we can get the cool swing set from our neighbors who's kids are too big for it now. I'm really not in an updating mood. So that is all you get for now.

Pictures Galore!

These pictures I was trying to capture Red's new hair cut. It is really short and he looks so much older. He is getting so big so fast.













These are pictures of our fall activities. I took over 30 pictures of the kids carving pumpkins and, of course, they were all so cute because I erased the bad ones :) So I had a hard time trying to pick out only 10 of them to show!!! I hope you enjoy the new pictures!

Saturday

I am more awake right now then last time I posted. I thought I would tell you a little more of what GlamorGirl's class did on Friday. We went to a nursing home and visited with the grandmas and grandpas there. The kids made gifts to hand out after they sang to them. GG gave her gift to a grandma named Hazel. I could tell she was scared to talk to them so I got down on her level and started talking to GG about somethings that we could tell the grandmas. We ended up talking to Hazel and Vivan the lady next to her. By the time we left GG wasn't scared of the *old people* and was wanting to give them all a hug. It was a good experience for her and I am glad I was there to help in the uneasy situation for her. I didn't bring my camera so I didn't get any pictures :(

Last night we went to an Irish Pub and had some really good food and I even got a mixed drink with dinner. The owner came and sat with us for about 10 minutes which was nice. J goes in there while he is working sometimes. Then we went bowling. That was so fun. I won the first game 115 to 108 then J won the second game 171 to 103. I was happy that I broke 100 both games!!! Then we headed over to Starbucks and got drinks and talked for along time. Our date lasted 3 1/2 hours. It was a great time. Our babysitter, Jess, brought over cookies to make with the kids. When we got home there were cookies that they decorated. I really don't want to lose her as a sitter.

Today we have been cleaning, the kids each got hair cuts and baths, J and I started going through the Christmas presents already bought to figure out who we have left to shop for and if the kids need anything else. I believe we are half way done so that is a good feeling. Right now I am trying to decide if I should take the kids to Wal-mart or wait until Monday when they are in school and if we should go to church tonight.

A NAP! A NAP!

I got to take a nap today. Can you tell how excited I am about that? I couldn't tell you the last time I took one of them. At least a year?!?! I just woke up so I am feeling a little sleepy still but once I get some food and a drink in me I will be ready to go.

J is taking me out tonight for my birthday, which is next Tuesday. We will be pretty busy that day! He wanted to take me to see the Blue Man Group but silly me said I didn't think it would be a good idea. You see, this morning Red was with a sitter so that I could go on GG's field trip and help out in her class for the Harvest Party. Then J told me he wanted to take me out for my birthday just the two of us. I totally would of gone to Blue Man if J was the one that watched Red this morning. It would be a really long day for Red if our date was an hour drive, a 2 hour show, plus dinner. Instead we are going out to eat around our house and then bowling. I love bowling and haven't done that in a long time either. I will feel much more relaxed this way. I told him I do want to see Blue Man so maybe for my 30th which is in two years. Sorry you aren't getting pictures today either because my nap won my time. Now I need to go pretty myself for my date with my hubby. Later...

The Prefect Day

If I were to describe what the prefect day would look like I would definitely have to say it was YESTERDAY! We picked the kids up from school and went to the cafeteria where Liz was...we had birthday cards to give her. My mom-in-law gave us pizza to eat so that we didn't have to eat when we got home. And no clean up, score. We came home did homework then went to a store for daddy's work. While we were there we saw someone we went to college with and he talked to J. I was telling stories with the kids and we were having a fun time. The people were laughing at our very silly story about a dragon. When we go home from there we carved pumpkins with the kids and then we went outside and raked leaves to play in. Then J bagged them up. We came in the house and had hot chocolate. See prefect...

I do have pictures of the pumpkins and us in the leaves but I'm not really feeling like uploading them right now. Maybe when the kids go to bed?!?!

Precious Moments

These are some of my favorite times with the kids. They are so snuggly!!! We love to crowd onto the chair and read books. I know the couch would give us more room but we like to be close :)

This is how we ROLL!!!

There was a few days (Friday and Saturday) that we had somewhat nice weather and there were a lot of leaves on the ground. So we raked the leaves and had a blast playing in them. Saturday night we went to church and afterwards we invited some people over for dinner on a whim. We had a really good time hanging out with them. Since J has had the surgery and isn't working he is feeling sheltered from the world so having the party on Friday and going to church and having people over has helped him a lot. Then Sunday after church we went to his parents house for lunch and to hang out with them. You read that right we went to church two days. We can't get enough, what can I say! Here are the pictures of the kids and after them will be some silly stories of the kids.










GG after her bath on Saturday came out to the living room in her towel and started dancing to the music that was playing. The boys and I were in the bathroom and J was in our bedroom, so she thought. But she turned around and saw Daddy standing there watching her dance. She jumped. He said it is one of his favorite moments with GlamorGirl!

Monkey has made up a new word. Creativeful. He walked outside and says, "It's creativeful out here." When asked what that word means he says, "God has made this world so creativeful."

Red well he is just learning so many new things I can't even think of them all! Last night in bed he was saying his name (and it was pretty close to right) trying to say the other two kids' names too. J and I are so amazed at how much he can understand, because he really doesn't say that much. But he follows directions fairly well for a 17 month old :)

Apple Day

Today was Apple Day at school for Monkey's class. I, of course, helped in the room with my main squeeze Red! We had a lot of fun playing games and doing crafts with the kids. One of the mom's cut both of her thumbs on the apple slicer. I felt so bad because I had bought the teacher the apple slicer because last year I had to use a huge knife and cutting board and I thought I was going to hurt myself. The lady has a store bought slicer and it isn't as sharp as the Pampered Chef one. She tried to pushed the apple through and hurt herself...you have to pull the apple out. Here are some of the pictures taken. ENJOY :)







On a J note: He is feeling better today because while I was at school he swept and mopped the kitchen. I am having a Candle Party tonight and he knew I was going to come home and clean. He was helping me out by trying to get as much cleaning done as he could. I had to resist my urge not to be mad at him for not resting because he did it out of love for me. He is a great hubby.

sweet relief

This morning was pretty uneventful, I didn't get to go to my Bible study because I was at home taking care of the baby and the hubby. I got the kids with my friend Monica, who brought over the lesson for next weeks study. They were really excited about seeing her and we tried to convince her to stay for lunch but she had to work. I fed them and we did homework then we got back into the van and I took them back to school so that I could take J to the doctor's appointment. I just knew it would be easier if I only had one kid to worry about. J actually kicked Red and I out of the room while the doctor took the things out. He told me he almost passed out it hurt so bad. I am totally glad that Red and I didn't see that happen or hear him morn in pain. That has been the hardest part so far is seeing him hurt so bad. Once he got the packing out he was able to breath a little out of his nose. He said it felt so much better...sweet relief for him. He still has a plastic piece in both sides until Tuesday. We all needed a little down time so the kids are watching PBS and I wanted to get on the computer. That is all for now.

The big day...

J had his surgery today. It went great the doctor said but I am thinking J isn't in agreement. He is in pain and can only breath out of his mouth. I feel so bad for him. He has an appointment tomorrow and we have a few questions for the doctor. I am just praying for a fast recovery time. Nothing much else happened today I just did a lot of waiting and praying.

No computer!

I just realized that I didn't turn the computer on yesterday. I don't think I had a chance with everything that was going on. We went to church came home and literally shoved food in our mouths and went to a gymnastics birthday party. When it was over I called J to see what he was doing and we met at a store so that we could spend some time with him...added bonus he showed me something he wants for Christmas. Now I just have to get back over there and buy it and then his stocking will be full. We are only getting stocking stuffers for each other this year because we are getting a nice camera for our trip to Disney, which will be our present for each other. I do have a feeling that Christmas morning I am going to have other presents under the tree though. He spoils me! Then we came home and Amy came over and we hung out and played some games, well we got to play one game because then Red woke up from his nap. That pretty much summed up what we did yesterday.

Last night Red had a rough night sleeping. I think he might be getting sick like Monkey was because the poor kid could not get comfortable for the life of him. He tossed and turned until 2:30 before he finally completely crashed from exhaustion. I didn't even hear the alarm this morning. J got up and got the kids ready and took them to school. I am going to have to do that Thursday and Friday because J is going to be unable to help me. I can't believe his surgery is in 2 days. I am a little nervous about whether I am going to be able to handle him in that condition. He is going to be so needy and the kids already are that needy. Please pray for me, I'm going to need God's strength to get me through those days. For the rest of the day we really don't have much planned. The kids have gymnastics right after school and homework. I'm hoping to be able to play more games with them.

A day to Celebrate LOVE...

Well Monkey was still feeling a little under the weather this morning when he woke up even though if you were to ask him he would say he was fine. We were suppose to go to a pumpkin farm but since it is cold outside and Monkey isn't 100% better we took the kids to the store and let them pick out pumpkins. They had fun and that's all the matters at this stage in the game, right? We aren't carving them today we are going to wait til after J's surgery.

Tonight J and I are going to a wedding reception. We skipped out on the wedding because it was 40 minutes from our house and then we would of had to drive a little over an hour to get to the reception, which is about 25 minutes from our house. I just got done doing my hair and now I am going to go do my make-up and get dressed and then go and have fun with my hubby dancing! So I'm outta here...

Sickly

Our Monkey-man missed school the last two days because he was sick. Poor little guy was coughing and hacking so bad. He seemed to be doing much better today after his nap so we went to the Volleyball game so Monkey could get out of the house. It was the last game of the season and the kids always have fun being at the games. Then we ordered pizza, made some popcorn and watched a movie together as a family. J just went to fill up the humidifier and the handle on the bathtub broke so he has to go to the store and get a new one now. I am just hoping that it will be something that is easy to fix and there are no complications. Oh yeah at the game one of the highschool girls was talking to Monkey about school. She asked him who his teacher was and his friends. He said, "Titus is my best buddy and we are both the same years old." I thought that was really cute. Not too exciting of an update but this is our life :)

The door is always open!

First I want to start by saying that last night was funny because when we got home from Bible study our sitter was sleeping in the chair and when I went to wake her she jumped so high. It was really funny.

This morning J went to the preschool to talk about being a police officer. He did a great job and those kids were so funny. One little kid says, "My parents have a Toyota." For no reason just thought she would share that little piece of information. When he was talking to them about being scared (I don't even know in what context it was in) another kid says, "I'm not scary." Instead of I'm not scared. So funny.

When I went to get the kids I paid the sitter, didn't have it last night. She is a Senior and has half days of school so she came over and had lunch with us. The kids just love her so much. It's nice to know they are in good hands when we are away. Then as J was leaving for work Becky came over and we went out and bought ugly matching shirts for our trip to Disney...long story...but it is tradition. After shopping she hung out awhile and Amy came over and then J came home. It was a full house and I loved it. Amy ate dinner with us and we went shopping again. I really am not a shop-a-holic but it is getting closer to Christmas and the only time I can get J's presents are when he isn't with me. The reason for the title is because I had called J to ask if it was alright that Jess came over for lunch because that is usually the time we spend together as a family before he goes to work. He told me that our door is always open and that there is no need to ask him. My friends that come over while he is at work have been a huge blessing to me and the kids AND Jeff knows it! Now the bed is calling my name but it has 6 loads of folded laundry on it. I'll just put it in the clothes baskets and put them away tomorrow!

Oh what a night! (Like the song)

Red decided that he wanted to be AWAKE from 11pm to 3am?!?! What he was thinking I have no clue. My wonderful generous husband allowed me to go sleep with the Monkey-man. Around 3:30 when all was quite, I got up and went back to my bed. About 10 minutes later Monkey, from his bed, screams MOMMY WILL YOU COME LAY WITH ME? 5X before I got up and went back in there for the rest of the night. It wasn't worth being in my bed when I was hanging off the edge of the bed anyways. Red was sleeping the wrong way in the bed giving J and I very little room to breath! This morning half asleep and still in my pjs I took the kids to school. They jumped out of the van and ran to the door that J was standing at...he had guitar lessons and was already at the school which was good because I didn't get a chance to brush my teeth before getting the kids out the door. Then I came home and got my self ready for playgroup and realized I didn't read the chapter for our discussion. I tried to read as much as possible and I got about half way through it. It you are looking for a great parenting book you have to read Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. Really powerful stuff in there and we get to talk about it in a group of mommy's, I love it. Then it was home to drop off Red so he could try and get his morning nap in which he did until the kids came home 30 minutes later. We need a sound proof room for the napping child. Lunch and homework took until 2pm and the rest of the day we have been playing, dancing and just chillin' with the boob tube. I let me guard down with the tv today because Red is tired and the only way to let him sleep is to keep them quite and the tv does the trick. Our sitter is coming over for dinner and then to watch the kids. That's all she wrote...

A new week of school...

This morning wasn't too bad because we had gone to Walmart and the Market Day store on Saturday with Amy. So J and I only had to hit two stores! When he came home from taking the kids to school he told me there was a volleyball game tonight. I started planning our day with that in mind. However, I forgot the kids gymnastics classes. Monkey ended up getting to his 15 minutes late and the teachers let him go to GG class too. They had a very low attendance with it being a holiday. When we got home it was homework, baths and pack a picnic lunch to take to the game. We got back from the game just in time for the kids to get their pjs on and hit the mattress! Both boys were out in seconds flat. GG took a little longer to settle down.

A Monkey story: Last night when we were at my dad's he says to Becky...
Monkey: Aunty Becky what is under there?
Becky: Under where?
Monkey: (screams with joy) I made you say underwear! You said underwear... and it goes on for about 5 minutes. The best part was Becky took a few seconds to figure out what just happened! He was so funny and so excited she had fallen for his joke. He takes after his daddy as a total jokester :)

Family

Today after church we went over to my dad's house to see my aunt Judy, who is in from Cal., it is always fun to see her and of course my dad, step mom and Becky. It was a really good visit she was telling me about the journal that my grandma had kept. They passed away two summers ago. Very hard summer, my grandma was sick and getting worse by the day but my grandpa was as healthy as could be, he died 12 days after my grandma and I truly believe it was from a broken heart. Anyways my grandma's journal spanned 30 years of her life, what dedication. Judy said it was really cool to see the emotion of my grandma with each of her children being born and the love she had for my grandpa. She told us about love letters that they also found from my grandpa to my grandma. They got married their Senior year of High School in January and started a family. My aunt is the 5th child and my grandma was 23 when she was born. I was 23 when Monkey, my second, was born. They were married for 51 years (I believe, it was at least 50 because there was a party!)and had 7 children and 26 grandchildren it was always a huge family gathering everytime we got together. Just listening to my aunt talk about what my grandma wrote in her journal made me think that I really need to be more faithful in my writings on this blog. Sure it is online but it is still my thoughts and memories of our days together. One of these days I am going to start printing out the entries and make a book. Maybe one day my kids will read it while I am still alive but if not for sure when I am gone. I truly cherish every moment I have with my kids and family:)


In other news: We got the BIG dent out of the back of the van. Roberta had backed into something about a year after they bought the van and never got it fixed. So many people have pointed out the dent, so annoying. Actually yesterday as my friend and I were driving some dude rolled down his window to let me know that he did body work. Our windows were already down, unfortunately. The best part was that a guy from church had the tool used to fix dents and he did it for us for FREE!!! It isn't completely fixed by any means but it looks so much better.

What day is it, again?!?!

I can't wait for this week to be OVER! It has been so busy I feel like I am out of control. On Wednesday I went on Monkey's field trip to the Nature Center and it was a lot of fun. I love spending time with Monkey he is just such a sweetie! Today we let the kids stay at school for the whole day so that I could get some things done around here and I rocked it! I got the whole house cleaned, minus the vacuuming while Red was taking his nap then I vacuumed as soon as he woke up. Well I mainly got on here to update with pictures from the kids field trips and Red's playgroup! I hope you enjoy the pictures because we had a blast :)




The first three pictures are of GG's field trip. The close up is her sitting on my lap in the bus I love her eyes in it. She wanted a picture on the pumpkins and then the last one is of her and her friends looking at the Ostriches. I thought that was a really cool picture! Of course, I took way more then the three but I these are some of my favorites!




Then next three of Red at his playgroup outing. The first picture I thought was just a really cute picture of him :)We had just gotten there and he was exploring! He is riding a pony in the second picture. He was really funny because I asked him if he wanted to take a ride on a horse and he shock his head no. Then I showed him the horse and asked again and then he said *yes*. He got on the horse and was fine until it moved. That totally freaked him out! But I was next to him so he did fine on the ride. I thought this was just a really cute picture of him :) This is Red picking out his gourd to bring home...I can't even find it now?!?!




The next three are of Monkey's field trip at the Nature Center. The first one is Monkey throwing the leaf he found into the river to see the wind make it dance. All the kids did it then they ran to the other side to watch it go by, they thought that was very cool. The second picture him and his friend Titus are holding up the acorns they found that they got to turn in for raisins. The last picture is the booklet the kids got for the nature walk we went on. All three days were extremely fun!

Funny Kid!

Red is just such a funny little kid. J has been working on animal sounds with him and he knows...the snake, monkey, lion, bear (which sounds the same), elephant (real cute because he throws one arm up in the air) the chicken, duck, pig (he snorts), dog, cat, turkey, and the rooster which we have taught him cock-a-doodle doo he says, "Cockle dooo doooo" Super Duper cute! In my last post I was talking about Red and potty training. Well the kids got baths tonight and he was the last one in because I wanted to blow dry GG's hair so he could play in the water, which he loves. As soon as I got done drying her hair is looks at me and starts grabbing at his tummy and then he peed. I said, "Do you need to go potty?" He shacks his head *yes* and then poop came out and into the tub. We picked it up with a wipe and throw it in the toilet and then he sat on the potty trying to go. When he was done we flushed the toilet and as with the other two we say "bye bye poo poo" He said, "bye bye doo doo" He is just his own little person and he is so much fun :)

Life is full of adventures!

So the kids and I went to the Apple Orchard on Saturday and after church on Sunday the kids and I went with my dad and step-mom to an Arboretum! They had so much fun. There was a maze and a children's garden that had so much stuff to do that we didn't even get to scratch the surface of exploring it. It is only about 20 minutes from our house, too. I told J that we need to go back there next year when he is off in the fall right before school starts. We left and met J for dinner so that my parents could see him. Then today was GlamorGirl's field trip to Goebbert's Farm. We went on a hayride, corn maze, looked at all the wild and farm animals, and then the kids got to pick out a pumpkin, gourd, and ear of corn. It was great fun. I'm so excited because we are going there again tomorrow with our playgroup. I didn't even realize that was where the field trip was until Saturday and we had already planned the playgroup event! It works out good because I am only taking Red tomorrow and I will get to see what other things they have to offer because we won't be on a school schedule of events like today. I am already thinking it will have to be a family event soon :) J has things planned in the yard for his days off this week so the next set he has we will be checking out a pumpkin farm my friend Amy told me about. There is just way too much fun things to do around here! I love the fall season...

Red note: He went poop in the potty!!! I was so excited he has peed 2 times and now he has gone poop :) He is very excited about going like a big boy that he takes his diaper off and runs to the toilet to sit on it. I am not really training him it is all him...which is the best part.