Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! This morning we went to church. In Sunday school the class wished me and another mom a happy mother's day that was nice. GG and Monkey made me a necklace in their class. That was sweet. Then during the church service they had all the moms stand up and they sang Happy Mother's Day to the tune of Happy Birthday. It was cute. Of course they prayed for us too. We came home and made homemade pizzas, yummy. J let me take a nap today and it was great. I slept so good and not too long that I will have trouble tonight sleeping. It was prefect. Tonight for dinner we went to Bakers Square so that was nice. The funny thing is that though this day is set aside to be special for mothers it wasn't any different then most days. All my days are fulled with great things and surprises. My children's I love yous and my hubby just being his sweet self. I did feel honored today but I feel that way everyday! I have a great family.

This morning J and I were laying in bed talking...Monkey walked in the room as J sneezed. J asked Monkey to go get him the roll of toilet paper in the bathroom. Monkey came back with the teeniest little piece of toilet paper. We laughed so hard it hurt! After we got up and out of bed we went shopping for my mother's day present. J took me to Target to get my some new clothes. I wanted church clothes, mainly skirts and shirts, easier to nurse in. I found two outfits I liked so we ended up not going anywhere else. I still get to pick out some shoes to go with my new clothes but I will get them probably Monday. We came home and cleaned the fish bowl GG helped me. Then she decided that the bowl needed to be decorated with stickers from the oranges! After that was done I let her color with a pen. I happened to leave her for a few minutes and when I came back she had made lines on both of her arms. That is going to look lovely in church tomorrow :) Oh well she is a kid, right? For dinner I cooked for 10 people (two which were my kids). That was a lot of fun. I love cooking for people. I made a pork roast, noodles, green beans, fruit and brownies! My dad's friend Andy and his wife Joyce were over and GG wanted to go home with them because he told her they have a trampoline. So she has been talking about us getting a trampoline now even though I don't know if she knows what they are?!?! She might, she surprises me all the time with what she knows. Then we came to J's parents house with Elizabeth, who won 1st prize at State for the science fair. Way to go Liz!!! That is pretty cool to win a gold for State. Tonight we let the kids ride their bikes outside at grandma and grandpa's house. It was a really nice night. The neighbors came out to play. Their oldest is a month older than Monkey and they have a 4 month old. So their kids are about 18 months apart like mine. She was really nice and when we pulled in J said she had the baby in a sling so she is pretty cool in my book :) When we came inside we had some pie! Now we are getting ready for bed, we have church in the morning.

Today was kind of chilly, but I took the kids to the park anyway. We needed to get out of the house for awhile. GG scared me to death tonight. I was on the phone and she came downstairs and got her shoes on and told me she was going outside. I asked her with who and she said, "myself". I got off the phone and came up and she was outside. At first I thought she was by herself then I saw my brother was with her. She totally scared me. It was dark out! I don't know what I am going to do with her. Now Monkey lately has been asking why after everything we say to him. "Monkey come here"..."Why?" Also if you ask him why he did something he says "cause". Also when we were away at my mom's he started pooping in his pants again. I think it was because of being gone but we are trying to get him back to the pooping only on the potty. He was doing so good too. Oh well. Tonight has been a little different because Becky and Travis are both home from college and J worked tonight. He had taken the last three days off. So he works tonight then has the next three days off. GG has been a handful. I put her in bed about a million times tonight. The worse part about it is that she was falling asleep on the couch at 7 but when I put her to bed at 8 she keeps getting out. Today I answered a questionnaire about me and one of the questions was what is the silliest thing your children have done. It made me realize that I have stopped telling their silly stories. I really don't want to forget them so I am going to try and get better at taking note of their silliness! Like while we were in New Mexico Monkey was sitting on the chair next to me while I talked to my mom. He had a big grin on his face and she told him he was silly. He started laughing, which made her laugh. Then she said, "You are funny" he pointed to himself and said, "funny" Then she said, "You are a character" he pointed to himself and tried to say, character but it came out like, "chairiture" She said he was a nut, goof and silly he did the same thing after each thing. It was really cute to watch him interact with my mom. His grandma cookie! You know GG said something to me today that was just hysterical but I can't remember what it was for the life of me. Let me think...oh she was telling me, "I thought you were going to leave me but instead you came in and I think it is wonderful." She said that when I tucked her into bed. I always tuck her in so it was really funny that she said that!?!? Kids :)

I totally forgot to update yesterday. I guess that is what happens when you get out of the habit! Today was fun...GG and I went to her friend Emily's 3rd birthday party. It was at a Chocolate place. We made a ton of chocolate treats, had pizza, watched her open presents, and had cake. GG is on a sugar high!!! Then we went to the doctor and now we are back. Tonight I plan on watching the final show of Friends. This afternoon we are just going to spend time as a family. I really need that right now.

We are back from New Mexico and we had a great time. There was walks, playing at the park, trip to the mall, pictures, and various other things that we did. GG loved playing with her uncles! Monkey had fun too but he was a little more shy then her. GG helped grandpa build a swing set that she thought was just too cool. But we just got back and I am really tired so I am going to end this. I will start updating more now that we are back.

I just realized now that I didn't update yesterday. The past two days I have been busy with getting things ready for our trip. Which I think I am almost finished with just need to throw in the last little bit of toiletries in the morning. Also my brother's family is here until tomorrow so we have hung out with them too. Total chaos here. Yesterday I took the kids to the store to get GG some short sleeve shirts. I found a ton that were 2.88 so I bought her six. Now she is set for summer. That is a good feeling. Other than getting ready to leave we have been dealing with house issues. Talking to banks and such. We may soon be home owners. What a scary decision. Tonight I took the kids outside to ride their bikes it was super nice out just really really windy. Well I am going to make this short I have to get up early in the morning to catch our flight. I will try to update at my mom's but we'll see how busy we are. Later!

Today has been a long day for us. We had a doctor's appointment this morning. The kids were so good that we took them to McDonalds. And no we don't always eat there just lately. Then I took the kids to Toys R Us and J went to work. Being in there was just too funny. I would walk and GG would seriously scream, "GO BACK! GO BACK!" So I would go back and she would tell me that she wanted the toy. I explained to her that she needed to remember the toys she wanted and we would make a list when we got home. I told her that I would keep the list and get them for Christmas or her birthday. I did buy two things from there for our trip though. Then we went to Wal-mart and got some more stuff for the trip. Came home and the kids both took late naps and that is why they are both still awake plus the fact that Uncle Kevin's family came tonight. The three cousins have been running around like crazy people. I'm going to end this so I can get to bed at a descent time.

Ok yesterday was super crazy. I worked, came home, ran a bunch of errands, and then went to get Liz at her friends house. I took her home and when we got there neither one of us had keys. My in-laws went away for the weekend. Since no one had keys we had to drive to the department to get them from J. While we were there he gave Liz a tour of the place because she has never been there before. The kids enjoyed that. I am happy to say that I now have a key to the house. The funny thing about this all is that J had a front and back door key. So I have the back door and he has the front so we will both be able to get in their house. That is kind of a funny thought. Anyway after we got in the house we ordered pizza for dinner. Today was church, which was busy for J and I. During Sunday school we each gave our testimonies and then the class asked us 10 questions each. Then we had to quickly pick up the kids and drop them off at their next location (GG children's church and Monkey nursery) and we greeted at the front door. It was cool we had name tags and everything. I don't know if I wrote this last sunday but Monkey has been going to GG's Sunday school class and he loves it. So much more fun for him then being in our class! After we were finished greeting people we worked in the nursery during the service. We came home and ate lunch and J went to work and the kids and I came home. I started laundry and I now have some free time :) Oh J bought his secondary gun last night. This week we are going to get ready for our trip. Tonight at dinner GG was cracking me up. She was talking about our trip to grandma and grandpa K's house. She was saying something like she can't wait to play with all her uncles because they are a great family. They share with her and play nicely with her. Then she was teaching Monkey how to say their last name which he said, "cookie" She rambled on about them for about 20 minutes and it was really cute. Well that is all I can think of......

Wow what a day! It just really seems like a blur right now. I do know that we went to the Variety Show to watch Liz perform and the kids thought that was great. They also got to eat McDonalds for dinner and GG had her first hamburger. She was too funny! She was like, "Oh yea my first hamburger ever! I am so excited. I can't wait to tell dad I am eating a hamburger." They also got to see grandma and grandpa, Liz and daddy (in his uniform)! We still don't know anything new about the house. The more I think about it the more I think it isn't for us then I think it is. I am so up and down about it and that really stinks. I just wish I knew what we should do. All I know for sure is that I am exhausted and I need the bed so I am off......

Our day....I worked then came home just in time to leave to go look at that house. I will just say that this afternoon was a stressful time for J and I. We talked about the house if we liked it, wanted to buy it or what. Then we went to school to see grandma A. they were doing the dress rehearsal for the Variety Show so we stayed and watched some of it. I am planning on bringing the kids there tomorrow night for the real thing. They should have fun!!! We came home and I made turkey for dinner so we ate late, oh well. My dad decided that after dinner he wanted ice cream so we went to get Oberweis, yummy :) We were going to take the kids swimming but after the ice cream we were all tired. Plus, ER is going to be on in 15 minutes! Most of the day we spent distressing by having kiss fights. That is where you try and kiss the other person more times then they kiss you. The kids love it and so do we :) Time to get the kids in bed....

Today GG and I went to work and J and Monkey went swimming. Then Monkey came to play and GG went home to get ready for ballet class. Class was fun today because we had a new baby there. Monkey was so interested in him. It was cute. Then this afternoon J and Monkey took a nap and GG and I played. After dinner we cleaned the basement and did laundry. Monkey hid under the laundry basket, which was hilarious. Then the kids and J took a shower came down read books and GG went to bed and Monkey is still awake. GG has been doing this new thing that just is too much. She will tell you something and when she is done she laughs historically at what she just said. I guess she is telling a joke or something. But I can't help but laugh at her laughing! I have another story but I can't tell it J won't let me :( So I am going to end this post.

Ok so I think Monkey is officially poop potty trained, if that is even possible. I say this because for the last two weeks he has only gone poop on the potty. He tells us he needs to go, can't get his diaper off yet, so we help him and then he does it. Pretty cool I think. I am planning on working with him on the pee part after we get back from our vacation. Today I worked and J had court then we came home with Amanda. We hung out and she left. After she was gone we all took a nap. I slept about 2 hours and it felt so good. Then after dinner Monkey and I went to the LLL meeting and J and GG went to the YMCA to go swimming. J told Monkey that he will take him tomorrow so all night he has been saying, "Jump in da wader." That is what he did last time we went swimming! Now I am going to bed.

Well it looks like I missed a few days here! I will say they were filled with fun times. We spent the night at my in laws on Saturday night. Today we went to the storage to get out the summer clothes from last summer to see if any of them still fit. I found about 8 short outfits for Monkey and mainly just shorts and capris for GlamorGirl. So she will need some new shirts. We also went to Wal-mart to get her some new sandals for the summer since Monkey is wearing her ones from last year. They are black unisex sandals...so no we aren't putting Monkey in girl sandals. The afternoon we spent trying on all of the old clothes. Then after Monkey woke up from his nap we went to the park to play. I think that GG tried waking him up earlier so we could go play. Then this evening we went grocery shopping so we now have food in the house. That is always a good feeling. Oh and Thursday we are going to go look at a 3 bedroom house. That should be fun. All I am saying is that I am going to keep an open mind about it...it doesn't have a dishwasher or central air. But it has a two car garage. We'll see what happens on Thursday. I have a sleeping Monkey in my arms right now. I can't believe he isn't waking up as I type. Which reminds me of a funny story about him. The other day I asked him if he was my handsome guy. And he held up his hands! Get it "Hand"some guy!!!! I loved it. And GG was talking with Roberta the other day and told her some stories that she then shared with me. All I can say is what an imagination that one has :) Well that is it for now.

What a fun day we had! The weather was so beautiful. Right now J is giving the kids a bath so I thought I had a few minutes that I could update real quick. So this morning was like normal. I worked and took GG and J brought Monkey in later. This afternoon when we got home we ate and jumped in the car for a trip to Wal-mart to get kites for the kids. GG got a Strawberry Shortcake and Monkey got a Superman one. Then we walked to the park and flew them. The kids each held their own kite and Monkey only let go of his once and I had to run after it. I was amazed at how long they wanted to fly them. I think it was about 30 minutes. Then we put them away and played at the park for about another 30 to 45 minutes. We walked home. Got our swim suites on and went to the YMCA to go swimming. We were there for about an hour. They loved being in the water. Then we came home and the kids took naps it was 5 so it was a late one. I couldn't complain because J being the wonderful person he is gave me a foot, back, and neck massage while they slept. Then we got food from a little place called Ricci's for dinner. After that we took the kids to McDonalds for ice cream and to play. We were there for a little over an hour. Today was pretty go go go. But it was so much fun spending it together! Oh yeah on the way home from McDonalds J and I were talking about his secondary gun and how most people carry it around their ankles. He asked me if I thought so and so seemed like a guy who would carry a gun around his ankle. GG in the back seat listening to our conversation says, "How would he carry his ankle, Daddy?" It was funny. Then when we walked in the door GG said, "It is so good to be home!" Amongst other things that came out of her mouth today!!!

Ok so J had court this morning so both kids went with me again. J worked late last night so he didn't come get one of them after court which is fine. I would rather have him rested. We came home and spent some time with him. Then Monkey took a nap and GG colored and played dress up. We got a call from our friends to meet them at the park. I told GG we were going to the park to play with Zach, Noah and Jessica. She said, "And Ms Chris Berman" that is the mom. Anyway on the way to the park for some reason I thought it would be fun to run with the kids in the stroller. They thought it was great and both of them were cracking up. When I stopped GG said do it again. I told her that I was pooped. She said, "You just said that you pooped your pants!" She was laughing historically. Then I explained to her that it meant I was tired. Oh the mind of a 3 yr old. We came home and made dinner while dancing to the radio...the kids were shacking it! Very cute. We ate, played a little, got baths, and they went to bed. After the bath GG was hitting the wall and a picture fell on her and it cut her foot. I have to say that my kids are the safest kids around. Daddy worked in a ER for almost 3 years, worked for Western EMS and taught CPR (Adult, Child and Infant) and Mommy is certified in professional CPR (Adult, Child and Infant) and First Aid. It is a step up from a normal citizens CPR. So see they are in good hands! I just hope to never have to use any of it on them but if I do I am prepared!

Our day in a nutshell! J had court this morning so both kids went with me to work. Then J came to pick up GG to get her ready for her ballet class. After her class which, she was the only one that got all the moves to the dance they were taught. I was so proud of her, she is a true dancer just like her mommy! We came home ate lunch and I put Monkey to sleep. I was sad because my friend Chris called to see if we wanted to meet her at the park but I didn't want to wake Monkey up. So we are planning on meeting tomorrow! Then I left for my CPR class and grandma fed the kids then took them on a walk to the park. She said they had a lot of fun playing. I just wish I could of been there too, but being CPR certified is something that I really should have. Then uncle Kevin came home and took over for grandma so she could go to choir. GG talked him into playing shuts and ladders with her...we played the Dr. Suess game today before I started studying. She wanted to play shuts and ladders but I really needed to study. So I am glad he played with her. It sounded like they had lots of fun with their uncle so that was cool. Tomorrow I am hoping to find out if I passed the CPR test and practicals. I will say that the teacher said I had really good hand placement! That wasn't as short as I thought it was going to be...sorry!

Today I worked at the Y and GG went with me because Monkey was still sleeping. J came to work out while I was there so Monkey came to play. Then Amanda came over for a couple hours. Today GG and I watched a baby story together then she watched Beauty and the Beast while I slept on the couch. Tonight Roberta made dinner because I didn't feel good after I woke up from my nap. I didn't even study for my CPR test tomorrow. I haven't been motivated. I do better under pressure so I will study tomorrow before I have to take it! I have two tries to pass it so if I fail I can always take it again. I know that is a bad way to look at it but that is the way I feel at this moment. Most of the night the kids ran around playing with their balls. They are such goofs. They seriously play so well together it is almost scary. And GG tells everyone that she wants to marry her brother! She loves him :) Well both the kids are asleep so I am going to take advantage of this and just chill. I was going to update the kids' pages but I am lacking any sort of motivation. I promise to have them updated by Friday if not you can yell at me! I have a funny story at least I think it is funny. Some of you might think I am nuts. When the kids get cuts I put bm on it to heal them faster. Well Monkey fell and scraped the side of his head. I asked him if he wanted me to put milkies on it and he said, "no mouth" as he pointed to his mouth, he was telling me that the milk belonged in his mouth not on his cut. I thought it was cute!

Well today was the day I worked with Monkey on using the potty. We got up and Monkey taught his doll to use the potty. In the middle of that he said he had to go so he got on the potty and pooped. Then we proceed with teaching the baby doll. He did everything I asked him to do and answered all my questions about the potty. Then he started playing with GlamorGirl in the living room. I asked him to show me where the potty was and he fell down on the ground. When he got up he had peed his pants. So we "practiced" and changed his pants and we kept going. Then he pooped again on the potty! I was starting to get hungry so I figured Monkey was hungry too so we went upstairs to eat with daddy and sister. Halfway through his lunch he peed his pants again. So we "practiced" again and changed into clean dry underwear. After I got done eating I talked to J about how I wasn't ready for Monkey to be a big boy even though he was really into the potty thing. So we decided to wait another month and then try again. But he goes poop on the potty so he is already half way there! Then the rest of the day he would ask to go potty so I would take his diaper off and he would sit on the potty and do nothing. So he isn't afraid of the potty he just needs to learn when he has to pee and use the potty. Alright enough "potty talk". This afternoon Monkey took a nap and GG and I did some girl things. Then tonight we got groceries. So now we have food in the house! Now I am off to sleep zone...

So I asked GG what her favorite part of the Easter egg hunt yesterday was and she told me the bunnies that came. There were 3 people dressed as bunnies. I was shocked she had said that because when they first came out she got scared. Kids! When we got to my in laws last night we dyed eggs and grandma and grandpa hid eggs for the kids to find. Liz had a friend spend the night so the kids had someone new to entertain!

This morning we got up and went to the Easter program. GG was absolutely the cutest little girl! She looked so pretty while she sang and said her line, "Christ Jesus rose and is our King!" She, of course, waved to us and got excited when we waved back, such a sweetie. Then GlamorGirl went to children's church and Monkey went in the nursery while J and I went to the Easter service. Afterwards J's parents, who I feel are my parents too, took us out to lunch at an all you can eat Chinese place. We walked away stuffed! I have the best in-laws, I really do love them, they are always there for us. I am so glad that we moved back this way and they are around and the kids are getting to know them! Oh and J took the day off so that was a great surprise. He is such a great husband. Then we went back to their house and we all took a nap. Now we are home and getting things ready for Monkey's big day tomorrow. So for the next few weeks or so I will probably be writing a lot about Monkey's potty activities but I will try not to bore you!

We were out late last night. J had the day off so we did family things during the day then went over to our friends Sara and Matt's house. Greg and Christine were there also. We ate from the time we walked in the door until the time we left...it was real good. Sara made a dip of spinach and artichoke it was the best I have ever had! She had so much food; chicken, salad, cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob, three different dips with chips and crackers and a cheese spread. For dessert she had chocolate pudding with whip cream. I was stuffed! She also made mac and cheese for the kids. After we ate we looked at Matt's sister's place which is a block away. She has a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath, J really liked her place. I think he wants to buy a townhouse out there. I think that would be fun, the nights that Matt and J are working we could eat together and keep each other company. We had so much fun talking with them it was great conversation about cop stuff and non-cop stuff! We left there place at 11ish. Anyway, before we even left our house Travis and Becky had come home from college. So the kids enjoyed spending some time with them. This morning we got up and went to grandma M church for a Easter egg hunt. The kids had a lot of fun with that and are wanting to have another egg hunt! This afternoon after naps we are going to color eggs and then we will end up at my in laws for the night.

So last night after I updated I went to bed and GG went with me. It was a lot of fun we laid down face to face and talked for about 30 minutes!!! She told me about her day...even though I was with her the whole day :) We have been doing this everynight before bed but last night was longer because I was going to bed at the same time as her. It gave new meaning to the phrase "pillow talk"! Then today I worked and J came in and played with the kids for about 30 minutes they loved that. This afternoon GG and I laid on the couch a head on each end and we took a nap. Monkey took a nap in the bed. When he woke up he told J that he had to go poop so J took his diaper off and put him on the potty and he went!!! I have watched him and when I notice he is getting ready to poop I put him on the potty but he knows when he has to go now. I was so excited (as was He) that he did that! Then after dinner we went to Wal-mart. I asked J if he had the credit card because I didn't have mine. He asked me if I had my license I told him I didn't have any pockets I had sweats on. GG sitting in the backseat said, "I have pockets mom. You can put your license in my pocket. I will hold it for you." What a goof...like I am going to give a 3 year old my license. We got the kids certified birth certificates in the mail so we are ready to go to New Mexico. We also got invited to another wedding...have I mentioned I love weddings? Anyway back to Wally world, we got GG some white shoes for church too cute. She tried them on with her Easter dress when we got home and she looks like such a young lady. We also got her friend a birthday present, a sun dress (GG picked it out so it is purple) and some sidewalk chalk. We tried the dress on GG because they are the same size and it fit. Oh and we got Monkey another bag of underwear because I am planning on starting to potty train him when he runs out of diapers, he seems really interested in wearing underwear and going on the potty so we are going to run with it. He is almost 2, wow I can't believe that :) Ok I'm done for the night.

My day started at 6:20 pretty early for me! Then GG had her ballet class and she got invited to a birthday party the first since we moved here. She is very excited about it. Then I got invited to a girl's night out with some church friends...haven't decided if I am going yet. This afternoon J washed his car and the kids rode bikes, blew bubbles and played with sidewalk chalk. Tonight I had CPR and First Aid training at the Y, they pay for the certification and pay us for our time! J and the kids went to the Y...J worked out and the kids went to the nursery to play. That was weird it was the first time they have been in there without me. But my friend was working so I knew they were being taken care of!!! Well I had a long day so I am going to retire to the bedroom.

I'm such a sucker! I worked this morning and was asked to work again tonight because they needed help. So I said, "yes". I have a hard time telling people no...my mom-in-law is like that too. Anyway other than that my friend Amanda came over for a couple hours. She is so nice and easy to talk to, plus the kids like her. She has a little boy 9 months old, a real cutie. Tonight is J's last night before he has three days off! I have funny stories of the kids so I could write more...but the bed is calling my name. Later......

This morning GG had a phone date. Her friend Ethan called and I let her answer the phone, she thought that was awesome. They talked for about 5 minutes...well GG talked for about 5 minutes! Then she told everyone that she talked to him on the phone and kept asking me when we could make plans to go visit them. She really misses him. Other than that the day was filled with errands and house work. I think that stuff is more work then actually getting paid to work! We had a good day though the kids got to ride their bikes outside before dinner. I am so glad it is warming up out! And our fish princess is still alive I can't believe she hasn't passed on yet, so I cleaned her bowl. Also tonight we got eggs and the coloring kit for Easter. We will probably color them on Saturday after the Easter egg hunt at grandma M church, that way J can be there to see them, help or take pictures! The last load of laundry is calling me so I will end this.

This morning we went to the police pancake breakfast. On the way there GG was teaching Monkey his ABC’s it was really cute to listen to her say one then Monkey repeat it! When we got there our friends for the Y were there and we sat with them while they ate then after they left we met a bunch of J’s friends. We also got invited to a cookout on Friday with three other couples, should be fun, all police officers! While we were at the breakfast I heard Monkey say, “monkey child” as I watched him pull a chair on top of himself. He got hurt but recovered well. Then what we did this afternoon is on my other journal. It isn’t pleasant so if you don’t want to read some venting…don’t read it! We had a pretty good day except for the 2 hours this afternoon. When we got home from the day the kids and I ate and we are relaxing now. I have music on and the kids are playing with their toys, nicely! Oh I forgot to mention I have been doing some research on the internet and I think I have found some grants that we can get for when we buy a house. A couple grants are for 7,000 and the one that I really want is for 22,500!!! None of it needs to be paid back which is the best part. I will let you know when I get more into it. But if we got some of those grants we could buy a real nice house. I really want to at least wait until summer when there are more houses on the market but it doesn’t hurt to get them ready now.

This morning I worked and J worked out. Then we came home and had lunch, I made cheese ravioli and garlic bread for J and I. GG had a pb & j and Monkey had lunch meat. When our food was done Monkey wanted some. He came up to me and said, "want some" then walked over to J and said the same thing. He went back and forth until he got hurt on the table. He walked right into it and now has scratches on his right eye. Then J left and Monkey and I took a nap. I know when I am tired because I wake up in drool...well I was drooling! GG is such a good girl to sit and watch a video and let me sleep. Of course she knew that if she needed me she could come get me. Then I made lasagna for dinner and Monkey got it all over his face so I took a picture! GG decided she didn't want to eat it so I gave her something else. She normally loves lasagna but not tonight. I think it is so funny when she says she doesn't like something and I ask her to try it and she ends up eating the whole thing and asking for more, this happens a lot! Where Monkey will eat anything you put in front of him, so different those two are :) Let me see what else happened today??? Nothing significant stands out to me so I will end this post.

Today I worked and J came in to get our free membership taken care of and now we can start using the Y's facilities. Maybe J's next days off we could take the kids swimming! Monkey is getting used to pooping in the potty...the only thing is, I see he is doing it so, I put him on the potty. I want him to go to the potty when *he* knows he has to go. But this is a start I guess. Today I got the email about the tickets for our trip. Also the car seat that I ordered came today. I will probably put one in the diaper bag and the other in a suitcase. It is really small and will be easy to transport...I really couldn't see me walking through the airport with suitcases, two (full size) car seats, the two kids, and a carry on. I am still trying to convince J to park and help me, he wants to just drop me off and not pay the parking. But I think once he realizes that would be too hard he will help me. GG has been real cute about our trip too. She told grandma A. on the phone that she gets to chew gum on the plane so her ears don't pop. Well that is really all I want to write about.

I forgot...last night when we got home from the game Monkey was crying and I asked him what he wanted. Gg being herself said, "He wants to nurse Mom." I told her then maybe she should do it. Her response was, "I don't have big boobs like you. Mine are up here!" J and I laughed so hard it hurt.

I just love my life! Last night we went to the Wolves Hockey game with some friends Jason and Kristy. Monkey and GlamorGirl loved it. I will say that Monkey did get a little scared of the fireworks that went "pop". GG proceeded to crack us all up the entire game. Such an imagination that little one has! I can't even remember all the funny things she said! I know she was telling Kristy that they could go down on the ice and get the blimp! She actually thought she could go down there. Then she said to me, "Mommy I need to talk to you." I asked what about and she said, "I want to know what your favorite part of the hockey game is?" I told her and she told me her favorite part. Jason bought nachos and shared them with her. She kept eating the chips and Kristy said she was hogging them and GG said, "He is too!" So we all had a great time at the game.

Today GG had class at the Y and J brought Monkey after the class and took GG home. The boys walked into the room with sunglasses on...it was too cute! We also found out today that we are getting a family membership to the Y for FREE!!! We have the free membership for a year, through a scholarship. I am so excited about that. J also looked into getting the kids certified birth certificates from the place they were born so I have to get all the stuff together and send it to them. We need them for our trip to New Mexico at the end of this month. I am getting really excited about going and so are the kids. They have been telling everyone that they get to take a ride on an airplane! They are going to love that considering everytime they see one in the sky they get excited about it. Well I really could write more and brag about my kids but I will stop now :)

Well I didn't do much today...J did a lot though. I did go to work with the kids. Yesterday was fun...we took J to court and I took the kids to the park to play it was beautiful outside. Then we went grocery shopping as a family. I just really love J's days off!!! I am really tired and am about to go to bed at 8 :)

Today we got up and went to church. Monkey was in our sunday school class like usual...he was climbing on the chair and when he got on it he would say, "monkey child" I call him and GG that when they climb on things. It was really funny to hear him call himself that! Then we had lunch with grandma, grandpa and Liz. After lunch J left for work and Liz and I took the kids to the park to play. It was beautiful outside. The kids had a blast too. Then we came home and did normal Sunday things. I need to go get in bed so I am ending this now!

I didn't update yesterday because I was having too much fun with the kids and being lazy after they went to sleep! The kids were walking around the living room last night yelling "monsters where are you?" Well GG was at least...Monkey sounded like this, "munshers are ooo?" They were looking under things and just cracking Becky, Grandma and I up. Another thing that was special happened yesterday. J didn't have to go to work until 3:45 so we got to spend great quality time with him! I decided that I wasn't going to go to the LLL fund raiser tonight even though I really wanted too. There will be more.

Today we all got up and took my car in to get cleaned. It looks so nice and smells so clean. Then after lunch J and I took the kids outside in the nice warm weather and let them rides their bikes. GG is doing wonderfully on her "big girl" bike. Monkey can't reach the pedals on his big wheel yet so he walks with his bike. They both had fun. Then J and I went to get my car...the kids stayed with grandma for the 30 minutes. I haven't been in J's truck for a long time and it felt weird...like back before kids. Whenever we went anywhere we always took his truck, since we have kids we don't all fit! Tonight the kids and I got invited out for dinner so we are going! Should be great fun. They are both sleeping right now...getting up early and playing outside has worn them out. I love those two little kids with all my heart.

My little boy is super sweet. I was laying him down for bed and he looked up at me and wrapped his little arms around my neck. I love that feeling. So sweet! Ok I think I have now about done everything humanly possible while breastfeeding. Tonight I changed Monkey's diaper while he was attached and asleep. I didn't even wake him up! I know, I know I'm talented :) My boss today told me that if I stopped working there she would cry and that I am one of her favorite people to work with. That gave me warm fuzzies! I think J should be happy tonight because our computer is finally running the way it should. But it was last night too until he got home. GG had her "school" today. I also talked to a lady about getting her into Awana clubs at a church here. I really want her to go to our church but I don't want to drive an hour just to be there an hour. Plus, she will know some of the kids from the Y because they go there. She will start next Monday! GG also got to ride her bike today because it was so nice out. Oh and last night Monkey fell asleep without nursing and I only nursed him once during the night. I am weaning him from nighttime nursing...so far so good. That is about from me.

Today was Dance day! That was all I did outside of the house. But I cleaned the fish bowl and did 3 loads of laundry. I can't remember the last time I did laundry. J has been awesome about doing it while I work, WHAT A GREAT GUY!!! I don't even ask him to...he just does it :) And it isn't even like the bathrooms, I don't mind laundry, I hate cleaning bathrooms! Well we got our computer fixed finally. It turns out that Kevin was trying to get the connection more secure and he turned off the router. We are hooked up to the router...so that is why we didn't have connection. Well I am really tired so I am going to bed.

This really isn't my fault...the computer and internet have been acting up. Ours still isn't working so I am using my dad's. Yesterday was J last day off his rdo (routine days off) we took GG outside and let her ride her bike. Then we went to play at the park. J made dinner and started a fire! GG and I had hot chocolate :) Yummy!

Today I worked and GG went with me and Monkey and J stayed home. Well they went to the storage to get Monkey's big wheel out and J put it together. Now they both have bikes to ride!!! Monkey was really excited about that. My friend Amanda came over for lunch today and she looked at the kids' scrapbooks...she is going to be doing one for her son. I like to get ideas from other peoples and so does she. Well that is about all I want to write.

So the internet was down again. All day yesterday GG was telling people about the pet show that we went too. I forgot to write about the bird that was on her shoulder. Listening to her tell people was just too cute. She would say, "There was a bird that climbed on my shoulder. It was so hilarious! The bird liked me." After church we went to another church for a big lunch. It was good. When we got home we called GG's friend Ethan. She was super excited to talk to him. In fact that is all she talked about the rest of the day..."I want to go see Ethan." Should of known better! Then I was on the phone long distance and GG stuck a piece of something in Monkey's ear. She called it "chocolate" but it wasn't. I got it out with some tweezers. Poor Monkey, I could tell it was bugging him because he wouldn't leave his ear alone. Sometimes I don't know what gets into those kiddies.

This will be quick because we are about to head out for the night. Today we took the kids to a race track for the dog show. They had a blast. We saw dogs, cats, birds, and fish at the show. They also had a petting zoo with chickens, pigs, goats, and lamas. We let the kids feed the animals! Monkey kept saying as he held his hand out to J, "want some more" then J would put the food in his hand and he would feed the animals. GG also enjoyed that as well as the rest of the stuff! We got to see dogs jump into the water...very cool. We had a great family day. After we got home J and I joked with the kids about family naptime (they didn't want to sleep) we were in the bed and Monkey wouldn't let J give me a kiss. It was hilarious. He would say, "my mama" or "no kiss" as he pushed J away from me. Then GG got in on the action and Monkey started pushing both of them. I guess he can only love on me!!! Tonight we are going to Kohls, Wal-mart, and the grocery store before going to my in law for the night. So there it is our wonderful day :)

Tonight GG wanted to wear her winter pjs so I let her. She put them on and they are getting too small. I couldn't believe it. I also noticed the other day that another pair (dress) that used to be too big to the point she would trip over them are now almost up to her knees. Oh so Monkey yesterday called me MOMMY!!! I was so happy. I have been wanting him to call me that for some time now. He used to say mama but I love they way he says mommy. Today he got a haircut from daddy. Super cute! He is growing up so fast. He is now saying 3 to 4 word sentences. He has also started the repeating...I say something and he repeats it! He hasn't started that with GG yet. I had a friend from the LLL call today and we talked forever on the phone. She is really nice I am really glad I have met her. We have the same beliefs and parenting styles. She said that GG is the cutest little girl she has ever met. She tells her friends and family about the way GG plays with her baby (5 months) and she gets him to laugh! I remembered what I was going to write about Monkey! Ok so GG's favorite color is purple...so whenever I ask Monkey what color something is he says PURPLE! My friend said I should take advantage of it and name things things that are purple and make him look really smart like "what color is an eggplant?" and he would say purple :) The funny part is that he knows those colors aren't purple because he laughs after he says it and then I tell him the right color...which he repeats. But he can pick out purple on things and he is working on the other colors. He is such a little stinker sometimes! Well they are both sleeping so I should head that way. Later all.

Let me see. Today I took both kids to work so that J could get some sleep he didn't get home until after midnight. Then this afternoon I had an interview with a midwife. She seems really nice and I liked her. So I think that in the future if I have another baby I have a practice I want to go too. She did give me a bunch of things to read and research some of my options. So I have plenty of time!!! GG had her "preschool" class today I love watching her in her class when she doesn't know I am watching! That is the cool thing about working right next door. I was going to write something about Monkey but I can't remember now. Oh he loves wearing the underwear we bought him. I haven't started potty training him but on the way to the bathroom for bath time I will put them on him and he thinks he is hot stuff. That wasn't what I was going to write about but it is cute! That is all she wrote for today.

Wow what a day yesterday was! The kids and I went to work came home ate real quick and were out the door for my doctor's appointment. After the appointment we went to visit grandma at work...she was surprised to see us! Then we went out to eat at a fast food joint. Then we went to visit daddy at the department. While we were there Monkey face planted on the floor and now has a nice fat lip. At least he only bled in his mouth. Finally we went to our LLL meeting. That got over at around 9 and on the way home GG started throwing up. We were real close to the department when this happened so that is where I stopped. It was really bad. She had it down her shirt, in her hair, down her legs, all over her clothes and coat, on her car seat and the actual car seat. J happened to pull up as I ran into get something to clean her up with. He helped us and I found out today that he took his "dinner break" to help me. That man is just the best! I took GG in the bathroom stripped her down and gave J the clothes and coat. He took Monkey and the stuff and rinsed off the throw up. I gave GG a bath in the sink and put on new clothes that I got from my co-worker. She just happened to give me the hand-me-downs that day so I had them in my car! Then J took out her "nasty" car seat and put the clean car seat from his truck in my car. He then rinsed out the "nasty" one, bagged it and put it in my trunk. This whole ordeal lasted about 45 minutes. My poor baby, she just didn't feel good. By the time I got home she was sleeping so I laid her in the bed...it is now 10pm. I had to wash/hand clean the car seat pad, straps and buckles. I started a load of laundry and had to get Monkey to sleep. So I didn't get into bed last night until 11:30pm and I woke up that morning at 7:30am! I was actually awake when J came home. So we were home a total of 30min yesterday. This morning I woke up at 6:45am with a panic attack...I thought it was 7:45 and I was late!! Once I realized that I wasn't late I went back to sleep. Today I took Monkey to work and GG stayed home with dad. Came home and we went to her ballet class, because she felt fine. Now Monkey is sleeping and GG is playing so I thought I would update real quick...hahaha. Tonight we are going to take it easy and just chill. Hopefully go to bed early :)

Ok there is a good reason why I haven't posted...the internet wasn't working. J didn't have time to fix it last night or this morning so that left me to call the place and figure out the computer stuff. I am happy to say that I did it!!! We are up and running. I am very proud of myself :) Now that I have time I want to write about my wonderful, wonderful husband. Last time I updated I said that we were sick. Well here is the full story and that will explain why my husband is so WONDERFUL! Thursday night about 11:30pm Monkey threw up in the bed. We were both sleeping. I took Monkey upstairs to give him a bath because it was in his ears, hair and all over him. Not a pleasant smell. While I did that J changed the bedding and started the laundry with all the soiled linen. Then about 3ish he threw up again. I cleaned him up again and J changed the bed again. Then at 6-something, you guessed it, he threw up yet again. This time he needed another bath so J got in the shower and washed them both up got them dressed while I got GG dressed and J took both the kids to the 24 hour clinic. GG has had a really bad cough she hasn't been able to kick. I got up and got ready for work, tired and feeling sick myself. J called me at work to tell me that GG might have pneumonia and Monkey has a virus but they both have medicine. When I came home from work I went to the doctor. So he took the kids for me all morning and then again when I went to the doctor. To top that off Friday night I took the medicine I got and went to bed at 9...both kids still awake. J put them to bed without my help. I didn't nurse Monkey until 4ish that morning!!! What a great man to step up and do what is needed and I didn't even ask him for the help. I am truly blessed! I love my family, I love my job (and my kids do too because they get to go with me!) I just love life!!!

Ok it has been a couple of days since I posted! Let's just say the kids and I got sick but we are better now!!! Today we had a blast. Our friends the K's came to visit. We went to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch. GG and Ellie loved it. Monkey was a little afraid of the leopard by our table that kept roaring. But they did great eating and behaving. Ellie is getting a brother or sister in Sept! Tonight we are going to J's parents. My mom-in-law had a birthday yesterday SOOOOO Happy Birthday Sue!!!! GG made her something :)

This morning I took the day off of work...so I got to sleep an extra hour and a half! GG had her dance class today. She asked all her aunts and uncles to come watch her so they all went. We got there and there was a sub, that didn't make GG happy so she didn't do any tap. But when they started the ballet she was fine. What a stinker. She did love having all those people there watching her because she hasn't stopped talking about them being there! Kevin, Melissa, and Kiera went home so it is quieter now. This afternoon I put Monkey down for a nap and a movie on for GG and I slept. I can tell that these naps I have started taking have been helping me get better. I have some nighttime medicine I am taking tonight in hopes it will keep me from coughing and keeping J awake. J is off tomorrow! I can't wait. Well I am ready for bed so...

Ok so I went to work this morning and left early because I wasn't feeling well. This afternoon while Monkey took his nap and GlamorGirl watched A Bugs Life I took a much needed nap. I woke up with a fever so I am not working tomorrow. I do want to mention a cute story that grandma M told me about GG. She has seen grandma put her contacts in quite a few times now. Well GG has started imitating her. She DOES EVERYTHING grandma does! Turns the light on, cleans the contact (pretend to), opens her eyes really big and then says, "Oh I can see you now!" Very funny to watch. Well that is all she wrote for today. Catcha later.

This morning we woke up to Kiera, Melissa and Kevin. We thought they were coming at 2pm but they came in the am. So we spent the whole day with them. Monkey and Kiera played so well together. GG also liked playing with her cousin. We went out for lunch with everyone except Becky. Then I had a meeting at work and the kids stayed home and played with our company. There is a lot of people in this house but it is a lot of fun hanging out with all of them. I know my post are getting shorter and shorter!

The last couple of days have been crazy and they are just about to get a little more crazy! Yesterday was Becky's birthday so we celebrated that. We spent the night at my in laws and went to church this morning. GG has a part in the Easter program at church:) Her line is "Christ Jesus Rose and is our KING!" She says it really good, I just hope she doesn't get stage fright. The kids and I are either getting sick or getting over being sick?!?! I am super excited about seeing my brother, his wife and my niece! We are going to have so much fun the couple of days they are here. Well I need to cut this short because I have two kids that keep getting out of bed.

I wasn't going to update today but both the kids are asleep and I am waiting for my man to get home! Lets see today Becky and Travis came home from college. Becky came to work first to play with the kids, they loved that. GG and Monkey have been so excited for them coming. My dad stayed home from work and ordered out lunch that was nice. Not really much else exciting happened. It is Friday and I don't work until Tuesday!!! My brother Kevin and his family are coming on Monday and then our friends from college are going to be in town next weekend so we are hopefully going to get to hook up with them :) Well I think I will call my friend Jo. Later everyone.

Ok today GlamorGirl went with me to work because she had her preschool class. Today they made 3 leaf clovers, very cute! Then J brought Monkey in because he helped my friend Wiesia move a dresser. Monkey was sleeping so he laid him in the playpen. GG saw him sleeping there and *had* to wake him up. She wanted to play with him. He saw her and screamed, "BAY! BAY!" I took him out and they played...I love that they get along. Today J and I were talking about how much Monkey is talking and putting words together. He says, "hold it" "some more" "have some" "all done" and a few more phrases but he is communicating so much more. I was talking to a lady who's little boy is a year older than Monkey and is just starting to say apple, purple, and home. Monkey has been saying those for a long time. It just goes to show that EVERY child is different...no cookie cutter kids here! Oh yeah I need to stop calling Monkey a little stinker because he has started calling himself that! Really cute to hear though. When we got home and after we ate lunch we did a bunch of family fun type things. (puzzles, books, dancing, video recording and playing) This is J's third day off so he is getting antsy, he gets bored easily. So he decided out of nowhere to transfer what he recorded at GG's third birthday on her tape. He rewound her tape a little and it was at her second birthday and she looked so different! I couldn't believe how much difference a year can make :) Her hair grew so much and she is taller she looked completely different! Then J decided since the recorder was out to get them on tape. They are such little hams! Before we recorded I gave GG a haircut. I actually took off an inch, J didn't want me too, I really didn't want to either. But I have had so many people tell me that if I cut an inch off her hair it will grow faster so I guess we will see if this works. Her hair is all one length (I didn't cut as much off the bangs) and she looks really cute. Lets see what else...oh yeah J started another fire tonight, I don't think I mentioned that we had one last night too. At dinner tonight GG told me that her teacher told her to sit on her behind but she didn't want too. I don't know if she listened or not??? Couldn't get that information out of her. She has learned how to keep secrets...and it drives me nuts. Well that is all I can think of to type at you!

Yesterday J and I went on a date. We went to see the movie the Passion of the Christ. I cried...a lot. I wanted to yell "stop" when they were beating Jesus but I knew we were in the theater so I didn't. The kids played at grandma and grandpa A's. So today GG told me that she wanted J and I to go on another date so she could play at grandma's house again. They both had a lot of fun playing there! So we might just do that again! It also helps that we got in the movie FREE! One of the perks of being a police officer :) Today after I got home from work we went to GG's dance class. After Monkey took his nap we went to the hospital to see our friend Jackie. She was having surgery. We got there and she was still in surgery so we talked with her parents. Didn't get to see her but told her parents to tell her we came. Then we came home and spent time as a family, I love doing that. I just love J's days off!!! I forgot to say that Monkey has started saying his name! J said he has been doing that for about 2 weeks but being the little stinker he is he will only say his name for his daddy. But he is saying other people's names now too. Like he says "Jackie" and "Ellie". Well I could go on about my kids like always but I am going to end this so I can get Monkey to sleep! Goodnight ALL!!

Our day! This morning GlamorGirl got up and ready while we were all sleeping she came in to wake us up with her princess dress up dress on! How funny :) I didn't work so we just hung out doing family stuff. GG showed daddy how she can count to 100! She is very proud of herself she learned how last night in the car ride home from grandma and grandpa's house. Then this afternoon I had a haircut. On the way there the kids and I saw the most beautiful rainbow...from the beginning to the end. We talked about why there are rainbows after a rain fall, as being God's promise that he will never again flood the land. We went to my friends house to get my haircut and she has the nicest house. GG and Monkey had a lot of fun playing with her daughter, same age as GG. Actually she is in the preschool class with her at the Y. Then when I got home I had a few messages one was from my mom-in-law Sue. She works at the school J graduated from and they are thinking of starting a daycare/preschool through the school. She thought of me as being in charge of it. I was honored that she thought of me for the position. It would be a full time (I could bring the kids) job and one of the benefits would be that the kids could go to school there for free!!! A private school education for free and I would get paid a salary, sounds great huh? I get paid to be with my kids! I need to talk with J and pray about it before I give her a definite yes or no that I would be interested in doing the job. The school isn't even sure yet if they are going to go through with this plan and start it but if they do I want to have an answer for them. Thank you Sue for thinking of me! Then tonight we went grocery shopping! We just got home and put the food away and GG fell asleep on the way home so she is in bed asleep and Monkey is winding down so it shouldn't be long before he is ready for bed as well. And that is all she wrote for today!

Well here are the significant events of yesterday. Monkey woke up with a low-grade fever so he stayed home with J while GG and I went to work. I think it was due to him teething. Remember I was invited out for "girls night out" they were going downtown Chicago for dinner and fireworks. Well since Monkey wasn't feeling good I didn't want to take him with and I didn't want to leave him either. I needed to do what was best for my babe! Even though I really wanted to go, I didn't. There is always next time. We stopped by the department for dinner with DAD before heading to my in-laws for the night! I stopped at McDonalds for some food first, I know really healthy. We were at the police station for a little over an hour. That was so nice to see him during the night and eat with him! When we got to my in-laws grandma wasn't feeling good so we just had a relaxing time there hanging out, it was fun.

This morning we went to Sunday school and church. It was such a gorgeous day!!! Sun shining and warm...I can't wait for more permanent spring weather. On the way to church Monkey was in his seat just talking away. He kept naming things he saw through his window. So it was mostly car, tree, car, tree, plane, car, tree, house! Too cute. GG went to her Sunday school class and Monkey came to ours. Then they both went to the nursery during church. GG wanted to go there instead of children's church because she wanted to play with Monkey. Who I am to stand in the way of siblings bonding! Monkey did great again today in the nursery he didn't cry at all not even 2 minutes like last time :) It is so nice to sit in church with my husbands arm around me while listening to the sermon. We went back to J's parents and ate another yummy lunch. Monkey got all wet at lunch trying to use a big boy cup. Then J left and the kids and I hung out for awhile. I ended up getting a much needed hour nap! Monkey's mouth was bothering him last night so he nursed ALL NIGHT LONG! Now we are home and GG is in bed sleeping and Monkey is going to bed soon. Side note: GG has been really into her dress up clothes lately. She is too cute in her dress, shoes, and tiara! What a little princess :) I love my life...I have I said that lately???

I am going to try and make this post short. This morning I took Monkey to work with me and GG and J had together time. They couldn't wait to tell me all the things they did together...they called me at work! I left earlier then I was schedule because I wanted some time with J. We got to talk and it was much needed on my part, I had a somewhat bad week. Then this evening I went back to work with both kids. I met the most awesome person. She has 6 kids! We talked about nursing, co-sleeping, and being responsive to our kids. She gave me so many compliments :) It is always nice to hear that you are doing a good job being the best mom you can be. Then we got home and made homemade pizza. Grandma had a bunch of her church friends over for dinner and GG ate up all the attention. When the first person came in GG said, "Oh family is here!" What a goof. She loved talking with everyone and they all said that she was adorable. Monkey just kind of just hung out by me...he was being shy. Then I brought them downstairs and put them to bed. So we had a good day!!!

Lets try this again. It is official that I have my sweet GlamorGirl back because she said the same thing again this morning! Gosh I love that girl so much. I look at her and think to myself she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, the smartest little person I have ever known and she has the greatest personality of anyone I have ever met. I know I am a little bias...but it is so hard not to think that when everyone tells me the same things I think about her! I'm not only talking about family members when I say everyone...it is mostly non-family that give me compliments on both of the kids actually. Ok enough about that! GG went with me this morning because she had her "preschool" class. She painted and did a craft today, very excited to show daddy when he came to pick her up! J and Monkey got to work the same time I went to pick GG up and so Monkey stood at the window screaming, "Bay! Bay! Bay!" I love the connection they have with each other (at least today anyway!). Man I tell you Monkey's vocabulary has really taken off. He says new words everyday. He is learning so much everyday too. My favorite is that he is starting to sing songs! I love singing with them. This afternoon Monkey took a nap and GG watched a movie and I took a nap. I felt so much better afterwards. I was going to go to bed last night at 9 but I ended up going to bed at 10 because Swiper the fish died. I couldn't believe it. We bought him Monday and it died Wednesday. So we got our money back, which was nice. J thinks that GG's fish Princess is toxic and is making the other fish die so we are going to wait until Princess dies then get two new fish and start over. I have a feeling that Princess is going to have a long life too. Good thing Monkey doesn't really care. Lets see I believe that is about all I have to write about. Both the kids are playing with their micro machines! Soon it will be bed time for all of us :)

I'm really not in the mood to write much. But I will say that GG had such a better day today. This morning the first thing out of her mouth was, "It's a beautiful day today!" My little sweetheart is back. She had dance class today also. Well I have more I could write about but I really don't want to write about it.

Man I tell you what, GlamorGirl woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. She had the worst day of her entire life today. I think it was due to lack of sleep but man am I glad it is over. She was super sensitive to everyone today...crying, not listening, just having an all together bad day. I wasn't going to take her to work with me but I did anyway...big mistake on my part. If a kid looked at her the wrong way she cried, poor girl. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Today J got called into work. He went in because it is good money. I was sad because we planned on checking out a sale and making a fire tonight. Oh well. While I was making dinner tonight my friend Amanda (from work) was outside making a bunch of noise to catch my attention. Her and another girl Lisa were standing outside waving their hands like crazy! Lisa has a little boy born the same day and year as Monkey. I opened the door and we "yelled" back and forth. GG thought that was so neat except she cried when she couldn't give Amanda a hug, go figure. Amanda and her sister Elyse are at war over my kids. Last Saturday Monkey gave Elyse a hug and so Amanda wanted one from Monkey, which he gave her today. After dinner I gave both kids a bath and put them to bed. I talked to our friends about going to the hockey game and they can go. I am super excited about it. We got invited to an event tonight but I didn't feel like driving so I stayed home. But maybe if J is home next time they get together we will go. I also got invited to a girls night out with our Sunday school class. They are going to watch the fireworks and then out for dinner in downtown. I haven't decided if I am going yet...maybe if I can find someone to watch GG. I would bring Monkey because it would be too long for him to be away. I guess I am just going to wait and see how much my paycheck is Friday. If it is good I will have money to go out to dinner!!! I got off track today...

Wow what a day! GG and I got up and went to work and the boys had guys day in...they even ran a few errands together. We came home and did the usual! Then we went to Wally world to get Monkey a new fish. This time his fish is all black and his name is Swiper. Which reminds me...do you remember when I said Monkey was saying something that sounded like shut up??? Well it turns out he wasn't say that or stop it he was saying Swiper from Dora. So when he says Swiper it sounds like he is saying shut up so J and I say Monkey's version of Swiper when we want the other to be quite! Also this morning Monkey was laying in the bed half awake half asleep saying "Shubup shubup shubup...ooooh man!" J and I laughed :) Another Monkey thing he has been so into the toilet. Today he put the fish net in there after we put his new fish in the bowl. The other day he put the plunger in the toilet,(moving it up and down) it was funny to see him using it in the right way. But gross at the same time! Yuck. This evening we went grocery shopping as a family...just the four of us. That was so nice I can't wait to start doing that again on a regular basis...when we move out! GG fell asleep in the cart! She looked so uncomfortable, she can sleep anywhere I tell you. Well now we are home the food is put away and I just gave GG a bath. Now it is bed time...even though J is winding them up really good right now. They are jumping on the bed and laughing hysterically. I am going to watch my show I recorded while we were gone. Oh one more thing, last night I nursed Monkey then let him fall asleep on his own. Well he woke up about an hour later crying. I asked J to take him out and rock him, he wouldn't do it. J said, "Monkey can you stop crying?" and he stopped crying. Then J said, "Now go to sleep." He went to sleep. I couldn't believe it. If I try talking to him he cries harder and louder. So from now on I will let J talk to him at night. It worked perfectly!!!

I have a little sad news...we lost Fred today. He went to fish heaven! We just got home from spending the day with J's family. I'll get back to that later. For the fish we told the kids the fish died. I think it is best to be honest with them about life and death. When we told Monkey it was funny because he shook his head no, as if he was saying this can't be true. Then we put Fred in the toilet and said goodbye to him. We let Monkey be the one to flush the toilet. Then GG started crying saying that Princess was going to die too. I told her that we would wash the bowl and get new water and Princess should be ok. She seemed pretty ok with that. We are going to go to the store tomorrow and get Monkey a new fish...hopefully this one will be healthier! This morning we went to church only, I wanted to go to Sunday school but we just didn't get up in time :( On the way to church GG had her Bible and she was looking at a picture of Jesus with all the children around him. She said this is God. It was actually Jesus, when he was on Earth. How do you go about telling a 3 year old that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (the trinity) are the same but at the same time different. The trinity is a hard thing to grasp so how do you explain it to a 3 year old? We tried our best to explain it to her. One day she will understand better. At church Monkey stayed in the nursery the whole time and had a blast. They said he cried for about 2 minutes and then played. I think he is finally over the separation anxiety! GG went to children's church and J and I actually got to sit in the sanctuary together!! That was so nice. Then we went to J's house and had a yummy lunch. It was shrimp something or other? I forgot the name. I don't usually care for shrimp but Sue did a great job and I actually liked it! Then we just hung out talking about tons of stuff with his parents. They are great to talk to about anything and everything. I miss that with my mom, her living so far away it is hard to talk to her because it has to be on the phone and anyone with kids knows that when mom is on the phone the kids go bonkers! We left the J's parents and went out for pizza with a free coupon! I love free stuff, can you tell? I really am not cheap...even though it may sound like it. After dinner we went to the store to pick up some mousse for me. Then we came home and did the whole fish thing. Now we are getting the kids ready for bed and us adults are going to watch ER from Thursday.

I am in a better mood now. It is amazing how kids can help you smile again :) This afternoon we just sat on the couch telling each other secrets and goofing around mainly just laughing together. That helped so much. GG also told me that I am a supermom! She has been into superheros lately, so I thought that was nice she thought of me like that...mom can do anything I need her too. Then after dinner I gave them a bath so they are ready for church in the morning. I just let them play in the tub having fun with each other and me just watching. They are such great kids and I am glad they are mine! I did take some pictures of them in the bath too I think they will turn out really good. Now the kids are clean and smell so sweet. They are still playing nicely with each other. It seemed the last week they fought more over toys then normal and now they are back to playing together, thank God! Oh yeah the Y called today and said that GG can go to the next preschool session again free of charge! That totally rocks :) It is the closest thing to date that I have found that is somewhat similar to the playgroup we used to go to. The only difference is the parents aren't there :( But she has fun and it is FREE!!!!!

The internet got disconnected last night...GRRR. The only one who knows how to router it is J and he was working. So we had to wait for him to fix it this morning. Two things I want to write about yesterday. The first is Monkey fell asleep last night without nursing, yay! And GG has quite the imagination :) At work yesterday she was pretending that pillows were babies and her and Rachael were playing house each being the mommy. When we got home and Monkey was sleeping she was pretending she was performing for imaginary people. It was too cute! She was talking to them and just having a blast. Oh yeah Becky came home from college to do laundry which she hasn't done yet. I think she is waiting for her mom to get home from her retreat so she can do it. How lazy. Speaking of Becky she ate J's dinner for work tonight. I was extremely pissed at her, I put his food in a container and said to everyone this is for J. She was like I can make him dinner now. He had to leave for work in an hour, plus why would he want to eat her food, she can't cook. Just makes me think this summer is going to totally suck. I have a feeling that we are going to have to hide our food down here or Travis and Becky are going to eat it all. They eat like pigs. And I am not joking, Travis eats a half loaf of bread in one sitting and Becky just eats all day long. Ok enough of that, this morning both the kids went with me to work so J could fix the internet. Actually GG's presence was requested by Elsye. While we were there GG's pants kept falling off of her so my other co-worker Wiesia (she is polish) made her two belts they are really cute! So when we came home we ate and J and I had some alone time. That was much needed. I am so happy that he is off tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday! I have a new title at work too. I am the green snot nazi. If the kid comes with green snot we are getting the parents and the kid is leaving the place. I am sick of getting sick from working there. We have a sheet when you sign in that says no green burgers allowed. So it is a rule! Well I am going to sign off of here and maybe take a nap...I got one yesterday and it felt so good!

I have a lot to write about tonight I just hope I can remember it all! This morning J unexpectedly had to go to court so both kids went with me to work. Before we left Monkey sneezed and had snot running down his face. He said, "mama tistue, tistue!" I was so proud of him that he wanted a tissue instead of wiping it across his face :) GG had her last class of preschool today at the Y. She brought snacks for the class and was really excited about that. Afterwards when I went to pick her up the teacher told me how smart she was. I, of course, had to ask what she did. She was talking up a storm like always and was telling her teacher where we live. She gave the address...number, street name, and city. The teacher repeated it back to me to see if she was right and she was! Soon after J became a police officer we thought it would be a good idea for her to learn where she lived in case she ever got lost or separated from us. She also knows if someone asks her what her mommy's name is to say Tonya and our last name. Same for if they ask about daddy. I know I sound paranoid, well I am, I don't ever want to lose my children. Since we are talking about GG I have been forgetting to write about how she can zip her own coat. She hasn't let anyone zip it for her in a month...when she learned how! Very proud of herself for yet another feat that makes her more independent! J came to work after his court to pick up Monkey and met my friend and co-worker Amanda. GG was a little upset that she couldn't go with daddy so I let her help me in the baby room. She is such a little mother! If a baby started to cry she would go and try to comfort it. We had 8 babies under 12 months and only two employees in there...so some babies just had to cry until we could comfort them. She was a great help to us today. I think her favorite part was holding the bottle for one of the babies, it had breastmilk in it too! Then we came home and spend some time with J before he had work. This afternoon Monkey didn't take a nap because he slept for J in the morning. Anyways, I noticed that Monkey's hair was getting long over his ears so I gave him a quick haircut. GG then wanted me to cut her hair. So I trimmed the ends to make her happy and I think her hair needed the trim. Then the kids played with their toys and I shaved my legs...I know you really wanted to know that...hehehe. I did get Monkey to take a nap later on about the time for me to make dinner. Then tonight GG went to bed at 8 not bad, oh yeah remember she went to bed at 7 last night well I had to wake her up at 8:30 this morning, I don't know how long she would of slept?!?! Then Monkey said he wanted to nurse and I told him only if he wanted to go to bed. So naturally he said he wanted to go to bed so I nursed him, he didn't fall asleep. I changed his diaper to get him completely ready for bed. Then I saw his poop face. I grabbed him and put him on the potty...I just changed him! He pooped and peed in the potty. We clapped and he was very excited he did a big boy thing. Maybe he will be ready in a couple of weeks or so??? Wouldn't that be nice :) That is all she wrote for today.

Busy busy day today. I got up before everyone and got ready then I woke GG up and dressed and fed her. Then us girls went to work together. It was really busy today. My co-worker Chris' little boy Noah, the one Monkey loves to death, got bit. I was the only one who saw it and I had to write my first incident report. That was fun, not. Then we got home just in time to pick up our boys to go to GG's dance class. She did great today in the class, no wanting me to be in the room. Then we came home and ate lunch as soon as we were done eating it was time for J to go to work. Then the children and I cleaned the fish bowl. They had so much fun helping me...I am glad they are interested in taking care of the fish. They feed them and help take care of them. Then I put Monkey down for a nap and GG and I watched another movie together, that is becoming our afternoon together time. I love snuggling with her. Then we made dinner, ate and I gave GG a bath while Monkey watched. After her bath she went and laid in the bed it was only 6:45! So I told her she still needed to brush her teeth, let me blow dry her hair, and read books. I was doing everything I could think of to keep her awake longer. I couldn't believe my baby girl wanted to go to bed so early. She went to sleep at 7 and Monkey followed shortly after at 7:45pm. I don't know what to do with myself, hehehe. I was going to scrapbook but I didn't get a nap today so I am pretty tired I just might go to bed. Hmm...I don't think I have been in bed before 9 in the longest time. ~Julie if you read this I loved your journal entry about Jonathon! I actually got the idea from someone else but I liked it all the same :) Tell him Happy birthday from us~
Well that is all for tonight. Peace Out!

We just got home from the LLL meeting it is 9:40! Anyways both the kids fell asleep in the car on the way home. I brought GG in the house first in case Monkey woke up and wanted to nurse I didn't want her sitting in the car. So I laid her on the bed and covered her with the blanket I made her, as soon as the blanket was on her she smiled and said, "Mmmm". That just made me feel all warm inside. The blanket I made her gives her comfort. Before the meeting I told GG that if she didn't listen to mommy she couldn't go to work with me tomorrow. She was the best behaved little girl even more so than usual. Today she didn't go to work with me for a punishment she did the other day. When she asked if she could go I told her no because of what she did yesterday. Of course, I was a little more specific with her. It clicked! She loves going to work so if she misses it because she was naughty she makes sure that doesn't happen again. I did take Monkey with me today. We got home and ate then I put him down for a nap and was too tired to do anything really special with GG so I asked her if she wanted to watch a movie and cuddle with me on the couch. She loved that idea so we put in Rugrats and watched together. I fell asleep during it but she didn't know, so got rested and she was happy. Then when the movie was over and Monkey woke up we put on my new CD and danced together. Then time for dinner and out the door for our meeting. So that was our day in a nutshell.

No work today, which means I got to sleep in! I am really tired right now so I will try and give you highlights from today that I can remember. This morning GG decided that her dolls needed to wear diapers. So she got into Monkey’s diapers and put them on her dolls. It was pretty funny. She is my little mother in the making. She didn’t ruin any of the diapers either, which is a plus. Both of the kids took naps at the same time today. I was going to do some scrapbooking but I figured that by the time I got all the stuff out they would be awake. My plan is to start scrapbooking after they go to bed at night. This afternoon GG and I made a grocery list together again. She thinks that is pretty neat to be included in what we buy for food. The way I see it, I would rather buy things she wants to eat then things she won’t touch. In the store she helped pick out the treats for her class on Thursday, we got apple juice boxes, fruit snacks, and string cheese. I will say that I am so thankful that my kids aren’t allergic to peanuts. I picked up a couple things I thought would be good snacks and the ingredients in big bold letters said might contain traces of peanut. I really wouldn’t know what to do if they were allergic considering they eat pb &j for lunch all the time. We got home and unpacked the groceries, the kids helped. Then we came downstairs and watched “our” show we watch together every week. It is probably the only show on tv that is still kid friendly. GG played with my hair too. This evening has been interesting. Monkey went to sleep so I laid him in bed (GG was laying there wide awake) then 15 minutes later GG comes out wanting to snuggle with me on the couch. I knew I shouldn’t but I really wanted to snuggle with her so I let her stay out with me. Then 45 minutes later Monkey woke up. We are still working on him going back to sleep without nursing so I rocked and rocked and rocked until he fell asleep, took about 30 minutes. GG was lying on the couch still, while I handled Monkey, she fell asleep. So I laid him in the bed and got GG and took her in too. Then 15 minutes later Monkey woke up and came back out. I gave up and nursed him back to sleep and now it is 10 minutes later and he is coming back out here. This is so abnormal.

Our day. We didn't go to church this morning because J worked last night. So we slept in until 9am!!! That was nice...even though the kids were awake at 7:30 they watched cartoons. We went and did lots of things today. We bought some Christmas presents, I know it is a little early but it is easier on the budget when we buy throughout the year. We took the kids to McDonalds for being good while we were shopping. Then we went to J's parents, GG walked into g & g's room and said, "Look at me. Don't I look super cute!" What a little stinker. On the way to there house she said something funny in the car. She had a hat the string had broken so she asked, "Hey can you my parents fix this hat." We just looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh. She normally refers to us as my mommy or my daddy. Come to think of it she has said a lot of silly things today. Like she had to go to the bathroom so we stopped at the station. She said, "Are we going to have some more pizza?" We ate pizza last night when we went. Oh yeah both the kids loved being at the police department. We got to meet some of daddy's friends and they got to see where he goes to work when he leaves home. GG kept saying, "This is so neat!" Anyways, J put together GG's big wheel, she and Monkey had a lot of fun taking turns riding it through the house. We ate dinner there and then went to night church. That was awesome. They had a harpist come and do a concert. He played and we sang it was so uplifting. I was just mesmerized watching his hands move across the harp. It is such a beautiful sound. He had three size harps too and GG call the littlest one the baby. Monkey even played in the nursery without crying!!! I think it helped that Aunt Liz was in there. J's parents went out to dinner for V-day because they were busy yesterday. After church we gave Elizabeth a ride home, we dropped her off and drove away only to run into J's parents a block away coming home. We stopped and talked. They said they had ice cream if we wanted to go back and have some. We asked the kids if they wanted ice cream and Monkey screamed. "I KEEM!!!" So that was a definite YES! We had ice cream and hung out for awhile. We left and dropped off the movies we rented and got gas in my car ended up getting home at 9:45pm. I had two messages from co-workers wanting me to work. They already found replacements...Thank God. I didn't want to work, Mondays are one of the craziest days. Speaking of work my car got hit in the parking lot on Saturday. I wasn't really mad about the car getting hit as I was at the person who hit it and ran. From the dents the person knew they hit me (come on they left their white paint on my car) and didn't leave a note. So J told me to look for the white vehicle with my paint on it...more than likely they will go back to the Y, and get the plates. He will try and get the persons name so I can ask them about it. If they lie to me I can find out from the Y if they swiped in to work out or if they are an employee if they were working at the time. It was significant damage on the driverside passenger door and rear fender. Oh well if I find them I do if not it is only a car, right? If I find out anything I will update you, if I remember.

Happy Valentine's Day! Today turned out differently then we thought it was going to be. I worked this morning at the Y, I took both the kids with me. Then we came home and J went to work. Originally we both had the day off but he got called last night to come in today and so did I. We watched both of the movies last night and just talked and hung out with each other. That was so much fun, it was like a date. So we really celebrated V-day last night...you know what we celebrate our love everyday, in all honesty. J sent me a card from the kids which was super cute. Tonight we are planning on going to eat with J at the department. The kids fed their fish this morning before we left and they both got a big kick out of it. Monkey's fish is so much like him, in that he is goofy. Last night before I went to bed I noticed Fred had his face down and tail up. I thought he had died. I went over and looked, he was still breathing but just sleeping. I have never seen a fish sleep like that. Then I went to get in the bed and Monkey was laying across the bed instead of up and down. See I told you they are alike, they don't sleep the normal way!!!! Princess was also chasing Fred the other day and it reminded me of the kids...GG is always wanting Monkey to do what she wants. Ok I know I am reading too much into the fish but it is interesting to me, how the 2 fish interact like they were siblings! Anyway, we aren't spending the night at J's parents like planned either because J is working and we don't want to take two cars for church tomorrow. So we are just going to go to night church. Elizabeth is working in the nursery so Monkey will go in there with no problem because he knows her :) I can't wait to get our refund check...we will be almost half way to a down payment. J has put me in charge of the money for a few reasons; 1) I am good at making sure we save from each check 2) we also get to do fun things with it without spending too much 3) He is terrible at balancing the checkbook and 4) I want to do it and he doesn't. Ok well I am going to get off of here and get the kids ready to go. Wow I was just reading over this post and it is all over the place! Sorry about that. Later all.

The kids and I went to work this morning and I got my first paycheck! Tons of parents and staff brought in candy for Valentine’s Day so we have so many sweets here :) J came to get Monkey around 11 and he took a nap at home. Then GG and I got home around 1 and had lunch with our boys. As we were eating Aunt Becky came home from college. They were both excited to see her. Then I got the mail and the kids got mail from their Nana and Grandpa K. they carried the cards around until we had to leave. We went to the bank (cashed my check), got my car washed, went to the video store and rented five movies (three were free kids movies) and a game, and then went to Wal-mart. We bought the kids each a fish for Valentine’s Day. Since we didn’t have anything for fish we bought the two fish, a bowl, net, food, and water purifier. I had a small fish tank when I was in college but I got rid of it and everything I had for it :( It would of came in handy today because it had a water filter, rocks, and scenery. Oh well it was only $15 for everything and they both thought it was the coolest thing in the world to get to buy all of that stuff for their pets! GG named the fish she picked out herself Princess, she is gold and black and Monkey named his fish Fred, he is all gold, we helped him pick it out…remember he loves fish!!! This evening for dinner we had a full house. Grandparents, Becky, J, the kids, and I all ate dinner together. GG did more chatting than eating. She loves being the center of attention and at dinner tonight she was definitely that. I couldn’t get her to stop talking long enough to eat, oh well one bad meal in a week isn’t bad. Tonight J is going to give the kids a bath and I will get to relax and then when they are done we are putting them to bed and watching the movie J picked out The Italian Job. I got How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days not very Valentine’s like but I want to see that movie! We will watch it tomorrow.

I corrected the spelling mistake my wonderful husband pointed out to me, if you didn’t catch it then don’t worry. I worked this morning and took GG with me, and Monkey and J had father/son time. GG went to a class today, which they call preschool but isn’t anything but a playgroup. They had a Valentine’s Day party GG loved that. What they do is play games, have snack, read books, sing songs, and make a craft. It only lasts an hour and a half in the room right next to the nursery. Then she came with me to teach the sports bug class I got recruited to teach. She was really shy during that class I think it was because I was the teacher?!?! Who knows, she is a 3 year old with her own mind! Everyone I have talked to say that 3 year olds are harder to handle than 2 year olds. The only difference I see is that she is starting to stretch her wings and wanting to be more independent. The: I can do it myself mind set. But she has to learn to do things on her own sometime, right? One more thing about work! As we were leaving GG said to Amanda, “Do you know the line from the Wizard of Oz? It goes like this I’ll get you my pretty. Do you know that one? That is what the wicked witch says to the pretty girl.” She went on more about it but I was trying to get us ready to leave! But she has only seen that movie once and it was about 4 months ago. I don’t know what sparked that memory but it was pretty darn funny to listen to her tell Amanda. Enough of that…when we got home we ate lunch as a family. J is really enjoying being on his own except that he says he gets lonely. Maybe we will get a cell phone and he can call me. Nah they are too expensive and everyone has one, we want to be different :) After lunch Monkey crashed and I put on the RugRats movie for GG. I laid with her on the couch to watch the movie and I ended up falling asleep for about half an hour. It felt good to take a catnap. Speaking of sleep I slept like a rock last night. I woke up in the middle of the night with a big drool puddle on my pillow! I told J I slept good and he said, “I know, I told you to move Monkey too many times to count and you never did.” I don’t understand why he can’t move him. Monkey was buggin J not me so J should move him, at least I think. I told him that and he said that he was too comfortable to move him. Well obviously J wasn’t too comfortable if he was awake to tell me to move him because his feet were digging in his side. Ah men! Anyway we made homemade pizza for dinner. The kids both helped. I also made some lemonade and asked GG to help me count the 8 scoops needed. When we stopped at 8, Monkey said 9. I have been working on counting with him, I tell him when I get to 10 we stop nursing. In those times he must be learning to count! What a smart little guy. After dinner the kids took baths and soon after GG was in bed asleep. Monkey just went down about 20 minutes ago. I am ready to go to bed too.

Ok so here goes! GG had her dance class today. For some reason she didn't want to do the tap part of the class. But she loved the ballet part. Ms. Julie said they will start with ballet first next week, that's cool. After the class they had a valentines party. GG was very excited about that. She even shared the candy with Monkey when we got home. I thought that was really sweet of her. Then J left for work, bummer. He has his own car tonight for the first time. I'm sure he is doing fine. This afternoon I was going to give Monkey a bath, he wanted a bubble bath so it turned into a bubble bath. Of course, GG wanted in the water as soon as it was ready so she got in. I let them play in there for a long time. Their hands were wrinkled! After the bath GG had to go potty so she got up and said she had to poop. It is so funny how you can have a conversation about poop! She said, "I have a big poop coming out mom. It is a monster poop! Here it comes. Do you see it. I told you it was a monster one!" I ask if she is done. "No I have some more little poops left to come out." Too funny and of course out of all the funny things she says a day I remember this, right? Today the kids played with Monkey's trains, listened to music, played with my hair, GG painted my toe nails (she used red so it looks like my feet are bleeding) and they both water painted and colored. Fun times! More about the toe nail painting...this is the first time I let her do this and so I had to close my eyes while she painted because she was messy!!! GG also decided that some of her crayons needed to be broken into two. So needless to say they didn't fit back in the boxes so I got a Tupperware for them. Monkey painted too and it was really funny because I thought he was done, he put the brush on the table and I picked it up to put it away and he made the funniest noise like...hey I wasn't done, yet so don't take that. I noticed that noise the other day but I now know why he does it :) How goofy are my kids?!?!

I can't guarantee how long this post will be or that I will get to type everything I want to. I'll start with last night. My little Monkey-man decided that he wanted to be awake from 1:30ish to a little after 3am. It wasn't my decision but I had to live with it! This morning I took both the kids with me while J slept. He came to get Monkey around 11 and when he walked in I could tell he just woke up. Must be nice!!! GG and I got home a little after 1 and ate lunch. Monkey had taken a nap while I was at work, which I told J to do. So after we finished eating we went shopping. We had so much fun just looking at things. GG and I looked at dresses, hats and purses for Easter. It is so fun shopping with her. She picks out things she would like and I tell her I will keep them in mind and that is good for her. Then when I actually buy the thing she picked out awhile back she knows that I listen to her and love her! After the clothes we just walked around looking at whatever we wanted too. I was getting ideas for gifts, that I am going to buy with my first paycheck that I get this Friday! The best part about looking was that we spent less than $20. I will say though I have a list of things I want to get now...hehehe. After about 2 hours we came home and started a nice fire. I didn't have to make dinner tonight either because we had leftovers. So that was nice, we laid by the fire with our feet towards it to warm them up, it really worked. GG tried to blow the fire out too. It was pretty funny, she thought it was like a candle. The evening we spent doing laundry, with the kids help. J and GG played a game together, also. I ordered our friend David Thiele's CD, can't wait to get in the mail!!! Right now I am watching Monkey play with the fire screen, J is messing with the fire. He just amazes me at how fast he is starting to talk. Everyday he says new words and uses them in the right way too. I love when they can communicate with words, less of a guessing game! So all in all we had a wonderful day together as a family.

Our adventures for the last two days! Sunday we didn't go to Sunday school (too tired) but we went to church. At church we were in the parents room, with all the babies, J was holding Morgan who is about 3 months old and Monkey wanted to see the "baby" so I picked him up. I told him to blow her a kiss and instead he started playing peek-a-boo with her. I thought that we really sweet. He and GG both love babies so much. Then after church to J's parents for lunch. J left for work and the kids and I stayed...we spent the night. The kids played with their grandparents and aunt Liz, who they just adore. I was sitting in the living room with Monkey, and GG was in grandma's bedroom helping make cheese blintzes, she loves to help. I was listening to GG and Sue (grandma) talk. I was laughing so hard at their conversation...even though I don't remember any of it now!!! I should really start walking around with a notepad to write down all the funny things they say and do throughout the day, because by the time I get on here I have forgotten a lot of it. Anyways, I really am glad that the kids are spending more time with their grandparents but I am so sad that my mom and step-dad live in New Mexico now. We could of taken day trips to visit them before they moved. Nothing I can do about it, right. But we *all* miss you guys. I just hope one day they will move back here and the kids can have a good relationship with them. I am really looking forward to going there and seeing them for a week!! I guess it just goes to show that no matter how old you are you still need your mom near :) That takes care of the happenings of Sunday!

This morning we hung out with grandpa, he didn't have to work until this evening. They are lowering the walls in their living room and so the kids were hanging on the 2x4s! Very cute. Then we went looking at some more cars...I know we should just give up :) The kids stayed with grandpa while we drove the car and had it checked out by our mechanic. We didn't like the inside of the car but everything else was good. It was a 96 Camry that we could of got for 4,000 with only 67,000 miles. Those cars run for 200,000 easily. Who knows when we get more serious maybe it will still be there?!?! When we got back the kids were fine and Monkey didn't cry at all!!! Usually when he can't see me or find me he starts to cry. He is becoming more independent. On our way home I got my wedding rings cleaned and checked. Flora the lady who sold J the ring, about 6 years ago, always is happy to see us. Today she told me she has enjoyed watching us get engaged, married and then start a family, and J get a job. We have known her for 6 years through buying, cleanings, repairs, and check ups. Then we went to Toys "R" Us to exchange GG's trike...long story. Then we came home. Tonight we still need to go grocery shopping and to Wal-mart which might happen tomorrow. Just depends!