You don't choose your family.

Look Who's 30!!

2012-02-16T20:43:00.002-06:00

It's me..... I turned the big 3-0 yesterday. It was a wonderfully, calm day! For years I just envisioned this being a tough number to swallow, and it seems not that long ago, I found peace with it and I truly feel this will be a wonderful year!

For an hour I tried uploading my "gift" from the boys.... they made a personalized video for me. Wishing me happy birthday and promising me they will be extra good on my special day. Which mostly meant no fighting.... little do they know that in my eyes they are the best boys ever! Every day! I think the video was just too long to upload, but it was pretty funny and cute all at the same time!

Unfortunately, Jake had to work late on my day, but he did his best to make last weekend all about me! Cooked for me, took me shopping, what else does a woman need?!!? He really spoiled me, like he always does!

So the pain of growing older is not noticeable... In fact, I'm feeling so blessed to be healthy and happy. It's something so many take advantage of. And each day I see it more and more. Here's to a wonderful year, and hopefully 30 more!

What's New

2012-02-11T09:36:00.003-06:00

So this might be a record for the longest I've gone between posts.... and each day I can see my mother's look on her face when she is disappointed that I haven't had any updates. Hehe.... well it bothers me too, but truthfully, my life has done JUST as I had expected it to once the wedding was over.... it calmed down. Considerably. I am border line bored right now.... but I know it won't last, so I am not complaining one bit!

So, while I have been quietly living, I have picked up some new addictions. They are called "Words With Friends" and "Pinterest."

I had purposely held off, on these crazes until I was done working in Wichita. Now I'm obsessed, just as predicted. I got 3 out of 4 of my sisters hooked too! So we now have daily interactions, even though it's just through trying to beat each other at a "Scrabble" like game.... then we have the wonderful web-world of Pinterest! I've already asked myself..... "So when do I get off and actually create what I've pinned on my online pin board?" I haven't come up with an answer to that yet, because it's too hard to get off!!

This was one of my first pins.....

And I just LOVE it!!

Another project we are working on is slowly getting our extra room ready for it to become Riley's room. The queen size bed we have in there, has really eaten up a lot of the space, so the right kind of shelving is important to us! Well this shelf has inspired me to have Jake build the kind of shelves we will need. It won't be exactly like this, but I thought this was fun! And it will got almost to the ceiling, so we will have shelving taken care of. I LOVE having a husband that enjoys having me come up with a new project to do, and he just does it. He really needs projects in his busy bodied self. Can't wait! I told Riley to give us until the summer to have this room ready for him.

Then I found this saying..... I need to get this for my "office." I am actually, never a fan of words on walls... but the set up of my house, and where I actually have the boys art on the curtain rod, I could do this! So this may possibly be a project I work on soon. I LOVE my kids art display, and this would be a great finishing touch!

Lastly, I am staring down at the big 3-0!

I am 4 days away..... sadly my husband will be working late most of the week, so he is treating me to my birthday dinner tonight. Usually we need to go out for these days, but I have come across a recipe that I am dying to try.....Chicken Enchilada Pasta. Yum!! And I have the best husband that would instantly make this for me, at my request..... so tonight we will be dining on this!

Now, I may sound a bit crazy, but there is a reason I want this specific recipe so badly. It reminds me of one of my first jobs. I worked at a pasta restaurant called, Semolina International Pasta Restaurant. You hear 'pasta' and think it was Italian, but it was ALL pasta dishes, inspired by cultures and countries from all around the world. It was some of the BEST food I've ever eaten.... and thankfully my active body could handle the carbs at that time. The Chicken Enchilada Pasta was with out a doubt one of the top dishes here, and ANYONE that I worked with would agree. Sadly this franchise was poorly managed, and it went away from Kansas, but I also guarantee anyone who worked here still craves these dishes to this day! So, I hope this dish settles my craving for a while.

So, other than what I've mentioned above, life is pretty easy going right now. I have started working out again, since I do have an abundance of free time again..... also thanks to finding a couple work outs on Pinterest to rotate between. Yay! Reece has been a funny kids, and I'm the bad mother who didn't write these funnies down, so maybe they will come back to me. And Riley is just being his sweet little self and waiting patiently for his own room. It will happen before you know it. They are getting so big, too fast!

Before I close out, here is a link to just some of the wedding pictures of Shawn and Kait! Enjoy!

Wedding Weekend

2012-01-23T18:37:00.014-06:00

So, I am back..... If I would have foreseen the sickness that would swoop through this house, I think I would have mustered up the energy to blog about these pictures back on Tuesday, when I posted them.

The wedding extravaganza of my brother, Shawn, and his bride Kaitlin, started on Friday morning.

We met at a country club for a bridal luncheon.

Food was awesome, and this is where us girls got to meet a good majority of Kaitlin's family... the female side anyway. What made it even better is that my sister, Jill, made it all the way from Utah. She had to travel without her family this time, but it was great seeing her. It had been since 2009 for me.

Kait's family has a "bridal fortune cake" tradition. Inside the cake, they bake tiny charms. You pull a charm out by a string, and each charm has a fortune to go with it. Here is my sister, Jill, who pulled out a charm that meant 'twins or finding a perfect mate.' Since Jill has wrapped up her child bearing years, she has decided her fortune is that someday her husband will be her "perfect" mate. Brian might make it there someday, Sis! Haha!

Here is my sister, Jody. I'm racking my brain trying to remember her's, but it had to do with travel in her lifetime..... I thought it fit her well. Out of all of us siblings... I think she's been the most traveled. My mom got a moneybag, which meant she would have a wealthy and secure future. Let's hope that turns out true..... And I got a dolphin, which meant 'a joyful and playful life.' Doesn't that sound wonderful!!??

Then there was the bride.... her charm meant a healthy and wonderful marriage. Let's definitely hope for this fortune to come true!

Here are Kaitlin, and her bridesmaids.... her sister was the Maid of Honor, but was busy running around doing her hosting duties.

I had to post this picture.... I have been given grief... A LOT.... about how my tiny eyes won't stay open for pictures. Well, maybe it runs in the family!? At least we make the bride-to-be look good!! That's what's important!

Here are the 4 hostesses.

Ellie (Kait's cousin in law), Mel (Kait's aunt), Lindsay (Kait's cousin) and Allison (Kait's sister.)

A picture with the soon-to-be-Beggs girl!! Love it!! Can there really be too many of us?? Haha!

Jill, Jaime, Jody, Janet, Kaitlin, and Jacque.... Hmmm.... that "K" sticks out just a bit, but we love her anyway!!

Sisters.....so rarely we are together!

What do you think of Jaime's hair? All we do when we introduce her is say, "She does hair." And everyone understands.... I personally LOVE it! I find myself jealous that I don't have the kind of hair that can pull off ANY style!

Kait's mom, Mindy, her paternal grandmother, Doris, Kait, her Aunt Joyce and cousin Whitney.

I hope I got that right, I'm terrible with names.

After rehearsal, we had our rehearsal dinner at Kait's Aunt Mel's house. It was gorgeous, and once again the catered food was amazing! Kait's family isn't used to the mass of children our family brings, and they were so thoughtful to the menu kid friendly, they had a separate table for them, and even had a ton of entertainment for them. Most people would probably panic having this many rowdy kids in such a nice home.... they never seemed to mind! Kait's cousin, Lindsay, even had purchased a bucket for each of the kiddos. She personalized them, and had it filled with candy and little activities for each of them. It was so thoughtful!

Above is the flower girl.... Camryn, Shawn's youngest.

Below is an usher.... Colby, Shawn's oldest. He was giving me trouble while trying to snap some pictures. Ornery kiddo, but such a gentleman at the same time!

Here is the morning of the wedding. Reece was relaxing on the air mattress, and says, "Now this is the life!!" He cracks me up!

We had to get Riley and Reece haircuts before the wedding.... little did we know, this may have caused us to fall WAY behind in our schedule, but we survived and at the end of the day, Shawn and Kait were married!

My handsome boys..... who can't act natural for the life of them!

Cousins.... Reece, William, Riley, Hannah, Jack and Alex in front.

Riley, Aidan and Reece.... seriously, my camera scares Riley!!

Riley and Aunt Jill at the reception.... we rarely get to see her!

Wow!! Our family in the same place at the same time! Snap a picture, quick!!

Reece and Aunt Jill.

The newlyweds got to be announced from the balcony. The reception was in the "Sawyer Room" in the Mark Twain Towers, downtown KC. I'm sure the professionals got a better angle than me...

My sister, Joanna's family. Ben, Joanna, Alex, Jack, Will, and Hannah.

Can't leave out Aunt Jaime! Love this goofy picture!

Riley, Colby, Reece and Aidan.

Colby and Aidan were anxious for the dancing to begin.... and anxious to be tough food critics. FYI.... the food was AMAZING!!! Kids just don't understand!

The bride and groom.... I doubt they got to touch their food this night!

Jake and I!

The groom's cake.... Shawn's 2 favorite things. Jayhawks and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

My nephew, Owen. He is funny about food.... way too busy to care about it!

My beautiful cousins, Kara and Katie.

Don't forget their mom, Kelli! She looks too young to have these young adults!!

Mom and Dad.... a.k.a. the parents of the groom!

I snapped these pictures, because Reece kept on visiting the men's room.... turns out, there were mints in there, so this is why!? Silly boy.... I think Colby tipped him off!

Sisters.... My Aunt Peggy and my mom. My poor mom had a headache all weekend.... we'll blame this and not genetics on her struggling to keep her eyes open.

Mommy and Reece!

Aunt Jaime and Riley!

Cutting of the gorgeous and oh-so-yummy cake!

(My camera died right after this picture.... sad because my nephews were a crack up on the dance floor, good because no one needs to capture this white girl dancing.)

And lastly, the most amazing party favors ever.

A back story.... at age 9, Kaitlin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The Children's Miracle Network Foundation was her foundation at the time, so in honor of her guests, they donated to the Network.... and the Jayhawk cookies made the favor a bit sweeter!!

****

That wraps up Shawn and Kaitlin's wedding festivities!

Here are some pictures I didn't take before my last post.

What I think Reece looks like is an elephant,

but what Reece feels like is Darth Vador.

Mother nature was so kind to us.... of course we had this scare, less than a week before the wedding, but it was very treatable, and we are no longer giving Reece breathing treatments.

But while in KC, Jake and I, and even my sister Jody, woke up with scratchy throats.... Jody and I had speaking parts in the wedding, so we were a little nervous. It definitely hit Jody worse in KC, and when the bride started tearing up, it was tough on Jody to keep clear enough to not be sniffling during her part.... thank goodness she had Kleenex. I teared up a lot too, but I had started the congestion part of my cold, so I was in good shape.

When we returned home, Jake's cold acted up, but not too badly. Then on Tuesday, Riley came home with a fever, but thankfully it only lasted 24 hours, but it was after his fever, my cold set in hard!! It was awful! I tried cold meds, and it didn't cut it, so I tried allergy meds and took Friday as a sick day to get some rest, and I got better quick. The allergy meds seemed to have dried me up.... but before that I was so incredibly achy, I was sure I had a fever, but the fever was never there when I checked. Now I'm feeling so much better, and just counting our blessings that this all waiting until after the fabulous wedding weekend!

There.... this was long, but now it's time to relax!

Congratulations Shawn and Kaitlin!!

(This is too long for me to edit..... hope there aren't too many mistakes!)

My Day With Reece

2012-01-17T15:48:00.002-06:00

As my brother's wedding is getting closer, I have had this terrible paranoia that one of my kiddos would get sick. And it happened. Thankfully, it's not a terribly miserable kind of sick, and is very treatable.

I was woken up by Reece around 2 am, and he just told me his throat was making a funny sound, and it hurt to breath. It was wheezing..... out of nowhere! He went to bed fine, and a few hours later was wheezing. I let him crawl into bed with me after he got a drink of water, and his wheezing kept me awake all night. It was such a sad sound.... Since I was not sleeping, I made the decision that I would keep him home and I would sacrifice a sick day. Truthfully, I was a little happy.... I stayed up way too late watching the Jayhawks take down the #3 Baylor Bears. So a lazy day with Reece sounded a little bit fun.... even though having a sick kid isn't really fun.

When Reece woke up, he sounded bad, but actually he acted totally normal. I wondered if I was overreacting.... but then again, if he was even a little bit sick, I needed to get it treated pronto!! Before it can affect the wedding travels. I call the nurse to ask her opinion, an after talking about the symptoms, she feels Reece definitely needs to be seen.

After a full morning of Netflix and Super Mario Galaxy 2, we were off to the doctor. Reece wasn't wheezing anymore, but if he cleared his throat or breathed deep, you could hear the course sounds coming out. Turns out he had something.... I should take notes.... it was deep, and my doctor says it could be a debate whether it is asthma or brochialitis. We did a breathing treatment in the office, and it helped a lot. So now we own (can't wait to see that bill) our very own Nebulizer, and have many treatments to give Reece and a steroid to try to wrap things up before the wedding. If I didn't have this wedding to travel for, we could have skipped the steroids. Yay for 2012 starting off with a bang!! But at least it was an easy fix, and knock on wood, that's all we deal with for a while!

A cute story from when we were waiting for the doctor..... I asked Reece if he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up. He says no. Why? He wants to work at Lowe's and be like Jake. I laughed and told him that he would have to work long hours, and he didn't care. He also wants to work with Jake's boss, Mark. Guess he likes the top dog!! Just like Jake and Mark, who are great buds! It is so sweet when kiddos want to be like their parents.

Art Show

2012-01-16T10:57:00.003-06:00

The boys were busy before Christmas break at school, making more fun art! I sometimes can't believe the cool stuff I see..... it was piling up, so I had to start swapping things out on my art rack. Taking pictures helps me let go of some of the pieces I don't need to hang on to, but I seriously need to start buying some frames for a few of my absolute favorites.

First up this time is Riley...

And Reece....

Voila!

Another Year....

2012-01-14T13:29:00.003-06:00

Today marks another year of marital bliss in this house...

This is for you Jake....

Could it be put any better way?

Jake makes me laugh almost every day, and what more does one need?

It's great to be able to have my best friend by my side!

Love you Jake

***

As far as 2012..... it has come in quite uneventful.

I'm sure you have gathered this from the lack of blogging. And truthfully, I love it! I haven't been pulled in 20 directions, and the boys are just enjoying being boys! It helps that the weather has been so wonderful too! It is so rare that they get to exert some energy outside.... and this year they have been out and about a lot. The only thing we are getting ready for is my brother's wedding up in Kansas City, next weekend. It should be a great time..... and I will have some pictures to post after that! Ciao!

Nieces and Nephews

2012-01-03T12:20:00.005-06:00

I have recently found myself with an abundance of new pictures of some of my nieces and nephews.... and I finally got around to scanning them in. When I first started blogging, I was so good about doing a birthday blog for each of them.... but as time went on, it was hard to keep up with all 18 of them, and often I wasn't getting new pictures of them, so it wasn't fun using the same picture multiple times.... so here are the new ones I have!

Here are my sister, Jill's kids.

Cole, age 14

Brendon, age 12

Sydney, age 9

Samantha, age 7

***

Next up, my sister, Jody's boys.

Aidan, age 10

Owen, age 3.

****

My other sister, Joanna's kids.

Hannah, age 10.

William, age 8.

Jackson, age 7.

And, Alex, age 4.

***

It amazes me how pictures show kid's personalities so clearly. It helps when you know each and every one of them so well. I love each of these kids for very different reasons!!

A New Year

2012-01-03T12:01:00.003-06:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone.... and amazingly new year has already begun! I'm excited to start 2012, but not as excited that it is back to the work/school routine starting tomorrow!!

We had a wonderful, mostly relaxing, Christmas break.... a few more days would be even better, but it must end at some point!

We were excited to get back to Gardner for a day, to see some of our very favorite people EVER! Unfortunately, I am kicking myself about my lack of taking pictures.... you'll see why.

I didn't pull it out, until after Scott and Brynn left the Ringel home! I'm so terribly sad... so here is the next best thing. I scanned their school pictures, wishing I could cut and paste them in the picture above. I have just gotten so terrible about snapping pictures of everything!

It was a wonderful 6 hours of catching up with these friends!

My old buddy, Zakk, jumped in this one....

Reece, Logan, Riley and Tyler.

We just don't find friends like these 4, everyday.... truly the only part of KC I really miss.

***

When we left the Ringel home, we went and met up with Aunt Jaime for a quick dinner and then we went to see and stay at Uncle Shawn's new house in Shawnee. Since we didn't have much of an agenda, I treated the boys to a Fork and Screen movie at the AMC 30 theaters.... it's crazy expensive, but it is a treat that you just don't find in little old McPherson. We saw 'We Bought A Zoo.' I honestly thought it was more geared towards kids, but it wasn't the most action packed movie, and poor Reece was very antsy by the end of it. It was a long movie..... better luck with the choice of movie next time! After the movie, we got to meet up with my future sister in law's family (very near future..... 01.21.12) and we got to chat for a while before the boys and I hit the road.

***

Other than our family actually surviving the countdown to 2012, we have laid pretty low key. They boys have enjoyed each other the entire break, and when asked, they are NOT ready for school.... but I have a feeling they will get there, soon!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T16:56:00.004-06:00

On Christmas Eve we got to go look at lights, then it was bed time when we got home. We left Santa a plate of cookies, chocolate covered pretzel and some Egg Nog by the front door..... and one big carrot for the reindeer!

The boys had specific directions not to wake Mom and Dad up after they snuck down to their stockings..... that didn't work. We were woken up with excitement by 6:15. Santa brought the boys an Ipod Touch to "share.'

Santa has also learned a valuable lesson.... he put the Ipod in Reece's stocking, and all the accessories and Itunes cards in Riley's stocking, well it took Reece some time to get it through his thick head that it was to share. Better luck next time, Santa.

Reece was excited enough (remember he asked for an IPad) about it.... he said, "I asked for an IPad, but an IPod is just like an IPad, only smaller!"

Good Job, Santa!! Happy boys this year!

Once we all migrated downstairs, we opened presents. They both got new pajamas and a new Star Wars Lego set. Riley got the newest "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book and a Donkey Kong Wii game. Reece got the movie "Megamind" and the 3D version of "Mario Kart" for his new 3DS.

Then we were off to Wichita for round 2!

I have to point out that we have a new stocking this year. My brother, Shawn, is getting married in less than a month! I warned my future sister in law, that she was "stocking" official! No backing out now!!!! Haha!

Reece got some Mario Kart Legos.... pretty cool!

More Star Wars Legos!

Excited kiddos!

It's "Wipeout 2" for the Wii!

And, as a joke (or not) for my aging Dad.... a KING size remote! That really works!!!

As far as my Christmas, Jake surprised me with a Kindle Fire! Awesome!!!!

So far I have been on Facebook, and I've been playing Angry Birds.... I have downloaded "The Hunger Games" Trilogy..... I have promised my sister to have the first one read by March, when the movie comes out. I have read 1 chapter.... so I'm on a great start!

Reece and Riley realized that the Mario Legos that they got weren't a full track, so Reece had some gift cards from his birthday, and with a little extra cash from the boy's spending money, we got the entire track! It is so cute!!! They think it's VERY cool!

Almost forgot, that Jake couldn't resist getting the boys a disco ball from Lowe's. They found it humorous!

Reece on the Ipod Touch..... they can now text Jake and I! Fun!

Legos, Legos, and more Legos!

Lastly, I also got a gift card from Jake to Sassy Bags.... AND I got a Christmas bonus from the school. Chamber checks!! Which happen to be able to be redeemed at Sassy Bags! I bought several shirts and this fun luggage! I've had my eyes on it for a while.... and NOW it's MINE!

Jake's big gift was the new BluRay complete set of Star Wars.... It's not as exciting as my Kindle, but I think he's pretty happy! Other than that he got clothes that were needed....

Cakeballs

2011-12-24T13:33:00.002-06:00

My sister Joanna is such a show off..... this was her take on Cakeballs!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:46:00.001-06:00

Ugly Christmas Sweater

2011-12-24T12:41:00.003-06:00

The staff I work with has a great time on the last day of school, before Christmas break. We compete in an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.... there is a traveling trophy and all. I wish I would have gotten closeups of this fabulous sweater my sister made.... the back looks way worse than the front! Sadly, I did not win..... the term "sweater" is used loosely. Next year I'll be more prepared.... it must be head to toe ugliness! We are talking Christmas skirt, Christmas socks, Christmas lights that actually work, Christmas hat/headband.... I need it all!! LOL

R.A.O.K.

2011-12-24T11:59:00.003-06:00

I have a good friend, Cindy, that I work with. She has really pushed me to give a little this Christmas season, even though I rarely feel I have much to give! She has spent all month doing Random Acts Of Kindness (R.A.O.K.).

I have been in Wichita with the boys the last 3 days, working the dinner theater at Prairie Pines, and on Wednesday I recieved a little more than $40 in tips. Tips are very rare here, only because each ticket purchased has gratuity included.... so occasionally, we see some Christmas spirit when waiting these tables. Well, Thursday, the boys and I had a ton of time to kill, so we were out and about. We had lunch at McDonald's, because the boys just LOVE the McChicken on the dollar menu. Works for me..... it took me sitting there to remember all the kind things Cindy had been doing. So, when we finished eating, I went and bought a $10 gift card and handed it to a grandmother with her 3 granddaughters.... she was very thankful! They had already paid for their food, but I told them maybe they could have some ice cream or use it at a later date, and Merry Christmas!

Next, the boys and I headed to the mall, to do some miniature golfing. It was a good deal, and the boys LOVED it! I went to the front and I prepaid another $10 for the next group that came in. Sure enough, there were some grandparents with 2 grandsons. They had stopped and inquired, but then they left. I was sure grandpa wasn't in the mood to pay and spend time there.... before you know it, they were back! The front lady told them a "secret donor" had paid $10.... which meant the boys got to play for only $2!! I felt so good! I couldn't even describe it!

We left golfing, and went to the food court for some Orange Julius... believe it or not, but this was the first time the boys have had these.... I've truly deprived them!! ;) It was here, that we got to talk about the true spirit of Christmas. They were able to witness their mom giving to complete strangers! I told them how much I wish for them to be so thankful for everything they have and everything they will receive at Christmas! There are so many children out there that will be lucky to get a single gift, and many won't even see a Christmas gift at all! I hope something soaked in with our talk.

We finished our treats, and I needed to head to Target for a couple last things.... when I checked out, I paid for another $10 gift card, and handed it to the lady behind me, wishing her a Merry Christmas, as well. This is when Riley chimed in, and said, "What a nice mommy!" I gave him a hug, and we went back to my parents.

Fast forward to this morning.... the boys and I packed up and came back home. I stopped by McDonald's for a drink on the way home, and after I paid, I asked to pay for the person behind me.... and again I just left with a warm heart.

I truly hope somewhere, I made an impact or maybe something has been paid forward with these good deeds, but if not, it really brought my spirits WAY up! I wish I could be that person who could take $20,000 to KMart and pay off layaways for strangers, but it's just not in my cards. If I wouldn't have collected those extra tips, I'm not sure it would have been as easy on me to let go of some of my money.... but tips or not, I am so happy I did these R.A.O.K.'s, and I'm happy my boys saw each and every one of them. Merry Christmas, Friends!!!

Amazing Reece

2011-12-24T11:52:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures of one of Reece's many talents.... he amazes me!! He is so limber and strong! I was a pretty strong kid, and never in my more athletic days, was I ever able to do this! He started doing this AFTER he decided to quit tumbling. Our neighbor, Savannah, taught him.

Believing

2011-12-19T15:56:00.002-06:00

I don't recall the age I was when I figured out the little secret about the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and even Santa Claus. But, I have hard time believing that Riley will continue believing much longer... he actually just found out about the Tooth Fairy a couple of weeks ago. He caught "her" green handed a while back. To my defense, the kid should have been WAY asleep at this point. Oh well, I told him the truth followed by a warning NOT to talk about this to his brother. A 6 year old (at the time) has every right to still believe and have fun with it.
I was SO sure this was going to be the year that Riley became suspicious of "Santa," mostly due to the TF incident. So far he hasn't questioned anything! We even had a sad conversation at dinner last week, and Riley came to Santa's defense. Reece came home from school telling us that a couple boy's in his class told him Santa was dead. And, since he was dead, their parents had to be Santa for them. Keep in mind that Reece is only in 1st grade, and I felt so sad and mad that these poor kids couldn't just enjoy the tradition at their young age. I told Reece that maybe they were naughty and Santa won't come their home, so mom and dad had to do Santa's job. Is that bad?? It just broke my heart.... and one of the first thoughts that actually crossed my mind, was the very low income school the boys go to. Kids at the boy's school see things in their daily lives that they shouldn't ever have to at such a young age, and what if the lack of "Santa" is just one more reality they have to live with in their early years. What a sad childhood! Thankfully, Mrs. Olander did get upset with the kids who were saying such things, and both of my boys were in complete shock that anyone would think this way!
Guess we get to "believe" a while longer.... and I'm okay with that!

11 Dozen Cookies Later

2011-12-18T12:22:00.002-06:00

I've been keeping my sister busy this month.... She just makes the prettiest and best tasting cookies E.V.E.R!
I got Riley some basketballs to take to school tomorrow to celebrate his half birthday.... then my para friends decided we should get some Christmas cookies for our kiddos on Tuesday, and my other friend ordered her daughter some girly cookies for her birthday. I decided not to take them out of the wrapping, because I wasn't sure I'd get them secure again before delivering them. Aren't the beautiful!!??

Gingerbread Fred

2011-12-13T16:01:00.002-06:00

Last week, Reece got to have a visitor from school.

His name was Gingerbread Fred... and Reece's homework was to write a journal about what they did together. There was even a book called "Gingerbread Fred" to read, but mommy didn't know about this book until it was past bedtime.... oops!

Where's Fred?? Haha!

Birthday Fun

2011-12-11T13:18:00.004-06:00

Reece had a very nice birthday! He woke up super early, and he looked at me (because there was no way he was going back to bed) and said, "I'm so excited!!!!"

Not sure if he was more excited about his birthday, or the fact that his Grandma and Grandpa were coming from Arizona that day. I bet it was both!

Aunt Joanna made his birthday treats for school.... we decided on bowling and party hats, since he had a bowling birthday party this year.

This came home from school that day.... the next day I got a very nice email from his teacher. She said that Reece went to school and told her, "I might go wild today!" She was very glad to report that he did not, in fact "go wild" and I should be proud that he focused so well on his birthday. He even had this perfect math page.

When Reece and Riley got home from school, Grandma and Grandpa were here!

We went to watch Riley bowl, and he got his game high!! 87!!!

Then it was off to have birthday dinner at Applebees, where Reece got a mini birthday dessert. After that we sent the big boys to go pick up Reece's ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Reece really loved the Jayhawk cake!!

What you may not know about Grandma and Grandpa, is that they are ice cream fanatics.... so this cake was especially planned around them!

"Reece LOVES cake!!"

Silly us! We totally cut into the cake before we remembered the candle.... my brain just doesn't work like it used to! It's a scary thing.... so here is the "wish" after we began eating.

Reece was so patient! We made him wait ALL day to open his one gift from us.

WOW!! It was a Nintendo 3DS!!!

Here is a video of Reece opening his gift.... mom and dad were silly and made him work hard at unwrapping it. I'm not sure whose reaction was better... Reece or Riley's???

Happy Birthday, Reece!!

2011-12-08T06:50:00.003-06:00

My sweet "baby" is officially 7 today!

I still have the feeling, that I survived 7 years of Reece..... haha! But I just couldn't imagine life without this kiddo. I love his spunk and his desire to do it all and have it all. I hope that fire never leaves him!!

Reece's 1st cake!

Mr. Blue Eyes

Reece is pretty excited for a couple reasons.... A. It is his birthday. And B. Grandpa McMillan and Gramma Sally are arriving today from Arizona to spend a few days with the family! I hope they survive Kansas in the winter time.... I think it's been a while since they've been around cold!

Happy Birthday, Reece!!

We love you!!

Birthday Bowling

2011-12-04T14:31:00.006-06:00

Somewhere along the way, I blinked, and my baby is now just days away from turning 7!!!

We got to give him a bowling party, and I think it was a crowd pleaser.

Reece chose a Transformer cake..... I had to put the action figures on myself, and apparently I need to brush up on my Transformer trivia, because I put them on like they were fighting. Reece informed me that these two were NOT enemies! They are both good guys!! Oops!

Shaylyn and Nicholas.

Shaylyn and Asa.

John, Shaylyn, Nicholas, Garrett, Asa and Logan.

Reece's favorite girl..... Savannah!

The "older" kids.

Time to make a wish!

I have to tell a Reece funny...

Nicholas was telling everyone that he saw Santa at Walmart, and he thought it was pretty cool!!

Reece's reply was, "It must have been a fake Santa, because I saw the real one at the Farm (Prairie Pines.)"

Rudolph.... I mean, Asa!

***

Today, Reece and Riley dug for dinosaur bones.

It is still in the works, but Reece got this gift and apparently, when all the bones are found, they can build a dinosaur. We'll see how this ends!

"Positively Me!"

2011-12-03T08:31:00.002-06:00

Riley had his 4th grade music program last Tuesday night.

It was called "Positively Me!"

I did the best snapping pictures with my camera I could. Riley is in the center with the argyle sweater.... I think he gets a little shy on stage.

He had another recorder song he participated in.

Here is Savannah on the right, singing a duet.

Photo Shoot

2011-12-01T16:58:00.005-06:00

I don't really have a photographer's eye, but here are some shots I took of the boys at the Tree Farm. Aunt Jaime stepped in so I could sneak in a few of the pictures. The boys painful smiles tell you how much they just LOVE taking picture!! Thanks Jaime!!

Prairie Pines

2011-12-01T16:35:00.008-06:00

No Black Friday shopping for us! We did our usual and went to pick out our Christmas Tree at Prairie Pines. We get a pre-cut tree every year, because I am a huge fan of the Fir trees that don't grow in Kansas, and Jake is usually stuck working on this day. Sorry folks, you won't see me cutting my own tree down by myself!

This seemed like the perfect size for our small living room.

Peek a Boo!

Shaking the loose needles off.

Netting our tree for the ride home!

The grandkids of the owner's got to ride in with Santa on the carriage.

My nephews Aidan and Owen are the ones looking at the camera.

Santa and Kennedy.

A bit windy, but otherwise a beautiful day!

My camera is drawn towards Owen's cuteness!!

"Inside, Aunt Jacque!"

Owen trying on the mistletoe headband and puckering up! Muah!

The Baby Barn Elves!

Mom and Jill.

Our neighbor, Savannah, came by to check out the Farm.

Keeping warm by the fire.

All we want for Christmas are some IPads!!!

(Gulp)

Mom should have prepped the boys for a less expensive wishlist.

The Tree Barn

2011-12-01T16:22:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures of Prairie Pines Christmas Shop.

This is what I jumped into helping out with right after working the Field of Screams.

I kind of wish I could take credit for what you'll see in these unprofessional pictures..... but I can't!

However, if you could look at each ornament, and see their tiny price tags..... yeah, I was a big part of that!

And if you see all of these walls made of logs..... you guessed it! I washed them!!!

That's what you guessed, right? LOL

See this GIGANTIC tree? I put a small fraction of those colored lights on it!!

Go ME!!!

What would my Christmases be like without the wonderful world at Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm???

It's Beginning.....

2011-11-27T16:32:00.005-06:00

.....to look a lot like Christmas!

First... get the tree standing and lights on!

Then, mom gets to decorate with just red, gold and LIME GREEN!

Too bad the lighting and the camera doesn't do the tree any justice.

Lastly, let the boys put on the other ornaments.

FYI.... Christmas is coming!! Fast!!

My brand new Scentsy warmer! Isn't it gorgeous!! I bought it sooner than I had planned, and it's a good thing I did, because it sold out the very next day! Yikes!

We bought these stocking holders way back when Riley was just becoming obsessed with trains. I love them, but we moved to a house without fireplace..... so this year I hung an ornament on each. They are all sporty with our names on it, and it's hung by the big window in our dining room.

Merry Christmas!

New Rules

2011-11-26T17:33:00.005-06:00

The last time I sent the boys to their room to really clean it up, they decided to write some rules.... for themselves!

Oh, Happy Day!

2011-11-24T07:33:00.005-06:00

It's a doubly special day!

Jake turns one year older today.... since we would be having such a feast we got to have birthday cake last night.

(BTW.... Jake is participating in "No Shave November." He is a little extra hairy these days.... only 6 more days to go!)

And, it's TURKEY Day!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

"I'm thankful for every moment."
~Al Green

Wood Work

2011-11-16T15:37:00.003-06:00

Have I mentioned how cool my husband is?

Well, he is pretty amazing..... as we've been getting the "guest" room ready at a snail's pace, we needed to address the furniture situation for it. As in, we don't have any. We have a bed, with just a frame..... ON WHEELS! My concern was a 9 year old boy, eventually being in a room, with a bed on wheels, on a hard wood floor. Unfortunately, we don't have one of those money trees either!

So what's a girl to do?

She draws an idea on a small piece of paper, and her husband brings it to life, only 10 times better than she imagined. Yep! Jake made a headboard, and now the bed will be set in place.

These pictures hardly do it justice, but it completely fits the fun room this is turning out to be!!

Please ignore all the friendly ghosts that show up in all my pictures in this old house.... just more "fun" things to address once I discover that money tree!! ;)

Positive Phone Call

2011-11-15T15:40:00.003-06:00

I got a wonderful phone call today from Riley's teacher, Mrs. Stucky. I needed something good, as my head has been killing me all day.... Riley has been asked to join the "gifted" group, for an extra 30 mins of Math. It will still be the 4th grade level, just more advanced and with an extra challenge built in. Riley has been challenged, and he has accepted this challenge to push himself. His teacher will be Mrs. Nakai and he will be joining a group of 5. Go Riley!!

Art Show

2011-11-13T21:09:00.005-06:00

My art collection is getting full again, so here are my little artist's preserved masterpieces.

Reece is up first....

It's hard to tell, but Reece used a cool glitter paint... this may end up in a frame at some point.

Riley is next......

3D art is fun! Guess in 4th grade the art projects really slow down!

***

And, lastly.... I am always going for "Favorite Aunt," so I am documenting the beautiful finger paintings by my adorable nephew, Owen. He loves his Aunt Jacque!

Conferences Part II

2011-11-09T15:57:00.003-06:00

So..... after a couple of weeks, we finally had Riley's conference with Mrs. Stucky. It had been rescheduled due to a family emergency on her side, but we made it.

Warning to all my mommy friends, with younger kiddos.... P/T conferences get to be just a little more "unfun" as they get older. Riley is a great student and doing great in school, but after my rave over Reece's conference, it was a little bit of a let down. I'm sure it's pretty typical..... 4th grade is probably a big transition.

We started off with Reading.... I've said this over and over, Riley doesn't enjoy reading. At least just leisurely reading. But he is one of the top in his class at the level R. Benchmark for 4th is P, so he is above here. Mrs. Stucky even told us that he isn't shy in his group, and always adds to the good conversation when they are discussing what they've read. So he is also doing a great job comprehending his reading. His next book will be an S book.... so he will be pushed a little more.

She is pleased with Riley's writing, as he is between the "emerging" stage and "developing" stage of becoming a great writer. Mrs. Stucky always enjoys reading Riley's work. She said it's very creative and entertaining. Organizing his thoughts is what he will focus on next.

I had to tell Riley that he needs to work harder in Spelling. He is only averaging a 101%. Haha!! He is very good at practicing each week, and working in a school, I know how many kids never even look at their spelling list day to day, or even at all. Riley always goes for the bonus words, which is how he got his high score. My only concern is him not retaining what he's practiced. There are times in his writing, he is misspelling words that I know he has had as spelling words. Hopefully that works itself out!

Science has taken Riley's top favorite subject spot. Apparently, Mrs. Stucky does a lot of fun experiments that he enjoys. In a short 9 weeks, Riley has become very detailed in his lab work. His 4th grade class also got to go to Salina on 5 different occasions for all day, Science days. They went to STARBASE there. It is a Kansas regional training center with the Kansas National Guard. They had a lot of fun and it was a great experience for these little scientist.

Math, which used to be Riley's favorite, is still a good subject for him. He goes across the hall to Mrs. Viola, who teaches the 4th grade level of Math (Riley is in a mixed 4th/5th class.) We briefly met her, only in passing in the hall. She actually gave Riley a big hug..... I think she likes him. Since we don't have a conference with her, she wrote a note to us......

.....Though quiet, Riley is a thorough and enthusiastic, math student who has great strategies for solving problems. He is quite studious, a real thinker, and shares his ideas during class discussions. I am particularly pleased that Riley can handle a challenge and that he is persistent in working on a problem until he solves it. We will continue to discuss and write about math through the year. Mrs. Viola

That pretty much summed up our conference. The last input we got, was that Riley doesn't push himself. He could do so much more, if he wanted to. If it was required, he would get it done, but nothing more...... this is just Riley's personality. I hope he gets a little more energized about something in life, but for now we see the minimum. He needs to challenge himself one of these days. But I am still proud at how well my boys do in school, and how much they love it! I hope this lasts a long time!

Thanks, CamWOW!

2011-11-07T17:00:00.002-06:00

For cheap lunchtime entertainment!

Yep. This is what my coworkers and I did today at lunch with the Ipod Touch!

Crown Molding

2011-11-02T18:44:00.002-05:00

Remember this striped room?

Well, this was the last thing I started before going back to school, and it hasn't been touched since. That is until Jake put up this crown molding! It looks like it's been there all along! And it definitely helped the rough edges of our first ceiling repair project disappear! Yay for an amazing husband who isn't afraid to tackle new projects, and he does them well!!!

Trick Or Treat

2011-10-31T18:29:00.003-05:00

Reece the Dementor and Riley as Lord Voldemort.

And Savannah as a super cute candy corn.

Happy Haunting!!

Carving Fun

2011-10-31T16:00:00.004-05:00

Well, "Manly Weekend 2.0" brought pumpkin carving.

Which means mommy missed the gooey fun!

Mommy also missed the boys getting their fingers dirty.... this might be a first! Haha!

And Riley actually carved his very own pumpkin. WOW! That's pretty impressive!

I have a very "lame" camera....Jake turned off the flash to try to see the lit up pumpkins, and this is the masterpiece.

Riley's spooky face and Reece's "challenger" spider.

Dad did most of that because it was a "Web Master" design.

Happy Halloween!

Doctor Frustrations

2011-10-26T16:51:00.002-05:00

I just realized my "Close Call" post wasn't complete.

We need a new doctor. Now. Okay, more like yesterday!

Finding a doctor is always hard when you move. I was given a recommendation, however, this doctor had decided to only take baby making women. Trust me, I was tempted to lead her to believe that maybe that would be in my future..... but how could I explain the other 3 family members I wanted to bring with me? So, I really didn't ever seriously consider that, but it crossed my mind. I ended up calling the main family care office here in town, which works real close to the hospital..... it's actually in the Hospital parking lot, and I was just assigned a family doctor. I will call him Dr. B. (Although I've probably named him previously...)

Dr. B. is an arrogant man. That's the best way I could describe him.... and I was just thankful that I didn't have any little ones that needed routine checkups, multiple times a year. I never had a real reason to dislike him, so I continued with my life and only saw him when the kids were sick. Jake's confidence in him was first shaken when Riley ran a fever last February/March for 34 days. Never found a reason for it..... My confidence was shaken when he told me Riley was having growing pains in his chest last month. Really? I've never heard of such things!! Not that I'm a doctor, but I just didn't like that answer. Shortly after this, our mortgage friend, who had helped us refinance, told us her husband was so close to paralysis after complaining of neck pain for over a month. Dr. B told gave him pain killers and told him to see a chiropractor. Turns out it was a staff infection. Yep! Almost paralyzed!!! Then she had a fractured foot, but Dr. B. needed time to think about his action plan, and guess what! She ended up breaking her foot, because there was no care or boot given to her! Youch!!

So, of course I needed a last minute appointment yesterday, and I was wishing I would call and only have a P.A. available to see Riley. Nope..... he just happened to be available. I should have asked for anyone else, but I didn't. Appointment goes fine. I get my prescriptions and leave. I am pulling into the parking lot of the pharmacy and get a phone call from his nurse. "Dr. B. accidentally wrote the antibiotic RX for an adult, not a child." What? It didn't dawn on me until I had time to really process the severity of this mistake, for me to freak out. Of course, I would hope that the pharmacist would catch this, but that's still not okay with me. So, I have had enough, and maybe I am still more lax than some moms, but I am terrified that my child has been in his care for so long!

This is where my "Close Call" post was supposed to go. Wish me luck in the new doctor search. Definitely a disadvantage in a small town.

Close Call

2011-10-25T19:00:00.002-05:00

Riley is sick. I was that mom today, that felt like she was jumping the gun on getting him medical treatment. I was so sure the doctor was going to say it's just a virus, and it needs to run it's course. Thanks for money!

It all started early Monday morning. I was woken up by Riley coughing.... and it was a rough cough. This was the start of it. He literally went from no cough, to a horrific cough. Well, you can't really keep a kid home from school anytime he coughs, and there were no other signs, so I sent him on. He came home to tell me he coughed all day..... he was a little extra lazy, and finally after dinner, I found he had come down with a fever of 101.1*. I decided then, he had to stay home from school today. So again, early this morning I was woken up by his cough. He was now wheezing. I got him into the doctor, and when the doctor listened to his chest and cough, he was almost positive pneumonia was our problem. He was very concerned about how rapid these symptoms were taking place. We did a blood test and chest x ray, and thankfully no pneumonia. However, it could have been just around the corner, so we are on an antibiotic and a steroid to loosen up the junk in him.

So glad I didn't sit around on this one.... it could have been a close call.

Conferences Part I

2011-10-25T18:00:00.004-05:00

Today we got to go see Mrs. Olander. The WONDERFUL Mrs. Olander. She just always puts me in a wonderful, try to hold back the tears, mood. How can you not want to cry with joy when a teacher wants to clone your kid? She honestly feels like Reece is a model student..... and when she says this, I believe her!!

Her comments on his progress report were: Reece is doing a good job in first grade. He has a positive attitude towards school, makes a sincere effort to do his best, and works hard in class. Reece is a leader and a positive role model for other students. I enjoy having Reece in my class!

Reece is reading at a level G. The benchmark for first grade is D. His teacher for Guided Reading is Mrs. Presnall. She stopped to introduce herself to us, and let us know how well Reece is doing at reading. Reading isn't a skill that Reece shares with us at home, unless it's required homework, so it was a nice surprise to hear these kind praises. Mrs. Olander shared that this reading group with be pushed until things get hard this year, something Dad and I are happy about!

Mrs. Presnall's comments were: Reece is a careful reader. He has a strong sight word base that helps him read fluently. He pays attention to the text and pictures. Reece has good comprehension skills. It has been fun getting to know to know Reece in this reading group. Keep up the GREAT reading, Reece!

Reece is also above average in his Math skills. Mrs. Olander says he comes in with a lot of skills already and then he picks up on the new skills right away. She wishes she could take this quality of his, and sprinkle it on the others. Those were her words.... He even did a timed math test, with 30 addition problems, and he completed them in 2 minutes 25 seconds. The fastest of the class.

Reece is doing great at his Art, Music and PE. Reece has conquered the National Fitness Award. This doesn't really surprise me.... and he ran the mile in 8 minutes 11 seconds. That surprised me a bit. He takes after his mommy here.... I remember making it to the Presidential Fitness Award by 5th grade. I bet he gets there too!

I always have to double check, that my "know it all" son isn't isolating himself because of his social skills, that sometimes lack a bit. She never feels this is an issue. She actually says he played more solo in kindergarten then he does this year. He is actually in charge of 4 square at recess. He operates the game, every time. He told Mrs. Olander that Savannah taught him all the rules. Savannah is really the one that knows all. If there is any question, Reece tells everyone that he will ask Savannah. (Savannah is our 5th grade neighbor....a.k.a. Reece's favorite person ever.)

Gosh, I've really gone on and on a bit much here. At least in 8 years, when Reece is a terrible teen, I can remember exactly how I felt on this day in 2011.

Here is a picture Reece made at the beginning of the year. Reece told his class he wanted to be a scientist when he grows up. Mrs. Olander was very impressed with the details. Aside from the beakers, I just love the hair!

Pumpkin "Carving" Fun

2011-10-25T06:45:00.001-05:00

(More like digital carving fun!)

Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T19:09:00.005-05:00

Here is the only documentation from the "Manly Weekend" my boys had.... I'm not going to pretend like I was there, so here are the boys at the pumpkin patch. Enjoy!

The rest of the weekend was spent putting up some crown molding in the striped room I haven't touched since putting stripes in it.

As for me.... I worked all weekend and now I'm fighting off a terrible cold.

BOO!

Retirement

2011-10-24T18:51:00.003-05:00

So, I think Reece just retired from tumbling....

Yep! He came home today from school, and told me he didn't feel like going to tumbling. I told him it's okay to take a day off, and that's when he told me he didn't want to go anymore.

I was thrown off guard, just a bit. Up until today, he really never hesitated to go. He showed pure excitement each day we went. I'm a little confused. But, I'm okay with it. We pay monthly. I am not bothered at it, except he won't give me a reason. The way I feel about it, is we didn't put him in tumbling to become an Olympic tumbler..... it was just an inexpensive activity to put him in, and anyone who knows the kid, knows tumbling comes pretty naturally to him. That was all. He enjoyed it for 6 weeks, so we will see what will come next. Jake's views are different. And I will leave that there.

What did make my day, was that Reece decided he didn't want me to put him in soccer, but he wants to keep playing basketball. Yay!! However, I don't think I will tolerate this back and forth, wishy washiness very well.... Hope he really does find something to be happy with and will stick with it!

Manly Weekend

2011-10-20T15:32:00.003-05:00

*Reader discretion is advised*

As you can see.... the next 3 days are penciled in as "Manly Weekend."

I am heading to Wichita to work, and Jake has the weekend off, so I am giving my mom and dad break from the boys.

Today after school, I hear a pretty loud fart come from the living room..... the next thing I hear is Reece.

"Come on!! It's not even MANLY WEEKEND yet!!!"

Sorry, Mom! That was just too funny not to post!!

Persistent

2011-10-19T17:14:00.003-05:00

In the rush of all that happens in this household, this time of year, Jake yells out to Reece, "Why are you always in such a hurry to do "big boy" things?" Better yet, "big people" things!

Reece's response was simple. "Because, I want it ALL!"

Who are we to keep him from accomplishing this! Reece has the personality to leave this house and conquer the world. So, naturally I believe Reece will get older and share "it ALL" with his loving parents! Right? Isn't that his obligation? I love this kids ambitions!! Even if he doesn't really know yet, what they really are!

Riley has his own ambitions..... Last night while he was doing his homework, he needed help with the word, "persistent." We helped him sound it out, then he needed the definition. We went the route of, someone who never gives up, someone who keeps trying. Riley then decided to give himself a "persistent" label. Why? He is trying to get in the Guinness World Record Book.... for being the best video game player ever! He dreams BIG!!

How does the same DNA create such different little people. I love these little men, and I cannot wait to see them as big men!

Quarterly Birthdays

2011-10-16T11:06:00.010-05:00

****PICTURE OVERLOAD****

Actually, we combined the last 2 quarters into one party for 2011. This will wrap all grandkid's birthdays up for the year. We always enjoy, even though October is an exhausting month for all of us, having a "Halloween" themed party.

Aunt Jaime is such a sport too. He actually hand made and sewed her costume. Along with her friend, Kimberly. It took her 3 months..... literally!!! Corset and all! What is she? She is a steam-punk zombie killer. It's a gothic movement from a time I'm unaware of....... that really just means I don't get it. Her friend is a vampire killer. They have fun with it.... ;)

Fun pumpkins on Aunt Joanna's porch.

Aunt Joanna had a soup bar with nachos on the side. It was a perfect fall meal!

Notice her fun dungeon walls...... she loves this time of year!

Jason made an appearance..... and I have the upper hand!

Aunt Jaime from the back side..... I couldn't resist!! Look at the detail!

Costume mix up or "Revenge of the Nerd(s)?"

Just one adorable cookie made by Aunt Joanna.

Pumpkin painting..... more kid friendly and less time consuming for the kiddos.

Reece's pumpkin.

Riley's pumpkin. Love the mummy.

Alex loves the camera!!

Owen playing on his own.... he is very good at entertaining himself.

Boys costumes.... nothing fine tuned, just thrown on. Riley is Lord Voldemort and Reece is a Dementor from "Harry Potter." A big, scary step from "Super Mario Brothers" characters!

The gang!

Hannah, Will, Jack and Alex were characters from "How to Train Your Dragon."

Colby was a nerd, and Camryn was a fifties girl. These two never get excited for a camera.....

Good vs. Evil!

Britton was Harry Potter and Ariana was Hermoine.

Here they are at a standoff!

Strike a pose Jason..... I mean Aidan!

Owen as Elmo and Aidan as Jason. Quite the duo! You can tell there is a 7 year difference here. ;) I have to add that Aidan referred to Owen as, "A Nightmare on Elmo Street!" He cracks me up!! And although little brother drives him crazy, I know how much he loves this "Elmo!"

Present time!! Alex turned 4 in September.

Reece will be 7 in December. Legos and Nerf.... what more does a boy need?

Ariana also turns 7 in December.

Jack turns 7 this month!

Will turned 8 in September!

Britton turns 10 in November.

And finally, Hannah turned 10 earlier this month.

Thanks for being the best host, Aunt Joanna! Although it was a bit rushed, we all had a great time! (Reece was actually sad that we had to leave..... he always is! He said," I wish I lived here, because they get all of the cool stuff!" I believe he'a referring to his cousin's toy store in the basement. It is a fun time, but I remind Reece that if he had all of the same stuff, he would stop having fun there!)

Yay!

2011-10-13T19:03:00.003-05:00

(For more unfinished projects....)

The landscaping bricks that we wanted went on sale, then Jake got his discount on top of that, so we had to buy! However, Jake's listening skills just never seem to shine when it involves me doing the talking. We tore out a ton of landscaping, and even took down a tree all around our front porch, so I was ready put a wall up and put some simple landscaping into it. However, the huge part that Jake seemed to miss, was that I wanted it on both sides of our sidewalk.... not just one. When he brought two loads of these bricks home, I was just sure it didn't look like enough to do the entire job..... I was right. He bought just over enough to finish one side. So this project will probably change little, until they go on sale again. Well, it just may have to wait for spring, anyway, for me to at least make the one side look pretty!

I went ahead and snapped a picture of my huge FAIL!

Happy Halloween!!

FAIL

2011-10-12T17:21:00.003-05:00

Oh, my!!

Reece is constantly bugging me about decorations. ANY decorations.... Halloween or Christmas, anything. I had a little time to kill while Riley was at basketball camp, and just a few dollars I could maybe part with, so where do you go when you are in McPherson? Walmart. It's your only "local" option! Reece and I go browse the tiny "Seasonal" section, and boy was it disappointing!! So I go for the traditional spider webs with some fun spiders..... our porch is perfect for these. To add a little bit more, there was a "black light" light bulb that cost under $2.... why not?

We get home, and in the cold rain, I get out and dress up our porch. I did a pretty good job, if you ask me..... the next day came the wind. Now it's a disaster!! The web came undone in 70% of the places it was attached, and the wind got the web so tangled, it's not stretching for me the way it did at first. And the wind won't stop! Every time I go near the web, it sticks to me, but it won't stay where I put it! I am so annoyed, that I really just want to toss it all in the trash.... but that would crush Reece. So I have a countdown of 19 days until November 1st going on in my head....

Lastly, remember that "black light"? What a JOKE! It was a soft reddish~purplish glow, but it didn't light up anything! I joke that I think it made my porch darker when it was on! That will be returned..... instead Jake found a REAL black light at Lowes, and it was on clearance! That is the highlight our LAME (as Reece would say) attempt at having some Halloween fun!

Moral of my story.... well, I have lots of them.... I really dislike Walmart! I really MISS Target! And I really need to plan for these things in advance, since it seems Halloween is sold out before October begins.

Big Boy Robe

2011-10-11T20:17:00.003-05:00

As a mom, I've reached a new chapter. I am losing control of what my boys wear..... I'm not too heartbroken about this, I actually do choose their daily outfits still, with zero complaint. I've actually accepted the loss of control, and for me it's a great thing! I've always liked to control things, such as this, so it's a big step for me. And they have every right to decide what they would want to wear, as long as it's decent.

Then my boy picks out a robe with skulls on it.

(struggling to tie it...followed by proud of his new robe)

It all started with Reece growing out of his "handsome blue" robe. We donated it to his younger cousin, Alex, who is still preferring his sister's old purple robe. (That's a whole other story...) Reece was really eager to replace his robe, even though we are no where close to winter weather.

(knock on wood)

Target had them on sale, and this is what we got. He loves it!

Part of me wanted to choose for him. The other part of me is excited to start letting the boys express their own personalities.....He is just so excited! Now I can't help but picture the lovely "Christmas Morning Pictures" with my 7 year old wearing a cozy skull robe! Should be classic!

Reminiscing.....

2011-10-05T21:34:00.002-05:00

I got stuck looking at my old posts. I went WAY back. I found this footage of when Reece developed his tic.... which he has grown out of, thankfully. However, it wasn't the tic that caught me off guard. It was Reece's sweet, sweet voice. How did 2.5 years do this to my little boy? It's hard to even call him a little boy! He is a little man!! A little man who doesn't think his mom knows anything! Time is cruel..... guess I have to love every single minute I have with these kiddos, while he still lets me cherish them!

Heart Pain

2011-10-02T18:01:00.002-05:00

Oh, it hurts! It hurts so badly!!

The boys have been attending a basketball camp every Sunday, put on by the high school basketball coach, Coach Kinnamon. I made the mistake of not putting a basketball in the boys hands at birth. My bad! To make things worse, here in McPherson, basketball is a religion (my dad pointed that out.) I have had the boys signed up for winter basketball and a couple camps, but I just don't see this in their future.... no more than possibly recreational fun. I kept a small bit of hope alive, then Reece smashed them. And he broke my heart with them.

Today, he told me he did not want to keep playing basketball. He told me it made him tired and it wasn't any fun. I told him he wouldn't hurt my feelings, and yes that was a lie, but those are the good lies, right? I then asked if he would grow up and enjoy watching basketball with me..... he was silent. Insert sad face. The only thing he wants to do is tumble...... he might try soccer, he says, so I will have to see what I can do about that. At least he still loves his KU blue!

Now, onto a more serious "heart pain"..... Riley started randomly complaining that his heart hurt last month. It's one of those things that bothers you, but you don't overreact because kids hurt all the time, or don't explain pain to you very well. I considered heartburn, but decided that he eats such a mild diet, because he is so picky, that more than likely that wasn't it. The pain would happen at all different times. When he woke in the morning, sitting at his desk, right when he got home from school, but not daily..... so I finally asked him what it felt like. He told me it felt like his heart was trying to tear out of his chest. WHAT?? I called the nurse immediately, and we got him in on Friday morning. Xrays were taken, and his heart looked and sounded just fine. Doctor thinks he is having growing pains..... seems like a funny place to have growing pains if you ask me. He suggested Motrin and heat if the pain is bad enough to disturb Riley. He says the muscles are usually cold when the pain happens, but if Riley gets active they warm up and the pain goes away. I'm not totally sold on this, but I am going to keep tracking Riley's pain, and if I feel it is getting worse, you can be we will check it out again. Riley seems to completely understand the doctor though. I understand pain in my legs, and I remember the pain as a kid.... I just don't understand growing pains in the chest, but we shall see.

Screams

2011-10-02T12:12:00.002-05:00

It's been crazy, busy, exhausting fun here in Wichita. I just survived my 2nd weekend of the Field of Screams, and the Isle of Screams had it's opening weekend, this weekend. It amazes me, every year, the hard work my sister and brother in law put in to theses attractions (Field has been open 8 years, and the Isle is in it's 2nd), but when you see the crowds grow every season (if Mother Nature is kind) it all becomes so worth it, so fast! I'm not nearly as sleep deprived as they are, but they push through, and slave away for months, and the end results are very rewarding. Who really needs sleep, right?

Here are their new billboards that are up in Wichita. This is a new advertising strategy, and the artwork amazes me! These are billboards that will catch your eye, every time!

So how are the boys?

They are absolutely LOVING spending time with cousins on the weekends. They are so fortunate to have such great friends, in them, and it's great that they are the same age with very similar interests. However, kids will be kids, and sleep doesn't seem to be a weekend priority when they are staying with my mom, and I am working late. They will survive too...

Riley is LOVING bowling too! He is a beginner, and has had some rough days, but he keeps his head up, and has improved a lot in just a few short weeks! On Thursday, he bowled 162 in 3 games. He never gets down! He looks forward to this activity each week!

Then there is Reece, who is LOVING tumbling! He doesn't think he is learning anything, and I don't feel that this class is releasing as much energy as I would like, but he is still looking forward to this twice a week. He actually gets sad on days we can't work it into our schedule. I also had a friend who got her son in the class too, so Reece isn't the only boy anymore (which never bothered him anyway.)

Until next time......

School Mug Shots

2011-09-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

Oh, school portraits. How overpriced, and poorly taken you always are.....

I can't complain, the boys are still so handsome, even if they look terrified of the person behind the lens.

Riley~4th grade

Reece~1st grade

It finally hit Reece..... the awkward stage. They grow too fast!!!

Mission Accomplished

2011-09-21T17:27:00.004-05:00

It's rainy and cold, so this is the best picture I will take.

After a couple days of scrambling around, Jake and I (mostly Jake) bought a 2008 Ford Fusion. If you would've asked me a week ago, if I would see this being our new car, I would have laughed in your face. Jake is not a "Ford" guy...... most of his extended family will probably take jabs at him when they find out he is a new Ford owner. But we got a heck of a deal, and the car only had 41,000 miles on it. It runs so smooth.... I might worry about my tired husband getting off work and being lulled to sleep on his 30 minute drive home. I have some peace of mind with this car, and it's much bigger than the Mazda, which will be great for our growing boys. Reece loves the car too. Why? Because the back seat has an armrest that pulls down with cup holders. He finds this pretty awesome!

Ol' Reliable

2011-09-17T08:06:00.003-05:00

Saying goodbye is so hard!

Today I finally got to see pictures of my car.... it was such a dependable car. It's only fault is that it attracted raccoons while on the highway, tree limbs from the neighbor's tree, and now a white truck.

Notice how the front of the car isn't touched, which means Jake was far enough into the intersection that the truck should have seen him. However, Kansas law states that even if Jake had to wait for 30 cars going straight, he would have needed to yield. Who drives like that? We still don't have a clue what the insurance company is going to do, but Jake's witness claims that the truck didn't even stop at the stop sign, so we are holding out hope. But, since we are too busy to be patient, and both work a lot of hours, State Farm is processing it under us, in hopes the other insurance will step in. Let the car shopping begin. Car shopping that I don't have any time for, but the $500 for our rental will vanish fast!!

Blind Sided

2011-09-14T20:06:00.004-05:00

BOO! Poor Jake was involved in an accident yesterday. He was driving my little, red, Jayhawk Mazda. I was just months away from paying it off, too! Double BOO! This is where we get, for thinking we were so close to being caught up and comfortable, I guess. To clarify: Jake is sore, but he is doing great!!! That's the bright side to our blind side.

These are the events that took place.... of course, I wasn't there, so Jake might come and read this and tell me I'm WAY off. Jake was in Salina, just a mile from work. He was pulling up to an intersection, where there were 2 stop signs and the cross traffic didn't stop. He was coming to a stop while a semi came through the intersection, from the opposite side, and a red car came there after. So most human drivers would assume it's the other side, that is stopped, turn to go.... Jake waited until one car cleared the cross traffic and he went to turn left. Suddenly, he was T boned by a white truck. The entire passenger side was bashed in, along with the windows.

Immediately, Jake jumped out and asked if the other guy was okay, and they both were. The cops showed up, and they both wrote out their statements as to what happened. This is where it turned into a "he said/he said" situation. The cop had to go by default with the law, and wrote Jake a citation. He apparently needs to always yield to a car who wants to go straight, instead of turn. Too bad ALL courteous people assume you just take turns. Jake was upset, but then we were blessed. The dispatcher had a witness who told a version that backed up Jake's story. So the cop took Jake's citation back, and wrote the other guy a ticket.

We don't know what this guy was doing, but if he was stopped at the sign, he must have floored it, to hit Jake so hard. And he T boned Jake, which means, Jake had to have been very far into the intersection for the guy to hit him at that angle.... things just don't add up to blame Jake for anything.

Well, right now things are in limbo.... we are waiting for the police report to turn in to insurance, and hopefully, the other guy doesn't fight it. Without official word, we are already positive my car is totaled. Back to the drawing board.....only hoping we find a great car, that has been just as good and reliable to us, as the Mazda.

nine.eleven

2011-09-11T07:40:00.004-05:00

Wow! It's been 10 years.

I don't remember what I did last week, but I remember so clearly 09.11.01.

I don't think I've ever done a 9.11 post, so the 10 year seems to be a good time...

I woke up, rolled out of bed to head to class (Butler CCC), but was stopped by my dad, planted in front of the TV in disbelief of what he was seeing... I'm almost positive at this point it was just the one tower hit. I headed to class... my college English teacher's husband worked at McConnell Air Force Base, so she had an entire different perspective on what was taking place. Well, this day she taught me what a terrorist was. She taught me that not everyone loved America. She taught me what the World Trade Centers were. And most of all, she taught me that I lived an extremely sheltered life, and now I miss that sheltered bubble I was in before this day. To this day, I can't "not" cry at the National Anthem. She cancelled class because the attacks were still developing.... I didn't have anything else happening that day. I remember my dad asking me to fill my car up, because there was the crazy scare that gas was going to go up $5-10 per gallon. But he changed his mind because the entire city of Wichita was wrapped around every gas station. The rest of my day, I spent in shock, glued to the TV..... still not understanding.

Above is the picture of Pentagon. When Jake and I went to D.C. in 2006, we saw the actual flag that hung from the Pentagon after the attacks. It was amazing, and the size of it was overwhelming.

10 years later, Jake asked Riley if they ever talk about 9.11 at school (I know the 5th graders do at my building). Riley was just aware that it was "Grandparent's Day." With out traumatizing the boy, we just clued him in that there are very bad people in the world and 9.11 is a very sad time in America's history. His only question was, "Why would they make 9.11 Grandparent's Day?" It's amazing that we have been at war for almost Riley's entire existence, and yet he really doesn't know. For now, I'm okay for with that.

Never Forget!

HP3

2011-09-10T20:49:00.004-05:00

Wahoo! Riley and I finished the 3rd book of Harry Potter! We read the last chapter today, and followed it with the movie. I was a tad disappointed on how it didn't seem to even TRY to follow the book, but it was still a good movie. Riley's favorite part was the boggart, disguised as Professor Snape, in old woman clothes..... his other favorite part of the book was not in the movie. We LOVED Lee's commentary during the Quidditch matches about the Firebolt.... Harry's newest broom. Why that and winning the Quidditch Cup was left from this book, I'll never know. Sorry if you don't understand this post, but Riley and I will be able to look back at this and laugh! I have really enjoyed this time with Riley, one on one!

Top Story

2011-09-08T16:57:00.002-05:00

Reece made the front page of The McPherson Sentinel!

It was an article about the cooler weather, and how the kids are able to enjoy more time outside. It also gave some facts about our hot summer.... McPherson ONLY had 45 day at 100 degrees or above. The record was set back in 1936 with 68 day..... don't think we were going to make that, thankfully. Wichita hit 51 days this year, to beat the 50 day streak from 1936.

Complete Chaos

2011-09-07T18:25:00.005-05:00

I'm here to update my few followers..... I've been insanely busy! What am I doing? Working.... If I'm not at my full time job with the school district, I'm in Wichita, helping my sister get ready for October's Field of Screams (it's gonna be amazing!). But if you don't find me at either of these 2 places, then I'm selling tickets for the fall events here in McPherson. I'm calculating working 60+ hours a week. Talk about a rude awakening, right after summer vacation.... I knew I was going to be working for Jody, and although I was exhausted last year, I knew I would make it just fine this year..... but I had no idea I'd be working the events (volleyball, football, soccer) nearly this much. The money is why I've signed up.... it's a LOT more than what I make hourly as a para. I really thought getting my foot in the door was going to be difficult. I had just assumed that there were regulars who got these shifts, and I'd be lucky to even get a couple. WRONG!! I had made myself available for many dates, and I have been given a TON of these shifts. It's easy money, but it's taking a toll. I can do it.... it will just be SO much easier once I get my first paycheck of the year under my belt. I, too, get paid just once a month..... but I haven't seen a check since June. It's really hard to work so much, and not see any money for so long!

So to add to my current chaotic schedule, we've signed the boys up for some activities. We signed Riley up for a bowling league. He has only bowled a handful of times in his life, but he really enjoys it. It is inexpensive and he will get to get out and socialize some, and it can be a lifetime sport if he wants it to be.... figured we would give it a year and see what he thinks at the end. It's once a week and it's low key, which is right up his "alley".

Don't laugh, but we got Reece into tumbling. Reece has been tumbling "Reece Style" since.... always! It took me getting over the "boy gymnast" mentality to officially do it. He is the only boy in the class, but he is SO excited to be doing this. I actually asked him if he was okay with him being the only boy, and he replied, "I'm definitely okay being surrounded by lots of girls." Reece can contort his body in freakish ways, he is more limber than I've ever been in my life, and he has an endless amount of energy. We will give this a year too, and see what he thinks of it. Right now he is on cloud 9! He is tumbling 2 days a week. Now both of my boys have "their own" thing..... on top of these, basketball camp starts up this week too. (I'm still holding out hope that I will have a baller.... but not holding my breathe.)

So, this is my story and I'm sticking to it!

Thanks for checking in!!

A Hat, Water Bottles, and a Camera

2011-08-29T17:36:00.002-05:00

These are the ingredients for cheap entertainment on our roadtrips to and from Wichita.

(Riley sees this picture above, and says he looks like his cousin Aidan.... ?)

Water bottle mustache

My goofballs!

It doesn't take much!

Sneaky Reece

2011-08-23T20:18:00.004-05:00

Reece is selling toys to the neighbor boy..... without telling anyone.

Funny story. We were about to walk up to the school, tonight, to attend the open house.... Our neighbor, Jace, was hanging out on the porch, with his mom parked in front of the house. Confusing, but oh well. Then Reece comes in with a dollar and some change.... I had asked where he got this and he said Jace had given it to him. (Reece is used to getting things given to him..... his cousin Aidan usually donates something new, coins included, every time we see him, and then there is our neighbor Casey, who sometimes lets Reece take little inexpensive items from her store Sassy Bags, in which he sings a song, "I didn't have to pay!") I immediately was worried that Jace was just "giving" this money to Reece.... as he often wants Reece to have his things, anyways. I tell Reece to hurry and give the money back, before they drive off. Jace and Reece exchanged the money and a couple of toys that looked familiar. Turns out, Reece was selling a couple toys to Jace. Jace had earned some allowance, and wanted to buy these. I double checked with his mom, and her answer was that he got to choose what he wanted to do with his money, so this was just fine. The toys were old, and I never see the boys play with them, so I was all for getting rid of a couple items I would usually trip over, if anything. So for the 3rd time, the boys exchanged the toys and money. Good times.

So what does Reece plan to do with his income? Buy gum of course...

Week in Review

2011-08-21T12:34:00.002-05:00

The first half week of school has come and gone.... overall, we have some happy boys!

Reece LOVES school! At Roosevelt, they loop K and 1st, so he has Mrs. Olander again. It worked this time, because we love her, and she loves Reece! She truly reminds me of my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Shrouf. Just a kind, grandmotherly figure. She has such a calm sweet voice, and I feel so calm when I talk to her, I can imagine it's the same effect for "most" kindergartners... Reece has already declared that, "I listen to my teacher more than I listen to you," meaning me.... his mom. Not that this was a big secret..... my boys love to follow the rules of the world and discard the rules of this house. Better that way, then the other, I suppose. I can tell he loves school mostly because at bed time, every night, he tells me he wishes school would start again right then. It's just not fair for a little child to get so much energy! He should be forced to share it with the rest of us!

Riley moved up into a new class.... he is in a 4th/5th grade class, and his teacher is Mrs. Stucky. I haven't met her yet (our school doesn't have "Meet the Teacher Night" and it makes me a little sad.) We will meet her at an open house on Tuesday. So far Riley is enjoying it. Not much chatter from him, but he still tells us he's happy and likes school. I kept his brain going all the way from May to July, gave him a brain break through August, and I'm sure he'll pick up right where he left off academically. School fits Riley so well! I'm sure 4th grade will be just as great as 3rd was!

Getting back to school was a bit more difficult for me. As mentioned before, I don't enjoy waking up to an alarm clock.... it's just not natural! LOL These first few days I spent a lot of time observing our "identified" children, in their classrooms. It was a lot of standing on my feet, which I wasn't used to either after summer vacation. It will get easier..... Then Jake and I are still working out 5 days a week, so getting that in has been tough too. The hardest part of my week was sitting at the pool for a couple of hours. Yep! You heard me right..... Friday afternoon, I HAD to chaperone the kids from my school to the city water park, because the PTO paid for us to go ALL Friday afternoon! My job is hard..... ;) The things I get paid for!.... In all honesty, I think sitting in the sun, after the week I had, really zapped all energy from my tired body. It was fun, but I got home on Friday afternoon, and hurt head to toe. My body will adjust one day!

Jake is just going to be adjusting to having days off, where we are all out of the house. I think his "busy body" personality will help him figure it out OK!

Hello School!

2011-08-17T12:00:00.004-05:00

(A little side note about the picture above.... Riley consciously chose to just put one shoulder strap on. He said it looked cooler! sigh....)

I have a 1st and 4th grader!! Getting them ready for school was pretty easy.... torturing them by making them smile for the camera was pretty easy too!! Here's to a great year!!

Summer's End...

2011-08-15T20:55:00.003-05:00

This is it! My first real summer vacation is just hours from ending. Boy, are my emotions mixed! I had really hoped to get on a "summer routine".... but that just did not happen. Instead it was no routine, and for the most part I loved it! I had very few obligations, and my stress level truly appreciates that. The few reasons I'm not ready for school to begin are.... actually there is just one real reason. JACQUE IS NOT A MORNING PERSON!! Haha! I really am not! The worst feeling in the world to me, is waking up to an alarm clock, and to add to that, when the time changes, when it's DARK outside! It's the ABSOLUTE worst!! My friends this summer shared a funny quote with me.... "Morning people are lying to themselves," (author unknown to me) but it was a perfect quote for how I feel about the wee hours of daytime!

Why I'm excited to return back to my job at the school..... first, of course, is getting back on the payroll. Wow! Jake and I have stretched our pockets pretty thin this summer. Next summer we'll need to plan ahead and save a little more. It doesn't help that we have back to school shopping and tags, both in August. Then the projects we chose to do..... it's not like those were free! Even if he does work at Lowes. Back to the subject.... I work with some great ladies! They really make my job feel more like social hour. We are all so different, but really work together so great! I look forward to seeing them daily again! Lastly, the boredom of summer, has finally set in with the boys this past week. We even went to the pool one last time on Saturday, and they were actually bored of it! That was a first!! This no routine for them, has finally caught up with them. It affects them at home with just the 2 of them and even with neighbor friends. They need school again! I know I already said "lastly" but I should put in that with school starting, comes fall, football, and eventually COLLEGE BASKETBALL!!! Yay!! By the time college basketball is over, it will be so close to summer vacation, I'll wonder where the year went!! LOL

So, Farewell Summer!! You were good to us!

FYI: You've noticed I was a blogging machine this summer.... don't hold me to any expectations from here on out! This is where I'll get crazy busy, and amazingly life might be crazy boring!! ;)

"Nose Tears"

2011-08-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

Reece had an emotional time getting to bed tonight. See, we took the mattress away. He really wasn't happy. Jake and him tried working it out, but it didn't quite work out, so I stepped in, and finally got him into his bed. When I started tucking him in, he said, "I don't like it when my crying makes tears come out of my nose!"

So sad and so funny at the same time.

More Progress

2011-08-12T01:16:00.003-05:00

Jake calls it a "Steelers" room now.

Essential Gray, Knights Armor (dark gray) and Peach Tea (the same color bedroom was before this never ending project.)

Stripe Inspiration

2011-08-10T16:15:00.003-05:00

(eclectic dining room design by other metros interior designer Cynthia Mason Interiors.....)

Just with Jody and I's own twist.....

I've finished taping the stripes, now I need some luck painting and seeing how it turns out!!

My floors and wall are so uneven, in this old house, that horizontal stripes might come back to haunt me!! Fingers crossed!!

Making Progress....

2011-08-09T20:38:00.005-05:00

.....slowly, but surely!

Our ceiling is up, and painted..... next it's painting the walls. But I couldn't just paint them one color, which might become an overwhelming project.

Can I do it?

YES I ..... don't know!!

What cracks?? =)

This was taken before the ceiling paint dried.... FYI, I would NEVER recommend ceiling paint. Just use regular paint.... this stuff won't look even or the same sheen EVER!!

Lesson learned!

Painting the room Essential Gray!

I love Gray!!!

And this is just the beginning of the taping for stripes.... anyone who wants to donate to the "Paint Tape" fund, feel free!! It's gonna look awesome!

Swimming With Froggy

2011-08-06T20:40:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we went swimming with cousins and friends. It was interesting..... for one, there were so many crazy boys in the pool, that I felt I needed a lifeguard chair. And two, Reece made a friend and named him "Froggy." Reece is such a clever namer..... LOL.

Sadly, Froggy couldn't handle the excitement of swimming with 8 crazy boys, and with me not knowing any details..... he didn't survive long. Sad.

RIP Froggy!! =(

New Toy

2011-08-01T20:48:00.004-05:00

My boys have a new toy in their room.

Can you pick it out?

Here's a hint: It's the queen size mattress on the floor!

In this old house we have very little "extra" space.... so ever since we started working on the 3rd bedroom's ceiling, this was our best option. The other option was to throw it on our bed, and I could feel the "Princess and the Pea."

The boys are actually sleeping on it at night, and flipping on it during the day. Reece made this bed before I took the picture (If you couldn't tell.... all the teddy bears should have been your clue.) They are in heaven..... it's like their very own, indoor jungle gym. Who would have ever thought a mattress on your floor would be so fun? I think these boys will be sad, when we do put it back in the room....and I wonder what the quality of our mattress will be after all the jumping, bouncing and flipping?

*sigh*

Daddy's Helper

2011-07-30T09:01:00.004-05:00

Well, we've reached the sanding part of our ceiling repair. This got Reece eager to help, so here he is! Daddy's Little Helper!!

****

There's been a lot of Reece blogging lately.... I realize I do have another child!

So, what has Riley been up to?

Riley and I have been reading the Harry Potter series together. I've actually been reading it to him, but it is great Riley~Mommy time! I've resisted the HP craze until now.... I'm actually glad I did, because it has been so much fun reading this with my boy. The first book took us a LONG time to get through, I wasn't even sure I was going to enjoy it until close to the end.... Book 2 has been a lot easier to get into. We have 2 chapters left.... Harry is just now entering the "Chamber" all by himself! Sometimes I feel I am more into it than Riley.

Yay for bonding with Riley!

Secret Code

2011-07-29T10:37:00.002-05:00

Once again..... Reece has made a funny! I hope when I retell it, it is just as funny!

This morning I asked Reece to open the garage so he and his friends could play with the outside toys.... "But I forgot the code!," he says. I whisper it to him, and he proceeds to go and open it. Moments later, he comes up to me, "Mom, I think we need to change the code again! Cy (Casey's 4 year old son) watched me open the garage!" My friends and I laughed, and I reassured Reece that Cy did not learn the code. Reece wasn't so sure about this, so I asked him, to ask Cy what the code was. Reece then belted out, "But I forgot what the code was!"

Moral of my story..... I don't believe our code has been compromised, and we will not be changing our code! Hahaha.....

Flip Flops

2011-07-28T20:27:00.003-05:00

I asked Reece to find me some flip flops, so I could head out to the porch with him while it rained. He grabbed the first pair he saw.... then on the way to the door, he found a different pair that he liked better. So he had the urge to put the first pair down where the others were, and bring me the better pair. I'm so happy my little boy is looking after my appearance.... The funny never ends!!

"Impressed"

2011-07-28T20:12:00.003-05:00

Reece has become quite the fish this summer.

A "dog paddling" fish, but a fish nonetheless!

He is my child who begs to go to the pool daily (he gets it from me.....or at least I was this way as a kid) This year, the heat has been way too intense to be in it everyday.... Riley and I prefer to hang out in the AC more often than being in the pool.

Jake was home on Monday, and as usual, Reece did his regular begging to go swimming. Riley wasn't in the mood, mommy wasn't in the mood, so Daddy and Reece went alone. Apparently, Dad is way more fun than Mom. Mom reads a book and sits in the shallow end to cool off when she takes the boys..... Daddy tends to all of Reece's needs! He follows him from the pool, to the lazy river, to the big slide. Reece was able to show his dad, for the first time, how well he does when he jumps into deep water. Dad told Reece how "impressed" he was with his swimming skills.

Guess what!?

Now Reece only wants to go to the pool with Dad, because "he is impressed with me!"

Good times.....This kid cracks me up!

Shopping

2011-07-24T17:38:00.004-05:00

I took the boys to Walmart today, to allow them to spend their own money.

They have really never gone out to spend much money of their own.... most money they earn or receive goes right to the bank. Now that they are getting a little older, I've struck a deal with them. They are only allowed to spend half of the money they get, with the rest being saved.

It was fun for a bit allowing them to take in all of the toy aisles, and Reece quickly found a Lego set he wanted.... it went into the cart, and then he found something else down the aisle.... a Thor hammer like weapon, and a Captain America shield, which meant the Legos were back on the shelf. I thought it was interesting, but after asking many times if he was sure, I let him choose it.

Then there was Riley.... I calmly got a little impatient. He needed to go down all of the aisles, some of them two or three times. As I feel that a cautious shopper is a good quality, I just couldn't spend all day in Walmart's toy section. He finally chose a Lego robot, that actually lights up! I think it's cool, and the boys are pretty happy! Now they have some more work to do, before we are able to do it again!

Meeting Landon

2011-07-23T09:29:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I finally got to go meet my good friend, Becky's, son. He is now 7 weeks, and is just so adorable!! He is very long and skinny, and he looks JUST like his daddy! I held him for about 2 hours and he just curled up on my chest and slept! I loved it!!

Ceiling Repair: Part I

2011-07-21T09:32:00.004-05:00

Consider this our first, REAL, heavy duty project in this old house.... most everything, up until now, has been cosmetic. I consider ourselves lucky..... this house really does have good bones! The boy's old room had the worst ceiling. It is plaster.... it was cracked, but not to the point of falling apart, so again, consider us lucky!!

One of Jake's specialist at work, helped us come up with a plan to fix it..... Originally we were going to put up drywall, right over the plaster. However, this ceiling is a bit higher than the other rooms, so it gave us some extra space, to put up more insulation. Win/Win, if you ask me, in this old house!!

When we moved in, this was the fabulous patch job, the previous owners did. The fan could never be on anything other than low!

Guess this picture was pointless.... it cracks just don't show up! All cracks let to the fan though....

We worked hard, and framed the room, by finding all of the studs above the plaster.

Proof that I helped.... or maybe just a photo op! Jake did most of this work.

Then we used foam board to add more insulation.

This was the disaster we went to bed with.... foam board is messy!!

Tomorrow it is drywall!!

Lamest Day

2011-07-18T11:26:00.003-05:00

Just documenting Reece's lame day....

This boy was without his big brother for approximately 2 hours yesterday.

What was Reece's response?

"This is the lamest day EVER!"

It was quite a depressing show he put on for me! When Riley returned, the "lamest day" went out the window..... funny how big brother can make that happen!

A.I.D.A.N.

2011-07-17T12:50:00.002-05:00

What's the best way to get Riley out of a "bored" funk?

Cousins, of course! We feel so blessed to be so close and such great friends with the cousins!!

On Monday, my sister was so kind to bring the boys out, and we had Aidan stay for a couple days.... it's been a while since I'd seen Riley so entertained!! Sadly, it was WAY too hot for them to get out and about, but they made their own inside fun! It amazes me how much fun they made just from board games!! They are getting to an age where the more "big kid" games are fun!

My other nephew, Owen, was only here for a few hours, but my camera is just drawn to him!! Probably the age..... and the fact that he is so cute and just cracks me up!!

The older boys are playing the Wii, so Owen found another game that looked like a remote so he could pretend to play too!

100* out and the boys are playing "Headbandz" on the porch..... later, after Aidan told me, "It cooled off." I got out and played some "Apples to Apples Jr." with them. Good times for all! Can't wait to have Aidan back!!

It's H.O.T. Hot!

2011-07-14T20:58:00.004-05:00

Oh, these are the dog days of summer.... it's so incredibly hot and dry here, we feel trapped in our home!! We have had the longest stretch of 100's and no rain. It If I would have known this summer would have been so extremely miserable, I would have broken down and gotten us a pool pass.... I had chosen to pass on the pool pass, because it was SO much more expensive than the Gardner pool AND it had even gone up since last year.... I thought I'd be able to space it out, and save some money. However, it has been so hot, that not even the pool is fun on many days. Jake gets annoyed that I haven't forced the kids outside lately, but it's just so uncomfortable, that it zaps the fun out! McPherson needs more indoor options! The poor boys are starting to get on each other's nerves, just because they are bored inside this house.... and I don't blame them! I am too!!

I have been finding multiple projects to work on. Last week, I scrapbooked. This week, I'm trying to fix the bathroom walls.... Last year when we moved into this house I desperately needed my only bathroom in a functional state. This caused me to rush (big time) to get it there. Well, I peeled this special wallpaper off, and never realized that there was a residue that was left behind. I found the bumps on the wall after painting, of course. I just never had the time to fix it, and now I am. It requires sanding and more painting...... it has turned into the kind of project, that I wish I would have just left it. The bumps just added character (I say that in retrospect =).

The last 2 projects I wish to complete (this is where all of our money is going!!) is to fix the ceiling in the boys old room and repaint the stairway wall/upstairs hall. Funny story... my lovely designer sister came to my house on Monday. She glanced at the wall going up the stairs, almost immediately, and asked, "Is this the color we picked out?" Long story short.... Jake did a color match at Lowes, but only by name and it was way off..... the color always bugged me. I didn't think it really matched well and at certain times of the day, I saw PINK in it! Yuck!! But I just trusted Jody, not knowing it wasn't a good match. So as much as I don't want to paint, it will just bother me..... I may be turning into my sister, or she might be rubbing off on me!!

Here is the wall I was talking about (the tan wall)... the new color will be much more complimentary!!

Reece's Journal

2011-07-11T13:21:00.004-05:00

I've had Reece journal almost everyday this summer.... and it's been a struggle getting him to write much, or put much thought into it. I've had to start his journal with an idea lately. I try to be creative, but even for me it's a struggle. Today's journal started out with...

... If I could build my very own tree house....

Since Reece's cousin has a very cool tree house, I thought I'd get specific details about a very COOL tree house! Nope! Instead I got....

...I would need wood. And a hammer. And a screwdriver.

The end. Thanks so much Reece! (enter sarcasm)

Here are some more cute spellings though!!

*skero Geriver = screw driver

*naem = name

*galixe = galaxy (we were writing about Super Mario)

*sparcolee = sparkly

*pante = paint

*coloset = closet

Riley & Daddy Time

2011-07-11T07:37:00.004-05:00

We've noticed Riley becoming more quiet and withdrawn lately....Could be the boredom of summer setting in, or the stress of being an older brother. Who knows? So Jake and I felt like getting some one on one time with him would do him some good! First on Jake and Riley's list was "Transformers!" (In 3D)

Riley found that pretty, "Awesome!" He really enjoyed it!

Someone in this house did NOT enjoy it so much.... When Jake broke the new to Reece, oh did the tears come flowing! It took me several minutes to calm him down... And all of this was after Reece told me, "I don't want to be with you alone!" I tossed out the idea of going to see "Cars 2" and that sounded like fun to him, but then he decided going to the pool would be better. So off to the pool for 3.5 hours we went!! That wasn't so tough! Although, it's been so HOT this summer, that I'm really over it all! The pool included!! Bring on FALL, even if it means I'm back to work!!

Reece, Reece, and More Reece

2011-07-09T21:33:00.003-05:00

Stuffing his mouth.... what Reece was best at!!

This next picture makes me think of the Weeble Wobble toys!!

My blue eyed boy!!

And, PROOF that White Teddy, was once white and super fluffy!!

This doesn't even look like my kid!! He was such a HAM!! And I loved every minute of it!!

He was also my pacifier kid!! So cute!

And this is one of the MANY times I had a pacifier on hand.... never an arms length away from me!! Angry boy!!

Riley the Toddler

2011-07-09T21:00:00.004-05:00

Kitchen pots are fun!!!

Life is rough!

This Halloween, Riley was a bit grumpy! The remote was about the only thing that made him happy.... and this is about as happy as we got!

Coloring on the balcony.

This next picture is pathetic.... at about 23 months, Riley got Rota (sp?) Virus.... he was so sick, and in this picture all he wanted was milk from the fridge. He got so bad and lost so much weight, he became lethargic and we had to take him to the ER to get an IV put in him.... he bounced back so fast after that!

When Jake owned the Outback, John Madden's Outback bus went on a tour to many of the Outbacks.... It made a special stop at the Olathe Outback, and we got to hang out in it for a bit.

(Riley even got to take a Matchbox car from it.... how many 2 year olds can say he stole John Madden's grandkid's toy?!)

I'm a BIG kid, brushing with a BIG kid brush!!

Scrapbooking Blues

2011-07-08T18:42:00.003-05:00

As you recall, a few weeks back, I pulled out my scrapbooks and photo albums for Riley's birthday.... they had been boxed up in our basement ever since we moved here a little over a year ago. It didn't take me long to get into a funk! Pulling out these scrapbooks did 2 things to me. One, it made me MISS scrapbooking!! I wasn't ever a crazy scrapbook fanatic, but I really had fun learning new ways to display pictures of my babies! And two, I was really depressed at how much scrapbooking I did for my first born, and not my second!! Oh what an awful feeling!! Now I'm so far behind, that I have a hard time thinking about where I'm going to begin.... So I asked my friend, Leesa, if she wanted to start scrapbooking together. She's a huge fan of scrapbooking, so of course she said yes! We set a date, she brought her girls to my house (the kids had a blast!), and we scrapbooked! I think the only problem was, that we hadn't talked in so long, we found ourselves talking way more than scrapbooking..... so a couple hours later, I only had one, very simple looking page done.

But it was of some of my favorite pictures of Reece!! Look at that happy kiddo!!

And to show how much I have of Riley, scrapbooked....

above is his first year, that took up all of one book,

and below are 20 more pages, that get us up to the age of 4.

(I haven't gotten an actual album yet to put them in... Oh the chaos!)

Then we have Reece's album.... 20 pages, age 18 months, and not even an entire album filled.

Yikes!! Poor second child!!

This has given me a goal.

It is to catch my scrapbook up to my blog.... once my blog begins, Reece will be able to look back and see how much I've blogged about him, because of his adorable age. Maybe this will kind of make things even..... or maybe not!

*sigh*

It's Been Awhile...

2011-07-05T12:34:00.004-05:00

So, I've been on an unexpected hiatus.... just having a wonderful, relaxing summer! Looking back at my camera, this is the ONLY picture I've taken lately... And Reece didn't want me to take the picture, so my camera got put away right afterwards!

Not a lot is going on, but Jake was off all weekend, so we took the boys up to Salina's waterpark, Kenwood Cove. Our neighbors joined us! It was so much fun for the boys!! That is where this picture is from, so don't let Reece's face fool you.... he had a BLAST!

On our way home, the excitement was that I saw my very FIRST tornado! It was very south, from where we were, but it was very real!! No damage, no threat to us, so I was calm! It only took me 29 years of Kansas residency to see one! Here is the picture of it....(I stole it from the KSN.com.... it wasn't this clear to us!)

Lastly, McPherson has zero ban on fireworks, therefore, for the last 4 nights we have had front seats to some of the best firework shows around.... they know how to have fun here! But we had a fun, fabulous and SAFE Fourth of July.... and we got rain JUST in time, so I wasn't nervous about the insane fireworks that take place here!!

Time to continue this lovely summer!!

Switch~A~Room

2011-06-28T14:34:00.006-05:00

It's been close to a year since I swore off the paint brush.... but one ended up back in my hands!

On Saturday we got a crazy idea to switch the boys to our spare room (not sure when I'll finally split these 2 up.... they just love each other so much right now!!) and this would allow us to fix the ceiling in their room, with out having to remove all of their things to avoid the inevitable dust!!

Well, this was our spare room. Nothing exciting, yet too boring to put my boys in!! I went into brainstorm overload...... I did NOT want to paint an entire room! I hate painting!! What was my solution?? Stripes and chair rail! 60 hours later..... VOILA!

This was the stage of the stripes that Jake was highly doubting my judgement... I admit, it was a bold color and idea, but by the end he LOVED it all!! He gave me lots of props!!

Then I wanted something magnetic.... to replace the ugly poster boards in their old room. ENTER MAGNETIC PAINT!!

Super fun!!!

Lastly, the boys just couldn't resist poking holes in their bunky(sp?) board, on the bunk bed.... so I bought some fun KU material to staple onto it. Let's see how easy it is to poke holes in this!? (I probably shouldn't dare them.....)

On another side note, the stripes may have been more tedious than just painting an entire room, but I'm SOOOOO proud of how the stripes turned out, and now the boys have a more mature look to their room! Yay!!! Break time.....

Riley's Art

2011-06-27T07:02:00.003-05:00

And here is the last of Riley's 3rd grade art.... these flowers are my favorite. He used that art chalk (the name slipped my mind) and it's beautiful!!

A weaving project.

A microwave robot?

Hello, Mr. Toucan!

More Reece Art

2011-06-27T06:56:00.006-05:00

Oh, look! Another Lego man staring at us!!

(poem on the back of clown

To Be A Clown)

My Mother's Day present with poem.

This is the last of Reece's Kindergarten art that has been staring at me, on my overflowing art hanger, in the office. He is always so proud when he brings these things home.... I can tell patterns and rainbow colors are stressed at this age!

To Be Afraid....

2011-06-26T14:59:00.007-05:00

...or not afraid!?

Since I have never seen a Star Wars movie, I can't answer that question.

Our house is currently being invaded or protected by Star Wars Legos.

I snapped a picture of many of them, but there were just too many to get all of them. Every corner you turn, a Lego man is staring at you!

by the toaster

going down the stairs

behind the shades

on top of the microwave

blending in to the kitchen tile

on our office tv

hanging from the stairs

on top of the window

in front of the window

dining room table

window

at the top of the stairs

by my Scentsy

ENTER MY HOUSE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

(side note: these figures have been in these places for over a week, and Reece did inform me that they are all spy cameras..... and I am not supposed to tell dad. Oops!)

Swimming With Cindy

2011-06-25T09:15:00.003-05:00

My good friend, Cindy, invited us out to her dad's private pool..... let's just say the boys LOVED it, and hope to go back.... ( and if Cindy is reading this, that is NOT us inviting ourselves back!)

My pictures don't prove it, but Cindy really was there, along with 2 of her girls.... it was so hard getting these boys out of the pool! Thanks for the invite!!

Birthday Brownies

2011-06-24T11:53:00.003-05:00

I forgot to post Riley's birthday treats!

He requested brownies and root beer floats.... he makes every aspect of my life so easy!!

We also had our neighbor friends join us for dessert.... and silly me never took any pictures as proof!

Thanks to Laura, Savannah, Casey, Caiya, Camdyn and Cy for coming to celebrate Riley turning 9!!!

Word of the Week

2011-06-22T16:24:00.005-05:00

By Reece

Lame

The definition of this word, from yourdictionary.com is (or at least the origin in which he uses it)......

(noun)Slang: a person(or thing/idea) who is conventional, conservative, old-fashioned, etc.; square

It's amazing how much a 6 year old can find so "square!" Hope he never uses this word in the same sentence as me!! Haha!

****

Next, I want to share some journal entries of Reece.

~"If I had a pot of gold, I would be rich! I would get $100.00. LOVE MOM!!!" (That last part was a bit random)

~"I loved my day. I wish I could have even a nicer brother. I love you mom and dad and Riley. I wish I was nicer."

~"I played with my friends and I played with the chalk and I wish I could have 100 packs of ice cream. I wish I could have a nicer brother."

~"I wish I could have 100 cakes. I wish I had a new car. I wish I could have a nicer mom. I wish I could have a cat."

~"If I was a Popsicle I would be a lime flavored (one.) The shape of Popsicle I would be is this shape, (insert drawing) and I LOVE YOU!!!"

~"If I was a zombie I would eat all of your brains and then (you would) be (a) zombie and my number would be 1-800-BRAINS!"

He cracks me up with his lack of creativity and his many wishes!!!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, RiLeY!!!

2011-06-19T08:12:00.004-05:00

We've got a 9 year old in the house!! Yikes!!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little gentleman, Riley!!

Riley at 6 months.

We gave Riley a new DSi. Boy was he excited!! When he first saw the box he said, "NO WAY!"

When he got the box out, his words were, "INCREDIBLE!"

The reaction was totally worth it all!! His previous DS was on it's last leg.... Riley wished for a new one, but he handled his broken one very well, and never complained. So glad we could make his day!!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!!

It's Father's Day!!

2011-06-19T07:57:00.006-05:00

And, Jake has been at work since early this morning....

So we were very nice and gave him his gifts early.

The boys both picked out some candy that they thought "he" would like..... some sour gummy worms and caramel chocolate Hershey's bar.

Then since Jake and I are on our working out kick, I got him his own IPod..... don't make fun! We are always way behind in our technology!

****

Since we are strolling down "Memory Lane" I want to share Jake's first Father's Day gift from Riley and I.....

****

The finished product!

Happy Father's Day, Jake!!

We love you!

Kindergarten Writings

2011-06-18T16:56:00.004-05:00

This year, working as a para in a kindergarten class, I learned the true importance of this age to be able to hear sounds, and try to put them on paper to form words. This summer, I have made a short list of "school" type work that the boys must do, Monday through Friday..... one of Reece's items is to write a little bit in the journal. He writes the same kind of thing daily, but the topic changes just a bit..... I find it funny and cute! He isn't too creative in his writing yet, but he gets creative with his spelling! I'm actually impressed with some of the sounds he hears.... and if I say some of the words slowly, I get it! Here are some Reece spellings for you!

*GERAT = GREAT

*FIRENDS = FRIENDS

*CHOCK = CHALK

*COOD = COULD

*ISCKEREME = ICE CREAM

*NISER = NICER

*BEROTHER = BROTHER

*CACKS = CAKES

*NIESER = his new way of spelling NICER

*VEECAHSIN = VACATION

*CUNCHEROL = CONTROL (he was wishing for a remote control car)

*SCHOLE = SCHOOL

*SHEIF = CHEF

*A NETHER = ANOTHER

*WOD = WOULD

*FLAVERD = FLAVORED

*POPCSICOL = POPSICLE

Many of these I was so impressed with, and others I just love to see!! Most of his journal entries are about things he wishes for.... "I wish I could..." It's always about having junk food, having a nicer brother, or just new toys. He's funny like that!