Potty Trained 6/01/08

Well, Potty training was so easy the first two times I thought for sure Grace would be a nightmare.

This is how it went, I bought Grace new Dora panties and I very casually said to her, When you are ready to wear big girl panties let Mommy know and I will take you to the potty. I Showed her the attachment I hooked to the big Potty and she said ok Mommy. That whole day she did not say a word. The next morning I woke up to use the restroom and to my very happy surprise, Grace is sitting on the potty. That was it, from that point on she has been going in the potty everytime. It has been so easy all three times and I have really heard horrible stories of potty training from other parents but I think what has worked for us is that I wait till they are ready and most important is not to use pull ups ( They are really just expensive Diapers ). We are so proud of her and she is just so grown up about it, She say's the diapers are for Baby Bean when he comes out of momma's Belly.

Above is a picture of Grace helping Daddy. We are remodeling all of our bathrooms floor to ceiling. The kid's wanted to help with everything.

Last Day of School. 5-30-08

Hooray!! I am so excited to have the kids back, I've missed them so much.

I went back and forth between Avery and Abby's class to help out with their parties. The kids and I made Grab Bags to hand out for their friends with goodies inside. It was very exciting but sad to see it end. I cant believe I have a Third grader and A first Grader, Unbelievable.

On Friday Abby Had her Kindergarten Graduation, It was so emotional for me and many other parent's, To see her growing up so fast and becoming very independent, really is incredible to watch. I had the ugly cry through most of the ceremony. This was an amazing day with wonderful memories.

Yippee for Summer Break!!!

Our 10 Year Anniversary. 5/23/08

We celebrated our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary in Gatlinburg TN. We have always said that we would renew our Promises somewhere in the Smoky Mountains, That's what we did. We Had such a fun time, but we always do. Before we left David gave me roses and the kids and I had chocolate made for him at Anthony Thomas Candy. ( The kids love going there for the tour of the factory. ) We have been there many times for a field trip with other home schooled kids in previous years. If you have not been there you really should . We came back Memorial Day and Opened the pool and Had a cookout in the back Yard.

David and I Both feel very lucky to have found each other at a time in our lives when no one else could be trusted. I do believe that things really do happen for a reason, What you choose to do next is really what"s Important. Apart from my children, David is the only one in my life that has ever really loved me, warts and all. We Have had an eventful 10 year's, Some really Great and some not so much but We Truly wouldn't change a single thing!

Oh how I hate Hypocrites.

There is nothing I hate worse then a hypocrite! Someone who gives a false opinion to other's to make themselves look better or to gain something selfishly in return. I know several people like this. They are related,

Which makes sense I guess. They must realize how small and weak they look to rational people.I mean come on, grow some balls. Life is to short to spend it pretending. It really is OK to have your own opinion! Really. It's OK if not everyone agrees with you, that's what makes it your opinion!!! What is not OK - are those people that make excuses for their actions and put the blame on other's. ( I hate to break it to you but it is so obvious who's at fault. Come on there are so many mistakes to choose from and you have left a trail of destruction in your path! ) When you make a mistake, Just admit it. ( and for the love of God Learn from it already ) but don't make excuses or say you did or didn't do something because of someone else. It is so childish.

Peace....

Indian Village 5/2/08

Avery and I went to Indian Village with his 2nd Grade class today.

We made a beaver Dam and got really dirty, We also got to make animal tracks with plaster. We had such a great time there and I loved spending the day with Avery and His friends. I can't imagine being a parent and not wanting to experience all of this with my kid, Seeing his face, the excitement and Interest is really incredible to me and I am so Thankful I was able to be apart of this with him.

OUR ROCKSTAR

It's a Boy!!!

We are so so excited! what more can you ask,

2 boys and 2 girls ( perfect)the new ultrasounds are so cool, we got to watch the baby for 1 hour and the kids were just so Happy.

Thoughts

We have not heard the baby's heartbeat yet because we have been trying to go through this pregnancy in a very natural and relaxed way,( HUH ) Well it was fine until a couple of days ago when we were talking about our up coming ultrasound and I started to panic. What if something is wrong?, With our other children I heard their heartbeat at about 6 weeks and the one pregnancy that I didn't, Had a very sad ending.

Our ultrasound is in 2 day's and It looks as though The kid's have their heart set on finding out the sex. I was apprehensive at first but now that It is so close , I am really excited!


I want to also add that my cousin was killed April 10Th Risking her life for another, I can only hope that when God calls on me that I can leave behind such wonderful memory's and Love to my children as she so obviously did for her daughter. I know an Angel in Heaven and I'm sure she greeted Dianna at the gate and their probably sitting some where right now on a cloud watching GVC. Thank You Dianna for your bravery, I just know Best Maw will take care of you.



SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you? Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done Do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores Running through your head?

You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say Hi.

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.

More of Cayden

Here are some more picture's of Cayden. One is of him wearing the overall's we got for him. There is also one of his first bath, that Susi said he was not the least bit Happy about. Finally some with his eye's open!

Cayden 4/11/08

Here is An updated Picture of Cayden. We went for a visit and Dinner over at Susi And Bill's. I think if it's possible, Cayden is even cuter now then the last time I saw him. He has the tiniest facial features and a perfectly round head ( Susi's babies always do.) When we came home David said after holding Cayden tonight that he is getting really excited for our baby, I would have to agree. We are going for an ultrasound at the end of the month and the kids are pretty set on finding out if this baby is a girl or a boy. I on the other hand am not so sure, I never found out the sex of the other 3 kids and it was really exciting to find out at birth but with the kids being older they are much more involved this time and we always make big decisions in our family together so I think I might just be out voted this time.

The kids have been so much apart of the whole process so far. David and I made sure that everyone was OK with having a baby before the final decision was made and they are so excited to be apart of this birth since we are having the baby at home with 2 really great midwives. I am so relieved to know that I will not be forced to be separated from my children during one of the greatest moments for our whole family, It just doesn't make much sense to me, When there is another little person being born It effects every member of the family and I think it makes the kids feel left out of something that is just such a life changing time for all of us.

I know that this is not for everyone and I totally understand that but David and I are 100% sure that this is for us. and I can't wait.

Cayden Michael 4/3/08

My sister Susi gave birth to Cayden Michael weighing 9 pounds and 4 ounces the morning of April 3rd 2008. He is so cute, and by looking at him seems very small that is until you pick him up and boy he feels solid.

Cayden reminds me of his sister Bailey when she was a baby. Big brothers Anthony (aka Peanut ), D.J and big sister Bailey waited eagerly for him to make his appearance into this world and as expected were thrilled to meet him. Above are pictures of them holding their new baby brother and Daddy as well. ( even through Susi looked great after major surgery, I did not add pictures of her for fear of her killing me).

Mommy and Baby are all well.

Congratulations Susi and Bill,

We wish you and your family every happiness.

Easter 2008

We started Easter by Coloring eggs on Saturday Night, It was messy and a lot of fun. ( I recommend the boxed tie die ) It was fun for the kids and had really bright colors. We had a camp out downstairs with snacks and movies trying to stay awake to catch a peek of the Easter bunny leaving all their treats. ( of course they did not make it very long ).

Sunday Morning we woke up and the kids were very excited to see all the special treats that the Easter Bunny and Mommy and Daddy had left for them. We then started our annual Easter egg hunt, which is never dull.

We met Grandma and Grandpa for Lunch and visit and had a really nice time.

It was a Wonderful Easter!

Our Dancer

We got to get a sneak preview of what Abby is working on for her dance recital.Can I just say, She was amazing, Beautiful and perfect and I know I'm her Momma but come on. She really did get only the good parts of David and I. Abby is incredible and I am so proud of her.

Blizzard of 2008

Wow, I can't believe how much Snow we actually got. I Think Hilliard was one of just a hand full that did not get early release from school on Friday, The kids were 40 minutes late and That was nerve racking to say the least.

I sent David to do the last minute Grocery shopping and to fight the crowd That he told me was very big.( I guess their wives didn't believe the weather man either! )

David and I played outside with the kids and built a big hill off the deck to sled on, We then came in and had hot chocolate by the fire.

The kids were thrilled to find out they had Monday off as well, I was pretty happy about it to. We made a snowman that Grace named Fruit head ( hint: He is made with Lemon, Orange and Grapes ) It has been a really fun weekend, One I will never forget and I hope the kids remember forever.

A New Day

I know why the caged bird sings

A free bird leaps on the back Of the wind and floats downstream Till the current ends and dips her wing In the orange suns rays And dares to claim the sky.But a BIRD that stalks down her narrow cage Can seldom see through her bars of rage Her wings are clipped and her feet are tied So she opens her throat to sing.The caged bird sings with a fearful trill Of things unknown but longed for still And her tune is heard on the distant hill for The caged bird sings of freedom.The free bird thinks of another breeze And the trade winds soft through The sighing trees And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright Lawn and she names the sky her own. But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams Her shadow shouts on a nightmare scream Her wings are clipped and her feet are tied So she opens her throat to sing.The caged bird sings with A fearful trill of things unknown But longed for still and her Tune is heard on the distant hill For the caged bird sings of freedom.



Maya Angelou

Abby and Avery's Birthday!

Abby celebrated her 6th Birthday and Avery celebrated his 8th Birthday.

It is so hard to look at how big they are getting and not be sad at how fast it is all flying by. They were very happy with the gift's they recieved. On each of their Birthdays, which fell on a weekday, We celebrated with their class. We then spent the whole weekend doing fun activity's that was only kid's choice. We ended the weekend with their Grandparents. ( It is Nany's birthday as well) The kid's had a great time as they always do.

We told Nany and Pop that we are expecting our fourth baby! They were happy for us and are as always very supportive of David and I. Our children are very lucky to have Granparents that they love and that love them back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BABIES!

Take care of your own Damn Kids! (I AM)

I received an Email a few days ago, I think maybe even The best Email I have ever read.
I am so sick of people having children and not having to take
care of them. My husband and I talked before we were married
about how our children would be raised and whether I would
work or stay home. Hey, I know that sometimes things just happen without planning for it. I get it I really do, but grow up! You decided to have these Babies. Nothing good will come from Enabling these people and not forcing them to take responsibility for there own actions. All this is doing is delaying the inevitable and screwing up another generation of kids! I don't know who's worse, the irresponsible or the enablers? Equal I think! Hey I'm not looking for a pat on the back for taking care of my kids. I know they're mine and my husbands responsibility but If I'm not getting a pat on the back for doing the right thing, shouldn't they be getting a kick in the ass for doing the wrong thing?


Here is the Email:


Subject: Urine drug testing

(I sure would like to know who wrote this one! They deserve a HUGE pat on the back!) I DO HAVE TO PASS A URINE TEST FOR MY JOB..... BUT I AGREE 100% Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I Do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who Don' t have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I Do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ASS, doing drugs, while I work. . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?Pass this along if you agree or simpy delete if you don't. Hope you all will pass it along, though . something has to change in this country -- and soon!


(Brilliant)

Farewell

Today I step into a new world,
old memories to you I bid farewell.
Today I come out of my shell,
hidden pain and dismal thoughts farewell.
Today a fresh hope I have felt,
to you unfulfilled dreams farewell.
Today I am born new you can tell,
my past to you I bid farewell.

Christmas 2007

We had such a nice Christmas this year. The kids got more gifts then they will ever have time to play with.

We went to see Davids Parents on Christmas Eve (Picture is Avery Playing Battleship with POP) The kids had a nice time, They Love spending time with their Grandparents.

Christmas Day we stayed at home and opened gifts and played and ate and played and ate and played and ate. It was the best Christmas so far.

I have such a great Family I wouldn't have asked for a anything more.

New Year Eve: the kids actually made it till midnight this year. We played board games and watched movies then after the ball dropped we curled up in Mine and Davids bed and fell asleep reading Capt Underpants.

I have a feeling It will be a really Great Year!

Trick or Treat 2007

Gracie had a fever Trick or Treat Night. I put her in the stroller and bundled her up, propped her bucket in her hand and wheeled her house to house. She dozed in and out the whole time.

Avery and Abby of course cleaned up agian this year.

We also celebrated David's 4oth Birthday this week, Can I just say, OH MY GOSH, I AM MARRIED TO A 40 YEAR OLD MAN!!! LOL

Then I come back down to earth and realize that I am 32 years old

and not 21. Life really does fly by when your having fun.

First Day of a Life Sentence ( I mean School)

Well Today was Avery and Abby's first day of School.

I, to put it lightly was not looking forward to it. To all

of you that know me, Know that we have home schooled

for the past two years. Avery was craving more and It

was a lot of work for me trying to find time to play with

the girls and of course with Abby starting School this year

I would have been teaching 2 kids and having a two year old.

So we had a family meeting and decided to give it a try.

Of course Abby and Avery Loved it and I was relieved but

truthfully was Hoping they would hate it. Everyone keeps

saying how much I will love having them gone, I don't think

that day will ever come. Believe me when I say, They drive

me crazy most of the time, but I still can't think of any other

people I would like to spend my time with. Hey It doesn't hurt

that they Love me no matter how crazy I am. Can't beat that.

Gracie's 2nd Birthday

I am having a hard time with how fast my kids are growing up. It really is just flying by. Avery laughs at me because he makes comments like I can't wait till I'm 18 so I can go anywhere I want ( etc ) My response is always "Avery don't wish your life away" He say's Oh Mom!

(one day he to will feel the pain)

****We had such a great time on Grace's Birthday.

She rode all the rides at chuckee cheese at least 5 times,

We then went home for cake and ice cream and she opened

her presents. After all our partying we watched and laughed

as Winnie popped all of the balloons.

it was a great day!

Happy Birthday my sweet Girl.

National league champions

Avery's team is the national league champs. Hooray METs!

The game was so stressful and exciting.

They went on to the world series, and made runner up

by one point. I am so proud of him and what a great

group of boys.

"Winnie" Pooh Pooh

We have a new baby in our family.

We went through a breeder because

it was really important not to make

a choice on cuteness alone. We spoke

to many people who said that the rat

terrier is a great breed. they are great

with kids, smart and most important

easy to house break. She has been really

great with the kids and only made a few

accidents in the house ( the first week )

We are very happy with her and so glad

we took the time to research the breed

that was right for us.

( she just happens to be cute also. )

Abby got her ears pierced

Abby just all of the sudden wanted her ears pierced. She was asking everyday, So we took her and she was so brave. she said it didn't hurt at all.