WHO'S WHO?

I keep getting told how much my girls look like me, you be the judge!

What's in a name-

Wyatt Colt- Having watched the movie Tombstone twice before he was born, we thought it would be the perfect name for our little boy, Wyatt Earp and the gun he carried.

Ty Nolan- I'm not as sure about this one, I liked the name Ty because there was a girl that went to highschool with me briefly, that's name was Tiffany but everyone called her Ty. So I remembered that when the name came up. Nolan of course after Nolan Ryan the baseball player. (sport loving Dad=sport loving boy)

Kynzie Ann-When I was pregnant we had started tracing Kenneth's Scottish last name MacGilvery. So I thought a Scottish name would be appropriate. I came across MacKenzie- which just happened to mean son of Kenneth, so I shortened it. Ann for my middle name, moms middle name, and Kenneths Mom.

Kasey Lyn- I was totally dumbfounded when we found out that Kasey was going to be a girl, we were driving down Grand in Billings after the ultrasound, and I turned with tears in my eyes to Kenneth and said I don't even have a girl name. At that moment we passed a tattoo parlor and the sign said Call Casey. Kenneth said How about that for a name, I instantly loved it. Lyn of course the feminine spelling of Lynn after Grandpa.

Anyway, where did your baby names come from?

OH, BROTHER!?!

I was listening in on a conversation between Wyatt 11 and Kynzie 6. He had apparently stuck something in his sock and was trying to convince her that he'd (in his words) "this very moment" grown another toe. She not believing him stomped it, where he went into a fit of imaginary moans and groans, because she had broken off his toe. She never did fall for it, wise girl. It took me back 14 years when I was that age. The bus had dropped my brother and I at the bank, for our long walk home. We stopped and checked in with mom, and were on our way. I'm sure it was my brothers worst nightmare walking home with me, the little sister, the little spoiled brat, but that was life. I don't really know what sparked his idea, but he was and still is very clever. He pulled out a pen, now this was no ordinary pen, it was magical, it was a magical pen that could disenegrate cars. But the real trick, and this was the clever part, was that even though the cars were gone, you could still see an image of them. He went on to tell me, if I went out into the road the car would go right through me. Now I really would like to believe that my brother wasn't really trying to do me harm, I will never know. Such a lesson we learn from our brothers, not to fall for everything someone has to tell us, it being there job to torment, tease, and teach, us little sisters. Glad I too, was a wise girl.

Nightmares!!!

Kynzie came in sobbing at 1:12 lastnight. Of course she had a bad dream, and I told her she could camp out on my floor, because Kasey being very restless was already occupying my side of the bed. Kynzie continued to sob, and I being the very grouchy, tired, mom said, Honey it's just a dream, it's not real, go to sleep or go back to your bed, Nice, huh? So this morning I said, So what was that dream you had last night? She said It was a nightmare! Her music teacher Mr. Bratvold, had told them about the Passover angel of death? (her words not mine) and she dreamt that He came to kill everyone that wasn't wearing red, and she was not wearing red. I'm thinking it has something to do with Moses and the red paint on the doors, but who knows, I'm just thinking Thanks Mr. Bratvold!!

A memory of one of my nightmares was sparked when I read LVH comment about cur. Because I used to dream that little peaches kept coming back to life and I had to keep burying it. I actually did have to bury that dog 3 times, because the Dobermans kept digging it up. So sad!!!

Happy Thursday!

Kasey is learning to do her own hair already. What a girl!!!
We went to the big city yesterday. It was nice to get out of the house, it was a mostly warm day. It almost feels like spring, but I'm not going to fall for that. We didn't really have much to do in town, just a few errands, Kenneth had to get his eyes checks, so I browsed a store while he did that. I like just being able to browse, which doesn't happen very often, when you have kids there's little time to browse, you get in and get out. I did find some good clearance for the girls and a couple things for me too. I bought some valentines, and I got Kasey's birthday presents even though she won't turn two until April. Now I will just have to get Wyatts and Easter. Wyatt wants a lawn gnome. Don't even ask, because I really don't know why, but I will do my best to find him one. I have a couple months to worry about it. I'm babbling today, and it feels good, just needed to sit and type without a purpose. Kenneth is at a funeral, and I have stuff I should be doing, but I really don't think I want to, it is time for a day off. So Happy Thursday to all!

Does anyone know if saliditoes expire??? If its spelled incorrectly it's because it's not in the spellcheck. My PTA general meeting went well lastnight. There was around 30 people there, and I did everything properly, so I guess I'm in good graces with the league of extrodanairy women. I was slightly shaken but hopefully no one caught on. Then tonight I had a Relief society activity, for those of you who didn't know, I'm also the pres. Of that, so got that out of the way, and now I can breath a deep breath and enjoy what's left of January. That's what gets me to my next spouse. How well do we really know anyone. That was the topic tonight, getting to know you. I mean we can be around someone, we can talk to people, but even once you've lived with someone, do you really know them, do you understand them. I talked to a woman this morning and I said something about the group of women that go to church, she put it the way I'd like to think of it best we are a great potpourri, each complementing the other to make something wonderful. So maybe I'd like to think of our family that way. Or even a big stew. We've got some potatoes, and beef, carrots, onions, ect. We are all very different, with our different lives and thoughts, but we compliment each other to make something wonderful. Not the greatest example, but it works for me.
Good night!

To my long lost cuz...

I would of just commented but thought this needed to be said out loud, my wonderful Sacagawea!!! Where is your blog? We would all like to hear more of you. You could make me laugh like a crazy woman. I hope to be seeing it soon. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!

New Day, New Start!

Okay all you wonderful blogging family members, where do I start. Where do I go to find out if this college thing is for me, where is the starting line? How do I begin? Who do I speak too? I need some direction!
And don't think you'll hurt my feelings by stating the obvious, because this is a world I'm totally oblivious too!

In the words of Dr. Phil, What are you passionate about? That seems to be the theme to my week. It started Monday night at the monthly PTA Board meeting, somehow this year I got roped, gagged and dragged to be the President. Its very intimidating and Monday night seemed to be even worse. I sit there mute surrounded by a group of women, I being the only ones whose education stopped at highschool. And that's okay, I chose my road, and probably had opportunities to change my path. When I was corrected for the third time in the night I thought, why am I hear? Is this worth my time? Is it worth the stress? Is it worth feeling like less of a person, because they talk in complete teacher sentences? So my story goes on, I came home, and woke up to a bleak Tuesday. What is my passion? I can tell you what it's not, it's not PTA, it's not babysitting, its not cleaning toilets, or cashiering at the Town Pump. I some how feel incomplete. Maybe spurred even more by Leaners quest to continue College, it puts me in a place of, WOW that's possible? Am I capable of such wonders? Or there's another side, do I want to go back to school, a place of dread, and discouragement? What's another path I could choose? Again the question rings loud, What's my passion? Something to work on. So my little goal to meet the big goals this week is to find what I truly love. Brainstorm! What is my passion?

Sad Kynzie

I guess I need a little back up. Yesterday a mother I don't know called and invited Kynzie to her daughters birthday sleep over, and the next day they were going to take the girls to the scariest place on earth, Chuckie Cheese, 82 miles from here. My gut fell and I told her I'd have to call her back. I know there is other girls going, and I know their parents, they are good people, I don't think they would put there kids in any danger. Anyway, in making my decision I called a friend who might know these people a little better, because their older daughter is friends with my friends daughter. My friend went on to tell me that their living situation is not so great and she wouldn't let her daughter go stay the night. So my gut instinct was right in instantly wanting to say no. But I was still in my head not wanting to be that parent, the overprotective one, the one that says no. Now I know why I was blessed with Kenneth as a husband. We had quite the talk on what's more important our child's safety or being embarrassed. Then it really hit me, if Kynzie was taken advantage of, if she was hurt in any way, I would have to hold on to that forever, because I was to embarrassed to be THAT PARENT. I still wasn't that parent, Kenneth was, he called and very politely told the mother that we aren't comfortable with our kids staying the night as peoples houses we don't know, but thank you for the invite. I say thank you for the super dad that he is. So Kynzie is sad that she can't go, but that's a scar she'll get over soon enouph.

Kasey slept in her own little bed last night, until about 3 am. This was a big improvement from the normal sleeping sideways in the middle of our bed ritual. I slept so good, except for the mass murderer man that kept creeping into my dreams. But I had forgotten what it was like to have a side of the bed. Usually I'm wedged up against the wall, as Kasey sprawls across the middle of the bed like the ruler of all, which of course she is. Now mind you I'm not willing to let go of her all together, her bed is a mattress on the floor of my room. Weaning both she and I from the security of closeness. But we are gaining our independence one inch at a time, as life should be.

Your Birthdate: October 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy.And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you.Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights.You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Goal Setting

Yesterday I had a great talk with a friend of mine about goal setting. When my kids asked if I had made any resolutions for the new year, I said no what's the point. But what my friend and I discussed changed my perspective a little. You should have goals, lifetime one, ten year ones, yearly ones, weekly ones. But the most important goals are the ones we set daily. If today my goal is to do yoga and drink water instead of pop, then I am setting myself up for a yearly goal of being more healthy. If today my goal is to organize my closet, I am setting myself for a monthly goal of getting organized. So much easier, its the baby steps that get us to our ultimate goals. What can I do today to change the rest of my life???

Just Grateful

Each and every day I'm grateful for Kenneths job so that we can have the things we have. Each day I pray that he will be safe, and take it for granted the precautions taken to provide that safety. The regulations and rules followed to keep him protected under the ground. The strides the union makes for him to be in safe surroundings every time he goes in that hole. Today I'm especially grateful that he is safe. I sat up last night waiting with those families in West Virginia, in hopes they would find their family members alive. My heart celebrated along with them as they heard the flawed news that the men were alive. I went to bed with comfort knowing that miracles happen. Only to hear this morning that it was not truth. That in fact all but one was dead, and I mourn along with those families, feeling some how connected. I feel confused and cheated of that miracle.
It has made me aware of the things I should stop and be grateful for on this day.

There goes Christmas...

I came to the realization this morning that Christmas is over and its time to move on with my life. It was a great Christmas. Aren't they all? Santa found our house, Presents were opened, Scriptures were read, Food food and more food was ate, family visited, fun was had. It was everything I could of wanted Christmas to be. Now for the down time. It always happens this time of year. I get a little sentimental, a little sad, that all the hoopla is over, that the day I looked forward to for months, went by in a whir, it spun out of control and it was gone, only to be survived by a load of garbage to haul to the dump, and a sad dry tree to throw out the door. But it was worth it, every surprised expression on my children's faces, every quick Christmas kiss from my husband, trying leaners yummy stuffed french toast for the first time, seeing family and loving every minute of it.

Ready for Santa...

I just finished painting the bathroom, so I'm ready for Christmas. I'm ready for candy, and cookies and presents. I'm ready for my big sis to come. I'm ready to stay up late and greet Santa. I'm ready for it all. I am really getting excited. The days are dwindling down, and I only have to make one final grocery stop and hooray it will be here. What a special time of year. I feel so happy that we can spend it with family this year. There's been some years without, and I really wish that we could all be together, but I will be glad to be with the ones that can be here. Mom is making lots of goodies, something I am horrible at, so I will probably gain at least 10 pounds, yum yum!
Kasey sat on Santas lap yesterday, I was really suprised that she did. She went right to him and he gave her a teddy bear, and she wanted to go back when she was done. Maybe she will be more like Kynzie than I thought. Ty was the only one of my kids that completely hated Santa, I don't really blame him, I always hated Santa. Well I must get on to my next project, cleaning house, yay!
Merry Christmas to all!!!

I really had the best weekend. Kenneth and I for the first time since Kasey was born, had a night away. Mom took the kids and we enjoyed the quiet. We stayed in Billings and shopped and shopped. It was a lot of fun, no worries, no whining. A much needed break. A recharge for this crazy holiday season.
Ty turned 10 this weekend. I really can't believe, my little miracle boy, 10 years old. I am so thankful for the wonderful person he is turning into. 10 years ago he was a small little guy in the NICU. He was fragile and his skin hung from his bones, because he hadn't put on those last week pounds. I was so grateful that he got well quickly so we could have him home for Christmas. Now he's the spitting image of his Papa Jack, and has the personality to match. I am so happy that he is a part of our family.

-2

I was cleaning the fresh snow off my car and getting it warmed up so I can drive the kids to school and noticed the thermometer says -2, if you've never had the pleasure of breathing in -2 air I will give you a vivid explanation of the sensation. First the air stings your lungs and makes it feel like the very air you breath in is burning your insides like a poisonous gas. There's also the great feeling you get in your nose, any Moisture you have in your nose freezes solid making you feel like it is full of rock hard boogers. And you have to make sure your hair is dry, because it might freeze and break right off. To prepare for the 5 minutes I would be outside I adorned myself in scarf, beanie, gloves, snow boots, hooded sweatshirt, and coat. I love winter.
The kids are all getting very excited for this week. Ty and Kynzie have there annual school Christmas program to prepare for. I am so glad we live in little town USA, because I hear that some areas don't have Christmas programs anymore. I really enjoy the huge production the k-4 graders put on every year. Wyatt will have a band concert next week, he plays the drum. I really do enjoy this time of year and all the fun things we get to do.

Grandpa, Leaner, and Me

I was looking for some Christmas photos the other day and ran across this one. I love it.

The Red Room

Kynzie said the room is a beautiful rose red. I say that's kind of spooky, Rose Red. But its done and I have to say I love it. So on to the next project.

It is 1 degree outside, yes I said 1 degree. BBRRRR! I'm chilled to the bone.

And the moral of the story is...

Today was a super busy day. We drove for our monthly walmart costco stock up big Grocery shopping trip. I hate it, but it has to be done. It's nice to do it on a school day and only take Kasey. We got home in time for putting it all away and heading out the door to take Kynzie to the dentist (she needed a baby tooth root thing done, makes me feel like a bad parent but man do my kids have crappy teeth.) Got home then so Kenneth could run Ty to the ER because he busted his chin open doing the worm on the tile floor. (Sometimes I haven't a clue what goes through that boys mine.) They are still gone, and I'm hoping that its okay. Meanwhile I missed Wyatts basketball game, I'm glad Kenneth got to go. Some days I feel like the circles never end, and I look forward to bed time. I'm not sure what the moral to this story is, but I'm sure its a good one.

Well we had a great Thanksgiving too. And I have been busy busy ever since. We came home from Moms on Friday, and I started prepping my living room for painting. And 48+ hours later its a festive red. I love it. We still are going to put some trim at the top. But I think it's great. Mom decided Thanksgiving day was a good day to go chop a Christmas tree down, so we went in search of the perfect tree. I don't think there is such a thing,but we got a tree for her and a tree for us anyway. So we have a tree ready for the decorating in our dining room. I am trying to get excited for Christmas, of course I look forward to seeing big sis, but I am not feeling very festive yet. Its always such a whirlwind. Then January and February it snows and snows, and they seem to last forever. I know the holiday spirit will kick in soon. The kids did get there letters mailed to Santa, and my shopping is done so I can focus on the fun stuff and not worry about fighting the store lines.

Lost: One imagination

Mom I'm bored, I don't know what to do. Kynzie Ann was born with a severe problem, lack of imagination. Even as a little baby she couldn't be alone for very long, she couldn't entertain herself. This goes on to her as a six year old, who rarely plays alone, her toys sit dusty on her shelf, untouched. It's sad. I being one of great imagination, just ask my family members, have a hard time understanding what her problem is. Just go play! But it's so hard for her. It's lost, and it is my duty to find it. So this being my quest, I make her play for a few minutes, timing her to see how long she will last. I bet you, you can't play for more than five minutes. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Most the time she's my shadow, saying Mom I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, what are you doing, can you, would you, could you.... Until I give up.
Missing: A six year old imagination, if you find it or have an extra lying around could you send it our way!

I just realized that in the last 3 pictures I posted of Kasey she has the same shirt on, honestly she does have other clothes. See here she is wearing a very flattering Piglet outfit, it's all the rage, even her friend has the matching Tigger outfit. Aren't they so cute?

Somebody's out there....

All I have to say is someone out there was watching over my little girl tonight. I'll start at the beginning. I have been chasing Kasey all day, she's been in a bit of a high maintenance mood. That being no excuse I was taking a bit of a break, talking to my mom on the phone, and doing a little internet shopping. I here a clanging crashing noise in the front room. So as I rush out there, I realize Kasey has pulled the table runner along with all of the things sitting on top of it off the dining room table. What was I thinking- on top of that table was my pumpkin candle burning brightly, there it has burned all day. And never once did I think about it being a danger to my girl. Somehow she avoided the spray of hot orange wax that now covers the carpet. She could of been burnt. The carpet will wash, maybe, but who cares Kasey doesn't have a spot on her. That was a bad mommy moment. So glad, that she is safe. So glad that I'm not the only one watching over her.

The goose is getting fat...

Slowly winter, I guess it's time for winter, but it seems to soon.(stolen from Charly the musical). I can't believe that it's that time of year. Time for celebration and time for snow, presents, food. Yikes! I kind of dismiss Thanksgiving. I can't help it. Short of family get together what's the purpose. I remember the good Thanksgivings- the ones where there was enouph people for 2 tables. I loved it then. We would eat and eat, and make a craft in the afternoon, the kids would play, the men would go out and shoot a gun or something. That's when Thanksgiving was good. Now its just us, and mom and dad. Which is good, but not the same. Definitely not the same. I want the kids to have that big family get together, the one you look forward to all month, because you know your going to get to see everyone. Times change and things change. It's sad, and I guess I'll never get used to that part of it.

Okay now I'm done feeling sorry for myself. Took the picture the other day on a drive. The snow was beautiful.

Grandpa Carter

For years I dreamt about him, standing out in the cotton field, waving as we drove by, I would shout Look there's grandpa, and he would be gone. I guess thats how I dealt with it, at 8 years old. I, among the masses of our family adored Grandpa. He towered above me, but never once did I feel anything but love from him. I loved to sit in his lap and sing songs, Down in the Valley, being my favorite. There was a yellow book of camp songs that I would get out. I would climb in his lap and we would sing every page, starting with She'll be Coming Round the Mountian, and ending with Be kind to your Web Footed friend. My other favorite thing to do with Grandpa, was wrap his head with kleenex and masking tape. I was sure this procedure would help grow his hair back. Then there was another time we drew on his head, faces, so when he leaned forward in his chair it looked like a man. I was really very lucky to have gotten to live so close to Grandpa. I got to spend a lot of time with him. I've often felt sorry for myself for not having more time with him, but I feel even worse for those who never knew what a great and loving man he was, those who never sang a song with him.

What a snore!

I won a free 1 liter coke today. Good for me, right? I tried to finish a blog about Grandpa, but some how no matter how I write it doesn't seem to do him justice. I was only 8 and things become foggier as I grow older. I will be able to write Grandmas no problem. I don't have big plans for the weekend. We need groceries really bad. So that is top priority. Then who knows. The norm, I guess. Kasey learned to say boots, as in the monkey, and map, map! She's a lot of fun. Well that's it. So have a good weekend, and Happy Peanut Butter Lovers Month to you all!

18 months old

When she went to sleep that night she was a sweet little baby, when she woke up dare I say she turned into a crazy animal. I'm not sure when the exact moment was, but it happened. She doesn't stop, and slows only to eat a candy, which is her new, thanks to Halloween, word. She plays in the toilet, turns the bath water on, climbs into the bath, fully dressed. She climbs the shelf in the pantry to obtain a twinkie or candy or other crap that I'm sure is not iron enriched. She uses her highchair as a ladder to play with the kitchen blinds, then its on to pulling every DVD, CD, and book off the shelves, and mind you this is all before lunch. Thank the heavens for naptime. That's when I take a couple of breaths. The house never clean, the dust never settled, because then she is using the vacuum to prop herself up on top of the computer desk so she can try out the scissors or draw on the desk calendar. She pauses only to poke the kitty in the eye and she's on her way to feed cereal to the doorknob less door of the boys room. I hear her muffled cries to find her wedged under Kynzies bed, then its time to wrestle her down to get shoes on to pick up the biggens from school. I'm exhausted, and have gotten nothing done. The greatest part is, I adore it all, and take pictures and laugh, because she is my little baby, no matter what. If I could of only recognized this before the olders were so big. I took for granted all the silly things they did. I hold on to every little moment, and brag about every naughty thing she does. These are the easy parts. And I feel so lucky to finally catch on to that.

It's Over!

Today was miss Kasey's last blood draw, and as long as the tests come back alright she doesn't have to go back for another ever. She starts crying as soon as we walk in to that lab. She hates it, they hate it, I hate it. So glad that its over with. So glad that she is better. Its a big relief for me. And its so good to know that she is healthy. (Well short of the nasty bug she's got right now) But she's healthier than 3 months ago. She has color to her cheeks and energy and she's happy. What a different little girl than she was this summer. And I'm so glad that we can move on to the next thing now.

Oh give me a home....

Look at all the stay at home moms!!!
Just a few pictures of our Saturday afternoon drive!

I suppose along with a, getting over it, anemic daughter I get a daughter who catches every virus known to man. This weekend it was croup. As you all know croup and the tell tale barking couph. I generally thought no big deal. Get out the humidifier, go for drives in the cold air, no meds can fix this one. So that's just what I did the night she came down with it. I took her in the steamy bathroom. I took her outside for cold breaths of air. But by the next evening she had gotten worse and gasped for air through the small opening of her throat. Just as a caution, we decided it would be best to take her in to the er to make sure her oxygen level was ok. It was thank goodness, and they gave her a shot to relieve the swelling in her throat. So by Saturday night she was sounding much, much better. Sunday I left her at home with daddy and went to church. Of course I always get the "where's Kasey", because she is so much more popular than I. Anyway a lady from church asked and I told her she had croup, and she stayed home. Another young woman said"That's what Cheyenne had, they wouldn't give her anything for it" I had a brain freeze. No comment would make this moment any better. Before they had moved here, they had a daughter, there only child at the time, and she died, of croup.
I hugged Kasey a little tighter yesterday.

Cocaholic

Did you know that if you drank a 20 oz. Soda, non diet variety, you would have to walk briskly 3 miles to burn the calories. And I wonder why I haven't lost weight since I began my workout routine. I love Coca-cola. I need Coca-cola. It calls my name, when I walk into the local Town Pump. It says to me, you can't make it a day without my liquid wonder. HELP ME!!!

FREEDOM!!

I'm happy to announce our soccer season is now over. Hooray!! I might obtain some of my mind back. We were an undefeated team. Which in the scheme of things I probably shouldn't of made such a big deal about. Ty got to be goalie the majority of the season. And Wyatt made his first goal, ever! So it was a great season. But I'm so glad it's over. I will be happy not to be at the park everyday of the week. Now that it's getting dark around 7:30, I'll be more than comfortable at home.

1.Favorite quote, verse, or song lyric?
At this time the most appropriate song lyric is "Let them be little"
2. If you could meet with anyone dead or alive for lunch, who would it be?
My boyfriend John Denver! Just joking, Leaner stole my real answer, I wish I could draw on his head, and sing silly songs, and go on drives with him again!!
3. Sweetest thing your significant other does for you with or without knowing it?
Kisses me goodbye every morning even though I'm sleeping.
4. Do you wish on stars? no
5. Favorite drink? Coca-Cola
6. Favorite Meal? Sweet and Sour
7. Last person you talked to on the phone? Mellissa, my PTA secretary
8. Favorite Month? October
9. Favorite day of the year? Really don't know, good days can happen anytime, depending on things going on in it.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry shortcake, My child doll, My little ponies.
11. Who is the friend you've had the longest? Amie Moore, since primary. Lost her email a year ago due to electical problem so if anyone knows it, please email it to me.
12. When is the last time you cried? Crying is for wimps, yesterday morning.
13. What are you afraid of? Loosing my kids. I count them everytime we get in the car.
14. Favorite flower? Lilac and Gardenia
15. How many states have you lived in? Although I've moved 14 times I have only lived in AZ and MT
16. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be? I would be better at biting my toungue.
17.Favorite memory of a family trip? This summer was a blast, I loved spending vacation with the family, riding rides, eating, and enjoying being together.
18. A nice thing you did for someone and it backfired? I plea the fifth.
19. Something you always wanted to do but are afraid to? swim in the ocean
20.Who are your idols? My nephew Jason is pretty high up there, I look up to him, quite literally.
21. Favorite dessert? Moms cream puffs, Pennys cinnamon rolls(not really a dessert but yummy) Any icecream. Rice Krispies. The list is endless.
22. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up? a forest ranger!
23. How many candles were on you last b-day cake? 3 , really!
24. Do you dye your hair and if so what color/ brand?
I have dyedd my hair since I was 16, tried most colors. I finally stopped about a year and a half ago and mom and lvh both thought I'd dyed it because it was so dark. Then last spring I started finding the gray- so I dyed it a brown color that has since faded to a reddish brown. Yikes! I'm thinking of dying it Mocha Brown, but am afraid that it will fall out more if I do.

Ty for a day!

If I could have a milk mustache, and not care one bit.
To only say love ya, when I truly meant it.
To not flush without guilt
Leave the mess that I'd spilt
Leave all my drawers open, and my shoes muddy
Everyone that I meet, would be my new buddy.
Feel good enouph to try every sport,
From the soccer field to the basketball court.
To never say can't, to try agian
To never give up, until I win
To do new things and not show my fear.
To really get hurt and not shed a tear.
It doesn't take much to go my way,
If I could only be Ty for a day!

Christmas dilemma

Have you ever felt like the Santa thing has got to stop? I don't mean it like that, but I feel like a liar every year. My oldest questioned me about Santa the other day. In my mind I thought he knows, he has to know, he's 11 years old. But never the less, I said of course he's real. What if he doesn't know? He's so smart how could he not. But if I slip up and ruin the last of the childhood mysteries, I am a bad mother. Maybe he's playing along for my sake. I still play along. So maybe that's all it is. I feel like the grinch. Taking away Christmas. How old were your kids when they stopped believing?

How Good to Be Me!

Well I'm finally 30. And you know it really isn't different, so moving on to the next thing. I had a good day today. Started off with a call from my mommy. She always sings to me, and then a call from big sis, and she sang to me too. And I love it. My friend watched Kasey so I could get my hair cut. And even though the beautician said my hair is getting thin, it was over all a good experience, and hey if I have to wear a wig when I'm 35 that's okay( cause I can finally have long, thick, blond hair, just joking) . Then my friend and I had lunch at the Frostee Freeze, it was fun. Husband is making steak for dinner, and he snuck out and bought me a cake. So really this has been a good day. I feel really blessed this year for being in contact with all the family that I hadn't spoke to in so long. Well that's that and tomorrow I'm one day closer to 31.

Before and After

Today is National Walk to School Day. So there they went in the snow. It's melting away pretty quickly. I'm glad, I ,like lvh, am not quite ready for the winter snow yet.

Note: below is my present day hair (I'm the one on the far left back in case you didn't know) So it is falling out in large clumps and Friday is my hair appointment. Still looking for suggestions!

Eagles 3 and 0!!!

Barfaroni

Well this week is mid over and I can't believe it. It goes so quickly by. I don't know about this time passing thing, if it keeps speeding up then I won't have time to do anything. The kids had the barfs this week. Which is so no fun. Lucky 1 didn't get it. That would of been bad, hopefully she still doesn't get it. I really have been super lazy this week. Not getting anything done. I watched Fever Pitch 3 times, and that is my big accomplishement. I know sad, I think my mind is on vacation. I haven't gone anywhere, I just don't have my act together. Hooray for mind vacations, hooray for time, hooray for the barfs, hooray for life. Good or bad hooray for life.

Oh Love!

I'd like to paint a lovely story about the way we met. But you can't rewrite, and I wouldn't want to. Our past is colorful. And what happened when I was 17 shows a lot for the person I have become. If I ever hit the bottom, the summer of 1992 was it. And what followed was a love story.
I was running away from myself, the day I bumped into Kenneth. It was Halloween Eve. It was after a football game. It was a kegger (sorry if I could rewrite to make it more romantic I would, but that's life). I had went out to the desert with some friends of mine to a tire burning kegger. My friend introduced us, I said hi, he said hi. That was that. I got home at 1:00 that morning, and not long after he called. We talked it was nice and agreed to meet the next day at a Halloween Party. We did. It was fun. I had fun with him, but most of all I felt safe. I guess that's one of the things about him I fell for first, He was so strong he could protect me, he could keep me safe, even from myself. There was no, will you be my girlfriend, it just fell into place that way. We saw each other more and more, and soon, we were together all the time. Now on the outside I think a lot of people probably thought that he was a bad influence,(In fact my best friend called me from college and pretty much chewed me out), what was I doing with a guy like him? Here's the truth, and as odd as it sounds and some may never understand, Kenneth saved me from a downward spiral. He caught me in my moment of weakness, and something about him made me feel so important, so beautiful, He gave me back my self worth. And that has never stopped. It wasn't all moonbeams and marshmallows. We fought, and fought. We disagreed on a lot. He was young, I was younger. Things were always taken to an immature level. Once I even busted open his nose with a deodorant can. But you know we made it through all that. Somehow we always worked it out, and most of all forgave eachother. There's some mistakes I would take back, but the ones I made that led me here I wouldn't change. They brought me to the man I will spend eternity with, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.
Anyway, we were married 13 months after that. And happily, 4 kids, a dog and a cat later, ever after.

Okay okay, so while I'm reflecting it just occurred to me I really, really would like a haircut. Any suggestions?

Fall

There's a change in the weather today, its rainy and cooler, a bit of fall in the air. The leaves will change color soon, and smother the ground. I love this time of year. I'm not smothered by the leaves, but it's always been more of a time of reflection and growth. I look forward to the holidays that lie ahead. It's a time to celebrate my life. I feel so focused and ready for anything, like it will all roll off me, like the rain on the window. I'm so grateful for the people that are in my life, for the intricate ways they fit. The way each person I meet changes the person I am somehow. I'm so grateful for my family, blood, legal, or otherwise. I feel so lucky to be blessed with such great people all around me. So let it rain, let it get cooler, cause I'll be wrapped up in my cozy blanket, with my happy thoughts and feelings. The End

Kasey's Eyes

Sad as it is to admit, when I was pregnant with Kasey, I really wanted a boy. My boys were so easy. I imagined this rough and tumble little boy, born ready for sports. I dreamt of his big brown eyes, just like Ty's. The day I found out Kasey was a girl I cried, (I know, I know pretty selfish, I like to blame it on hormones.)But I did deal with it, and came to accept I would have another girl, and even started getting excited to get the pink dresses out again. The day I had Kasey her heart rate continued to become extremely low. She was tangled up in cord and you could see the stress in the Doctors face, as they told me I needed to get her out quick. And I did. (10 Minutes) I was never more relieved as I was in that moment to have a healthy little girl. I'd completely forgot about wanting a boy. I completely forgot everything, except for the love I had for this new baby. I don't know why after a year I'm still hashing over this. I think I feel a little guilt that I ever felt like that. I can't even express how much I love this little girl. When she looks at me with her bright blue eyes, I would literally go to the ends of the earth to make her happy. I do know that often what we have in mind for ourselves is not what's meant to be, I can't imagine now my life without her in it. She is such a wonderful part of our family.

(pen-nut thanks for the picture)

Out of my Comfort Zone!

I've been really enjoying my new yoga class. I go in the middle of the day, sometimes I take 1 sometimes husband is home to watch her. It's very relaxing, I can feel my muscles getting longer, maybe I'll even grow an inch. Yesterday I had to clean up after the book fair, so I missed my mid day yoga class. So I thought what the heck I'll go to the night class. I walked in and the room was empty, I thought this won't be so bad, Sandy and I can do yoga. Then they came 2 by 2 the Whole of this towns Retirement Community, (BIG exaggeration), But there were 8 over 60 ladies and me almost 30. Sandy referred to them as the core yoga group. They talked about hot flashes, they made kinky sex comments about the yoga poses, and worst of all they held their yoga positions like pros as I struggled to maintain my balance. I was so embarrassed. I was being shown up by women twice my age. I definitely have some things to work on. I did have a lot of fun, although I was totally out of my element. And I did learn It's never to late to try something new.

National Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Arrrr!!! Avast me hardies, for those of ye, who didn't know, theres trouble brewing up ahead. Ye be warned, today is National Talk like a Pirate Day!! Talk like a pirate, or ye will walk the plank!!

You know that up until 6 years ago, I thought dribbling always referred to basketball. I never knew that you could dribble with your feet. I didn't know that a goalie was the only one on a soccer field who could touch a live ball with their hands. And I certainly didn't understand what a corner kick was. But you know I think soccer has to be one of the funnest games to watch kids play. This is my 6th season watching soccer, enjoying soccer, coaching soccer. My little group did awesome today. They passed the ball to eachother(this is a great accomplishment when you are 6), they scored numerous times. They were good sports, never complaining, stopping to pick up a fellow or opposing teammate if they had fallen. It's exciting to watch them get better and better every week. So I guess it goes to say, don't be intimidated by doing something new, it might become something you love.
11 and 9 also played today, they both did very well. 9 was the goalie, 11 is a forward. They played hard in the rain and both said they had fun. So even though the next 4 Saturdays are filled with soccer, it is so worth it.

For Leaner

Wasn't he just a cutie?

Rattling On

Brain dead, babbling, foot in mouth gal. That would describe me today. I'm human and prone to mistakes. Accept that now, or don't, but either way it's true. And yes tomorrow is a new day, and to me it will be erased because that's the way I work. And honestly sometimes my mouth goes so much faster than my brain I can't keep up. That's why this is good, because I can edit myself as I go.
I pretty much wasted my day today. I sat this afternoon and watched The Ring Two. You know sad as it is, I was looking forward to this movie, because the first one scared the higgedy right out of me. But this one was sadly lacking in the fear factor. So there went two hours of my life right down the drain. The only highlight to my day was talking to one of my sisters on the phone, and hearing her little girls in the background. It always makes my day hearing one of them squeal in the background, because its just so awesome that she has them. It was picture day at school, and I'm hoping all the kids smiled pretty, but chances are at least one of them pulled an uncle Clint classic toothless grin.(Sorry, he only did it once, and looking back it is a pretty cute picture) That would be a fine example of brain dead, babbling, foot in mouth gal. But this time I won't edit, because if I did you would never get the completeness of my disfunction. So soccer all day tomorrow. And I would like to take the kids to see a movie this weekend. Valiant and Brothers Grimm are playing at our theatre. Anyone seen either?

Isn't it ironic that Blockbuster video sent Monster in Law, and it arrived the same day my mother in law did?
It was fun having them here, and I survived. I'm exhausted though. Tuesday I took advantage of them being here and went to a step class, and today I went to Step and then a yoga class. It felt so good to be doing something just for me. I loved every muscle straining second of it. I recommend it to all you stay at home moms, and anyone else who just needs a self esteem boost. YEEHAW!!

THE INLAWS ARE COMING, THE INLAWS ARE COMING!!!

I have been running in circles all week, cleaning parts of my house that I never clean, scrubbing, organizing, I even cleaned the carpets. Then on top of that I went today and spent way too much money on groceries. Why do I do this to myself? I have been married for almost 12 years, but somewhere inside me I am still trying to prove that I am a good wife a good mother to their grandchildren, that it is okay their son married me. There can't be any excuses for them to not like me. Once again, why do I do this to myself. This will be their first vacation to Montana. We will get to show them the sights. I really do look forward to their visit. I hope it all goes well. I will get through the next 6 days with a smile on my face, or die trying!!!

I've just finished doing The March of the Late Night Mom! What's that you ask, a new fangled dance, that only a mind as crazy as mine could think up. NO, it's not. You all know exactly what it is. When all the kids are tucked in tight, the mom (me in this case), tries to catch up all the things she couldn't do while the kids were running wild. Dishes are now running in the dish washer, shin guards have found there place in the sport box, cat is fed and watered, doggie is in his kennel, dirty clothes are in hamper, clean clothes are hung, toys are put away, lights out, doors locked, goodnight! It wasn't that long ago that from 8-10 was Mommys TV time, what happened to that? I guess I'll never know. Oh crud, 6 didn't do her homework!!!

Book Worm or Soccer Star

9 is athletic inclined, it comes naturally to him, as icecream eating to me. We enjoy watching him play whatever the season brings. 11 is the smart one, reading and learning, taking everything in his teacher can teach him. I enjoy great debates with 11. But what's this, on occasion the earth shifts. After a break from all sports 11 decided to play soccer once again. The last of his soccer skills I remember were clumsy at best, but what the heck, GO SON!!! We have soccer Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Game Day Saturday. I worry about 11 thinking it will be like two years ago, a complaint, a struggle. But no, not now, the new and improved 11 comes home beaming, I love soccer, I beat everyone at this game we played, I ran the fastest around the block, and just last night he informed me that he is Team captain. I'm amazed! The self confidence the excitement! I will always be proud of my children. But at that moment it was so much more than pride. I felt a joy for my son, that he could feel so happy about himself. That he could look at himself and say, I've worked hard and I can do anything. He can, I truly believe he can.

Too Caffinated

The kids are all in bed and I'm wide awake. I have two addictions as of late, blogging and caffination, Pepsi form.(Normally it's Coke, but Pepsi's 2.50 a 12 pack.) So here I am agian. I took 1 in to bed and told her to find her spot. She sleeps with us, and tonight Husband is on night shift, so we have the big King all to ourselves, gotta love night shift. I always tell her find your spot, and she crawls on up to the top of the bed with all the comfy pillows. That's all I ever ask. Find your spot sweety. Whatever this life brings you find the place that comforts you. Find the thing in life that makes you happy. And always let me be near by, just in case there's a monster under the bed, and believe me there are a lot of monsters out there, I may not be able to chase them all away, but I can try to make it less scary. Just find your spot, little one.

How Time Flys

In one month and a day, I will turn 30 years old. I always laughed at people around me when they turned thirty, it really seemed to freak them out. Not me I'm not going to be like that, what's the big deal. Now that the Big Birthday is coming on quickly, I feel well not so much freaked, but well, old! 30 is my aunt Polly. 30 is settled and kids. 30 is PTA president and soccer mom. 30 is capri pants and conservative hair. Wait a minute I've been all these things for awhile now, scary, I've waisted the last of my 20's being 30 without even knowing it. Where's the tattoo shop? Where's the low riding jeans (without the four baby belly hanging over the top)? So maybe now I'm a little freaked. Please tell me it's okay being 30, it's no different than 29. Your only as old as you seem. How old do I seem?

See he's even cute in cartoon! And no I'm not an obsessed fan, it's just an observation.

FIRE

Husband was out all night fighting a fire, a lightning storm passed through and started several fires on the hills. So once agian I was left to fight the home fire alone. They really aren't that bad. It's just hard to keep them occupied without encouraging the brainrotting PS2. Go outside and play, like I did when I was a little kid. Use your imagination! Do you have an imagination. Did I have an imagination or is that all part of my imagination. Did my parents have to prod me off the couch to go enjoy the outdoors. I don't think so, But maybe that's information I didn't retain. It's unimportant anyway. These are my kids and they need to play outside, and enjoy it. MOM, 11 called me a Poopstick! Hey guys why don't you go play the PS2.

Well, it's just another day in paradise. 1 has learned the art of the scream! The high pitched, shatter glass, cause great headaches scream. It's Saturday. They are all home, picking at eachother, poking, teasing. I remeber these days well, I think my brother had me in a constant state of tears. Maybe not that bad but there were definatly moments of unleashed crying. That's what happens when your the baby. You are picked on by your elder sibs. But you are also spoiled like milk on a hot day, and I loved every minute of it. So here's to siblings that make it through alive, here's to the babies who do not take it for granted their luck in the birth order, and here's to the parents who put up with it all.

First day of September, how heart warming? Today is a run around in circles and get nothing done day. Walk kids to school, walk two miles with the gals, 1 has a doctor appointment, NAPPY TIME, Pick up 6 from school, Coach 6's soccer team, 9 and 11 meet me at the park, 11 has soccer practice, cook dinner, Husband gets home, Get everyone in bed, the end. Wow, I'm tired just thinking about it, somewhere in there I need time to eat icecream by the gallons, and read a novel, and maybe even paint(I don't know how, but it would be fun, I can tell, don't painters always look like they are having fun?) But I now have lost important seconds, and I still need to take a shower. On your marks, Get set, .......