Monday, December 29, 2008

Resolutions


This was difficult for me to come up with. Making resolutions is kind of like facing some of your flaws, things you need to work on. That isn't always easy. It is much easier to just go along thinking you're just fine..... Well, I am acutely aware that I am not perfect, thus, resolutions can be made. Can resolutions be kept? Well, I am planning on really working on them.... Here goes.
1.More date nights with my sweetie, even if it is just going for a walk or up to Golden Spoon.
2.Don't sweat the small things. I have done a much better job at this over the last year but there is still room for improvement.
3.Clean my file cabinets out. Yuck! This will NOT be easy.
4.Say more prayers. I have a feeling this will be needed this year.
5.Try not to over extend myself so much.
6.Make every moment count by not taking things,experiences or people for granted.
7.Be a better listener. ( I like to talk)
8.Read a new book every month.
9.Finish the Bible.
10.Last but certainly not least, loose this last damn 10-12 pounds..if anyone sees me eating anything resembling a pastry, cookie ect...please knock it out of my hand and then slap me. Come on people, how did I get this way.. I jiggle when I walk, this isn't me.. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

Wish me luck.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Bad News

We got some bad news this weekend. My mother, who had breast cancer 6 years ago and has been great ever since, has learned that she has cancer again. We got together last night and talked about the details that we know at this time. So far we know that she has a 4-6 cm mass behind her chest wall, spots on her spine, liver and lungs. She also has swollen lymph nodes around her heart. My mom has a great attitude right now. SHe is ready to fight! We don't know what course of treatment she is going to have right now. Her first step is getting a biopsy to determine if it is the breast cancer that has metastisized or another type. Only then will they know how to treat it.
I am so confused right now. I am trying to figure out why, how, for what reason???? I am very sad and scared.. I need my mom! My kids need my mom! I haven't really had time to sit and try to absorb it all since I just found out last night. It has been a hard day for me..Rick went to work today so I was just trying to keep busy with the boys...I am having a hard time staying focused and find my mind wandering and eyes tearing up on and off all day long. I really didn't want to get out of bed at all today.
I am sure that things will be hard for a while... I kind of feel like we are all stepping onto a roller coaster and don't know what to expect. I am a positive person so I am sure I will buck up and fight right along with my mom. My brother and sister and I will be here to help my mom through anything.. Please keep us in your prayers.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Tick Tock

Resolution list being worked on....coming soon!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Whewww !

WHeww! What a fun 32 hours we just had...haha!
We had a great party last night for Ricks' dads' side of the family. I think there were about 40 people or so.. lots of fun, laughing, even Santa paid us a
visit (Blake decided he DID NOT like Santa).

This morning the kids saw what Santa brought, (mini vespa scooters)..boy are they fun to ride on! We got Tate a new kick scooter , Club Penguin game for his DS, a hat, slippers and some candy. Kalvyn got a Hollister hoodie, shirt and sweater, pink sugar body scrub/perfume, Club Pengiun game for her DS. We got Blake a T-ball set, Radio Flyer scooter, slippers, a play bus and some pj's. The kids and I got Rick a new Les Paul electric guitar and I got a new purse and matching wallet...
My family came over for breakfast and gifts around 10. We had a great time watching the kids open and play with their gifts.
My family got the kids things they really loved. Blake seriously LOVED his new dump truck and dump truck books.

The other kids had a BLAST on the scooters they got...I did too!




















This afternoon my aunts, uncles and grandma came over for a late lunch. It was really nice to see everyone.
Tonight we have just been playing, enjoying each others company and getting the kids to bed on time tonight! I think we will be getting there a little earlier tonight too...We have Christmas with Grandma Carol and the cousins tomorrow!
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Booger sucker and one efficient child


Blake is one efficient child..He has a runny nose the past few days and he LIKES the "booger sucker" as we call it at our house...He does it himself..Who knows, maybe he'll be wiping himself at age 2..

Saturday, December 20, 2008

This time of year...


This time of year is so fun, but so much work. About this time we start the frenzy of "the Christmas parties".Rick and I both have divorced parents, therefore we have 4 different celebrations this week. I always have to brace myself for it..I also hope that everyone understands if I am not "available" this week. Our first celebrations starts tomorrow afternoon at my dad's house. Then Christmas Eve we have a HUGE party here with Ricks dad's side of the family. Christmas morning my mom, brother and sister come over. Our last celebration is the day after with Rick's mom. I love getting to see everyone,but I have to say, it is a little overwhelming..usually ending with me in tears at the end of the night..hehe, stress does that to me.
On another note, Kalvyn and I pulled off our 8 apple pies..boy are they yummy..I am ready to relax tonight and not do ANYTHING!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Rainy Day, shmainy day.


It's raining and who cares..Not the boys...

Monday, December 15, 2008

Believe the Unbelievable


Yesterdays message at church has had me thinking.. Cal talked about believing the unbelievable, the story of Mary.. Mary was a young girl,a virgin, engaged to be married to Joseph. The angel Gabriel came to her and told her she would be with child and she would name this child Jesus. The "impossible" was about to happen in her life. She had faith and she believed.

What would I do if an angel came to me and told me the very same thing. Besides thinking I was crazy, I may not believe. In the past it has been difficult for me to believe what I could not see. As I have gotten older, especially seeing the miracle of my children, I can believe the unbelievable. The bible clearly states in Luke 1:37 that "nothing is impossible with God".
My mind is geared to just have faith. Impossible things can and do happen every day. God is a supernatural being, Faith in God is illogical, but possible.God is truly unbelievable.
I may not be able to completely wrap my mind around God and what he has in store for me, but I will continue to believe in the unbelievable.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

When Daddy's Home


Rick has every Wednesday off.It is so nice to have that time together in the middle of the week. I think Blake has really, really started to LOVE Wednesdays. Rick gets Tate off to school and then he and Blake lounge around a little, read books and work on projects. This seems to be the only time I can get Blake to quit being such a mama's boy.hehe...
I can get so much done and Blake gets to bond with Dad. Tate gets out of school early on Wednesdays as well. Kalvyn gets home an hour after that. It is so nice to have that time together . Most of you know that Rick works really weird hours and doesn't get home until 8 or later most nights. Maybe one day he will work "normal hours"..until then, we'll just look forward to the days that Daddy is home.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Dinner Group


Some friends and I have have a dinner group that we share in. Each of us cook one night a week for everyone else. I have posted about this before but we still have it "GOIN ON!"
I think it has been 4.5 months?! We have had nothing but Great dinners every time. This week we had Chicken Enchiladas on Monday, Paprika chicken w/rice and broccoli on Tues. Tonight I made Chicken Pot Pies and tomorrow we are having BBQ Chicken sandwiches.
I haven't made Chicken Pot Pies in forever... I have to say, they were really good. My family will be requesting this more often I am sure.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

O' Christmas Tree


Our favorite part of the Christmas Holiday is getting the tree ready. We usually go and get pick out our tree three weeks or so before Christmas... We all have to agree on the tree, so sometimes it takes a while! We get home, get the tree in the stand, pop some popcorn, heat some hot coco and start decorating..

The funny thing about our tree is that it doesn't look all put together, beautiful silver and red bulbs. We have mostly homemade items on our tree.A lot of them from when Rick and I were small. Every year the kids get a new ornament from the store to mark what their interests were that year. We have a messy, fun, memorable tree! The kids have so much fun every year pulling out their ornaments and reliving the previous years. Of course Kalvyn has the most since she is the oldest. Tate keeps thinking he will somehow catch up to her..


Christmas music going, popcorn popping, hot cocoa boiling...ahh what a great tradition!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Another one bites the dust


Kalvyn has had this new tooth growing in for EVER. The dentist said the baby one would come out on its own.. finally.....one of the baby teeth came out, not the one we were hoping for, but it's a start...I am sooo good at pulling teeth out.. it's kind of gross but I love to pull teeth...I've even been known to pull a neighbor kids tooth out at the after school pick up spot, Zach, you know who you are...I guess the tooth fairy will make an appearance tonight!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATE!!!!








Happy Birthday Tate! You are 8 today . I can't believe it.. Where has the time gone?
It seem like just yesterday that you were born. I love you so much. Have a great day buddy!!!!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving

This is one of my favorite times of year. It is cooling down, kids are off school for holiday breaks and I get to spend time with family. We have lost a couple of family members over the last couple of years and this time of year really makes me miss them. I am so thankful for so many things in my life. As I get older I realize how much I have to be thankful for. Kalvyn listed 10 reasons that she was thankful and it motivated me to do the same.
1.I am thankful for my family, immediate and extended.
2.I am thankful for our health. Sometimes I take this for granted but we have it good.
3.I am thankful for my friends. I really love all of my friends. They each have their own great qualities that make me feel like I am surrounded by greatness.
4.I am thankful for my marriage. My parents were divorced when I was 4 and I always thought a family was a mom and kids. I love Rick so much. He truly makes me complete.
5.I am thankful that I have God in my life. No explanation needed.
6.I am thankful that I live in a free country. Again, I take this for granted until I watch the news.
7.I am thankful for all the mistakes I have ever made, big and small. They make me who I am today. You can't learn unless you admit you make them.
8.I am thankful that I don't have to struggle to feed my kids. I can't imagine them going hungry.
9.I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my kids. It's hard work but I wouldn't change it for anything.
10.I am thankful for education. We may not have the best education system here in AZ, but at least we are able to get an education.

Happy Thankgiving..

Monday, November 24, 2008

Busy Weekend




Whewww.. That was a busy weekend. We started Friday night going to see the "Twilight" movie. Kalvyn,Jordyn and a few friends went to the Harkins Tempe Market Place for diner and a movie. It was a lot of fun. The movie wasn't as good as I hoped. I really didn't expect it to be as good as the book. Rick wants me to get the books on cd so he can listen to them on the way to and from work. shhh. don't tell anyone!
Saturday we had soccer at 9:30. It was the best game of the season. Tate won 5-4. We then hit a remote control airplane show. After that we ran home and got ready for Tate's birthday fun. We picked his friends up at 3 and were off to laser tag. The boys had a ton of fun! We all came home and had hot dogs, cupcakes and jumped on the trampoline. Around 7:30 a mom called to see if we decided to adopt her son.. haha. We dropped everyone off at home around 8pm. It was a very long day.
Sunday we had diner at my dads for Thanksgiving. It was fun for the cousins to get together and play. Rick and I hit the hot tub and then it was lights out...It was a very busy weekend.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

BAD Day!


Today was a tough day. I must be having PMS or something. As you may remember, we had taken in a dog from someone that Rick knew. Lucy. Well, after 6-7 weeks of cleaning up throw up almost daily, cleaning up pee numerous times a day, dealing with her running out the door anytime anyone opened it, NUMEROUS health problems $$$$$$$, we have decided that this was not working out. I am a person that takes on something and really likes to commit.So this was very hard for me. Lots of guilt feelings. We have wrestled with this for a couple weeks. We thought she might get better, get used to our family, other dog, routine, rules. She hasn't, not one bit. The poor thing was simply used to breed at her last owners home. She has never been socialized, doesn't know how to act around another dog or people for that matter. We found her a new home. The kids, mostly Tate, were heart broken. I cried many times today. Then we go to Home Depot. This annoying sales person was following, borderline harassing us, to sign up to have our kitchen cabinets looked at. I totally gave him a fake phone number so he would go away and leave us alone. I couldn't deal with anything else today. I got to the car and starting crying. Rick hugged me and asked what what wrong. I told him I felt like a bad person today for giving that sales guy a wrong number. I don't lie, It makes me feel terrible. RIck laughed. He knew where I was coming from . I really feel like a bad person today...
I do have to admit, the peaceful, harmonious feeling is back in our home tonight. I still feel like a bad person though...:(

Monday, November 17, 2008

Painting



Seriously, if anyone ever hears me say that I am going to be painting, please slap me, hard. Rick and I painted the entire inside of this house 4 years ago. I vowed never to paint again. Well, we are redoing Tate's room for his birthday. The first step of that is painting his BLUE room a lighter, more neutral color. I started this weekend and after about 30 minutes it all came back to me. I HATE PAINTING! Once you start you can't stop though. It's even harder with 2 "helpers". I am almost done, thank goodness! I will post some pictures of the redone room when it's all done.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Brothers



Brothers...
I have a brother that is sandwiched between me and my sister. The poor thing had to deal with two sis
ters.. I never knew the bond between brothers. Tate and Blake are so great with each other. They love to rough house, run, scream, explore, hug, fight, read together. I can tell these guys will be friends for life. I know they will always be there for each other even though there is 6 years difference in age.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you Grandpa Warren, for all you have done! We love you so much! Hope you can make it back to Arizona this winter... Love you!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

I can see the light.

Thank goodness this is finally behind us. All 5 of us have been sick this week. Rick and I spent Friday night and Saturday sick.. I slept 13 hours...and a nap. I feel so much better today, we all do. We slept in and we may go see a movie..It is a cloudy cold day. It's great to be alive!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Someone tell me this is a joke???!!!



Please, please tell me...I could use a good laugh. We have had a week around here. Tate threw up all day Sunday. I thought we were on our way to getting back to normal...today Blake started throwing up every 10 minutes..seriously, every 10 minutes. Of course he is so little he can't let you know it is coming... Kalvyn has a 99.9 temp. She missed school yesterday and today .She was seen by a doctor today because her throat hurts so bad. Strep is going around. Well, no strep..which is good,but why does it hurt so bad? Just a virus. She has been miserable all night. Right after she went to bed, about 8:30.. Rick and I were sitting on the couch talking about what a tough day it has been( he had a dental emergency today as well,to the tune of $1200.0,fun), Kalvyn comes running in throwing up. She had a cup in her room she grabbed and most, yes most of it made it..some didn't. Rick is cleaning up her room and she will sleep with me tonight. We have a custom in our home..kids throwing up sleep with mom. That we we can prevent throw up all over the floor, bed, ect. I hear them getting ready and I grab the "bowl" and they aim..gross! So now we have two vomiters.. Any takers on a bet that I won't get any sleep tonight?

Sunday, November 2, 2008

This Weekend....


This weekend started out with a bang.Kalvyn had her 1st dance recital at Shepherd. She did SO GOOD. I really don't remember being as sure of myself as she is. Confidence is a great quality and she has it when it comes to performing.
Tate had his class party..It was loads of fun.. I left with a headache which has been here on a
nd off all weekend. I think I am fighting something off. We went trick or treating at Ricks moms house. She always
has a big party with yummy food.(that is my niece Jordyn...she loves Blake and is really good with him)Saturday was soccer and recovery from Halloween. Today was a weird day . We got up and ate breakfast with the intention of going to church . Tate started feeling sick and threw up all day long. He seriously hasn't been sick since the beginning of kindergarten. THe poor thing felt so bad he was in bed all day...Needless to say, he won't be at school tomorrow.

Blake thought it was pretty funny all the weird sounds coming out of Tate today. He fed himself a whole container of yogurt all by himself without making too much of a mess.
Rick and I took advantage of not having anything to do and just relaxed. I really think I am coming down with something...just not quite feeling right... Here's to a better day tomorrow.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

10 Things I Love About Tate...



I have a favorite 7 and3/4 year old boy named Tate... He is such a sweetie and here are 10 things I love about him:
  1. Tate is so full of energy it is hard to be lazy when he is around.
  2. He has the sweetest, most tender heart.
  3. Tate has a great sense of humor and loves to tell jokes, sometimes they aren't funny but the way he tells them makes them funny.
  4. I love the way that Tate is up for learning about anything and everything. He is so inquisitive.
  5. I haven't met another kid with such a great imagination.
  6. Tate is an open book. He doesn't hide his feelings and I LOVE that about him.
  7. Tate has a real open mind and heart about God. I didn't have that at his age and he is so in tune with it all. Sometimes I am jealous that he seems to really get it at this age. It took me a while.
  8. Tate ALWAYS wakes up in a good mood, again, jealous.. wish I could always wake up happy.
  9. Tate loves to argue, debate I should say. Usually this drives me crazy but I think it is a good quality to question things.
  10. Mostly I am happy that he is my son. Icouldn'thave asked for a better one!
Love you Tate!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Last Weekend



I have been so busy I haven't posted about the fun weekend we had. My friend Annette had her annual Halloween Party. It was so fun. She had AMAZING food and fun crafts for the kids. After that her neighborhood meets at the park and trick or treats. The kids had such a good time. I miss my work friends and don't get to see them as often as I would like... such is the life of a stay home mom.
This weekend was also my niece Madalyn's birthday...she is already 2. I can't believe it. She had so much fun at her party. She got a cute doll house, clothes and a girly t-ball set. We love you Mady.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Tagged!!!!!!!


Thanks Bree! Bree Tagged me to find the 4th picture in the 4th folder on my computer.. Well, it is a little blurry but cute nonetheless. This was in 2006 on our vacation in Virginia. It was taken at Ricks aunt Joyce and Uncle Chucks home. It is one of the most beautiful homes/properties I have seen. Acres of green and big trees. We are told that some of the Civil War activity took place down the street. Kalvyn and Tate loved the horses and the wolf in the bottom corner was Tates buddy the whole time. He was literally out wrestling with it in the grass. I was afraid he would come in with his face bitten off. We will have to go back soon.
Now I tag Sara and Susie! Come on Susie, you have to do this one...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

10 Things I Love About Kalvyn



I sure do love Kalvyn..She really brightens up my day. Here are my top 10 reasons why:
1. She is extremely considerate of other peoples feelings.
2. Kalvyn loves her family, both of them.
3. She sure is fun to shop with, actually she is my favorite person to shop with.
4. She has a good sense of humor and loves to make us laugh.
5. She doesn't care if I still call her cookie dough or sugar cookie.
6. She hasn't gotten all boy crazy on us yet, like most of her friends.
7. I think she is the most responsible 12 year old I have ever met.
8. Kalvyn has a good heart, she is always thinking of others.
9. I love it when she cooks with me. She is just fun to be around.
10. Mostly I love that she is in my life. I can't imagine her not being in it.

Ps. Her favorite colors are pink and aqua ( she made me say this).

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Bad Mom


Today I am a bad mom. I was preoccupied
Mopping the kitchen floor. It was disaster from the weekend. I look over and Blake has emptied the desk drawer. He is saying ouch, ouch, ouch. I go over and he has a nickel in his mouth,you know, just the right size to block a wind pipe, he is holding a tac and poking himself with it over and over and also has an ink pen in one hand. I swear I only had my back turned for 2 minutes.... He thinks he is pretty funny!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Cousins

This week Ricks brother Chad and his wife Misty went to China for a week.They will be moving in June for his job and they went on their "preview" trip. We had the honor of helping with the kids this week. It is surely no easy task taking on 4 extra kids! They were great though. Everybody pitched in and helped with cooking, cleaning up dinner and helping each other. The only complaint is that most of these kids DO NOT pick up after themselves. I swear, if everyone just put things back where they got them from, life would be easy. Rick took the kids to Tate's soccer game Saturday.(I stayed home with sick baby,see prior entry). Later that night we went driving around looking at all the Halloween decorations in the neighborhood. Sunday we went to the later service at church( God Bless all my friends who get 4-5 kids ready for 8am church??) and then went to Chapparal Park for fishing, skating, selling lemonade and relaxing. It was a lot of fun to see the kids play together even though they are getting older. C.J. is now 15, Jordyn is almost 13, Madison is 8,and Luke is 5.

Rick and I decided that we probably couldn't do 7 kids. HAHA!