Pictures

After her 1st haircut

Before her 1st haircut

Owen & Lydia at 'oyster stew' night.
Mikey, Jillian, Lydia & Owen - all 2nd cousins, or 3rd, can't remember. But they're cute!

Me, Lydia & Jillian. The kids wanted to bring her home. Owen cried when Troy said NO!

The Hill annual Christmas Letter

Christmas 2009 with The Hill Family

Greeting’s all. It’s the end of 2009 & I am not on cloud nine. I’ve realized Parenting doesn’t get any easier. I think I’d like mine to be babies again, not toddlers just 2 years apart. Whew….I’m struggling this year getting everything accomplished before 12/25. I sure hope it happens. J The children are as busy as ever. With lots of changes this past year, please read along for our 2009 excitement.

January is always the dull month, so we’ve spiced it up by celebrating Lydia’s birthday some days late. Which she won’t realize til she’s older. I hope she’s okay with that.

February, Troy and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We had planned to go away for the night, but unfortunately with timing, others schedules and a budget it didn’t get to happen. Troy also turned 32, and with this he seems to think that he is too old to add anymore children to our family. I think he’s got the right idea some days. My patience is about paper thin. But there’s still that yearn in my heart that wants more. So we’re pretty sure Lydia was our caboose to the Hill Family Train.

March we have quite a few birthdays in our family and close friends that are celebrated. 1 special one this year was a western themed party. Cowboy Birthday Boy, Kyle Higbee. He turned 5 and started Kindergarten in the fall. Counting down the days till my son goes, ha ha ha. March also dropped a new job right in my lap! I am very blessed for this, because it has provided more for our family, socializing with adults for me and just overall a good experience. I am currently employed at Edgewood Surgical Hospital in Transfer, PA in the Business Office. With that we started building a new relationship with our sitter, LeeAnn. She’s a great Christian woman with a loving family. My children love to go there.

April as always brings the Iroquois Economics Seminar. I get to work with a past co-worker. We get to catch up, sip wine, and rub elbows with the elite. Always a fun day. I especially enjoy the prime rib.

This past summer our Alabran extended family found a new convenient place for family to gather in the nice weather. CP Park, It’s great! The kids love it, the adults love it, and Molly got to go once, too. Your wondering who Molly is….be “Patient” read on.

June was a short month for us, as I covered summer vacations at work. So the days flew by. Unfortunately the end of the month brought us to a big upset…. Brownie our then 5 yr old chocolate lab developed a huge mass on the side of his head. He had to be put to sleep. I held him until his final breath, it was the hardest thing I’ve yet had to do. My Brownie was my protector, my friend for life and my 1st baby. We got Brownie with my ‘last’ ‘single’ tax return, but also our first purchase as Mr. & Mrs. Troy Hill. It was bittersweet. But I knew it was for the best. Our family just didn’t feel complete, so I started on a mission to find another dog to love. I found MOLLY! I wasn’t real sure Troy was going to go for this, but he gave his usual “wellllll Okay” head nod. Molly’s a red/brown Dachshund. She’s about 14lbs now, big change from Brownie’s 115 lbs. But we love her to death and she’s decided she doesn’t like to be ‘dressed up’. I’ve gotten some super sweet deals on dog sweaters/outfits though….wonder when she’s going to realize this…..she’s a female, she’s got to understand!!!! Some day I keep telling myself. She gives me an ashamed look when she’s dressed up.

In August our house was about to change in many more ways, yet again. If Id a known Id a buckled my seat belt! Troy’s parents got rid of their Green Blazer for the Clunker program as did Troy’s sisters family.

Harold & Marlyn got a 2010 Chevy Equinox and the Leise Family got a Pontiac G6. Troy and I must have felt out of the loop, because we got my first “brand new” vehicle, 2009 Pontiac Torrent. I LOVE IT. It’s roomy, nice riding, cute looking, and functional. There are so many sensors to tell me if something’s wrong. It has a built in cell phone and OnStar, I feel VERY safe!!! And it’s my favorite color…blue! Troy’s now using the Tracker as a daily vehicle to try to give the ol’ truck a break. Which it does make sense, sort of weird seeing him drive around in it. He decided to get a garage door system for ‘his’ side of the garage, it’s in the process….like the swing set…like the old front doors in the front yard….need I say more…. I need a ‘Handy Manny’ Owen tells me he can do it!!!

Premier Designs, How many of you have heard of it? Well now’s the time. I am a Premier Designs Jeweler. I started this in August at my 1st home show/training show. I’ve had 13 great shows and would love to show you my jewelry some time. It’s fun, exciting and rewarding. Premier Designs is a religious based company out of Texas. The founder’s (Andy & Joan) I will get to meet at my first Regional Conference at the end of January. I am very excited. It’s also my first big Premier Designs event. The jewelry is multi functional, cute and classy. We get to see the new jewelry line for spring at Regional’s.

The fall just seems to creep right up on us with the Great Stoneboro Fair. It’s always a zoo around here that week. But the kids enjoyed it. Owen and Lydia rode their first fair rides. The day after the fair was over was Owen’s very 1st day of Preschool. I DID NOT CRY!!!! I looked over after dropping Owen off at another mom and she was sobbing….I was grinning…. I was happy, I was excited…. Owen was off to keep others busy instead of his mom. Ha ha ha. We’ve noticed a big difference in him since he started. He is having fun and we’re making lots of new friends. Even mommy is too. He truly keeps me busy and on my toes. I love the new things he comes up with lately. 12/21 he said to Troy….Dad we need to build a fire. Santa needs a place to come in. And we can hang our socks on it. He was thinking if you didn’t have a fireplace Santa couldn’t come and leave presents, and socks he must be thinking stockings…they’re hung in the kitchen on the knobs to the China Cupboard.

October is my favorite month. But this October I’m not real sure. The guys were super busy in the fields. That means more alone time with the kids. Some day I will get used to doing a lot on my own. I do realize that Troy is a very hard worker and if the field work doesn’t get done it does have a chain affect on the farm. And the children love the farm more than anything. Owen seems to be the ‘field work’ type and Lydia seems to be the animal lover. Owen has started getting closer to the cows, but only at fairs and shows. Lydia talks to the cows. It’s cute!

Because of working I was able to start my Christmas shopping a little early. So after many much deserved years Tara and I were able to get the chance to head to Pittsburgh for a girl’s day out. We had a blast. I experienced ‘The Cheesecake Factory’. I was in heaven! Well it seemed with all those desserts. Owen turned 4 and we had a Halloween themed birthday party. It was a blast, I was even a Queen!

In November Troy & I attended our first Parent/Teacher Conference. It was better than I thought. I was certain the facility was going to have ‘Owen Hill’s parents’ phone number on speed dial. But he’s doing well. Time sure does go so fast once Thanksgiving is over. Then it’s time for Christmas cards, letters, etc. I’ve decided that I need to start blogging, here’s our site:

http://4hillfamily.blogspot.com/

Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010!

Sincerely,
Troy, Michelle, Owen, Lydia & Molly

Crazy Weather

MY 2 FAVORITES I MADE TODAY 12/9/09

SORRY I CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO ROTATE, THIS IS A BDAY CARD I MADE TRYING A FEW NEW COLORS, OLD OLIVE AND ? I FORGET THE PURPLE OCOLOR NAME

MOLLY SNOOZING ON THE SIDE OF THE COUCH.

OUR STOCKING ARENT EXACTLY HUNG BY THE CHIMNEY W/CARE.

THEY'RE HUNG AT THE CHINA CUPBOARD...BUT W/CARE. DOEST HAT COUNT?

KIDS WATCHING TV TOGETHER

This weather is absolutely NUTS!

It was freezing this weekend, the Monday it was cold and snowed, Tuesday it was cold and windy, today it was so windy and rainy. So windy that we lost power from shortly after 2pm to almost 530pm. The kids weren't real sure about it. Owen kept going to turn on lights, and screaming because we had more light bulbs to fix. He's little 'fix it' these days. So they played and I worked by daylight on about 12 new Christmas cards. I have hardly been able to pick up my Stampin Up stuff and make some cards. I did do 2 birthday cards this week.

Yesterday I had my great uncle's funeral. Before that i met my best friend for lunch at my favorite restaurant. It was such a nice treat to sit and talk, uninterrupted, eating my favorite meal there. Then off to the funeral. Im going to make a dress requirement for my funeral. I just think it's so disrespectful, I know some who had jeans, sneakers and so forth on have better. ohh well. I dont think my Great Uncle cared too much.

We went as a family to deliver a load of hay, then off to this little place to get a Christmas tree.... I think it's a blue spruce, we only paid $25 for it, it's nearly 7' tall until Troy gets to hackin at it. lol. Which hopefully will be tomorrow and when I get home from work I can decorate it.

Last night Troy said to me when we got home that he'd like to take Owen with him to take cows to the sale and off to lunch at Pizza Hut for their lunch buffet. That was nice. What a shock though. Lydia wasn't impressed at all that she didn't get to go. So her and I had lunch, picked up, dragged out the Christmas decorations and so forth. I finally found my good black dress pants that had been missing since middle of Oct...they were in my summer clothes that Id packed away. Ohh well. I'll keep a closer eye on them. I got the house decorated. Need to get a day the kids and I can put together a few foam sets we bought last year to assemble. Maybe next week.

Tomorrow is school and work for Owen and I. I dread every morning, he doesn't want to get up, I want to get up, get dressed, look my best and he fights me and I then get all stressed. I set my alarm for a little earlier tomorrow. We'll see if that works. I cant' wait til he can go 3 days a week for 1/2 hr longer. Will be so nice. Then when he starts kindergarten in 2011 fall Lydia will start preschool 2 days a week. YEA!!! Its hard to believe that Lydia will be 2 at the end of the month and to think I remember so clearly being pregnant with her at Owen's 2ND birthday and I thought he was such a big boy and expected too much out of him. Funny how that happens to the oldest child. So I'm trying to slow down, enjoy it more, be more patient, some days are truly harder than others.

I'm kinda of excited, but not really about going shopping Friday all day with my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. Don't get me wrong I have a good time usually. I just dont have a good pair of sneakers, not very much more to buy(Lydia bday, Joanne bday, Joanne cmas, tom cmas, pete and Harold cmas, AND savanna cmas and I am done) I wait until we both get paid on the 18Th to get the gift cards I need. I took stock of everything the other day.

Well Lydia's since stripped since I started typing this. Owen's sound asleep, Molly is trying to sleep but Lydia just wont leave her alone.

Until next time......

It's been a very very very very long time.

I truly need to do this at least weekly. With as much as the kids grow and change. It's really a great idea to do it. It's just to get myself loged in and do it. Maybe I just need to set my calendar to an appt schedule. lol.

Today we went to a craft show at the church where Owen goes to preschool. IT was truly nice. I am about finished shopping for my in laws....need to get solar lights for their front yard and some gift cards. I am done with my mom except her annual calendar that I create at walmart.com with photos from the previous year. She really liked hers last year. I still have no idea what to get Troy, all the ideas I told him I gave to my in my in laws. But thats ok. I do get him a Farmer's Almanac every year. Lydia's getting a doll house, clothes, shoes, and a few other toys, Owen's getting clothes, movies, books, small toys and we have yet to decide what his big gift is. My sister-in-law is being very generous and getting him his bed that he desperately needs.

I cannot believe that Christmas is in a few weeks. I dont even have my cards made!!! I can't belive it. Im so slacking this year. Nothings decorated either. Not a shock because Troy really does slack at getting us our tree. Maybe this weekend or this coming week. He always likes a real one. Im contimplating next year just doing an artificial. We'll see. I think a live tree is such a waste of money.

They're about done combining corn. Thank heavens. This year seems to have been weird. Troy did cut his thumb pretty bad last night, but unsure how bad, just saying what he told me. I didn' tlook. He had it all wrapped up.

Molly will be 8 months on Dec.18 It is truly amazing how well she fits into our family and how much joy she brings us. She still doesnt like her sweaters and would rather freeze outside. If she
only knew what she was missing.

Lydia is up to a size 24 mos/2T and Owen 5's. It's amazing how fast they grow. They're both 95% or higher for their heights, Owen's up there for weight and Lydia's under. They're so tall and she's so skinny!!! Both 'toe heads' to speak. She's got fine hair that won't allow for very many barettes. He's got thick wavy hair. I think it's about time for her 1st trim and him a trim as well. I am trying to grow my hair out to it's natural lt brown color. But Ive noticed a few of these really weird colored hairs ............. GRAYYYYYYYYYYYY~~~~ I am a bit shocked. ohh well.

New Addition

Molly has joined our family.......

Sleepy Spoiled Puppy

Poor Molly never gets a rest!

Until the kids go to sleep...then she snuggles in bed w/mommy

Sunday June 28 our family went to look at 3 Dachshund puppies. The kids had a blast w/all of these pups running around. We told the lady we'd decide which one and let her know within the hour. So we went to Arby's and sat down to have dinner and discuss it. WE picked Molly the chubby lovable one. It was hard to decide. But we did it. So of course w/a small new puppy we needed to get some new supplies (puppy food, puppy collar, leash, etc).

Tuesday July 1- I picked Molly up after work. The girls I work w/wanted to see her. So we did a parking lot introduction to Leslie, Stephanie and Georgia. She shook like a leaf the whole way home. Never cried though. We did come up with Molly in the first hour that she was home. Troy decided the finalization. Our other names were Hannah, Miley, Katie, I think that's all I remember. She never cried when I put her in her cage for the night....however when Troy camehome she cried and cried and cried. Troy slept in the recliner w/her on his chest all nite.

She did wimper to go outside the first few days, then it went down hill. She kept peeing on the towel on the floor in front of tub when I was bathing. She's doing well though.

Tuesday July 7 - Molly goes to her first vet appointment. She weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz. She passed all the tests. No fleas, worms or parasites. Dr.Clark said she looked GREAT! They trimmed her nails, we got a free puppy kit w/1 mnths supply of heartgard and flea protection.

I did talk in text to molly's old owner's...all her sisters are placed in new homes already. YEAA

Troy and Matthew made it to Texas for the National Guernsey Breeders Convention. They'll return Monday.

Lydia said CHEESE, YES, UHOH, THIS all within a week. AMAZING!!!

I can't wait to be done working for 2 weeks!! Im off for 2 whole weeks. Im sure it'll all get booked up. But at least I dont HAVE to be anywhere on a timeclock. I love where I work and waht I do, but 3 weeks in a row is tough w/2 lil kids 3 and under, a puppy, a busy husband and a house.

I really need to get w/it!!!

Im sorry I am not doing very well getting this updated often...I'll try from now on because in just 3 wks our family changes so much as do the kids.....

I've been forgetting lots, haven't been able to clean for my sil, depressing. Guess that is what happens when you work.

We'll start w/last monday I started working for 3 wks, then I get a 2 wks break, work a week and am off all of August... gonna be sad when the paycheck doesn't come in....but my house needs major cleaning (Ive already started my list, even for Troy too lol).

So Well I guess back up a few days...

Sat. 6/20 we went to Porter's 3rd Birthday Party at the Hartstown Firehall. owen was terrified of the firetrucks and Shannon put Lydia in a firetruck and she refused to leave it!!! We had a great time, good food and great socializing. Lydia made a mess eating, but had a good time. Porter's cake had a sock monkey on it (GROSS!!!). Kidding....Im wondering if Cheryl really reads this...she'll be rolling on the floor laughing. The kids played w/toys, balloons, got to see the trucks, eat and get press on firetruck tattoos. It was great.

That night we headed to Meadville's Thurston Classic to possibly see the balloons. Well we were 20 mins past the time they were to decide whether they were going to fly or not....ANDNOT A BALLOON in sight!!!! So as promised ot the kids balloons, headed to the 'dollar tree' for $1 mylar balloons (Owen's a blue star and Lydia's a Disney Princess themed one). Staples had some GREAT deals and we too advantage of that. Then did a 3 wk grocery trip...well things are getting low and we've only completed 2 wks. But at least it's just bread, milk, juice kinda stuff so easy!

Sunday 6/21 FATHERS DAY: The kids got Troy a new fancy tape measure, Owen's broke 2 or 3 of them. (lol). Troy milked, then we met Dad, Helen and Savanna w/our crew at Applebee's. We had the BEST food ever. I decided I don't like margarita's and if I ever want to order one I'll order w/o salt or w/sugar on edge of glass. EWWWW salt and a nice beverage doesn't mix. Afterwards we gassed up, got the Sunday paper and headed to dad's w/my laptop and Mail's pc in hands. Hers , we think, is fixed. Who knows w/her. Then home to bed and...now we start Monday.

My drink that wasn't so great! Minus the salt woulda been GREAT!!!

Dad and Savanna 2 1/2, Lydia 1 1/2 and Owen 3 1/2.

6/22. . . . i trained for registration thru Thursday and was alone Friday and then through July 10 am registering patient's alone. I think it's gone pretty well. After I returned home Monday I was letting Brownie (our 5 1/2 yr old male choc lab, we've had him since March 2004). And I noticed his side of his face was swollen like a baseball size. He had gunk coming out of his eye and his ear was swollen at least 1/2" thick. That previous weekend he'd been crying every time he moved his head and was just looking old!!! So Tuesday we made such a hard decision to have him put to sleep. Pnut and Aunt Mary met me at the vet's office, and the kids were dropped off at Mom's. It was so hard on me. I checked in, made my check out ($105) got him weighed (93 lb, was 115 the previous august). We had a few moments together, the vet came in, gave him a shot in his IV , she said now this is going to be fast. He laid his head down, and that was that.... Off to sleepy land, peacefully, no pain, without a whimper or sigh. :-( The office sent us a card a few days later.

I cried the whole way to work that morning, and the next. It took a few days before I could go downstairs to throw his pillows away, clean up the shedded fur, empty his food dish and close up the bag. We are now shipping 2 full 50lb bags to the farm and 1/2 of one. ohh well.

Thursday after work mom met me at Walmart, and we picked out a new sweeper! I LOVE IT!!! Used it last night for the 1st time, I moved some furniture around. I like the new TV in it's new spot and the book shelf as well. I ran into an old friend, Lisa, we got to chat a little. We met Aunt Mary and Pnut for dinner. And it started to pour, so there went our plans for Kids Carnical at Riverside park.

Thursday I also began to think about another dog already. I asked Owen did he want a dog or a puppy. I seriously was considering a dog, but with kids guess we'd better not chance it and just get a puppy so it's used to kids. I wanted something small. Medium to small sized, non shedding (funny huh , it's a damn dog...gonna shed!).

Friday I also worked, alone w/no one watching me. . . . . don't really remember what we did.

Saturday- June 20 : Tara and I had planned to go to Deer Park. After serious consideration with factors taken into it like Jamestown yard sales, weekend, and nice weekend for campers that they'd probably be busy. So her in laws were out of town. We swam from 1130-330. It was fun. Owen wore his back pack thingy and had a great time diving off the board, jumping into 11'. Made me nervous at 1st, but then realized he does great w/his back pack on. I sunscreened the kids and I 2x. Im burnt! The kids are tan!!! WTH??????? So...it was about 3 or so...Owen jumped into 11' and didn't have his back pack on. Tara jumped in and saved him! Talk about hear stopping. The lil bugger realized he didn't have his pack on when they got to the stairs. ohh well. I'll be peeling like the snake skin I found in my flower bed last evening in a few days. ewwww.

We headed home and not even 3 mins in the car both kids were zonked out! too cute! Shoulda taken a picture. Stopped at a yard sale, got buns at Camp Perry. Troy called me on way home and said he got a tank for our grill we've used less than 20x we got for him last Father's Day. I was so excited. So we had yummy burgers on the grill for dinner. AND I had found on sharonherald.com's classifieds:

3 dacshund female pups the price and telephone #...I called the lady on her cell, she text me 3 pics and Troy and I decided to go sunday to look at them. The 3 are sisters, 10 wks were born 4/18, dad on premise and mom is at owner's . The lady was a little weird. But we decided an hour later we'd get the chubby female that was loveable. The black/tan one is hyper and the skinny one is shy. So we headed to walmart to get puppy supplies. The collar is so cute!!!! And to get Mil's pc and home we came!!!

SORE BURNT me laid around all evening and couldn't sleep very well.

I'll post pictures maybe this weekend of the new puppy. I get her tomorrow after work. I cannot decide on a name. Here's what we're thinking:

EVA, ALLIE, MOLLY, MILEY, MAGGIE, ABBY ? ?? ? ? ?

????We had 9 mos to decide w/the kids we've got like 2 days with the new puppy.

~sorry for any typos, as most know we've got a broken laptop screen. We've found a few brand new on ebay, but Ive got to figure out what is wrong w/my paypal acct. That Ive got a 1-800 for and need a moment of quietness. ROFLMAO. . . with 2 kids under 4 that's a joke!!!

Busy Boring Blah

Well right now I just feel blah. Not real sure. Maybe it was from my boring day today compared to yesterday. I seem to do so well mood wise if I continue to keep busy......

Yesterday we were so busy with my cousin's open house. I took Hot Chicken dip and Andrew's photo collage over to his open house, set up the table where his stuff was and plugged my dip in and left. Apparently some family members didn't like that. But I only live less than 10 mi away and 10 minutes. I knew if we were there (the park) an hour and a half before the photographer was scheduled to come take a bunch of family pictures, the kids would NEVER stay clean. So Owen went with Troy to delivery a load of hay and Lydia rode with me. We ventured back home, got ready and headed back. I also knew the kids would be on family overload by the time it was picture time. The pictures turned out well as far as cooperation goes, we'll see when they get in....Im sure they're great. We were able to proof a few. YEA! Kara was very pleasant too. Aunt Billie & Uncle Chuck had TONS of leftovers....and we all moved the party to their house. Around 9ish I decided it was time to get the kids in their PJ's and head home (20 min drive)....they were SOUND ASLEEP when we got home. Unfortunately Owen realized daddy carried him in last night and woke up for a little while. We were in bed around 10 and sleeping. I tossed and turned all night. Must of been the 2 cans of caffinated pop I can around 7pm. Don't think I'll be doing that again.

Today Troy and I volunteered at Strawberry Days in the Mercer County Farm Bureau ice cream bootg. B-O-R-I-N-G!!! I took a few walks, saw a few people I knew..... I did get chocolate covered strawberry's from Shannon's Kandy Kitchen that I absolutely LOVE. But come on $6.50 for a 1/2 lb box. i usually only get them once maybe twice a year (Stoneboro Fair and possibly Penn Woods Craft show). Also found a booth selling towels, bags, blankets, bibs, etc cloth. I got a matching bib and blanket for a gift....it's farm print, for kids. And 2 handtowels w/matching pot holders, I picked up a friend a bday gift of pot holders that match her kitchen. I think though after I took a close look at them that maybe it's something I could try to make as gifts as August through December I really do not have alot of days to work. And it'd be something personalized, cheaper (I think) and useful that people woould use as a Christmas gift. We'll see. Mom got me a small sewing machine a few years ago and I havent even taken it out of the box.I don't know where to even start.

As I type this Owen is sounds asleep in unders in my bed, hope he doesn't pee. And Lydia's watching the Wonder Pets sitting in the kiddo chair I got for $5 at a yard sale.

So....Ive been thinking about a yard sale Aug 14 & 15...that's for sure I want to have one...but I can't make up my mind if I am done having children or not. 1 week it's YES we are done...then the next it's NO. So I think I had better only save what I truly like and would need that won't go back within 4-5 yrs. I say that because Lydia has to at least be in Preschool and Owen grade school, and my Mirena isn't due to come out until March 2014. It's such a hard decision. i do have a ton of stuff Id like to get rid of, and a savings for a Wii or Cricut I'd like to add to.

Troy's cousin Krista got home and had a horrible headache tonight, so we're specifically praying for her healing and well being tonight. I had mentioned to her about coming over tomorrrow. But I think I am going ot hold off for a few more days...I can remember all too well what she's feeling like bringing home a new baby, having a son at home already, a husband that works, a family that wants to visit and the pain of a CSection after already having a natural child birth....ICK. So I am going to see if this is okay with her...Im hoping it is unless sh'es truly set on me coming over. Mom's on vacation this week, so I am going to have her come sit w/the kids while I go visit and take dinner and a gift.

Well I think some little girl has a present, not a nice one lol, for me in her diaper. She needs a bath too. Guess Owen will have to wait til morning to get his.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

I swear we always are on the go....

Seems like as soon as the weather breaks we are as busy as ever.......
I worked 2 days this week. Which was enough. For some reason I loose lack of concentration. But we were busy today, so that helped stay focused.

Yesterday Troy's cousin had a routine OB appointment and was induced last night. Today around 2pm Jillian Leigh Cratty was born to Jerrod and Krista Cratty weighing in at 6 lbs 9.2 oz. We're still awaiting height measurements. She was born via C-section due to her cord being wrapped. Pretty common, but something a previous natural child birth mom never wants is a C-Section. I hope to go meet Jillian and congratulate her parents and new big brother Monday. My kiddos are staying w/Grammy though. i'll try to get a pic of her and I to post. Tonight we went shopping and bought her and her big brother a gift. When Jillian gets a little older and her mommy is doing better we'll let Owen and Lydia meet her.

Yesterday after work I picked the kids up from in laws FRESHLY BATHED! My mother-in-law is so good to me. Kids and I went to Aunt Billie's and Uncle Chuck's for dinner, to visit and upload pictures for her. Was fun! The kids had a blast.

Today they got to go to the Leise house. Aunt Elaine took them along w/her 3 (Matthew,14, Joel 10 and Rebekah 7 ) to McDonald's and Hempfield Park. They both took a nap in the car on our way to Meadville. Had to get ingredients for my Buffalo Chicken Hot Dip For Andy's open house, we ate dinner at King's (was alright), shopped at Walmart and headed to down town Meadville to pick up pictures at Walgreens. I got 252 pics printed for like $25. I found a coupon code for 33% off my order and I saved $12!!!! I like to get my pics printed in bulk...cheaper that way.

Tomorrow I plan to get Andy's collage done, signs for the food and hopefully the card for everyone to sign. I also have a few things to type up for the collage. Kids to bathe. Few loads of laundry (I know why am I typing this......so I can see everything I have to do)...a few phone calls to make, hopefully go to town to get gas, banking, strawberries, jello that forgot at store tonight and maybe hit a yard sale.

Take care
have a good weekend. Will have photos hopefully monday night loaded.

Busy,Busy, Busy

This past weekend we sure we quite busy. After work on Friday June 5 we headed to the Hunt's house for dinner with some family members and the graduate! Andrew graduated from CP Friday nite!!!! I got some nice pictures for his poster board for his open house.

Saturday: Owen and I dropped Lydia off to Grammy's house on our way to Logan's birthday party at the Olympic Fun Center. He had a blast. We attended Mommy & Me this past Spring with Laura and Logan L. Logan turned 3 and cellebrated with a batman themed party at the Fun Center. Owen won over 500 tickets out of the machines and cashed in for 2 small plastic Care Bear figurines for his sister, a frisbee and an inflatable Sponge Bob Hammer. Then he donated the remaining tickets to a friend. I'll post a few pics from the party. My camera didn't do super great in there. We'd like to go back again. As they have specials.

After the party we made a quick trip to Walmart to get some photos printed, picked up Lydia and following Mom, Aunt Mary and Savanna to CP School for the CP Lion's Annual Car Cruise In and Chinese Auction. Someone always wins something in my family. This year I won a small bottle cooler and Wilhelm Winery T Shirt. Owen and Savanna played with the plastic golf set him and I had purchased at our quick trip to Walmart. Afterwards we headed home, picked up Troy and went for ice cream. mmmmm

Sunday was a slower day.....I cleaned the house, kids played then in the evening we headed over to the Rowland's to play outside and enjoy their fire they had. Was nice. Got bit by a few bugs despite me rubbing myself up with bug repellant wipes. I think they just like my blood cause it's sweet. ha ha ha ....... The kids had a blast. (pics to be posted as well....Im trying to get hang of blogging and adding pictures).

Tara picked me up for Card class last night. Got to ride in her new car! Something about the new car smell. It was quite roomy too once you get into a car. Im not used to riding in a car, just mom's whenever that may be. Had a great time. Will try to put my favorite card up too. I enjoy card making so much. I wish I had a room set up. But when we are short a room to begin with for the kids....I wont be getting me craft room any time soon. lol. The kids went to Grammy's while I went to Shannon's. They walked over to Uncle Jack's and played. They had a great time with grammy and aunt Mary.

Today Brutus came to play for a few hours. I'll post a puppy pic and now. He was born the day after Thanksgiving (im pretty sure)....I wanted to bring him home w/me. But Ive called him my God child. So Shannon was heading to her sisters North of here and dropped him off. Lydia had so much fun. Owen wasn't quite sure, but got used to him. Troy even warmed up a little to him. He's so cute, listens well and is calm.

Back to work tomorrow for a few days, then off Friday to Monday. We'll be busy again Fri-Sun. Andrew's open house is Saturday and I am helping with that, we're having family pics done, family from out of town will be in and Sunday is Father's Day and also Grove City's Strawberry Festival...Troy and I are to work in the booth there serving ice cream sunday.

Take care!

It's been SOOOOOOO long..........

I am sorry it has been so long. Im going to try to do better - I promise.

The kids are well. Lydia's working on the eye teeth coming through. She says mom, dad, baaaa (owen), woof woof, bite, moo..... that's all I can think of. It's not very much. She follows Owen around like a mini me. It's funny. She got her ears pierced the 1st Friday in May. She's done very well with them. Haven't had any major problems. And she looks beautiful with them. Owen cried when she had it done. She's 24 lbs and 31". Wearing 12-18 mo clothes. She's so tall. LOVES shoes!!!!

Owen is up to the usual....into everything. He continues to love the water. If the sun is shining and it's chilly out, he thinks he doesn't need a jacket. He got his hair buzzed for the last time a few weeks ago......it was an awful experience. NEVER again. Always scissor cut from now on. Does look alright, not perfect, but he gets so hot so easily. He got a bike for Easter. I ask him months later where he got it " THAT RABBIT!!!" what a hoot. He's been invited ot his first party! Im excited and nervous at the same time. I'll stay with him. Just different when you don't really know the family closely like we're used to. Owen has shown a new interest in going to Porter's to play. He's also playing with Kyle better. In the fall Owen will got to preschool 2 days a week. I can't wait!

The kids got a kids swimming pool fromWalmart with their Easter gift cards from Aunt Joanne & Uncle Tom. They love it. Needs drained and refilled with clean water. Owen is having a bird that there are bugs in it adn that the dog has been drinking out of it. lol . They love their bubble machine we purchased. Hoping in the next few days we can get outside. It's been a few days.

Tonight our friends son , Porter, came to play while his mommy & daddy went to his sisters graduation. He is such a good little boy and full of questions. He's so concerned about Lydia, what Troy's doing and those bales in our back yard. The sun finally went down so now we're just worried about Lydia. So cute!!!! Handsome lil fella too!!!!

All the corn, soy beans and oats are planted and the troops are heading to the Leise farm to do their hay this week, then our 1st cutting next week. Last week Troy had Autumn's embryo's implanted, which were flushed in January.....and she was preg checked and IS PREGNANT!!!! YEAAAAAAAA Marlyn and I got all the calves registrations entered in and sent via the Guernsey website and they're back already. They're leasing out an animal this year. Exciting!! i am only hoping we can do that with 2 other little boys that I know. (KPH and PJR).

Last week I hosted Stampin Up club. I made it to my goal and am going to get my set I was wanting. Dorky I know. But it's cute!!! I can't wait....i think Ive got a total of 8 sets I purchased, earned and so forth coming in....shoulda spent the extra and had rushed!!! lol

Tomorrow I am off to clean my sil's, run errands and that's about it. I have a few more cards I need to get made. Got the baby one done today for a little boy's family that was in our Mommy & Me group. They had a new baby boy yesterday. I think it turned out neat. i'll have to start posting pics of my cards if I am going to talk about them.

Well had better end now....turning into a story.....ohh before I forget....I had my aunt and mom help me with flower beds.

March = has lots of changes already!!!

It has been quite a while since I typed on here. I guess I updated the kids on the front. So I won't repeat that stuff.

Tonight Troy and I took the kids to meet our new sitter. LeeAnn is her name. Such a sweet lady with a great family. The kids played and were very calm and relaxed there. That was very reassuring.....WAIT....I guess Id better state WHY they had to meet the sitter. I got a job at Edgewood Surgical Hospital. I start next week, train for 2 wks , then I cover for a 4 wk medical leave. Then after that I will cover for all vacations throughout the year. I hope it all goes well. It's been almost 2 years and I am ready to get out there, meet new people, get up in the morning and get going, and have some ME time. So the kids will go to LeeAnn's 2-3 times per week, the other days the kids will be with Grandma Hill or Grammy.

Lydia's coming down with a cold, I think. She's been warm on and off yesterday and today. Owen's got a sore throat and stuff nose. But he seems to be getting better each day. We went for a walk last week when it was very nice out. The kids still fit together in the double jogger stroller. I was so happy about that since I just purchased it last year. So I may get to walk this summer again. The kids slept so well that night with the fresh air in them.

Today Lydia keeps calling out MOM. Yesterday it was DAD. Today she also said BYE to daddy as he was leaving and shut the door. SO CUTE!!! She waves at the cue of BYE. She had her toenails painted a few weeks ago. She thought that was great. She sat down the on the floor with me and watched me do mine, then I asked her (I know like she could answer), so I started and she sat still the whole time, and while I blow dried them. I was surprised. Her hair is growing slowing but surely. We're contimplating getting her ears pierced. Daddy doesn't really like the idea, but I do. And Im the one who'd have to take care of them. She also likes to get in the glider and watch out the front window.

Owen did much better tonight with his haircut. We stopped and got a milkshake on the way and that seems to do the trick, also to have daddy along. We go to register Owen for preschool next week. We really haven't explained much, mainly because we call Mommy & Me class (on friday's) SCHOOL. So we need to figure something else out. Im excited for him to get out and away from family with other kids. It'll be nice for him to start the sitter and have Grammy and Grandma w/him at Mommy & Me, so he gets used to change before preschool. He is really starting to say ALOT, he's his own little person. Seems like yogurt, applesauce, cheese, vegetables and pizza are the only things I can get the kids to eat. He LOVES lima beans. WEIRD! But Im glad.

Troy's soooo ready to get out there in the field and work. He's really helped out alot this winter/early spring. Which is real nice. I expect it, and am very disappointed when he can't help, but understand when busy with the farm. They got a March Guernsey Heifer Calf for either Matthew or Joel to show. Troy was SUPER excited, and of course it got a little extra special treatment. Who would have guessed he'd be so worried and caring about a calf...but I guess it's in him. Troy went to D.C. for Farm Bureau last week. He seemed to have had a good time. He likes to drive.

Our Tracker turned over to 98,000 miles tonight. Troy said to me this weekend that if I continue to work, and with the miles and when it's paid for (january), we need to start looking. He is thinking of keeping the tracker to drive back and forth from the farm, but I dont think it's a good idea....too much extra expense, I may want it back and it be possible easier, etc. Plus a downpayment would be our trade in. I really want a Chevy Uplander or a Chevy SUV. Troy doesnt like vans, so I probably won't get the uplander, but it'd be so practical. Im going to have to do my research. So I probably need to kelly blue book to see what's happening. It is a 2001 Chevy Tracker. When we got it in May 2004 it had 32,000 mi approximately. We put new tires on March 2007. And new front breaks this summer.

Well I think that's about all that is really new around here. I'll try to get more on here. But the next 6 wk are going to be busy.

GO STEELERS!!!!

Owen zonked out Sunday after lunch at Farm 2/1

Before superbowl....Lydia kept giving me this funny look!

Lydia's 1st MALL ride. She loved it!!!!

This past weekend and the next few days.............

The STEELERS won the superbowl last night....in case you've been hidden under a rock. ha ha. Lydia sat and watched Faith Hill sing 'America'. I wasn't too impressed with the half time show or the National Anthem. But that's ok. They weren't considering 'michelle's opinion when planning them. ha ha. We went to the farm for lunch on Sunday. Yummy stuffed pork chops. Troy's mom and dad are so good to us. She's always making us her yummy good. The kids came home and CRASHED. Owen on the floor for 2 hrs and Lydia in her bed for just 1/2 hr. She's come down w/a cold. Runny nose, watery eyes, crying, coughing,etc.....she's not pleasant. It is like we have a newborn again at night. She is up every 1/2 hr or so. She did sleep from 5/6am til 10 am this morning. That was nice. Not for our 'schedule' we're trying to get going. I guess it's a good plan...if we could just follow it.

So Lydia had a VERY rough night last night. I was concerned she had an ear infection or croup...but the doctor after examination....she's fine! Just has a cold. Owen went to Grandma Hill's while we went to the doctor. Holy EASY taking just 1 out on a trip.

Owen was so well behaved while Lydia napped twice today. What a different, calm, loving little boy. Then she wakes up...he's been trying to make her 'play' when she doesn't really care to be near him. He picks her up and takes her to his room, or wherever he wants her. I am sure she's going ot be a strong little girl. Last night Owen and I made his Valentine's from him and Lydia for Grammy and Grandma & Grandpa Hill. We've got to do Daddy's and Aunt Joanne & Uncle Tom's yet. Hopefully we can get done before we need to.

Id like to ask those who read this to pray for my high school friends son. He's an infant and has been hospitalized since I think Thursday and until he can go through the night without a breathing treatment he can't return home to his daddy and big brother who will be 2 in April. Her name is Susan and the baby is Aaron.....God will know who you mean.

Also, for a friend of my sister-in-law's ....Kristine.....she's in Shadyside with reccurent Lymphoma. She just received her twin sisters stem cells last week. She's there for at least 100 days for recovery. She has to have somone by her side 24/7. They're having a Pizza Hut benefit for her Thursday February 19 from 5-8 p.m in Greenville. PLEASE ATTEND!!!

1 more....my best friend is in Disney this week with her husband and son. Please pray they have a great time and a safe trip home as they drive home this weekend!

Tomorrow we have an appointment about 1/2 hr away and I have to go w/just the kids. Im afraid of the snow. Im hoping it doesnt get too bad. And I plan to leave a little earlier than usual, just to be on safe side.

Troy and I are still trying to figure out what to do this weekend for our aniversary on Saturday. Sunday we are going to lunch after church w/Troy's family. To mY FAVORITE PLACE!! mmmm. Troy and I would like ot go to dinner and a movie. But unsure if mom and meem are going to come watch the kids, also we wanted to go to Baldingers Candy Store in Zelienople. But Troy's dad scheduled Herd Health Saturday, which will take mostof the morning and some afternoon. Need to call and get Baldingers hours for Saturday. Who knows what'll happen.

Any ideas for Troy's birthday?.....it's the 16th he'll be 32....I have no clue what to get him. I got him a DVD for our anniversary he'd been wanting.

Thanks again for reading. If you could please let me know that people are actually reading this...that'd be WONDERFUL!!!!

Partys Over...Snows here again!!

We had a break from the snow for a little while.....little while!!! Troy had to plow snow at 430am this morning. Our driveway was blown shut, as was the renters across the road. It's 18 degrees so far. Yesterday we were to go to the Higbee's to play,and see them off for their trip Saturday to Disney....I was a little disappointed. All schools around the area were CLOSED! But I was stuck at home. bummer! We made due w/what we were dealt. Making homemade pizza for lunch, playing, napping, cleaning,etc filled our day and evening. Troy was in late last night. The accountant got stuck in the driveway at the farm, so that was Troy's 2nd pull me out of the day.

Today, I am unsure if I want to brave the cold with the children. But desperately need to make it to the bank and store, and tackle laundry today. We're having taco chicken in the crock tonight for dinner. Yummy. Need to figure out what Owen's going to eat.

Lydia turned in a circle yesterday. She kept doing it....and got dizzy. It was so cute to see her figure out something new. She's constantly climbing up the kitchen table chairs and standing on the table. I am unsure what to do....a few swats havent worked!!!!! She said "DA DA" Saturday nightorSunday night,I can't remember which. She's discovered Owen's old bouncy Zebra that the Higbee's got him for his 2nd Christmas. She LOVES IT!!!

We are loving our new floor. It's beautiful! I sweep it every other day and need to mop it today. The living room carpet looks great as well and needs swept today. I've got lots of to do's and little energy. It seems like the kids are just draining my energy lately.

Owen's into things. Pushing his sister. Moving his bed in front of his door. Taking food to his room. Leaving things lay around that Lydia should'nt have. I just can't wait for Preschool to start in September. I mentioned school for fall to him yesterday adn that mommy wouldn't be attending with him....he wasn't sure about that. I think we're going to have seperation anxiety with him. ohh well. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Yesterday Owen let mommy take a nap while Lydia napped as well. He did do very well!!!

Lydia's birthday was a great sucess!!!! With lots attending.....29 people. I had just enough food. A friend made a pretzel salad and an aunt came early w/her sons to help and made BBQ pulled pork for sandwhiches. Everything was yummy!!! Oh mom made Chili, too. I even got extra and froze some for later. Troy doesnt' care for chili. Lydia picked at her cake first, then dove in, cried because she was a mess and had a blast. She had help opening gifts from 2 friends, which was fun!! Owen unbelievably didn't want to help. We had lots of help cleaning up.

I am hoping the weather calms down so my mom can come visit Saturday afternoon while Troy's at a meeting. I miss her, and spending time w/just her. Next week is our friend's anniversary....they were married 02/02/2002, how neat!!! And then our friend Cheryl's 40th birthday and then our anniversary all in a week!!! We'll be married 5 years. It's unreal. I feel like it has been longer.

Well I guess that's all new for now. Hope you enjoyed reading about our family.

Take care until next time.

Getting Ready To Party

So all week long i've been cleaning and preparing for Lydia's party. The things we do for our children and to get our house ready for presentation. Yesterday my mohter-in-law came over for 5 hrs to help me....well she did most of the work yesterday. She just WANTED to polish the furniture and shampoo the Living Room carpet. Which turned into the 2 chairs and desk chair getting shampooed. The landing rug getting shampooed this morning and a few more spots in living room done on the floor. OH MY! I do think it looks alot nicer. It's just hassle when your trying to get ready for a party.

So the kitchen floor is laid and looks FABULOUS! We're trying to convince his parents to get the supplies to do the hallway and bathroom. Makes the kitchen look so nice.

Today I am sending the children to the farm to play for a while. I need to clean Owen's room top to bottom, mop 3 rooms and clean the basement. WHEW I hope I have enough energy. Then Troy will bring the tables and chairs over later on today.

Sure has warmed up last few days, which is nice. But I dont' like the slush that comes w/it.

Owen got a new curtain in his room and just isn't real sure about it. He's anxious to have daddy set up his train table again. Lydia destroyed it, knocking it all over. So his treat tonight is having his train track put back together.

I am anxious to see how Lydia's going to be at the party tomorrow.

I think that's all that's new til tomorrow.

Weeks Just Fly By

Seems like each and every time I think to type in here weeks have flown by!!!!

This past weekend oour family attended a birthday party for a friend's child's birthday party. She turned 3 the same day Lydia turned 1. So her mommy was thinking the same thing....waiting until the christmas high was over to celebrate. It's also easier on the family. Owen was pretty good. Shy at first and constantlyhad to go potty! Troy was the wonderful one that got the privledge to take him each time....as it was Owen's preference. ha ha ha

Then mommy and Tara headed to an AWESOME open house for Stampin Up, Creative Memories and Pampered Chef. Mommy purchased a few things for herself,as she has been making cards and pondering scrapbooking. It's my passion to be crafy and preserve memories.

Lydia's 1st Birthday party is coming up this weekend. Today I've been checking things off the list, doing laundry, cleaning, etc. AND we're getting a new kitchen floor on Wednesday. My brother-in-law Tom is going to be helping Troy....Well I think he'll do most of the work. But we're so excited. I'm nervous as to it getting done in 1 day. While that is getting done the children will play at Grandma's while mommy cleans and does her grocery shopping alone, quickly and hopefull hassle free. (high hopes I know).

It is so unbelieveable the amount of snow that we have gotten in a week and a half. We did get stuck w/the tracker yesterday in the driveway. So....at 4:30 this morning Troy was plowing w/the skid loader and blew a hydrolic line and only got 1/4 of it done :-( I did make it out today to go to town to get some groceries. unfortunately because of the temps I haven't been able to take the children out to play. Saturday my cousin's (mike & zach) will take Owen out to play.

Lydia hasn't been sleeping well. She's getting her molars. It's awful!!! So her and I haven't been getting much sleep. She's starting to try to run a little. She follows Owen around, it is so priceless. She moves to music, likes to watch Spot, Blue's Clues and Seasame Street. Not for very long, but they do catch her eye. She is always laughing at Owen. Falling down, and trying to hold her own. Guess when you have a big brother you have to be tough!! Lydia is as busy as ever...if you look at 2 pictures above, she likes to help with the dishwasher and getting into the fridge. We've had to child proof my plastics cupboard. One day I thought daddy was watching her and came out to the kitchen and EVERYTHING was all over the kitchen floor (bowls, lids, etc).

Owen is doing alright with Lydia tagging along. When he does get tired of it, he shuts his bedroom door. I said to Troy, I wonder what he's going to do when she moves in there!!!!! Won't be just his room anymore. But we'll cross that bridge when the time comes. He is always playing w/his toy tractors, trains, bikes. He's a very busy toddler. We're soooo looking forward to sending him to preschool in the fall to Jubilee. I think he'll do fine, but I have my worries. Im just excited about running errands w/only 1 child!!!! Owen is pretty well potty trained. We do wear a diaper at night and he wakes up soaked! So we're not ready for that step yet. But if he falls asleep for a nap he does awake dry!

Troy's been busy dealing with the cold, feeding cows, milking cows, delivering hay, setting cows up to breed and his big excitement recently was flushing Autumn a Guernsey Heifer. She had 10 good embryos and 6 bad! He was quite satisfied.

I've been busy making cards, cleaning, being a mom,etc. But the card thing....I LOVE MAKING THEM. And the new friends I've met.

Well I think that's allfor now. Back to cleaning for me......

Snow, Seasame Street and Shopping!!!! sssssss

Yesterday we awoke to a complete white out. As we stepped out the door there were 6" at least on the ground. We really got dumped on. But....we had tickets to take Owen to see SEASAME STREET LIVE! (thanks Joanne & Tom). So we packed in the truck,dropped Lydia off at Grandma's with the her basic needs and headed south to Pittsburgh. It took us 1/2 hr longer to get to Cranberry to grab some lunch. In the 20 minutes we were parked the roads were almost bare!!!! We saw 1 snowplow the whole way to Cranberry Twp,and he was getting ready to get on the turnpike. It was AWFUL! I think that I prayed the whole way there and home.

Once we got closer and closer to Mellon Arena it started to rain and the snow was no more! YEAHHHHHH. Owen stayed right with Daddy and kept needing to go potty (mommy didn't even give him lots to drink). So we weren't real sure what Owen's thoughts of the show were. He watched. Got a toy and was ready to get back in the truck. He was asleep within 10 minutes of being back in the truck. Mommy thought WONDERFUL!

We got to Cranberry again and I checked out the Party City Store there to get some things for Lydia's party. Got some dinner. And headed back home. This time via Rt 19. Got to see lots of new things....then we hit Mercer County and my praying BEGAN again! AWFUL Roads.

Once back to the farm all fears were gone. And Lydia was more excited to see Owen than I. Seems like Lydia's trying to wean herself in the past 12-24 hrs from me...which is okay!

Today we got a call from Troy's parents asking us to lunch and to go get our flooring. We whisked away yet again today. Roads weren't too bad. I wasn't much hungry today, but the kids and Grandma & Grandpa LOVE the Golden Corral. Then headed to Home Depot and purchased all the goods for replacing our kitchen floor. Guess we're going to wait to do the hallway, unless we have extra. But definately waiting to do the bathroom. It's not as bad as the kitchen and with the children it's going to continue to get wet.

Owen wants to play out in the snow, but I think he's entirely too tired today and it does need to get a little warmer than 25 degress for me to take Lydia out. Daddy's milking today and feeding cows, then will be home for a nice warm cozy evening. Hopefully the Steerler's win their game this evening.

We have no plans all week except EHS coming Wednesday. So I think I am going to start cleaning and getting ready for Lydia's party on the 24th.

Lydia's 1 yr check up

Today was Lydia's 1 year well baby check up. We got out the door on time and to the office ON TIME! Record for us. Guess goes to show if the boys aren't in tow then we can do it. Then we waited 20 minutes after our appointment time before we went back. Wasn't too bad with just Lydia and I. She's to get whole milk now and wean herself whenever she does or I feel like it. No bottles, but can have the rest of the formula we have for her in a sippy cup. Keep up what we're doing and use flouride daily. Here are her stats:

Lydia 1 year old: Height 31" (95th percentile), Weight 21 lbs 6 3/4 oz (90th)and her head 18".
She got 3 shots. Wasn't too happy and let the nurse know. It was like Lydia yelled at her. lol. Can't say as I blame her.

Owen went with Troy to deliver hay, get lunch and check on a corn bin at a farm down the road. So we beat them home. Owen had a great time with daddy.

We've decided upon Lydia's birthday party to be January 24th. These details keep swarming in my head what we're going to do, when, what I need to get accomplished, who I need to make calls to,etc.

Tomorrow Owen's friend Porter is coming to play for a bit. I'm excited! Owen needs to get more used to playing with others. We don't start back to Mommy & Me until Feb. 6.

Starting something new......

So Ive decided to start something new. A little something to get my thoughts out there. Let others know what we're up to, what's happening, what's going to happen, etc. I'm hoping everyone enjoys. As I enjoy reading what others are up to. Just some people aren't into that kind of stuff. ohh well. Poo on them.

So it's January 3rd. Today was a long day at home alone with the kids. But we made due. I've been under the weather the past 3 days,but it really hit me in the night. YUCK! Today I did accomplish cleaning the bathroom, taking the tree down and outside (what a mess...damn real trees), cleaning the living room, running the dishwasher twice (yes TWICE, GEEZ I didn't say I was ever super mom/housewife), sorted a huge mound of laundry, cleaned Owen's room, dressed 2 kids, made 2 cards, laundry, and swept! WHEW Im exhausted.

The kids did go to sleep very early tonight. So Im not looking forward to the early morning. I do need to make my bed w/fresh bedding. Its awaiting me downstairs, clean in a pile. A nice hot long peppermint bath also has been on my mind......

Getting into make my own cards with Stampin Up products has been fun. But finding time and patience to be interrupted is annoying me. I made myself a little spot in the corner of the living room. I need to find a little light to put there for lighting. The kids toys are in their own spots...I feel good now!

Tomorrow we are going to the farm for lunch. I am hoping to not stay too long. We were there Thursday 12:30p.m.to 8 p.m. long day. The kids love playing over there. I just don't get anything done when we go to visit.

Monday Lydia goes to the pediatrician for her 1 year well baby check up. AMAZING!