The Hill Family

The Sickie's again!

2012-02-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well we've done it again, we're all sick! It just doesn't seem like we can get a break. We did great for 3 weeks after Christmas, then bam we're sick again. Owen started with a runny nose, coughing and sneezing...he seems to be much better. Lydia came down with it Friday night, Saturday ish...she has napped every day since then. That's really not like her. Then Troy and I started on Sunday/Monday. Last night Lydia sat straight up in bed SCREAMING her lungs out! She demanded her earring be taken out because she thought that was hurting her ear. I knew what was going on , but in the middle of the night there is nothing you can do other than Tylenol for an ear infection.
I put Owen on the bus, set my alarm since I hadn't slept more than 3-4 hrs of sleep, got up and called the doctor's office when I knew they were in. I also had to call off work. Daddy had stuff scheduled at the farm today, I couldn't bear to leave Lydia and I felt like crap. So the verdict reveals that Lydia has an ear infection in each ear and a sinus infection. Poor thing. No wonder she's so sensitive.
We had to wait awhile for the prescription, good old computer faxing, I'll carry my scripts from now on to the pharmacy. It took them 1/2 hr to get the script and 45 minutes to fill it. I just wanted to come home, but I am really trying not to over react or be upset at the things I cannot change. So Lydia and I went for a few groceries to make Wedding Soup, bread, lunch out and the post office....then we had to wait for 10 more minutes for the script.
Once home, I was able to cat nap, but for some reason she was wound up. Then at 530 pm she CRASHED! And has been out and probably will be out the rest of the night.
Im trying to get prepared for our trip. It doesn't make it easy when we are all sick. :(
The kids are super excited!

ok.rewind to a few things we missed......

This past weekend we got a snow storm, but that didn't keep us in. Saturday we had a birthday party for a friend of ours, it was nice to sit and chat with other mom's while the kids played. The evening we all went to Hermitage for a few errands, including ordering my laundry sink for the basement. We had to order it, but I am so excited. While we were there we looked over the carpet section. I really want to replace the carpet in our living room. (It's the only carpet in our house that's permanent). If were in this house in years to come we've talked about carpeting our bedroom. But time will tell and Troy's got talks of other plans for the housing arrangements, so like I say...time will tell.

Sunday we celebrated with Troy's family his 35th Birthday, which is tomorrow February 16.

Tuesday for Valentine's Day we stayed home and had Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, everyone loves it in our family. Owen and Lydia had a great day celebrating with their classes at school. They took rice krispie treats that I added burgundy dye to and used a heart shape cookie cutter to cut out. I think they were a hit.

I think that wraps up our past week.

Happy 1st Birthday, Cocoa!!!

2012-02-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 9, 2012 was Cocoa's First Birthday! I didn't remember til after I got home from work and was getting Lydia ready for dance class.

So I took a picture of the birthday girl on my lap. Including a few photos that I like of her that we have taken. She truly is a good bunny. The kids really have grown to like her and that she isn't like a dog. It was a little rocky at first, but she's part of our family now. Well has been since April 9, 2011.

Always something

2012-02-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

Seems like there is always something that is nagging at me.....
This thing with Owen's teeth is really getting to me emotionally. I am trying so hard to be a good mom, and I know some say....just relax, but when I do....things happen....like cavities. Owen goes in 2 weeks for his first part of his dental work. Fillings under nitrous oxide. And the lady informed me it'll take 2-4 visits to complete everything because they aren't all in the same area and children can only receive so much N.O. at one time. okay. I feel confident because he's a pediatric dentist and was very pleased with him the last time we had to see him. We are preparing Owen for that, which will be shy of a week from when we return from our trip. I hope he does well. It's always a mom's thing to worry about the kiddos though.

While we are on the teeth subject.....Owen has a lose tooth, has for a few months now. But darn it I wish it would just fall out. But then I am not prepared. See we just ordered a book from the school book order on the tooth fairy and I need to get someone to help me make a tooth fairy pillow. I know why all these extras. Because he's a child and I want to keep my kids kids until I absolutely can't. Just like our house is decorated for Valentine's Day, it will be for st.Patrick's day and the leprechaun will come, just like the elf came, it's fun silly stuff that makes having kids so much fun.

Lydia had speech today and LOVES Miss.Betsy. They did a heart craft and worked on saying F sounds. FUH for FUN and stuff like that. She has been able to wear dresses the last few days because of this heat wave weather we're having. What a mild winter compared to last year. Wish we had planned on doing more this winter. Lydia said a classmates name today for the first time, I made her repeat it....SIERRA! YAY! We have a friend. We got to school this morning. I was helping her get settled, she pulled away from me and said "bye mom, I'm going to play with Sierra". AWWWW My heart melted 1/because she made a friend 2/she said her name (she doesn't really communicate that she knows those things to us) and 3/ that she pulled away from me. tear tear!

Troy went to the eye doctor today for an exam. Which it's been 2 years, and the one eye changed a little. I know he would like LASIK surgery some day, and I hope that we can do that for him. He's had glasses since he was in 2nd grade I think he said. I could be wrong. I've had mine since I was 20. So 10 years and Ive had enough of them already. I went last March for the first time in 3 years and they hadn't changed, so I bought contacts and saved my 'glasses card' til the end of this month when I am ordering a new pair.

Troy and I got to go to dinner for our anniversary on Saturday night. Was so nice to get away, alone, uninterrupted meal. We had to wait 30 minutes, but neither of us cared. We went to Hickory Grille. I'm a coupon'r so you all know. If you sign up for Springfield's newsletter, they'll send you an anniversary printable email for a free appetizer AND when it's your birthday they do the same...but it's dessert! So we ate for $25.00! yahoo. salad, bread, appetizer, 2 meals, Troy had a beer, me water and both of us got dessert. Now I call that being SMART!

Well enough rattling...one More thing to share. Tonight I actually captured this picture, Owen's getting to where he doesnt' want me to take his picture. But this is something about 6 months ago he started helping me do. Was grate the cheese for me. Well I already had the cheese done for the tacos tonight. So I had him do the cheese for tomorrow nights dinner....Chicken Mozzarella.

i'll post something special tomorrow.....

Hair...Teeth....lost child.....

2012-02-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I've last posted, sorry. Was wanting to do that a few days ago.
The kids went and got haircuts the beginning of this week. They look ADORABLE! I always love a fresh good haircut.

Last week I started a new journey....dieting! GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tried Weight Watchers a couple of times and never could stick more than 3 weeks with it. But I am making myself do this, because I need to for me, for my kids, for my husband, for my health. So at Week #1 weigh in I was down......3 pounds. YAY And I even had pizza, ice cream, etc. See dieting isn't so bad. Just have to really want it and be willing to sacrifice some things. So every morning after I put Owen on the bus I sit and eat my oatmeal. This is what is staring at me....................

I keep telling her I am sure her food would be better, but she always watches me. It's so funny!

Yesterday I lost Owen in a walmart, a small misunderstanding, but we were ok. But oh man did I panic. The cashier had gotten her manager and were getting ready to start lock down mode. =( Once we left there we raced to the dentist for Owen to get his teeth cleaned, for more feather ruffling news. I'm just going to say that Owen needs to see the pediatric dentist again, it won't affect his permanent teeth that haven't came in yet and we'll be ok. Just very disappointed!!! Now we are on a strict routine of brushing more often, fluoride,etc.

The countdown starts for our trip. I'm so excited. (our house is going to have a house sitter!) yay! I am getting nervous. I think it's a number of reasons I am nervous. But I am sure I will do just fine and enjoy myself.

February seems to be getting more and more populated with birthday's and anniversary's...... This month I have 5 co worker's birthdays, Our friends celebrated their 10th anniversary yesterday, we'll celebrate 8 yrs Tuesday, Troy's cousin's anniversary is tomorrow. LOTS. Then Birthdays for our close friends and family....one today, one Monday, uncle Jack is Wednesday, Aunt Joan and Troy share a birthday and Aunt Mary's is the 22. AND Owen has a friend too. AMAZING. Then you throw Valentine's Day in there, a few other odds and ends and a month filled with LOVE!!! <3

Speech and Such....

2012-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

Lydia did well with her first speech therapy lesson. I unfortunately did not get to meet Ms. Betsy, missed her by 5 minutes. Maybe next time. Lydia has to work on her F sounds. She skips them. So we try to bite are lip as we say Fish or Frog. So it seems to be working. She did a fun snowman activity with her.

Lydia came down with a cold the night of her birthday party and then Owen missed school today because of it. Hopefully these kids get better. I'd like to keep them in a bubble. So because Owen missed today, we didn't get his report card. Guess we will hope it comes home with him tomorrow. That stuff is exciting to me. I love when he brings things home for me to read, same with Lydia.

They both went to the pediatrician on Monday for the 4 year and 6 year check ups. Both gained and grew like they should. Lydia grew 3 1/2 " and gained 6 lbs. Owen grew 3" and gained 8lbs. They both passed their hearing and vision screenings YAY! Next visit is for flu vaccinations in the fall and then next January we go for 5 and 7 year visits. Never thought I would say I had children these kid's ages. AMAZING how fast it goes. Owen had a dental exam at school Tuesday, and just has a tooth that supposedly needs looked at. Guess it's a good thing we have an appointment for a routine cleaning next week. The paper did not indicate which tooth, which I think it should have. odd!!!

Lydia got to try on her dance costume last week, I can't remember if I mentioned that. We're not to share pictures yet, because the costumes not complete and it will give away the excitement. But I forgot to mention that we did NOT have to pay for her costume, tights or hair accessory because we raised enough money in candy bar sales!! And we actually have a nice size credit. I'm so excited!!!!

I think I am catching the kids cold. Yesterday I just didn't feel well. Today I have a scratchy throat, sore ears and sneezing/runny nose. :( I started taking a vitamin, so hoping to stay on that and maybe it'll help me steer clear of some of the winter germies.

today I was gone from home for 12 hrs , I don't necessarily like that. But I did some errands after work and then went to a meeting, for myself!

Tomorrow is my "friday" hahaha......But Friday is filled with meal delivery to a friend, errands, Owen needs to buy a birthday gift for a party Saturday. So I'm trying to figure out our Friday.

Lydia's Birthday Party

2012-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Because Lydia's birthday is December 30th, we always celebrate with my family after the fact. It gives us a reason to get together in January and allows all the chaos to calm down before more comes.

Last night we celebrated Lydia's 4th Birthday in our basement. I am very thankful for such a full, clean basement. If it weren't for water issues and it being chillier, Id contemplate making a family room down there because I feel like we're outgrowing our house. There are 3 rooms in the back of the house (bedrooms and bathroom) and in the front of the house the living room and kitchen, which really are a great size.

Here are a few pics from last night. Lydia had a great time as did all the other children. I think the adults had a good time playing games too.

After everyone left, we started getting ready for bed and I noticed Lydia's voice sounding funny. She cried through the night, barked/coughed and is sneezing and is sick today :( We did so well. If you know us, we (the kids) had colds 2 in September, once in October and November, then I was plagued with the flu bug the week before Christmas, then Lydia got it into the New Year. So it felt as if we were sick all the time. So I recalled to a few people "YAY We haven't been sick since Jan.3" Yeah well I totally jinxed myself. DISAPPOINTING!!!

She is so go to school tomorrow, start speech therapy and the kids have their yearly check ups. We don't have time for sickness. I just hope that if the rest of us are going to get it that we get it and get on with it so we aren't sick for our trip in February. I know I'm asking for alot.

Today has been filled with cleaning up after the party, laundry, dishes, sweeping, getting ready for a new week, packing away 2011 paperwork/bills,etc. I guess that's why we didn't really have any plans for today. I like a lazy Sunday.

Troy and his parents are working very hard getting ready for the inspectors who are supposed to be coming this week sometime. I pray it all goes well.

We are very thankful for our family and friends who joined us last night. Thankful for being well for a few weeks. Thankful for a warm house and this day to be able to stay home and get prepared for the week ahead of us.

Id ask for a silent prayer I'm starting something new this week, and am going to need lots of prayers specifically for strength to stay on task and stay focused. I will update you on this in about a week and a half.

And more snow....

2012-01-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

I'm curious to know how much more snow we got last night. I like the snow don't get me wrong. It's just if I have to travel somewhere in it, be there at a certain time and am running behind. That's when the snow is an issue for me.

Of course I go back to work and it starts snowing like every other day!!!!

It wasn't too bad getting to work. No major oopppsys.

Wednesday I left a few minutes early, made it on time, but the roads were rough and slick from the freeze overnight. Thursday it took me 40 minutes to get to work, 50 to get back home, 40 to get to Greenville for dance class and another 40 to get back home. My math may be a little wrong, but i thought I had calculated 180 minutes of driving on Thursday. Geez. And I'm not even a taxi driver to get paid for that.
Thursday I worked, then Lydia had dance. It wasn't too bad driving home from work to get Lydia. Then we got about 3/4 the way to Greenville and the snow really started coming down. Believe it or not, there was only one little girl missing from Lydia's dance class. WOW!!!

Lydia got to try on her costume for her dance recital. (Mark your calendar's for Sat May 19). We are super excited. She loves dance and enjoys being around other little girls instead of little boys, which is pretty much the census of our friends. Lydia looked very very cute. I cannot wait to see the final product (remaining part of costume, hair,makeup,etc). EXCITING> And we raised enough money selling candy bars we didn't have to pay a CENT for her costume, tights, hair accessory,etc. YAY US!!!! I cannot reveal her costume, as it's a secret and we want you to be completely surprised for the recital. Lydia was a bit miffed we weren't allowed to bring it home, but then again she doesn't understand.

Friday I worked and knew Grammie was off work. So I asked Lydia if she wanted to go to Grandma's for the day or to Grammie's alone (No Owen and No Savanna). She was soooooooooooo excited! So Grammie and Lydia got to spend the day together. She had a great time.

Owen has been staying home w/Daddy while we go to dance. Daddy's home, so they may as well stay home get dinner, homework, and bedtime routine started til we get home. Thursday's certainly are different in our house.

So we're starting to get ready for Lydia's birthday party today, and I had this crazy notion in my head to make the cakes myself. Well last night after working 3 days, all that driving, the kids in the grocery store "mom, mom, mom, mommy, mom, mooooom, can i get this, ohh i like that". I caved and bought the kids cupcakes, and 2 other smaller cakes.....I was too stressed and knew I couldn't get 2 cakes nicely made today and get ready....I know laziness.....I wanna say it's being smart so I don't get too stressed out! right?

Alright well Id better start getting motivated to get this house in order and us ready. Will post pictures tonight or tomorrow of the party.

Got behind a few days....it might take a while for this one. sorry

2012-01-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Owen received a paper from school telling us about the Lakeview School District kids collecting Penny's. So Owen decided to take on the challenge. It was for Coach's Vs. Cancer. The Lakeview Ball Team is raising funds for American Cancer Society. He was able to collect 2 full peanut butter jars with the help from Aunt Joanne, Mommy & Daddy, Aunt Mary, Aunt Joan, Mickey (from SRHS) and Grammie. He was so excited to take these to school on Friday that he forgot it was 'Show And Tell' Day. We didn't realize our mistake until Monday. Guess it was more important to raise money for Cancer Research. He had a blast. Luckily it was yucky out and daddy was able to take Owen and his load of pennies to school that day.

Then Lydia came home with a note as well last week asking for help from the preschool children's families to collect "groceries for the kids play kitchen". So all these packages are empty, cleaned and at Lydia's daycare now for the children to play with in their pretend grocery store and kitchen. What a cute and clever idea. We enjoyed gathering these items all weekend long.

Friday January 13 brought us some cold, windy, nasty weather....It didn't keep my two inside. It was 16 degrees as we waited for Owen to get off the school bus. Lydia and I were outside a total of half an hour. Owen was mad he was out only 15 minutes. But it was very windy. Our cheeks were very red when we came in. Owen had decided the night before what our dinner would be.....his favorite....grilled cheese and tomato soup. So that was nice to warm us back up.

Tomorrow I return to work after being off for 11 days. Each day I tried to make sure I did something....and I did succeed. Grocery shopping, paying bills, ran errands, laundry, dishes, prepared a cooked meal each day, ran Lydia to preschool, Owen was treated to rides to school and a surprise pick up a few times, a doctor's appointment, packing away my Christmas decorations properly, extra cleaning, playing and laughing with the kids, baking, planning a birthday party, a trip to Anaheim,CA (I'm going on a business trip w/Troy), rearranged some stuff, organized drawers, cleaned out.....the list goes on and still continues. But one thing that I am so thankful for....ITS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha haha. I realized this in the last 4 weeks I do not think with our lifestyle/Troy's work that I could work full time, nor could I stay home full time. I am very thankful for the per diem job that I do that. God has blessed me with it. I wasn't looking and it appeared, it's worked out for almost 3 yrs (March 16) and I love the flexibility, my co workers and what I do.

We've been also trying to get Lydia (who appears to still have her umbilical cord attached to me only at bedtime) into her own bed. She did so well when Joanne got her her bed, but over the summer when I was working more, it was just easier to put her in my bed and get to sleep. She's a very strong willed child, so it may take a while. Your wondering what about Troy? Well most of you know his schedule, but for those who don't....he milks the late milking, which is almost like a midnight shift. So he either sleeps on 1 of the 2 couches or Lydia's nice comfortable new bed.

Owen is enjoying school. He seems to want to talk more in the evenings about it when he comes home. But it's like I'm only allotted so many questions. So I read somewhere to not ask....it's like him hawwing around the question. Seems to work. He's fallen in love with the movie Mr.Popper's Penguins. He's going to be sad, but it goes back tomorrow evening and I am not renting anymore for a while.

Well I guess that's enough rambling for now. Thursday is Lydia's dance night, and this week she gets to try on her costume....I'll try to get a pic if we're allowed. She just LOVES dance.

Oh I almost forgot about an update on speech therapy....Lydia starts receiving treatments on Monday and also next week Owen gets his 2nd report card. Im so excited.

p.s. Susan V. If you read this...my blog needs a serious facelift/makeover/design. please help!

The snow is on it's way....

2012-01-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

The kids are excited that snow is in the forecast!!! I on the other hand, well I guess as long as it gets it out of it's crazy system by next Wednesday, when I return to work.

Yesterday went so fast. Thank goodness!!!! I got my 5 stitches out and did fine. The pathology report is not back yet. Which is normal. I go back to work next next week with no restrictions. YAY!!!!

Lydia's appointment went well. It was very thorough and to the point. We were told she would start receiving services within the next 14 days. We got our call already this morning before 830a.m. to let us know that she would start her speech therapy the week of the 23rd. We're excited! But it finally hit home last night once everyone was in bed. That Lydia's being "labeled". It's a hard thing for a mother to hear, but also know that I am not ashamed. She is how she is. And we are at least responsible parents by getting her the help she needs. The therapist will come to see her 2 hours a month, I wish there were more time allotted for her for her speech therapy. But this is how it goes. She played very well while Troy, the social worker, the speech therapist, another helper and I went through what seemed like oodles of paper work.

While in Sharpsville Troy took Lydia and I by Dean Dairy, which I had never seen before. Pretty neat!!! And came the scenic route back to Transfer to drop off my return to work slip. Lydia loves going into where I work. But is strange because she doesnt' want to talk when she gets in there. The ladies are so excited to see her because I talk about my kids to them. I have such a great relationship with a few of them.

Then home to get Owen from his friend Megan's house. We had to make a few phone calls and explain our situation in depth to the school district in order for Owen to get off the bus with Megan. (Troy's parents were out of town and we had no one else to get Owen off the bus, and this meeting was so important that I did not want to have to reschedule-for fear it'd be another month before we'd get in). So our nice neighbor(well down the road a ways) and I have made friends. Owen and Megan were in the same preschool class for 2 yrs and Owen just loves playing with her. Megan's mom, Susan, and I did not grow up in the Sandy Lake Area, so it's been so nice getting to know her. And they are a sweet sweet family! I went to get Owen and Lydia decided to make herself at home and play....for 1 1/2 hrs!!!! (sorry Susan we were there so long). Finally, we were ready to go and decided to exit through the garage...which housed Megan's dad's four wheeler and the 2 baby kittens. Here are a few pictures.....

We are working on talking daddy into bringing this kitty home. It's so laid back, adorable, litter trained and we've never had a cat. Owen LOVES cats. Weird, but he loves them.

Just a stage or the full moon?

2012-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

After quite a night or should I say weekend and day with Lydia's little outbursts.....I sat down last night and realized we had a full moon upon us. Ahh huh! Let's hope the full moon was to blame to her uncooperativeness, mean, outbursting attitude yesterday.

It looks so nice outside today, but it's so chilly. I know we haven't experienced winter yet, but I am ready for Spring. Get the kids outdoors, run the energy out of them so they crash in the evenings.

Yesterday I discovered our almost 3 year old Beta Fish, Snowy, was floating belly up in his bowl. So I tried to hide it from the kids. I did not succeed. Owen knew as soon as he got in the house that Snowy was no longer with us. :( He paused a moment, thought to himself and started asking questions. He appeared to digest each and every answer. I felt like I had done something wrong and was being interrogated by a detective. I had to tell him that I buried him, LIE....under the pine tree, LIE....and that it'd be okay..... grrr I wish someone would create a book of "censored white lies" to tell our children, that they'd actually believe. Well truth be told Snowy is in our septic system now. (giggle) I did not want to have "handy manny" (owen) ripping my toilet apart.

On to today.....thank goodness there is no snowy talk, and I hope their won't be any. Because we are NOT getting another fish!

Lydia seems in better spirits today. No report from the teacher today at preschool pick up. But Lydia was a little sad she lost her headband at school. I get so irritated. Every time I take her with clips, pony tail holders, barretts, etc. They seem to either be in the backpack, minus the other matching clippy or lost completely. Where on earth do they go? Its like the missing socks in the dryer story.

Tomorrow I am thankful that I will be hopefully getting my 5 stitches out, not itchy yet, just something annoying about them. I seem to be doing well. Sore, but only Tylenol at bedtime is needed. We also have Lydia's IEP meeting for her Speech Therapy needs. I am nervous, but yet excited to get the ball rolling for her to receive help. We had her screened in October and in December we had her individually tested. She tested to where she needs speech therapy services. Her vocab is good, she knows her words. Unfortunately she is mixing up the beginning and the ending of words classing her to talk as a 24 month old. So we are fortunate that the Midwestern Intermediate Unit will come to her at preschool twice a month I think it is to help her. yay!!! I'll share more details after her meeting tomorrow.

Time just slips outta my hands....

2012-01-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Wow has alot happened since June 1, 2011.
I don't even think I dare to catch you up to speed.
I am really going to try and blog again. It's fun. I enjoy reading other blogs. Just because I am curious what others are up to. I don't necessarily think it's being nosey, because they put it out there, but I am just a curious person. Always have been probably always will be. lol
So tonight the kids are fighting horribly. Mostly because Lydia's going through a horrid stage! Today her teacher told me "she was very uncooperative today!". I felt like such a donkey, but yet was thankful to myself that someone else got to experience this sweet little adorable MONSTER for 2 1/2 hrs too! LOL!
Owen's laying on the floor playing with his new chugging ton die cast trains that he received as a Christmas present, and GODZILLA comes and rips one of the trains away from him, sending him to tears and she starts swatting away...in his defense he smacks her right across the face (I'm sure some of you are just floored by now, and hoping CYS isn't on my door step in the morning). But she's dreadfully mean to him.
Now, 5 minutes later, they are bff's (best friends forever) because big brother needs a "guard" to go to the bathroom with him. (since fire safety and the fire drills at school, he's scared to go to the bathroom, which outside the door in the hall is the smoke detector). And here comes Lydia carrying her brother's tractor and trailer he also received for Christmas...Lord help me if they start spatting again, I may have to send them to bed at 630pm :)
I tried Chicken and Dumplings last week for dinner. Turned out very well, followed the recipe. (it's a joke, Troy always insists I don't follow them-that's why stuff doesn't turn out). The kids were asking for leftovers 3 days later!!!! Guess I will have to do that one again. Last night was pork roast, chopped up potatoes, onions, celery and baby carrots. Troy doesn't like this meal particularly. He will say "it's not one of my favorites". He doesn't usually say much. Tonight, he may ask if I followed the recipe. Beef stroganoff.....I so didn't like it. It was edible. But I cannot say I'll be recreating this entree. I made the kids and him theirs and mine had onions and mushroom, they don't like them. Please pray tomorrow is much better, I'll need something to save me. It's boneless skinless chicken breast cooked with one of those Cooking Philadelphia Cream Cheese's. I'll be serving it over rice.
Well enough rambling.....cheers to 2012 and to new recipes and to hopefully blogging more.

Slacking

2011-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Since we got smartphones Ive been slacking at my blogging.....

We finished our first soccer season. WOW was it short...thanks mother nature!

And.... Owen has his first field trip for preschool to Munnell Run Farm. We had a great time. Learned alot of new neat facts. Did you know that mosquito's that bite you are ALWAYS female....that's how they do something with their eggs or something. AND they're attracted to blue!!

One of the kids found a spring peeper in the woods, we learned what those sounds are coming from them! ha ha ha it's the boy peepers and girl peepers talking to each other about getting together.

Chris teaching the kids. he did a great job!

We made homemade butter.

and ate it on crackers. It was pretty tastey! Owen has a great time.

THEN..... :( My baby boy graduated from Preschool. He will be going to kindergarten in the fall. He is so excited to meet new kids, ride the school bus, pack his lunch. But mommy's afraid of him being scared, not eating lunch, falling asleep on the bus, being bullyied, etc.
We were entertained during a nice graduation program at Jubilee. Afterwards we ate a potluck meal with the other children and their families.

Now that it's summer, we've seriously got something on our calendar everyday for June. DEPRESSING!!! I hope we enjoy July at least. Hoping and praying it's slower. The kids are getting so excited for 'the beach'. I am to, but I am getting nervous.

Owen's excited to go watch Joel "graduate" from elementary to high school, while I go to an appointment. Then we're going to take Molly to the vet. Nothing too major. I just dread going alone. (no husband). I'm helping a friend with her yard sale. Have a birthday party this weekend. Clean. Then work all next week and then we'll be about ready for vacation. When we return, we're with Troy for only 3 days then he leaves for the Guernsey Convention in IL. Kind of sad. But we'll make due, like always. Swimming lessons will start once daddy returns back for both kiddos. Work. whew....before I know it this all with be history and we'll be into July.

I went to the plastic surgeon today regarding a post surgical lump. Nothing to be too alarmed about, so we are waiting until late September when things slow down for work and around the home front.

oh I almost forgot!!! We've killed 4 snakes, got a garden going and friends helped hack away the front shrubs! What a huge weight lifted from my shoulders all these tasks burnt calories and my shoulders!!! lol I always burn, so I am hoping to at least have a small tan by the end of summer.

Well enough rambling. i'll try to do a bit better on the blogging.

2011-05-19T10:51:00.001-07:00

lydia loves her hand me downs from her cousin rebekah

are they really mine?

2011-05-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I truly wonder how my kids came from ME!!!
They both LOVE water and both LOVE to be outside!
Today after playing outside all day with the sitter.....they still couldn't stay inside for a little bit for mommy to relax and think about making dinner. So, I had had enough I shut and locked all the doors, yelled and they sat down to watch a movie while I just laid on the bed for 10-15 minutes pondering thoughts...and it was quiet....Owen was sound asleep in the chair, Lydia eating a Popsicle watching a movie. WHEW! Silence for a few hours while Owen napped. I have no worry about going to bed at night if he naps because 1/he's a good sleeper and 2/if Lydia's sleeping, and I fall asleep and Owen's still awake at night...I'm usually pretty safe with him staying put in his room. Thank goodness. My children are so busy!!! they just don't stop even after all day in the sun w/sunscreen their poor little pale faces are RED!!!!
Owen's getting a tad better with soccer. We've had 3 or 4 games so far, I keep losing track because they keep getting rescheduled or cancelled due to the weather. While at Owen's soccer game Monday night (Meem, Lacy, Aunt Sarah, Elaine, Rebekah and mom came) Lydia was playing w/Rebekah and another little girl. Lydia seemed to happy to be playing with another little girl. I sure wish I had someone who had a daughter around Lydia's age. I think she'd be so happy. But I also saw a side of her I don't generally see because he brother's always bossing her around, so she just becomes the follower, so I think she may be a bit shy :( I don't want my kids to be too shy like I was. But I think Lydia's doing well for just hanging around watching Owen. As long as I have a bag of distractions and snacks for her. She really likes dance. SO I thought if one did a spring activity and the other did a fall activity, maybe that'd be fair. I dont know.
I signed the kids up for swimming lessons this summer. (thanks to me picking up an extra cleaning job). Owen's class is over the course of 2 weeks (tues, thurs, fri, sat, and then Mon-thurs) Lydia's is just 4 days and requires me to get into the pool with her. I'm not about getting all wet in front of a bunch of others, but it's for my children!!! Owen is very excited and because he is excited....Lydia is excited.

Being a good sport. Such a good girl for momma at the games!

Owen's #9, right at the ball

Owen and another team mate cheering the others on!!

Busy weekend

2011-05-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy weekend last weekend.
Saturday Owen had a game at noon. Afterwards grandma took the kids home to the sitter awaiting the kids at our house. Troy & I attended a coworker of mine's wedding and reception.
Sunday Troy was busy parts hunting, I had 2 First Communions to watch (Adam H and Hannah J.), then a reception for the one's First Communion. Lucky us the Guernsey Meeting wasn't until 730 in the evening. Which gave me a few hours at home. :)
Here are a few pictures from the events w/captions. I realized as I was uploading the pictures I did not get a shot of Troy and I all guzzyied up.

Shane & Steph's Cake

Stephanie

Me, Stephanie, Cheryl & Leslie - The Business Office Girls

Hannah's Cake

Adorable Card Box for Hannah

Soccer Season Starts

2011-05-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well here's hoping Soccer Season is well on it's way. Last Saturday Owen has his first game, Monday he also had a game, but Tuesday's game was cancelled. The field was a soggy muddy mess!!!

Here are some shots from both games. I've put captions underneath to tell you what's going on in the pictures.

1st game 4/30 - Getting Ready

Owen got to start the game!!

Owen & His Buddy. Owen was goaling and they were talking...as the ball rolled by from the other team.

What a muddy mess on 5/2

Soccer Practice

2011-04-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Owen finally had soccer practice last evening. I can already tell I am going to have a struggle getting the two children ready for soccer games/practice. I don't know if there needs to be a piece of candy or what waiting on the car for them. They just didn't seem to want to get moving last night. I try to remember to pack everything : chairs, extra clothes, shin guards, cleats, water bottles for both kids,yes both, extra coats, blanket, snacks, drinks,etc. WHEW by that time....IM EXHAUSTED! Last night Lydia wanted to take her bike and Owen had a fit because he couldn't take his (which he took a training wheel of and he had practice so there was no sense in it). I sure wish sometimes they understood the BIG picture, but i know it's unrealistic for me to think that way.

He did well. He does need to work on paying attention to what's going on at practice, not what his sister's doing (or fearing he's missing something she's not).

And I can't figure out what foot he's to kick with. He is right handed, but does a few things right handed.

Lydia rode her bike Grammie got her for her 3rd birthday, then Grammie & Lydia decided it was too windy and cold and they decided to park it in her car. Once practice was done, muddy kid and all we treked to the car to change!!! EWW I can't stand mud!!!

I think he will do fine this season. He is only 5! He has a game Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and again next Saturday!

Stats and soccer

2011-04-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post that yesterday we did the kids STATS!
Owen at 5 1/2 years old is 61.8 pounds and is 46 inches tall, wears a size 11 shoe, and size 7 clothes.
Lydia at 3 1/4 years old is 36.2 pounds and is 39 inches tall, wears a size 9 shoe and size 3T bottoms (except pants 4T for length) and 4T everything else. WOW they're growing so much!!!

Both got haircuts last week and were PERFECT for them. Owen always looks so nice with his hair cut short. She uses buzzes on everything but the top, then scissor cuts the top, she put gel in this time! woo hoo what a stud. Forgot to take a picture. We are growing Lydia's bangs out, so she got a trim. Always wears something in her hair if we are out and about. Thank goodness she's learned to live with hair accessories!!!

So far this first soccer season for Owen....he's had 2 practices and a scrimmage, 1 cancelled game, 2 rescheduled games and 1 practice cancelled!!! He's not even had a chance to wear his #9 soccer shirt. Hopefully Thursday we'll get to practice.

Easter Fesitivites

2011-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

To me Easter seems to be one of the easiest holidays, or has been being a parent. This year I really struggled what to get the children. When Owen was 3 we got him a bike, Lydia was 3-4 months old and I knew she wouldn't never know he got that verses what she got.....well....It never dawned on me what was I going to do when it was time to get her a bike. SO I tossed around the ideas of getting both kids a bike (not very budget friendly), then just getting Lydia her bike (not fair for Owen who understands and really could size wise use a new bike)....so after weeks of toying I decided NO bikes for Easter :-( So I think once we get our tax return we'll get bikes and they'll both be happy. Then both can get new helmets/knee pads/etc and it'll be a special occasion. I sure hope it works out financially for us to do that. We've got other bills that are first on the list to get caught up on.

With holidays we also get SUPER busy and I am already SUPER busy to begin with, and then there comes stress. Stress is like a very common symptom in my life these days. I really had a hard time today dealing with splitting the time up today. So we've decided we're going to try to spend more time at home for holidays and I demanded and Troy agreed we are staying home Mother's Day! It's what I want, I won't be stressed, I won't be mean to my kids, I won't have to rush around all dolled up feeling like a misfit!!!! I will actually get to enjoy MY Mother's Day!!!! Because I am a mom and want to spend it with my kids and husband.

But also with Holidays come special memories.

Including the annual Kraynak's Easter Bunny Lane.

The Kids Favorite

We started the Easter long weekend by cancelled soccer practice and Avon deliveries, Friday mommy worked and meem got to babysit all day, pork chop dinner and a mad dash in the rain to Greenville for dinner....then Saturday we celebrated birthdays.....

Troy's niece Rebekah's 9th birthday (which is Tuesday) and nephew Matthew's 16th birthday (which is May 4). I'll add some pictures that I took. For some reason my camera settings got changed and I didn't get a GREAT picture of them with their cakes.

Then in the evening we dyed eggs. The kids had a great time, but it went super fast. Mommy was very tired at this point-so that was great!!! They were bathed and in their own beds sleeping by 9:35a.m.

Savanna

The Easter Bunny got to get the baskets stuffed and hid early....but was so excited the kids were sleeping in their own beds ..... she couldn't fall asleep and then I tossed and turned all night long anticipating the kids looks on their faces finding their baskets. Well that didn't work :-( Owen was wide awake before 8am and got into his basket while sleepy bunny slept. Lydia on the other hand slept til I woke up around 9am. As the time kept ticking, the kids were digging out their baskets and awwing over everything I remembered I had to bake a cake! Holy crap! dress 2 kids, get church bags ready (quite activities/toys for the kids) shower and get ready. A mad dash it was to get all that accomplished = STRESS! The kids were very well behaved in church. There was a woman who played the bells for us for a few songs. Owen was in awe over them, so was I. What great talent.
After church we headed to Troy's parents for lunch and Easter Basket hunting. The kids are always so excited to see their cousins! We returned home to rest, play, get some laundry done and the cakes frosted. Then we WAITED for daddy to return home. The stress level kept rising.....we were an HOUR late for my family's get together. I was the least happiest camper, but was too angry to even say much. The kids again got to play with Savanna (banna , Lydia calls her). And to visit with family.
Return back home, clean up the house, run the sweeper, unpack stuff from the day, lay out clothes for tomorrow and get ready for bed. oh yeah and snacks. I don't have a clue how the kids thought they needed a snack?!?!?!?!? After everything we ate today.

I just realized I did not take a picture of them all dolled up for the day. But they wore their same clothes they wore for our Spring family portraits ALL day. Hoping the spray stain remover works, because it smells awful.

Here's their baskets though and them on Easter morning. (sorry this blog got so long)

Lydia's was hidden between the elliptical & the card table I have set up right now.

Owen's basket behind the recliner, in front of the desk.

Owen showing off his 'Chuggington' book

The Easter Bunny left umbrella's

What a ham! She wore these a few times during church service.

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today was the annual Easter Egg hunt at church. We went to church as a family, which was so nice. Ive been longing that for a while now. There were a few disagreements before we left, but were easily fixed. Thank goodness. He must have known I needed to be at His House today. The kids were dismissed part way through service (ahh it was sooo nice), for a children's Easter Reading Service in our basement. After church was over we had a lunch, the Easter Eggs were all hid by the older kids, and Cocoa made an appearance. All the children loved it.She did great. (As soon as she got home and settled, she flopped down and laid her whole little body out in a line.It's exhausting being a superstar,lol). Then we went upstairs in age groups, smallest first, and found the eggs. The kids had so much fun. Owen was able to go on his own this year and Lydia partnered up with Joel. Afterwards they all posed for a picture. When I picked the picture I noticed there were a few missing. ohh well, can never get the perfect picture :-( The Easter Eggs of course were filled with candy, other small items and my kids favorite over the candy QUARTERS!!!

Also below is a bridal shower card I made for a coworkers Bridal Shower Friday night.It was nice to get out, eat a grown up meal, have a glass of wine and talk amongst other coworkers/women.

Steph's bridal shower card

Lydia and Joel (she's got some kinda sore on her chin???)

Owen hunting on his own

Lydia did it right having Joel hold her bag, so she could get more.

Missing a few people

Soccer......GO TIGERS!!!!!

2011-04-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

This past week Owen headed to his very first soccer practice in the pouring down rain. I was hesitant. But I was geared up with extra clothes, entertainment for Lydia & Grammie for the car, umbrella, extra coats, shoes, etc. He had a BLAST. They practiced 15 minutes in the rain and then 15 more minutes under a pavillon. It was great. I know a few of the parents, which makes it nice. The kids did fall asleep on the way in. Guess the raining pouring down did it for them. Grammie got Owen's ball very last minute for us. She's AWESOME like that.

Then Thursday he had practice for half an hour, then a little scrimage.It's very windy at the sports complex. But the kids had fun. Owen was covered up the back in mud, and he had to make a trip to walmart afterwards.For once I think in my parenting life I wasn't prepared with an extra set of clothes for him. So this week I will pack a rubbermaid tote of extra "soccer practice/game" stuff. I like to be very prepared. I dont want to have to run to the store for something that I already have at home. We were looking forward to a first real soccer game. But as the rain kept pelting down all week long, the local weather forecast and the wind picking up speed Friday night I was/shouldn't have been shocked when I found out very late Friday evening that ALL soccer games were cancelled for Saturday. I guess it was just gut wrentching to know I had to explain thatthe game was cancelled to Owen. He cried, but I explained how it wasn't safe to play in the bad weather.He recooperated and started askign when practice was again. YAY! Boy, whew that was so hard. I was texting everyone I knew to tell them the game was cancelled and asking advice of what to tell them. I have to laugh (my bff, sorry) my best friend says JUST TELL HIM THE TRUTH, HE WILL GET OVER IT. OMG she cracks me up. She's blunt and straight to the point. But I guess that's how you have to be.

Following are so pictures. A few bloopers I have to share. 1.Owen was in the goal, he got his feet stuck in the net. 2. He kkicked the ball and fell down. 3. He's in the goal and I glance over....he's scratching his bum! 4. He saw the snack bar opening and screams to me "MOM, LOOOK SEE THEY ARE OPENED". I gotta feeling it's going to be a hilarious season. We will wait and see how the Spring season goes to see if he will do the Fall.

Gearing up for their scrimmage (Owen's in the grey sweatshirt)

Getting warmed up

Blooper

Misc Spring Updates

2011-04-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Now that it's been nice the last few days I've gone a few new Spring pictures to add:

Owen was busy as a lil bee outside digging holes....INMY YARD!!Daddy wasn't too thrilled when he got home.

Thought this was so funny....looks like she's smiling......

Owen "tried on" this new bike. He seemed a bit big for it. But we'll have to have daddy take a peak.

Wacky outfit #184.Night gown, striped socks and dress shoes.

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well..... we added a new family member to the Hill Family....a hoppy one at that.ha ha ha.
Saturday the kids and i went to TSC to see the bunnies, the one I was eyeing was bought right under my nose.I had specs to meet.....so the kids and I were ok to just buy the waterbottle, feeder and feed. On the way home I decided to stop at McCartney's feed mill to see if any ads were posted for bunnies. Sure enough there was!I called the lady, we decided we'd all go and off we were that evening. The breeder also did yorkie dogs. They were cute, but not as cute as I've seen in magazines. So....we ventured out to her rabbit barn-and that it was! She wasn't real sure when we got out there what she had to sell. There was a pen of 2 brown and one white w/brown markings, she told me the white one was not for sale....long story short-that's the one we got !!LOL
That was Saturday. We finally decided on her name Sunday evening. Her name is COCOA~!
And I think we've gone from seriously keeping her outside, to possibly having her as an inside pet.She's pretty neat! Molly likes to lick her and has today (Monday) stopped whining constantly. It was a bit annoying. We've been shredding newspapers and putting them in a tote until we can get her a new cage. I think we're getting the starter cages from TSC if she's going ot be an inside pet.The kids do well with her.Owen's obnoxious about wanting to hold her, but we're trying to explain to him she's not used to it, she's a baby, she's small and he's got to be very gentle with her. I'm hoping next week this time he has calmed down quite a bit.
We're (well at least me) truly enjoying her.She's absoluetly the cutest bunny Ive ever seen.
Cocoa was born Wednesday, February 9, 2011 and became our pet Saturday, April 9, 2011. She is a Holland Lop breed. And was 1 of 3 in her litter, or so we saw.
Here are some pictures:

Dentist

2011-04-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Owen went to a new dentist at the end of January. (he was in our network and I'm trying to utilize our dental benefits). At that time he did GREAT with cleaning and letting Dr.M look at his teeth. It was discovered he had a small cavity on a back molar. So we scheduled a return visit 2 weeks later, prepared him for it all.....got to the appointment, did well UNTIL....he pulled the needle out!!! Owen told Dr.M "I'll be back another day!" WHAT A HOOT!!! So we got a recommendation from a few friends and our pediatrician for a pediatric dentist in New Castle. We went for a consult a few weeks ago, Owen did great and was all geared up for that visit....that visit was TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He didn't sleep very well last night, he cried in the night. But didn't mention his fear. We all 4 got up, showered, dressed and out the door by 815am to make our 915am appointment. It was a rough night for mom and dad (ill post more later).......
We arrived 5 minutes early (mark THAT one on the calendar!). Owen checked himself in, I paid the 20% bill, Owen used the potty and we didn't even really get to sit down. Away Owen and I went to the back, he seemed a bit nervous, but chattered away and the procedure was started. He got scared almost when the Dr was done, he started to cry and whine loudly, so I was motioned to come stand and hold his hand. We talked about the beach, the cows, and that he was very very safe. Thank goodness we had 1 tooth, because when I looked at his face and saw the tears streaming down I thought i was going to faint! (one of my new specialty's since my surgery :-( ) We left and headed home. He was instructed for 2 hrs he could have stuff that was soft (milkshake, yogurt, pudding, Jello-O,soup,etc). So in Mercer we got 2 (of course 2, jelly belly sis had to have one) strawberry milkshakes, which each drank half and let daddy finish. We arrived home and nhe only mentioned his mouth feeling "funny" once. He's back to himself and has been trying out the elliptical, which he was warned isn't a toy.

So.....daddy and Lydia are sick. Daddy's been sick off and on , I think it's because of this crazy weather. Lydia has had a fever since Tuesday. She was 100.2 at bedtime last night and at 230am was 101.5. She chugged her juice so fast she threw up. :-( mommy doesn't particularly like doing throw up, id rather something else. gross! So we bathed her, cleaned up the mess and headed back to bed. Daddy was a great trooper and helped us til we went back to sleep for 3 more hours. She seems fine today. A bit warm, but nothing like this morning and hasn't had any fever reducer since 230am. Hoping she feels alot better.

Tomorrow she's so excited to do to daycare. Grandma will be milking and getting her hair done, Owen has preschool, daddy doesn't do well staying awake in the mornings to watch her all while mommy travels to work and works a day. So....none other choice. Hoping we can get 24 hrs w/o meds.

Here Owen is in the car. he was allowed to keep his nitrous mask.

Lydia crazy outfit #183 (just kidding)

2011-04-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Another one of this wild woman's outfits. Summer hat, night gown and fancy black patent leather dress shoes!

This needs to be my new best friend!!! lol. It's the newest piece of furniture in my house.
AND I'd better put it to good use......or else..................

Troy's come down with another cold/flu symptoms. It's so strange. It's when this weather changes. I hope he gets better sick. Certainly scares me!!! Lydia started yesterday with feeling warm and just kind of laying around. Which isn't like her. So she had 2 doses of ibprofen last night, 1 at 3am and another this morning. Then when I picked her up at the farm after work, she was 101.3 degrees. Poor thing. She came home, ate a popcicle, sucked on a washcloth and just laid there. UNTIL the meds kicked in. ha ha ha. Daddy's currently laying in their room with them.

Owen goes tomorrow to get his first filling. I am VERY nervous! But he seems to be okay with every thing that's going to happen. I'm just ready to get it done and over with.

This weekend Grammie asked us to go to an Easter Egg hunt with her. So-that's what were going to be up to. And hopefully it's a pretty peaceful weekend.

Mercer-Northwest Guernsey Banquet

2011-04-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's been so long since Ive posted.....
This past week's been so crazy!
I'll start you off with last Friday we all went to dinner to celebrate my sister-in-law,Elaine's, birthday to Cianci's. All 13 Hill family members....and.....drum roll please..............my kids were VERY well behaved!!! Even though it was later than I'd expected, they did great!

Saturday April 2 we had our annual Mercer-Northwest Guernsey Breeders Banquet. The kids were so excited to be going to the "Guernsey Dinner" as their Grandma told them. Owen was told he was going to get a cow brush. So something made him think there were going to be Guernsey's there. Who knows why?!!? It's just the way kid's minds work. We explained to him over and over NO there would not be any cows whatsoever there...............

While daddy and Grandma were setting up, I decided to take the kids to Meadville to do a little running. We ventured to the Salvation Army for the first time. For $13.00 here is what I got: a cute Easter bunny decoration, a nice fuchsia colored purse, Lydia a pair of shorts, dress and a shirt and for myself a pair of lounge pants and a summer robe. I thought i did pretty good. We then ventured (as promised if there were good) to TSC (Tractor Supply Company) to see the peeps (which were very scarce) and bunnies (2 black and 2 black & white). Our family has been talking for about a month or longer about getting a pet rabbit. So we're now looking and serious. Daddy's promised to build us a cage since he has supplies and will save us roughly $100. We've (I've) got my preferences: NOT plain black or plain red, not red eyes and floppy eared. I've received alot of advice/comments. I've heard that floppy's are the best for having children because they're more laid back so to speak. Once I got my kids away from the rabbits that didn't fit any of my specs or budget at that time.....we went to lunch. While at lunch. Owen and Lydia have been wanting cheeseburgers instead of nuggets (GASP yes I feed my kids McDonald's-sometimes Lydia will do apple slices but I only offer either chocolate milk or apple juice)......he had eaten all his food and for some reason asked Lydia for a "bite" of her burger, which she had 1/2 left.....she broke in half, smiled and said "here ya go bubby". The cutest, kindest thing I've ever seen her do!! :-) Made me smile and I praised her.

Home we came, tried to nap, then prepared our appearances for the banquet. The kids did alright. Owen much better than Lydia. But that's 2 yrs difference for you. It became a very late night and we finally got to sleep at 12:30am! (sigh-someday my family will have a strict bedtime routine).

Hope you enjoy the pictures......
(the barn ones are trying to get pictures for the PowerPoint presentation of the kids for their slide.)

My lil cow girl!

love this one!

finally got that boy to hold the rope....w/a cow on the other end! He's a tractor boy.

He's so proud of his cow brush.

deep in thought

Troy doing his thing

Girl boxes I cut the stuff out on cricut and mother-in-law assembled. These were the kids gifts.

The boys box

JCPenney Spring Portraits

2011-03-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

When we went for the kids Christmas pictures to JCPenney's there was a special we didn't know about and received a FREE $50 certifcate to use there between December and March 31, 2011. So we decided we'd do spring pictures. I specified that I wanted our family portrait done first and then the kids together and go from there....because......with my kids they get to a certain point and they're tired of the whole photo session. So we did sucessfully get family and just kids together....Owen's were good too, but then Lydia decided since she was in a dress and there were lights that should could be a dancing queen, I guess. ha ha ha. She's truly a GIRLY GIRL! But holds her own. YAY!! Below are the photos. Some we got and some we didn't get. Enjoy!!!

Our Family Picture (LOVE)

The Kiddos (LOVE)

The Kids being kids (LOVE)

Lydia 3 yrs old

Owen 5 years old

Our Enhancement we got for our special frame

Cute. But didn't get

What a ham (didn't get)

Cute (didn't like myself in this)

What are they going to get into next? kinda look (didnt get)

daddy's nto a fan of b&w

BUSY BUSY BUSY

2011-03-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

We've been extremely busy lately. I'm sure that you'd like something other than pictures to know what we've been up to. The last 3 weeks Ive been working 2-3 days a week with my mother-in-law keeping kids. I think she's worn out. We're also preparing for the Mercer-Northwest Guernsey Breeders Banquet this coming Saturday. Which Troy & Marlyn work on the power point presentation, Marlyn and I work on invitations, gifts, name tags and anything crafty she can get me to do. (on a side note I truly think we've gotten our $188.00 worth of my cricut!!!!) I get frustrated cutting all this stuff because it doesn't allow me time to do my stuff (being a mom, wife, cleaning, cooking, crafting of my own). But I do also know that years to come I won't get to complain how much it bugs me to cut for her, and I love her dearly. Some times I just get too burnt out. But that's life. And I do enjoy paper crafting. I'll try to get a picture of the invites on here....they're super cute!! OF course they have a cow on them too.

We had Savanna one night last week. When I picked her up we headed to get pizza, then it was time for home. Before I got her Id had 3 appointments, so I was exhausted. Counseling, new appointment with a new eye doctor and a follow up with the chiropractor. Whew! Well I do not know if I am sold on the contacts, they just feel different, dry and uncomfortable by 4pm ish. I'm set in my ways I guess with glasses. The back is getting much better and was advised to return to Zumba and follow up in 2-3 weeks. AND Savanna had a BLAST with us!!! We didn't sleep well, but we never do when were someplace different or have company over. She was very excited to go with me to get Owen from school that day. So special .She's truly changing in many of ways and I am thankful for my dad for caring for her.

Below are two cards I made recently. Soccer card is my nephew's birthday card from the beginning of March and the pink card is a bridal shower card for Abbey (we know her through church). I'm also working on thank you cards for a girl I work with. She's getting married April 30, and I told her that I would make her her thank you cards as her wedding gift. Her colors are pastel, so I have a variety I am going to make for her. She's invited me to her bachlorette party!!! Ive NEVER been to a bachlorette party.

Chuck e Cheese Birthday Party

2011-03-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Owen was invited to a Birthday party in Butler this past weekend. I was very hesitant on saying YES. First they wanted to just take him, I said politely "Owen does not go without his parents" and they nicely invited Lydia to come as well. I was also leery about driving to Butler alone with 2 kids. So Troy took the afternoon off and we went. All 4 of us as a family. The kids had a great time. But man that was the smallest CC Ive ever been in. AND it was a weekend , which meant it was VERY busy. Also there were 6 Birthday Parties going on at the same time. here are some photos: Also some of Owen's card for the Birthday girl and writing his card out.

ENJOY

Leprechaun visit # 1

2011-03-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well in honor of St.Patrick's Day and something fun to do.....I decided to copy my bff (just not as creative as her). But our leprechaun toilet paper'd our doorways last night. Owen thought this was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They each were left a prize: kite, small container of bubbles and a coloring book ($2.25/kid). Tonight I'm unsure what I'll do. thought about pushing the couches together (but my back hurts), or leaving green ribbon all over, or maybe do something silly along those lines. Tonight he has work books and flashcards to leave. (again $2/kid).

My bff has a leprechaun trap. She gets creative! Green footprints w/washable able finger paint on doors, green milk, green bread for her son's sandwich, etc. i'll find out more....

I had thought about getting green and yellow streamer and stringing around, yellow and green feathers and a pile of glitter, those gold coins w/chocolate in them.....I dont have energy to do any of those this time. Im having some back issues. I went to the chiropractor Tuesday, he said I was out 3 places, am doing stretches and ice, and no zumba until he clears me. I return next Tuesday for a check up.

Owen The Big Boy...with bad attitude :-(

2011-03-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took Owen to the pediatric dentist.....he did fantastic. (course it was just a consult). Daddy went back with him and they were back out within 10 minutes. Owen's interpretation of the visit:
"Good. He looked at me teeth. With a little telescope. I did not get a refill. I picked out my own prize, a ball! Next time I come back, Ima breath through those noses. He told me which one I can pick myself. He told me dat. He just looked at my tooth. And I have no lose tooths. He was lookin at my teeth, and that's all he did!" I said whats going to happen when you go back next? he said "im gonna breath through those noses, and that's all" HAAAHAAAAA

Anyways....he goes back the beginning of April for a filling (or a refill he calls it). They'll give him "laughing gas", so they can get the filling filled. Nothing to eat or drink 3 hrs prior, so we're going to a morning appt, so we'll only have to worry about a small time frame. Thank goodness that appointment went well.

One we were done....we decided to browse Ollie's. Troy & Lydia went one way and Owen and I went the other. He was literally bouncing off the walls! Just kept talking and rattling of nonsense things. Sure wasn't acting like himself. Then we ate. After we ate, instantly almost he got MEAN and demanding. The rest of the evening went down hill and ended in tears. I don't like when that happens. I will not have a mouthy child. It's rude and ignorant!

Today I went and picked up his form for Kindergarten registration and made our appointment to return with our paperwork complete. YAY. June we'll find out what bus he'll ride, what time it'll pick him up and who his homeroom teacher will be. In August we go for a time where we meet the teacher and see the classroom. What an EXCITING thing!!!!!

Now tonight, since Ive worked and the kids were with grandma all day, they're tired, I'm tired and he's mouthy, demanding and bantering out ultimatums. I think it's when he's tired. But he won't nap unless he's really exhausted or going for a car ride. He sleeps well for me and goes to bed with no hassle much anymore. I hope we can smoothly transition into an even better bedtime/morning routine before September comes (even though he most likely starts 3rd week of August).

Please pray for us as we deal with this bad phase in not listening, bantering orders and being mean. Also pray for Molly, he's constantly teasing her and driving me nuts!!!

Lydia's well....I'll blog about her tomorrow.

Annoying things.....

2011-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

THIS TIME CHANGE IS ON THE TOP LIST OF ANNOYANCES RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's 11:50 p.m. on Sunday night....a school night. My kids are still WIDE awake and in my bedroom. Really?!?! YES!!!! Daddy's off to milk. Friday and Saturday night's we've been having daddy at home at night with us. IT's both good and bad!! But back to the annoyance. The time change. I didn't predict what it's affect was going to be on us, because I was afraid of thinking it was going to be bad! Which it was.

The kids were up around 10:30 a.m. (new time) , my clock still said 9:30 a.m. so I thought we've got plenty of time to get ready for 10:55a.m. church. YEAH RIGHT. I wish my bed just had the ability to spit me out of it so we could get moving. Owen was very upset we missed church. We were going to really got his week. coats, shoes, all clothing, brush,etc. Were all laid out for us to go. :-( Maybe next week. We're having a real trouble going to church because Troy doesn't like the kids behavior while were in church, so he doesn't want to go. And I don't want to go alone! So no one wins. I know God wants me there and I know I myself need to be there. So sad.

ok annoyance #2 today: My eye glasses need adjusted. But I am going on the 22nd to a new eye doctor for an exam and new eye glasses. Maybe they'll be able to adjust them then. I feel like it's a bad thing to go to my old eye doctor, knowing well in hand I'll be seeing a new one in a week and a half. Guess I just suffer. When you have glasses, and know what Im talking about, you understand. My nose pieces just aren't right, so they feel like daggers sticking into the sides of my nose. we have family pictures Friday and I don't like the thoughts of wearing glasses for them, but you can tell that I've had my glasses on because of the eye pads on my nose. So I dont win :-( I know why do I go on about thsi....it's my blog, if you dont like then don't read and it's something that is bothering me.

Annoyance #3 finding jeans for my son. He's got 5 prs, 1 good and the other 4 we got for school....their knees are worn. Not completely out, just the material's a lighter color. I guess having a boy, this si something that I need to get used to. It's hard to find pants for him. He's husky, but not too husky and still loves elastic wasit. So today we go to JCPenney's (one of my fav stores) to look for pants for Owen. 1 little section of jeans for Sz.4-8 and 1 HUGE wall and many of racks for boys 8-20. So the 2 pair he did try, of course didn't fit! We did find 2 prs (khaki and a dark charcoal color), they were originally priced $11.99, on clearance for $7.99 and with my 2 coupons I had I ended up paying $5.23 for each pair!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I guess for 2 more pair of pants, it was worth it. Just Owen and I went into the store until the end (paying time). He did fantastic. I was looking for a shirt for our picture and happened to find a dress,too. (I needed a dress/or nice outfit for a seminar that I play "susie hostess"for in April and a handful of other events I need something nice, that actually fits and that's nice on me. It was originally marked $60.00, on sale for $39.99 now down with coupons for $23.00 HOLY SMOLEY. A dress and 2 pr of pants for $33.00 I thought I did pretty awesome. (<--see I get carried away, what happened to the annoyance?? lol).

I think they're are only 3. Well this one always bugs me......a week with something I HAVE to do every single day. As usual we have school MWF. But this week, we have a few extra appointments, get together with a cousin, pick up registration packet for Owen for Kindergarten, clean my sister-in-laws, bible study and hopefully Zumba. I have to make at least 3 phone calls tomorrow before I can go to a meeting in the morning about cleaning a house to make some extra money.

So...here's to yet another week of running around. I guess I should feel blessed I am physically able to do all the "running around", right?

So I ask you to pray for us this week as we travel around for all these thigns we must take care of. And I reflect on. Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" and he generally does give me the strength. Even though I am exhausted at the end of each day. I am thankful he gives me teh strength.

Time Change

2011-03-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight we SPRING forward 1 hour in time. It always is so interesting to me about the time change, how it affects people/animals/etc. When the kids were infants it always seemed to cure a getting to sleep or sleeping longer rut that we were in. Well I don't have any prediction what the time change is going to do with the kids this Spring. But I do know when it stays day light longer-it's going to really disrupt us. When it's dark out, Lydia's well aware that that is "pajama time". AWESOME!!!! AND they also both know that NO juice once it's dark outside. YAY for milk time. However, at 7am when it's daylight-Lydia and Owen (More so Owen).....thinks (well definitely knows) that it's time to get up for the day. Some day's that is great and some days I just want to sleep in.

We definitely need to start getting into a morning routine. We've been slowing getting bedtime down to a science, SLOWLY. I can't seem to keep Lydia in her own bed all night. Owen will only sleep in their bedroom if she's there, so then he's dragging his fold out couch, comforter, pillow and blue blankie to my room. GRRR. They've both got brand new beds from Aunt Joanne, awesome bedding (Handy Manny & Tinker Bell).....what more could a kid ask for....and to help them fall asleep....a tv, dvd player, a lightening McQueen Lamp and a swimming fish lamp.

I mean we have come a long ways from not being sleeping until well after 10/11 pm. To most school nights being sleeping by at least 830-9pm. My goal is to have them sleeping by 8pm all of August so school time at the end of August will be a smoother adjustment, we'll get up and easily get ready in the mornings and have a few moments to chat/snack/eat something before we depart for school. I'm anxiously awaiting the news on what time Owen will catch the bus, how long the bus ride will be,etc. But that won't come until early August, Ive heard.

So....here's to hoping the time change doesn't totally screw us up. And to a BUSY BUSY next 2 WEEKS.

updates/snow/free entertainment

2011-03-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

I really never know what to pick as a blog title, because i don't really know what specifically I'm going to tell you about until I just start rambling on and on.

Ok. Here's one.....LAUGHTER.....I am continually laughing at my daughter's sense of style already. AND SHE IS ONLY 3! Here's a few of her latest. Mismatched and all. I'm sure they're will be many of more laughing about wardrobe choices to come with years.

Lydia with her princess crown and nightgown

Dress shoes, heart shaped skirt and striped shirt

New Easter shoes w/her night gown and shades.

Here's Owen's update on being a goof ball at times. He's truly tired of his mother taking pictures of him. While getting dressed for school on this wintery morning, I asked him to practice smiling for the camera lady at school, as it was picture day! I did hear he was first to volunteer to get his done.

I hope this year he behaved, smiled nice and looked okay in the white cap & gown they were given to wear. He'll 'graduate' from preschool. So they're 'graduation' pictures. We didn't order very many, as we're getting family portraits done next week. AND the prices were outrageous. 4- 3x5's $9.00 and 1 8x10 class composite $13. WOW!!!! We received a FREE $50 gift certificate when we got the kids Christmas pictures, and that expires 3/31. So we're taking advantage and having a family portrait done. I'm excited. But wished I looked a little bit better, but it didn't take me a few weeks to get this weight on, it's going to take a whole lot longer to get it off of me.

Today we were slammed with another snow storm. I really miss driving the tracker during the snowy months. It seemed I did okay last year in the Torrent, but this year I don't know why I can't get around easier. Or in other words "I don't know how to drive!" Men they're ridiculous.

So here's the car STUCK in the driveway!!!

So, in frustration I begged Troy to take me to do a few errands after we got Owen from school. So we headed to "town". We grabbed lunch, which the kids were loud and not wanting to sit still. :-( Then headed to Tractor Supply Co. to exchange Troy's boots and let the kids see the chicks and ducks. Every spring they get them in and I take advantage of FREE entertainment for the kids. They enjoy it so much. I didn't take my camera, but had my cell to take pictures....here are a few: (we do plan to go back)

Tested

2011-03-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not in school, so I'm confused why I'm constantly being tested....by my children?!?!?!? It's the most frustrated thing ever! Yesterday was a very testing day. From the moment both kids feet hit the floor-it was a run around day. I sent Owen w/his dad to deliver a load of hay-thinking this would calm him down before our haircuts. NOPE! I swear I took myself a different child to get our hair cut last night. I apologized to our hairdresser, she politely smiled and said it's OK. I just feel like such a donkey when my kids act up when we're out, especially the 5 yr old who knows better. :-( OH well life will go on and I am sure there are many more moments like these that will come. I keep telling myself KINDERGARTEN registration is right around the corner, and Monday I registered Lydia for preschool.

We've been up to.......

We discovered we're getting a new FREE channel on our DISH. STARZ!!! So we've recently recorded: planet 51, the frog and the princess, open season 2 and.....Lydia's favorite "MEATBALLS" Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. She LOVES this movie. Thank goodness. And I can't wait for it to get warmer-the kids have cabin fever so bad. I wish we could afford to take them to Chucke e cheese or Olympic Fun Center to run off some of their energy.

I cleaned the kids room yesterday. Went through their drawers, packed away too small clothes and rotated clothes in their closets-wow Lydia's growing so fast lately. She's about growing out of her 3T clothes. Owen's wearing his Sz.6 pant knees out!!! I'm trying to debate what size shorts they'll both wear. We don't need to worry about length, which I usually have to. Both kids fell asleep in their nice clean room, freshly made beds last night by 8:15p.m. YAY! I thought that was great. But Lydia didn't sleep well. She fussed through the night. But then that would save me all the effort getting myself ready.

I work this week. YAY Monday and Thursday, just 6 hrs each day, but that's better than nothing. We're going to start our process for scanning. I'm excited. And am praying this brings more hours for me to work. I've got the rest of my part of the condo to pay for, bills and my shower to finish paying off. good Lord, please bless me with more hours.

Harley's visiting

2011-03-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening our house added an extra dog for a few days. Boy it's interesting, but fun. My cousin Sarah (Peanut) and her boyfriend went away for the weekend. So, we volunteered to keep Harley while they were gone. That way he didn't have to go to the kennel. Harley is a black 2 year old cocker spaniel and boy is he BIG! (course anything compared to Molly is big). It's a bit different because we just let Molly out the front door, she does her business and back she comes. Harley on the other hand.....he's on a retractable leash. Guess it's for the best. His mommy brought his dish, food, blankets, toys and his cage. We're doing alright with him. Molly seems to want to play when he wants to sleep.

Owen has been fevering since Thursday morning. :-( This mornining again at 530am he woke up screaming, and hot as all get out. Troy decided it wasn't a good idea for him to go to school. And Owen said at that point he didn't feel like it. BUT 8am he was WIDE awake!!! At 930am he asked when I was taking him to school. I felt bad at that point, his temp seemed to be going down then, but still has an awful snotty nose and isn't the best at covering his mouth when he coughs or getting a tissue-what boy is? lol. So Mommy pushed back a few errands an hour or so and had daddy go with us. He used all the adult cold medicine last week, so it was mommy's turn to get some more, and Id forgotten Owen needed stuff for snack at school Monday. (after I got home I realized it is the following Monday-guess Im prepared now). We actually all took a nap this afternoon-thank goodness. My head, ears and throat are hurting. Awakened to Lydia crying-she'd slept so hard she wet my bed. So you can guess where my bedding is right now-yep washing machines are a great thing!

The dogs just started playing and it's hilarious!!!! I wish i could do flix on my cell-but it doesn't do that.

The "cold bug" has hit the Hill House!!!

2011-03-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's true....the cold bug as hit our house. Daddy became sick last week once we returned from D.C. Slept seriously I swear 3days, took 1 whole box of dayqual and finished a box of nyqual. THEN the kids starting coughing through the night over the weekend.....and now they're snotty nosed, coughing and Owen's fevering. :-( Ive been feeling weaker and weaker, sore throat and coughing for a day now. Hope it gets outta our house quickly. Am hoping for naps today to sleep some of this off.

Lydia's being a stinker as usual. She's quick too. Last evening she in 5 minutes managed to make a disgusting mess that took me 15-20 minutes to clean and disinfect the bathroom and the result of all this .... A CLOGGED TOILET! What a disaster! Daddy was in D.C. last night, so we plunged and plunged and plunged. I get hysterical when things around the house don't work when they're supposed to and I have no one around to help.

Owen fell asleep at 6pm while meem was still here, woke up at 8pm to get pj's on and in bed, and Lydia was pj'd, medicine and sleeping by 830pm. YAY! or so I thought...I get myself so excited that they fall asleep early that I can't get to sleep. It was well after 11:30pm. boooooo. At 520am Owen woke up crying his throat hurt and he was burning up, we changed our wet clothes, got a dose of Tylenol and back to sleep we went til they were both WIDE awake at 7am. That's early for mommy. They're going on spurts today of arguing-but not as bad as the last few days.

Yesterday aunt Mary came to visit. She helps with the kids, and they LOVE having her. We got my little sewing machine out Mom got me for Christmas when I was pregnant with Lydia. I've got tooth fairy pillows to make for the kids and a gift to make for my best friend. I also would like to make sleep shorts for Owen this summer and dresses for Lydia. Meem brought a roast and we made that with mashed potatoes, noodles and corn. Owen wasn't too interested in eating, but Lydia polished off her plate and half of Owen's. She's such a good eater. I got the kitchen all cleaned up but the floor while meem played on the computer and we talked. Was nice having someone here to talk to while I did housework. But it was getting dark and Meem and Lacie decided to hit the road :-( i hate when visits come to an end.

Today we're just lounging around. I don't think I have the energy for Zumba tonight, but I am going to try bible study. Here's the link to the bible study I have been doing. It's very interesting and makes yout think.
http://madetocrave.org/

Troy's on his way from another Farm Bureau meeting, thank goodness meetings are done for a while.
Harley's coming over until Sunday. We're babysitting for Peanut (my cousin). Harley's a 2 yr old black cocker spaniel. He's so big and adorable!!! We're excited to have him.

Praying we get better real soon.

Preschool and Kindergarten

2011-02-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Such a momentous day for me!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a watch pot and have been watching the newspaper for registration for Owen's Kindergarten. Last week we found out Lydia's is March 7 & 8 at Jubilee 830-1130am, so if you know anyone interested, tell them to get in there those dates. The slots fill up FAST!!!

Some moms may think that I am crazy because I am so excited about sending my children off to school. Ohh well. It's because I am so happy for my children. I am excited for them to go experience new things, meet new people, and learn alot!!! So I can't wait to send my kids to school-for their benefit.

Todays' Record Argus article:

Register for kindergarten in Lakeview District

Sandy Lake Township- Kindergarten registration for the Lakeview School District for the 2011-2012 school year will be accepted April 19 and 20 in Oakview Elementary School.

To enter kindergarten, children must be five years old before Sept.1 Families living in the Fairview Township, Jackson Center Borough, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Millcreek township, New Lebanan Borough, Sandy Lake Borough, Sandy Lake Township, Stoneboro Borough and Worth Township are in the Lakeview School District.

Beginning March 15, parents may pick up a registration packet between 8am and 3pm in the Oakview Office or call the office at 724-376-7911 ext.262, to have a packet sent home with a sibling.

Bowling Birthday Party

2011-02-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Owen was invited to a friends Bowling & Pizza Birthday Party this weekend. (they're friends of ours and won't reveal names for privacy-as I dont know if it's ok to post them). They were kind to let us as a whole family come. We had a GREAT afternoon. I was shocked how well the kids were and how much fun they had. They keep talking about it. Owen's decided he'd like to have a bowling party for his birthday, which isn't for another 8 months!!! lol. I took some pictures, which Ive been slacking at using the new camera. So I will post some pictures of us. Hope you enjoy!

cards i've made.....

2011-02-27T17:47:00.000-08:00

busy busy busy

2011-02-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was to post this last week. Sorry. I wanted to add some pictures......

WOW! Lots of stuff to report today!!!! Buckle your seat belts! This may get long.....

Last Friday(2/18) was a disaster for Lydia and I at Mommy & Me! She wasn't herself. She hasn't been herself at Mommy & Me since beginning of December. She wasn't listening or participating, so I grabbed her and our things and WE LEFT! I truly think she's bored with it. So we're deciding what to do next. I'm thinking of 1 day a week sending her to daycare for the social interaction. She will be registering for preschool in a few weeks!!! YAY!!! I still haven't seen anything in the Record Argus about Oakview Elementary kindergarten registration!!! Every other school but ours (CP, Jamestown, Greenville, Mercer, Reynolds). Can you tell I am EXCITED!?!??!?!?!?! 1 kid will go M-F and the other 2 days a week!!! I know so selfish. Hey I'm at home w/them ALOT compared to other mom's who have husbands w/normal jobs! I think I'm entitled to feel this way after all these 5 yrs.

Last Saturday we had a VERY busy day! I hired a sitter to come so I could go and enjoy something I like - KIDLESS .....Penn's Woods Craft Show! I enjoy it every year, but seems to be less and less people roaming around there. The vendors are set up...but the turn out. I really wonder what their turn out is? I missed out on seeing the Keelings sing because of time. Oh well. I'll try for another time. My bff and I had a good time together. We were looking for cheap items to 'country ize' my house because I want to redecorate. The kids and I went to a friends house for a play date for the 1st time and her family room in the basement is EXACTLY what Id like to have my house decorated with. So far Ive decided Bees are my kitchen w/a sage green color, the bathroom is stars, my bedroom is blue w/angels (not cheap looking angels, pretty real human figured ones), the living room (Ive got to leave the autumn Guernsey picture up, so it's a toss up), and the kids room is sage green w/a little bit darker curtains.

Once I got home it was time to get ready for Meem's Surprise Supper at Cianci's for her 50th Birthday. There were 14 of us. We were there what seemed like forever, wasn't 100% thrilled w/food and service. But was a nice time out without the kids with my family. Owen had decided the night before he didn't want to go and thankfully Aunt Anne didn't have any plans and the kids were home, because she was so nice to keep my 2 while we went out. THEN mom thought she had a kidney stone, which turned out ot be a muscle spasm, now a broken rib! She got her stitches out today, but haven't heard yet how that went.

Monday..... All day we'd been preparing Owen (and the day before) for his dentist appt to get a filling. It happened that Troy had to stay home to milk, which I wasn't thrilled about but I put my big girl pants on and thought I CAN DO THIS!!! We talked the whole way to Greenville how important this way, how if we were good we'd go to Dollar Tree and get a special balloon (I can handle a $1 for a treat). We got there, Owen did well.....UNTIL the dentist brought out the needle to put in Owen's mouth.....AND THAT KID WAS OUT OF THAT CHAIR FASTER THAN IVE EVER SEEN HIM MOVE!!! After 25 minutes of trying to bribe, talk things through,etc. I said forget this, I wasn't forcing him into the chair, making him crying, stressing us both out.....we got a referral for a pediatric dentist-which I guess from soooo many people isn't a good dentist!!! I called the pediatrician's office and got another name, and we're schedule in 2 weeks to go to New Castle for a consult! whew what a stressful, embarrassing, trying moment!

Tuesday.....The kids and I picked up a Nan Peterman cake on our way for a visit to see the Birthday girl for her 50th at the Bowling Alley. Joan, Mom, Mary and Billie all bowl Tuesday nights, and have for quite some years. I'll have to check out that number too because I'm curious. We picked up a naughty cake. I won't post on here. Meem liked it though.

Tuesday I made a cake and chili. I'll have to admit that it's not the same as my moms :-( But nothing every matches up to someone Else's cooking.

Today I got Owen's newsletter from school. He has school pictures March 11 (Friday) and March 7 (Monday) Lydia gets registered for next year for preschool!!! What a week!!!

The kids are patiently waiting for Grammie to get here. I said after lunch-she'll be here.

I get to work Thurs and Fri this week! I'm excited. Thursday night I'm going to be committing myself to Zumba and Bible Study every Thursday!!! Saturday Owen got invited to a birthday party at a bowling alley. He's excited. Lydia's allowed to go too.

We also painted Molly's toenails for something to do...

Well enough rambling on or I'll think of 3652 things to tell you about.

YAY for the weekend!

2011-02-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if every weekend there is always going to be something going on....... hmmm I'm sure! that's life, I guess.

Well....I wasn't as sore after Zumba last night, there were 2 dances I just couldn't get into it, get my body to move the way they are teaching us to. But I tried. It's so much fun. Id love one of their tanks. They're great! The pants are even better, but they're over $40!!! Can't justify that!

Bible Study was AMAZING! Emotional as well. It hit home. We have homework and something to read every day for 6 days. So I'm going to try to share with everyone on what I read. I think it's going to go very well. I met another lady that I just keep thinking about her words! The instructor too was awesome. (her son goes to school w/mine!).

Today at Mommy & Me....Lydia was absolutely horrible. She's growing bored with it I think, she doesn't want to participate, I feel like it's a beauty pageant, etc. So I am teetering whether her and I will continue it. I still would like to devote Friday mornings "Ours". We'll see how things go talking to hubbs about this one. I'm just not as comfortable this time as I was last and with Owen.

I was able to get groceries on my own this afternoon after lunch and cleaning! It sure was nice. Went very quickly, but boy am I whipped. I haven't slowed down since yesterday afternoon.

Owen hasn't been sleeping well for about a week now. Last 3 nights he has awaken SCREAMING, CRYING,etc. It's starting to take a toll on mommy. He for some reason started being afraid to go back the hallway to the bedrooms or bathroom alone.....finally a few days later we figured out why....... He's scared of the smoke detector! We have tried to go over and over fire safety and we've determined a meeting place, explained how important it is to have a working smoke detector.

Lydia's been in a goofy mood, like she's not happy or something. She can spell Owen's name! We laughed, because she can't spell hers, but she can recognize her name. Which is good. She knows her colors, if asked. I am hoping to work with her a Little more on her name. Lydia's doing well though. We are growing her hair out, so we're working on being cooperative with wearing barrette's/clips/headbands/etc. She's getting used to it. Mommy's trying to grow her hair out too!!

AND Mollly....Well Owen's decided that he likes to pick her up. Poor thing is so scared, but I can't watch over everyone at every single moment of every single day. She's 18.8 lbs, and I really want to get her to shed some weight before we head back to the VET! Because I know like we did w/Brownie, we get holy you know what for overweight pets! It's been talk that we may get a bunny. The kids and I are game, because we are here most of the time and would care for it. But daddy's not 100% on board. So we are working on it. I have a contact where I can get one from a trusted breeder.

We still have not seen hide nor hair of BINKYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY we haven't had them since Sunday, February 6, 2011. That's such a great thing for our family. Speaking of binky's, mouth area.....Owen goes to the dentist Monday for his 1st filling, we haven't talked about it. But we will start Saturday or Sunday.

Well enough rattling on....that's what's exciting or not so exciting (their behavior) in our lives.

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2011-02-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

When I started cooking I ALWAYS messed up my meatloaf ...Well UNTIL I found tihs recipe in the KRAFT magazine.

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

Prep: 10 mins Total: 1 hr 10 mins Makes: 8 servings

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 Pkg (16 oz) Stove Top Stuffing mix for chicken (I use aldi's brand)
1 C. water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 C Kraft original BBQ sauce, divided ( I use whatever bbq sauce I have)

HEAT: oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients except 1/4 C bbq sauce.
SHAPE: meat mixture into oval half in 13x9 inch baking dish; top with remaining BBQ sauce.
BAKE: 1 hr or until done.

Time for weight loss changes

2011-02-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I am attending 2 new things. I'm nervous and excited all in one.
1. Calf Health & Management Workshop. We had gotten the info sent to us from Penn State and I mentioned to Troy I think Id enjoy it if we could find someone to watch the children. So -we're going!! I'll learn about calf care for animals from birth through 6 months of age, calf health, vaccines for calves and youngster heifers, calf and weaned calf housing, cal and weaning calf nutrition, and animal well being issues. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's all day though. Hoping my attention span can last that long.

2. I'll go to Zumba for the 3rd time. It's in the evening after dinner time. I truly enjoy it. Last time I went through a whole bottle of water and could have drank another. SO I'll plan to take 2 w/me.

3. Then right after Zumba I will be attending: Bible Study. "Made to Crave"....It's a 6 wk DVD based study that focuses on satisfying our deepest desires with God, NOT food. Ive heard this is an amazing study. It'll teach:
-break the "ill start Monday" cycle.
-stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale and make peace with the body you've been given.
-discover how weight loss struggles aren't a curse but, rather, a blessing in the making.
-replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripture that lead to victory.
-eating healthy without feeling deprived.
-reach a healthy weight goal while growing closer to God through the program.

I AM VERY EXCITED and hopeful that this will change how to think about things. I know I need to lose weight and according to Weight Watchers questionnaire I took online I need to drop 66-95 lbs and I also got my BMI, I think it was 36 or 38. I can't remember.

I also have the Zumba DVDs infomercial set, I bought last Spring and have used a few times. So am hoping I can get into a routine of doing those at least 2x/wk, then class and now this bible study. I want to at least lose 25 pounds by June 11 when we go to Ocean City, NJ on our Alabran Family Vacation.

Binky's...or there lack of!! YAY!!!!

2011-02-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

I keep forgetting to post and I don't know why I keep forgetting because its such a great thing that's happened here!!

WE NO LONGER HAVE BINKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Sunday February 6, 2011 was the last day we saw them in our house. Seriously, it's happened by pure accident. But it needed to happen that way. I knew I didn't have the will power to get rid of them on my own. So....Sunday night at bedtime we couldn't find them and still haven't found them. It's been a pretty smooth transition. But I did tell Troy if he sees one pop up, without telling me please get rid of it!!! The kids aren't falling asleep as well. But we haven't exactly had a great bedtime routine. I know I need to get them into one. But as soon as I do-something happens (time change, holidays,etc).

So it's been 1 week and 2 days since we've seen those ugly things sitting on our kids faces!!!! I knew we needed to get rid of them. Our doctor's and dentist's have been very patient and understand---but until Lydia's 3 yr check up mid January! The pediatrician wasn't nice with me about it, of course I blame it on not having Troy with me. Whatever! They're gone. Owen's not going to have one at graduation or his honeymoon-so no sweat!! lol.

Now-if we can get Lydia back in her bed! We would be so set. But not every family is perfect and I'm the first to admit that I am the most IMPERFECT parent. I know I need to learn patience, take time to relax, but time just doesn't permit it some days. :-(

Well we're off to hopefully make an early Birthday surprise visit to aunt Joan-she will be 58 tomorrow!!!! AND mommy's had it with being couped up all day.

2011-02-15T09:04:00.001-08:00

Little piglet sunbathing. She weighs 18.8 lbs. Shes even on healthy weight food :( at least shes enjoying the sunshine.

Happy Valentine's Day - 2011

2011-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day !

We don't usually celebrate Valentine's Day, only because our Anniversary is 1 week exactly before. BUT because we have kids (mommy's excuse)....I get them each something small. This year is a place mat for the table where they sit and a bath paint from Avon. I know $3 and they're happy!!!! Daddy gets a sentimental card that he'll throw aside after he sees there is nothing in it. What fun we are. I had plans to decorate the house this year with cricut made hearts and I didn't get that done. BUT St. Patty's Day.....Ive got big plans!!!

This year I had to let my patience help me out......Owen wrote EVERY Valentine out for his class. (I even took pics of a few) he wrote the kids name and his name, he wrote his name on his box and stamped hearts on it too! I think he enjoyed it. I feel like he is growing up so fast!!! He's really starting to become his own person, interpret things his own way and voice his own opinion to us. (whether we like it or not, well that's tough lol).

Here he is writing the Valentine's out.

The one side of his box. There is a tractor on each side of the box with a heart in the back wheel, 2 hearts one on each side stamped and the edge of the lid of the box has hearts stamped.

I could have done alot better. Check out the picture below....this is my bff's son's box!!! She's such a great mom!!! and best friend too!!! The box is called the Love Boat.

2011-02-09T16:50:00.001-08:00

Writing out his 1st valentine's!

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7 Years!

2011-02-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (February 7, 2011) Troy and I celebrated 7 years of Marriage. It's hard to believe WOW 7, yeah to some it doesnt seem like a long time...but to me every year is even longer, but yet goes by even faster!! Wonder if it's because of the kids, ha ha ha.

Troy and I dropped the kids off to moms, then went on to the Hickory Grille for a nice quiet enjoyable dinner! We even had deep fried pickles for appetizer, salad, bread, we both decided on chicken and we split dessert. Of course you know I HAD to have a coupon. Troy got 2 emails from the Springfield line. One was for a free appetizer for our anniversary and the other was for a free dessert for his birthday, which is Feb 16. We had gotten a very nice gift from a friend, a gift card and only ended up paying $16.42 for our nice quiet enjoyable dinner!!!! YAY me!!!

Afterwards we gased up the car, Troy got cappicino and decided to call it a night, picked up the kids and that was that. Some anniversaries I think are meant to be uneventful. We'd like to go to Las Vegas for our tenth, which would be 2014. Owen will be 8 and Lydia 6. I think they'd do alright with someone else for a few days, Grammie most likely. :-)

We didn't have the weather we had 7 yrs ago, but it was still miserable out there. Ive decided after all the hassle with boots, coats, hats and gloves.....Im starting to get ready for Spring. I just don't like the mud and busyiness it brings for our family.

Well enough rambling...here's to yet another year of marriage......ups and downs..but we made a vow in front of God, to ourselves, friends and family that we'd be together til Death Do Us PART! AMEN!

Happy Anniversary, Troy!!!!

2011-02-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

I love when they sit side by side. Owen's teaching her to use his toy laptop:)

2011-02-07T20:33:00.001-08:00

This girl is so full of it. She has dog on couch w/plastic container over dog at 1132p.

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Lydia and my plant......

2011-02-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day of Lydia and I's Mommy & Me class together. She was VERY excited to be "going to school", see all the girls to play with and she LOVED playing with shaving cream...good old fashioned shave cream. She was kind of upset when we stopped and had to clean up....but then I told her it was snack time. ha ha That's my girl.

I have great news to announce....my plant that Ive had since Mother's Day 2010 is sprouting it's SECOND FLOWER!!!! I am so excited. I told myself Id try this plant and then Id try an African Voilet. I am so excited. I change the plants location every month so it gets different lighting, but it seems to be seriously doing VERY awesome on top of our TV!!!

Lydia's been having her own sense of fashion lately. I don't allow her to wear what she wants unless I approve when we're going in public, but at home I dont really care. Here are 2 photos of "get ups" she's sported this past week!! She seriously cracks me up!

2nd night in a row.

2011-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

2nd night in a row. kids sleeping & in their own beds by 930... and i cant sleep.i hate seeing 1152pm on my clock :(

20 of my favorite things.....

2011-01-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

20 OF MY FAVORITE THINGS..... (thanks Susan for the idea)

After ready a classmates blog of her 20 favorite things, it really calmed me down as I am having a HORRIBLE Monday! Poor Monday really gets a wrap and I feel bad. But MONDAY get the hell outta the way!!! Reading her blog made me realize I really need to try hard not to sweat the small stuff and feel blessed with what I have.

1. My favorite season is FALL! I love the colors, the smells, September 16 is my 30th Birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving,etc. EVERYTHING about FALL).

2. The way my son tells me a story. It's the cutest thing ever and I cannot even describe it! The look on his face, the sound of his voice, the way each sentence stops abruptly and the next begins. And you can't interrupt...because then he has to start over again.

3. The way my daughter looks when she's wearing a pony tail. It's just the cutest thing every, the thing I could not wait to see when I knew September 2007 that we were having a BABY GIRL! (as sge==== she climbs on my lap as I type this at 952pm when she fell asleep in my arms at 730pm)

4. The sound the glass bottle Lipton iced tea pops when you open it.

5. The taste of homemade good cooking mother-in-law food, mom's chili, lasagna and steak in bag.

6. I'm starting to like the color purple more than blue. Like a medium to light shade of purple. And the purple of the girls dresses in our wedding.

7. I like doing laundry-it's a sense of accomplishment! I love the smell of fresh sheets after being on the clothes line all day.....and not when my father-in-law aromatizes the neighborhood. ha ha had to throw that in there.

8. A shower. ALONE!!!!

9. Putting on sneakers after wearing dress shoes or sandals all day.

10. Candles burning during the evening while we are home.

11. Any day spent as a family.

12. Crafting. I love making cute stuff, homemade cards, projects,etc.

13. I like driving, but don't like driving at night.

14. My favorite movie series, believe it or not was even before kids....Toy Story!!!

15. My favorite flowers are: Daisies, pink/white/yellow roses (don't like red at all).

16. My favorite thing about myself are my eyes!

17. I like wearing bummy clothes around the house.

18. I like to have picnics in the field during summer months w/the kids and Troy.

19. I love to be organized, or what I think is organized. I like the way it makes me feel.

20. WOW....my favorite thing in the whole world is my husband hugging me without being prompted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-29T17:37:00.001-08:00

My tired baby girl let me rock her to sleep!! (sighhh i love it).

Dentist Day

2011-01-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2011

Lydia and Owen were transferred as patient to Dr.P.M from where they were. Mainly because Dr.M is in our dental insurance network, where as the other wasn't. I took Owen to Dr.J.M when he was 18 mos old for a chipped tooth and it was torture!!! So we decided it might be more kid friendly to take the kids to Dr.K.A. where Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Elaine and the kids go to....which we had GREAT experiences with them. Owen had gone 4 time and Lydia 2. But it was time to shape up and start taking advantage of the insurance that the farm pays for! So we're saving about $200 a year by going to someone in network, that $200 is just on cleaning's only. (I say that because you'll have to read on......)

So we got there 10 minutes early, mommy was cold, the kids were playing and thought everything was going to run smoothly. I took Lydia back to get hers cleaned and thought we'd have Owen come right back when she was done....nope Lydia and I were transferred to the dentist's office, Troy and Owen stayed behind to get cleaned. (WHAT A CROCK! compared to all 4 of us being in a room at Dr.K.A.). Anyhow......1 hr 16 minutes later we all left! (whew)

To make a long story short-I didn't get to see Owen get his cleaned, but heard him laugh and was reported he did well. He LOVED the bubble gum flavor fluoride treatment and was stoked he got a WOODY toothbrush!!! Lydia was great getting hers cleaned, chose grape flavored fluoride treatment, got princess flossers and a prince toothbrush! After the cleaning Owen let Dr.P.M. count his teeth.....then the news came........Owen has a cavity and it HAS to be filled. It's a molar that he'll have til he is 12 or 13!!!! (we didn't tell him) Then Lydia wouldn't open her mouth for him to see. oh well!!!

So we were glad to get out of there. I made Owen's appointment for in a few weeks, mommy needs time to prepare herself for this visit and the next cleaning appointments. Better take the whole afternoon off for that one!!!

Lydia's Birthday Party

2011-01-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

Owen & Lydia watching for the cupcakes to get finished. (above)

Cupcakes on display and Lydia's larger cupcake. Grammie baked all them Friday at our house and Friday evening I frosted them with homemade frosting.

Lydia on her new tricycle bike from Grammie. (Dont mind washer/dryer behind us...we partyied in the basement-lots of room down there)

Saturday evening we had Lydia's 3rd Birthday party with mommy's family. 22 people to be exact, some of our closer friends were unable to make it ot the party. But it was okay. We had plenty leftovers that went to the freezer for later on when we get busier. Lydia had a great time as did the other children. We had 3 new kids join us (Doug's son Mikel-which is peanut's boyfriends son, Then there were Marc's 2 daugthers-which is Jessica's boyfriend). WE all had a good time. And were all sleeping by 10pm! We were EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-27T10:32:00.001-08:00

Dentist appointment day.....
1 down 1 more kid 2 get cleaned! Lydia did great!!

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Birthday Parties.....

2011-01-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Well as parents Troy and I have decided this is the LAST big birthday party! (yeah right?!?!?). It is so much hard work! I know why can't I keep our basement cleaned up for occasions like this? BECAUSE we live in our house, I'm busy and we have 2 kids that like to play down there. So I think we're going to from now on do JUST cake & ice cream with family and then if the kids want to have a few friends over for their Birthday's we'll do it. I know I'm a tad disappointed, and this may change in time. But I don't know it kinda makes sense. It truly is hard on me. I am so stressed out by the time the day of the party rolls around that I question myself "is this truly worth it?" I mean yeah sure the kids have a blast and I feel horrible for being in a bad mood. But it is so much fun! We will see. Time changes everything.......

I still cannot believe Lydia Ann is 3 YEARS OLD~! She's our baby, our baby girl at that. She's really started talking ALOT since right around Christmas. I like it, but she sure does yammer away at orders! lol She is full of everything. She is lovable, loves her dolls and animals, observes your facial expressions before she reacts most times, loves to dance, is in aww over sparkly princess things.....she's ALL girl. But isn't afraid to run with the big dogs-and I love that! She holds her own when it comes to fighting with her brother. She does have a 'sound' problem. when she cries, yells at Owen, upset with Molly....you will here it for sure loud and clear!!!
So.....one last time for your 3rd birthday baby girl...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONKEY! Mommy, Daddy and Bubby love you very much!!!

In almost 2 weeks her and I will start our Mommy & Me class. It's rough Friday mornings getting 3 of us ready. Drop Owen off at school, kill and hour and a half, go to Mommy & Me and try to figure things out after that. At times Owen stays at daycare to have lunch, or he gets picked up by daddy or grandma. But all of this is worth it. The look on her face with disappointment when I tell her each time we drop Owen off for school-not your school today. she loves going and she even loved daycare a few weeks ago.

Both kids asleep and in

2011-01-21T19:05:00.001-08:00

Both kids asleep and in their own beds 945pm! woohooo. tomorrows a big day!

2011-01-21T11:50:00.001-08:00

Momma's furbaby!

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Sleeping update....

2011-01-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well sleeping and binky update.....
Last Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night the kids both slept in their beds. I usually don't have a problem with Owen, he's a great sleeper. But I think we had a problem around age 3 where he wanted in our room, until he got his single bed. Lydia got hers mid October. And still isn't 100% sold on it. lol So...last night they were both sleeping in their beds by 945pm. This is a big change for us, since October we've really been trying to get bedtime down pat. But seems like some times it's alot of BS! Yes BS!!! From crying, whining, continuously putting HER back in her bed,etc. I was so proud of Lydia for last night falling asleep in her bed. I awoke at 628am crying, shaking,etc I had a nightmare about snakes chasing me....looking over...there was Lydia beside me!! I never heard her slinker into bed. So what's Troy do? Well he milks 10p and doesn't get in until at least 3-4am (I hate it), he either sleeps on the couch or if Lydia's made her way to our bed...he sleeps in her bed. (Hilarious to see a 6'1" grown man all snuggled up in a Tinker Bell comforter!! LMAO).
Last evening we as a family cleaned up the basement a bit for Lydia's party. The kids are growing more and more excited for the party. I truly think they LOVE company!
Mommy on the other hand is trying to stay busy cleaning....I just need some motivation.
OK now to binky's....Lydia's 3 yr check up last Thursday the dr said no more binkys. Well you can't cold turkey something like that. So the last 3-4 days they're not allowed in my car, and we've been trying to hide them during the day. Makes bed time easier if we have them. But each is down to 1 a piece, so Im hoping by Valentine's Day we can have a celebration of NO MORE BINKY's....we'll see.....

Date

2011-01-19T06:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Owen and I went on a "date" and what a busy one it was. First we decided to head to Stone Arch to eat, because seriously do you want a 1st date to be at McDonald's or Pizza Hut? ha ha ha.....He ate all his mashed potatoes and gravy, but decided he wanted his yummy cheeseburger to come home to daddy. And he stole a few of my fries. Their cheeseburgers are out of this world!! He chattered the whole time we ate, talking about different things, going to the bathroom alone, what we were doing next. Here he has a notepad and pen, and was making a grocery list. He practiced his name and did 2 letters of his preschool teacher's last name. As we got out of the car when we arrived he asked "mommy can I order my own food". Why sure!!! He did well!

After lunch we were off and running to Giant Eagle (Saved $19.00) where he decided he was going to be a plane, a boat and I swear every movable thing....sound effects and all. Aldi's was our next stop with of course yet another potty break and some elderly men parking their carts in the middle of the isle...SERIOUSLY does there need to be a grocery store etiquette course for men??? lol Then to walmart, we were doing GREAT on time til we got here....ran into a few people we knew, couldn't find some items I had in mind, Owen being distracted by the 'try me' video games as I was looking for an ethernet cord at walmart (still haven't found another one).....so 1 hr and 20 mins later we departed walmart!!! YAY!!! Luckily Lydia went to spend the afternoon with Grandma!

We ventured to Tara's to pick up this absolutely adorable cupcake Tinkerbell stand she found for me, deliver stuff to the sister-in-law's house and the post office. All the stops of course were filled with questions....the best...Owen wanted to know what all the little doors in the post office were....Post Office boxes, now try to come up w/a quick one for a 5 yr old...I didn't know what else to say other than there are people out there who steal mail and people get those boxes, but you have to pay to rent them. WOW that was wrong...it was filled with responses of "mom, will someone steal our mail?", and "that's not very nice".....geez........

Lydia of course wasn't ready to come home and some things had to be discussed......so finally 5 hrs after Id dropped Lydia off....we were back home, I put the groceries away, and had just sat down when I realized at 504pm that Owen's haircut was at 530pm!!!!!!!!!!!! We were off and running again. Lydia acted as if she didn't feel well, so she fell asleep on the way to the haircut until 830pm, but was back sleeping for me by 11pm. Thankfully. I really wish we could stay on task/schedule,etc.....

I'm already dreading bedtime in the fall because Owen will have to get up earlier than usual, daddy will have only had a few hours of sleep and Lydia will start 2 days of preschool.....hoping daddy understands that bedtime routine is important and that mommy's going to need lots of help or him outta the house by 730pm!!! or at least til the kids are sleeping. I don't want to be one of those parents that doesn't do well with the kids in the morning, and we don't have time for breakfast...I understand breakfast is a key to a good health and education!

Well Owen's at school, Lydia's finishing her bath and Ive got TONS of work to do in the next 3 days to prepare for Lydia's party!

HUGE magazine deals.....

2011-01-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you are a magazine lover, January is the time to start up some subscriptions. Here is a list of great deals on magazine subscriptions:

Tanga has Scrapbook Etc. Magazine listed for $24. Use coupon code SCRAPBOOK at checkout to get it for $5.99.

You can also get a 2 year subscription to Allure on Amazon for $13. It is listed at $18 but $5 will come off when you check out.

Amazon also has 2 years of Marie Claire for just $7 after discount.

Cosmopolitan (1-year) is also on sale for just $5!

Go here to order a 1 Year Subscription to O, The Oprah magazine for just $10.

Weekend....

2011-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

I enjoy weekends when at least one day we can do something even if it's nothing but spend time together as a family! I LOVE that!!! And today was it!!

Yesterday the kids and I didn't really do much. I cleaned my room...mom woulda been proud years ago...but no one cared yesterday :-( ohh well bummer about being an adult. But at least I can move around in there. ha ha ha. Lydia did Zumba as I watched and folded towels. I needed to watch the moves so I knew exactly what's going on. She was cute! Troy was home shortly after dark and we finished up the Steeler's game together! GO STEELERS!!! Then we watched 'Couples Retreat', we've only had for almost a year and never have had time or a TV to watch on (because the kids pretty much die if we over rule the tv, it's less a fight if we just do it that way). Boy was it hilarious!!

Today (Sunday)..... I got up, got the kids ready and took them to Sunday School. I loved sitting outside the room listening to them chatter as I read my book. Made my heart sing! They talked about shepards and sheep today, or so Owen says and made a finger pupet.

Once Sunday School was over we headed home out of the 18 degree weather to daddy making us waffles!!! We got him another waffle maker for Christmas. (his specialty is pancakes, homemade and homemade syrup too!). Once we were done with that we headed to County Market, coupons in hand OF COURSE. With a list and a budget!! We saved $25.42 ($9.80 was coupons, rest was in store on sale items savings) and were $39.00 under budget.....so we were hungry and decided to use up the rest of my Arby's coupons and fed the whole family for $13.11 !!!! compared to a usual McDonald's trip of $approx25.00 I thought that was AWESOME!!!

We headed home to unload what was most of the stuff for Lydia's birthday party this weekend and relax the rest of the evening. Lydia's still awake after a 2 hr nap (course it's only 939pm and that's EARLY for her). I really wish she'd like ot sleep like Owen does. He's such a great sleeper for me, always has been.

Well . . . . It's on to another busy week of school x3, clean, prepare for the party, finish up grocery shopping, banking, post office (not MOnday), hair cut and zumba! I dont know what Id do if I couldnt do all these things. Im very blessed and thankful for my husband, my children, my family, my friends and just my life!!!

Have a good week everyone!

Toy Story 3 and Zumba

2011-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Buzz, The Claw and the Aliens

Jessie and Woody

Owen's favorite Slinky Dog

Lydia and Owen. (can't see her cup, cut you can seeh is alien)

Well. . . . As I had said I was going to try to get blogging more. Even if it is just a little bit.

Thursday evening I headed off to Zumba, knowing Id be hurting the next day but not realizing how out of shape I am. It was so much fun and I wish I could go 2-3 times a week because it was so much fun!!!! I felt my heart beating the whole time, was out of breath and just kept moving. There were women there of all sizes, so I really did feel comfortable. I haven't moved like I did that night in YEARS~!! I think I am going to really stretch well over the next week so I dont hurt as bad after class next week :-) It was a GREAT experience and hope I can keep going.

Friday I knew full ahead at the end of the day I was going to DROP! I was up at 6am, out the door by 715am and on the road. (most who know me, know Im not a morning person). Wonder if it was the excitement of Toy Story 3 on ice....probably! Ive been a fan of Toy Story since it came out. When I was in high school at worked at McDonald's I collected ALL of the happy meal toys, later to save them for my kids, so when Toy Story 2 came out (I had kids), I let them open. I dropped BOTH kids off at daycare (Lydia's 1st daycare experience) and was off and running to work. The kids both did well with the new adjustment. Much to mommy's surprise and better than I did. I got a little bent out of shape because some things weren't done the way I would have, but I can't be 2 places at once. :-(

After work I headed to pick up the kids, and get ready to hit the road for Cleveland!!! We did well in time, stopped at Michael's and got some things for Lydia's 'cupcake' themed birthday party this coming weekend, grabbed dinner and headed to Quicken Arena. I cannot get used to $10 parking!!! OUTRAGOUS. But well worth walking in the cold. We had a little snafoo w/the tickets, but were in our seats and situatied just in time. As each new charector came out Owen and Lydia waved. Owen would scream "HI WOODY, HI JESSIE",etc. It was so cute. Lydia mostly sat on Troy's lap, Owen went back and forth from his seat to Lydia's seat. Which was ok. I took pictures with my birthday present camera! And did well. We were very pleased with sound, lighting, the whole program and best of all OUR SEATS!!!!! I highly recommend a good seat with little kids. Despite the "I want a drink", "I want popcorn"....intermission came soon and we got Alien and Jessie snowcone cups ($10), but that was the only thing they were allowed to get. What a mess!!! lol BUt Im leaning to relax and that it's not worth crying over spilt milk.

Once the show was done we hit the potty, headed to the car, put the kids pj's on and we were on the road!!! About 1 hr into the trip Mommy & Daddy decided they were hungry......what a bad feeling eating whenyour kids are sleeping. But we got home at 1140pm and the kids stayed sleeping!!! YAY!!! It was a great experience.....and we are very thankful, thank you Uncle Tom and Aunt Joanne for the great gift. The kids were still talking this morning about it!!!!

I know I know.....

2011-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Lydia getting her hearing screening done today at 3 yr check up! She did fabulous!

I know, I know...I still don't have my Christmas Letter on here.... I feel like Im dancing circles here. (but not burning any calories). ha ha ha. I really do want to apologize for not having it up here. I truly hope that I can get it done soon.

So, I am hoping that my ol classmate who's been blogging almost EVERYDAY, has 3 kids and is super busy....has inspired me! I read her blog often. I wont mention her name, just V5 is what I'll call them. I only know "her" personally, and have never met the other 4 V's!!! However I do read her blog often enough that I feel like they're practically next door neighbors. Corky I know.

Today I took Lydia for her 3 yr check up. I swear Owen didn't get a shot at 3, so I said oh no we won't get shot today. She was as hysterical as Owen usually is. :-) yay because Mommy did appointment alone. So the pediatrician said NO MORE binky, her vision was 20/30, she appears to be in great health, and as to her speech and "hungy" issue constantly driving me nuts---it's NOTHING To be concerned about. Once she sstarts in w/other kids, she'll do better w/speech. Then there's the snacking or as she says "mommy, I HUNGY!" No not hunGRY HUNGY! She sounds like a orphan who has never been fed when I hear her.....just let her go as long as she's eating meals and gaining weight.

STATS:

Lydia 3 yrs old - Height- 37 1/2" (50%) Weight-32.6 lbs (50%)
Owen at 3 yrs - Height- 39" (90%) Weight- 41 1/2 lbs (97%)

I knew there was a difference in height, but just 2 1/2" wow that's close, and weight I was WAY off!!! Almost 10lbs holy smokes, no wonder I find myself still carrying her around.
Im not "comparing" my kids to each other, like 1's better than the other, I just like to see the match up to age/boy/boy,etc. AMAZING!

Tonight I will be going to my FIRST Zumba class. Im so nervous, but I know that I need to do this for myself. Get that ol' ticker pumpking. Im prepared.....sneakers, workout clothes, (look like a cow), bottled water, $5, and my open attitude!!! MINUS the big BOOBS! ha ha ha Should be able to move a little better!

2011-01-13T06:14:00.001-08:00

Kiddos wearing their nice towels from aunt Elaine. (thanks,elaine!)

2011-01-02T16:45:00.001-08:00

Mother-in-law & father-in-law newest addition....mindy!

2010-12-30T11:29:00.001-08:00

My 3 yr old baby girl!

Wow! just looked at my

2010-12-24T22:24:00.001-08:00

Wow! just looked at my cell, as climbed into bed from being"santa", it says DECEMBER 25. that totally snuck up on me

promise...........

2010-12-22T13:49:00.001-08:00

I promise BEFORE Christmas there will be a Christmas Letter on here. Ive gotten so busy I didn't plan on this runaway train, but it's just taken me!

Happy birthday, grandma. Its been

2010-12-16T21:16:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday, grandma. Its been 21 yrs since we celebrated with you. hope you & grandpa are eating birthday cake.

Going to add my christmas

2010-12-15T19:43:00.001-08:00

Going to add my christmas letter on here shortly. Check back later for it.

Thanksgiving (a little late posting)

2010-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well I am not Martha Stewart so things aren't PERFECT like what she'd spread out for a holiday meal. We did buffet style since there were about 15 of us. The festivities started the night before when Grammie and Savannie came to stay the night. With much argument bedtime finally did come and early morning was much too quick!

Troy made us an awesome Thanksgiving morning breakfast of fresh sausage patties, homemade pancakes and his homemade syrup! YUMMY!!!!

While Grammie, Owen, Lydia and Savanna napped I got to use meem's automatic potatoe peeler. WORKED fabulous and is on my Christmas list for hubby to get me! AsI was cutting up the potatoes for the water (to make mashed potatoes) I sliced open my finger, yelled for mom, grabbed and towel, sat down and next thing I knew I was awakened to my mom screaming at me. Id passed out! What a sissy!! Took me a little to regain my strength, but before too long everyone was arrivin, things were done and we were trapsing down the basement steps to eat. I wasn't much help for dishes, but I think that's what a dishwasher is for! ha ha

Once all the company was gone everyone settled into bed, but mommy w/an upset tummy......and awaiting my alarm to head into town for Walmart's black friday specials! Mom met me there too. I got a HUGE savings in shopping at 12a-2a that I am very pleased at. I cannot wait this year til Christmas morning. It's going to be so much fun w/the kids. :-)

Now we are preparing for Christmas with it 2 wks to the day away!!!! AMAZING!

There were 2 births this week along with birthday celebrations.

Dec. 4 Elizabeth King

Dec. 8 Sarah Huffman

AND Dec 8 Rylee Alabran- parents Jeremy and Ashley C.

grandparents are Rick & Rose Alabran!!

Dec 9 Drew P. Jenkins parents Brad and Emily

Id been debating my usual Christmas card letter, because it's so much work, printing, making sure the font looks right and is positioned right, folding it right so the ink doesnt smear, inserting them into the card, questioning myself if people really read them what they think....etc.....so with feed back....I decided to type one and put it in the blog and those who I know do not have internet or understand how to navigate, I'll print them one out.....but not too many I'll have to do. I feel a little bit more at ease. AND Ive decided that's my contribution of GOING GREEN as well as I am hand delivering ALOT of my cards this year. Crazy I know. But I am going to add the cost of savings and let you read later and prove it's worth it!!!

Troy ventured to Akron, OH today as the weather was nice, thank goodness because the both of us are sick with colds. To get a NEW MANURE SPREADER!!! I know weird right....well they got a great deal on it. He seems to be very excited about it and I will not be shocked if they're trying it out in the next day!!! ha ha ha

Lydia and Joanne will celebrate their birthday's together next weekend. I'm excited to have Kathy Ammann cake!!!! YUMMO!!!!

My idea of spreading it all out (above)

Grammie's grandkids - Savanna, 3 Lydia 2 1/2 and Owen,5

Troy carving the turkey!

The sausage patties being made! They were yummy!

The bird soaking the night before. And it was moist and yummy!

Nite #2: lydia napped, so

2010-12-08T18:22:00.001-08:00

Nite #2: lydia napped, so bedtime was fight. creeped in2 mommys bed. nite #3: no nap, in her bed w/her buddy molly!

Nite 1: monkey 2 her

2010-12-06T20:37:00.001-08:00

Nite 1: monkey 2 her room. We moved beds around, fell asleep in my bed & took her 2 her bed! She napped there 2day 2

2010-11-28T18:57:00.001-08:00

She's in the wrong bed!!

Hope 2 update tuesday. Down

2010-11-28T18:55:00.001-08:00

Hope 2 update tuesday. Down w/flu bug. bed times goin well. next wk: try 2 get lydia in her own bed!!

Lydia's out 820pm! fussy taken

2010-11-13T17:36:00.001-08:00

Lydia's out 820pm! fussy taken tylenol tonight. geez! owen's waiting on daddy 2 get home. hoping they feel better.

Another weekend......

2010-11-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Here we are another weekend closer to Thanksgiving.....
I am thankful that my children are able to voice their opionions to me , even if I may not like or agree with what they have to say.
Lydia missed Mommy & Me yesterday, she's had fever readings of 99.1, 101.1 and 99.9. Poor thing. It just started where she was hot. But now she's got a runny nose and her throat's red and swollen looking. Owen and her both hacked through the night. So we were in bed and sleeping by 915pm - all of us but daddy....he'd rather sit up and watch Tv.
I thought a venture out to get a few much needed groceries at the local store, no names mentioned, would do the kids some good. NOT! They wanted everything under the sun, wouldn't stay w/me and just didn't want to listen. And to make matters worse the cashier irritated me, she said my internet coupon that Id recently printed out was "FRAUD", okay I felt like saying "lady, listen it's not like I have fake money or monopoly game money here, cut me a freakin break!" She made me feel like I had fake counterfeit money. I may as well of, she didn't care! I told her in a not so nice voice I didn't want the items then. She proceeded to ask me IF I WANTED MY COUPONS BACK! OMG this lady was about ready to see an unleashed mother!!! lol I said "yes, I'll take them to walmart and save even more money because your $3.19/pkg of stuff costs me $2.00 there and I'll save 50 cents on top of that!!!". I grabbed my receipt and walked out the door w/my cart!!!! PEOPLE!!!!!!
Ive been making my Christmas lists (not for me that's for sure) and have decided there is no sense in buying a ton of toys for the kids, they get way too much anyways! And we're so busy Christmas morning they usually don't get to open half of what they get from Troy & I and Santa. So I have no clue other than tractors, a belt and a placemat for Owen (if you read this and your a gift buyer for Owen, dont you dare steal my ideas). he wants Stinky the garbage truck, I say NO WAY. It's $50, not educational and not justifyable!! Lydia is the easy one this year. Ive got my ideas and such. Ive got Owen's teacher and Lydia's mommy and me teacher all done, my 1 sister-in-law is about done, Troy I want to get 1 more thing for him and the rest is on paper for now.
I still haven't gotten any hours at work. I haven't worked in 4 wks, it'll be 5wks Monday. Im starting to get kind of antsy and wonder about applying somewhere where I can have more hours. I don't know that I want change though, especially before the holiday's and I really like most of my co-workers. :-)

Rough last 2 days! kids

2010-11-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

Rough last 2 days! kids both sleepin in their beds by 850pm. she even had a nap!

Sorry i didnt get chance

2010-11-08T17:59:00.001-08:00

Sorry i didnt get chance 2 update 2day. 856pm owens zonked. Lydia's crabby but still going

Share Portraits - from MICHELLE HILL

2010-11-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

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Tough few days...more 2 come

2010-11-07T18:43:00.001-08:00

Tough few days...more 2 come tomorrow....915 everyone sleeping!!

Update..........(sigh)

2010-11-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

I knew with typing last night about Lydia never wetting in public ID SET MYSELF UP TO BE A LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We left the house this morning, she was asked if potty was necessary and she said no. So we dropped off Owen, ran a few errands, pulled in the parking lot of Mommy & Me, she said PEE as I was grabbing my purse and getting out of the car. I said "yes, We can go as soon as we get inside". TOO LATE! She'd already soaked her unders, her pants and her car seat!!!!!!!!! (I hate washing car seats!). So we changed inside school.

She did so well at school, even though I thought she didn't at first. She loves to paint. We painted turkeys and they'll be there next week to take home. They're so adorable!!! Went to lunch with my best friend and she just seemed tired! But she was good! She was even good while mommy cleaned Aunt Joanne's house!!! That's amazing. because there is lots of neat stuff for her to get into.

Owen called me as I was pulling into the farm driveway and said "please bring my boots". So that meant he was milking cows today! He loves that!!! I dont know that he really helps. But it gives him a break from me, and more time with Grandma Hill and Daddy.

That little boy is just waiting around for the snow to fly and I am afraid it's going to happen sooner than we think. Fingers crossed that we're just safe!!!

BEDTIME UPDATE:
Last night Owen was sleeping by 930 and Lydia 945. Daddy carried Lydia to her bed and at some point between 2 and 4am she was back with me! Did NOT want to get up this morning. And fell asleep on the way home. SO she took HER FIRST NAP in many many many many days from 145-445pm!! YAY! Hoping for no purple under her eyes for their pictures tomorrow!!!

Bed Time Night #3

2010-11-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Last night Lydia AGAIN slept in her bed, through the night!!!!

They were both sleeping by 915pm. Much to stay for tonight- but we've still got time for a miracle. Daddy's on bathtime duty, so they're suddsing it up now.

Last 2 nights we've ate, played, painted, bath and bedtime.

Lydia ate 3 helpings of spaghetti and Owen 1 1/2 tonight. They picked all day long. Mainly Lydia. She's like a homeless....I hungry I hungry is all she says all day long. She's constantly eating. I dont think it's a problem. But she's also been wetting her pants 4-6 times a day! It's driving me crazy. I can't tell if it's because she's too busy, I know it's not because she doesnt have access. When were in public she's NEVER peed her pants.

Tomorrow we have a TON of errands to run starting at 815am to 2pm. Im sure I'll be exhausted come night time.

Wish me luck for 930pm or before tonight.

BOTH KIDS ARE SLEEPING AND

2010-11-03T18:43:00.001-07:00

BOTH KIDS ARE SLEEPING AND IN THEIR OWN BEDS! as of 915pm!

Night #2 Operation BEDTIME

2010-11-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

So, Both kids were up and at em' at 730am, even Lydia! We all went for preschool drop off and pick up. Stayed busy all day. No one napped!
Right at dinner time it got really coatic around here. Grandma came and the kids got wound up! So I tried to get them focused. We put our pajama's on, got ready for bed and we decided to paint! (BAD IDEA) I told Owen Id buy some paint with the rest of his birthday money-but kitchen table only, and when we are done we are DONE! They had a blast! They wore some and we're in another set of Pajama's. (susan Im taking your advice next time undies only and right before bath time).
So it's 855pm they're enjoying ice cream and hopefully will go to sleep.
Update from last night: Lydia was in my bed from 10-730a! Daddy was in at 230am and he got to sleep in Lydia's bed! Good thing she got a single bed almost 3 wks ago.

Bed Time

2010-11-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I had the perfect idea Sunday evening to get the kids to bed.....We'd had a very busy Friday and Saturday with no naps! They were up early Sunday, didn't have a nap and thought Id get them their baths and bed by 9pm....it was after 11pm when they were both sleeping. My patience grew VERY thin and on into Monday. Monday Owen was wide awake for school, however Lydia wasn't awake until 945am. I thought hmmm good I'll get Owen to at least 730pm and he'll be out....Lydia won't nap now, so shell go to bed around 9pm. NOT!!! Owen fell asleep while i was making dinner at 6pm and it was shortly after 10pm when they were sleeping. Today they were up around 830/9am, so we got up, ready for the day and head out to vote as a family, with each parent taking a turn to go in to vote, and a stop at the post office.....then to take daddy to the field to get the combine.......We were back home and lunched by 1pm...... I thought hmmm let's have a rest....no sir'E, we weren't doing that they thought. So the day progressed on........

About 5pm Troy called and said Owen could ride a while with him. Lydia and I took him there and ventured back about 645pm. I get up there, get out, grab Troy's dinner, look at Lydia and she's ZONKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I carefully brought her back home, laid her in her bed, diapered her and warned Owen he wasnt to enter their room until it was his bedtime..... (I am still not to be carrying more than 10 lbs). So. As I cleaned my room, packed summer clothes away, Owen splashed and had a good ol' time in the tub, all while Lydia is sleeping. He came ot my room, I assisted with drying, brushing hair and getting pj's on.............Owen gets a snack, puts the PICKLE movie on (Veggie tales) and I go backto my room....I hear "momma, I hungie!" This is Lydia's current saying and we here it time and time again throughout the day. I felt this huge pinge of anger through me.............

She's currently snacking in her bed, w/the lamp and PICKLE movie on..............I know this is the beginning of establishing a bedtime routine, it is only 832pm and I should be thankful my kids are in bed at that time.

So Ive decided at 745pm we start with baths, snack, bed time and story/movie.........with the hopes they'll be sleeping by 830pm. We'll see how this week goes of this to see what we need to adjust. Advice is welcome as long as you don't get upset if I chose to NOT follow it! ha ha ha....Im just trying here to get our family on a schedule. Daddy doesnt' have a schedule or he makes his own, but I'd like the kids and I to be on a schedule somewhat.

We voted today.owen was very

2010-11-02T12:46:00.001-07:00

We voted today.owen was very curious. Christmas postage stamps are out already! lydia slept in her bed all night!

Trying to stay up to date......

2010-11-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Owen & Lydia at Owen's 5 yr check up 10/28/10

At the farm 10/28/10

Lydia as a butterfly for Mommy & Me - 10/29/10

Trick-or-Treat ~ Owen, 5 and Lydia 2 1/2 ~ 10/29/10

Trick-or-Treating at Grandma Hill's - 10/29/10

Okay. I really swear this time I am going to stay on task and try to post at least , AT LEAST every other week. I mean I can update my facebook pages several times a day....why I can't a handle this...... right?!?!

So it's November 1st.

The summer certainly flew by us. With many fun happenings.

The fall is in full swing around here with the combine, trucks and tractors flying past at all hours. I told them there is a new rule...no tractors past my house past 9pm. Owen's constantly glued to the window. MY mother-in-law told me this past week the carpet in our house had a path worn in it from Harold (my father-in-law)'s mother going from the kitchen window to the front Living Room window. I decided after the 1st spring that unless Im expecting important company-I refuse to glass clean my front screen door and my front living room window. DAILY those kids have their faces pressed against it. It's commical. So instead of stressing over it being clean. Im just glad they dont write on them, or stick food there, like they used to.

Owen's into his last year (2nd yr) of preschool. He goes M, W and F 3 hrs!!! Lydia and I attend a Mommy & Me class for 1 1/2 hrs. They're both doing very well and developing like ID never imagined!!!

Troy & I had our first Parent/Teacher conference last Monday. It went very well. We need to practice writing our name for Kindergarten. BIG O little w, little e little n. Practice Red (which I know he knows), gray and brown. Practice counting 1-50 and A-Z. He's very active and making alot of new friends. He has a few special ones. Megan (which is was in his class last yr, but only is in his class on Wednesday's this year. They combine MWF and TWT), she also lives down the Road from us. She came to Owen's birthday party-and mommy's got to make friends with each other. So we're hoping for a playdate some time. Another VERY FOND friend is Leyton. Ive got to post this (sorry monique if you read, but it's amazing). As Owen's 1 of the biggest in his class, his friend Leyton, is 1 of the smaller children. They get alot so well, have the funniest conversations. They remind me of 2 old men sitting in rockers sipping lemonade talking. Leyton is all Owen seems to talk about, minus the girl who always is getting in to trouble. (Dianna-if you read this-you'll have to ask me about this one). These are some of the things Ive heard "mommy, Leyton was line leader", "mommy, Leyton says he livesin a donut", "mommy, I want Leyton to come play", "mommy, Leyton was having a bad day", It's so neat how he truly cares about another child his age. Unfortunately, I think Owen and Leyton will not be in the same class together. So I would really like to keep them in touch.

Owen LOVES going to school this year, except when he doesnt want to go to bed and get up the next day! But we're preparing him for next year. It'll be an EVEN BUSIER FALL FOR US! Owen will go to Kindergarten and Lydia to Preschool! AMAZING!!!

Last Thursday Owen went to the doctor for his 5 yr check up and Lydia for her flu shot.....

(Im copying and pasting what I posted on facebook)
Owen went to the doctor today for his 5 yr well visit. Lydia went along too. Our original plan was Owen to get 2 shots (booster and flu) and Lydia 1 (flu). We ended up with Owen geting 3 and Lydia 2. Lydia had to do everything Owen did (ears checked, blood pressure, temperature-thank goodness the nurse didn't mind, she was new and FABULOUS), and they sat together on the table like salt & pepper!
Owen is 44 1/2" tall (80%), 53.4 lbs (>95%), goes back in 1 yr and did EXCELLENT on vision and hearing! The hearing test was so stinkin cute the way he reacted!!! lol He said the house on the vision test was a BARN! Of all KIDS MINE SAID THAT?!?!?!? Then she asked Troy & I about bed wetting at night, so I started to talk...Owen abruptly commented "mom dont tell her that, it's OUR secret" I laughed and the Dr explained to him it's normal! IT was so cute though. Wish ID a had a camera today to video.
Dr. says Owen looks great, as long as he's eating, sleeping and being active. Dont worry about his size. He has slowed down a big on the height. So after all this hoopla (1 hr and 20 mins), we stopped by Grammie's briefly to check on her (she had her skin cancer zapped this morning), then the kids and I ate DQ on the way home. I drove into Greenville, but my arms were sore to drive home..

Now on to Lydia. The first few weeks of Mommy & Me Lydia just wasn't real sure about going somewhere with just me and no daddy and no Owen. But she's gotten quite used to it. She doesn't really play single with the kids, she watches them. But she loves to play with the kitchen, doll babies and gingerbread men at school. She knows if we're driving through the town, where it is. She knows on Friday's after we take Owen, she goes on to her school. We'd been going to lunch afterwards and Owen staying at daycare for lunch. But we'll resume that maybe Friday. We're unsure. She got her picture professionally taken and it was GREAT, I posted it below. It's not clear because I took a picture of the picture with my cell. Sorry. She loves wearing dresses to school and church. She keeps right up with Owen, and some times if he upsets her, she has an anger agression issue, where she hits. So we're working on that. She laughs ALOT. Is constantly hungry. She's about 35 lbs. Wears 3T, so she's not fat or too skinny. Just loves to eat. Lydia is glued to in front of the TV on nights of Dancing With The Stars. She loves to dance.

This year I let the kids pick out what they wanted to be for Halloween. . . . Lydia was a butterfly for Halloween and a princess for Trick or Treat. Owen borrowed Kyle's costume to be a pirate and he LOVED every minute of it. We took the kids to Trick - or- Treat at a nursing home to serve 2 purposes if not more. 1 stop shop, no in and out of the car, shuffling jackets, not knowing people and the residents LOVE it! After we did that Meem, Mom, Aunt Joan, the kids and I went to dinner. The 1st thing Owen said to me on the way home was "mommy, I LOVED being a pirate, can we go there next year". Which meant he liked going to Meem's work.

Well. I think that's about all that's new. Ohh. I had breast reduction surgery 10/13, I go back to the dr 11/3 and I hope to go to work next week. No details........still recovering. More painful that gallbladder surgery........

2010-10-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

Lydia mommy and me pic aka school

Free sundae on sun w/1

2010-09-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

Free sundae on sun w/1 top w/any dinner platter or basket at heckys!!

Shop jcp.com 8/17-9/13 take 20%

2010-08-22T18:38:00.001-07:00

Shop jcp.com 8/17-9/13 take 20% newborn,inf, toddler apparel,cribs, furnit,bedding & more enter MOMSRULE

Owen talkiing 2 lydia "my

2010-08-10T05:23:00.001-07:00

Owen talkiing 2 lydia "my batteries 4 my game died & went 2 heaven!"

FWD:

2010-07-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

Bff's forever

2010-07-27T19:09:00.001-07:00

New solution 2nite. Momma needs her bed back 2 herself.

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2010-07-24T18:41:00.001-07:00

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Owen accidentally droped his bink

2010-07-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Owen accidentally droped his bink in pot as was flushing. Omg he bawled! took back of toilet off 2 c if it was in.