Oodles with Noodle

Update

2007-03-23T12:40:00.000-06:00

Well the job is AWESOME. I didn't know I could be such an accountant. I am learning very quickly and stealing as much work from everyone as I can to keep me busy. The people in my office are fantastic (less 1 but hey...you can't ask for better than that) and I fit right in. Keep 'em laughing, I do. There are some students that are very fun; it never ceases to remind me how old I have become when I spend time with them. It is interesting to hear their views of the world & what not. I had no idea there were so many republicans in agriculture. I was expecting a MUCH more liberal undercurrent....don't get me wrong this university is very liberal but the individuals I work with share the same "common sense" attitude towards politics, etc as I do; that party lables fail to separate.

The kids are great and loving school. G was star of the week a few weeks ago & Bug is tyke of the month for March. G is talking about Kindergarten about every other day. He knows after his birthday he gets to go to school....so we here...when is my birthday....is my birthday soon...and so forth. Bug is fully potty trained and full of sass and fiest! She is so funny but man when she decides to throw a fit....whatch out!

Hubby is still with the same shop but he & a buddy are getting their own shop for side jobs on April 1st. It will be nice to have a place he can work on friends/family/word of mouth customers until things build up. It's in a location that if I wanted to do something on the side I could too...and it has a huge place for the kids to play; since I have bins of extra toys...that's where they are going. It is also a weight off knowing if things got really bad for him at work he has a place he could pour some time into & be able to make some income.

Gotta run...just taking a few minutes to update. I'll dump in some more pictures soon.
Moi

Headin' to Kinnikinik island

2007-01-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

Kickin' it on the house boat. What a blast....what a way to travel!

Bathing beauties

2007-01-27T01:40:00.000-07:00

In the pool at Auntie B's in MN

A Job!

2007-01-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

I got a job! Yeahhhhhhhhh! I interviewed for an accounting position with the local university (my favorite :) at 11am on Thursday....they offered me the job at 3pm the same day! Yeah! I start at 8am Monday morning. THIS Monday morning. Wow! Gman's teachers are ecstatic that he is going to be coming to school full time....they have REALLY missed him. Bug's favorite teacher was VERY pleased as well. It's awesome that other people love spending time with my children too!

Other things in our lives: Happy birthday to my Bro today. Happy birthday to my Sis on Sunday. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Hubby's family for the loss of a cousin this week to cancer.

Health update: We all seem to be "fairly" healthy. I am knocking on wood like a wood pecker as I type this. Bug had a follow up today and we discovered why she has acted like the spawn of evil these past 10 days....she has 2 new 2 year molars. Ahhhh! That would explain it. Poor thing was so uncomfortable. Doc said to dose her up with Motrin all day when the next two seem to be coming. We have started a life change this week in eating habits to help in lowering cholesterol, loose weight and get into better shape so we can enjoy our family time better. I made healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks & dessert every day this week...boy do the kids have gas! All those extra fruits and veggies has turned Gman into the Gasman! The first few days were hell but Hubby and I made it. It feels good. Once the food change isn't such a shock we are going to add in the physical side. I took the 3 dogs (all 100 lbs) for a walk (alone) after my interview....it was fantastic. The dogs did great and we had a blast trudging through the snow/slush/mud.

Well I am beyond exhausted...there is more as always but just a quick update. Off to bed; maybe Hubby will let me sleep in tomorrow. I should have gone to bed hours ago but the mind wouldn't shut down.

Sweet dreams.

Taking a dive.

2007-01-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

Gman's very first dive (kinda) during our trip to MN in summer of 2006

Dirtball

2007-01-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves dirt!

Sub-Zero

2007-01-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's COLD out there! To say the least. We only added about 2-3 inches of snow but the temp dropped to below zero. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Let's see where to I start...so many things so many things! We have a new addition to our family (we'll see for how long...read on). Reno is a nearly 2 year old male Akita. We adopted him on Monday from a lady who couldn't keep him as her Shepard tried to kill him. He is a fine looking dog and submissive for an Akita. I can't blame this one on my husband one bit since it was ME....yes me the NO lady...who fell in love with him. He needs some training and is not used to our "routine" but he is very smart. He gets along with our existing boys (Taz is still not too sure of the new guy). He is smitten with Bug. Whenever she leaves the room he escorts her to where she is going then returns. He walks her up & down the stairs and will randomly find her to kiss her face and return to his blankie in the living room. But.....and there is a HUGE but.... he is still in puppy faze. He piddles when he is in trouble; he marks (pees) on things in the house; he uses his mouth to play (not biting just teeth), he runs off into the neighborhood (considering we have no fence)..... Hubby had a 2 hour search for him last night (he was NOT happy) after I took Bug to bed (read on for more about that). He (Reno...not hubby) is desperate for praise and love so we have already altered much of the behavior and again I have no one to blame but myself. Which makes me even more mad that I can't be mad at someone else :) Yesterday while walking up the driveway (in flip-flops.....Hubby's BIG flip-flops) to find Reno; I spotted him at the top of our street. As he was running back home I turned around to walk back down (key word down) the drive. My left foot slipped, tried to compensate with right foot that stepped on the back of the left flip-flop and in cartoon fashion arms & legs went flying and I went down....HARD apparently on the only "rocks" that weren't covered by the snow. Thank goodness I have extra padding on the back side.

Later that day....while putting some things in the frig I hit my knee on the crisper drawer that sent me literally flailing on the floor and crying (something I rarely ever do from injury); Bug came in to check on me "Mommy, are you OK?"...then she kissed me on the shoulder. She waited until I regained myself and asked again "Mommy, are you OK?" then gave me a huge hug. When I explained I hurt my knee she kissed my knee and gave me another huge hug. Do I have the best kids or what?

Bug is very sick. It started with a croupy cough night before last but turned into something much more similar to the pneumonia cough hubby had last week. We spent a LONG time in the bathroom with the hot shower going and the window open. Brother was such a great guy, he came in with toys and lots of stories to keep us from getting bored. He rubbed Bug's head and kissed her forehead. She was coughing so hard she gagged every time...which was about 3x a minute. She has slept with me the last two nights so I can monitor breathing etc. Last night as we lay in bed and she was coughing with no end in site I prayed harder than I have prayed in a long time. We were blessed with a fairly peaceful evening with more sleep than coughing.

I got my first call from applying online to jobs. I have an interview with the new hospital (lab) on Tuesday. The lady that called said I was on many of the lists (YEAH) since I applied to about 15 jobs there..hopefully more to come. This one is only PT but I am going to take the interview for practice and to get the interview jitters out. I also have an interview Tuesday with Kings (thank you Kris). I applied for a very cool office manager job with an elementary school in town which my buddy Susan was so gracious in taking my application in yesterday for me (thank you Susan). I was so inspired by my first phone call I delved into applying again with much more passion and found a few great positions. Never did hear from the university so I am putting that one behind me. Hopefully I'll have something in the next week or two (tomorrow well OK Monday would be optimum but not likely since my interviews are not until Tuesday).

In closing we are freezing our butts off out here (& according to yesterday's spill I need all of mine), illness continues to riddle our happy home, we...ahh let me correct that...I have a new project called RENO, the job hunt continues, sanity wains quite rapidly (although last nights discussion with the man upstairs and hours {not minutes} of continuous sleep have helped tremendously), finances continue to suck but I can still find my humor so there you go. Hoping you all have much less excitement than we do. Oh did I mention another storm with SNOW is headed our way. Gosh, I wonder what it will be like to get snow....hmmmmmm...oh yeah I remember I just looked outside at the feet we already have! I kinda like it in a sick sorta way. The only thing that makes it bad is the illness that prevents us from going outside to ENJOY it. With sickies 1, 2 & 3 (Gman please stay well now!) we have only gotten a few moments here & there to enjoy a sled down the hill or moving snow with G's front end loader and dump truck. Do you think our "shut-in" status is helping or hindering my sanity? Thank god the kids have been wonderful.

Stay warm~

3rd Installment of Blizzard 2006 OR 1st Installment of Blizzard 2007

2007-01-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Yep...more snow! We have a good 6" of more snow and it is still coming down. This is the longest we have had snow & the most snow I can remember (over and over) in over a decade. It really is beautiful. Thank god I don't have to go to work :) ha ha ha. Funny thing is it was 60 degrees yesterday and I was in a short sleeve Tshirt with no coat. I'm glad I took Brody's crib up to Denver yesterday....GOOD LUCK on moving tomorrow guys!

Hubby is still very sick but Gman & Bug seem to be doing great. Bug doesn't even have a runny nose anymore (YEAH!). Gman still has a tiny cough and a stuffy nose at night but that's it. I am still upright..and that's a good thing.

I think today we will open up the boxes GW and Bug got from Santa. It seems like a good day for Learning Video games and the Star Station. Hey Johnny, you wanna drive up here and plow some snow...I know they could use you.

Livin' in a winter wonderland.

2007-01-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

Gage's first time shooting. He had a blast shooting bottles and cans....quite a good aim too!

2007-01-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Unkie Matt is sooooo proud. My little dirt eater.

2007-01-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

This was Antie Kris' birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. The kids loved it...as you can see.

2006 is dead!

2007-01-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Man am I glad to put 2006 to rest...6 feet under. Unfortunately this is a year that will not go into the light....it is going to haunt me for years to come. It may have been the worst year on record for us with some of the best mini-moments. Maybe I can have the bad parts "exercised" from our lives...not bloody likely. I may not have made it through this last stretch without my cherished SIL who has been there day/night/rain/shine/good/bad with a shoulder to cry on, arms to hug me and a heart she shares unselfishly...THANK YOU!!!!

The curse of 2006 continues into 2007 as Hubby has pneumonia (bad) and is not doing well at all. He is miserable and luckily my sanity has granted me not only the stamina to care for him but the warm fuzzies to actually want to do it. Weird considering the recent events (shared & unshared) in my life that I could continue to even want to get out of bed...but I have been a good wife and and an even better mommy through this nearly snowed in time with the fam.

I was up with Hubby at 2am this morning and stayed by his side until the kids awoke at 6ish. He has been having such horrible shivering fits that he had to get into a hot shower in order not to shake the house down this morning. It is very scary not to be able to do anything. At the end of the episode his fever had soared to 104.3 and slowly started falling after that. We spent the night in the living room so he could doze sitting up and I laid on the couch watching DIY listening to his breathing. Both kids had pneumonia in 2006, Gramma had it & now Hubby. I have been nearly inhaling Lysol for fear that if I get it life as I know it could crumble. Not that the life I know at this moment couldn't use a do over but not that way. My immune system seams to have worn armor this year (if you don't count the 2 bouts of food poisoning - 1 in which partially led to my "termination" or the vertigo this summer but those are just plain weird).

Luckily the kids pull me back into perspective quite often. We have had some great times with the munchkins this year. We took our very first family vacation to Minnesota and had a blast with Auntie B & Uncle A. It was "priceless" to share my childhood memories of Auntie B's with my children. What made it incredible is with exception of the carpet and maybe one couch the house, patio and pool are exactly as I remember when I was young (including the way the house smells :). Being there watching the kids swim swarmed back so many great memories for me. It was also the first time Hubby saw where I came from. I have taken many strolls down memory lane with him in Wyoming but it was a first for me to share with him. We didn't get to explore as much as we wanted but next time we'll include that in our trip. Gman was the lead in his Christmas play for school (he was awesome). Next time I'll know not to tell him to "break a leg" before he goes on stage since he stomped his leg on stage throughout the whole program. Miss Amie has become a special part of his life and it is awesome to watch the bond that they have formed...it doesn't hurt that I think she is just incredible. Bug has made so many many many changes this year. Watching her sprout from infant to young lady has been unbelievable. Her sense of humor rivals G's which makes side aching laughs quite frequent....thank god! If they didn't keep us laughing this year I would have spent most of the time crying. We received a new addition to the family this year, nephew Brody! Being present at his birth was the most amazing experience. It mirrors the experience of the birth of my own children except I was "with it" and not worried about pain, exhaustion, etc. Watching him take his first breath, hearing his first cries and holding him moments after birth has branded my heart for the little bugger. Being a part of that experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. (Thank you Kris & Matt for sharing your love with me). As I start remember positive things of 2006 it doesn't seem like such a bad year...but when bouting depression, changing meds, going back to work...then getting fired... not to mention the financial torture chamber we continue to endure it does leave a desire to move on!

2007 is a new year. My hope is to handle many things better this year and that our family finds better health. May you all have a better year!

I gotta get some sleep! If you have any to spare please pass it on! :) ha ha ha

"Ponies" as Bug calls them

2006-12-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

From happy to "not happy" in .0334 seconds! Bug loves her "ponies".

Bathtime Beauty!

2006-12-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Cheesy!

2006-12-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well here are two at least. Just a little teaser. More to come/promise!

Big girl bed!

2006-12-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

Bug is in her big girl bed for the first time tonight. It was a tough go getting her to sleep/stay in the bed but she is crashed now. I foresee a LONG night ahead so I am off to dream land too. Looking at our baby in her new/improved room w/out crib and rocking chair almost made me cry. She cannot grow up!

nighty night!

p.s. still hammering away at photos. gotta call/email tech support now...have all the right software it's just not talking to each other.

Zombie Mommie

2nd installment of Blizzard 2006

2006-12-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

We got MORE snow! This one wasn't has big as the last storm but we got more on the ground at our house since the wind was low. It sure is beautiful and so nice to have snow. Usually this stuff just melts off in days. Weatherman seems to think many small storms will be moving through over the course of the next few days. Sure wish I could send some to Minnesota! Auntie B says it is BROWN and JP sure could use the plow time. Doing my snow dance for you guys.

Bug's 2nd Birthday was yesterday...didn't happen. She & brother went to school so I could get some things done. She had blue star cookie treats with her friends and they made her the cutest Birthday Crown (pink of course). I got a call that Gman said he had a "flea" in his ear that was causing significant pain....off to the Dr. we go. Yep, ear infection. I had to leave a 1/2 baked cake in the oven to get him to the Dr in time so after we picked up Bug I came home to bake a new cake, clean the kitchen, make dinner.....oh the list goes on! I made Bug a pink "Bug" car with flowers, butterflies, Mr. Sun and a rainbow on it (my creative talents frighten me sometime...ha ha ha ha). She had a blast digging in....literally. I've got great photos but still haven't had time to figure out why my computer is throwing a fit.....Help Kris...oh Blogging queen of the universe.

Gotta run...Bug is calling. More later~

Let it snow....let it snow....let it snow!

Pix not going so well....computer is stubborn.

2006-12-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ok I just typed for the last 1/2 hour on all the great & not-so-great things happening in our family and lost it so here is the shortest update on nearly a year, ever.

Hubby took summer off to decompress and reconnect. Priceless due to bond forged with Bug and time with Gman and me! He left hell to find purgatory (different company/same BS). Searching for shop to share with friend still at hell.

I went back to work; I was TERMINATED. I was a difficult employee. I was reprimanded for many things including coming in early, doing too much work, asking questions and the like. The straw that broke the camel's back for them was me getting food poisoning from the work potluck and being off of work to be near (very near) my own toilet. There is nothing like getting food poisoning from work, followed by a rectal exam and a phone call firing all in the same week and right before christmas. Know what really sucks....I turned down a job at the DA's office for it! Now I'm back on the job hunt.

Gman is growing into a fine young man. He is smart and full of life. He was the lead in his school's holiday program and did awesome. It helps that his teachers adore him. I hear almost daily how much Miss Amie loves our little actor/comedian.

Bug started "school" for the first time ever this year. She is blossoming. Her vocabulary exploded in the first two weeks at school and she was quickly moved up to the next class. She is quite a leader not only by being a great helper but through social interaction as well. Many of the little friends at school are very interested in where & what Bug is doing; she loves the following. She has bonded with a very special Miss Vanessa who cannot get enough bug-time (or Muffin as she calls her). Bug is awnry and all girl but is also extremely funny. She invokes headache strength laughing from both daddy and mommy.

Well there is a wee taste of our lives with more to follow. As soon as I can figure out why our computer refuses to share our photos and can work around it I will dump TONs of pics.

Missed posting; more to come.

Our little mayhem.

It's me...

2006-12-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a long...long...long...time! I have returned. Lots has happened since my last post but I think we'll take it slow. First comes first! Pictures!!!!!! The kids have changed soooo much. Then I'll catch y'all up on our lives.

Just a quick checkin

2006-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I have been working A LOT more lately? When I am at the computer now I am working so the blog has suffered. Fam is good. Mommy has the cold Gage brought home, Gage is amazing, Reece is getting the cold too...but she is coming into a fantastically funny age. Daddy is getting his eyes done this next friday so he won't need glasses anymore...Yeah! Yesterday we were out in short sleeved shirts & tonight we have a blizzard. It is very very wet snow which is great cause just today I thought I better get some water on our sod. Well I am off to read a few pages in a book. Uh oh, now you know where I have been spending my time, instead of blogging to you all I have been selfishly reading a fictional romance mystery...and I don't feel a bit guilty :0)

Good night

"I'm the Hulk"

2006-03-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness I can't believe I forgot to post this. The other day I was at my desk working while Bug was napping & Gage was watching a movie. When the movie was done there was a voice behind me. I did not acknowledge immediately so it got louder. As the voice increased in decibles my brain finally heard what had been repeated....many times. Mom, I'm the Hulk....the Hulk doesn't wear clothes. Ah yes, there's my HULK in all his glory, completely naked, grimicing and flexing his biceps. I laughed so hard and grabbed my cell phone to call Daddy & send a pix msg to him. Gage explained to me again that the Hulk doesn't wear clothes. I tried to reason with him...to no avail. He refused to wear clothes for a long time. When Bug woke up & it was time to run errands he STILL didn't want to wear clothes (and it was only about 40 degrees outside). Mom did win that battle; Hulk had to go away for a while. Later I finally convinced him (with a little help from daddy) that the Hulk wears shorts (like his skivies) but daily he strips down to nothing and plays Hulk around the house.

H U G E Crash!!!

2006-03-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

It seems that Bug doesn't think that mommy has enough worry these days. On Sunday evening the family spent some time downstairs together. Daddy was making a "milk" box for our front porch (for milk delivery) since the wind rips the cover off every cooler we have placed out there, Gage floated between helping daddy, playing out back, chasing the dogs, etc etc etc, Mommy was grilling some steaks and Reece was in her walker on the back porch. I have used the walker to keep her out of trouble downstairs in the past...those days are OVER!!! I usually lay the hose around the edge of the patio to corral her on the concrete. She has gotten much taller & much stronger. I just knew in the back of my mind this would be a problem 'cause I made Daddy watch her every time I was distracted or had to grab something...I turned to flip the steaks and that's when I heard the cry! I turned in time to see our baby hurling down the rockiest, steepest, worst hill near our patio, stuck in the walker, flipping, flailing until I was flying myself to rescue her. I had no idea what I would find when I pulled her out of the walker from a face down position in the dirt and my stomach had crushed my heart on it's way to my throat. She had a mouth full of dirt/gravel and road-rash from above her hair line on her left side down to her chin with various other nicks (other side of her forehead, back of her arm, etc). There was one scrape I thought was deep enough to start a flow of blood (you know head wounds) but it remained just a scrape. I got the rocks out of her mouth, put ice on the left side of her head/face, Daddy got her a popsicle and while I rocked her I felt like the worst mother on the face of the earth. I just knew it but I left her in there anyway. Can I tell you the vision of her going down that hill will haunt me for the rest of my life. She is a trooper. She didn't cry hard for long and soon was her entertaining self at dinner. Her head was sore & other than whimpers through the night (when I assume she rolled to that side of her head) she did amazing. The next morning I could tell she had some discomfort but 15min after Ibuprofen she was back to normal. She has daddy's QUICK healing cause her injuries look so much better...which helps lessen mommy's guilt and sadness every time I look at her. At my lowest, she did give me a dose of laughter...when I pulled the ice off her head she looked at me and said "doh" (like Homer Simpson) which is what we say when she bonks her head. The tears & laughter flowed hard for a moment. Later, when we looked out the window (at the scene of the accident) she said "boom, boom, boom". Talk about kicking me right in the gut! Yes, honey that is where you boom, boom, boom crashed. Thank god for Daddy, he could not have been more supportive for the wrecked mommy and Bug (the little pistol) still loves me!

It is amazing how these little people can rip your heart out, fill it so much you think it will burst, drive you more mad than you ever thought possible and all you want is more! It is a love you cannot describe, duplicate or even understand sometimes. I can't even remember the person I was before I was mommy. I remember what we did, where we went, but can't understand what filled my life with importance w/out kids.

No more curls...

2006-03-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

Bug got her first hair cut the other day. To even up the back I had to cut off the two side curls that came around her ears. I have to say it is nice to see her eyes all the time and the back looks pretty cute as it curls under now like a little bob. I'll attach a picture to this post in the next couple days.

Grounded from the cell phone at age one!

2006-03-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

So Bug is grounded from mommy's cell phone. She likes to play with my phone which in the past has been no big deal. She pretends to talk, plays with the antenna and demand it to be re-opened every time she closes it. The other night one of my sisters called & LM that she missed some calls. I would have just dismissed thinking she was some old calls but Reece-a-bug had my phone while I was making dinner. Every time she brought it to me to re-open it, it was off. I could hear the power up & power off music every now & again but didn't pay much attention. Out of curiosity I took a gander at my recent outgoing calls. She was busy! She called my friend in the neighborhood, my parent's cell phone 6 times, my doctors office & my sister's cell phone 2 times. The crazy thing about it is none of these numbers are in order in my contact list, & none of them had been in my recent call list so she was button happy. Oh my, is the phone thing in girls' genes? Wow! Needless to say she hasn't had access to my phone since and I will be locking my keys from now on.

Peek-a-Boo, Here I am.

2006-03-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, I feel like a lifetime has passed since last I blogged. Friday I started a working marathon & literaly worked more hours in 5 days than I did the entire month of January. January was pathetic to say the least but wow. Carl was headed to Washington D.C. and I snuck in the office while he was gone...I have itchy fingers when I find things that NEED to get done. I found a LOT of things that NEEDED to get done & I really NEEDED the hours(translate to cash) so it was a win/win!

Gage had his 2nd cavity filled last this week. Both daddy & I cringe at the fact he has my teeth! Ughhhhhhh! Can I just say after 2 cavities we now have over $500 in his little tiny mouth. Forget college I'm going to need an investment plan to pay for dental. Anyway, he was incredible/brave/awesome.... After the "terror" of his first filling (including being strapped to the chair in what looked like a straight jacket and getting a fat lip from them trying to pry his mouth open), he hopped right up in the chair, opened his mouth for Dr. D and flirted shamelessly with the ladies. I think it definately help that Dr. D is a woman. While they were getting setup he checked out ALL the instruments they would be using in his mouth then hopped right back up into the chair for nitros...thats my boy! We laughed about how he looked like a space man with the mask. He breathed through his nose like a champ and then looked at me & say... "mommy, you can go now." Wow! I was so proud & sad at the same time. He did amazing. No crying during the novacaine but when his mount started going numb (actually when his nose went numb) and they put all the stuff in his mouth he protested. Dr. D is so fast that before I could think about closing the book I brought and taking a walk into the hallway, she was done. The BAD news is he has 1 more. Good god, 3 cavities at age 3. He brushes I SWEAR!!!!!! He even has a tickly tooth brush. I will be having a conversation with Dr. D to see if there is anything we can do to help strengthen his enamle. We already started with taking floride (Bug too) so hopefully that will do something to the adult teeth he has up there. We can hope! If he has to have my teeth I just hope he has my eyes too and won't need glasses like daddy!

Reece is talking up a storm. Most of it is not actual words but the inflection is definately conversational. She sings, mimics, yells...she has discovered her voice & likes what she hears...and volume is not an issue. She has such a cute walk. Such a girl walk with a little rump shake! She & brother have been playing chase every night for the last few nights (which is great for mom since it wears them out & they fall asleep much faster). I have to say, Gage will be the one who just does stuff & will take the consiquences if he gets caught...but Bug....oh man, she is going to be the sly/sneeky one. (Yeah Nana & Papa, she is going to be PAY BACK to me) It is so fun to watch her now but it just gives us flashes into our future. Can you get a valium filter for your furnace? Surely that will be an option when she hits her teen years. She is doing much better with the "biting" thing...with most everyone but poor big brother (not that he doesn't deserve a good chomp every now & again :) I am weening her off of the bottle this week. She has refused milk in anything but a bottle. She will drink anything else in her cups...but NOT MILK. Today we tried milk in a sippy before her morning nap, she did drink 1/2 while I read 8 books. I have one more bottle liner for her night-time milk tomorrow night and that's it. I have found that she loves to drink water. I filled up her cup with water in a mad dash to get out of the house the other day and before we left the driveway she had more than 1/2 drank. AWESOME!!!! I have been working with Gage on water too...getting away from those sugary juices...even though we only use 100% juice that natural sugar is kicking butt on his teeth!

Well I think that is enough for tonight. I just took a bunch of pix tonight of the kids in a bath so I'll try to post them tomorrow (in Keri-nese that means a week from tomorrow).

Open your hearts & your minds to new experiences & ways of thought, you never know what you might learn.

PS On baby news (god no not me!) my Bro & SIL (that's sister-in-law) are pregnant with ONE healthy jelly belly baby. She has a copy of the ultrasound pic posted on her blog.

"get your bumble bee started"

2006-02-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

We had some very funny moments today. At breakfast I was playing bumble bee with Reece (buzzing around with my hand until I tickle her neck with a bee sting/tickle). Gage said, "I'm gonna get that bee with my light sabor". My response was No Way Jose! Gage replied "come on mom, get your bumble bee started" I laughed so hard & immediatly got up to write it down. And yes, Gage was able to get the bee with his light sabor...how can you resist such a request.

While Bug took a nap, Gman & I went out to play in the snow. It was a beautiful day and we had a blast. As we were getting dressed, I picked out the Carhart pants his Aunty Holly got him last year...they still fit. He looked at them & said "what are these?" "They are your carharts." I replied.... So he told me "you are always in my Carhart" Background for those of you who don't know him well...many time a day he tells me & daddy & various other lucky people... "you are always in my heart" This was something started by Daddy when he would have to go to work & Gage wanted to be with him. Sometimes he changes it up to "you are always in my strong heart" or "sad heart" or "happy heart" but it warms your soul just the same.

After nap time we had a snack. Gage ate 3 oranges all by himself (yes they were tiny ones but he would have eaten every last one if I had let him). As I cut a peice of pear for Bug & handed it to her she said "thank you" all on her own for the first time...it was precious.

We had a great day today. My back is feeling better (yes another back ache...this time low back twist from cleaning house yesterday morning...that's what I get for cleaning house...I won't do that again ha ha ha). We had fun at breakfast, played all morning with no TV, got some outside time, I shoveled snow onto the grass since it was melting so I didn't have to waste the great moisture. I also got in a nap, cleaned the house, did some laundry, bathed the kids, made dinner and left the kitchen clean for tomorrow morning YEAH!!!! My back is sore (I know, what was I thinking shoveling snow with a sore back...well I wasn't!) but not as bad as the last two days.

So off to bed we go, sweet dreams!

2006-02-17T16:20:00.001-07:00

Ok that's enough...let's go inside!

2006-02-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hey ma, it's fricken freezin out here! (Bug's first time in the snow)

2006-02-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

My lil snow friends

2006-02-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the happy parents-to-be on my Bro's 30th Bday! Congrats guys ~ love you!

2006-02-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

He can ride a saw horse & eat a hot fudge sunday all at once...Talent. Makes me proud to be his sister.

2006-02-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

He is just acting embarrassed...he loves the attention of the entire restaurant.

2006-02-17T16:12:00.001-07:00

Gage is ready for snowmobiling!

2006-02-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Yeeeehaaaawwww! Yes that is my brother on a saddle (I knew he was a closet cowboy).

2006-02-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

These are mommy's favorite lips. This is the face he makes when making a flying noise.

2006-02-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, where did you get that spaghetti? My bowl is upside down. (check out those eyes!!!!!)

2006-02-17T16:08:00.001-07:00

What do you mean I have to take it out of the box?

2006-02-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Nope mom, there is not more spaghetti.

2006-02-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Brother's cowboy hat, a toothbrush, no pants - what kinda caption would "you" put on this pic?

A Doozy!

2006-02-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

If the 4th molar does not break through soon, I'll be checking into Shady Acres. Poor Bug is suffering (not an exaggeration) with the final of her 1st 4 molars. She is miserable. She has ran a fever (102+) for the past 3 days. Tylenol knocks it out within minutes but w/in 6 hours it is right back up again. The gums over the molar "look" more painful than I care to explain. She has very little appetite and what she does eat must be soft. I wish I could take the pain away!

We have had some funny stuff happen/said/done/etc lately. I'll work backwards.

Today was Bug's first day in the snow. We bundled up while she was napping and played in the snow out back. Gman adjusted to the extreme cold like a trooper and we threw snowballs, tackled eachother (& the dogs...they had a blast getting any attention), and sled down our hill. When Bug woke up I went inside. Since the boys stayed out, I bundled her up & out we went. The first few breathes were stolen by the cold but she had fun. I got some great pictures... I know I know...I have been promising more pictures...soon!

Gman has been such a card lately, some of the things he says. The one I can think of off the top of my head was yesterday when I picked him up from school. The are learning all about valentine(s) this week in school. At the prompting of his daily sheet from school I asked "why" he got valentine cards yesterday hoping for an explanation. He informed me he got a monster truck (which he did). I reitterated my question "why"...monster truck. I decided to go about this another way "What is Valentines all about?"....his response (priceless) word for word: "it's about being sexy". That is what his "friends" told him. I explained it's more about being romantic...not so I was told! I laughed so hard as I wasn't prepared for that response.

When Bug hasn't been overtaken with pain she has brought out an attitude that makes us shake with fear about the years to come. Worst part is she is so much like me...I see myself in her so often...how can you get angry at yourself when you are perfect. If I'm perfect and she's just like me she must be perfect too... makes complete sense to me (as Mr Hubby would say, it's my story & I'll tell it how I want to).

I have been laughing so hard these days at the kids...I am going to have to carry a lil notebook along with me to jot down all the "funnies".

Well I'm gonna squeeze in a bit more work tonight since I have been such a slacker! Night all!

I am going to be an auntie again!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!

2006-02-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ok for 3 days I have been trying to quickly find a cute "baby" pic/clip art/etc... when I finally find something I will settle for...I cannot get it into my blog....so screw it!

I am going to be an auntie again. Congratulations Matt & Kris on conceiving a baby(ies) for me! Ok I am sure you may have done it for yourselves but it's my blog & I'll tell it how I want to! Good luck on the results of your Beta tests! I can't tell you how excited I am!!!!! This is a niece/nephew from my side of the family. Since I won't be getting any more from Daddy's side I am glad my side is gettin started...still have 2 sisters too!!! I love being an auntie & Daddy loves being an uncle...you can spoil spoil spoil & send them home to let the parents worry about all the "raising" issues.

Other news: I had a blissful shopping day with my two angels yesterday. You may think this sounds facisious but NO! My children where amazing yesterday when we went out about town. We first stopped to see Daddy at work since they screwed him again so he had to finish up late Friday jobs on Saturday (with comments like "I thought you needed the work, now when it shows up you want to put it off"....hmmmmmmm if I weren't praising & raving about my children right now I could really go off). Then we headed to Hobby Lobby to check out their valentines. We cruised the store, checked out many things (lots & lots of clearance...my favorite, but alas I was good...no purchases for me) and found Gage some spiderman cards & Reece some princess cards. As we were leaving HL Gage & I found ourselves ravaged with hunger. So off to my favorite store: Target for a quick bite & more shopping. Gage was quite the charmer at HL (to all the other lady shoppers that is) and listened so well I felt confident in checking out another store. The kids shared Mac & Cheese, apple sauce & cheetos, Gage enjoyed his normal Icee and mommy had some tacos & a diet Doctor Pepper (ha ha ha...doesn't that cancel out the tacos?). I know I know...not your picture perfect lunch of health food items but we had an absolute blast. We spent nearly 2 hours roaming the isles (checking out the clearance of course...and again I was VERY good...no purchases for me). We finished at the toys with rewards for such awesome behavior. Gage picked out a pop-gun (wooden gun with cork that pops out by air pressure), Reece got some bath toys (duckies & watering can) and I also got a kite that fits into your pocket for our next visit to the park (our recent history of breezy days should not let us down). We headed home, children still in best moods with smiles galore & lots of laughs & wackiness. Reece fell asleep in the truck smiling and stayed asleep during the transfer to her bed (amazing & unusual). I let Gage skip his nap to play with me while we awaited the arrival of our friends from Wyoming. As it turns out there was plenty of time for him to nap before they arrived but we had a good time. Gage was rewarded again with a musical instrument, my old Ukaleily (like I know how to spell THAT)...lets just call it my old Uke & Gage's new guitar! We played lots of tunes (only to a mother's ear) and danced & sang. We finished the day with a great visit with our friends, excellent dinner at the Macaroni Grill, playtime before bed, then a fun game of Dominos! What a great day! It is one that will live in my memories forever, especially the bliss I enjoyed with my children ALL day long.

Well there you have it...one day of bliss can get you through weeks & weeks & months of challenges. Keep smiling! It sure feels good.

Better & Worse

2006-02-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Better....

Well we are all a bit better...and that is great news. Reece's cough changed last night...with great releif to mommy. Gage's cough is much better too. We still kill many trees with the amount of tissue we use each day but it is much more clear than green now....Excellent!

Worse...

I have to praise my husband for what a strong man he is. He has been up against the "evil" at WORK for some time but they rose to a new low yesterday. He has been on "view" by management for any time off he takes but now the time he IS there is now being monitored. He was brought into a "meeting" yesterday where they informed him that due to a "complaint" by one of the "cry baby techs" {let's just call him Golden Boy} his computer will be monitored to see how he gets his hours. The complaint in jist was Mr. Hubby still seems to have work when the shop is dead...waaa waaa waaa. I can tell you how he has hours....he WORKS when the work is there. I have never heard of a more pathetic group of whiny, back stabbing, clicky, (oh the list could go on & on) MEN (if you can call them that) in my life. Mechanics are the WORST! Golden Boy recently got a few other techs in trouble for beating the system in obtaining jobs by holding down the appropriate "key" on the computer with a socket until a job is assigned to them. This same complainer holds the key down too...he just wasn't smart enough to figure out a way how to do it & be able to leave his station to do something else. I admire my hubby for his work ethic...he will help other techs all day (& not get compensated), he will help customers on his own time (& not get compensated), he will do "shit" work all day totalling .8 hours but if a job comes in at 4pm that could wait until tomorrow, he (without thought) immediately gets to work to get it done for the customer (even if it keeps him late). I can remember at my old office, if we had a dead day & a new "project" needed attention later in the day, I would put it off to start fresh the next day...not him! The other guys in the shop will get in early to "grab" all the work they can "hold" for themselves but as soon as the work runs out they go to McDonalds or out to smoke or bring in their own cars, then when work shows up they shrug it off saying, well if it had been here a few hours ago I would have done it! SERIOUSLY!!! Mr. Hubby does not "hold" work, or "grab" work, he gets the next job available, does the job, takes the next job available, does the job, takes the job available, does the job....and that's how he gets hours. Ohhhhh I am fuming for the crap he has had to endure at "hell"...oops I mean WORK. I am soooooo sorry hunny! We appreciate you!

Other...

Reece cleary said 2 nearly new words this morning. She has said versions of these but not clear & precise. She wanted a drink of milk this morning so she pointed to the cup and said "some", then moments later came around the corner announcing that she had a "cracker". Clear as a bell. Yeah Reece-a-bug!

We are meeting our new neighbors at the park today near lunch time. Us mommies are very excited to get our kids together finally. Gage & Reece should have a blast with the neighbor kids.

Just checking in...

2006-02-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Doctor day. Reece has ear infections & croup. We got an antibiotic & a great "decongestant/antihistemine/cough" syrup with codeine. That helped a lot! The verdict is out on whether we will have to have another visit for Gage. His eyes are starting to look a bit red again & he is hanging onto the cold too. I have disinfected everything I can think of...I guess we are just going to have to let it, as they say "run it's course".

Not much on the docket today. Gotta run to Albertson's for a refund (didn't give me my card savings), then to see Auntie Kris (since she is in Fort Collins today). Maybe lunch with Daddy. Man am I boring today or what! Hope you all have a much more exciting day than me!

Smorgishborg

2006-02-06T00:42:00.000-07:00

I am sensing a trend of illness related blogging...and I would really like to start expressing myself on other issues...maybe not the "gassy kind" like my sister-in-law but alas...something other than updating you with the color of everyone's snot! (by the way Reece's is a beautiful shade of green). So we will add a plethora of items to this one:

1st Reece is still sick so I will be taking her to the Dr. tomorrow for antibiotics. The Croupy cough only shows up late at night during a coughing spell but does not seem to cause her any additional problems as did with Gage....Thank god!

2nd Gage is doing better...he still has plenty of phlem & coughing but it doesn't seem to slow him down (we are stuck in warp speed & "I'm givin' 'er all she's got cap'n")

3rd Thank you Nana & Papa for the special non-occasion toys and the Get Well delivery for Reece. The kids are still playing with the balloons.

4th My brother started a blog...be prepared to laugh as he has been known to be a bit funny!

5th Reece was dancing tonight after waking to have snot removed from her cheeks, eye brows, lashes, hair, ear lobes...etc. She has got some moves let me tell you. The best one is when she shakes her booty...she will even do it when you tell her to! It is awesome! I'm so proud. She got our dancing genes (auntie Leah & auntie Holly). I will have to mention that she can & does do the sprinkler in honor of her name sake (Leah).

6th I went to a "Slumber Parties" party (with intimate accessories) on Friday night and can I tell you how tempting it is to become a distributor. The money is awesome and as I watched the gal's presentation I thought: I could sooooo do it and be sooooo funny! I'll keep you updated if I decide to start a new business (seriously).

7th well...there just isn't a 7th tonight, my muscle relaxer is finally starting to loosen the "alien" muscle in my back (yes yes...same one I am going to PT for)...so off to bed I go!

Nighty night.

All is well

2006-02-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Reece is doing great. No more croupy cough this morning. More later, we gotta run!

Croup has returned!

2006-02-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

It is nearly mid-night & I find myself glued to the monitor. Reece has croup. This is a magically stressful word in our family considering our history with Gage. So I thought I would play a couple games of solitaire while the house cooled off a bit (turned thermostat way down) in hopes it will loosen her throat a bit.

For those of you who don't know or if I haven't posted our "experience" with croup & Gage here's a synapsis. When Gage was 14 months old (only weeks older than Reece is now) he got croup. It came on so fast. Late in the afternoon I had him in the Drs' office for a wheeze but by 10pm that night he could barely breath. We rushed him to the hospital for breathing treatments in the ER...no luck. After a super-shot of Steroids with no relief they decided to admit him. Gage & I spent 4-5 days in a moisture tent. The only time I wasn't with him was for brief bathroom breaks when Daddy crawled in the tent with him. He struggled to breath the entire time and had breathing treatments every 2 hours. After day number 4 we met with an ENT specialist who recommended they put him under and try to get a look at his throat with a little camera...to see what was going on there. He warned us that Gage would probably come out with a breathing tube & sedated. If it gets our boy better or helps him breath...let's do it we said. The days of watching him suffer & not being able to help him other than sooth him & keep him calm, then watching him be taken away by a nurse crying & screaming was more than I ever thought I could handle as a mom....I was wrong...I handled that and a whole lot more. The doctor came out of the procedure stating he could not get the tiny camera through his throat it was so closed. They were able to barely fit an infant sized breathing tube in to intubate him. They informed us he would most likely be transferred to Childrens' Hospital the next day. I ran home for a shower and packed a bag. When I returned to the hospital and went to Gage's room, there was chaos. Apparently he had woken up, freeked out so they had to increase his sedation which sent his heart rate plummeting...just recalling this makes my heart hurt. The whole time he had hand restraints on to keep him from pulling out the tube if he "woke up". They stabilized him for the night but we were definitely going to Childrens' via Flight For Life the next morning. After the transfer was all set Brian & I ran home to pack bags for our trip to Denver with plans to meet the Flight For Life ambulance at Childrens'. We beat them there by 30 minutes....waiting was awful. When he was all settled I sat with him and told him stories, held his hand, sang him songs, stroked his face....crushed inside watching our first born so helplessly sick. We had the best nurse on the face of the planet, Chip. He was awesome. He made us so much more relaxed, at ease & confident of the medical treatment Gage was receiving. In the middle of the night on night 4 we received a call at our hotel that Gage had woke up, & pulled the tube out on his own. They were planning on extubating him the following day anyway...he couldn't wait. That food through a tube in his nose was more than he could bare...ha ha ha. He was so weak. The next day he could barely walk as he had not been on his feet in over a week. I stayed with him in the hospital that next night & we were released the next day. In follow up appointments it appears he got croup from a paraflu. He was in the 5% of children that have to go to the hospital and <1% who have to be intabated. It is an experience that has been burned into my heart & I do not want to repeat it with Reece-a-bug. She is not as tough as Gage and I am not sure Daddy could handle it with his little girl.

Well, her coughing has nearly stopped and she seems to be sleeping soundly so I might be able to rest while jumping at every sound from her monitor tonight. Here's hoping for a restfull night for all.

The last man standing...takes a dive!

2006-01-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yep! I got it! I am officially sick. I think I could have avoided this bout if my son hadn't felt it necessary to cough directly in my face (yes with mouth open sometimes) so I could feel the moist droplets of illness to come...lest we forget my beautiful daughter who also likes to stick her finger up her nose then moments later stick it in your mouth or check your teeth or...you get the picture. Once again I time it perfectly with the most "grumpy" time of my husband's cycle. Yes I believe men have cycles. Theirs' may not be as frequent but it lasts a lot longer. I am on my own (aren't we always mommies?) Gage still has the cough & Reece still has the snot so we have piles...strike that...mountains of kleenex lying around the house. I'd write more but the sinus pressure has reach defcon 4 so I'm going to bed! Night all.

Better late than never....Happy Birthday Lelu!

2006-01-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Ha ha ha...Bet you thought you were going to get out of the "humiliation" this year....not so lucky. Even though your birthday was in November I just wanted the world to know you are beautiful...especially as Eleanor Rosevelt! Oh I am going to pay for that one!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Lil Sis!

2006-01-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

To the baby of the family, Happy Birthday Holly! Hope you have the happiest, funest, bestest most totally awesome birthday ever! Wish I could be with you. Love, your OLD sister.

Blackmale the Birthday Boy!

2006-01-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yes Matt, that is a Michael Jackson doll in your hand. Bet you didn't think I would have such great material to post for your special day! Happy Birthday Match!

Happy Birthday Bro!

2006-01-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

In honor of my baby brother's birthday today I thought I would post some addorable pictures. Isn't he handsome. Happy Birthday old man!

Supermom makes a breif return

2006-01-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Yes Supermom showed her face this morning. Upon wake up, I made breakfast for the troops, packed Daddy his lunch, played army mechanic, doctor & dentist office (we healed all the stuffed animals in the house) the we painted. (Reece ate finger paint for the first time today...Yeah!) After paints were cleaned up Reece took her nap so Gage & I were able to snuggle for a little while before I made lunch. After lunch I vacuumed entire main floor, then when Gage started Charolet's Web Reece & I deep cleaned her room (moved all furniture to vacuum, change bedding, re-hang decor that was pulled down by the maniac herself, cleaned her fan, humidifier, re-arranged some small stuff and wiped down everything (to free space of germs). During the next nap "phase" I was able to take a shower to get ready for my dinner tonight.

3 Times this week I will have a break from the kids. Tonight is a new members dinner for Mother's Center of Fort Collins, Wednesday is Bunco and Saturday we are taking my bro out to dinner for his birthday (thanks Matt for ditching your friends for your stupid older sister). When it rains...it pours...and let me tell you I need the down pour!

Well I'm off to finish up a few things before I escape. Since Gramma's here I may even leave early to hit Target (by myself) for diapers and any such "clearance" items I may find.

If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried.

2006-01-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Gunner is the only one who willing lets her lay on them! Good boy! He's camera shy.

2006-01-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

1st time finger painting...well finger paint eating more like it!

2006-01-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here kitty kitty kitty...meow....meow (her favorite word)

2006-01-23T15:27:00.001-07:00

Pals!

2006-01-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Pizza Face

2006-01-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Cool baby!

Ahhhh sooooo much better

2006-01-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day & I took my "mood" into my own hands this morning. Don't get me wrong I am still tired & more short tempered than usual but with a smile on my face. Just the act of purging my last post was theraputic. Sometimes you just have to break down!

Reece & I headed off the Hospital Lab last night with a fresh "sample" for testing. She has been in a much better mood with only crying/whining half the time instead of most of the time. It could be she is reacting to my improved state of mind. What ever it is...it is a welcomed blessing. She is eating & drinking well and hasn't had a poop-spoltion since we changed her diet.

We are headed out to Schmidts for Lunch as a family so to all of you I wish you a brightened mood today. May you smile at least once more than usual! Thanks you all your support, prayers & positive vibes!

On empty (beware Ms. positive is NEGATIVE right now)

2006-01-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am on empty...bone dry is more the truth. I have been NEEDED 24/7 for the past 6 weeks with no break. Well I am about to break. During this time not only have I fought insomnia but now am functioning on 5 1/2 hours of sleep a day. It is sleep but not enough. I just want one day for someone to take care of me, hell I'd settle for a day that I could do nothing but take care of myself & no one else...I guess it is a funny wish, cause even if I had a day to myself I wouldn't be able to do anything for myself without guilt or worrying about what I should be doing to catch up on other's needs or things that need to be done. On top of the demands I am also responsible to change our diet to improve our health. I guess I just needed to vent. If I didn't get it out I was going to explode. For anyone who thought I was a mountain of strength and have my shit together I guess I am revealing...."not so much". I have needs too...just none that appear are going to be met any time soon. Do you ever feel like you are drowning in your own life? This too shall pass I am just "down" today and doing it all alone again. I could never be a single parent I tell you that. I have the utmost respect, support and sympathy for anyone who does this alone! I love my family more than anything...I just need a "time out".

More crap...

2006-01-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Literally! Reece has the Rota Virus which causes diarrhea with a horrible odor and some vomiting...which we have had both. The unfortunate thing about this virus is that it can last 3-6 weeks. (Gage had it too right at about the same age...when molars where coming through.) The worst time being the first 5-7 days. Poor thing, between pooping, puking, not eating & barely drinking, she has got BIG teeth coming in too!!! We have cut out all dairy (w/exception of yogurt) which was very difficult as she was looking for he milk bottle before bedtime. She only likes apple juice which also increases diarrhea so I purchased 14 different fluids yesterday to try. She is finally able to choke down apple flavored Albertson's brand pedialite...watered down. When I say choke I mean gagging & all. She has now gotten used to it and is drinking plenty of ounces. Her appetite is still on the fritz, however she did eat some mashed potatoes and gravy last night. Since we changed the diet...she hasn't "went" since yesterday morning nor puked since yesterday lunch...but she has been quite puny today. She has either been sleeping or snuggled in mommy's arms. We did make it out today to pick up a "stool sample" kit from the lab (oh joy!...just what I love to do....collect poop...in 4 separate containers no less) and do a bit of shopping at Wal-Mart for more cereal options she can eat! Gage struggles a little with the attention focused on Reece but is being a very good helper.

On to more fun topics...I really liked this from my sister-in-law's blog so I thought I would do it too!

4 Jobs I've had:

Community First Insurance - Office Manager/Insurance
Thomasson Partner Associates - Admin Assistant/Geological Assistant
Pizza Hut - Assistant Manager
Stuarts - Assistant Manager (retail)

4 Places I've lived:

Colorado: Fort Collins & Greeley
Colorado: Lakewood & Avon
Montana: Great Falls
Minnesota: Minneapolis & St. Peter

4 TV Show I like:

Desperate Housewives
Grey's Anatomy
Earl
CSI (any one of them - Vegas is my favorite)

4 Places I've gone on vacation:

Laramie & Snowy Range, Wyoming (snowmobiling trips)
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico (Honeymoon - HORRIBLE...would never go back)
Arizona
San Bernadino, California (went to Sea World)

4 Websites I visit daily

4 Food I love (other than chocolate)

French Food (yum yum)
Licorice & 100,000 Bars
Italian Food
Cheese Sticks

4 People I don't like

Woody Allen (married his daughter)
Michael Jackson (likes to have slumber parties with young boys)
Tom Cruise (is an Idiot)
Matt Hughes (those of you not in insurance in Fort Collins will not know who he is)

I think that about does it for today. I know I said something about photos...but my camera is all the way down stairs so it will have to be later!

When you entertain, treat your family like guests & treat your guests like family! ~and~ Be a good neighbor! (I have an awesome new neighbor...can't wait to get the kids together to play)

I'm back....

2006-01-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well I am still purdy tired but the "sleep" I am getting feels like "real sleep" not just daydreaming. Still have many many hours to catch up on. "I feel more like myself today than I have ever felt before"... "50 Years from now I'll never know the difference" just a couple of quotes from my good friends Carl & Paul!

Gage wanted to bring show & tell sooooo bad today; at school he even asked if he could S&T is coat. Miss Rosie said he should wait until Thursday so he could S&T something much cooler than his coat. Everything he plays with now becomes a "possible" S&T item. Today, he got 5 stickers for cleaning up and was able to choose a "treasure"....wow! He was so excited. His "treasure" (a small plastic ABC template) had to be put in the drawer by his bed when he took his nap. He is definitely my "treasure".

Reece, poor munchkin...it's her turn. She is barely eating, sleeping a lot (growing) but also has horrible diarrhea. She has already had 2 baths today before 1pm. I think I remember Gage doing something similar when he hit his big growth spurts. She is a trooper though. She sings & dances all the time and is really trying to use "words". Her vocabulary is no where near where Gage's was but as hard as we try to nix it...Gage does talk "for" Reece a lot. Plus mom has not been entirely on her game in working with words 24/7 like she did with Gman. Meow is definitely her favorite...right up there with Daddy! Daddy comes through at a significantly higher decibel. Taz (the cat) has actually let her "touch" him...more like grab, hug & squeeze and he talks back to her. Last night they had quite a conversation at the gate....Reece on one side & Taz on the other. Hysterical.

Other news... We are changing habits this week. After disturbing blood serum results food in our house will not be the same. I have committed the Mr. & myself to 1 bowl of oatmeal everyday, no beverages with calories (other than milk) and other changes are quickly being implemented. We are trying to cut out "eating out" and I have been cooking much healthier meals. As soon as I can get it together the kids & I will be heading down to Garts or the like to purchase a stationary bike. It was "suggested" to the Mr. that he either take up water sports or stationary bike. For any of you who know him...water sports are DEFINITELY out!

Well gotta run... My lovely hubby did most of the laundry with the exception of folding so I have a pile on the couch, bills to pay, work to do...you know the drill. It's good to be back in the land of the living...even the tired living is better than where I was.

Share something you like about somebody with them today!

Temporary Shutdown

2006-01-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Well the sleeplessness won't quit so I am "shutting down" some "non-essential" areas of life...ie BLOG for a short time. There is not enouth left in me to share as I barely have enough to keep me on top of it for the kids much less husband & home. Please don't take offense if I don't take or return phone calls for a little bit...i'm just so damned tired. Today was the worst yet even though I was able to slumber a good solid 3.5 to 4 hours in 3 shifts last night and 1 nap this morning.

p.s. After so many weeks practicing at home but so many weeks without "something" at show & tell, Gage FORGOT he brought something on Thursday. So when I picked him up & asked how it went he was able to give his show & tell right then while I was there... That was cool. He did it just how he had been practicing. He shared his 2 Star Wars light sabors and he graciously allowed his friends to play with them before we left. I love that little guy...sure can't wait until I am "myself" again so he can enjoy me more too! (what a grump)

Until later~ hopefully only a matter of days~ I HOPE!!!

Good Morning, Good Morning. It's great to be alive to say Good Morning, Good Morning to you!

2006-01-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

I know, a little over the top but gotta get my butt going this morning. Gage took his 2 Star Wars light sabors (sp?) to show and tell today. We'll see how it goes. We've been practicing show & tell for weeks...and weeks...and weeks :0)

More later ~ with a few pics

I resolve to stay sleepless in Colorado

2006-01-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why my body thinks I don't need sleep but it is maddening. I completely understand why people who don't sleep go insane. But, I will move on to other topics...I'm even bored with my lack of sleep. I'll post when I DO get sleep. (any tips would be welcome...home remedies...wives tales...anything)

* Brian is still sick and had a chest xray yesterday...we'll get results sometime this week. Friday if it's not bad, sooner (I suppose) if it is. He has new Rx so hopefully he will get some relief from the "cough"...since OTC stuff doesn't work.

* Gage is hilarious. He gets to have his very first Show & Tell tomorrow. The teachers failed to inform me Thursdays were his day until I trapped one of them yesterday so he is VERY excited. I think Krypto & pals may be the 1st...but it may be Star Wars stuff...we'll see

* Reece is awnry. She is so funny; she loves to hide & pop out to play peek-a-boo. She sings all the time and feels like she has to yell to be heard...sometimes in this family you do. Her birthday party is officially this Sunday. I'm glad we waited.

The dogs stink, the cat prowls all night & sleeps all day. The weather is beautiful today...just breezy...not gale force winds! So off we go...I recruited Gramma today to help so I can get caught up on life. Man it keeps stacking up whether you want it to or not! Who needs time travel...I just need a "pause" button.

"Pause" to smell the roses, daisies, dandelions...what ever tickles your fancy...today

the zombie mommy returns...

2006-01-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

well dreams almost come true....I did get 7 hours of sleep the other night...would have been a good solid 8 if my back had not decided to torment me. Thank you sweetie for the back rub! However dreams fade 'cause the next night was followed by 3 1/2 hours as was last night 3 1/2 hours of sleep...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I feel a trend in my posts and I am "tired" of it...ha ha ha.

My brain is so fried from lack of sleep I find it hard to put a thought together. So before I type some gooogllymuck I'm going to bed!

zzzzzzzzzzzzz

2006-01-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

still tired. I pulled out 5 hours (not in a row mind you) of sleep last night; and I snuck in an hour & 1/2 nap today ~ thank goodness. Only need about 43 1/2 more to catch up ha ha ha.

We had an awesome date last night (thank you Tara & Ave for watching the kiddos). There was an appreciation dinner & Top Tech award presentation to 10 technicians in Fort Collins....my hubby was one of them! The speaker was extremely interesting...I am not sure if it was the week of conversation with Gage & Reece that made me so desperate for intellectual information or what. Dr Bryan Willson with accolades & accomplishments to long for this blogsite, head of the Engine & Energy Research Lab at CSU presented information on past/current/future research and developments on cleaner running engines. I was amazed at the amount of this type of technology that has come out of Colorado...especially Fort Collins....that is used all over the world. I could go on & on but I won't. All I can say is I was enthralled with the information and excited about what they are able to do, are doing and what they will be doing with new fuel types, engines, etc and how much cleaner they are/will be.

After the dinner (with the Mayor), we joined a group of Markleys people celebrating the retirement of one of the long time (43 years) body shop guys. Markleys was his 1st and last job....over 40 years in one place...just think about it. We only caught the end social time but had so much fun with some friends away from the KIDS. Mommy REALLY needed it!

Well I'm off to bed, hoping for a solid 8 hours uninterrupted...hey sometimes wishes do come true...that's what Cinderella says. Wishing you all pleasant slumbering.

Exhausted...

2006-01-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

sleep....sleep....sleep

I am soooo tired. In the last two nights I have not had a two hour stretch of sleep uninterupted. I believe Reece is starting her growing spurt as she is frequently waking (with what I believe are growing pains). Gage has added 1 waking per evening too...not corresponding to when I am already up with Reece so off to zombie land I go.

We are heading outside for a little bit. Hopefully the fresh air will revive me enough to make it until nap time....which by cruel timing I cannot use for sleep myself but for cleaning house & putting dinner on for the children and their Aunty Tara & Cousin Avery. We have an awards dinner to go to (which I am really looking forward to...it is a date after all) so Gage gets time with his favorite Avery!!!

At least I postponed the big 1st Bday party a week, if I had to get ready for the party this weekend I think I would go check myself into shaddy acres. Wishing you all good mental-health today :)

A quiet moment

2006-01-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Both kids are asleep (at the same time) and I find myself enjoying the moment but starting to get anxious. With all that has to be done I am not sure what to touch first. I started the Big Clean yesterday and made it mostly through the master bath/closet/bedroom. 2% of the house done and 98% to go.... I also got a bunch of work done yesterday and haven't had a chance to pickup more. I feel as I should finish the remaining files for the extra hours but then I have phone calls to make. On top of all that is awaiting my attention...a nap really sounds good. I got about 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night as Reece was struggling a little bit. She has be eating like a maniac so I think we are headed for another growth spurt. I can always tell with both kids, they eat & eat & eat, sleep less, start getting rounder faces until....BAM they're 2" taller (ok, just a little exaggerated). They both bulk up to shoot up. Gage is in his not eating stage & Reece can't get enough. She had 3 bottles of milk last night between 7pm and 4am...that's A LOT!

Well I suppose I will soak up a few moments of silence before I decide what to do. All I want to knw is where are those elves that come and make shoes...surely they could do laundry or something. Go out & find some happiness today!

ps: We watched the Wedding Crashers last night....HILLARIOUS! I laughed out loud through most of the movie. Only 1 critisism...they could have left the entire part with Chaz out. It is not "family humor" but if you want a LOL adult humor movie ~ get it!

2006-01-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mom, I love ch..am..(hickup)..pa...gne!

It's not what you think...

2006-01-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

No we did NOT feed champagne to our son...it is sparkling grape juice. But it was very special to him. Before he went to bed new years eve we popped (twisted the cap) a bottle of our very best sparkling grape juice champagne and had a count down to New Years! Gage thought it was very cool. When I asked him what his new year resolution was he said.... "Presents...lots & lots of presents"...and that's a quote! I liked that resolution so much...it is so much better than get organized...or lose weight...get into shape...read more...shop less... Presents...lots & lots of presents....I resolve to get presents!

After 1 vodka tonic...yours truly was in bed/asleep before mid-night. After our new years celebration with Gage what could be any better....yeah that's it...that's the ticket. It's not cause I'm an old, married mommy...nahhh! Ok it is.

Well, Since it had been a while...now y'all have a bit to read & see before my next post. The house is destroyed, laundry is stacking up, trees need to be watered, dog poop needs to be picked up, bills need to be paid, dinner needs to be made, kids need a bath....I'm taking a nap. Oh, I must have been dreaming. Reece is stirring and duties are awaiting. Hope you all had a happy & safe new year filled with as much happiness & humor as ours was with Gage. Until we meet again~

2006-01-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!

2006-01-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

Cheers!

Our baby is 1

2006-01-02T15:44:00.001-07:00

How hard it is to believe and entire year has gone by.... Reece turned one on the 28th. Luckily she is young...'cause due to our everlasting cold we had a very small, very quiet birthday celebration on THE day. We ate chicken noodle soup for dinner and had cupcakes.

Our experience with Gage in the past was digging into the cake with a considerable amount of coaxing. NOT Reece. She picked that cupcake up and literally shoved it into her face. Thus you see all the frosting from the cupcake adorning her face! She devoured her cupcake. We got great pictures and a nice memory of a small personal family celebration for her 1st birthday. We will be celebrating with family & friends next weekend for the BIG party. Gonna try something new this time...a Sunday Brunch Birthday! I am looking forward to a new day of the week/new time/new meal/new menu for this one. We'll have to have her BBQ party on her 1/2 birthday this summer (well ok it probably will be more of an excuse for us to have a party but...)

Ok...New Years pics to come....

2006-01-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday....dear Reece...Happy Birthday to ME!

2006-01-02T15:43:00.001-07:00

That's one happy birthday girl with her big brother.

2006-01-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Unlike my brother I love to get my face & hands dirty & sticky!

Back in the saddle again

2006-01-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

We are slowly but surely getting better. Brian still seems to have the worst of the cold. Gage is nearly over the hump but the cough still nags him. Reece seems completely better (except the runny nose...which could be "teeth") and I still have sinus congestion but refuse to give in more than that. Moms are NOT ALLOWED to get sick...so I won't. And that's all I have to say about that.

I finally posted some pictures below from christmas. The kids had a blast & continue to as each day they discover new toys they opened on christmas. Gage has his drum set in his room ~ he loves to drum and isn't too bad. We only bring it out to the living room when someone can man Reece from trying to take them away. We have yet to get batteries for the race track...but it is silently awaiting discovery. Once Gage realizes he has it...it will be like Christmas all over again. More updates to come (photos too)...we have more "special days" since christmas.

2006-01-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

I like brothers race track too...see how fast I am!

2006-01-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

I love my dolly

2006-01-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe the binoculars are as cool as Krypto

2006-01-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Krypto the Super Dog ~ is there anything better? Not according to Gage

2006-01-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Playing together Christmas morning

2006-01-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Waitin' to see Santa

MIA

2005-12-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been missing in action. It has been so long since I blogged...I feel as though I could write a book ~ I won't, rest assured. But lets update:

Illness has hit our house & doesn't seem to want to let go. Gage brought a little cold home from school which Brian immediately caught. Reece followed suit & I seemed unaffected (for a short while). I had my own problems with my back. Things seemed to be clearing up for Christmas but with all the excitement and changes in nap/sleeping schedules...it got worse. Gage's small cold turned into awful coughing. Reece's runny nose turned into a faucet. Brian's cold added stomach problems...and I got the cold. I am thankful that I have the mildest case (much more with back pain would be more than I would like to handle). The kids are on antibiotics. Reece is doing much better but Gage's cough...is not!

Physical therapy is AMAZING. I can't believe it took me this long to get started. I was told in Junior High that I needed PT...and I can't tell you how many doctors over the years have told me that too... it just seemed like something too big to start. Boy was I WRONG!!!!! They have been doing ultrasound on my back muscles and last night started me on an aggressive exercise program to strengthen my middle back. Ouch...but in a healing strengthening way.

Christmas was fantastic. Brian & I slept less than Gage on Christmas eve. We both kept waking up looking at the clock anticipating the barrage of gift opening. There were only 2 duplicate gifts and there really wasn't anything the kids didn't love! Gage is so excited with all his Star Wars stuff and Krypto the Super Dog stuff. He can't wait go to camping with his new tent set. Reece plays will all brother's stuff (until he plays with her toys) and loves all her blocks/balls, books, dolls, stuffed animals, activity table...etc No toy is left out. It did look like a toy store had thrown up in our living room Christmas evening though. After Christmas decorations are put up we will be sifting through old toys for a LARGE donation.

Reece's birthday was very quiet & low key. With all of us being sick we stuck close to home. I made cupcakes instead of a large cake (we will do that at her party). Reece devoured her cupcake. It was hilarious. She picked the whole thing up and stuck it in her face. I'll post pictures. She has no quams about getting her face & fingers dirty like her big brother does.

Well I promised no book...too late. Hope your holiday was filled with happiness. Enjoy your new years and be safe.

So I went to the chiropractor today...

2005-12-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

JUST KIDDING. (that's for you Kris ha ha ha). My caring sister-in-law has encouraged me to forgo the back cracker, and go directly to my physical therapist. Did I make an appointment today? No. And the pain remains. "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love yah tomorrow"(Annie)..."yes yes good good....for me to poop on" (the insult dog) ...can you tell the muscle relaxer & pain killer are working? Pretty much~

Gage was very very lovey today. I bet he told me (spontaneously on his own) that he loved me 20 times today; and what a snuggle bug. Reece now has the cold that started with Gage, went to Daddy & now her. Her poor little nose runs like a faucet. I am once again reminded why I DON'T get the flu shot. Brian, Gage & Reece have all had the flu shot and have each had the stomach flu, gastro-intestinal virus and cold...me? nope...just one horrendous day of food poisoning (thanks Kris & Erin) from our spinach artichoke dip at Mimis. Can't wait to get back there...NOT. The only year I got the flu shot I was deathly ill 3 times that season. Missed 2 weeks & 3 days all told from illness that year...NOT AGAIN thank you very much.

Well..."not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" (cause Taz would eat it) "Hi ho hi ho it's off to bed I go"(Not quite Snow White) "god bless us every one"(A Christmas Carol)

Almost done...

2005-12-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well I sent off Oregon gifts (all but 1 small one that I'll be sending tomorrow). Also got California gifts out and hopefully Texas gift will be sent tomorrow as well. The only homemade gift I have left is my brother..oh brother! I actually have an idea (or two) so all I have to do is construct it. I told him I was going to make him a PB&J sandwich (or two)...he said as long as I made it myself ha ha ha. The kids have purchased their gifts for daddy & mommy (with a little help). So other than buying for the kids and evening out stockings...we are next to done.

The spasm in my back is still strong...I am thinking it's time for the chiropractor. Brian thinks I may have a pinched nerve...with the way this one feels sure could be! Ouch!

Gotta go...work work work! At least until the drugs take over my brain...they have to find it first.

Remember: "There is always one more imbecile than you counted on." - especially when christmas shopping.

Conquering fear is amazing!

2005-12-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Gage overcame his terror/fear of nose spray today. After we tried Benedryl/Robitussin and his nose was still stuffed up he wanted more meds. I explained the only way to get his nose to open up was to use nose spray...the reaction was immediately no no no... about an hour later, he found the saline nose spray that we have practiced with (on Daddy & Mommy...NOT Gage) took off the cap & sprayed it in his nose all by himself YEAH! Then it was ok to use the medicated stuff... ahhh to have a nose that can breath...he was a whole new kid! The best part was he did it on his own time and counquered that fear without pressure.

Yesterday we fought to crowds at the mall to see Santa. After our experience last year I was a bit nervous how the kids would do....AMAZING. Reece smiled at Santa, Gage told him he wanted a black four-wheeler & a train set and they both posed for a great picture (see below).

Well I'm off to enjoy my anti-inflamitory/muscle relaxer/painkiller combo. I had to go to Urgent Care for a back spasm today. Even with the great drugs I still have pain. This one was a DOOZY! Not quite drooling yet but there's still time.

Happy Holidays

TIP: if you need to heat an injury (doctor's say moist heat is the only way to go) run hot water into a (clean) disposable diaper and you can wrap any part of your body or open in flat to use on your back or even your belly for cramps. It is awesome. I will always have diapers in my house for this exact reason!

2005-12-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ho Ho Ho

40% Done

2005-12-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well I feel like I am 40% done with Gifts for christmas (bought or made). But...christmas is only 9 days away and 1/2 of them need to be shipped...so no prob... OH MY GOD~ I actually am remaining very calm...ok...somewhat calm...well...maybe not freeking out yet. I still feel like I have adequate time if I use every spare moment to prepare for christmas and not clean house, cook or work. Hmmm that actually sounds not to bad. Wonder how Brian would like it ha ha ha. Gotta run, thought I could clean the house before the kids woke up but I have been working on gifts instead and haven't picked up a thing...and of course both children are up!

Be safe on those roads with all the other "shoppers" this weekend. Should have pictures with Santa to post tomorrow night.

BUNCO BUNCO BUNCO!!!!

2005-12-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

I love BUNCO! Last night was our christmas/ornament exchange Bunco for December. I always have a blast with the ladies in our group. I look forward to my Bunco night more than any other non-mommy activity. It's too bad I'm so shy and I have a hard time cutting loose at these parties...ha ha ha...for any of my fellow Bunco Babes you can attest to how UNTRUE that is! Thank god my husband saw the calendar last night or I might have missed it. It was a mad dash getting out the door but I made it (better late than not at all)....and I won my money back plus $5...not too shabby.

Gage continues to amaze/astound/amuse us. His comprehension is beyond ours! This morning he wanted to take the singing dog puppet he received from Aunty Kris to school this morning. Brian & I were explaining it's not a good idea to take toys to school because...we paused to find the right words...Gage interjected.."the other kids might get jealous?" Exactly! No more explanation needed. Another example...last night Gage was climbing the gate to get upstairs to see daddy...he was grunting like it was hard work & he was superman so Brian started laughing upstairs. Gage immediately asks "Are you laughing at me daddy?" you can't get away with anything around him; he catches EVERYTHING! Too smart for our own good.

Reece also continues to create her own personallity. She communicates VERY well without many words at this point. She understands most of what we say and is very good at pointing to what she wants. We are encouraging words...even if they are not "real" words...if she at least tries to babble she gets what she wants much faster. She is a shameless flirt (same as brother) and has daddy absolutely whipped!

Take a deep breath; Smile at a child; Wave at a neighbor; Think positive thoughts and enjoy being alive today!

2005-12-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

When does big brother start singin' ?

2005-12-13T22:28:00.001-07:00

One step ahead of the class

2005-12-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

We wish you a merry Christmas

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells...

2005-12-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

As a mother you don't expect to teach your son the Batman Smells version of Jingle Bells right before you find out he has a christmas program in a few days...it just happens.

Gage had is very first school program tonight and he was incredible. He sang all the words to "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and all the RIGHT words to "Jingle Bells". If you were listening closely you would have heard a very big sigh coming from the front row. Every time we practiced his songs he only sang "batman smells, robin laid an egg...bat mobile lost it's wheel & the joker got a way...Hey" But during the program he refrained from our "silly" rendition to sing the PC jingle bells.

Well this proud mommy is going to relax with a cup of Cinnamon Hot Cocoa and watch the Rock..he is in some show where he beats some people up...it's not like I actually watch anything else when he's on TV...hubba hubba.

Fresh out of imagination...

2005-12-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have no witty title prepared. My imagination has been tapped by a make-believing 3 year old. We have played Cowboys/Trucks/Dentist/Contractor/Doggies and that was all before noon. They are napping, the house is quiet...ahhhhhhhhh! Gage has a new thing lately... "mom, mom, mom, mom, Mom, MOm, MOM, MOM"...this precedes almost every conversation. I guess I'll never forget who I am ha ha ha. Reece is testing boundaries. She goes to every cabinet/drawer/door in the house that she knows she is not supposed to open, stops, looks and OPENs. Let the marathon of wills begin. She is persistent I can tell you that. Our usual exchange includes no less than 8 "Reece, hands off". Now if daddy tells her...once will bring about Niagra...yet she still goes back (tears and all). Oh how I remember the days with Gage. At least this time I KNOW it does stop...well not stop...but evolve.

I guess I should get some work done during my quite time...who knows what make-believe adventure we will be on this afternoon.

PS: Want to send out love & prayers to Brian's step-mom, she is in a rehabilition hospital after breaking a vertabre this weekend, falling in the kitchen. Get better soon, Judy! Hang in there Bob!

"the biggest diamond I've ever heard"

2005-12-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

My son..cutest little guy on earth...brought me a "diamond" tonight and said "mommy, here's the biggest diamond I've ever heard." I said, oh, I didn't know diamonds made any noise, what sound does a diamond make?.... His response was classic: "it says Ring Ring Ring" Daddy & I were laughing so hard...of course a diamond says ring ring ring...at least to women it does. He keeps us in stitches that's for sure.

Well we helped Matt & Kris move today (at least the loading up part). The kids were amazing! Gage entertained himself and Reece had a blast watching all the craziness from her walker. I was able to do my most favorite household chore: Vacuuming...honestly...it is my favorite! There is something about the white noise & not really being bugged while you're vacuuming. It was sad to see them go but we'll see them again soon. It will be great for Kris to be around her friends and family and Matt's drive will be significantly shorter. No, Rick we are NOT moving to Parker...ha ha ha...although the softball pitch almost won me over...I miss playing so much.

Well I just had to share the "sound of a diamond" before heading off to sleepy town. Good night & sweet dreams.

"It's not a tumor"

2005-12-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

But it is a huge headache! I must have laughed too hard last night. I went to see "I love you, You're perfect, Now change" at the Carousel Dinner Theatre lastnight with a woman's group...it was great. I had seen a production of this in Denver with Carla a couple years ago but hanging out with some friends (without kids or husband) was well needed. After a mini-vacation last night I was back in full swing this morning. Even though I had a refreshing laughter filled evening last night I don't feel as "refueled" as I thought I would...I just want more. Just typing that makes me feel guilty. The kids are awesome, I just feel less than mediocre today. It could be the headache & insatiable desire for a nap talking!

We went to help Aunty Kris this morning with a few boxes. The kiddos did better than I expected playing with Uncy Matt while we packed. It's so much more fun to pack when it's not your stuff and you don't "HAVE TO". Uncy Matt & Gage played star wars with their paper towel tube & water bottle light sabors. Wasn't exactly a fair fight since Darth Matdar was layed up on the couch but it was exactly what Gage needed (maybe Uncy Matt too). When Karen arrived we took a break for lunch before we headed home. I spent a good chuck of the time in the bathroom with Gage (poor little dude, his tummy has been bothering him for a while) and Reece fell asleep snuggling Aunty Kris.

So here we are, Gage is finally asleep and Reece is surprisingly refreshed after her 20 min cat nap...and mommy...is a zombie. Here's wishing you all happy nappy time (for those of you lucky enough to steal one every now and again)! Totally tired, signing off!

What's in a name?

2005-12-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is Noodle. I am Noodle.

Long ago in a land far far away a beautiful princess was born.... ME! I cannot recall exactly why I received the nickname (sure my folks could tell you) but for whatever reason...Noodle it was. Growing up we all had our titles. Match / Lealu / Zoomer...as do my own children. Gage has had a plethera of "names" including but not limited to GW, Gager-Rager, Stinky, Maniac but the one that has stuck around the longest is "Handsome". Reece on the other hand has had 2: Lil Bits & Reece-a-Bug. Daddy has held onto Lil Bits but mommy definately goes for Reece-a-bug (could be because I was nearly obsessed with Lady Bugs when thinking of having a little girl). I digress: As I was laying in bed (@3:30am) thinking about starting a blog I was brainstorming names. Oodles with Noodle came to mind along with many others. While creating my blog I tried out the other names...they seemed to be quite popular since someone else already had them...Surely no one could have Oodles with Noodle...NOPE, it is all mine. ..."and that's how I came to be"...

Not-So-Lazy Lazy Day

2005-12-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well we did NOT go outside today. In fact I barely opened the door for the dogs (they had to squeeze through). Gage & I made my special chocolate chip cookies today. We had a blast. I measured, he poured, I added, he mixed. He was quite the helper (not to mention helping himself to a little of the dough throughout the process).

I discovered Reece is our "shedder". Every time I went into her room...she had her socks & sweatpants off. She thinks it's funny to hide her detto (aka: pacifier) between the crib bumper & the wall, throw out her blanket & now shed her clothing. Ahhh what fun we will have. Gage only took off his jammies once...he was 2 & bored AND they were full zip fuzzies. Today was NOT the day to be without layers. Thank goodness the house stayed fairly comfortable. I was going to get plastic up on the windows but it appears there is enough ice built up around the edges of the glass to seal out the cold air. Hmmph go figure ~ procrastination works sometimes.

Well the house is quiet so I am going to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of the christmas tree before I turn in. Goodnight to all! Sweet dreams!

p.s. Janet, icicles sound so much more painful than snowflakes