In My Daughters' Eyes...

Off We Go!

2011-08-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

We are down to the last days before Summer is over and school begins. I am excited and sad all at the same time...
Anyway, James and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary in May. I wanted to go somewhere, and we had talked about it, but we just didn't make it happen. It was partly my fault, because I didn't want to leave the girls for more than a night. My Mother-In-Law has been wanting to keep them all summer, and finally just said she was taking of the 8th and 9th and wanted to keep the girls. We thought if we were going to go anywhere, this was our chance. We had talked about Branson or maybe just St. Louis. My husband, out of nowhere, said, "What about the Mall of America?"
WHAT??? Was that really coming out of my shopaphobic husband's mouth!? I couldn't believe my ears! How do you say no to THAT? We got on Expedia, booked a hotel for two nights, and searched around to decide what we would do when we got there.
I feel terribly guilty and a little, or a lot, sad to be leaving my babies, but cannot pretend that I am not about to jump out of my pants with excitement!!! We have only let Hali stay anywhere a couple of times, and we stayed in Des Moines one night before Hali was born. Other than that, the last time we have been away from home, without the girls, was St. Louis when Adi was 7 months old. That was almost 3 1/2 years ago. I will miss the girls, but I am going to enjoy every minute of my husband, and know that we deserve some "us" time!

I Was Doing Cake Balls, Before Cake Balls Were Cool...

2011-07-27T00:27:00.001-05:00

Sooo... long story short. I have two blogger accounts. One is personal, and one is for school. I was logged into my school account and wrote a blog to share a recipe, and didn't know it until I published. I cannot figure out how to transfer it, so... www.mrsjonesatschuyler.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-was-doing-cake-balls-before-cake.html

Amazing...

2011-07-22T20:18:00.004-05:00

Well, the butt sweat was not the end all. James didn't look like a lobster. Hali's carefree spirit made for some beautiful candid shots, and Adi didn't melt. She got 62 shots and I love all of them! The photos turned out beautifully, and I still cannot get over the fact that the photographer is only 19! What a true gift from God, and I admire that she clearly gives him all the credit, from the verses on her facebook page, t0 the music on her website. If you would like to see more of her work go to http://www.infinitejoyphotograpy.com/ . I would be glad to give friends the password to our session.

Family Photos

2011-07-18T21:49:00.002-05:00

Today we had our yearly family photo shoot. We got to do it right here on our own little piece of ground. I am excited to see them. We had them taken by Infinite Joy Photography. I felt terrible for her, because she had her work cut out for her. The heat index had to be about 1000 degrees! Adi was glad to smile, but she was sweating sooo badly. She looked like she had just stepped out of the shower. Hali just wanted to play and pull weeds. I told my husband that he needed to take his hat off for a bit the other day, so that his head wouldn't be so white. Good thing red is his color! As for myself, I was having a bad hair day, and I actually think the humidity helped a bit, but when she said she wanted to shoot us walking away from her I was worried. Believe it or not, at that moment, I could have cared less how big my behind looked. I was a little more concerned with butt sweat.
Here's to hoping for a miracle!

2011-07-14T20:31:00.003-05:00

sooo... I made a vow that I would do this at least once a week, and it has already been 7days since my last post. I wish I had excitement to share, but I have just been busy.

I am ready to decorate my classroom! I went to the teacher store on Monday. That is probably not that exciting to you, but it sure is to me! I am going to be doing a Dr. Seuss theme in my room, which has proven to be a great choice. I have been able to find the cutest things, and most of them have been fairly cheap. I will put pictures up as soon as it is finished.

Tuesday and Wednesday I had meetings in Edina. That was not quite as exciting. The. End.

Today I had a couple of extra children at the house, and we had a ball! We painted on the drive and washed off in the sprinkler. We made some pretty flowers for Kelsey, Adi, and Hali to put in their hair. We whipped up some cookies and iced them with the leftover icing that I had from a baby shower cake that I made last night. I think that it was easier having four kids than two. They kept each other entertained. I just made sure there were some fun things to do.

Tomorrow: 1. Decorate my classroom. 2. Become a brunette once again!

To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn..

2011-07-07T21:45:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe that I have been blog free for two years. I wasn't off doing anything amazing, like saving the world, but I have been doing a few important things. I looked at my last post, and there I was pregnant with baby number two, who will be two in September, and just cannot wrap my head around how fast that time has gone. I started blogging three years ago. I can honestly say I am a totally different person since then. I feel like Ihave gone from a naive young lady into a full fledged woman. I know at twenty-three, with a child, I should have already had the woman thing down! I have grown spiritually, emotionally, professionally... I feel like I have surrounded myself with people that love and respect me, and I am proud of what I am turning out to be. I still watch Hannah Montana and laugh when people pass gas, but I don't want to be too prim and proper.

I am starting a new phase in my life.

~ I am no longer the mother of a baby. I have a very independent "big girl," and a toddler that is a riot and a challenge.

~ I am going to be leaving my comfort zone, after four years of fourth grade, and teach first grade which seems to be calling my name! This is a very happy change!!!

~ One of my best friends is leaving our school district. We were two peas in a pod, and I am not sure how my days will be without her.

~ I am developing strong relationships with new and old friends!

I could go on and on about all that has happened in the last two years, but I think that these last four pictures sum it up quite nicely...

Pictures!!!!

2009-07-30T21:08:00.002-05:00

We just had these taken yesterday! I LOVE them all, but these are a handful of my favorites. I am sorry they are small. I can't figure out how to get them bigger. Enjoy!!!

For all the pictures go to , www.mrsreplogle.webs.com

Wall Letters

2009-07-29T21:08:00.002-05:00

Here they are! I have the letters finished. They are not up on the wall yet, but I wanted to get them done, so that I could take them to Mandie's tonight to get our pictures done. I was going to leave Hali's letters white, but I just couldn't.

Hali's Nursery

2009-07-28T20:15:00.002-05:00

It is all coming together now. It now feels real. The room is done!

What a weekend. Friday James and I were going to go eat supper at the Pear Tree with Trenton and Erin for Erin's birthday. Erin text me that morning saying she wasn't feeling great and would have to see how lunch settled before we went anywhere. That afternoon she let me know that it hadn't gotten any better, so we had to put a rain check on our plans. Then later that afternoon I had a Popsicle with Adi. As soon as I finished I started to get sick. When James got home I had my head in the toilet, and I was so upset because we were supposed to leave for Des Moines to go baby shopping the next morning. We decided we would just see how I felt. My parents are on vacation in Virginia ( Dad and Tara both got the stomach flu on the way), and James's mom works on the weekends, so my Nana was going to watch Adi for a couple days and nights. Nana called that evening and said that she had been throwing up all day and wasn't going to be able to watch Adi Saturday, but would see how she felt Sunday. I won't bore you with anymore details, but I'll just say we got it worked out. We had a great time. We hit a few stores, ate a big steak, watched a hilarious movie, and had Coldstone Creamery! We started Sunday by grabbing some Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and finishing up our shopping. Mom and Nana gave me cash for Hali, because we are not having a shower. I was not expecting that, so it was a nice surprise. I got to get everything instead of getting a few things here and there. ( THANK YOU!) Nana felt better Sunday and kept Adi for the day, but we ended up picking her up that night. I said it was because I didn't want Nana to have to keep her if she wasn't 100% better, but secretly I didn't want to leave her two nights. After working Monday and today, we are done!!! I still have to get the letters done to put above the crib. It will come in its own sweet time.

Adi's Big Girl Room / Upstairs Bathroom

2009-07-28T19:51:00.003-05:00

So, I know that this is not very exciting. I know that a bathroom is a bathroom, but since I was posting pictures of the girls' redone rooms, I thought this one should get some attention. We did this room quite awhile ago. It was red and didn't look much like a kid's bathroom. That is who will be using this bathroom the most so I wanted a change. It was hard to get good pictures, because the bathroom is not very big.

Here are a few pictures of Adi's room. We didn't paint or anything. We just rearranged and took out the baby furniture. The only new thing is Adi's dresser, which is so cool. It has colored panels in it that can be changed, so that it can change with her room. I LOVE IT! The only thing that is left is the letters above her bed. I am going to scrapbook some bigger letters. I have them; I just have to get them done. Adi was really excited when she got home from Shelly's today. She went in her room and literally squealed. She noticed the dresser first, and wanted to know where her diapers were. :)

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...

2009-07-17T21:27:00.003-05:00

Tonight my baby is sound asleep in her big girl bed. I can't help but be emotional. She can't be old enough for that, can she? I called my mom and told her it made me sad, and she told me that it was ok, because I would have a new baby to put in that crib soon. That almost made it worse. That is Adi's bed! I have that whole, " how can I love another baby as much," syndrome. I know that will all change, but it is hard to understand now. Don't get me wrong. I already love Hali with all my heart. It's just different at this stage of the game. You'll notice that we still have the crib as back-up just in case. We are painting Hali's room on the 27th, so that will give us time to transition Adi, and then move the crib to Hali's room. Wish us luck!!!

Story Hour

2009-07-17T21:10:00.003-05:00

This Wednesday, I took Adi to our local story hour, at the library. There have been a couple that I have missed, and I wish we would have gone. I wasn't sure how it would be for someone Adi's age. Thanks to Andrea's advice, we decided to give it a try. I don't think that she cared whether or not they read, but I think she enjoyed being with all of the kids that were there. :)

My Man and His MUD!

2009-07-12T20:40:00.002-05:00

I don't talk about my hubby's hobbies often (or ever.) It is not because I don't care. I am glad that he has things that he enjoys doing, because I have things that I enjoy. I just don't necessarily understand the things that he loves, nor does he when it comes to my shopping! James likes to play in the mud. Yes, you read right. His hobby involves big trucks and mud. You take your truck and see how fast and far you can go through a big pit of mud. The goal is to do that farther and faster than everyone else. He had a mud run this weekend and he got first place. Although I don't understand, I am still proud of him. He is a very quite, humble person, but when he got home yesterday, he was grinning from ear to ear, with his trophy and $90 prize. He didn't even break anything on his truck. Believe me, that is a feat in itself. So congrats to you honey! Good luck next week!

Broken Hearted

2009-07-12T20:23:00.003-05:00

I just had my heart broken into a million pieces. =( I took my baby girl up to bed and got her book out, like I always do. She did not want me to read or hug her or love on her. She let out a bloody murder scream that could have shaken the house. "DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!" He came upstairs, and immediately the crying stopped and she snuggled into her daddy's chest and was at peace with the world. I kissed her and left them to have their time, but when I walked out the door the tears streamed down my face. I know that is silly, but it just broke my heart. I know that she loves me, and I am so grateful that she loves her daddy so much. I also am so happy that he is so wonderful with her. It is probably just my hormones, but wow that just...wow.

On a lighter note, baby Ashten has made a lot of progress the last couple days. He is no longer on the ventilator. He has been in the room with Amos and April all day and she has gotten to change his diaper. I got a picture message on my phone. He was dressed and looking around, with his paci in his mouth. Soon they will be home and this will all just be a memory.

Baby Frady Update

2009-07-09T17:23:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that April, as of yesterday evening , is in Columbia with her new bundle of joy. She finally got to hold him in her arms. Yesterday he made some progress, but he has developed pneumonia. They assure her that he is fine, but like any mother would be, she is scared, and can't wait to get him home. They are staying in the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia. She expects him to be there for at least 10 more days, so please keep praying. I plan on going to see her next Tuesday, but will talk to her before then. If I have any updates I will let you know.

Prayers for the Frady Family

2009-07-07T18:54:00.002-05:00

I know that those of you that read my blog already know that April Frady had her baby, Ashten Everett Frady, at 4 a.m. Her water broke yesterday afternoon. She did not know that was what it was for sure. She called her mom and then me and we both said better safe than sorry. She went in to be checked and her water had broken and she was dilated to a three. This would have been great, but Ashten was not to be here until Aug. 7. She had been told that she was measuring a couple weeks ahead so we all still had high hopes for a good sized baby. At 11 o'clock she was only dilated to a 4/5 and they were only giving her until 4 to have the baby on her own. She was checked by the Dr. at midnight and was told that he was crooked in the birth canal. They did some massage and manipulation to try to change his position, but had no luck. He was born by c-section. Everyone was thrilled to hear that he was 7 lbs. 6 oz., 21 1/2 in. long, a head full of dark hair, and as Amos, his dad, said " feisty as all get out!" Everyone appeared to be healthy.
Ashten ended up having a hard time breathing, due to under developed lungs, so he was indeed a preemie. I can't imagine how big he would have been had he been born full term. They took him to Columbia this afternoon. Amos and Courtney, April's sister, went to be with the baby. Because of surgery April is unable to leave the hospital. Her mom is with her now, and she could be out of the hospital by tomorrow evening if all goes well, and then she will go to Columbia, where her heart is now. She is doing well under the circumstances, and Ashten is absolutely beautiful. He looks like a healthy pink, chubby bundle of joy. He is going to be fine, he just needs a little help for now. I know I promised pictures, but he was behind glass and I could not get a good picture. I will make sure I post one as soon as I can. He could be in Columbia anywhere from 2-7 days. Keep them in your prayers.

I LOVE This Girl!

2009-07-02T22:41:00.002-05:00

It is official! School is out! It's time enjoy myself and spend every second I can with my baby. I have to say that I have the greatest job in the world (for me). I get to have a whole summer to rejuvenate myself and get a taste of being a stay at home mom, and I get to spend nine months out of the year loving someone else's kids. I am so thankful.

Side note- I am now 24 weeks pregnant. Well at least I will be tomorrow!

New Baby Update

2009-06-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my 20 week pregnant belly. I will be 23 weeks tomorrow, and it seems unreal. It has all gone so much faster this go around. For those of you who don't know, we are having another little girl. I am very excited. We are only having two so this is it. I was so afraid that James would be disappointed, and now I am ashamed for even letting that cross my mind. He is totally crazy in love with Adi and I think, pretty happy about the prospect of another daddy's girl. We have decided on the name Hali Renee. When we went for the ultrasound she was measuring about a week and half small. I went to the Dr. on Monday and I am measuring 2 weeks ahead now. We are doing another ultrasound at 30 weeks to check size and make sure that the date is correct! We will see... We are waiting till the other ultrasound to paint and decorate the nursery. I want to make sure she didn't grow any extra parts since the last one. I am feeling great. I have had a little swelling ( nothing compared to my first pregnancy), and a slightly elevated blood pressure. The Dr. isn't worried. She just told me to stay off my feet for long periods of time. That will be much easier to do once summer school is over, which I am VERY ready for.

Back in Pictures

2009-06-25T20:04:00.001-05:00

We went to a St. Louis Cardinal's game on May 27th, and this is a picture of my Adi before we left granny and papa's house. I just LOVE this pic because I think she looks like a "big girl." decided to do pictures and captions, so as not to bore you to tears. I know it has been forever since I have had a meaningful post.

Here she is at the game. She did such a good job! She liked it until the very end. I can't say I blame her. It was getting very hot.

She enjoyed relaxing in the hotel room, chatting on the phone. This is not the first time she had been in a hotel, but it is the first time she could realize how fun it was!

She likes to play dress up. Her daddy's boots are fun to try and walk in. :) We were getting ready to go to the pool in the hotel. She had never been in a big
pool before.

She thought that it was so fun. She laughed for the first 10 minutes without taking a breath. It was so funny. I just watched them for a long time. We have a smaller big pool in our back yard now and that is her new favorite place.

We are also preparing to transition her from the baby to the big sister. We have no bottle, no paci, she pees in her potty when she feels like it, She talks a thousand miles a minute ( only about half of what you can understand), and she sleeps about 11- 12 hours a night. Our next big step is the big girl bed. Thank you to Beth Haley for the toddler bed! James is cutting the upstairs doors to make nursery doors. I want to be able to shut the door so she can't get out, but I don't want her to feel completely shut in, so we will leave the top part open. It is amazing how fast everything seems to go. I feel like she should still be my tiny baby.

2009-06-10T21:00:00.001-05:00

I just spent quite a bit of time on a blog to catch you all up with lots of pictures and somehow lost it all. GRRR. I am too mad to do it tonight, so I will try tomorrow.

Thousand Word Thursday! Finally

2009-05-07T11:57:00.003-05:00

These are Adi's 18 month pictures. She won't be 18 months until the 26th, but I wanted to get them done before Mother's Day. I thought that they turned out so cute. There were 37 pictures on the CD, so these are only a few. My computer is still not working in my house, so here at school is the only chance I have to blog. As you can tell that doesn't happen often. Enjoy the pictures. They may be the last for awhile.

One of THOSE Days...

2009-04-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of these days? I've been dropping papers forgetting things, and stumbling over words all day. Oh, and I came to school with one black shoe and one brown shoe. No biggy.

1000 Word Thursday Flop

2009-04-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

Sorry, no pictures for awhile. My computer is in the pooper, and my computer here at school is not the newest technology. I think it's time to go computer shopping. My laptop is now 5 years old, computers seem to run in dog years!

A little scare...

2009-03-23T21:37:00.002-05:00

I had a very busy weekend! On Saturday we had a wedding in Lancaster and a reception in Kahoka. It was fun! There was Karaoke, and that is always a good time. I told Erin that it was like watching the first two weeks of American Idol. There was no alcohol, but I think that made it even more hilarious! Sunday I had to get up and help my mom get things ready for the annual Relay for Life Gospel Sing. It started at two and ended at four. We then went over to my mother-in-laws house to visit before we headed home.

When we got home, I went to the bathroom and realized that I was spotting. I of course started freaking out and was so scared. I went to bed, but could not sleep. I, of course, was thinking of the worst case scenario. I had every baby book I owned out. They were not very reassuring. When I woke up I was fine, but not after I took a shower. I was hysterical and chose to not go to work, and went to the Dr. James took the day off and took me. By the time I got to the Dr. I had stopped bleeding, but I couldn't help but be scared. She did an ultrasound, and there was my baby. One and half inches, heartbeat of 180, moving arms and legs. I am crying just thinking about the relief I felt. I may have jumped to conclusions, but I would rather be safe than sorry. The Dr. said that the baby and I were the picture of health and it could have been caused by anything and is very common. I have not bled at all since I have been home and feel fine. Thank God for my amazing miracle!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-03-18T21:16:00.003-05:00

OOPS... I seem to have dropped my fork.

Spring Has Sprung!

2009-03-16T21:24:00.003-05:00

Finally, outside, no jacket, breeze blowing. I can't wait until this Spring/Summer, when Adi and I can go on walks and play outside during the day. Last year she still seemed so tiny to me, and we didn't get our as much as I would have liked. This year will be different. I can't wait. I don't know if I have ever felt quite as excited to hang out outside as I am now. I am going to pretend that the weather is not going to change in the next few days. Enjoy the sun!!!!

Just Thinking

2009-03-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

What will I call my blog if my new baby is a boy?

Blah...Blah...Blah

2009-03-11T20:28:00.002-05:00

I have to say that this has been one of the longest weeks I have experienced in awhile. I am ready for it to be DONE. I have conferences tomorrow, and of course I have one at 6:45. That is the last time of the night, so I know I won't be out by 7:00. Conferences aren't bad. I just think I am still not feeling great, so my attitude kinda stinks. I am going to work on that, so I can enjoy this weekend. I didn't get to enjoy last weekend, because we took my dad out for birthday supper on Friday, and I am pretty sure that I got food poisoning. I was up at 4:30 getting sick and did so seven more times that day. I ended up staying in Kahoka again Sat. night, because I could hardly sit up.

This weekend will be better. Friday I have to make a cake for a 1st birthday party. Happy birthday Maddie! Sat. morning we are going to go and help them celebrate. Adi and Maddie will be in the same class, so I am sure they will be best friends. They might as well start now. :) Sunday I plan on going to church and taking nap. I'll probably clean also, but I am not going to make any commitment.

1000 Word Thursday

2009-03-11T20:01:00.002-05:00

Just me and my twin baby. We were dressed alike on Monday. I LOVE to have us dress us alike or make sure that we are color coordinated. I know. It's a little weird. Bless my poor children. They will match until I can no longer tell them what to wear. I am just kidding. ( sort of :))

2009-03-06T10:16:00.002-06:00

I just wanted Andrea to know that I finally added some more blogs to my blog roll so that I wouldn't have to use hers to find the links :) Now my life will be much simpler. I hope that everyone has a great weekend and enjoys this beautiful weather. Don't forget to SPRING forward this weekend.

Finally

2009-03-06T10:07:00.001-06:00

Isn't this weather just what everyone needed?

P.S. Happy 44th Birthday Daddy!!!

1000 Word Thusday

2009-03-04T20:36:00.002-06:00

Some days I don't think that anything has grown, but her hair.

A Little Update...

2009-03-04T15:12:00.002-06:00

I went to the Dr. on Monday so I thought that I could give a little more detail about the NEW baby. I will be 7 weeks on Friday, and my due date is Oct. 24th. I am so excited, because I think that will be the perfect time of year. I have said since we started trying that I wanted an October baby. Not only is it the most beautiful month, if everything goes according to plan, I will be able to take off until after Christmas break! The only thing that worries me, is that I am going to be in a wedding on Oct. 3rd. I hope that I will be able to fulfill my duties. I know that I will be very round, but I am ok with that.

My Dr. does an ultrasound at all of her first appointments, so I knew I had that to look forward to. We got to see the heart beat. It was so amazing! I don't know if it hadn't hit me yet with Adi, but it made me much more emotional this time. It is crazy to see that baby, that is the size of a grain of rice, and see a heart beating in its chest. If there is anyone that can see that and still not believe in God... What a miracle.

As far as my health goes... Let's just say that I got spoiled with Adi. I didn't have a huge appetite, so I didn't gain much weight. I was never sick. I threw up only a handful of times, and most of that was at the end of my pregnancy. I wasn't super tired. ( I also didn't have a 15 month old) I had high blood pressure at the end, but I wasn't unhealthy. So far it has been quite the opposite. Sick. Yes. Puking. Yes. Hungry. YES! Tired. yes. No high blood pressure, YET. It is all worth it, but I hope the difference in pregnancies could mean potential for a boy. I would take either though, as long as it's healthy:)

Potty Funnies

2009-02-26T19:51:00.004-06:00

Last night I sat on the toilet and sat Adi on her potty. I was going to the bathroom myself and Adi decided she needed some privacy. She took off, no diaper, into the living room. I washed off my hands quickly and went after her. I got into the living room and she had squatted down by the bottom of the stairs and peed and began to poop on the floor! Thank goodness it is not carpeted there. She just looked up at me and smiled and clapped just as if she had just gone in her potty chair. I couldn't help but laugh. I think she felt like she had done something to be proud of. I of course told her that was a no-no and showed her again where the potty was. When I told her dad about it, he wanted to know if I had rubbed her nose in it. ;) I had to ask myself if I was doing the right thing by introducing the chair to her so young.

Then, tonight she let me know that it was ok to teach her now. When she got home from Shelly's we tried again. She didn't have to go. We just put her diaper on and didn't worry anymore about it. After dinner we played for awhile, and when I asked if she was ready to get a clean diaper and go to bed, she headed for the kitchen. James thought maybe she needed to potty. I followed her. She took my hand, and she walked right into the bathroom and lifted the lid. I took her diaper off. I sat down with her and I went. She clapped and I told her it was her turn. She stood up and had already gone. I was so excited. This may just be a fluke, but it is fun to think that this is the start of the real deal. Is this how your kids potty trained???

1000 Word Thursday!

2009-02-25T22:00:00.003-06:00

This is what my belly will potentially look like again someday! This was taken about 16- 17 months ago.

It may be happening in the next several months.

Enough said!!! ( sorry to anyone that i fibbed to the last few weeks :( )

One Going on Sixteen

2009-02-20T23:37:00.002-06:00

This was Adi Maree on the phone with her daddy while he was gone. She wasn't really talking to anyone, but she would open it and say, "Hi Dad!" She just looks too big here. She loves all the big girl stuff; clothes, hair, lip gloss, shopping, and talking on the phone. THAT'S MY GIRL!

Potty Chair Princess

2009-02-20T23:22:00.003-06:00

We bought Adi a potty chair for Valentine's Day. We thought that we would just let her get used to sitting on it and seeing it in the bathroom. I had really no intention of really getting serious about it until she was at least 18 months old. Tonight I sat her down on it before I gave her a bath and she pottied!!! My 14 and 3/4 month baby pottied in her little chair. We did a potty dance and clapped and sang, " Pee Pee in the Potty, " from Look Who's Talking. She was excited whether she realized what she had done or not. I didn't get a picture of her on the chair, but I got one of her closing the lid after her pajamas were on. Maybe we will start a little sooner with training than I thought!

She's back

2009-02-20T13:48:00.002-06:00

Here's a quick glimpse of the last few weeks. Sorry that I haven't posted.
* James is home!
* I got over being sick.
* Adi is having allergy issues.
* Had a fun Friday with good friends.
* Had a great Valentine supper with my sweetie.
* Adi now likes to tell us that she is a pretty girl. :)
* Got sick AGAIN!!!!
* Busy weekend ahead.
* Only 12 weeks of school left!?!?!?
* Happy Birthday Bree Shaw!

25 things...

2009-02-03T20:28:00.002-06:00

My friend Erin tagged me and I am going to try to think of 25 interesting things about myself. It might be a stretch. I'll try to keep them short.

1) I have been with my husband since I was 15 years old. He is amazing and i love him more everyday. Seeing him as a father makes me love him even more.

2) I am a certified 1st-9th grade teacher. I always thought that I would like to teach middle school, but I have recently decided that I would like to be a school counselor someday.

3) I am scared of the dark. I have to sleep with the T.V. on, and the light above the stairs also has to be on.

4) I had a room in our basement growing up, and I am so scared of the dark that I slept with my little sister, upstairs, until the day I got married.

5) My parents were 17 and 19 when I was born and they are still married and happy 24 years later.

6) I have a beautiful baby girl and she amazes me everyday. I love her so much and can't wait to give her a sibling.

7) I am a shopaholic. I can't keep from buying. I am really good at finding awesome sales, and now that I have a little girl my shopping problem has not switched from me to her. It has just gotten twice as bad.

8) I love to sing. I sang in high school and college, and I really miss getting to sing with a large group.

9) I went to New York City as the drum major of my high school band, when I was a senior.

10) I hate pickles and macaroni from a box. I know that makes me un-American, but I don't really care.

11) I can't stand clutter. The less stuff the better. I am really bad about just throwing things away. It makes my mom crazy.

12) I have two sisters. One is 8 years younger and the other is 10 1/2 years younger. It is very interesting to be that far apart in age, but I think that is the reason that I want my kids to be close together.

13) I have never broken a bone or had stitches. (knock on wood)

14) If I won the lottery I would open an ice cream parlor. I was the manager of an ice cream shop when I was in college and I loved it. Ice cream makes everyone smile. :)

15) I feel that having my daughter made me rethink my spirituality. I feel close to God and I want Adi to grow up knowing him.

I am tired and I think I will have to save 10 more for a rainy day.

It's a ...

2009-02-01T20:32:00.008-06:00

...GIRL! Congratulations to Seth and Sarah. Alyssa Jo Visser was born on Sat., Jan. 31 at 12:42 A.M. She was 9lbs. 4oz. and 21 3/4in. long. I went to see her today! She is beautiful and healthy. I usually can't really tell who babies look like, but she looks an awful lot like her daddy. She is dark like Sarah though. Everyone is doing well, and Sarah looks and feels good.I only got a glimpse with her eyes open. These are the letters that I made for Alyssa's nursery wall! They were fun to make. I wish I had done something like this for Adi.

Mixed Emotions

2009-01-30T13:42:00.002-06:00

I first want to say that I am so excited that my friend Sarah is having her baby today! Sorry, nothing to report yet. I will let you know something as soon as I know .

Now for the down side. My husband called and told me yesterday that he would be going to Southern Missouri to work an ice storm. I knew that was a possibility, but I was very sad when he told me that he had to leave this morning and he would be gone 7-10 days. I realize how much I truly LOVE him when he's gone. You can get sick or make a face if you want, but I cried so hard this morning. How stupid. He had the choice of going or not, but we had already discussed it and decided that he should. We have been together for over nine years ,and I just still can't get used to being without him. On the other hand, the extra money is always nice. Especially since we are thinking of expanding our family. That makes the timing of this even worse. Guess who's ovulating. Yep! That's me. It just wasn't supposed to happen this month. I guess I just need to remind myself of all the people that he is helping.

It's about time!

2009-01-27T10:01:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to let you all know that one of my closest friends, Sarah Visser, is going to be induced on Friday at 11:00. This is a long awaited miracle, so please keep her ,and her husband Seth, in your prayers. We are all curious to see what it will be, so I will keep you all posted!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-22T20:26:00.002-06:00

So this is one of four or five pictures that I have from our honeymoon in the Smokey Mountains. My wonderful husband took a bad picture out the window of our hotel, on the last day there. Instead of erasing that picture, he erased them all! It was at that moment, I knew what "pick your battles" meant. I decided that there wasn't a lot that could be done. Now the white water rafting, Ripley's Aquarium, and air lift up the mountains are just beautiful memories.

Red and Blue Light Special 100th Post

2009-01-22T20:11:00.003-06:00

I know it's kinda sad that this is just now my 100th post. At least it is exciting. I had drill team practice today after school, and right after I went to tan for the first time in nine months. I had just passed the 55mph sign when I saw some friendly red and blue lights flashing behind me. I obediently pulled over and got out my license and began to panic because I wasn't sure where my insurance card was. (oops)
Officer: How are you today miss?
Me: I was pretty good until right now.
Officer: Do you have any idea how fast you were going?
Me: 60
Officer:2
Me: Oh, 62.
Officer: Do you have any idea what the speed limit is?
Me: 55
Officer: 45 where you were driving.
Me: But I was right by the 55MPH sign.
Officer: Slow down and have a nice day! (wink)

Holy Crap! That would have been a super awesome ticket. 17 mph over the speed limit. I got out from tanning and he had someone else pulled over in the same place as me. My friend April also told me that her mom got pulled over and got a ticket in the same place. The moral of the story is: DO NOT SPEED IN QUEEN CITY!!!

Baby Food

2009-01-22T13:58:00.003-06:00

Adi is getting to the point that she really likes to feed herself. I feel like she gets lots of carbs and I give her veggies. I also feel like I feed her the same things over and over because I know what she likes. I need help. Give me some meal ideas. What were your kids favorite foods when they were her age?

As Promised

2009-01-22T13:39:00.002-06:00

So, I really wish I had something more exciting to tell about the Sears incident. Basically, I called. I wasn't as mean as I should have been, but I wasn't nice. I got some free stuff. I called the customer service line. She was very nice and just as disgusted as I was. I got some more free stuff. End of story. Sorry for the let down.

Picture

2009-01-19T10:37:00.002-06:00

I haven't got ahold of Sears yet, but here is the picture I am going to put on Adi's Valentine cards. i paid $9.99 to get one picture on a CD. That may seem a little silly, but I can use that one picture on all my Valentine cards and get copies for my family.

On My Bad Side

2009-01-19T08:45:00.002-06:00

So yesterday started out a great day. We had the baby dedication ceremony @ church, and it was very nice. I am snuggled up in the blanket Adi got as we speak. My mom and sisters came with me and we were going to Ottumwa as soon as Adi had her nap. We left the house at about 3:00. We thought that we would go to Target and the mall before our 6:00 picture appointment at Sears. We thought that it would be nice for us girls to get our pictures taken to give to our dad, for Valentines Day. We haven't had them taken together for almost five years. It was about 5:30 and my mom and I were in Herbergers looking at coats. Tara called. She was sitting in front of Sears waiting on us. She tells me that I need to get down there because they are closing the doors. I was there in 2.2 seconds:
Me: Excuse me miss. My family still has an appointment.
Lady: Here?
Me: Yes. Our appointment is at 6:00!
Lady: Are you sure? I'm already closed. (duh) Maybe you made your appointment at a different Sears?
Me: No! We always come to this Sears.
Lady: Well, let me check the computer. Well, they did! They shouldn't have done that. I should be out of here by now. There is no way I can take your pictures now. ( she preceded to show me the computer screen through the chain doors to show me why she couldn't take my pictures. I didn't get it so I was just getting more mad.)
Me: (getting rather huffy) Well, what do you suggest I do. I obviously have an appointment. My family lives more than an hour and a half away and your telling me that you can't take our pictures when we have an appointment.
Lady: I can give you the customer service number.
There was more to this but I was too mad to remeber it all.
It is a really good thing that the chain doors were up or I probably would have jumped through them. I was so mad I was almost crying. I was not going back to Sears so we went to Walmart and she took our pictures and did not get done till a little after 7:00. She was supposed to close at 7:00 and she was going to take another family after us. I am no longer going to be a proud card carrying member of the Sears Smilesavers Club. I'll be calling the manager today. I'll let you know how it goes.

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-15T18:56:00.002-06:00

THUMBS UP DAD! I think this picture is so precious. Adi was just about 2 months old here. I think she was telling us that she thought that we were all o.k.

Oh Monday...

2009-01-12T13:47:00.002-06:00

I had a very good weekend. I cleaned my house, spent time with friends, played cards, and went to a baby shower. Now, here it is, Monday, and I am not in the best of humors. My kids are good today, but it is just one of those days. I am feeling very sad today. I am not normally a sad person, but everyone has those days. I am not the type of person to keep the reasons for my feelings quite, but I think I'll just keep these to myself. I am not the kind of person that blogs negatively, but sometimes it makes you feel better. Tommorow is another day. I am going to put on my "big girl pants", brush it off, and get over it.

Hump Day Turned Bump Day

2009-01-08T21:46:00.004-06:00

I just realized I did my Thursday post before my Wednesday post. Sorry, just bear with me.

Wednesday morning I got up to go work out with Erin. My tummy was yucky on the way home. I laid down when I got home after I went to the bathroom. I said that I wouldn't but I just felt weak and I needed to lay down. When I got up I went to the bathroom twice more before I went to school. By the time I realized that I neede to stay home it was too late to call in. I had decided to go home early from school. I felt weak and tired and well, poopy. That stomach flu that's been going around finally caught up to me. I have to say, I didn't have it as bad or as long as other people are saying. I thought that I would rather take the afternoon and rest, than have to miss a whole day of school the next day.

Right before I got ready to leave Loraine told me I had a phone call. It was my babysitter. You never want to hear that. I went to the phone and Shelly said that Adi had bumped her head on the kitchen cabinet. I of course asked how she was. She said it bled a little, but she had quite a bump. I asked how she was acting, and she said fine. I of course was worried about the bump and a concussion. She was getting ready to eat lunch. I thought as long as she was acting normal there was nothing to worry about. I told her that mom said that if there was a bump it was fine. So I told her I would call James and have him look at it and I was going home sick.

Shelly got to looking at it and realized that it had quite a gash, so knowing I was sick she called Bree for a second opinion. Bree came and her mother-in-law, who works for Dr. Minter, came. She thought it looked like it needed glued so that it wouldn't scar. At that point in time (I won't share the details) my flu had fully kicked in. Bree called and told me. I felt like a bad mommy because I hadn't been worried about the cut. I was just worried about the bump. I called James, and he was going to take a half a day to take her to the Dr. Bree called back and said that was silly. She would run her up, and it would only take five minutes. I agreed, knowing that I really shouldn't go. (Thank you so so so much Bree. You saved my day!)

She made it through the gluing. Although I don't think that she enjoyed it. All of this mess resulted in her very first real ouchy. My husband has started calling her crash. She looks pretty rough. Bruise on her cheek and gash/bump on the head. I'm sure it won't be the last bump. What a day!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-08T21:34:00.004-06:00

I have decided I need to join everyone else and post 1000 words of my own! I am not sure how to do the button thing, but I will deal with that later.

Adi final has piggy tails! I thought it would never get long enough. Well, here it is. It makes her seem so much older to me.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-04T23:01:00.003-06:00

So many presents, so little time.

Big stuff.

Mommy and Adi on Christmas morning. Please disregard the fact that I look super awesome at 6 in the morning.

Look, Ralphie from, A Christmas Story. Ha ha. I thought that was hilarious at the time.

This is Adi, with her cousins Jena and Aiden at the Jones family Christmas. She was so good about not messing with the tree. She got to the point that she would just look at our tree and shake her head, because she knew that there was a no-no coming.

Adi in her Santa dress. The booties didn't last very long, but they were cute while they did.

Adi and Grannyclaus. All I can say is, look at those eyes!

She had no trouble unwrapping her gifts. That is the best part of Christmas, right!?

Our Christmas tree, which is still up by the way. It will be making an exit soon. Very soon!

Sorry Folks... Still 2008 In My Mind

2009-01-04T22:13:00.002-06:00

I realize that we are already four days into the new year, but the last two weeks have been a whirlwind. This is most definitely the busiest time of year. We had a great Christmas! We got more than we asked for and WAY more than we needed. We had my Nana's Christmas on the 20th, the Jones Family Christmas on the 24th, and Christmas with the Sutterfield/ Cochenour Family on the 25th. I feel for those of you who have several Christmas parties. They are all fun but equally hectic and rushed. I love Christmas, but this year it came and went so quickly.

Adi was so fun! I thought that she would be uninterested but she dug right in and enjoyed unwrapping presents. That was more fun than the presents themselves. She got more than she can even play with. Clutter makes me nervous so we put a few toys, still in boxes, away. We will get them out later and swap them with a few other toys that she is getting tired of. I feel bad for doing that, but she can only play with so much at a time. She also got so many new outfits it was crazy. I went through her closet about a week ago and weeded out things that she wouldn't be wearing again and replaced them with a whole new wardrobe!

We got to spend some time with good friends Trenton and Erin over break. We made candy, had homemade tacos, and went to Bogies last Saturday. It was nice to hang out with them. We needed to go eat steak before poor erin had to have her wisdom teeth pulled :( Adi thinks that Trenton is the greatest thing ever.

We also had a great New Years Eve. We spent some time with some long lost friends. Thanks Bree! I had not laughed so hard in a long time. We played games for hours and got drunk on sugar. That is my kind of party! I can only hope that we can be as blessed in '09 as we were in '08.

Saturday was my hubby's birthday. 27 years old! We went to Kahoka and went bowling and had cake and ice cream. We stayed in Kahoka most of the day today and I literally didn't get out of my p.j.'s. I was soaking up my last few moments of freedom before going back to school. I am not excited yet, but I know once I get there I will realize how much I missed my kiddos.

Ho Ho Humbug

2008-12-12T16:21:00.003-06:00

I am sitting here at school, and yes I know that it is 4:22, but I have gate duty tonight. Lucky me! I got all excited this morning, because it was Friday. My kids are very anxious for Christmas break, and that means I am too. My Friday seemed to come falling in on me when I remembered that I have gate duty until 7 o'clock. I could have gone home, but I would have had to turn around and come back before I could even get anything done. I thought I should stick around school and take the opportunity to get some things done here at school, because my brain will be in shutdown mode next week. We have so many things going on at school that I wouldn't have time to do anything if I wanted to.

I love Christmas, but sometimes I feel like we busy ourselves so much that we forget what we are really supposed to be celebrating. I am very guilty of that. I am so worried about where I am supposed to be, what I have to buy, and how many days that I have left, that I don't give God the praise that he deserves. I realize that this has been a pretty negative post, so I am going to end it with an email that I got from my superintendent at the beginning of the week. It meant a lot to me to know that the person who is in charge of our school has his heart and mind where it belongs at this time of year.

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to
appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's
Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She
assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class
rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage-held up large
letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. < /span>
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of first through sixth graders snickered
at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the
children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first
place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I
believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence...
humbled by His love.
Amen, He still is.

"525,600 minutes. How do you measure a year in a life?"

2008-12-10T21:23:00.004-06:00

Just an update on my little angel. She is getting entirely to big for her britches. It makes you wonder where that year (525, 600 minutes) goes.

She is 1 going on 16! Everything that is kinda phone shaped, goes directly to the ear, and "Hi. Hi. Hi Dad. Hi."

She just looks like a big girl doesn't she. I still cannot get over watching her short little legs walk/run everywhere. We are a whole 20 lbs. now. Officially legal for the front facing car seat:)

Grrr. That's what a tiger does. She is VERY vocal. I am sure she will be a singer when she grows up. I love that she is saying things that we can understand. It doesn't seem possible. My favorites are when she clicks her tongue to tell what a horsey does, and she sticks out that little finger and says, "Top it!" That is really cute, but I am afraid that it has somehow become less effective when we say it. Maybe if we wouldn't laugh when she did it?

And I am Washed by the Water!

2008-12-08T10:26:00.002-06:00

I had an amazing day yesterday! I cried all day. I know that in most cases that would not be good, but it couldn't have been better. I finally ( after months of struggle) got baptized. I cannot describe the feeling. I was baptized when I was younger, but it had taken on new meaning to me and I knew that it needed to be renewed. To feel that I am clean and have a new start is awesome. I feel like my faith and love for God has grown so much in the last few months. Also, my number one Christmas wish was granted. My husband went with me. That was a large part of the emotion that I was dealing with.

I went into the room to change and thank goodness for Erin, because I needed to know that I was having a normal reaction. She said she also had a meltdown. (Thank you so much for everything Erin. Love you!) When I walked out and could see people staring at me, it seemed like everyone was a blur but James. That could have been a result of the tears that I was choking back;) He was smiling! He understood how important that moment was to me. I know that I have to lead by example, God will take care of it in his own time. When I was leaving Beth asked if I would sing next Sunday. I told James he should come back to hear me sing, and he didn't say no. I know that it will be a long journey, but I am willing to wait.

Happy Birthday Adi!

2008-11-30T22:05:00.006-06:00

Hello!?!?!?!

2008-11-30T21:53:00.002-06:00

Yes, I know it has been years since I last blogged. I can't even really say why it has been so long. I think about it, and there are even times that I can and don't. I have even neglected reading other blogs, which I miss. I will do better. I can't even begin to tell you everything that has happened in the last four weeks without putting you to sleep, so I will do it in a super short list:
- Adi is walking/running all over
- She is saying more and more words :)
- She can whistle! I know. Have you ever heard a baby whistle?
- ADI IS ONE!!!
- I had a great Thanksgiving.
- I had an even better black Friday.
- I am getting baptized next Sunday!
- Clark County won the state football championship.
- It is snowing. Bah humbug:(

Steppin'

2008-10-30T17:24:00.003-05:00

So it's a go. Shelly said that Adi has been walking to her all day. Last night she took 10 steps. Not the kind that she was falling into my arms when she got to me. It was the kind that when I walked backward, she just kept on coming! YAY ADI! It seemed like something just clicked overnight. She is very curious, and I think that she'll be running around in just a few days. Holy cow! Where did my baby go?

New pictures!

2008-10-29T23:05:00.004-05:00

Big Saturday!

2008-10-24T22:26:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we have Adi's 1 year pictures scheduled for 10:00 am. I am really excited! I know that she is not 1 yet, but I needed a picture for her invitations. We also decided to get our family pictures taken while we were at it. I know that they get so busy around the holiday season, and I didn't want to fight a crowd. Adi is feeling a lot better, so we will See how she does. That is a good thing about smile savers, if you aren't satisfied, the only thing you have wasted is gas and an hour out of your life.

After pictures we are going to make a super quick trip to Wal-Mart for some essentials, and then I am off to Andrea's new house to do some painting. I really like to paint, and I LOVE that she loves color. I am sure that there will be no boring white for us.

Dang

2008-10-22T11:31:00.002-05:00

An ear infection and sinus infection. BOO... She is too good. I never would have guessed that she had an ear infection. She doesn't pull at her ear or let on like it hurts. The Dr. also gave us a cream for her diaper rash. She was very raw. Iam glad that we didn't go right away, because she said that she will not do anything for them unless they have had a cold for at least 7-10 days. I guess that is how long it takes for it to run its course. It is good to know that she is not medicine happy. I think too many Dr. jump the gun and give medicine when it isn't always necessary. Wow! I am turning into my mom. I have heard her say that too many times. Adi is playing right now, and seems ok, but the Dr. wanted me to keep her home today. The Dr. thinks that Adi can go back to Shelly's tomorrow. We will see.

Just Thinking...

2008-10-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

I love my husband to death, but he has all of these hobbies. He is always working on his truck, working on his deer stand, hunting, mudding, etc... I don't know if it makes me more mad or jealous. I don't mean to make it sound like he never does things with us. He usually even waits till after supper to go out and "work on" whatever he needs to work on. I just feel like I need a fun hobby. I need something that I do for me, not for work. Got any good ideas?

Poor baby :(

2008-10-21T18:31:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are headed to the Dr. tomorrow morning. I have a runny nose baby AGAIN. I know that it happens, but I feel like she gets colds too easy. I don't know if all mommies go through this or not, but I keep asking myself what I did or didn't do. Is there something that I could have done differently? I hate that she is sick. She is a little fussy, but she is such a good baby. I can just tell in her little eyes that she is not comfortable. I know that they are saying no cold medicine, but I hope that they can give her something to dry up that sore little nose.

Adi and her pumpkins:)

2008-10-21T18:22:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pumpkin pictures!

I suppose I am tagged...

2008-10-21T17:53:00.002-05:00

wasn't going to do this, but I have been sucked in by my peers. I am not going through the whole link thing. Here goes...

1. I used to shave 2 to 3 times a day. (in junior high) I wore the skin off my legs and had to take steroid shots and was only allowed to shave once a week until my skin was healed.

2. I shave my arms. I think that this is an extension of my above obsession.

3. I regret losing touch with certain people in my life. I know that it is a natural part of life, but it's something that is very hard for me to let go of.

4. I am petrified of the dark.

5. I pray nightly that my husband will someday go to church. He is not the kind of guy that you can MAKE go. I feel like he has to go in his own time, and I don't want to have to MAKE him go. I want him to WANT to go.

6. I LOVE to play cards. I don't get to often, but I am excited when I do. I am not too good at it either.

7. Sometimes I cry and don't really have a reason. NO, I am not depressed, but I am a woman, and sometimes I think that I have a good reason for crying. Later I will think about it and feel stupid and cry some more.

If you weren't tagged you are now.

BIG Weekend!

2008-10-20T10:18:00.002-05:00

We had a big milestone filled weekend. Adi seems to be developing by the minute instead of the week and day. Our excitement began on Friday. Mom came and picked Adi up to stay the night with them. I had a ballgame and she has only stayed there three times so I thought they were due. They love to keep her, but we are always with her when we go to Kahoka. Mom called me and told me that Adi's 3rd bottom tooth had popped through! YAY! 7 teeth! She also decided this weekend that she could finally clap. I was wondering when that was going to happen. I play patty cake with her but she never would clap on her own. Miraculously she decided that she would clap and say her version of yay. Drum roll please...Here's the big one... She took 3 steps on her own. It only happened once, but we tried for more all weekend. She might take two here, one there, but three was the max. Mom said that she will be walking in a week and a half. I told her that was a strange guess, but she stuck to it. James has been saying that she would walk at 10 months since she was born. That gives us until Saturday. I personally don't care. I want her to walk, but the closer she gets the more I am not ready. We were in Kahoka all weekend again, so maybe she'll do even more because she is more comfortable at home. I missed church again, because we always have an agenda when we go home. I love my family, but I really do enjoy being at home doing nothing on the weekends. We will be out again next weekend for a baby shower in Kahoka on Sunday. James said that we should just have Adi's birthday in Kahoka, but I think for once they can come to us!

More Adi Pictures!

2008-10-13T20:22:00.002-05:00

Adi's favorite place to be is the stairs. I think that it is because she knows that she can't go up them by herself. She loves to play on the gate though. She thinks that it is really funny to go up and down and up and down that one step. Paying peek-a-boo through the gate is pretty awesome as well.

Pumpkins

2008-10-13T19:45:00.002-05:00

Last night we went to a Halloween party at Heather and Dave's house. We had a really nice time. Good weather, good fun, and great food, what more could you ask for? We got there at about 4 and left with a very sleepy baby on our hands. Who could blame her? She had two big parties this weekend, and a baby can only take so much. We didn't get to stay for the hay ride because she just couldn't keep her eyes open. She did however get to ride in Hayden's wagon. It is a nice plastic one that you can strap them into. I am pretty sure that is going to be one of her birthday gifts! She thought that it was hilarious. I find that funny, because she doesn't get near that excited about her stroller. Not a whole lot of difference if you ask me. What do I know? I'm not a baby; I wouldn't understand. James took these pictures of the pumpkins that he carved. He would typically be a difficult design man, but his baby is wrapped around his finger. He ditched the moon and stars ,and he thought that he would do her name instead. He is the sweetest daddy ever!

Girls Day!!!!!

2008-10-11T19:05:00.002-05:00

Adi and I got to spend the whole day together, just the two of us! It was so nice, because it doesn't happen very often. We are either doing something with Daddy or in Kahoka with lots of people to see. Today it was just us. James was out all day working on his deer stand. He hasn't gotten to work on it all week long.

We really had a good time! We started the day by getting up around 6:30. That was not the greatest part of my day. We played until it was time to get ready for Jennifer's baby shower. It was such a neat way to do a shower. I had never been to one like it. She got so many nice things and had so many friends and family. What a fun day for her! Emma told me that she remembered when we had my celebration, as she called it. It was so strange to think that it has been almost exactly a year ago since my baby shower. My how time flies. Adi enjoyed it also. She loves being around people, but by the time it was over, she was out like a light.

We came home and took a three hour nap. I know, amazing! I enjoyed it. I am sure that I could have been doing something while she was sleeping, but IT IS Saturday. Then we just played and read and laughed the rest of the afternoon. What a fun day!

Wall Words

2008-10-06T18:39:00.003-05:00

This post is a little, well, a lot late. I have had these words up for over a month. I really like them. I am not much on borders, but I thought that I needed something up. I have seen the words that you can get at Hallmark. I didn't like any of the kitchen sayings, so I did some searching on the Internet to see what I could find. I came across www.wallwords.com and found what I was looking for. I think that add a lot of character to my kitchen!

I See You...Why Can't I Touch You

2008-10-06T18:25:00.002-05:00

I just had to share these pics! Adi thought that it was extremely funny that she could see her daddy but could not touch him. My windows are a little streaky now, but I suppose that I have a life of that ahead of me.

My Hubby!

2008-10-03T15:23:00.002-05:00

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Scrubs, or a western if there is not a good movie on.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? What's a salad?
3. What's one food he doesn't like? The list is too long. I can't pick just one. He is a pretty picky eater.
4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? Mountain Dew, What a good man!!!
5. Where did he go to high school? Clark County
6. What size shoe does he wear? 9 to 10 depends on the shoe
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? coins, old and new... neat Mountain Dew bottles.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? ham and cheese... peanut butter & apple butter
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? CHEESEBURGER & FRENCH FRIES ( anyone who knows us, knows that's the gospel truth. )
10. What is his favorite cereal? We don't even have cereal at our house.
11. What would he never wear? Khakis and a polo ( He's pretty manly ;)
12. What is his favorite sports team? St. Louis Cardinals
13. Who will he vote for? Write in: Ross Perot ( you can't complain unless you vote!)
14. Who is his best friend? Me!!! He has a lot of "friends", and he's the kind of person that I would like to emulate. He may talk to someone that he hasn't talked to in years and the next day he might be helping them do something. He would do anything for anyone that asked.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Sleep with the T.V. on.
16. How many states has he lived in? 2 Missouri and Iowa
17.What is his heritage? African American (just kidding, I really don't know)
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? White Cake, homemade butter cream (my kinda guy)
19. Did he play sports in high school? football and baseball ( Clark didn't have a school baseball team, but they had an undefeated summer team that he loved. He pitched and could have played in college, but chose not to. I think he regrets it.)
20. What could he spend hours doing? Working on his truck or pretty much anything outdoors.

* What do you know about your man?

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-02T10:23:00.002-05:00

YAY! I am 24 and yes Andrea I know what you are talking about. I know that 24 is anything but old, but I went to a science workshop yesterday and felt strange that I was at Truman as a grown up with a job and baby, and I was surrounded by a bunch of kids. Funny isn't it. I did get a pedicure and manicure yesterday. That was nice! I also went and spent a little money at Maurices. Then, James met me in Kirksville and we went to see Bree. She looks pretty darn good for just having surgery. Keep her in your prayers. Next, we went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday's, and then off to Wal-mart for some essentials. Today I am going to go to my sisters ball games here and that's pretty much it.

I am at school on my planning period, and I am sure that I could be doing something productive, but it is my birthday... so... I am just going to do nothing. When I got to school this morning my classroom was covered with birthday wishes from my students. The board was decorated and everything. They wanted to make sure that I knew I was the best teacher in the world, I rock, I was the greatest, that I have gray hair , etc... Yes, Keaton Nelson's touching card read,

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Mrs. Visser has gray hair.
And so do you.
Happy Birthday, from Keaton
Adi- Yesterday the Dr. called and told us that we have to put Adi on Iron because she is anemic. I was pretty concerned but was assured that it happens to a lot of babies at this age. I just feel bad. First the ears now this. I know that there was nothing that I could have done differently, but it still stinks. She acts fine though. I have always been anemic, so I know that it isn't a huge deal, but we need to get it taken care of. She was a little more sickly yesterday than she has been, but the weather is changing and that happens. She is so funny and cute and fun and I love to play with her and teach her. Even when she doesn't feel the best she is a joy!!!!!!!!!

Playin' Hookey

2008-09-29T20:55:00.002-05:00

I did skip school today, but alas, I am not terribly wild and crazy. It WAS planned, and has been for about a month and a half. I just took Adi today for her nine month check. She is 10 months, but her Dr. is pretty popular! All was well. She is weighing in at a scale tipping 18 lbs. and 26 in. long. She's a whopper! The Dr. said that she was perfect. She did ask if she had been sick at all, and I told her no, but her eyes were running last week. She said that her ears looked like she was just getting over an ear infection. I hate that I didn't know, but she said had she been in pain I would have known. Thank God for such a good baby with a high pain tolerance.

I will be back to school tomorrow, but gone again on Wednesday. I am going to a Science workshop at Truman with the other 4th grade teachers. Then Thursday is my birthday!!!! I love my birthday. I will probably not do anything on my actual birthday, but Wednesday after we get done with the workshop, my friend Sarah and I are going to get pedicures! Then, I think that my husband is going to take me out to super and we are going to get Adi's Halloween pictures taken. We wouldn't typically get Halloween pictures taken, but we have a coupon for a Halloween collage. I would also like to get a good picture of her for her birthday invitations. On my actual birthday my sisters both have games here at Schuyler

A Few of Her Favorite "NEW" Things!

2008-09-24T20:25:00.003-05:00

Climbing up the stairs, with permission. I don't let her climb up without me behind her, but I had to get a picture from above. I only let her go one more before I picked her up.
Trying to climb the stairs without permission. She thinks she is big stuff!

Playing dress up. I LOVE this picture! I think that she looks like an old man with a pipe. Thanks for the hat Andrea.
Mickey Mouse. So cool to have a toy that is bigger than you. Her daddy got this for me before we got married knowing that someday we would have a baby that would like it.
This is a two-fer. We love Love LOVE our new highchair. ( Thanks granny!) But we also really like our baby mum mums. They are like a big cracker, but they dissolve. ( Thanks Darla!)
Laughing out loud. Everything is funny these days. We have left the machine gun laugh behind and are now laughing like a real baby.
Shoes!!! What girl doesn't go crazy for shoes? I think that she is more interested in eating and playing with them, but she digs them all the same.

Keep It Up

2008-09-17T13:38:00.002-05:00

Three nights of no baby waking me up. Way to go Adi!!! I hope that we can stay in that routine. We have been keeping her awake, and not letting her take a nap in the evening. Last night that was a little more challenging than I would have liked. She wanted her daddy. Here lately she has been a mommy's girl and always at my heels. Not last night. James went out to mow and Adi and I were playing. She was so sleepy that I was about to give in and let her have a short nap. She closed her eyes for a moment, but woke up crying. I took her out on the porch to watch Dad mow. When she could see him she was fine, but when he went around a corner she would cry and whine. He came over to talk to us and she held out her hands for him. He took her but explained that he had to finish his job before it got dark. She came back to me, but when I tried to shut the door she cried. I opened it. She stopped. Shut it. Cried. Opened it. Stopped. That went on for a while. I thought it was funny at first, but it didn't take long to get over that. James is such a softy and can't stand for her to cry that he put the lawn mower away and said he would finish today. I am glad that he loves her so much, but sometimes you just have to let them cry. FYI... When he came in she got ready for bed and took a bottle and didn't make another peep. I think she might LOVE her daddy a little ;)

Neglected!

2008-09-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have managed to neglect my poor blog for a whole week. I really do not think that anyone wants to hear about my whole week. It was pretty awesome though! I'll spare you anyway.

I will just tell you about how precious my baby is. Last night she slept for a full 12 hours. YAY! That would be a great habit to get into. We will see how it goes tonight. I know that we just need to let her cry for a couple of nights and she will get used to putting herself back to sleep, but I can't stand to hear her cry. She sleeps well anyway. I shouldn't complain. She usually gets up between 4:30 and 5:30. It isn't bad for a baby, but it would be nice to get her to sleep a little later in the morning. It stinks to get up at 5 and get back to sleep by 5:30 just to know that you will be hearing the lovely sound of the alarm in 30 minutes.

She was getting pretty tired after her supper time, but I knew if she took a late nap that would ruin the chance of her getting another full night sleep. We went on a little 4-wheeler ride to try and keep her awake. Then, we brought her in and gave her a bath, bottle, and painted her toes. She was asleep by 7:45. I'll let you know if we make it through the night.

She seems to be getting so big. We have graduated to 6-9 month clothes. Most of them fit her, but we still have several 3-6 month pants. She has such short little legs. I just can't believe that she is close to a year old. She is very mobile. We have had plenty of bumps and bruises, but that goes with growing up ;) I am ready to start again. I want to have my babies close together. I think that it may be because there is such a large gap between me and my sisters.

SOUP!

2008-09-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

I must be getting fall fever! I made potato soup tonight, and it was delicious. I love to make soup, but I don't very often. I don't really know how to make many. I grew up with potato, chili, ham and beans, and canned soup. Don't you love knowing that fall is right around the corner and that 70 degrees means soup and a sweatshirt?

Grandparent's Day

2008-09-05T23:21:00.002-05:00

Whew! It is over. I am so glad that they have a day like this for the kids at school. You have to feel really bad for the handful of kids that don't have anyone with them. I only had one student without somebody. I had 23 adults in my room though, and it didn't seem like it bothered her, but we let her go see her little brother.

They changed things around this year and tried to make things more meaningful for the grandparents. I think that PTO did a great job! It is a stressful day for the teachers, not because it is a hard day, but it just throws off a routine rather quickly. I am glad they do it on a Friday.

On another note... James will be going to Louisiana next Thurs. and will be gone till the 22nd. It is the first time that he will have to be away from Adi, and I am sad for him to go also. I know that the money will be good though, and our oven just quit! ( that's a whole other post.) Everyone be praying for our boys and all the wives and kids that will be going it alone for almost two weeks.

TEETH! :( ! :( !

2008-09-02T23:18:00.002-05:00

I am really excited! My baby has two new teeth coming in. I am NOT excited that it makes her cranky. :( Yesterday we went to Kahoka. We went on over to Keokuk and watched the Labor Day Parade, and it was HOT!!! When it got over we went back to Mary's to spend some time with her, and she was making one of my favorites, meatloaf, for supper. As soon as we got there Adi began to get fussy. Then, her fussiness turned into full on crying. She occasionally stopped to whimper. We couldn't get her to calm down. Now, mind you, my baby isn't much of a whiner/crier so I knew that something was wrong. I thought at first that she may have gotten too hot at the parade. She was burning up. I took her to change her diaper and while her mouth was wide open, I took a look in, ,and sure enough. She had a tooth barely shining through. She woke up in a much better humor. She now has two teeth shining. This will make her six teeth. Six down and how many to go? :O

60 things I LOVE...

2008-08-31T23:12:00.003-05:00

This is my 60th post, and I think I am too tired to do 101. This just seemed like the thing to do!

1. Adi Maree

2. My hubby

3. Being a mom

4. My mommy

5. My daddy

6. My sisters

7. God

8. The way I feel at church

9. My home

10. The way I feel after I work out

11. Fall

12. The first snow

13. Sunsets

14. Christmas

15. Buying gifts

16. Getting gifts

17. My birthday

18. Teaching

19. Watching a kid that finally "gets it"

20. Sleeping in

21. Shopping

22. Baking

23. Singing

24. Cleaning the house

25. Having a clean house

26. Having Adi fall asleep on my chest

27. Daisies

28. Polka Dots

29. 90.7 Spirit FM

30. Being crafty

31. The smell of a clean baby

32. Flip flops

33. A bargain

34. Going out to eat

35. Bogies

36. Great friends

37. Gold best friends

38. Silver best friends

39. Being in charge

40. Being organized

41. Coming up with a great idea for school

42. SEX

43. Lip gloss ( did it really take this long to think of that?)

44. pedicures

45. Having my hair washed

46. Getting my hair a new color

47. The smell of rain

49. Watching fireworks

50. The Food Network

51. American Idol

52. Crying during a sad movie

53. Laughing at a funny movie

54. Going to the movie theatre

55. Talking to my mom

56. Making plans to do something fun

57. Putting up the Christmas tree

58. Laughing till I cry

59. My family ( I just realized that I should have just said that at the top)

60. playing cards ( even though it is a rare occurrence)

negative week :(

2008-08-28T18:41:00.003-05:00

I have to preface this by reminding you all that the week didn't start really well last week either...

Mon. I called Sears to complain about my photographer. They were very nice, but I hated doing it.
My car also started making a really funny sound. James checked it out, and my bearings were going out and he could fix it, but it would be at least $100. BOO

Tues. I got my wall words in the mail. YAY! I am going to use them as a border in my kitchen. They were not the way I ordered them. Called and Complained again two days in a row. Watch out!
I went to Shelly's. She said that if Adi were to get sick, she had been exposed to strep. That night she had a fever and a rash.
Judy's house burnt. I don't know her but She is in my prayers. I was reminded that my problems weren't really that big.

Wed. I missed school and took Adi to the Dr. She told me that she was fine. It was just a virus and the rash should go away in about a week. She said she was no longer contagious, so she could go back to the sitter.
Again, I was reminded that my little petty problems aren't a big deal. One of my best friends went to the Dr. to have an ultrasound. She went thinking that she was having twins and when they did the ultrasound they couldn't find a heartbeat. I want everyone to be thinking of her and praying for her and Amos.

Although I have had a rough couple of weeks, I need to remind myself how blessed I am. I couldn't ask for more.

2008-08-25T21:05:00.002-05:00

I am... a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend.

I want... to be stronger in my faith.

I have... been so blessed in my life at such a young age.

I wish I could... not be judgemental. That is something that is easier said than done for most people.

I hate... not being able to say NO.

I fear... the dark.

I search... for something to put here.

I regret... not seeing my father-in-law the day that he died.

I love...My husband and daughter with all that I have.

I always cry... ALL THE TIME! You name it. It probably makes me cry.

I am not... hard to read.

I dance... only to slow songs at weddings, unless I have little kids to do the chicken dance with :)

I sing... every chance that I get.

I never... wake up when my alarm goes off.

I rarely... go to bed early, which would explain the above comment.

I cry when I watch... The Notebook

I am not always... as serious as I should be about certain things.

I hate that... I can't see my mom more.

I am confused about... pretty much everything.

I need... to go to bed.

I should... fold a load of laundry and wash bottles, but I'm not feeling it.

Nine Month Pictures!

2008-08-24T20:23:00.003-05:00

We went to Ottumwa today to get Adi's 9 month pictures taken. I know that she won't be 9 months till Tuesday, but James is on call next week and we usually get them done on her month birthday. I was not impressed with the lady that took out pics, AGAIN! She didn't take very many pictures, and she wouldn't act goofy to try to get Adi to smile. She just TOLD her to smile. I wanted to remind her that she was only a baby and probably didn't quite understand. Very frustrating. I am grateful that the ones she took turned out well, because there wasn't many to choose from. I will be requesting a different person next time. Is that mean?

Great Appreciation

2008-08-24T20:11:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know how much it meant to James and I that you thought of us in our time of grief. We had 15 friends that came all the way to Kahoka from Lancaster/Bloomfield to show their respect to our family. You can never know how much that meant. I know that few of you new Cecil well, but you love us! That is a blessing. I also want to thank anyone that gave to the memorial or gave a plant/flowers. Anyone that came could see that Cecil was a loved and respected man. It was a rough couple of days, but it's over now. Thank you all for making it a little easier.

Thank You

2008-08-21T15:56:00.004-05:00

As most of you may know, my father-in-law, Cecil Jones died in his home on Tuesday, Aug. 19. He would have celebrated his 62nd birthday on Wednesday, Aug. 27. We found out almost five months ago that he had cancer, and it was terminal. He told the family and he was optimistic. He did one round of chemo and one of radiation. It seemed to all go down hill from there. Afterwards he decided that he would not have anymore treatment, and several weeks later the doctors told him that there just wasn't much more that they could do. As a Christian you are supposed to know to put it in God's hands. It is in times like these that faith is tested. It is hard not to ask why? why him? Why now? And I did ask those questions.

You always know that must be so hard on a family. You just don't ever think that it will touch you so closely. I know that I am not his child, but my husband and I have been together for nine years. I was also his neighbor for about the first 14 years of my life, give or take a few. In that five months we all watched a man that loved to work, garden, cook, sew, and laugh become unable to do even the smallest task. It became hard for him to eat, see, hear, and talk. I say these things only to let everyone know that it IS ok now. He IS in a better place. He DOESN'T hurt anymore. You can say that you are prepared all that you want, but NOTHING can prepare you for when it actually happens.

I was there the day that it happened, but we had left at about 5:30 in the morning. James went in to see him right before we left. I didn't want to go see him because I knew that it would upset me. I had meetings that day and I didn't want to have the image of him so sick, in my head all day. I feel so selfish. That was my last opportunity to see him and I didn't. That has been the hardest thing for me to deal with.

James is doing ok. He said it best when he said that there are things worse than dying and his dad had it. He loved his father very much. I have Cecil to thank for making my husband the way that he is. You couldn't find two people that were more alike. They could do anything from baking a cake to building a house! They both had the same laid back attitude, but watch out when they finally blow. I remember walking in the house on several occasions and Cecil would look up and simply say "hmmm." Then I would walk from the living room to Jim's room and he would look up and also just say "hmmm."I know that probably doesn't mean much to anyone else, but it puts a smile on my face.

I just want to thank everyone for cards, thoughts, prayers, and HUGS. I know that it is very hard to know what to say, but you need to know that you don't have to say anything. Just a look, hug, or sorry to hear is all that I need. It means so much to know that I have friends that mean it when they say, "let me know if you need anything." We really are appreciative. Thank you again for your support. Please keep the Jones family in your prayers.

For Andrea: Love vs. Hate

2008-08-17T20:11:00.003-05:00

I LOVE when Adi falls asleep on my chest
I HATE when she wakes me up in the night

I LOVE to cook
I HATE to clean up afterwards

I LOVE the first day of school
I HATE the end of summer vacation

I LOVE when my husband does something sweet without even knowing it
I HATE when I do something sweet and my husband doesn't even know it :)

I LOVE when the leaves change in the fall
I HATE when the fall leaves... well fall

I LOVE ice cream in the winter
I HATE being cold (go figure)

I LOVE spending all day with my mom
I HATE only seeing her once a week

I LOVE real friends
I HATE people that pretend to be your friend

I LOVE how I feel after I work out
I HATE waking up early to do it

I LOVE watching lighting storms
I HATE when my husband is out in them

I LOVE finding a bargain
I HATE seeing it cheaper somewhere else

I LOVE the hole in Dabney's tree
I HATE... got nothin'

I LOVE blogging
I HATE not having more exciting stuff to blog about!

OK I did it. Whose next?

Standing Tall...or Short ;)

2008-08-17T19:05:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of my baby girl standing up! Her short little legs crack me up. I want to point out that the dishwasher has the mirror effect. She was laughing and blowing raspberries on the baby in the mirror.
The chair is her favorite place to stand. I think that it is just easy for her to climb up to.
I had to put this outfit on her. We got it to take her nine month pictures in, but I had to do a trial photography session. I can't wait to see how the professional ones turn out! Aren't you proud of me? It isn't pink!!!

Last Week's Coming to an End

2008-08-14T20:56:00.002-05:00

The last week of summer vacation that is. I have mixed emotions about it. I am ready to get started and meet the new kiddos, but I am not excited to lose that freedom that comes with summer. Sure I still get up early, but if Adi and I wanted to stay in our pajamas all day, we could. I think that they would frown on me in my pj's at school. I am ok with school starting Wed. It's the meetings on Mon. and Tues. that I am not looking forward to.

Adi, Erin, and I went to Bloomfield today. Erin got her hair colored, and I got a cut. I like getting my hair cut it makes me feel new and refreshed. I need a Pedicure too, but I can do without.

Tomorrow I am going to work out and time it, so that I know exactly how much time I have to get ready for school when we go in the mornings. Then, I am going to go to lunch with my long lost friend with Bree Shaw. After lunch we are going to go to Kahoka to get ready for our Saturday, garage sale extravaganza! I hope that we have a good turn out. I would really like to get a new camera. Mine is OK, but I have had it since I was a junior in high school. I think that there have been some technological advances since then. I will not get to post till Sunday, so everyone have a great weekend!!!

Adi Update

2008-08-13T15:52:00.003-05:00

Last week Adi started REALLY crawling. Before, she could get where she needed to go, but it wasn't the real deal. She has gone from crawling to cruising in no time flat. She can pull up on anything and walk along it. Shelly has a plastic tub outside on the porch. She says that Adi pulls up to it and pushes it around. I think that it would be sooo cute if she was walking at 9 months. because she is so little. On the other hand I don't look forward to having to chase her down to do things! I will be happy either way. ;)

Yep! I'm still Kickin'

2008-08-13T15:14:00.003-05:00

WOW! It has been an entire week since I have posted a blog. It's actually been a week since I have been on the computer. I have a million things I could talk about, but I will save you the boring five hour post. I'll keep it short and sweet.

A week ago yesterday we had a cheerleading car wash fundraiser. We made over $300. Go girls! I got some sun. Go me!

A week ago today we left for Clarksville, MO to stay at a resort for a couple of nights. We also went to St. Louis and went to Six Flags. We left Adi with grandparents. First night was ok. Second night I cried a little. I was glad to see her Friday. Overall we had a really good time. Go us!

Tara stayed the night with us on Saturday. She went to church with me on Sunday and helped me in my classroom a little.

Monday we had cheerleading practice. Then, I went to Kahoka. Mom had the day off, so we went to Quincy so that I could go to the teacher store. I needed some monkeys! I ended up bringing Emily back home with me to stay the night. Sarah called me on my way home and told me that we couldn't get in our classrooms anymore, so Emily came and helped me put the finishing touches on my room. Thanks Em!

Tuesday I had cheerleading again. Come to find out I could get back in my room in the mornings. Oh well, I'm done with it now! I stayed and put up the MSTA tree by the office. I spent the afternoon pricing clothes for a garage sale. I filled three 25 gallon totes with stuff! Again, Emily was a huge help with Adi. Mom and Nana came up for supper and to get Emily. I stayed up pretty late getting my house back in order. I couldn't go to bed until all of the garage sale stuff was out of my house. Some might say I'm a little OCD.

That brings me to today. Nothing exciting to report. LAZY DAY!!!

Tomorrow Adi and I are going with Erin to Bloomfield to get her hair cut. Then, we are going to go eat Mexican!!! We are going to try and work out with Adi. I think she'll be fine if she has her excisaucer. That could be interesting. Then, tomorrow evening I have practice at the church b/c I am singing Sunday!

That was a lot longer than I anticipated. Sorry, that was SUPER boring, but now you are officially caught up. Go you!

Peek-A-Boo

2008-08-03T20:54:00.004-05:00

Adi and James were playing a pretty hilarious game of peek-a-boo, and I was so busy watching that I didn't get the funniest part of it on my camera. When he was all the way covered up she didn't think of him as anything but a piece of furniture. She was crawling all over him and standing up on him. When he popped his head out shewould get the cutest look on her face, like she was saying, "Where did you come from?" She LOVES her mommy, but when her daddy is around I am second banana.

Before I Head Out...

2008-08-01T15:21:00.003-05:00

This picture has nothing to do with my blog. I just think it's cute!

I thought I should blog before the weekend, because I usually don't have much success getting one done until Monday. We are off to Kahoka for the night. This is the first time in a while that we haven't stayed the whole weekend. I am going to go get my tattoos recolored tonight. I know that sounds super trashy, but I got them really young. I wouldn't necessarily do it again, but they are a part of me now, and since I have them they might as well look nice.

Tomorrow we are going to come home and get ready to go to Albia to eat at Bogies(sp?)! I am so excited. We are going for my friend Tiff's 27th birthday. I love the steak there and we haven't gone in forever. It will be a nice treat for Tiff. She has had a really rough few weeks.

Sunday, I will actually be home for church =) I haven't gone in 2 weeks. Then, I'll hopefully get to post Sunday evening!

Which One?

2008-07-31T15:05:00.004-05:00

SShe would wear a red bandanna on her head with this one! This was really cute.

I really like this one too. She could wear a bandanna with this too, or maybe Andrea's straw hat. Before you make a decision you need to know that this belongs to Bree's mom and is 60 years old!
I think this is sweet, but I think that she would be hot and my old crochet bonnet was too little=(

Help me out. Which one would be the cutest for the pioneer days baby contest?

Look at my Big Girl!

2008-07-31T11:15:00.006-05:00

We got this toy at Wal-Mart, because Adi can stand up to things, but she is to short to reach the couch. I thought she needed a toy, and this is what we came home with.

A Full Days Work!

2008-07-30T20:49:00.002-05:00

I was feeling very ambitious yesterday and today. Last night Adi and I went to the school to get some things from my room that I could work on at home. It was all of the piddly stuff; like putting the kids names on about 500 different things. I stayed up rather late doing that. At that point I had gotten it in my head that I wanted to get to the school and get going on it so that I wasn't stuck doing it last minute.

Last year I couldn't get into my room until way to close for school to start because of new carpeting, which I am thankful for. Being a first year teacher I felt like I was starting from scratch. Too bad that it wasn't scratch until I had filled about 8 or 9 industrial sized garbage bags. I am not saying anything bad about the person who had the room before me, I'm just saying that maybe he wasn't the tidiest/ most organized person. I think that I am both of those things, so getting my room ready last year was quite a chore.

James took Adi to Shelly's this morning so that I could work in my classroom, and boy did I. I got to the school at about 9:30 and was there until after 5! I feel really good about it. I am having more fun getting it ready this year, because I am just adding to things that I did last year. I think that I am going to go one more afternoon this week. That should get me done with most everything that I can do for now.

What a Weekend!

2008-07-28T22:22:00.002-05:00

Starting out Friday was a great! We had Jared and Bree out for supper and a game of "Hand and Foot." Did we lose? Of course we did, but it was still a lot of fun. It was nice to get back to a long lost Friday night ritual =) My family also stopped in on their way home from Branson. It was nice to know that they were back and safe. The hadn't seen Adi in about a week and a half, and they were about to go insane.

Friday morning my dad called me about 9 times wondering if we were coming to Kahoka, and when, why we weren't there yet, etc... James had some things to do so I decided that Adi and I could go on and spend the day with my family. James was on call so he couldn't go to Kahoka until Sunday. Since gas was so super cheap (haha) I thought that I should fill up before I left. I went into Casey's to pay. I wanted to us my debit card so that I could get some cash for the weekend. They ran my card. It was rejected. Not once, not twice, but three times. I finally wrote a check. I was mad and embarrassed. I went directly from Casey's to the bank. I couldn't even use my card in the ATM. I of course called James in tears and made him come to town and try his card. NO LUCK. I tried it at the Exchange Bank in Kahoka. Still nothing. It bothered me all weekend.

I was in Kahoka on Sunday, and James got there at about 9. We went to my in-laws house until James had to go to the fair for his mud-run. As the day went on it looked more and more like rain. James had just gotten done and it started to pour. I was going to go back over to Mary and Cecil's', but I had to wait more than an hour for the rain to let up. It was still coming down really hard when we left, but we needed to see Cecil before he went to bed. The weather never did seem to get better, and I was too scared to drive home, so I stayed in Kahoka again. James had to go home because he had to work today. I really worried about him until he called and said that he had made it home safely.

This morning I called the bank as soon as I woke up. Apparently it wasn't just me who had the debit card delima. It still made me a little angry. It is frustrating to know that you have money and no way to get to it. Oh well. It works now ;)

Reflection!

2008-07-23T14:42:00.006-05:00

No I am not talking about fond memories. I am talking about my daughter. The mirror has become her very favorite toy. She thinks that the other baby is hilarious. She reaches out her arms and does this awesome laugh that sounds like a machine gun! She could sit and do that for what seems like forever. It cracks me up. She also does a lunge at the mirror baby, and I am convinced that someday in the near future she is going to ram her head into it, and the baby will no longer be her special friend. ;)