Down on the farm....

Gabe looking on as Matthew shows Scarlett the finer points in goat milking!
My bro-in-law Bryan nicely offering us a ride - in a wagon full of manure!
Gabe's first attempt at pig hearding.
F.P.F.A.??? Future pig farmer of america

Caitlin, Johnny, Carmen and Luke. The only proof the trio went! They were terrified of the animals.

Gabe, Carmen and Matt with the 4 day old calf.
I guess the calf mistook Scarlett's butt for an udder!
Carmen and Matt watching Scarlett unsuccessfully pick up a goat.
Carmen and the goat.
Me milking a goat! It was harder than I thought it would be.

We are going out to spend next Saturday on my Bro and Sis in laws farm, so I thought I would share the pics from our last trip before I get new ones. It will be interesting to see how the triplets react this time. They were not thrilled at all by the animals last time!! In another month it will be time for the annual bonfire/hayride night. It is always fun. My father in law hops onto the wagon with all the kids and rides through the cornfields shreiking along with them. The older kids(now in the military, so they won't be there... :( ) would hide and jump out and scare everyone. That is one thing I won't miss!

Friday's mom is congested....

According to Charity's research I have 3 gay kids and one with a long way to go. I am not sure I like that poem!!!
Well, I am not feeling any better. I still am running a temp. and I can barely breathe, so Sean made me a dr.'s appt. for this afternoon. Hopefully he can give me a miracle antibiotic and I will wake up perfect! I have lost 3 pounds, you can tell by the way I am typing I'm sure! If this hangs around maybe I will lose enough to fit into last year's fall wardrobe! How depressing!

Hope you all have a good day. I'm thinking of each and everyone of you!

Thursday child is something,something.....

Anyone remember that rhyme? I think it starts out Monday's child is full of grace... I definately am NOT a Monday's child! ha
I don't feel any better today, but am aiming for tomorrow. This has just knocked me down so hard! Ugh. I think Crystal's elephant found its way to my nose. I promise not to be so pathetic and pity myself today. I just needed a little sympathy and support yesterday, as my kids were not giving it to me!!! Maybe that's what Luke was trying to do with the fire hose....
The trio did not want to go to school today. They said they would miss me too much! I think that they will be fantastic once they get into their classroom routines. Jonathan didn't eat his lunch on Tuesday. He opened it first thing when he got into the car after school. Little stinker! As of this morning he still doesn't get that you are supposed to eat it at school! I am not sure what he is thinking.
Gabe had a great day yesterday and did not miss the bus! He came home with his nose in a book reading away and Did his homework first thing without arguing. I was so pleased! Maybe he is starting to really mature. Must be the man hair!
Sean is surviving the hectic first week up at school. He is exhausted as there is constant running around for him. He loves seeing the kids - especially the MH kids! They are so much fun and he is their special friend. Sean was sad to see the one student move on. Every time Sean would go into their classroom the boy would look sideways at him, say "What are you doing?" and when Sean answered the boy would tell him "You're fired!!!" He would lose his job several times a week!
One of the many things I love about my husband is that he has such a huge heart! He loves people and can talk to pretty much anybody. Some of my girlfriends can agree as he has sat in on fertility and period conversations! Must come from growing up with all sisters! He is supercity!
I am going to go and work on filling out my calendar for the Fall. I am determined to be organized this year! We will see if that happens!
Have a great day.
See you in the soapy farts crys!

So you all know that I do look gross and nasty....

Note the hair plastered to my head by sweat. I am the epitome of sexiness.

There should be a law that kids have to listen to you when you are sick. I was trying to relax and looked into see Luke wearing his fireman gear and using his hose/air tank that is also a squirt gun squirting the dining room table, the treadmill and me when I tried to stop him! I took it, opened the back door and threw it outside.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day!

I'm sick, I feel lousy and I am grumpy!!!!

This picture from last Christmas shows exactly how I feel!

First Day of School Photos...

It was impossible to get everyone to look at the camera and/or smile at the same time!

Real Quick....

I am supposed to be working on a project for school and the warden (Sean :) ) will be in to check on me so this has to be quick! To answer your question:

Luke, Caitlin and Jonathan are in 3 separate classes. At first we were hesitant to split them up, but after talking with several people we decided it would be the best decision. They rely so much on each other and stick so close together that they would have a more difficult time adjusting. Caitlin tends to mother the boys as well. We figure this will kind of force them into socializing with kids besides each other. They are okay with it and will see each other at lunch and on the playground. They were a little scared this morning, but surprisingly there were no tears and when we peeked in at them before leaving, they were each sitting at their tables and playing with legos and peg boards. I cried a bit when we got to the car, but I know that they are going to do well and have an awesome time. I am excited to see what this year holds for all my kiddos. I know that they are going to have a year of adventure, personal growth, learning, laughter and new and exciting experiences. I am looking forward to watching each one of them conquer fears, learn new things and develop their own personalities.

Happy Monday!

Jonathan, Caitlin and Luke at their first soccer game.
Gabe, black and white shorts, white shinguards - in the center- at his first game!

Jonathan swinging at the rez.
Caitlin swinging at the rez.
Luke and Johnny holding hands at soccer.

Can you tell this was our first soccer weekend? Caitlin loved it and can't wait to go back. She did really well. Jonathan liked it as well. I think the highlight for him was wearing shin guards. He got tired in the last three inutes and laid down in the middle of the field. Luke played for about 10 minutes, did something cute and people laughed, and he got embarassed and ran off the field and had a 40 minute tantrum. He said he liked when he played. He gets embarassed so easily and it completely wrecks him. Anyone have or had kids like this? I am open to suggestions on how to help him.

Gabe did awesome. He is already asking about trying out for the traveling team. It plays on Sunday afternoons, so we are really going to have to discuss it. I am not sure if he is at the level he needs to be yet, but he loves playing and it is great exercise!

You will all be happy to know that Sean fixed the shop vac this afternoon and reinstated my vacuuming privaleges. He just laughed when I asked about the library.

Gabe started school this morning. He was so scared!!! He couldn't remember his teacher's name and was worried about having homework already. I know he will do fantastic. I bought him a special after school snack and am working on the kid's bulletin board.

We went to parent orientation for the trio this am. They are in 3 separate kindergartens. I am
a bit emotional about the whole thing. I teared up this morning after dropping Gabe off! It will be tough letting them go, but I know they will have a great time.

Still waiting to hear from the dr. My foot is still swollen and painful. what a dork I am!

Have a great day!

My whole purpose in life....

I was just talking with Lura and came up with my purpose in life. It is to make others feel better about themselves! Look at my life and how can you not feel good about yours!
Okay, so maybe that's not it, but I have really had a rough 24 hours. I went to the dr's. this afternoon and she thinks I may have fractured my foot - where the big toe and the foot connect. So I had x-rays and I probably won't know anything until next week. When I was done at the hospital I got in my van, pulled out of the parking spot and pulled right into another to get out and see my completely flat tire! Sean didn't have his phone on him, I couldn't reach my mom or sis, so I was able to finally get a hold of someone where Sean is at and he came and changed the tire for me. I went to pick up my prescription and grab a baked potato from Wendy's and when I got home I found they gave me the wrong thing. I came home to a horrid smell in the kitchen as well. I have NO IDEA what it is...it wasn't there this morning. Maybe a raccoon crawled under my fridge and expired!
Oh well. It is bound to improve! God just wanted to show his sense of humor! At least school starts next week and I will have some down time!
Hope you all have a great day and weekend!

Edited to say:
okay, so I just thought I'd add that while using the shop vac. I accidentally sucked up a sock. It got lodged in the hose so I reversed it to blow it out. The hose popped off the vacuum and the dirt and little styrofoam balls and ants that I had just vacuumed up blew all over the kitchen. I reattached the hose to try again and the sock got lodged about 8 inches from the end. I figured a broom handle could get it out so I tried that. Somehow I managed to break off the plastic end of the broom handle so now that and the sock are lodged in the hose. Not only is my library card taken away AGAIN!!!! I think my vacuuming priveleges are going to be suspended. And I like vacuuming!

Not having a good night....

I think I may have broken my toe at the spot where the big toe connects with the foot. I can't bend it and it hurts like the dickens! I guess if it isn't better tomorrow I may have the doctor look at it. What a dork I am! I was telling the kids to pick up their stuff and slipped on a toy and my toe bent completely back and dropped me to the floor. Boy did it hurt (and still does!)

Other than that things are okay. I am making my way around Facebook and still getting confused. Are the rest of you facebook newbies too?

Have an awesome night.

Fun Fun Pictures!

Tyler and Lura. He's mad about something!
Tyler and Auntie Amanda
Luke, Caitlin, Carmen, Jonathan, Scarlett, Gabe, Tyler, Ethan and Isaiah
Luke and Auntie Lura.

Luke ready for something....just not sure what!
Gabe painting his fire and ice mountain. It erupts lava and has an avalanche. Way cool!
The triplets on their first fair ride.

The cakes: firetruck, Cinderella and Dr. Trippe

Fireman Luke, ready for any emergency!
Caitlin and Tanis having a tea party.

I am a bit emotional this morning. As much as my kids drive me crazy sometimes, like at Target yesterday when I had to pin a screaming Luke to the counter with my knees so I could pay and leave, I am going to miss them incredibly next week. I know it will be extremely good for all of us, we definately need some time apart, but it will be strange not having them there all day. And it is yet another milestone. I can't believe my baby is going to be ten this year and this is his last year in grade school. He has changed so much physically this summer as well. He told me that he must be getting older because he has "man hair" on his upper lip! He is also taller, tanner and more handsome than ever. I can't wait for him to start orthodontics in December though, his teeth are really worrying me. It seems like just yesterday that I had Luke, Caitlin and Jonathan and now they are going off to kindergarten and trying to be more independent every day.
I am struggling with the changes and time passing. One of the things I hate about growing older is the changes. The most obvious being the loss of loved ones. I have lost so many people that I love - my dad being the hardest and then my aunts. So often I wish that I could go back in time and relive moments just to get those times back with my dad, my kids as babies and when Sean and I were newlyweds.
I think I am also struggling with change in regards to our house. We still have no clue when we have to leave, but it looks like next year. I have been working so hard at cleaning and realize how much I love it here when it is clean. I wish things were different, but I try to remember that God has something wonderful in store for us. I just wish I knew what and when!
Facebook has been wonderful for reconnecting. I just got a message from my friend James this morning. I have known him since 1992 and he was one of my very best friends at SAC. We haven't been in contact since 1997. He was such an important part of my life during that time as were Carrie, Sara, Mel and Robbie who I have reconnected with. I heard from my cousin Karen as well and am grateful for the chance to chat with family that I don't often see anymore.
My friends are so important to me. When I make one I try to nuture that relationship well. I don't always succeed and with 4 kids and a husband that come first, I don't have as much time to spend as I'd sometimes like, but I try. That's one thing I love about cards and letters through the regular mail. It is a way for me to say "hi, I am thinking about you, I appreciate you." Even if I don't say those words I mean them. So to all my friends out there I do love and appreciate each and every one of you.
Sean and I are looking to the start of the school year as the start of time together again! We will get from 9 until he leaves at 2 to be together!!! It has been so long since we have had together time on a regular basis. When the trio was in preschool we had 2 1/2 hours, but that was always taken up with running errands and the like. We will have time to just sit, stare, and make faces at each other if that's what we want to do. I am looking forward to hubby time.
Have a great day. I am off to spend time with the fearsome foursome and double trouble (my nieces Carmen and Scarlett.) Enjoy your day!

Back to School Shopping Bites!

I should take a picture of all the stuff I have had to buy!!!! We just got back from Staples, Meijer and Target and have hit Wal Mart and Toys R Us as well! Oh my, the amount of things they need. I was very surprised at the differences between Pleasant and Maplehurst kindergarten supply lists. We have already shelled out over $50.00 not including backpacks and lunchboxes. It is so unbelievable!

I was going to post the trios birthday pics, but I can't find what I did with the camera cord. Surprise, surprise. So I will just post some random shots today.

The kids are making me nuts. They are so bored. I am exhausted from our shopping trip and lack of sleep! Maybe Sean will do something fantabulous with them. I think we are going to work on making some cards this afternoon. I hope that Debby got her Sigmond the Sigmoid Colon card! I am not sure what we are going to make or who the lucky ducks are that will get them this time!

I have really nothing much to say. I am enjoying facebook scrabble with Lura, we are neck to neck so it will be interesting to see who wins.

Hopefully I will have a more interesting post later!

Love you all!!!!

Here are some t-ball pics. The one os of the three on base at the same time. Somehow they all usually ended up on the same base together and ran around. Usually Tanis joined them, so they ran the bases in group form!

Tooting my own horn and a bit of rambling...

Wowee! I am excited! I have heard from two old college friends today thanks to Facebook! I have also located 2 others and sent them messages. It is super to reconnect with them. I stunk at college classes, but I was great at making friends. Too bad they didn't grade on that. One thing I liked (and still do) about myself is I don't discriminate. I love people and had the broadest range of friends. I have missed them and it feels really good to hear from some of them and know that the "friendship spark" is still there.
The kids are outside with Sean and I am chillin' out inside. I had a tooth pulled on Friday and my jaw is still swollen and dislocated - Thanks TMJ. I hope the swelling goes down soon!
I have been cleaning like a mad woman and so far have gotten rid of 15+ bags to the Goodwill (and a couch!) I never participated in the house tour last year, so when I am done cleaning I am going to take pictures and give you guys a tour of my house. It will be nice to have for when we move also. Aren't you all so excited! ha
I have begun working on Christmas presents and am studying my fanny off. My next lessons came in the mail today so I need to finish these up.
Have a great day!!

Facebook Schmacebook

So I am experimenting with this whole crazy idea of technology, personally I think pen and paper is going to make a huge comeback and the whole computer craze will die out. I just don't get any of it! I have no clue what I am doing, I may have sent offensive messages to some old friends, and the only way I can figure anything out is by copying it from others. That just feels like cheating! I guess I will catch on eventually and if any of the old friends I am finding contact me, it will be worth it. Unless they turn out to be crazy, stalkers and then I will just blame Lura!

If anybody wants to see my pitiful attempt at a facebook profile, let me know. Maybe somehow I can manage to direct you to it. Thank you Char, Lura and Carrie for providing me with material to copy!

Have a great day.

Enjoy the pictures of 3 wonderful women I am priveleged to call my friends!

We leapt into modern technology today!!!!!

The finished cross-stitch. It had a brown and pink layered mat put on after this. It looked beautiful!
Tanis and Auntie Amanda. Future in laws?

Sean and Luke enjoying? the 4th of July parade.
Kellie showing her patriotic spirit marching in the parade.
Lura chewing Luke's ABC gum.
Sean and his Dad, can you see where Sean gets it???!!!
Tanis and Kellie after the parade.

I am going to post some random pictures. Why? Because I can!!!!!!!! We have high speed!!!!!!

Are you all as excited as I am? I had to call the troubleshooting line and they had to reboot things from there, but it is done and we are happy. Little things thrill Sean and I.

I have so many pictures that I want

to share now....I won't do it all at once! I am going to download all the pictures off my camera so I can share birthday pics.

One more day.....

...until we get roadrunner!!!! I will have high speed again! yay! I have to have it now that my courses are getting more involved. I am unable to download a lot of the things that I need and have to go to my mom's. Since my studytime is usually when the kids are asleep and they haven't been going to bed early, I end up with late nights and then am a bear the next day!

I will also be able to post pictures that I want to, but it takes over 5 minutes just to do one! I am excited! You will get to see more shots I take of myself. I know those are a favorite! ha!

I am going to study....yipee. Look for a fun, fun post tomorrow!

Hope all of you are well!

My Brilliant Child???

Apparantly Caitlin Grace speaks Spanish. I am not just talking about simple numbers or colors either. We were in the car this morning and I had just finished my daily lecture on NOT using potty talk outside of the bathroom. These would be the toilet, poop, tinkle and diarreha (sp) words. I was using a reward system for behavior today, effective for about 12 minutes, and the kids were going to lose money if they used potty talk. So they start chanting "Like Luke." I don't know why, it must be fun to say when you are 5 and 9. All of a sudden Caitlin switches to "Like Poop" and a chorus of "awwwww's" go up from the boys. I pointed out that her word cost her and she said "Mom, that wasn't a potty word. That was Spanish for Jumprope."
I did not know that.
We had family project day yesterday. Sean actually let me use power tools! This was a big deal. Do you all remember the drill in the foot last year?
I designed a shelf to hold all my school stuff, I got to use the circular saw to cut the wood and a drill! It turned out really cool. The kids helped with the electric sander and they each chose a shelf to paint and picked the color. I have mustard yellow, metallic green, red and metallic purple. It is prettier than it sounds! We all had fun working together.
Johnny fell down the stairs with some help yesterday. He rugburned his entire left side of his head under his hair. Ouch.
We found out that Gabe will be at Maplehurst but the trio is going to another school. The kindergartens are too crowded! Oh no.
I was vacuuming up broken glass today, Caitlin had an unfortunate occurance, and apparantly the phone rang and the boys answered it. Jonathan comes in talking about what I am doing and says, it's daddy. He had been calling the person on the phone Daddy the whole time and really thought it was Sean. No, it was the Asst. Superintendant for the Schools! Thankfully he was one of my dad's best friends so he just laughed about it.
School starts 2 weeks from today. We bought backpacks and lunchboxes at Toys R Us today. Cars, Batman, Star Wars and Ariel, Handy Mandy, Firetruck, Star Wars and Dora. Caitlin was devestated that they didn't have any princess lunchbags so we are shopping elsewhere. She got Dora because it was free and it will be a back up. Note to self....everytime I think it is a good idea to take my kids into a toystore, hit me.
Jonathan has finally stopped tinkling on the stairs...now I just have to figure out how to get rid of the smell. He went through a week where he would tinkle on the steps every day, sometimes twice a day. We have no clue why.
For those who didn't know, Andrew (Victoria's youngest) was in the hospital last week with pnemonia. He is home and doing better, thank God! He bounced back quick. Victoria and the baby are doing fine. Did anyone get the hidden news in that sentence???
Have a good night!

I am back from my week of no blogging. We were busy last week with the funeral and all. Then on Saturday we had the trio's party, Sunday we played hooky from Kellie and Brian's party. We felt really bad about it, but we were almost all sick. I will spare you the details, unless of course you want to hear them! My babies turned 5 on Sunday too. So hard to believe. I am sure I will be doing a special post for them, better late than never.