Lucky Like Us...

Charlotte is 3 months!

2011-03-08T18:55:00.003-06:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 3 months old! Well, technically she was yesterday. I snapped this picture last night. She is absolutely amazing and we love her more everyday. I wanted to do this with each month milestone, but I haven't been able to find time thus far.

Here's what's going on with my girl:

*She has found her hands and LOVES them.
*loves opening and closing her hands and reaching out to grab stuff (especially mommy's hair!)
*has no use for laying down. If you put her flat on her back, she gets seriously torked off and tries to sit herself up. If you put her at a 45 degree angle, she can pull herself on up to a 90 degree angle.
*has started to try to hold her own bottle and can for a minute or so.
* still drinking mostly breastmilk, but we've recently started supplementing with formula.
*Started an 8:30 bedtime on Sunday 3/6/11
*giggles when mommy and daddy make funny noises
*has a smile that can melt any heart
*loves to be held and walking around
*LOVES being read to. I've never seen a baby who pays attention so closely to the pages in a book
*intently watches the colors on the TV
*is 12 lbs 7oz and 24.75 inches long
*"toots" like a grown man...seriously some foul smelling stuff coming out of a sweet little girl
*is starting to like headbands for a short period of time

We love you, Charlotte Baby! We can't wait to watch you over the next few months, but feel free to slow down! Time is going so fast! Never forget we love you more than anything! Love you Boogs!

Coming Home

2011-01-12T12:44:00.003-06:00

We got to bring our little monkey home on Thursday, December 9th. Here are some pictures of her with mommy, daddy, and our little family of 3!!

If i can get a certain little girl to snuggle with her daddy tonight, I'll try to blog Christtmas and her 1st time meeting everyone.

Introducing Charlotte Jenice

2011-01-12T10:01:00.006-06:00

This is a little late, but better late than never. I've not actually found a free moment to sit down and type out Charlotte's birth story. But obviously, this blog is for documenting our lives and her birth is a very HUGE addition to that life! For those of you who have already heard or read the story on FB and either seen pics on there or seen her in real life...please feel free to ignore this month late post!

So we went to the doctor on December 3rd, 2010 and Dr. Tobler told us that we would be coming in on Tuesday the 7th for an induction. He was going out of town and with my history he was afraid of letting me go past my due date on the 11th. We drove home anxious and filled with anticipation of meeting our daughter. I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep at all Monday night. We had to be at the hospital at 6:30 on Tuesday. So we got up, earlier than necessary, bags packed and ready to go. Then I decided that we needed to take a picture of the 2 of us before we became a family of 3. Well, that meant unpacking the camera and trying to figure out the self-time on the camera. Here is the result- Our last picture before we were parents!

When we first got there the nurses were getting ready for shift change. We were able to get settled in and I changed into my lovely gown. My loving husband snapped this picture

Dr. T came in and decided to get the Pitocin started at 9 am. My contractions started to kick in pretty quickly, but they weren't showing up on the monitor. I was really starting to feel them, but unfortunately, nothing was happening as far as dilation. Time ticked away. Mom and Trenton kept me entertained and I tried to rest (yeah right). At 1:30, Dr. T came in to check on me before heading to the Lancaster clinic and decided to go ahead and break my water.

After that, whoa baby, things felt like they were really picking up. For some reason, I was really feeling things, but nothing was changing. The contractions were coming, but I wasn't dilating very fast. The nurse checked me again and I was between a 3-4. I was hurting pretty bad and they thought that might be slowing things down, so I asked for an epidural. After they administered that, they upped the pit hoping to get things moving, which it did. Unfortunately, the epidural didn't take. AT ALL! So they decided to do an inner-thecal (spelling), which was supposed to last 3 hours. It lasted a whole hour. Dr. T checked back in and I was at a 5. I was in so much pain!!! I told Trenton I wanted to quit and that I couldn't take any more. Dr. T decided we could re-administer the epidural if I wanted....which at that point, I gladly wanted. Turns out I have slight case of scoliosis (spelling) that blocked it the first time. It took the anesiaologist awhile to get back to the hospital. At about 9:45 she did the 2nd epidural and it started working immediately. Dr. T had headed home and was going to check back in later since I had only been at a 5 a few hours earlier. When the nurse checked me directly following the administration of the epidural, I was complete. THe nurse called the doctor right back in and we started getting ready to push. It was amazing and I've never felt more powerful in all my life. He ended up cutting me because I was tearing because her head was pretty big. I ended up with 2nd degree tearing, but other than that, it was a picture perfect delivery.

Charlotte Jenice arrived at 11:02 pm on December 7th. She weighed 8lbs 11.8oz and was 22 inches long. She is absolutely perfect and we're head over heels in love!

Enjoy the pictures!

Dear Little Miss

2010-12-06T09:19:00.002-06:00

My sweet girl,

I cannot begin to put into words all the thoughts on my heart this morning. Your dad and I are beyond excited to finally meet you. I wonder who you'll look like and if you'll be a sleepyhead like both of us. I can't believe that in less than 36 hrs (hopefully) we'll have all the answers to those questions. Will you have any hair, will your eyes sparkle blue, how much will you weigh...etc.

We've cried so many tears, praying that one day we'd be blessed with a baby. Praying each night together that we'd get to be parents. And now, sweet girl, you'll soon be ours, and every tear will be worth a million more.

Please come soon....we're ready.

D-Day

2010-12-06T09:16:00.002-06:00

Well, in case you haven't heard...tomorrow is the day. I'll be arriving at the hospital at 6:30 am to be induced on Tuesday! We're excited, nervous, and scared all at once!

We had an appt on Friday and I was dilated 1-2 cm & 100% effaced at that time. I was really hoping something would happen this weekend on its own, but alas, here I sit at work still. I haven't slept for 2 nights, mostly nerves I think. So I'm heading home at 1/2 day to rest for a little bit because I'm sure I won't sleep tonight and I'll need my energy tomorrow.

I can't wrap my mind around the fact that in 36 hrs (give or take) we'll be holding our sweet girl in our arms. What an answered prayer! I'll try to post a new blog when possible, but you'll likely catch a better update on Facebook!

Belly Pics finally

2010-11-29T10:04:00.004-06:00

Here are a few updated photos. Ignore the towel on the head and no makeup...I can see a slight difference finally this week and notice that the belly is more rounded and the orange sweater makes me look like a giant pumpkin, but it's soft and comfy!

2 weeks to go!

38 weeks

Collage of the past few months

update coming soon

2010-11-22T14:45:00.002-06:00

I promise to update soon with pictures. I'm hoping that we finish up the nursery decorations tonight and putting stuff away so I might actually be able to post those pictures along with an updated belly shot. Pretty much if you've been to SeaWorld....well, that's a good vision on what I feel like right now. I've had dozens of people comment on how tiny I am for 37 weeks, so I guess I should feel blessed to not have one of those watermelon bellies and feet that look sausages! Overall, though, really, things are going fabulously and we're just buying time until Little Miss decides to be an arrival. Friends of Trenton's just had their little girl a week late today and another friend is having her little boy a month early today, so I'm not going to try to out guess her at all....She'll be here whenever she (or the doctor) decides!

This is normal, right?

2010-10-26T09:44:00.004-05:00

I think I'm starting to freak out a little bit about the whole almost there thing. Do you see that countdown on the right? It says 46 days. Give or take a few. That is impossible.

I lay awake at night thinking things like, what if the name we have picked out doesn't sound right? Should we change it? What if I can't breastfeed, do I have a formula on hand for back up? If so, what one? Will she be warm enough in the pram that I have for a winter coat? What if we get snowed/stuck in the house and I need something for her? What if we're simply just not good at being parents? What if that maternal instinct, doesn't kick in for me? People keep asking me what kind of diapers and wipes I want...I don't know, I don't have a baby to try them on yet. I know this kind works for you, but what if it gives my girl a rash. So I just say, you pick and we'll hope for the best. I'm trying to be laid back about figuring things out as we go, but the more questions people ask me about things I don't know yet, the more I'm starting to feel like the kid that needs the cheat sheet to pass the test. I'm open for all kinds advice.

Then I think about other stupid stuff, like "Trenton, yes, I know it's 3:15 in the morning, but do you think James would come look at the light in the basement and why it won't work?" OR " I really want to get that spare bed set up in the basement tomorrow". Granted, most nights, I've refrained from waking him up and just lay there with my mental list until morning. I feel like I'm becoming the grouchy pregnant lady because I'm not sleeping and other people's demands just put more pressure on the never-ending list of things I feel like I need to get done first. I'm feeling the pressure of the whole holiday schedule and be here at this time and there at that time and so and so wants to have Thanksgiving on this day. I know part of that is the unknown of when she will come, so I don't feel like we have any 100% definite plan of how our time will be spent from Thanksgiving to Christmas. If she's 2 weeks early, hello Thanksgiving. If she's 2 weeks late, Merry Christmas! I just feel like saying, "yeah, about that, we'll be there if we can, but if not, Happy Holidays!"

Tell me this is all normal. Tell me that it's a temporary thing because the time is getting so close. I just can't help but feel that we've waited so long for this, but at the same time, I know our WHOLE lives are going to change. What if we aren't as ready for that change as we thought. My husband appears to be Mr. Calm and Cool. He just keeps telling me, we're adaptable, we're flexible, we can handle it. I know he's right, but someone needs to send my brain that memo at 3:00 am when it's making yet another to do list.

32 weeks

2010-10-21T10:56:00.004-05:00

I'm a little late on the pictures this week as Saturday was technically 32 and I'm closer to 33 now. But the picture was taken on Monday, so I guess close counts right? Our appt went well last week and we'll go again next Friday. I will be doing non-stress tests to monitor her just because Dr. T wants to make sure she's doing ok. Blood pressure continues to be excellent and I actually lost a couple pounds after the previous pile on! Overall, we're getting very VERY excited!

The lovely and thoughtful BUNCO babes surprised me with a shower at our October Bunco and it was fantastic (especially since it was already at my house, which meant I didn't have to pack things home!!) I promise to get pictures from Jenn of our gifts! We were very humbled by the graciousness of our friends and already feel the overwhelming love for our Little Miss.

This is not the most flattering of pictures. Please excuse no makeup and the fact that I hadn't really combed my hair yet. I bought that sweater over the weekend and was totally digging it....then I put it on Monday morning, wore it for about 5 minutes and changed not too long after taking the picture. My belly is still mostly just 2 fat rolls sticking farther and farther out, but whatever, it is what it is and fat rolls or not, there's a healthy little girl inside!

And as a comparison

30 wks

2010-10-05T10:52:00.005-05:00

Well, we had our last monthly appt on Friday, October 1st. Everything seems to be going just swimmingly. My blood pressure continues to be good, running on the low side. The only problem with that has been episodes of lightheadedness, but nothing major. I am having SEVERE leg cramps and restless legs. Dr. Tobler suggested that I start taking a magnesium supplement to see if we could relieve some of the pain. Not only do they hurt super bad, but they are also causing me to loose quite a bit of sleep.

We will start our bi-weekly appts on the 15th. It doesn't seem possible that will be our 32 wk appt. We will have another ultrasound that day because he wants to check my fluid level and her measurements as I was measuring between 31 1/2- 32 wks at the 30 wks checkup. Nothing major, I'm sure, but it definitely explains why I feel huge, my pants don't fit, and I've gained more weight in a month than I had altogether! I'm excited to see her again and am hoping this will relieve some of the burning desire to get her here!

I'm starting to get to the uncomfortable stage. Mostly at night. Sleep seems to allude me most nights, but I'm able to catch a few naps during the week to keep up. We have the nursery ready other than hanging stuff on the walls and curtains. I can't find dark wooden curtain rods anywhere! I had curtains bought, but they were the wrong size! One wall will have her name on it, so it will be blank until she gets here. I'm starting to get very anxious about bringing a new baby home in the midst of the holiday chaos. It's hard to plan the holidays not knowing when exactly she will make her debut!

Here's a few pictures of my expanding belly. I'll save you the nightmare of a bare belly and keep it covered for public viewing!

This was 9/15 at approximately 27 1/2 weeks.

and this is today at approximately 30 1/2 wks.

Side by side comparison. Not much change so far, just a lot of fluff!

can't stand the cuteness

2010-09-08T13:05:00.003-05:00

I wasn't going to get caught up in the ridiculousness of buying cutesy novelty stuff for a girl that's gonna grow like a weed....but I'm afraid my daughter is going to need a pair of these...or two...

Double Digits

2010-09-03T14:09:00.003-05:00

99.....that's how many days until my due date! I never thought it would get here. It's odd. At first we were counting how many days we'd been pregnant. 5w4d, 8w2d...14w2d was 100 days of being pregnant. Now here we are at 99 days left until we get to meet her and we've started counting down. What a strange turn of events. 26 weeks tomorrow. I feel like my belly actually looks pregnant instead of just fat, so maybe I'll start some belly pics even though most of you see me frequently....

99...wow...

Catch up

2010-09-01T10:02:00.004-05:00

I had great intentions of blog journaling throughout this pregnancy and documenting all the milestones...and that hasn't happened. I'm gonna do a little catch up and pray that now that school is back in full swing, I can update a little more these next three months!

This is our sweet baby girl! We went on July 19th for an u/s and were told that they "thought" it was a girl. We were both over the moon, but were hoping for a 100% shot so we could start planning. We were a little disappointed with the tech and by the fact that we didn't get a 3-d u/s. But, we went for our monthly doctor appt on my birthday, July 27th. Everything was going great, however, the u/s showed that my amniotic fluid was low, which was the reason they couldn't do the 3-d. He wanted to check my fluid level again and ordered another u/s.

So we went back on August 4th at 21weeks 4days and were able to see clearly that she is definitely a girl! She was moving to much to get any real clear pictures, but the tech was able to capture the one above of her face. She has her mouth wide open and was getting ready to put her hand in there. I was amazed and fascinated that she looks like a real little person. I cried and laughed and giggled at her silly movements. She would grab at her feet, then put her hands over her face, put her fingers up her nose, etc. Quite the personality already I would say!

Things have been progressing well and the time is ticking quickly. I'm beyond excited for her to get here and be able to hold her, but at the same time there is so much to do! And I'm starting to freak out about actually being competent enough to care for her.

We had our August monthly appt yesterday. All external measurements are right on. And even though I can't fit into a single pair of pants, I've only gained a little over 9 lbs. Her heart was just a beating away. I passed my 3 hr. glucose tolerance test with flying colors and my blood pressure is actually staying on the rather low side at 93/60. I haven't had any major swelling issues other than my fingers overnight, but they usually go down by mid-morning.

We're working on the nursery and I am hoping to have it all ready to go by the October Bunco date to show off! We decided on the bed set we already had from Vicki that is Osh Kosh Patchwork Stars. It's cute, country, and rustic. I think it will be fabulous. I have a picture in my head, but never execute the look the way I envision! We're supposed to move the rest of the furniture in the nursery tonight and will hopefully be getting the crib soon. My sisters have set a date for my shower for October 30th, and I have to admit, I'm crazy excited!

We have a name picked out, but are opting to keep it a secret. Trenton & I call her that when it's just us, and it's getting harder and harder to not "slip" in public. I fretted about names for so long, but after we saw her face, I just knew we'd found the perfect name. I can't imagine her being anything else.

I think that's the last few months in a nutshell. Month 6 starts soon, so maybe I'll be able to post a little more frequently from here on out!

Dear Baby...

2010-07-08T09:51:00.005-05:00

Dear Baby,

Will you ever know just how much you are wanted? I'm feeling quite sentimental this morning. Reflecting on the long road we have traveled waiting for you to come into our lives. I know we still have several months before we meet, but I wonder if we'll ever be able to show you just how loved and wanted you are? So many prayers have been sent to God for you, so many tears cried, and dreams dreamed. Can you feel that love? Do you already know how badly we long to hold you in our arms? Oh, the dreams I have for you. To be happy and healthy. To be generous and giving. To have a tender heart like your mom and a know no stranger personality like your dad. To know the meaning of hard work and earning what you have. In a little over a week, we will know if you are coming to us as a beautiful little girl or a handsome little boy. Several people have asked us which we'd prefer. I just want you to know right now, that either way, you will be perfect to us. Boy or girl, we don't care, as long as you are ours in a few more months. With 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. Stay snugged in tight and keep growing for now sweet baby and we'll keep praying for you out here!

Dear Baby,

Although I cannot see you,

I still know you are there.

You are warm and snug inside me,

and require gentle care.

Although I cannot hold you,

or give you a hug goodnight.

I feel you move inside me

and know that you are alright.

Although I cannot kiss you,

or show you how I feel.

I know you share my feelings

and that our bond is real.

.....you are with me all the time

and always on my mind.

Already I have fallen in love

with my precious gift from up above.

I hear it only gets worse...???

2010-07-01T12:40:00.002-05:00

So this whole "pregnancy brain" thing. I always that it was somewhat of a "myth". Until, I forgot to make my husband's truck payment, I went to work with 2 non-matching flip flops, and several other crazy things that have come out of my mouth. For instance, on Saturday, we decided to lay down for a bit and rest. I had already fallen asleep on the couch for a few minutes, so we just moved in to the bed. Trenton was watching the soccer game and I was slipping into nap time. I was only half listening to the announcer on TV and in my defense still kinda in that sleep state. I swear the announcer said, "if this team wants to win, they're really going to need testicle keepers"......

Now what they really said, was " if this team wants to win, they're really going to need to test the goal keeper". I sat up in bed and asked Trenton if I heard what I thought I did. Of course, he bust into hysterical laughter and has been teasing me about "testicle keepers" every since.

They tell me this whole fuzzy brained thinking gets worse? If that's true, I'm not sure what kinda shape I'll be in come December.

16 week appt

2010-06-30T15:04:00.002-05:00

Kinda of a repeat from FB. But I wanted to jot down the info from today's appt for journaling purposes!

We had our June appt today. HB 150. My blood pressure is excellent and I only gained a pound since last month, which I contribute to the heavy pants I have on instead of the capris I wore last month. I will be discontinuing the glucophage that we were taking, but have a dietary consult to follow a diabetic diet. He feels more comfortable taking a natural approach to the insulin issues instead of continuing the meds at this point. He's not labeling me with gestational diabetes, but said I am at a higher risk because of my need for the glucophage prior to getting pregnant. I'll do bi-weekly blood sugar checks and hopefully keep things in check from there. If the diet isn't regulating it enough, we'll turn to insulin shots. In all honesty, it's going to be hard work, but I would much rather be a little stricter about what I'm eating and balancing my diet than I would give myself shots everyday :( boo! I'm grateful though that my cravings so far have been for whole foods & fruits/veggies. Carbs have already been a total turn off for me, so I feel like we've altered our diet already because of that. I'm not at the point where I have to totally go all out hard core, but prevention is the key!

We will go JULY 19th for our gender scan!!!!! I'm so excited! That's only a little under 3 weeks away! I had hoped to wait until my bday on July 27th for the gender scan just because I thought that would make it extra special, but he wants to see us in office that week and wants the u/s done earlier than that. So, aww shucks, we have to find out sooner! I just hate that! I know these next few weeks will drag on because we're looking forward to it so much.

I have moments of panic about actually having a baby and bringing it home. I think I just got to the mindset that I wasn't really sure we would ever actually get to that stage. We were very confident in our decision to start a family, but after having so much trouble, you put the family thought to the back burner and your primary concern becomes just getting to that positive test and making it stick then the rest will come later. I feel like the later might actually happen for us now...and oh boy, is it scary! And exciting. And breath-taking to think that in less than six months, our little family of 2 will be a family of 3 and all those dreams I've dreamed about holding a chubby cheeked little one in my arms, won't just be of holding other people's babies. I've always dreamed of nursery themes and baby names, but having a little person inside that will actually get to have that name, or sleep in that crib, or snuggle in that blanket changes everything. It's so amazing when you realize that your dreams are actually becoming your reality....and you know it's going to change your whole life forever....

A little late...but still

2010-06-09T13:11:00.008-05:00

Trenton & I have been keeping a very big secret until recently. We found out on Easter Sunday that we were expecting. I asked God for a sign that day that things would be ok...15 minutes later, this was in the sky...

So we waited...and waited...and had blood drawn and more blood. And finally at 6W3D we were able to see this...

We had a fabulous u/s tech, who zoomed in for a heartbeat right away and found one beating at a perfect 111. We were measuring at 6W1D- so right on target for the most part. I was so surprised that she let us see the screen right away because usually they do their thing first, but she said as bad as I was shaking she could tell we were very NERVOUS and wanted to put us at ease. I burst into tears at the sound of that beautiful noise and didn't stop crying the whole time!

At this point, we were having none of the problems we had previously had. The u/s looked great and the doctor made an appt for a little over 5 weeks later. May 29th felt like it would NEVER get here. I was so nervous and anxious I seriously thought I was going to lose my mind. In the meantime, between driving my husband crazy over every single little twinge and pull, I started to have morning sickness...and afternoon sickness...and evening sickness. Not horribly bad, but enough where I was definitely ill 3/4 of the time. As the school year was wrapping up, my brain had completely shut down. Laundry and cooking dinner were replaced by 2-3 hour naps and this gal was in bed by 8-9 pm. I had never experienced any of this with the other pregnancies, so we were hoping this was a positive sign. To try and explain the emotions that we went through in those 5 weeks, would be impossible. I have never prayed so hard in my entire life. Mostly, we just prayed for God's will and for us to be at peace no matter the outcome. We wanted to shout it from the rooftops, but at the same time, we were so apprehensive that something would go wrong, we just couldn't say anything.

May 29th finally arrived. I went fairly confident into this u/s. Why I'm not sure, but I just felt like things were going to be ok. And this is what we saw...

A baby...a real life baby with a HB of 157 and 10 fingers and 10 toes and absolutely amazing. He/she was not a fan of the doppler and kept doing flips and what not to get away from the sound the tech said. It was the most astounding sight I've ever seen....

We decided to wait until after Kayla's graduation to make our announcement to my side, which was on Sunday. On Friday night, we told his mom and told his dad on Saturday morning. I broke down and told Jamie and Kayla on Saturday morning over muffins and coffee after a girls' morning at Farmer's Market. Kayla said it was silly for us to wait and to go ahead and share. We still thought we should hold off until after her party Saturday night. After the party was cleaned up, we all went back to mom and David's and we broke the news then. It's kinda just spread by word of mouth and of course, Facebook. We're crazy excited and hope that come December 11th...or close to it, we'll be holding Baby T in our arms!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-04-26T09:53:00.003-05:00

I love this pic! They are two of the best parents anyone could ask for! They celebrated 12 years together yesterday. I'm a bad daughter and forgot to wish them Happy Anniversary until they reminded me...but in all fairness, I had remembered, just ask Trenton. I had just forgotten to tell them in the chaos of the funeral.

Today....

2010-04-22T08:27:00.003-05:00

I'm sad. I have a lot to be celebrating right now. I really do. Spring is alive all around us and the darkness of winter has passed leaving bright colors, crisp air, and beautiful babies everywhere. But I'm sad because today, I should be celebrating a 1st birthday. One year ago today is the day that our baby from the very first pregnancy should have been born. We have milestones from the other two miscarriages that I remember, but none hit me like this day has the last 2 years. I don't know if it's because we saw a heartbeat with this little one or if it's just that it was the first so I was naive and had already began dreaming of the life this little one would lead. With the 2nd and 3rd, we were so jaded that we didn't even let ourselves be excited or dream. I know we will be celebrating again soon. Believe me, I know! But for today, I'm going to be a little sad.

Also, please keep my Papa John in your prayers. I just got word this morning that my Grandma Maridee passed away in her sleep last night. I say Papa & Grandma, but they are technically my aunt and uncle. Papa John is my dad's brother, but because of the age difference in my parents most of my aunts and uncles are more grandparent age. Papa John just recently found out he has cancer and I'm afraid this will be too much for him to handle. They were such a big part of my childhood and it's hard too accept that one of them is gone and the other one is very ill.They lived over the hill from us and I fondly remember several days & evenings spent at their house. Of 12 children in my dad's family, only 2 aunts and 2 uncles remain. Sometimes, I feel like my link to my dad is slowly dying and fading away. I know I have cousins to help relive memories, but again they are all older and have different memories than I do, because by the time I was born, they were all grown with children of their own.

Sorry to be such a downer today.....on the plus side, it's Earth Day and we're picking up trash today....yippee!!!

Puppies

2010-04-12T09:03:00.003-05:00

This post is for Jenn. Just wanted to show that they don't look like little rats anymore. I think they are quite adorable! I've become quite smitten with the little punks. They're probably the most feisty bunch we've had yet. They've got attitude!

A beautiful picture

2010-04-12T08:23:00.002-05:00

I took this pic last weekend but couldn't get it to post. Nothing says spring like a quick rain and a rainbow to follow....absolutely gorgeous!

Spring is Here!

2010-04-04T18:39:00.000-05:00

Beautiful! I'm so happy spring is here and our LORD is RISEN!!!!

Look what we've got

2010-03-12T15:27:00.003-06:00

Look what arrived at our house sometime between last night and this morning! I haven't got to see them yet, but I'm excited to bust outta this place and go snuggle some puppies. There are 3. Apparently, there were 4 but one little guy didn't make it :(

Reflexology

2010-03-12T10:48:00.002-06:00

I have had an excruiating headache everyday, all day, for the last 2 weeks straight. It started 2 days before I got the brace off on the right side of my neck and extends up the right side of my head. It's gotten bad enough that at times, I have blurred vision in that right eye. I asked the doctor about it the day I got the brace off and he said it would probably go away. Or not. After no relief, regardless of the medicinal treatment....I made an appt with a reflexologist here in Memphis on a recommendation from Rhonda.

Now, I'm all about a good massage. Sign me up any day. But I was a little leery of the actual benefits of reflexology. Let me tell you, after my hour appt with the wonderful Mennonite lady yesterday...I'm a believer. I don't really care if you tell me the whole pressure point/total body connection is all in my head or not. I went in with a headache, and left without one. I haven't had one since, knock on wood. Now my neck is sore from the deep tissue massage part, but I'll take sore over blinding pain ANY DAY!! First, it was better, like 10 times better, than any massage I've ever had. And second, it was only 25 bucks! Seriously. Walked in a 8:59 and out at 10:06. Spent 5 minutes filling out some paperwork and the rest of the time seriously working out some major muscular issues. I'm going back next Tuesday for a follow-up and may become a regular. It sure beats the prescription headache meds and sleepless nights. I slept like a baby last night!

Thoughts? Feelings? Anyone else ever have it done before? Any one tried the herbal remedies or anything other than tylenol, chiro, etc route...?

Check it out....

2010-03-05T17:38:00.002-06:00

So after some discussion.....my Hubs has decided to keep track of his various adventures (farming, hunting, selling seed, etc) at his new blog: While on the farm.

I realize it's probably not most of ya'lls cup of tea, but stop in if you get a chance and give him a warm welcome!

Pure Bliss...in a Mason Jar

2010-03-04T07:57:00.003-06:00

So I've been on a quest to make the Burger King Mocha Joe's at home for quite sometime now. I didn't want them to be quite so sweet, but also didn't want the hassle of dragging my blender out every morning. We drink decaf coffee (by we, I mean mostly Trenton and occassionally, myself). We probably only make coffee once a week. I love me a good iced mocha frap though....and guess what I stumbled upon yesterday??? The world's easiest recipe. In a mason jar, nonetheless!

Here's the recipe:

Mocha Frap in a Mason Jar-
Noshings @ Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients
•¾ cups Brewed Strong Coffee, Room Temperature
•¾ cups Milk
•1 package Sweetener, A Single Serve Packet, Your Choice
•2 Tablespoons Chocolate Syrup
•2 Tablespoons Liquid Coffee Creamer, Your Flavor Of Choice
•3 whole Ice Cubes
Preparation Instructions
In a 16 oz. Mason jar, put all your ingredients followed with the ice cubes. Put the lid and ring on and shake, shake, shake!

Taste it. Does it need a little more sweetener?
I don’t like mine horribly sweet, so I stick with one packet of Splenda. The creamer and chocolate syrup add the rest of the sugar to sweeten.

As for the creamer, I used Coffeemate Italian Sweet Cream. It’s nondescript, sweet and creamy and lets the coffee and chocolate shine through.
But, if you like hazelnut or coconut cream, go for it!

At this point, you can drink it right out of the jar or pour it over crushed ice and top with whipped cream and drizzle more chocolate for an authentic coffee house experience.

--------------------------

Here's what I changed: I did not add sweetner. I thought the chocolate syrup would be enough. It was for me. I did add a little extra syrup. I add a few more ice cubes because I wasn't going to be able to pour it over crushed ice. I used Coffee-Mate Peppermint Mocha for my liquid creamer. Shake, rattle, and you're ready to drink. I took the lid off, stuck in a straw, and managed to not spill a drop on the way to work! Delicious! Next time, I'm going to purposefully make my coffee a little stronger. I just used what was leftover from yesterday.

Hope someone out there loves this cheap version as much as I did!

Getting the Happy Back

2010-03-02T11:53:00.002-06:00

I went to the women's conference at LCC on Saturday. I originally thought I wanted to go, but then wavered. Janice emailed me and asked if I would take pictures. I agreed, but then came down with this stupid cold. Amee, Sarah, & Mandie decided to go shopping and I really wanted to go. I was a bit resentful that I was committed to the Women's conference. I woke up Saturday morning with a fever, sore throat, and stuffy nose. I almost cancelled. But then, I started feeling ok, and figured I better go and not back out on picture taking....and let me tell you........

IT WAS WORTH IT!

I'll have to explain more in another post. But seriously, it was a blessing and I definitely know it was God's handiwork that led me there that day even though I was hesitant. I was exactly where I needed to be, hearing exactly what I needed to be hearing.

Reluctant Journey

2010-02-24T11:33:00.003-06:00

I was reading an infertility blog a bit ago and she was talking about how infertility had become her way of ministering to others. Which is what I feel I've been called to do. But then she said something that struck something deep inside. She said, " I do not want that to be my ministry." Exactly. I'm just being real. It's selfish, I know. But I don't want to be on this journey. For a moment, I thought I don't want the experiences I have had on this journey. The pain, physical and mental. The anxiety that comes with a positive test now. The heartache I see each month in my husband's eyes. The bitterness that sometimes creeps in. I just want a baby. I'm saddened by my husband's fading faith. I wish God didn't trust us so much. I wish He didn't feel like we were a couple who could handle this. But then, I thought. How would I have been able to feel the compassion I feel for someone who is struggling through the same thing without walking in their shoes? Would I rather this was happening to a friend than to me? Of course not. Would I really want to trade the way my faith has grown on this journey? Would I trade the way I can see inside my husband's heart through his eyes because I've seen the joy, pain, heartache, frustration, anger there over the past 2 1/2 years. Not on your life. I guess the best way to end this is just to ask that you all pray for us as we're on this reluctant journey. Pray for our hearts, our bodies, our minds, and help us to see what God has planned in the bigger picture for us and pray that someday we'll get that take home baby we so very much dream of.

Where is the sun?

2010-02-11T16:09:00.003-06:00

Seriously, could it be any colder? Don't answer that, I don't even want to know. Where is the sun? I need the snow to be melted b/c I'm tired of worrying about slipping and falling. I'm tired of my stupid socks getting wet walking in to the car. It annoys me to no end to have the bottoms of my pants legs wet from snow. Could I wear snow boots, yes, but I'm over that. I'm ready for flip flops and capris.

In other news, we (I) go back to the doctor on the 25th for a follow-up and will hopefully be removing this dreadful brace then. At the last appt, everything appeared to be healing fine. I was still having pain, numbness, heaviness in my left arm, but that too, has markedly improved since last week. Hopefully, in two weeks time the only thing I'll have left to heal is the lovely scar on my head! I'm ready to be back to normal. Back to driving, for sure. It stinks to have a brand new vehicle and have to either watch it sit in the drive or always be the passenger. CAN'T WAIT to drive that thing!!

I'm excited for Valentine's day. We bought tickets to the Whitetail's Banquet on the 13th so we will be celebrating a day early by attending that. On Sunday, I will be cooking at home, which has been our tradition for the past 5 years. I'm not sure what I will make yet. Last year, it was prime rib. The year before was seafood fettucine. Hmmm.....suggestions?? We're going to wait to go out and celebrate on the 25th on the way home from Columbia. We received an very generous Christmas gift of a GC to the Pear Tree. We've been dying to use it, but I refused to go with this dumb brace on because I don't have 1/2 the appetite as usual b/c I spend so much time fighting the brace. HA! I want to be in prime condition for the Pear Tree. Plus, after 8 weeks in the stinkin' thing, I think I've earned a celebration dinner for surviving! LOL! :) We're planning a weekend getaway in March for 2. Not so much for Valentine's Day, but I want to take my hubs somewhere to show him how much I appreciate EVERYTHING he's done for me since the accident. That man has showered me, dressed me, lifted, tugged, cooked, cleaned, chaffeured, among many, many other things. So in appreciation of that, we will be spending the weekend exploring the John Deere Pavillon/Commons in Moline, IL. It's a place we've talked about going a 100 times and I know he is dying to go. So, please spring, could you hurry so we can enjoy a nice sunny weekend away soon???

What do you do with???

2010-01-21T15:55:00.002-06:00

Two post in two days...wow! So question for those of you reading...what do you do with the Christmas card pictures that you get from people? Most "cards" I just toss (ok, actually, I stack them up and move them around for a few months b/c I have packrat issues before I finally get fed up and throw them away). But obviously, I don't want to throw away these pictures. What creative things do you do with them? Do I get an album? Last year...I adorned the frig with them, but that just doesn't work for me b/c they kept falling down, they rolled up from the heat vent, etc. So I need ideas???

What's in a name??

2010-01-20T13:47:00.003-06:00

So, I'm hoping to make a comeback from my recent blogger hiatus. I mean I do have a lot of time on my hands as of late...

I'm on the road to recovery. For those of you (all 2 readers that I might still have) that don't know, I was in a rollover accident on December 30th outside of Glenwood. My sister, Kayla, was with me. I was driving, road was slick, brakes locked up. I failed stunt driving 101, which resulted in a totaled Trailblazer and a very intense ambulance ride for Kate and I to the local hospital. I was transferred to University of Missouri by ambulance. End result: Kayla with 3 stitches in her hand, and me on a backboard for 9 awesome hours. 2 days later I left the hospital in a love/hate relationship with a back/neck brace b/c I have a compression fracture at the T3 vertebrae and a fracture of the C6 vertebrae. As of now, the brace is an adornment until the end of February.

Since my release, I've been catching up on Regis & Kelly, Ellen, & The View. Not too mention, all of the ABC Soaps. Which might sound super appealing, but it's getting a little old, real quick. I'm off work until we get some more concrete answers on the healing process and the recovery. Trenton finally went back to work today. He's been such a blessing to me these past 3 weeks. I know it hasn't been easy on him to have to wait on me hand and foot. But I'm grateful that he loves me and I have him in my life. We've been abundantly blessed by an outpouring of love from our family, friends, and neighbors. I haven't had to cook once since coming home due to a fully stocked freezer of delicious meals. Andrea & Jenn graciously came out and did laundry, dishes, and a little cleaning to make my arrival back home that much easier. What a joy to be surrounded by so many wonderful people!

I'm not gonna lie...there was a brief time right after the accident that I was scared to death. I knew we were both going to be ok. Looking at the vehicle, we came out VERY lucky. But there is just something about seeing your baby sister, hurting and covered in blood, that makes your heart stop, knowing it was at your hands. But we both obviously had someone looking out for us.

So as I was laying awake not sleeping last night...I was thinking about my poor abandoned blog. Can I just be real for a minute? It's hard to write on a blog named Lucky Like Us, when I've been feeling, well... not so lucky.I really do think that Trenton & I have had our share of bad luck. I mean seriously, 2009, or 2008 now that I think about it, just haven't been our years. In the course of that time, we've been through 3 miscarriages, this accident, an impromptu emergency surgery, need I go on? So in the dark of night, I pondered changing the name. I considered the following:

1. UNlucky Like Us
2. Crappy Things that Happen to Mostly Good People
3. What Happens When You Get On Karma's Bad Side
4. Easy (insert disclaimer about easy) Ways to Meet Your Insurance Deductible
5. TV Reviews from the Housebound Girl with One Channel...

While these were my top 5, I just kept coming back to why I named the blog this way originally. Mostly it was because I was a newlywed with stars in my eyes and thought that life was just going to fall into place. While I was wrong, I also stole the name from the lyrics of one of the songs we had played at the wedding.

Here's the song....

Some People

Isn't it a gamble
Layin' your heart out on the floor
Nothin' short of a miracle
When you find the one you're looking for
It's another kind of trouble trying to hang on to who you are
When all you wanna do is lose yourself in someone else's arms
Isn't it a wonder (that) we got this far

Some people aren't lucky like us
Some people they just give up
When the hard times fall
The thrill of it all is gone
Leaves you in a cloud of dust
It's sad to think that some won't find it
And others won't recognize it even when it comes
We're all at the mercy of the will of love
Some people yeah
Some people aren't lucky like us

Two lonely souls that just stumbled into fate
Look how much we've been given babe
In spite of all of our mistakes
And I will never forget I've been blessed with the gift of lovin' you
And when the going aint easy babe
A little faith will pull us through
Thank God we have each other we can hang onto

Bridge
To have someone you can laugh with
Someone you can cry with
Tell all your secrets to
To have someone who won't judge you
Someone who just loves you
No matter what, they stand beside you

Some people aren't lucky like us
Some people they just give up
When the hard times fall
The thrill of it all is gone
Leaves you in a cloud of dust
It's sad to think that some won't find it
And others won't recognize it even when it comes
We're all at the mercy of the will of love
Some people yeah
Some people aren't lucky like us

So, upon further reflection, while I still like option #2, I think I'll keep the name for now. While we've definitely had our fair share of, let's be honest, crap. We've also been extremely blessed. We were presented to move to the country, to an amazing house, Trenton found a job that has given him the freedom to be home with me during Christmas and now after the accident without the worry about jeopardizing his job. I've been blessed with amazing co-workers who have picked up the slack for me in my absences even though they have full plates of their own. I have wonderful bosses who are more worried about my health than the work that is stacking up on my desk. Although, the accident was bad, we both walked away without serious life threatening or life altering injuries. We'll heal and still have full lives to live. And although, we've lost several beautiful children in the past year and a half, we've also gained a beautiful neice and nephew, who are growing into fascinating little people right before our eyes. I have an amazing husband. I never in my life dreamed that the love I felt for him in those first few months could and would multiply a million time over in the years that have followed. He's strong, brave, caring, and much more. And he's been standing by my side throught it all.....how's that for lucky?

On the TTC homefront ("trying")...obviously, we're on a bit of an indefinite break right now. While there are a multitude of emotions I've been through coming to terms with that, ranging from bitterness and anger to just sadness, I'm relatively at peace with it for now. I'll be honest, it's increasingly harder to see others starting their families and expanding their families while we're still stuck in the time warp of being childless. But we still believe it will happen for us. We're trying to stay positive, which is hard. I've made a decision to try to open up a little bit more here on the blog about what we're going through and where we're at in the process. There are a couple of reasons for this. #1 being that you never know who will stumble upon your blog on any given day. I've searched and read a number of blogs of people who are dealing/have dealt with infertility. They've been extremely helpful and comforting, giving me hope to carry on. In the off chance, that maybe one person might just read my words and feel some small chance of hope in the dark world of infertility, I think I can be real and honest about our struggle. #2 reason- I feel like we've been so secretive about what's going on with our journey, that people have started to feel like they have to walk on eggshells around us and I don't want that. I don't want anyone to feel like they can't share their joy with us about their pregnancies and children. Sometimes, it hurts. Most times, we cry. But we also share in your happiness. Children are a blessing, no matter what. And someday, we'll fully understand what it's like to be a part of that lifelong joy.

So.....while I'd love to entertain you more with my rambling and random thoughts...I'm tired and my butt is numb. And I promised my husband I'd do some laundry while he was gone today. So far, mission unaccomplished.

Coming Soon....

2009-10-28T10:51:00.003-05:00

House pictures...I promise. Several of you have been asking and I've located the camera, so as soon as I catch a free minute, I'll post some pictures. Promise!

On a positive note, we're in, we're living, and we're chaotic...but we're getting there. Kitchen and bedroom are almost all unpacked. Trenton has all four toilets and showers up and running. We've not *fingers crossed* seen any live mice for a couple weeks (or none my husband has mentioned to me anyway). I baked my first cake in the new kitchen yesterday and actually had room to move around. Mom helped me get the bedroom "mom" cleaned on Monday night and I've slept great the last two nights. We hung a few pictures yesterday and I'm already dreaming of Christmas.

NOW...I feel like I need to express how extremely grateful and thankful I am that God provided us with our little house 2 years ago. As a newly married couple, being able to move into "our" own home was absolutely memorable. I know most people would jump at the idea of moving to a house that has 4 times the space we had in our little house, but I loved our little house with all my heart. I cried several nights while trying to decide if I really wanted to leave it. Sure having to push the kitchen table out of the way to open the fridge was a pain. Not having a single closet in the house caused many moments of anxiety when looking for a certain item of clothing because there was no space for dressers. Having no cabinet space or room to move when trying to roll out pie crust caused me much distress. BUT that little house was where we first made our home as husband and wife. That little bitty spare bedroom was where I dreamed of decorating a nursery and bringing our baby home last year. That cramped living room with the drafty windows is where I sulked all winter because I felt abadoned by God. The tiny bedroom that was always lit up because the pole light shone right in the window ALL night long, was where my husband held me as I sobbed after our loss. BUT that little cramped kitchen is also where we danced to the radio. That same living room is where we snuggled on the couch and laughed while watching the puppies wiggle around on the floor. The basement that flooded and ruined our furnace and water heater is where I think we first realized that well, sometimes life just stinks.

And while I'm extremely happy to have enough room to play indoor football and space to actually have friends over to visit without the CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome).....I thank God for our little house that was filled with love, happiness, sadness, determination, joy, life, death, tears, smiles, and laughter. It was a blessing in many ways to us and our marriage.

By Your Side

2009-10-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

The strangest thing has been happening to me lately. Each night when I pray, the same song pops into my head, but only the chorus. I sing myself to sleep silently repeating the chorus over and over hoping that I'll be able to remember it in the morning. I'm sure most of you know the one thing that is always in my prayers, each and every night. Each night, I pray for our babies that we will never hold in our arms here on Earth and I pray that God will bless us with ones we can hold soon. These words have comforted me every night, through my tears, for about the last month. Well, apparently while I'm drifting away, someone erases those words from my memory, because every morning, I think and think and hum and hum, but can never remember them. Now, Oh Happy Day can get stuck in my head for a week at a time, but the words to a song I actually WANT to remember....GONE! Every morning, the minute I get in the car, I turn on Spirit FM, hoping I'll hear the song and it will jog my memory. No such luck. Until today....

I don't know if this song is God's way of comforting me and reminding me that He still loves Trenton & I even though thing have been so hard and difficult this past year. Or if it's His way of trying to tell me to just keep praying and believing. I'm not sure. But in case I forget these again....I'm bloggin' em' down....

BY YOUR SIDE
JAMIE SLOCUM

And I know there’s a plan for you
Your life has a purpose
There’s hope beyond your broken road
Jesus set a place for you
At the front of the table with the weary and the wounded
And He’s showing the way, the truth,
the life for every day
So when you lose your way

CHORUS:
Don’t give up, don’t give in
This is a race that you can win
Every time you get passed by
There is a reason why
God loves and believes in you
He knows the pain that you’re going
through
He’s with you every step of the way
And He’s by your side

When your life comes crashing in
You’re a ship without a sail
Everything you’ve tried has failed you
Never thought you’d feel so sad
It’s a nightmare without end
It's getting harder to defend it
God will send his heavenly host to fight
for you and help you walk on through it

CHORUS:
Don’t give up, don’t give in
This is a race that you can win
Every time you get passed by
There is a reason why
God loves and believes in you
He knows the pain that you’re going
through
He’s with you every step of the way
And He’s by your side

By your side every day every night

CHORUS:
Don’t give up, don’t give in
This is a race that you can win
Every time you get passed by
And you’ve lost your way

CHORUS:
Don’t give up, don’t give in
This is a race that you can win
Every time you get passed by
There is a reason why
God loves and believes in you
He knows the pain that you’re going
through
He’s with you every step of the way

REPEAT CHORUS

Don’t give up, don’t give in
This is a race that you can win
Every time you get passed by
There is a reason why
God loves and believes in you
He knows the pain that you’re going
through
He's with you every step of the way
And He’s by your side

I need your help Ladies- Decorating Question

2009-10-08T12:05:00.005-05:00

Ok...I've been looking at different bedroom sets for several months now. I can't make up my mind on a color scheme. Now that I know we're going to be allowed to paint at the new house, I'm trying to decide. Here are my top color schemes: Chocolate/aqua or chocolate/green...or any other suggestions???

Here are the bedroom sets I've found at JCPenney's that I like....BUT I CANNOT pick a favorite. Trenton doesn't like any of them in particular b/c he would prefer our bedroom be decorated like a tomb with like hunter green, navy, black, or something along those lines...not happening. Please give me your opinions. I can only attach some of the pictures...check out the links for the others.

#1) Tranquil Flowers: Blue, Green or Cream

#2) Tobiana: Blue or Green

#3) Sakura:Blue

#4) Laila:Green

or #5) Regatta from Ebay in blue or green

Hebrew 11:1

2009-09-17T14:02:00.003-05:00

It's my 100th post. I wanted to celebrate, but I can't. But I do want to remember it by leaving this verse as a reminder that life will go on and to just keep having faith that GOD has a plan.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and being certain of what we do not see.

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Whoa...life turned upside down

2009-08-26T21:13:00.002-05:00

Life is....exhausting right now. I'm not sure how those of you with school-aged kids ever get back into a routine, b/c this girl is worn out.

Summer went by WAY to quickly. Started back to work in August and it's been a constant up-hill battle every since. I, however, have started planninng our meals and only using what we have here at the house. I'm proud to say in the last two weeks, the only thing I've bought is eggs and milk. Now, tonight we cheated and had Buddy's b/c we were out at the farm, but other than that it's been freezer, pantry, and garden cooking for us. Which has saved us a lot of money, but also a lot of stress. Trenton is working from home now, which is also nice b/c he can help with laundry, dishes, etc. If I get off work late, he can preheat the oven and stick whatever I have ready in the oven. Also, I've been making sure all the dishes are washed or put in the dishwasher before we got to bed. This makes prep work in the morning easier, and I feel less guilty about how late I've had to work these past few weeks.

At school.......where to start! It's getting easier and harder at the same time. Yesterday, I only left my office, other than just stepping across to the main office, once. That was to pee on my way out the door to go home at 6:00. Things are getting crossed off my list and I've been extremely productive. BUT my door is like a revolving door and more stuff gets added to the list every DAY! We've had 10 new special ed kids enroll this year. Many just showing up on our doorstep wanting to start that day. I hate putting more kids on the teachers, but it's just part of it I guess. I've got a lot better grasp on how things work this year and have a TON of ideas for next summer to make my back to school transition go smoother.

My husband is working extremely hard to get his business up and running. They should be starting the dirt work for the building tomorrow. He picked up his weigh wagon in Chillicothe today. He has a meet & greet with customers on Friday. He's really found his niche with this position I think, and I couldn't be prouder of him! I know it's going to be stressful on us as a couple, but I think we'll make a great team!

We're going to be able to move after September 16th. My goal is to start packing this weekend and be all moved by the end of September and have our house ready to rent out Oct. 1st. That's my plan...we'll see what God has in store.

Miss Myra, my neice, turns 1 on Sept. 15th. I can't believe it's been almost a year! I can't imagine life without her. She just makes my life complete and she's not even mine! She's hilarious, sassy, adorable, and just a joy! She changes everytime I see her. She is absolutely my most favorite kid in the whole world!!

Other than that, all is quiet on the home front.

What a fabulous giveaway!!

2009-08-05T15:43:00.002-05:00

Head on over to Amy Honestly and check out her great giveaway for a Longaberger breast cancer awareness basket! It's fantastic and looks beautiful!

WINNER!!!

2009-07-06T13:59:00.003-05:00

Look what I won!!!! Thanks to Amy for the wonderful giveaway and to Bree for pointing me in Amy's direction! I'll be anxiously awaiting my prize!!

Prayer Request Please

2009-07-03T11:04:00.003-05:00

I do not know this family or this girl, but I read about her story on another blog I follow regularly and felt the need to seek out your help. I know the power of prayer is strong and I really feel like this little girl can use all the prayers we can possibly send up for her right now. Her name is Kate. On Monday, her mom took her to the doctor for hand tremors she was having. They are now facing a very aggressive and malignant brain tumor the size of an egg that is wrapped around the blood vessels that feed the motor part of your brain. She is having surgery today to remove part of the tumor and to find out what treatment options are best. Please, please, please pray for this beautiful child and her family. I know we're strangers to them, but we are not to God.

Please visit their site at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Super Excited

2009-07-01T11:39:00.002-05:00

We signed the paperwork for our land today, so it's official. We now own it. The pond is fully stocked and it's OURS!!!! Trenton will hopefully be able to start building his warehouse later this fall and get started on that. We have some other projects in the works that I'm equally excited about and really thankful for them. I feel like God has definitely blessed us lately and continues to always provide for us in ways we could never have seen. I'm ready for this next chapter in our lives and hope other things we've been waiting for are soon to follow. One step at a time!

I'm ready for the 4th this weekend. It will be a busy few days, but it sounds like beautiful weather and I love visiting with family and friends. Lerin is coming in from Colorado today and will be here for quite a few days. Butch and Lisa will be having their celebration on Friday, we'll go to the golf course on Saturday afternoon and evening. Then on Sunday, we'll go to Gma Tallman's for fireworks and ice cream that evening. All in all, very busy, but filled with lots of family time!

So far, so good on the FlyLady stuff. I'm not hitting it super hard, but for the last 4 days, I've made my bed first thing, cleaned the bathroom toilet and sink daily, and kept my kitchen sink empty of dirty dishes and shiny! It's a small start, but it's more than what I was doing. Now to start on the clutter! I'm hoping small changes now, will make it easier in a few months when the big changes start to happen around here and school is back in session!

Where to start??

2009-06-27T14:53:00.002-05:00

I'm not in love with the fact that it feels like summer is flying by. Seriously, 4th of July next week...that means the rest of summer will fly by and it will be back to school time soon :(

I've been going in a few days a week and working in my office. I wasn't very productive while summer school was going on because there were always people in and out of my office, but now that there are less people there, I can get quite a bit done. Trenton & I now have internet at home for his new job, but hopefully, I'll be able to work some from home as well.

I'm currently sitting on the couch listening to my husband talk to the ATT IT guy on speakerphone and cracking up. Trenton is usually a pretty patient person (seriously, he DID marry me!) but I have a feeling this guy is getting on his last nerve. Poor guy!

This heat has seriously been limiting our activities. Trenton was gone to training Monday night through Wednesday night. I stayed out at my parents on Tuesday b/c I'm a big scaredy cat and didn't want to stay home during the storm. Wednesday night we had a date night and went to see Transformers 2. Trenton has been counting down the days sine last summer. He's also super excited for Ice Age 3! Thursday night we went to watch Colby and Emma's ballgames...boy was it hot! I feel for those kids out there in their uniforms! Thankfully, the storm blew in a cooled things off a bit, but went around us and skipped the rain! Last night, we went to Bloomfield so I could show the church ladies group how to play Bunco. It was a hoot. Trenton & I stopped at Pizza Hut for a quick bite, got some chocolate dessert sticks to go and headed out to James & Amee's for cards. AND........Amee and I actually won for a change. The boys decided we needed to play 4 point pitch...which is an annoying game to me and I'm not even sure how to play it, but we ended up winning that too! Bout time!

Tonight, Trenton and I are going to take Kayla to dinner and go see The Proposal. Mom had to take Nana back to Columbia today b/c she fell last night at the nursing home. It's been so hard having her in the nursing home. It's stupid, but I have an extreme phobia of nursing homes, so I haven't been able to go visit her. It's hard to see her so frail. I'm really sad that she had another stroke b/c she had made so much progress in getting her independence back after the first one. Hopefully though, she'll progress quickly and be back home in no time!

Other than that, nothing exciting on the home front here. Trying to clean and get the house organized. My main summer goal is to de-clutter our house. I know some of you thought Fly Lady was annoying, but I'm giving it another shot just to try to help with the process a little. Wish me luck!

Flip Flops and Sunburns

2009-06-05T12:29:00.004-05:00

Nothing says summer like flip flops and sunburns and I am currently sporting both. I love the relaxed atmosphere and dress required at summer school. I've been able to wear capris, sleeveless shirts and flip flops almost daily. However, even a 30 minute recess leaves me with a nice little sunburn!

Been awhile since I posted. I'll try to do a quick catch up...let's see...

My mom is having hip surgery on June 10th in Columbia.

Trenton is currently on crutches as of yesterday. He fell off the tractor/stepped down wrong and sprained his ankle terribly. They don't believe it's broken at this point, but we're waiting on the official radiology report to find out for sure. There was a possible fracture on the inside.

Went to Colby & Emma's games last night! I love watching them. I snapped a good pic of Trenton & Emma, I'll try to add at the bottom.

My great uncle on my mom's side just passed away a little bit ago after a very long battle with lung cancer. I expect we'll be traveling to the KC area soon.

Summer school is officially done for me tomorrow. Yea!! After that I only have about 4 days of my extended contract left to fulfil and then I will be on vacation until....AUGUST!!!

Jamie (my sister's) bridal shower is June 20th. Holly, Kate, and I are busy planning away. It will be at 2pm...so mark the date on your calendars family members!

My brother's wedding is June 27th...
Jamie's actually wedding is August 1st.
We have 4 weddings this summer...

I have more exciting news...Trenton & I are *almost* officially land owners! We put an offer down on 16 acres at the Hwy 63 and 202 junction on Wednesday and found out today, pending financing, we should be land owners as of July 15th!!! I'm so excited! It's where Trenton plans on building the site for his business with Pioneer. It's where we will hopefully be building our house in the next couple of years. We can move my horses there soon. It has a fully stocked pond, trees, a creek, good fences, etc. It's not very many acres I know, but it's perfect. Initially, I wasn't sold on putting the house there. But we did a walk around of the property the other night, and standing on top of the hill, I could just picture it and it actually brought me to tears. It's so amazing to see a small piece of a dream come true. I'm hoping that maybe we will be able to close a little sooner, but we'll see!

Andrea- I can't tell you how much we adore your kids! Thanks for being so willing to share them with us! We owe Colby a fishing/camping sleepover sometime...so maybe after we seal the deal on the land we can set it up!

WOWZA!!!!

2009-05-27T15:34:00.002-05:00

I'm beat. Summer school started yesterday and I am EXHAUSTED! I have 4,5,6 grades in the morning for science and social studies. Our theme is the past so we are studying Colonial America. It's wearing my brain out. Then in the afternoons, I'm subbing in 1,2,3 grades for Games of the Past. Only, with the rain, it's actually games of the present temporarily. I'm working hard to remember everyone's names...but let me tell you it's hard to remember 120 names in 2 days. Thankfully, I'm only teaching afternoons until Friday. Then next week it will be 7:30-12. I'll be finished with summer school entirely on Saturday, June 6th. I have a few days of my extended contract to finish...then it will be officially time for my SUMMER vacation to begin. I plan to spend lots of time cleaning and organizing my house. I am going to have a yard sale sometime, maybe the weekend of 4th of July, so I really need to start getting things ready for that. I think my sisters may go in with me on it.....we'll see. We're busy planning for Jamie's wedding shower and helping her with wedding stuff. Trenton & I have 3 or 4 weddings this summer, 4 I think.

It's been awhile since I blogged, so I'm not sure what to write really. I think it's time for some nyquil and a nap. I'm zonked! Last Wednesday, I ended the day with a 100+ fever and chills. Went to the dr. on Thursday and was told I had influenza. I'm still recovering now. Mostly the junk has settled in my chest and I can't breathe. I take Nyquil, but it completely knocks me out. Last night, I got home at 5, slept from 5:30-7, ate supper that Trenton made while I was sleeping, then went to bed at 9...talk about exhausted.

Andrea- I still have Colby's birthday present sitting in my living room floor. Sometime we need to catch up so I can give it to him before his next birthday.

PS= What day is Bunco on this month? Is it going to be June 16th still? I can't remember......

Picture Recap!

2009-05-12T12:39:00.003-05:00

I'm going to add a few pics from the last couple of weeks that I haven't been able to add. Enjoy!

I'm back...

2009-05-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

So thanks to my super smart co-worker and friend, Jenn, I am back to blogging and can now add pictures! I'll try to wait until 1000 Word Thursday to share my favorite pics.

Our girls' day on Saturday was interesting to say the least. Mom and Kate met me in Lancaster at about 7 am. We picked up Lucy in Bloomfield and headed off to get Holly in Eddyville. We hit a few garage sales on our way to Eddyville and got some good deals. Played with Miss Myra for a few minutes and then we were off to Pella. It was freezing when we first got to Pella, but we grabbed some coffee and soon enough if was warm and beautiful outside. We decided at about 2:00 we should start making our way to the car and head on up to Boone. We were supposed to be there by 5:00 to board the train and depart at 5:30. We needed to change clothes so we stopped at a rest area outside of Des Moines. Kate & I ran into the bathroom to change clothes, while the others stretched and waited. Got back in my Trailblazer to leave AND........NOTHING! My car was dead in the water. Lovely, 5 women at a rest stop along the interstate with no vehicle. We tried to figure out what to do. After about 20 minutes a man in a mini-coupe asked if he could help. Unfortunately, his little toy car didn't have enough juice to jump my battery. Holly happened to have some friends in Des Moines for the PBR this weekend. Her friend Meggie and husband, Ricky, went to K-mart, bought a battery for my blazer, and brought it out to us. In all that time, not ONE single person stopped and offered to help. It was kinda sad. I mean one guy parked beside us (in a SUV),saw our hood up, walked over looked under the hood, never said a word, then turned around and clicked the lock on his vehicle....like we were going to STEAL it! Finally, Ricky and Meggie arrived, but we didn't have enough tools to get the old battery out. By this time, I knew we were going to miss the train. I was so disappointed. A man in a Tahoe pulled up on the right, got out, went in to the bathroom. As he was coming back out, he kinda looked our way, then kept walking. He turned around and asked if we had things under control. Mom said "I guess, unless you have a set of sockets in that thing?". He laughed and said, "Actually, I'm a certified master automotive technician. I've got my tools in back, want some help?" THANK YOU LORD!! He had the old batter out and the new one replaced in about 10 minutes. The car started right up and we were on our way! We knew we weren't going to make it, but thought we would at least try. By this time it was 5 o'clock and we were still 40 minutes away. We arrived at the train depot and I jumped out of the car. I was too afraid to shut it off. Got to the doors and they were locked! I was ready to cry. But then the conductor of one of the other trains came out and said, " Are you the Tallman's?" I told him we were and he said," well hurry up and come with me. I 'll take you to meet the train. I just stopped it at the last possible point we can meet up." So all 6 of us piled into his Ford Explorer. They had stopped the entire train for us. When we got on, the entire car of people on the train started clapping for us. It was MAJORLY embarrassing. The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful compared to that, but we did have a fantastic time and saw some gorgeous scenery along the way.

GRRR

2009-05-07T09:10:00.000-05:00

I still can't post photos...what's the deal? Whenever I go to "New Post" it doesn't show all the little options at the top, like font, size, link, add photo, etc....where did they go???

Spirit FM

2009-05-04T12:31:00.001-05:00

I don't know how many of you listen to 90.7, but I listen every morning on my way to work and most days while I'm at work. It's one of the perks to having my own office, I can listen to whatever I want. My husband won't listen to it in the car, but I keep trying. I think if he would just listen for a day, he'd change his opinion. Maybe that's what I'll ask for on my birthday. Anyway, I truly believe listening to this station has helped to further root me in my faith. I love Jim & Karen of a morning, and Darren during mid-morning/afternoon. I like Ken Davis' little piece of a morning and it always makes me smile. Today is Harvest Monday. They have been giving different testimonies all morning. Right now there is a message on talking about Keeping God First: in your finances, your time, your decisions.

Trenton & I are going to be joining the Financial Peace classes in a few weeks. Mostly because I've heard a lot about it from Spirit FM and feel like we're being guided (shoved!) toward this class. I've resisted that tug for months now, since they first started advertising it, and feel like NOW is the time!

Last night, during my prayers at bed, I just kept listing off all these things I've been worrying and stressing about: work, bills, Trenton's job, our family or lack there of, personal image struggles, etc. Everytime one of these would pop into my head to pray about, a voice would say, "God is in control". I think for the first time, I shut my own voice up long enough to hear God's voice. It's like someone said, " You fool, stop worrying about all this, I'm in control, not you." I'm constantly stressing myself out with "my plan". My plan for when we'll have kids, how old I'll be, what month it will be, etc. Or if we do this now then this will happen then. I've always told myself that God wants me to have a plan, but I think I've actually been trying to "out maneuver" God and control things in my way, instead of praying about it and letting it be done HIS way. And guess what...every single time "my plan" fails. I set myself up for so much disappointment. We don't understand what's happened to us in the past year. I've said several times, "it's all part of God's plan", but still secretly been VERY angry with God for letting it happen. I was angry though b/c it didn't go according to my plan. I felt out of control. I truly think last night though, that I realized, so what? I don't get to be in control. I have a GOD that is ALWAYS in control. I have a GOD that has a plan and while I may not understand it, I certainly don't get to control it. I feel like I've been living a lie in a way, b/c I've been talking the talk, but not truly believing it. I've still wanted it to go according to my plan. I wonder what I've missed b/c I've been so consumed with my plan? What has God tried to show me, guide me to, etc in the past few months that I've missed by being so consumed in my own selfishness? I contribute a lot of this realization to Spirit FM. I'm not putting GOD first, I'm putting my own selfish wants, worries, and desires first.

Tomorrow is New Partner Connection Day with Spirit FM. I'm planning on making a monthly pledge, because I want to help them continue their ministry. If you get a chance, take a listen. Even if it's only for an hour, I think you'll realize it's so much more than what all the other junk on the radio is. I'm not saying I don't still listen to other stations occassionally, but I can tell you none of them inspire me quite the same.

Spirit FM

:(

2009-05-01T14:41:00.001-05:00

So I wanted to share a post with you of the beautiful lilacs that my husband picked for me yesterday. And I wanted to share a picture with you of my adorable niece in her shades because I'm missing her like crazy. And I was going to tell you about my version of therapy, baking, and how it resulted in an overabudance of cookie dough at my house when I simply wanted to bake a few to relieve some stress and share with a hard-working, dedicated co-worker.......BUT....blogger is making me mad, it won't let me add pictures at the moment, my eye is twitching, and I need a nap after a week like this......so instead... I'm just going to say have a great weekend. Enjoy the sunshine if there is any and by all means, pray. Pray that these next few weeks will NOT be like this week has been. Otherwise, please forward all emails, mail, and phone calls to my therapist (I'll have to get one of those) because there isn't enough cookie dough in the world for me to bake to help me survive another week like this!

PS- 4 (yes, only 4) days until BUNCO! And I'm not a loser this month, so I'm actually going to be able to go. And seriously, guys, who's bringing the margaritas?

What a weekend!

2009-04-27T12:46:00.006-05:00

We completely enjoyed our weekend away. We didn't get to leave as early as we would have liked to on Friday, but that didn't stop us from having a good time. Neither did getting lost trying to find our hotel. Well, let's translate lost. Translation: Erin didn't pay attention to the directions and forgot to tell Trenton what exit to take. Therefore, we spent about an extra 25 minutes on the road trying to find a different route :) Live and learn. We drove from Platte City up to St. Joe and ate at Red Lobster b/c we were both craving it...delish! Came back to the hotel and crashed. Slept in Saturday morning, did a little shopping, then came back just in time to get ready. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was amazing. It was sooooo good to see Bree and Katie. The weather cooperated just long enough for everyone to get to the reception. It was however in a tin-roofed barn. Talk about loud! The rain would pound for 15-20 minutes, stop, then start again. We finally left the reception to head back to the hotel. We were going to soak in the hot tub and do some swimming. Unfortunately, tornadoes were popping up all around us and the tornado sirens were going off in Platte City. After the storm passed we finally got to relax a bit :) Sunday found us sleeping in again! We headed to St. Joe to meet our friends Monica & Chad and their two little boys, Augutus and William. We got to eat lunch at Olive Garden and visit for a couple hours. Again...it was raining, but still it was good food and a great time catching up with friends! I think we've made a plan to start an annual camping trip.

The barn where the reception was held. The whole place was absolutely beautiful and perfect for a country wedding :)

The storm rolling in...

Katie, Bree & I

Bree and I. Bree & I joined sorority at NW the same year. We also lived in the same apartment building. We shared many memories and many nights of talking, cooking and just hanging out. I miss her tons and wish we were closer. She met Nick about the same time Trenton & I started dating.

Trenton & I standing on the porch of the barn. We had such a great time, despite the cruddy weather!

And we're off :)

2009-04-24T15:07:00.003-05:00

After a fun filled day at the roller rink with our special education students, I'm exhausted, but extremely excited at the same time. We took the kids skating this morning for their great behavior, attitude, and effort on the MAP testing. Then we came back to the school for pizza & a movie. Now...it's Friday and Trenton & I are heading out of town to head to Kansas City for a sorority sister's wedding. Not only am I ecstatic to see her after 4 years.....but I'm so ready for a weekend away. We'll be meeting old friend in St. Joe from college on Sunday. I'm probably going to spend tonight soaking in the hot tub after attempting to skate today for the first time in SEVERAL years. Good news is: the insurance detuctibles are met for the year....Great news is: we didn't need them! I didn't even fall once! :) But I probably won't be able to move tomorrow :)

Have a great weekend! Enjoy the sunshine!

This girl...

2009-04-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

SO SO SO proud of this kid! Well, she isn't a kid anymore, she's almost 18. Last night was her Area FFA Banquet. She got her Area Degree, 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speaking in the Area, and was installed as the Area III Historian. I've always been proud of her and proud to be her sister, but I'm just amazed at how grown up she is. It's so hard when I've protected her and helped care for her over the years to realize that soon it's going to be time to let her go. Oh...I'm tearing up just thinking about it. We've always had such a special connection. She's the best kid sister ever and I love her more than she'll ever know!

Way to go Katie Nell! We love you, Taz!

Opening Morning and 3-D

2009-04-20T09:21:00.004-05:00

This morning is opening morning of the Spring Turkey Season. Trenton was up and at 'em at 5:00 am. At about 6:30, he called to report that the world was short another turkey. He was so excited b/c it's the first tom he's ever called him by himself. I had to take pictures to share! I don't know much about "turkey posing" so I did the best I could. Way to go, baby! He'll hopefully get a chance to go back out next week and try again!

I enjoyed a very lazy weekend. I slept in Saturday b/c Trenton had to go down to work. Got up and got ready to go help at with Campus Bowl districts in Memphis. Then we went out to a dinner and movie with the Jones. We ate at Pagliai's in K-ville and then went to the ultimate 3-D experience...or that's what was advertised. We went to a very grown up and sophisticated movie...Monsters vs. Aliens. LOL. Trenton & I probably watch more cartoon movies than we do anything else. My husband is about to pee his pants with excitement for the release of Ice Age III in 3-D in July. He's been looking forward to it for a year now! I snapped some pics of all of us sporting our snazzy 3-D glasses.

Yesterday, I got up early to get ready to teach Sunday school. We stayed for the 2nd service. Afterwards, we came home, ate some leftovers, and I proceeded to be lazy the rest of the day. I used to read like 3 books a week. I love Nora Roberts. But somehow over the last couple years, I've just stopped reading. Thursday, I had to get some groceries at Hy-vee and saw the latest Nora book, Tribute. So I spent my $7.99 and threw it in the cart. Normally, I wouldn't spend that much money on a book, but I just wanted to READ! And that I did, I read on Saturday morning and all afternoon yesterday instead of doing laundry OR finishing my painting, but dangit, I love a good book! I can't wait to finish it tonight, after the new workout class that is~

Laundry Room Border

2009-04-15T13:58:00.001-05:00

This is the border for the room. It won't be up until all the painting is done...but I'm hoping it looks ok when we're all done!

Laundry Room Pics

2009-04-15T12:10:00.004-05:00

Keep in mind these are camera phone pics b/c Trenton has my camera today to take pictures of his control burn at work. They're fuzzy...but I think you can get an idea of the "crackle" effect.

Me and my big ideas....

2009-04-15T09:37:00.001-05:00

So for the last few months, I've been saving my $$$ to remodel the laundry room. I knew that in April I'd be getting paid for all the extra hours I spent tutoring after school, so I finally decided on an idea and gathered my supplies. I'll post a complete before and after, well when it's finally finished. Our laundry room was crowded with a computer desk, pantry, shelf with food staples, washer/dryer, and general catch-all. I didn't get any before before pictures with all the junk in there, but I did get some of everything but the desk. The walls were wooden paneling (B-E-A-UTIFUL). I bought the border I wanted back in the fall and have just been saving it for a time when I could afford to do the rest. I'm pretty satisfied with the way it's turning out, but my house is a complete disaster in the process. This was supposed to all take place over Easter break....that didn't happen, not even close. There are three coats to the painting. The first has to dry for 24 hours. I started this coat at about 8 pm on Friday night. Trenton took the day off and we spent time catching up the laundry since the washer/dryer would be unhooked for a few days. We also spent the day "de-junking" the laundry room. Holly and Logan needed a computer desk, so we moved it out to the porch for them to pick up on Saturday. Trenton put the puppy outside to move to the big pen, cleaned up that area, and we were finally able to get up to the attic again. He moved both computers up to the attic as well as some other stuff. Saturday and Sunday were chaotic with Easter and dinners and whatnot, but Monday was going to be the day to finish. My mom had said she would help me finish the painting. The 2nd coat needs to dry 1-2 hours and then the last coat has to go on within 4 hours. So Monday comes, Mom can't help and I have to meet Trenton in town for a meeting. Finally get home, but it's too late to start the painting.

Trenton hates my projects. HATES! Mostly, b/c....he always gets roped into helping no matter how much I insist that I will get it done on my own. So, last night, I got home from work about 5:30 and started the clear crackle coat. When he got home it was dry enough for us to start the top coat. News flash: I suck at painting. I get mad b/c it doesn't look right and pout. This is what always happens. This is why Trenton always ends up involved. So I painted one tiny little bit last night and then just stood by for moral support as he painted. He's my hero. He always saves my butt on these projects of mine. I get so frustrated b/c I have creativity, it's just trapped in my head. I have all these beautiful ideas floating around in there, but not enough talent to get them out and actually have them turn out. That's why we're a good team. I seriously think designing our house will be fun b/c he can take my ideas and turn them into real life. So, long story short, we got 2 of the fours walls done and will hopefully finish tonight. I have to re-touch the trim and am hoping Mom can help with border Thursday. For now, here's a snapshot of the semi-finished product on the walls. It's supposed to look like barn board. That's what I envisioned anyway.....thoughts???

Thank you, baby, for your help! I couldn't do all these wonderful projects without you! You're my saving grace!

***Edited to add*** I can't get the picture to post right now, but I'll keep working on it!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-04-09T11:05:00.005-05:00

This is the view when you walk into our school each morning. Bright, springy tulips in red and pink! It just cheers me up each morning and I've been waiting to capture them on camera! So enjoy!

While I'm Waiting

2009-04-03T09:49:00.002-05:00

I heard this song today on Spirit FM (yes, I listen to it at school:). It's from the movie, Fireproof. During the song on the radio, there is talking from the movie, so I couldn't concentrate fully on the words. I looked up the song, it spoke straight to my heart and I just wanted to document it here to have for one of those days when I just don't think I can go on. Without saying too much more, Trenton and I have yet again been going through unbearable pain that we never wanted to experience again. I hope we can be patient and continue to serve God, while we wait...There are so many things in our lives right now that are causing a mixture of feelings. I feel like God is laying so many things in place for our future and it's hard to be patient at times. I find myself nervous, excited, anxious, scared, etc. But mostly, I just need to remember to be grateful and thankful for God's love and plan.

8. While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written
a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people
who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait.
Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

Tax Levy

2009-03-30T08:12:00.003-05:00

This topic is very heavy on my heart. Recent comments by others have burdened me. I lay awake last night thinking this issue over and over. I just don't understand. I'm not usually a vocal person, but I think this issue deserves the extra attention.

Trenton & I obviously do not have children. Which is why we feel that it is extra important for us to be informed on the issues, such as school board members and the tax levy, because our vote affects the lives of other people's children. I feel that if I'm to vote on electing a person to a board to make choices for other people's children, I should have as much knowledge about that person as possible. We attended the school board forum last year and this year, in order to make informed decisions. We've read the material and plan on going to the forum for the tax levy as well. I don't feel that we are particularly biased on this issue because our jobs are not affected by this levy, nor will it likely influence OUR children's education, because they will possibly travel with me to school at Scotland. I, do, however feel very strongly about providing the best possible education for all students that do attend school at Schuyler.

Yes, the enrollment numbers are going down, so in THEORY the operating cost should go down as well. However, it costs just as much to run a bus to and from the school hauling 30 kids as it does one transporting 50 kids. It's costs the same to fill that bus up with fuel either way. Could the district cut the number of buses and routes, the simple answer: yes. The following information was found in an article researching the subject further (and yes I googled it):

"Research addressing the practice of school busing and its effects on children and families is quite limited. Even though approximately 60% of public school students in the United States ride buses to and from school, there is very little research examining the impact of this experience on students' health, family life, course choices, involvement in extracurricular activities, school performance, or academic achievement (Zars, 1998). Some investigators, however, have collected anecdotal data as a way to increase public awareness of the difficulties faced by many rural riders of school buses. Two researchers in West Virginia (Spence, 2000a, 2000b; Zars, 1998) gathered information from children and parents about how children and families were being affected by long bus rides. Several of the reports provided to these researchers suggested that children who experienced long bus rides tended to participate in fewer after school activities. Children with the longest rides also reported little time to do homework, especially when compared with children who walked or had short rides. Furthermore, children who experienced the longest rides over rural roads described the physical exhaustion that resulted from those rides (Spence, 2000a; Spence, 2000b; Zars, 1998). Focusing on consequences for family life, Fox provided a more recent study of the effects of bus rides on children. The study focused on the effects of long bus rides on children's home experiences, including the amount of sleep they got, the time they had for homework, the time they had for play, and the family activities in which they were involved. In the school district studied, Fox found that length of ride did have an impact on these features of children's lives and was a consideration when families made decisions about what activities to engage in. Fox reported that students with long bus rides chose to participate in fewer in-home and out-of-home activities."

I know this information is only a small piece to a much LARGER picture. But what if this was an area that had to be cut? What if instead of running 12 buses, the district decided to cut that down to 8 routes? What if a student who is already riding a 30 minute bus route now has to ride 50 minutes? Our county expands over many areas. Unlike other neighboring counties, we only have one school in our district. Scotland County hosts: SCR-1 and Gorin. Adair county hosts: Brashear, Novinger, and K-ville R-3 to cover their counties. What if this means a parent decides that since their child didn't get off the bus until 4:15, that after homework, supper, and family time, there isn't time left for activities such as Sonlight or Youth Group? Personally, for me, a longer bus route is not the answer.

Ok, so if we can't cut costs there, let's look at another area. What about less teachers and classes per grade? Cut some salaries and you could save lots of money. If there are going to be 42 kindergartners, instead of having 3 classes of 14, let's only have 2 classes of 21. Not unmanageable, but not ideal by any means. Any number of you can Google, go to the library, whatever, and research the effects of larger class sizes on student achievement and performance. I researched this in college, and I've seen the effects. I went to a three room school house until 6th grade where there were 2 people in my class. I know the kind of attention and education I received was far more individualized than when I was sitting in a classroom of 30. To me, one of the benefits of smaller schools and homeschooling, is the reduced class size leading to more one on one attention and education by the teacher. Every teacher is expected to perform what is called differentiated instruction. This is keying in and tuning into each student's individual needs, whether they are auditory learners, visual learners, tactile learners, etc and adapting each of your lessons to meet their needs. Seems to me this certainly would be more effective with 14 students vs. 21 students in a classroom. With less students, you have less disruptions, less distractions, and in general spend more time educating the students and less time doing crowd control. Differentiated instruction is also a main reason for technological tools, such as the remote controls, in our classrooms. These tools stimulate brain function in each chlid in more ways than reading out of a simple textbook ever could. About those textbooks, without proper funding, the school district will not be able to update and upgrade the textbooks the kids are learning out of. This can greatly affect student achievement. I personally know that the teachers at Schuyler are VERY resourceful in supplementing their textbooks, but I also know that teacher's personal funds are limited as well. I'll gladly give my extra $85.39 for taxes, because I can guarantee you 90% of all the teachers at that school are spending that plus some out of their own pockets for their classrooms each and every year without reimbursement!

I'm sure I could keep going on all the issues like this. Does it cost the same to heat and cool the school if there are 300 kids enrolled as it does if there are 250 kids enrolled? Yes. Are the costs of heating and cooling rising in today's economy? Yes. I don't know about all of you, but I feel like we've been trying to be as energy efficient as we can be at our house and our utility bills are still on the rise. I can only imagine what it's like for an entire school district. Could programs be cut? Yes. Would our children be as prepared for today's world without opportunities such as college prep classes, foreign language classes, etc. No. Part of the district's funding is based on the acheivement scores of the state testing. Will our kids achieve as high without the exposure to certain areas of academics? No. Will the school district eventually possibly just maybe get some funds from the federal/state government? Possibly, but I don't know bout you, but I don't particularly have a lot of faith in our leaders in Washington right now and am not sure I trust them to have the best interest for the children of Schuyler county at heart when they sit down in there little meetings to talk about the $$$ issues in our country right now. I'm going to put a little bit more faith in the board of people elected to worry directly about the kids of Schuyler county and the administration hired to decide what is best for the kids instead of the President or some other wonderful politician.

Besides this information, what weighs heaviest on my heart is the fact that regardless of how much you want to believe it isn't happening in our county, there are SEVERAL children who come to school, simply because their parents know they are going to get 2 meals a day, they are going to be protected and kept safe for 7 hours out of the day. If this wasn't the case, there wouldn't be a line as long as there is each month for the food pantry. We wouldn't have families seeking out places like the Clothes Nook. As a school employee, I know it is my job to keep the best interest at heart for each child's mental, emotional, physical, and intellectual security and growth. As a Christian, I believe that it is my duty to give to those less fortunate than me. You can sit there and say that if they can't afford the kids, then they shouldn't have them. That's great, but what about those kids that are already here? What's more important to me is trying to break that cycle. I want the kids at Schuyler to know that there is more out there than just staying in the county and doing what their parents did if that's what they want. I don't think any of you would squelch your own child's dreams and ambitions. So why are you willing to sacrifice the dreams of other children b/c you're not willing to pay a few extra dollars? I give offering every week because God calls us to give to our church. I don't question where that money goes or what it's being used for b/c I trust that the church board and leaders are using that money in whatever way they see the greatest need. However, it would be very easy to look at the back of the bulletin and think "$3000+ dollars???" What in the world could we possibly be using that on every week? It would be easy to say, well, why don't we cut Sonlight or why do we need the technology the church has, or why do we have to run a bus for the kids? If we cut expenses, then we wouldn't have such a high weekly need. But I don't believe that is the case. I believe our church is doing the best to meet all those needs, just as I believe the school district is doing the best to meet all the needs of the children that show up on their doorstep each and every day. I just believe they could do a lot MORE if we would all give just a little bit more.

Acts 20:35b — “[T]he Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

I'm sure Trenton & I could use our 85+ dollars somewhere within the next year. But I'm going to vote YES and hope that the school district gets to use my 85+ dollars to help change lives. Even if it's just one. It all starts somewhere. Be the change you want to see.

Busy Busy Bee.....

2009-03-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

I love this time of year because once the weather gets nice, it seems like the weeks just fly by. At the same time, I hate it, because I feel like we can't catch a break. I'm blogging in between sessions of questions, scheduling, and general busyiness (is that how you spell that?) So far today, I've ordered pizzas for screening Saturday, re-written an IEP for a student that showed up to re-enroll this morning, tried to make my husband a hair appt, scheduled a dr. appt, and about a million other things. We had a wonderful weekend. We had planned to ride 4-wheelers with the Jones' on Friday, but it was too windy for Adi to be out, so Trenton & I went by ourselves. We stayed out about an hour...looking at property and scouting our turkey hunting spot! Then played cards at the Jones' until about 11. Tried to sleep in Saturday, but Trenton was too anxious to get back out on the four wheeler and go shed hunting(old horns off of deer). We found several sheds and I even found a matched set. I've never really been around 4-wheelers that much, so I really enjoyed getting to drive and just be outside. We both honestly just love being outdoors. We were out for about 4 hours and I got my first sunburn of the year. It's kinda nice to have a little color!

We had a wedding and reception Saturday night and got to see Holly, Logan & Myra. I love that kid! I'll attach the latest pics! Sunday we didn't make it to church unfortunately. Trenton had to help move some furniture and Austin got back from his spring break trip, so we went to Lisa's for lunch. I slept for a good hour. I think being out in the sun made me extra tired. We came home and I did a little cleaning and fixed supper while Trenton went to an emergency call. I think we were both more than ready for bed by the time 10:00 came.

Cutest girl in the WORLD!!! (I might be a little biased)

This week is crazy busy. I have a meeting after school tonight. Hopefully it won't be too long and I'll have time to sneak in a walk when I get home. Tomorrow is a busy day with 2 meetings and MAP training after school. Wednesday, is the school spelling bee, extended day tutoring, dr. appt, and Sonlight. Thursday, we have the all school Family Fun Night, so I won't be home until 9-10pm. Friday, is a meeting in Kirksville and Saturday is Pre-school/Kindergarten screening ALL DAY!!!! By Sunday....I think I'll be ready for a break! AND next week starts 3 weeks of MAP TESTING! I'm tired just thinking about that...but THANK GOODNESS, I have wonderful teachers and paras who know exactly what to do and are stepping up to the plate and making sure things are getting done!

Until next time...

Bummed

2009-03-17T15:00:00.002-05:00

I'm bummed I won't be at Bunco tonight :( I'll miss you girls! And SUPER bummed, that instead I'll be stuck inside at a food stand instead of able to enjoy this beautiful day :( Have fun girls!

Our new swimming pool

2009-03-10T10:43:00.003-05:00

So here are a few pictures from the basement on Saturday night. This was about an hour and a half into pumping water out. You can see the water marks on the wall about how high it was. In the pictures of the stairs you can see that there is one step still covered and two above that were wet. We (and by we, I mean Trenton) got it completely water free last night. Swept out the miscellaneous straw and debris. Only to wake to about another foot of water this morning! Fantastico! Really super glad we (and again, I mean Trenton) didn't hook up the new water heater yesterday. Nelson's should have the parts to fix the furnace on Wednesday. Apparently the pump Trenton bought yesterday at Home Depot didn't kick in during the night. And to top that off, my office ceiling is leaking water on and around my desk! Tada! I'm thinking about taking swim lessons if this keeps up because I'm getting nervous about what water "situation" I might be in next!

The wrong life

2009-03-09T13:21:00.002-05:00

I was talking to Amee on the phone this morning and told her, sometimes, I wonder if I'm actually living someone else's life and somewhere out there is the life I envisioned for Trenton & I. But then, I wouldn't wish the problems we have to deal with on anyone else. And I know in reality, they aren't worse than anyone else's problems.

We worked the cattle show in Kirksville all weekend. Went to see The Watchmen on Saturday......TERRIBLE. Came home. Went to bed. Got up at 5am (4am if you count the time change). Stayed at the wet & muddy show all day. Came home. Noticed it was only 59 degrees in our house with the heat set on 67. Should have got a clue. Didn't. Decided at 7:45 we were hungry. Decide to order taco pizza b/c I was being lazy. Trenton goes to order pizza. Decides to go downstairs first and see about furnace. Opens basement door. Yells "****". Run to doorway. Discover 3 feet of water in basement. Debate...laugh or cry...laugh or cry. Do neither, too much wasted energy. Call James & Amee. Never happened to them. Decide with husband, if it wasn't for bad luck, we'd have no luck. Suddenly realize, water heater and furnace probably shot. Quickly realize, savings down the drain, unlike 3 feet of water in basement. Call Butch, no pump. Call Chuck, no pump. Call insurance man. No answer. Call Phil Beeler, man with all answers and gadgets. Wait. Knock at door. Phil with pump. Yippee! Suddenly remember why I love small towns. Knock at door. James Jones with space heater. Thanks! Here noise in basement instructing to turn the dryer on. Realize James Jones is a monkey or gymnast, not sure which and has climbed through water, without touching water, to check break box. Turn space heater on. Sit on couch under blanket and do nothing but watch TV, b/c girl help is not needed to watch water get sucked out of basement. Leave hostile messages on facebook about situation. Make plans to shower at the Jones' in the a.m. Wait until 11:30. 1 1/2 feet water still in basement, realize tomorrow is Monday. Thank father-in-law for ALL his help and patience with stupid daughter-in-law. Insist that we won't freeze to death. Wait for husband. Go to bed. Close eyes, open eyes. Not a dream. Darn. Go to sleep.

Sounds like fun huh? I'll post pictures later. So my husband, bless his heart, stayed home from work today to take care of things b/c I #1) have no sick days left after Mom's surgery last week and #2) don't know anything about water heaters or furnace blowers or sump pumps, etc. He bought a pump and water heater at Home Depot today. Talked to the insurance man, and it really isn't going to help unless it was a leak or water break of some sort. Nelson's is supposed to come look at the furnace today to see if it's salvageable. We truly are blessed though, because not only do we have amazing friends and family willing to help us out, whether it be letting us shower at their house, offering heaters and beds, or just standing in the 3 feet of water commiserating with us, but because it could have been a lot worse. 2 weeks ago we had a brand new washer and dryer of Chuck's down there that would have been ruined. 1 week ago we had 8 puppies living down there that probably would have drowned. And worse case scenario, the furnace and water heater could have exploded or shorted out causing a fire, which would obviously have been devastating. So we are trying to look at everything from a glass half full perspective.

Several of you have asked about my mom. My posting was limited at best last week. I missed work Monday and Tuesday. Mom called me on Monday morning as I was walking out the door for work and asked if I could take her to the ER in Columbia. She had just been at the hospital Wednesday-Saturday, but wasn't feeling any better. Upon arrival they admitted her and decided to do surgery on Tuesday morning. Trenton had stayed home from work Monday b/c he was running a fever. We stayed in Columbia Monday night. They did the surgery on Tuesday morning and I came home that night. She was released on Friday. She's doing great. They removed another 3 inch section of her intestine. The problem being that when she had the surgery last May and they removed the 18 inch section, the two pieces they reconnected had grown shut. Basically disconnecting her upper bowel from her lower bowel and obstructing with anything she would eat. This has caused her pain over the last few months, but no one was able to figure out the cause. She is recovering great and feeling ALOT better! I returned to work on Wednesday to a very overwhelming amount of work and was running a fever and sick. However, I burnt the last 1/2 of a sick day I had on Monday and couldn't afford the pay cut to stay home. Bummer. Hope I stay healthy the rest of the year!

That's all for now. Promise to bring good news soon!

House Fire

2009-03-05T13:51:00.001-06:00

LOCAL HOUSE FIRE – EVERYTHING LOST

Lancaster Christian Church is collecting financial donations for the Joe & Kim Schmidt family who lost everything in a home fire in Lancaster Wednesday evening, March 4th. The family includes three sons, ages 16, 14 and 9. The family had no insurance. Donations can be sent to Lancaster Christian Church c/o Schmidt Family P.O. Box 145 Lancaster, MO 63548 or drop off at the Exchange Bank in Lancaster. Call (660) 457-3598 if you have questions.

Kim (Mom) Joe (Dad)

Size small or 5, 7 XL

Cody (age 16) Colby (age 14)

Size 18-20 or Size 18-20 or

mens small Mens small

shoes: 10 ½

Clay (age 8 )

Size 8-10

shoe: 3-4

I'm here

2009-03-05T09:10:00.000-06:00

I'm here, I'm swamped, I'm sick...that's all folks

Maybe more later...

1000 Word Thursday- Smile for the Day

2009-02-26T09:17:00.003-06:00

I'm going to try to do a smile of the day story. Today's just also happens to be tied into my 1000 Word Thursday picture.

How could you not love this face? These aren't my pictures, but I didn't have any good ones today and wanted to link to this slideshow anyway. Hope you smile at at least one of the pictures! Happy Thursday!

For more 1000 Word Thursday pictures....check it out HERE~

Can't help but SMILE!

2009-02-25T15:12:00.001-06:00

If you need a reason to smile..or cry...or laugh...or whatever... go HERE

Love these!

B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!!

2009-02-25T14:13:00.008-06:00

If you haven't been outside today.....you are missing out! It's gorgeous...spring fever has hit so bad! We were going to be real classy tonight and having Hamburger or Chicken Helper, but it's too beautiful not to break out the BBQ grill. Not sure what will be on it yet...maybe just grilled chicken breasts, but something! I realized today when I was driving back from Headstart speech, that I'm really annoyed by the fact that the Christmas decorations are still on the courthouse lawn in Memphis. I mean, we're talking, the Nutcracker soldiers are still in front of the door. Ridiculous! But then........ I realized MY lighted Christmas garland and big red bows are still hanging on my front porch. And my tree is still laying in my yard. AND that's ridiculous! I keep hinting to my husband to put the tree in the back of the truck, but apparently that hasn't worked so far! Oh well...

I've been fighting a stupid sinus headache for 2 days now. I think if this weather would just stay warm, we could all get and stay healthy.

I've been reading Kelly's Korner and her amazing story about her beautiful miracle daughter, Harper. It really is a true story of God's amazing grace. Read more about it here.

This week has been a much better week for me. I don't know what it was, but at that retreat GOD just kept screaming to me "You don't have to understand the plan I have for you, you just have to KNOW that I have one". I'm not saying that I don't still have questions, but I feel comforted in knowing that God is always with me. Beth's video really helped me see that all I can do is accept God's love for me and KNOW that he wants what's best for me.

We had a fantastic time at Bree's party and an even better time keeping Miss Emma. I'm sure she probably thought we were boring, but it was fun for us. Next time, we'll have to make it a whole day so we can do some fun stuff, instead of just sleeping or attempting to sleep! First, our air mattress popped, so we truly had to camp out in sleeping bags in the living room. Then the poor girl had to listen to Trenton snoring. Finally, Emma & I retreated to our big bed and left Trenton on the couch! So much for roughing it! Poor girl~! Trenton is still getting up to work out every morning! I'm so proud of him! I know it makes for a long day when you start at 4:45 am!

I can't really think of anything else to write...I've got gardening, lilacs, and green grass on the brain! Who cares about anything else!

Ouch!

2009-02-20T10:54:00.002-06:00

Do you know what I hate??? Leg cramps. I got a leg cramp, randomly in the night on Wednesday. I usually don't get them......but man do they hurt. My leg still hurts today. It made me cry. What was God thinking when he invented those? Seriously, not necessary.

On another note:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BREE!!!! Hope you have a great day!

Plain and simple

2009-02-18T11:11:00.005-06:00

Wow...a whole week without a post? That's impossible. Honestly, I've been in a blogging slump...or maybe a life slump, I'm not sure which, but things are getting better.

Nothing exciting to report. We had a great Valentine's day. I had a meeting Friday & Trenton ended up having to work, but we spent all day Saturday bumming around. I fixed a nice dinner, complete with candles. We didn't do anything fancy, we just talked, relaxed, and enjoyed the time. Sometimes, you just need to do that.

My husband...is amazing. In the last week, I have been lower than I really ever remember being before. I've been very pessimistic, depressed, and a really Debbie Downer. I am very frustrated with our struggles with infertility. I'm at a point, where I just don't understand. I feel like we have done something wrong. I don't like to go places where I know people are going to ask "if we're trying again", I don't like to go places where I know we're going to be the only ones without children or expecting, I am just really struggling with going any place. I go to work and I like to just come home. Maybe it truly is depression, I don't know. The only place that gives me any comfort is Sonlight and most Sundays, church. Which is strange because God is the only one who has the answers to the questions I have and am not getting. I've heard all the pep talks in the world about waiting for "our turn". I know it's meant with good intentions, but it hurts all the same when you feel like it should have already been your turn. I feel like the person who is living in my body now is a stranger. I've never been pessimistic or negative before, but I don't know how to get back. But thanks to the strength of my husband and his love, I'm ok. He holds me when I cry, he calls me to check on me throughout the day, he reassures me we can make it and will be ok. He's the half full cup to my half empty one these days. He loves me when I'm unlovable. I never thought I would find someone who would unconditionally love me. His heart is bigger than imaginable and he's picked me up more times than there are snowflakes in winter. He's this impossible source of strength that continues to give me hope for a new tomorrow. I love him. Plain and simple. Please pray for us.

On that note, spring is almost here and our schedules seem to be filling up fast. I had BUNCO last night (great fun, food, and friend, even if I didn't win!).I have Sonlight tonight, Emma is coming to see our puppies (finally!) and I have a meeting in Kirksville on Thursday. Friday is the women's retreat overnight at the church. Saturday, I'll be at the church until noon, a Pampered Chef party at 1 and Vance's party that night. Emma is going to stay the night with us afterward and I'm not sure who is more excited...me or Trenton! Sunday morning is church, dinner at Trenton's grandparents, then an afternoon at my parents to see Holly, Logan, and Myra Jean. And whaddya know.......It'll be Monday all over again! I'm exhausted already!

Big Girls Don't Cry

2009-02-10T10:48:00.001-06:00

Well...that's a lie. That's all I've done lately. I'm a train wreck waiting to happen...But the sun is shining. It's Tuesday, which means only 2 more days of school this week for me and it's a 3 day weekend with V-day smack in the middle.

I've been a little emotionally overcharged (little is probably an understatement if you ask my husband). But, I've had a lot going on and I think I just reached maximum overload. I so wish the weather would stay nice like this. At least getting outside distracts me from everything else...

Little Bear doesn't seem to be getting any better. Trenton mentioned having to have him put down this morning, which obviously sent me over the edge. I mean seriously...3 dogs in 3 months...how much more can a girl take? Plus, the other puppies are getting homes this weekend...

On top of that, today would have been my dad's 70th birthday! Usually the day just passes each year. I miss him everyday, so his birthday isn't that much different...but today just hit me really hard. I do miss him terribly and am just having a hard time not being sad today. Some days are just like that.It's hard to believe it's been 12 years. Happy Birthday Dad!

On a happier note...Trenton has a four day weekend. We don't have big plans for V-day. Our tradition is that I always fix him a nice supper. This year's menu is either rib eyes or prime rib, stuffed mushrooms, salad, twice baked potatoes, and some kind of dessert...have made it that far yet. Possibly, homemade rolls too. I'm still brainstorming dessert ideas. He loves red velvet cake...so maybe?!?!

Still trying to fight with the dentist office from when I had my wisdom teeth out. Somehow, I have a feeling they are going to keep trying to get more money out of me, when in reality they owe me money right now. Apparently, they are saying that my insurance "overpaid" and what not.....I tell you...sometimes I wonder what the point of insurance is at all. My health insurance actually ended up paying for my surgery b/c my dental insurance wouldn't even though it was in network....And I'm sitting here wondering why I feel like I'm going crazy! :)

ONE MORE WEEK TIL BUNCO!!!!!!!!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-02-05T08:29:00.000-06:00

This our puppy, Little Bear, with special needs after his bath the other night. He has seizures and can't walk very well. At first we were completely overwhelmed with what to do with him, but now, we can't imagine not having him at our house. I'm not sure we'll be able to keep him forever, but he's got spunk. And Trenton loves the little guy more than he'll admit I'm sure! I think he was God's way of showing us we can make things work even when we are overwhelmed at first and to show us how to put someone else's needs first! We didn't love getting up every 2 hours to feed him at first, but now, it's just part of the routine!

Mom's Chicken Enchiladas

2009-02-05T08:14:00.000-06:00

We love these! This is my mom's recipe, with a few minor changes. All of us kids LOVE them. When we're all home, she has to make like four 9x13 pans of them! They disappear quickly, such was the case last night. I put chicken in the crockpot for Corin's salsa chicken, but just didn't have a taste for it last night. I've been craving Mexican, like every night lately (I think it's because all the good restaurants have closed down :() Anyway, I decided last minute to whip these up before Sonlight.

Mom's Chicken Enchiladas

2Tbsp Butter
2Tbsp Flour
Salt, pepper, red pepper, and paprika to taste
2/3 cup milk
2 TBSP Salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
4 flour tortillas
Additional salsa and cheese

I always double this recipe for Trenton & I.

Melt butter in sauce pan over medium heat. Add flour to make a thick paste. Stir in salt, pepper, red pepper, and paprika to taste. I add alot of paprika and usually use chili powder instead of red pepper. That's because I'm a sissy and can't take a lot of red pepper. If Trenton were to make these, he'd throw in some green chiles at this point. Stir in milk. Stir until sauce thickens. I'm the world's worst gravy maker, probably because I'm so impatient, so I never do this part right. I just keep adding milk and flour until I have a pan full of thick sauce. Stir in salsa. I add more than 2 TBSP, because I like the flavor the salsa gives it! I probably use about a 1/4 of a cup. Stir in the 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Stir until it all melts together. Add cooked chicken. If you plan ahead, or like me change your mind about what your chicken is going to be for supper, then you could put the chicken in the crockpot during the day and just make your husband shred it for you while you're cooking the sauce! I put three chicken breasts, a pack of taco seasoning, and about 1 cup of salsa in the crockpot on low all day. It was perfect. This was enough for a double batch of enchiladas with a little left over. Stir the chicken into the sauce. Spoon down the center of each enchilada, roll up and place seam side down in a baking pan. Once all the enchiladas are in the pan, cover it with Saran Wrap, and put it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes. Remove wrap and spread top of enchiladas with additional salsa. Microwave for one minute. Then sprinkle with additional cheese. Microwave until cheese melts. Enjoy!

I add sour cream and extra salsa to mine. Trenton thought black olives would be a good topper. The point of this is, it's quick and easy and goes in the microwave. All in all, if your chicken is cooked, it's about 20-25 from start to table. Once you've made it once, you'll realize just how simple it is. If there are leftovers, they're even better reheated!

Countdown

2009-02-04T09:41:00.001-06:00

I meant to post this yesterday, but forgot!

ONLY.......13 days until BUNCO!!!!! Yea!

25 things...

2009-02-03T10:48:00.000-06:00

So everyone has been doing this on Facebook. I check facebook, but don't write on it that much...so I thought I'd do mine on here. Bear with me...these may be a little out there. And yes, I'm going to tag people...so if you did it on Facebook, you can just copy it to here if you want.

Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.

1. I truly believe that my husband is my soulmate. The paths that we were on before we started dating intertwined so many times in so many ways, that I believe it was God's way of leading us to each other. I love him in ways I never thought I could love someone. Making him happy and letting him know how much he is loved is what I wake up thinking about each day.

2. I hate socks. I cannot stand to have socks on. I take them off first thing and I can't stand if Trenton has his socks on and puts his feet on me. They absolutely repulse me.

3. I have a double Bachelor's degree in Special Education K-12 and one in Elementary Ed. 1-6 and my Master's in Reading, but I thought about being an accountant and almost didn't go into education at all.

4. On that note, I'm obsessed with numbers. I randomly add numbers when I see them and try to figure out different patterns. I can memorize phone numbers, birthdays, etc easily. I love to balance my checkbook to the penny and LOVED keeping the books at the feed store and balancing them. However, for the life of me, I cannot remember my husband's social security number. I do however remember the exact date of our first kiss, when he told me he loved me, etc.

5. I miss my dad every day of my life. I wish my husband could have met him and that he would have been there to see my wedding and watch my future babies be born. I don't think I will ever stop grieving for him. Even though I was only 13, I hate that Kayla was only 5 when he died and doesn't have as many memories as I do.

6. I worry everyday that I'm not good at my job. I have panic attacks that I'm going to forget to do something or disappoint someone.

7. I love brussel sprouts. I eat them with vinegar and would eat them every day if possible. I hate olives and will never try them again.

8. My middle name is Jenice. So is my mom's, except my grandma misspelled it and it's Janice.

9. My dad was 19 1/2 years older than my mom. This is how my mom is 50 and my two half brothers are almost 52 and 50. I have 6 siblings and their ages range from 17-51. I love that about my family. I have 4 nieces, 2 nephews, and 2 great nephews with one more on the way. 4 out of 6 nieces and nephews are older than me.

10. Trenton & I's grandparents are buried in the Lancaster cemetary right beside each other, which I think is very odd. I did not know this when we got together until my grandma's funeral.

11. As much as I miss my dad, I thank God everyday for bringing David, my step-dad into our lives. He is a great man.

12. I went to a 3 room school house until 6th grade. I loved it and would send my kids to one if they were still around.

13. I think about our baby every hour of every day. I want to be a mom so badly and spend a lot of sleepless nights thinking about it. I know it will happen in God's time, but sometimes, I fear it never will. I will never get over losing our child.I think my husband is absolutely the greatest man in the world and cannot imagine not being able to make him a father. We have been trying since the month we got married...15 months is a long time when you're waiting for something so much.

14. I am an inconsistent cleaner. Some weeks, every dish will be washed, every stitch of clothing put away and the house will be clutter free. Other weeks though (like this week) it's a disaster.

15. I'm addicted to candles and wallflowers. This drives my husband crazy. I burn candles consistently.

16. In college, I worked as a dispatcher for the police station and loved it. I usually worked from 4pm-midnight or 8pm-4am. I think this is the reason I can hold it so long when waiting to go to the bathroom and also why I have trouble sleeping at night.

17. I played the clarinet and bari saxophone in highschool. I was in concert band and jazz band. I miss having a small shread of musical talent.

18. I do not like to choose where we eat when we go out. This also causes me to have nervousness b/c Trenton wants a decision, like NOW! I'm fine with wherever, as long as I don't have to pick. I've tried to explain this to my husband, but he insists on me choosing and it bothers me alot. In general, I'm pretty indecisive.

19. I used to show pigs in 4-H and FFA. I've slept in the show barn, been trampled by a pig (it basically climbed my body to jump over the fence...OUCH!), and taken my pigs for walks to build muscle. I do not miss this, but I do miss hanging out with other kids in 4-H and FFA.

20. Trenton & I's first date was in the rain at a Schuyler vs. Knox County football game. After the game, we went mudding in his truck. I have never had so much fun in my life and knew that night we would be together forever.

21. I love to go hunting with Trenton, but am not sure I will ever actually shoot anything. I get all excited when he does, and love the thrill of the hunt.But, I am very tender hearted. I say a prayer for every animal we kill. I have even cried before after killing a spider because after I squished it b/c I felt guilty because it wasn't really doing anything wrong.

22. One of my best friends from high school was killed in a car wreck my freshman year of college. We went to prom together both junior and senior year. We weren't speaking at the time he died and I regret it every day of my life. I think about him a lot and wonder what the future would have held for us if he was still here. I think we'd still be close and I feel like it left a hole in my heart. I think I avoided relationships for a long time b/c of this.

23. I hate to be cold. It makes me grouchy and irritable. I am cold ALL the time, but try not to be grouchy. This makes hunting in the cold particularly difficult for my husband, because as much as I love it, I whine a lot about freezing to death. This is partially due to my thyroid not doing what it should. Right now, I have a space heater pointed directly at my feet to keep my legs warm.

24. I love basketball. I played until my sophomore year in HS when we moved to Kirksville. I love to watch HS and college basketball, but can't stand the NBA.

25. I want to have like 6 kids. I know this may not happen b/c I'm 25 going on 26 and don't want to have kids until I'm 40. This makes me sad.

OK..I'm tagging Bree, Andrea, Corin, Jenn, Jamie, Cindy, Amee, and whoever else wants to do this!

Easy, Peasy, Egg, Ham, & Cheesy!

2009-02-03T08:09:00.000-06:00

Here is a quick breakfast idea that I don't know why I didn't think to share sooner. We had these for breakfast this morning and I snapped some pics! I like these because they're so much more filling and have more substance that you're typical pop-tart or bowl of cereal. They pack a punch of protein, but are quick and simple. Pop them in the oven while you're getting in the shower, getting the kids dressed, or in my case, feeding the dogs! And.....cleanup is a breeze! I haven't tried these in my silicone muffin cups yet...but need to. I've even put them on a napkin and taken them in the car.

Egg Cups

*Ham, bacon, Canadian bacon, etc...as many pieces as you like
*Eggs, 1 for each cup you fix
*Cheese, can be shredded or slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray. Lay your ham, bacon, whatever in the bottom and let it come up the sides.

Sprinkle in cheese or lay in your cheese slices.

Crack an egg in each cup.

Sprinkle with a little more cheese and a dash of salt and pepper.

Place in oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and pop out. Enjoy!

Told you it was easy! We used a pre-cooked canadian bacon roll this morning so my little slices didn't come up the sides. On Trenton's I used shredded pepperjack and sharp cheddar on mine. Anything will work...trust me. If you like egg mcmuffins, but don't have time for all that...this is a pretty quick substitute!

Grace Like Rain

2009-02-02T11:45:00.000-06:00

So today is one of THOSE days! Instead of being frustrated with the busy week, cruddy weigh-in (despite not touching a single goody at the Super Bowl party) and a mound of paperwork...I am going to focus on a few good things on this Manic Monday...

#1) My husband- he's extrememly patient, caring, and hard working. He's my best friend and my rock when times are tough.

#2) My God. He always listens, cares, loves, and always always always wants what is best for me.

#3) Great friends. We are truly blessed to have such good friends that would help out at a moment's notice if asked.

#4) Good jobs. In the tough economic times, we're lucky to both have stable and dependable income.

#5) Not sure why it's so far on the list, but FAMILY. We are lucky to live so close to all our family and have them involved in our life.

#6) We have a nice house, plenty of food in the pantry/freezer, and warm beds at night.

#7) A strong marriage. I feel that Trenton & I have a bond together that is rare. We truly find joy in moments spent together and can work through almost anything.

#8) Microwaves & Crockpots- without them, I'd never get supper cooked and on the table.

#9) Makeup- without it, I'd scare the kids at school

#10) Our church. We've found a home away from home at church and I'm excited about slowly becoming more and more involved all the time.

On the Menu...Taco Soup

2009-01-29T09:36:00.000-06:00

This will be on the menu for the weekend. You have to try it. It took me awhile to get the recipe just right for our taste. It's hearty, filling, warm, and delish! I'd take pictures, but it's only a few steps. Talk about easy.

Crockpot Taco Soup

3-4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg. dry ranch mix
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can red kidney beans
1 can pinto beans (I use the ranch pinto beans)
1 can chili beans (no meat)
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes (I use the garlic kind)
any additional seasonings you prefer

Place chicken breasts in bottom of crock pot. Pour taco seasoning and ranch mix on top of chicken. Place in other ingredients in order listed. DO NOT STIR!!! Place crockpot on low for 8-10 hours. After 4-5 hours, remove chicken and shredd with two forks. Place chicken back in crock pot. Stir all ingredients together at this time. Continue cooking for remaining time.

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-29T09:27:00.000-06:00

This is my Nana. She's an amazing woman. I took this picture at Christmas when she was opening her new laundry cart with wheels. She lives in a residential housing place, but still has to do her own laundry and cooking, etc. She's 77 years old. She was so excited about her cart, because she wouldn't have to have my mom carry it to the laundry room for her. Of course, she'd also had about 6 glasses of wine by that time...so I think she would have like anything she unwrapped! More on Nana another day...

Quick Thoughts

2009-01-28T09:02:00.000-06:00

#1) No, I don't plan to only post recipes and never anything else. I just am in a mood this week and it may stick around for awhile. I have gotten out of the mushroom steak slump and am on a cooking frenzy...although tonight we're having leftovers b/c of Sonlight.

#2) I hate winter. It's official. I'm ready for spring. I'm going to start burning all my spring scented candles...lilacs, lemons, strawberries, etc in hopes that Mother Nature will take the hint and tell this freezy butt cold weather to take a hike!

#3) I am truly grateful to Mike Beeler for getting the little workout group together in the morning. My husband has been 3 mornings in a row and I've done my workout at home 3 mornings in a row. It's holding us accountable and we've both felt great this week!

#4) I read the other day that you are supposed to drink 40% of your body weight in water each day to maintain healthy skin, etc. I've decided water is over-rated. I'm sure I'd feel different if I was dying of thirst...

#5)

Bacon Cheeseburger Rollup

2009-01-28T08:44:00.001-06:00

Last night, I made a favorite at our house. I call it Bacon Cheeseburger Rollup and Trenton loves it. It's simple, easy, and quick. Especially, if you take Jenn's advice and brown a whole bunch of ground beef at once and put it in freezer bags. I didn't take any pictures because I was being lazy last night. The good thing about this recipe is it can be changed for different tastes. Last night, I had too much burger, so I made two. One with pepperjack cheese for Trenton and one with sharp cheddar for me. You could add peppers, olives, whatever. You could also use the same basic principle to make a pizza flavored one. Instead of bacon, use ham, sausage, or pepperoni and add a little pizza sauce instead of velveeta, whatever. If you're looking for something new...give it a try.

Bacon Cheeseburger Rollup

1 can crescent rolls
1/2-1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
8 slices bacon
1 onion, chopped
1 can mushrooms (optional)
4-6 oz Velveeta or 1 cup of any type of shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown hamburger and drain (or if you were like me, take it out of the freezer, pop it in the microwave on defrost for a few minutes...and Voila!)

Cut bacon into small pieces. I used my kitchen shears. Place in hot skillet with chopped onion. Cook until bacon is fully cooked. I add the mushrooms about 1/2 way through just so they absorb more flavor. When the bacon is cooked, add the ground beef and cheese. Stir until melted together. Meanwhile, roll out crescent dough into a long rectangle on a baking pan. I used my round Pampered Chef stone. Once mixture is melted together, spoon down the center of the dough leaving room on both sides and a little space on the ends. Top with shredded cheese if desired. Bring up both sides and pinch a seam down the middle. Place in hot oven for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Spicy Oven BBQ Chicken

2009-01-27T09:12:00.001-06:00

This was supper last night. It was quick, easy, and almost passed for real BBQ. It was just enough of a taste of summer, that I might make it through another 15 degree day! Don't let the title fool you, it's not all that spicy!

Spicy Oven BBQ Chicken
* 4 chicken thighs, with skin and bone (you could use any cut you wanted. I just had these in the fridge)

Sauce
*1 cup ketchup
*3/4 cup brown sugar
*1/4 cup Worchestershire Sauce
*1/2 cup cider vinegar
*2 TBSP chili powder
*1 TBSP honey
*2 TBSP liquid smoke
*1 TBSP chipotle powder
*2 TBSP minced garlic
*Seasoning salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken in ungreased 8x8 pan. Sprinkle with seasoning salt. Cover with aluminum foil and place in oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix all ingredient in sauce pan and bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour or brush over chicken, generously. Place aluminum foil back on and cook an additional 25 minutes. Baste with more sauce. Leave foil off and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

* I only used about 1/2 the sauce I made. I just put the rest in a container and stuck in the the fridge for later this week.

This was dessert. They were leftover from Sunday...but melt in your mouth. It's the same bars I brought to Bunco last week, but I tweaked them a bit!

Seven Layer Bars

*3/4 cup stick butter
*2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
*1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
*1 cup chocolate chips
*1 cup peanut butter chips
*1 cup butterscotch chips
*1 cup mini marshmallows
*1 can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in 9x13 inch pan. Stick in oven until melted. Pour graham cracker crumbs over butter and smooth. Place remaining ingredients in order listed. Do not stir. Pour sweet milk over top of entire pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch your marshmallows and make sure they don't burn. Remove from oven. Cool. Place in refrigerator. Better when served cold. Quick, easy, and tasty!

The Final Verdict

Chicken- Trenton liked the sauce. He's not a big chicken eater, but said it was good. He said next time he'd prefer skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. I loved it.

7 Layer bars - BIG HIT! The whole pan is almost gone...the two in the picture are all that are left. Took them to the father in laws Sunday and came home with about 7 out of the whole pan!

I feel like chicken tonight.... :)

2009-01-26T13:39:00.000-06:00

On the Menu: Spicy Oven BBQ Chicken. Let you know how it goes tomorrow! Trenton's not a huge chicken fan...so we'll see how this goes! I'm hoping if I add enough spice to it...he'll like it :) Stay tuned...reviews tomorrow!

I was going to put in a nice picture of a chicken here, but googled it and am now very disturbed by cute little chicken pictures running through my head. Sorry...no chicken picture now. So...I'll just put this instead...

Scattergories

2009-01-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

Got this in an email...thought I'd post here for fun in case some of you wanted to try it.

SCATTERGORIES
Rules: IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!

USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO
ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS.

THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES,
NAMES,THINGS.NOTHING MADE UP! TRY TO
USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON IN
FRONT OF YOU HAD THE SAME
1ST INITIAL. YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR
THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

1. What is your name: Erin
2. A 4 letter word: Evil
3. A boy's name: Everett
4. A girl's name: Emma
5. An occupation: Endocrinologist
6. A color: Eggplant
7. Something you wear: Earrings
8. A Beverage: Expresso
9. Something found in a bathroom: Eye drops
10. A place: Eden
11. Something you shout: Enough!!!

Just another Manic Monday...wish it were Sunday...

2009-01-26T08:03:00.000-06:00

So first things first...here's my new stove...I know, such a super exciting post first thing on a Monday.....How will you handle the excitement?!?!? I'm grateful for a father-in-law and husband, who in the frigid weather, tried to get this silly thing in my house for over an hour. They tried one door and took it off, but it wouldn't go through, so they ended up taking off the front door and getting it in that way! THANK YOU!!!

I used it last night and love it. It will take some figuring out, but for now, it's the most exciting thing happenin' for me right now!

Trenton got up and worked out with the guys this morning @ 5:30. I have to say, I'm grateful that Mike invited him to go. It's good for him and won't make me worry as much about his health and it's good motivation for me to get up and work out too. We've been doing Pilates in the evenings every other day b/c Dr. Dixon told Trenton that was the best way to strengthen up his back and avoid surgery. We both actually really like doing it. It's only 30 minutes, it's effective, and I sleep better!

We didn't really get much done this weekend. Friday, we hung out and James and Amee's and played cards and Scattergories. The boys won again, but it was a lot closer than usual, so I don't think they get as much for bragging rights this week. On Saturday, I met Holly and Myra in Ottumwa for lunch. I got a terrible headache around noon, came home around 3:30, and slept until 6. Talk about lazy...but my headache went away! I fixed some supper and we went to bed. Yesterday, we had a great day at church and a wonderful afternoon at Chuck's. We had chicken & noodles and spent the afternoon watching Castaway...which I had never seen. We've spent a couple Sundays out there recently and it's nice to just visit and relax. Trenton & Chuck then moved some furniture around. All in all, it was a very nice day and made me dread having to come to work today.

Happy Monday!

Frazzledness

2009-01-23T10:40:00.000-06:00

I don't even know what to title this post...I'm frazzled beyond belief at work, feel like I've been running my butt off all week. I'm testing, working on budget, writing evaluations, dealing with staff issues, making up minutes with speech kids.....pressure pressure pressure! I've been up the last 3 nights with our little puppy with the seizures. I really think his seizures have something to do with his body temperature not being able to stay regulated. Plus we have to bottle feed him about every 2-3 hours, which makes for a long night. He cries something terrible all the time. I finally couldn't take it this morning and got up at 5am, picked him up out of his basket and snuggled with him on the couch until he got warmed up. I'm trying to work on a "budget" for Trenton & I at all. We've said no major purchases until July unless absolutely necessary. No clothes, movies, nothing. Trenton thinks we could realistically build in 3-4 years, but we need to get some others things out the way first, cars, student loans, etc. I'm all about shopping and all, but in the long run, building our dream house is worth giving up a few shopping sprees. This also means working somewhere this summer for me, but I can deal. BUT...all in all, I think I'm handling it pretty well. I bawled my eyes out at Grey's Anatomy last night, I blamed it on the super emotional episode, but it probably had more to do with my frazzledness than anything. It's FRIDAY! We're playing cards with Amee & James tonight, I'm eating lunch with my sister and Myra tomorrow as well as stocking up the pantry with necessities from the Dutchmen's store, and we're having dinner with the father-in-law on Sunday. Plus, I'm getting a new stove (FREE) this weekend with 5 burners and a flat top! Super excited about that!

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-22T09:15:00.000-06:00

I love this picture. It's not a current picture, it's from our wedding in 2007, but it's one of my favorites from our whole wedding. This is me and my step-dad dancing during the father daughter dance. I know "step" relationships can be tense and stressed in some families. But I truly believe this man is an angel. After Dad died, I really didn't know what my sisters and I were going to do. We were so young and I just felt so empty. Then Mom met David...aka Daveo, Meatball, the Silver Fox...etc.. and our lives have never been the same. He's been everything a father is supposed to be and more. Most people don't see the side of him that us kids get to see. But he's funny, caring, loving, smart, and dedicated to whatever is in his heart. Over the course of the last 10 years, he's been there for me in more ways than I could ever count. He's helped me pick up the pieces several times when life has shattered around me. Never asking for anything in return...We danced to "Unsung Hero". It couldn't have been more perfect. So for the simple reason that I don't feel like I ever get a chance to give him the credit he deserves....here's my 1000 Word Thursday picture. Sorry for the long caption!

In the works...

2009-01-21T08:51:00.001-06:00

I'm attempting to plan ahead...BIG thing for me. I always try, but never do. On another blog that I read, she plans out her menu for the whole month. Only weekdays...weekends are free game. She stocks her pantry at the beginning of the month with all the ingredients and then just sticks to her list. I stress myself out over what to fix for supper, b/c I wait until last minute to think about it, rarely have anything thawed out ahead of time, and don't leave enough time to fix it when I get home b/c I spend an hour at the grocery store gathering ingredients. Then in a rush, I fix something like mushroom steak that we've had 15 times in the last 4 weeks. So....I'm going to try this. Keep in mind, we have pork, beef, and deer in the freezer to utilize...lots of ground beef and venison. Some nights it may be as simple as hamburger helper, but it will be planned and hopefully a bit easier on me. You wouldn't think cooking for two people should be that hard. But it is. I'm also going to try not to have as many leftovers, because we waste them. Once I've had something, I don't want it again the next night, unless it's a vegetable.

So.......send me your ideas. Crockpot, casserole, soup, I don't care. We are trying to watch our figures (mostly just watching them take on a very round shape) so anything "light" would be great...I think if I can start this now #1) It will save money b/c I won't be making as many trips to the grocery store and getting unnecessary things. #2) It will be a good habit for when we do have kids and things are hectic. #3) It will help me be less fretful over cooking!

Also, Bree....what did you put on your BBQ beef @ Bunco? It was delish and I've got a roast in the crockpot today for BBQ Beef....no I didn't plan that ahead, I had to defrost it in the microwave. :)

Monday, Monday

2009-01-19T11:00:00.000-06:00

I am at work today. Most of you are at home...sleeping in and enjoying a day off. I'm not complaining about it b/c we had two glorious and unexpected days off last week. And we are making this day up due to the death of our prinicipal, which was out of everyone's control as far as missing a day of school. I just feel like the year has been full of odd occurences. Starting school late for Ken's funeral, missing school for sub zero temps, an early start to Christmas break.

I had a wonderful weekend. I had a fantastic time at Bunco on Thursday after a day off. I cleaned my whole house on Thursday, so Friday was a slacker day. I spent the whole day Friday and Saturday with my husband. We did absolutely nothing. We went out to eat with James and Amee on Friday and then played cards. We had a very relaxing weekend after a very tense and stressful week. I've learned one important thing though...if I need help, I have to ask for it. Apparently my husband does not have ESP like I thought, therefore, he does not magically know when I need help with dishes, laundry, trash, etc. This was the subject of a very large (and in all honesty, overly dramatic) debate last week brought on by yours truly. I was stressed out and overwhelemed by a lot of different things for a lot of different reasons, and unfortunately decided to take it out on my husband. I love him dearly, but he receives the brunt of my frustrations the majority of the time. I have promised however to just ask for help next time instead of erupting like Mt. Vesuvius. So far, I am finding this does work a lot better and makes for a much more peaceful household!

I'm looking very forward to Bunco again next month. It was a great time to visit and just relax!

Happy Monday!

Dear Tuesday,

2009-01-13T12:49:00.000-06:00

First of all...don't take offense, but YUCK! As much as I don't like Monday, I think I dislike you more, Tuesday. On Monday, I feel somewhat refreshed after a wonderful weekend of Saturday and Sunday. You're not cool like Wednesday, because that's hump day or half-way. You're not cool like Thursday, because that's the day before Friday, so it's ok by proximity. And I don't even need to explain why Friday is better. You're just blah...you're it's still 3 days of work this week, why did you slack off on Monday and leave everything for today, you should have went to bed instead of watching all those stupid reality shows last night....Tuesday...we've got to do something about your image.

Sincerely,

Erin

PS: Yes I know I addressed this to a day of the week. No I don't care.

1000 Word Thursday

2009-01-08T08:32:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be a copy cat and start doing this too. I'm hoping it will inspire me to take a few more pictures throughout the week. I know she's not my baby...but I love this girl! I honestly can't imagine loving a baby more than I love miss Myra!

Final Verdict

2009-01-07T13:59:00.000-06:00

Here's what's for dinner...only with pork sausage instead of ground beef

Taco Ring

Ingredients
3/4 lb lean ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4oz.)
2 tablespoons water
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 medium bell pepper
1 cup salsa
3 cups lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato
1/4 cup onion, chopped (opitonal)
1/2 cup pitted ripe black olives (optional)
sour cream (optional)

Directions
1Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium heat 7-9 minutes or until beef is no longer pink;drain.

2Remove pan from heat.

3Stir in taco seasoning mix,cheese and water.

4Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

5Unroll cresent dough;separate into triangles.

6Arrange triangles in a cirlce on Classic Round Pizza Stone with wide ends overlapping in center and points toward outside.

7(There should be a 5 inch diameter opening in center.) I use my pampered chef pizza stone but any flat round pan should work, perhaps even a pizza sheet but I'd spray it with Pam before adding the cresent rolls.

8Scoop meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at center of ring.

9(Filling will not be completely covered).

10Bake at 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

11Shred Lettuce,and chop tomatoe,onion,and olives,and bell pepper if desired.

12If you want to do something fancy, scoop out a bell pepper and fill with salsa and put into center of ring.

13Add your toppings to top of ring and finish with more shredded cheese and sour cream.

14This is great with a salad.

Biggest Loser

2009-01-07T12:27:00.000-06:00

So our school is having a biggest loser competition. Within the school and between two other schools. We're in competition with Knox and Canton for a traveling trophy...big deal, right... But we're also on teams of three for an in house competition. Apparently, I thought this was going to be a pretty individual low key event. Not so much. People are exercising like crazy and putting reminders out for their team members....fun, but wow...talk about having to stick to your NY resolutions.

Also, I have a headache. I'm not sure why. I haven't had one since getting my wisdom teeth done, which is pretty remarkable for me b/c in all honesty, I usually get a pretty severe headache at least once a day. I had been greatly relieved over the past week to be headache free. And then...tylenol doesn't usually do the trick... It's probably hormone related. You know, the one thing I have absolutely no control over. Oh well, suck it up, Tallman, and get on with your day! Yep, that's right, I just gave myself a pep talk on my blog. I'm really awesome like that.

And just because I feel like being nosy and want to see if you actually ever read what I write or if I totally bore you all to death....what's for dinner tonight? I cheated and "fixed" Casey's taco pizza last night and burnt the round steak on Monday, so I suppose since there isn't Sonlight tonight, I should actually fix something decent tonight. Ideas?!?!

Whatever You're Doing

2009-01-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

Whatever You're Doing...by Sanctus Real

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to fix up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

New Year...new hope

2009-01-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

My hubby and I ringing in the New Year! Yes, we look fantastic and No, I don't care! We spent the evening at Colby and Susan's playing poker and enjoying the company of friends. It was a great evening with lots of laughter and Trenton even won $25 cause he got 1st.

Break went too fast. I learned this morning, that apparently I did not become a morning person just b/c 2009 arrived. I feel like now all I can do is count down until summer break. And I love my job, I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't. We had a great time spending time with both sides of the family the past few weeks and the holidays went relatively well. I enjoyed not one, but two days of baking with Amee and had more goodies than we were able to eat. We went to Bogie's last Saturday and had the best steak I've ever eaten...well partially eaten. We'd never been there before and I didn't know about the steak "sizes" and ordered the largest one on the menu...needless to say, Trenton ate the majority of it, with enough for a steak sandwich to take home! We will definitely be returning there again! I had my wisdom teeth taken out on the 29th with relatively no trouble. I'm not saying I'd do it again tomorrow. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. Still a little tender, but I didn't take any of the pain medicine they prescribed the whole time. Haven't decided if that makes me really strong or really stupid!

Trenton and I are looking very forward to a new year. I feel it will be our best together yet. We had many questions over the holidays about when we'll start trying again... so far, we're just waiting to see what happens. We stressed ourselves out about it way too much before and I don't want to go through that again. It will happen when God intends it to happen. In the meantime, we'll be working on things that we can change to make our lives better.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Our latest additions...

2009-01-05T11:00:00.000-06:00

Most of you have probably already heard me complaining about this. But we have a few new additions to the family at our house. I have to admit...they are pretty darn cute already! However, these 9...yes I said 9 puppies will need to be finding new homes soon b/c this gal ain't feeding that many pooches forever!

My poor momma dog- I think she's saying "Help?!?!"

The whole mess of them. They're actually quite adorable! Below are a few individual shots. I'm sure I'll have more as they grow a bit!

Feel free to get your name in for your favorite now! :)

Christmas Review...

2009-01-05T10:26:00.000-06:00

I know Christmas is over, but now that I'm back at school, I can finally download a few pics from Christmas. I promise it will be minimum...only the highlights of the season!

These were a present from "above" for my sisters and cousin, Jessica this year. These were my great grandmas home sewn aprons that Nana and mom found in a trunk when sorting threw some of Nana's things. Grandma Tade had kept them for all of us girls. It was probably my favorite Christmas present.

Miss Myra with Uncle Trenton. She is such a pistol. I love her to pieces! She is such a ham and is changing so much everytime we see her.

TOO MUCH CHRISTMAS!!! She couldn't take it anymore. She didn't even make it through the first present. Holly had said she'd be konked out if we didn't get started by 8 that morning and sure enough 7:55 she was out!

A little Rock Band with the family! This wasn't even the best of it. Let's just say, #1) A little of my family singing goes a long LONG way and #2) It's a good thing the majority of us have day jobs!

Ok, that's all for now.

Another early out

2008-12-18T08:58:00.000-06:00

Well folks, we are dismissing yet again at 12:15 in anticipation on the storm heading our way. Our poor kids here at school really don't know what to think. We've already been out early once this week. We cancelled the parties scheduled for Friday b/c the superintendent didn't really think we would be here. They were supposed to be this afternoon and now we're leaving early so they're having them this morning. Granted the extra time off will be nice to get stuff done at my house, but I feel for the kids who look so forward to this. For some of this, it's really the best part of Christmas for them b/c they don't get much of one at home. Everyone's working really hard to make the best of the situation. Please pray for a safe and happy holiday season for all these little munchkins heading home. I know the majority of them will have a very blessed holiday, but for some of them, school is the place they feel safest and they won't be here for 2 1/2 weeks.

Also, pray for all the men & women that will no doubt get called out all night to make repairs and get things up and going for the rest of us this evening. Sometimes, I get excited about a snow day and forget that means some very dear friends are going to be out in the cold, ice, and snow while I'm tucked away in my house.

Have a great day. Stay warm, safe, and happy!

New Years?

2008-12-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...Christmas isn't even here yet...but has anyone started thinking about their New Year's Resolutions yet? Just wondering!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-17T09:25:00.000-06:00

Oh where to begin. First, I tried to type this post last night because I was bragging about the awesomeness of my new phone. Trenton & I got new Blackberrys on Sunday and I was super excited about having the internet on my phone and being able to blog. I spend about an hour trping a blog only to find out that I don't know how to get it to save. Isn't that wonderful! Anyway, I'm still excited about my phone b/c I feel a little bit more connected to the world with internet access. Unfortunately, it also means that my husband and I are spending more time on our phones now than we are actually speaking to each other. You know it's bad when he just text messages me from the couch to tell me he loves me. Can you say pathetic? Like I need one more reason to be a lazy bum?!?!

Second, I'm super excited for Christmas break. Not because I have my shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, or cleaning done. But because I will get to spend some much needed time with my husband. I think he really needs some quality time (minus the phones). He's been really off lately. I think it's just because things have finally slowed down enough at work that he's just now processing everything that happened in October. I think he's been under a lot of pressure from certain outside forces that is really putting stress on him. And I hate that. He wants so bad to make everyone happy and when others purposefully say and do hurtful things, it just breaks my heart. I guess it's like they say though, sometimes those closest to you are the ones that can hurt you the most. All either one of us has needed the past few months is understanding and support. Yet he's expected to be the one to mend fences and make things right. I just wish for once, his feelings got put first. I'm probably a little biased though. I tend to be very protective of him...I can't imagine how I'll actually be when I have kids.

Third, I was so excited to see my neice, Angie, last week. She lives in Wyoming, but drove back for Uncle Gary's visitation and funeral. I hate the reason she was here, but I do miss her so much. She's only a year older than me so growing up we were more like sisters. I wish she could have stayed longer. I am going to miss Uncle Gary more than I will ever really be able to accept. I know he's in a better place now, but he has played such an important role in so many of my childhood and adult memories, that his death has left a gaping hole in my life. He's the one that bought me a Santa Claus that sings "We wish you a merry Christmas" when you pushed the nose when I was little. I'm sure he bought it mostly to annoy my dad, but that thing still hangs outside the door at my parents house. He bought me my first drink on my 21st. He taught me how to saddle and bridle a horse. He kept my horses for me when I went to college and didn't have a place for them and never asked for anything in return. He was a dancing fool. He taught me to two-step(not that I'm very good at it) He was a wonderful caring man. He raised two sons that were not his my blood or marriage, only by choice. He was a fun loving spirit and I will miss him dearly.

Fourth, I think that's it. Lerin is back from California this week so I'd like to get over to visit her more this week. We have our first official Christmas with that side on Saturday. Guess that means I should finish shopping, huh? I hope the weather holds out tomorrow and Friday so the kids will get to have their Christmas parties and programs!:)

It's Friday!!

2008-12-05T09:48:00.000-06:00

How exciting! I've waited all week for Friday b/c...well I'm not really sure why. #1) I'm hoping Jenn will have that baby this weekend! 2) I've had a headache constantly since I woke up last Wednesday...as in the day before Thanksgiving and it will not go away. I am looking forward to taking some good medicine this weekend and resting some. 3) I'm going shopping tomorrow with Amee, Sarah, and April. Which means hopefully I'll have more presents to wrap b/c my tree looks sad without gifts under it.

I think that's it for now. Oh AND I only have to go to school 2 days next week. I'm going to that grant workshop in Jeff City. The fun part of it is...Trenton is going with me, the school is paying for it, and our hotel has an indoor heated pool and hot tub. So, despite the cruddy all day workshops...it's like a mini vacay before a 2 week vacation! And I don't have to pay for it...I can tolerate the boring workshops for that and who knows...I might learn something. In actuality though, I hate being gone because things seem to snowball when I'm away and then I spend more time trying to play catch up.

On a different note...our kindergarten teacher got a note from a parent today saying to watch her child because last night he couldn't stop sneezing. When she asked him what was wrong, he said he had an eyeball in his nose. Turns out he wasn't lying. He had shoved one of those googly eyes up his nose and apparently couldn't get it out. He's now being closely watched so something similar doesn't happen...what a mischievious little boy! What a way to make a teacher laugh on Friday!