Tackle It Tuesday

Here is my great 1st time bush trimming job.

Mother's Day Adventure

Today started with presents and breakfast in bed just like I hoped. We had to take a trip to the airport so we took it easy in the morning and picked up lunch so I wouldn't have to cook. Later we started our trip to the airport with a stop at the drugstore which made us run a little behind. When we saw the 2 mile sign for our exit we noticed that we had a flat tire with 50 minutes until the flight would leave. We called Doug's parents since Doug had to leave for his flight and didn't want me to deal with this problem alone. They left right away to start the hour and twenty minute trip. We tried to ride it as far was we could but came just short of the exit. The tire was now shredded. Doug got out (on the turnpike!) and put the donut on. Wouldn't you know it, the donut was low on air! We rode slow and luckily made it to the airport parking lot. Doug made his flight with 35 minutes to spare. The people that worked in the Limo/taxi service took me to get air in it. By the time we were done Doug's parents were there and we made it to Walmart to get a new tire put on. That took an hour so the 5 of us wondered around Walmart. How exciting!!! All in a day's work.

Anyway, we had these cute questions in our MOPs newsletter and I thought these were cute so I asked my children at different times. These are their answers:

1. Why did God make moms?
Robyn: So kids can be alive.
Garrett: So children can have moms to kiss'em and hug'em goodnight.

2. What ingredients are mothers made of?
Robyn: Sugar and spice and everything nice.
Garrett: Hair, freckles and shirts.

3. Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
Robyn: Because she's REALLY nice.
Garrett: Because he loves me very much.

4. What kind of little girl was your mom?
Robyn: A good little girl.
Garrett: Little girl with red hair.

5. What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
Robyn: If he was really good at being a dad.
Garrett: Make sure he's cute.

6. Why did your mom marry your dad?
Robyn: Because he was cute and she liked him.
Garrett: So she could have children and because he was very cute.

7. Who's the boss at your house? (Trick question since Doug has been traveling so much)
Robyn: Mommy
Garrett: Mommy and Daddy.

8. What's the difference between moms and dads?
Robyn: Dads have short hair and moms have long hair.
Garrett: Their hair color.

9. What does your mom do in her spare time?
Robyn: Reads to me and Garrett.
Garrett: Cleans up the house.

10. What would it take to make your mom perfect?
Robyn: Stop yelling at us.
Garrett: She needs new shirts.

11. If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
Robyn: Stop yelling at us.
Garrett: Turn lipstick into blue lipstick.

I Feel Healthy!!!

The last few weeks have been a little hard on me since I found out some news about my health. I may write about that another time since I won't know more until after May 22rd. Anyway, I was able to start working out again this week and feel so much better. For those of you who don't know I started exercising a little last fall and in January I found out that if I couldn't lower my cholesterol on my own that I would have to start prescription meds. I really took it seriously and changed my diet and focused on my exercise. I was able to significantly lower my cholesterol and since last August I have lost 18lbs and went down two sizes. I am two sizes smaller than I was in high school! That is amazing considering that after each of my pregnancies I was a size 14. The best news is that I feel healthier and more energetic than I have in my life. I found some things along the way that helped me get there and thought I would share them.

1. Stretchy pants are evil. I can eat a lot more when my pants don't get tight.
2. Exercise in the morning. During the course of a day I can talk myself out of exercising.
3. Shower afterwards and put on makeup and do your hair. If you look better you will feel better.
4. If you are going to feel guilty about eating it, don't eat it.
5. I drink a minimum of 32ozs a day of water. I'm not a thirsty person so I have to force it.
6. Force yourself to eat vegetables and fruit. The more you do it, the more you crave it. Different dips help me to get vegetables down.
7. If you are bored find something to do instead of watching T.V. I have become an organizing freak and it keeps me from oversnacking.
8. Snack at least 2 times a day in addition to 3 full meals. It really does keep your metabolism up.
9. Spend time outside. It does wonders for mental health.
10. If you have trouble getting motivated come over to my house. We can go for a walk or you can use my treadmill or exercise bike.

Tackle it Tuesday!

I don't have pictures of it, does it count? Yesterday I started edging my sidewalks and got about halfway through. Today I finished the other half. I was doing it with a shovel and it doesn't sound like much but I live on a corner so I have double the work. Next week my goal is cleaning and moving toys into the basement and edging my driveway.

Busy Week!

We had a really busy week at my house and I wasn't able to blog or email. My father came out to visit for the week, Doug was home and working nights (means I have to have dinner ready at 4!), our basement flooded again, I had some medical tests, I attended my first grandparent's day with my father at Garrett's school, had a sump pump put in our basement and set up and worked at Robyn's school fun fair. I thought I would be able to rest yesterday but had to deal with grocery shopping, hair cuts and working the fun fair. I thought I could rest today but realized Doug's scheduled changed again and he will be working days through Friday so I needed to cut the grass and went to church in the morning. I'm resting now, finally. I'll be shopping for Mother's day gifts tomorrow and that is really fun for me so I'm excited. This week should be a little more normal and less stressful.

7 Favorite Songs

I have looked at Tina's, Heather's and KC's music lists and I still can't come up with mine. I can't narrow it down to 7 songs. I like too many different songs from too many different categories. Now I mostly listen to Hip-hop and rap and Christian music (I know how strange that sounds together). I like a lot of the modern stuff with Justin Timberlake, Gwen Steffani, Nelly and Avril Lavigne. I also like some older stuff with Missy Elliot, Ice Cube and the Beastie Boys. My favorite band that I used to go to concerts for was Third Eye Blind back when I was 20. My all time favorite romantic song is Chris Isaack - Wicked Game. For country I am absolutely in love with Toby Keith. My all time favorite song is I'll Fly Away in any version. That song really puts things in perspective for me and helps me to stop worrying.

Wow, all those different types of music and time periods. Am I mixed up or what?

My Little Girl

I had a great opportunity to spend time with Robyn yesterday. She was supposed to have a Mother - Daughter dance for Brownies but it was cancelled. Since I already had Doug's parents set up to watch Garrett we decided to go out anyway. We ended up having dinner and ice cream at Dairy Queen and later we went to the beach and walked around. I love spending time with her and she was extremely excited about having time alone with me.

Easter

This Easter was pretty laid back. Doug finished working at 7am so it was just me and the kids for church. After church we picked Doug up and went out to his parents house for an Easter dinner with his family. It was very relaxing and a lot of fun.

Tomorrow morning the kids and I are leaving for NC to visit my sister and her family. The kids are very excited but I haven't even started packing yet. I better go get my act together.

Garrett's Birthday Part II

So now the parties are over and I can reflect on the day. Garrett and I were able to spend the day together to go to Build-A-Bear Workshop and have lunch out. As I was sitting across from him at lunch I was just watching him and thinking about how much he has changed. Its a little sad to remember how much he loved me to carry him and cuddle with him. He used to suck his thumb and carry around two blankeys and a dog. He is a completely different person now, just since August. He saw someone sucking their thumb in August and decided that looked silly so he instantly stopped sucking his. He only asks for his blankeys once in a while now. He doesn't really ask to cuddle too much now but he does ask me to read him books and he sits on my lap when I do. I think that is his way of keeping that going. He behaved so well and mature today, I hope this is because he turned five. You can't go backwards once you start behaving, right?

Garrett turned 5!

Garrett's birthday is today! He had a small party yesterday with some close friends at McDonald's. This morning we are taking him to Build-A-Bear to make a puppy. Tonight he is having all his relatives in the area come over for a big party. I will have to post pictures of yesterday's party and today's events tomorrow. I haven't been able to blog as much this week since Doug is home and working nights. The computer is not accessible when he is sleeping.

Menu Monday

Sunday: Crispy Onion Chicken
Monday: Homemade Sloppy Joes In Crock Pot
Tuesday: Pasta Penne and Cheese Garlic Bisquits
Wednesday: Pork Chops with Rice and Corn
Thursday: Chicken and Dumplings with Carrots
Friday: Tacos

Thursday Thirteen

Here are thirteen things I love about my morning schedule.
1. quiet time before the kids wake up
2. getting the kids their breakfast (I've made them breakfast menus and we play restaurant (this is the only meal they get a choice in))
3. putting away the morning dishes (I love my kitchen sink being clean)
4. making all the beds (This is my favorite, I'm weird)
5. opening all the blinds to get ready for the day
6. getting the kids off on the bus
7. listening to Curious George as I start laundry
8. straightening up the living room and kitchen before I leave
9. taking Garrett to preschool
10. Seeing grown-ups to talk to at Garrett's preschool
11. coming back to the house to work on a project, go to MOPs or help at Robyn's school
12. Thinking of some new area of the house to organize or clean
13. The feeling of relief that everything is on schedule

Is this a sad and pathetic list or what? I have to admit that as more days go on I enjoy being on a schedule, having everything in its place and organizing. I'm turning into an old fart and I'm only 30! The real challenge is to have Doug home after traveling so much. It throws off my schedule and its like having another child.

Wordless Wednesday Pic from 2004 and meme

I've been tagged by KC
1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:15, I like to exercise and shower before the kids get up
2. Diamonds or pearls? DIAMONDS
3. What was the last film you saw in the cinema? Wild Hogs
4.What is your favorite tv show? The Office
5. What did you have for breakfast? Waffles and Juice
6. What is your middle name? Ann
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese
8. What foods do you dislike? Liver, Lima beans, peas(these were KC's answers but I have to agree)
9. What are your favorite chips? sour cream or BBQ
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I don't listen to whole CDs or buy them
11. What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Venture Van
12. Favorite sandwich? Chicken Teriaki with green peppers, lettuce and sweet onion sauce on Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread from Subway.
13. What characteristics can't you stand? dishonesty
14. What are your favorite clothes? The perfect Tee from Old Navy, capris
15. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be? Disney World
16. Wore at sixteen? I don't remember
17. Where would you want to retire? Some where warm but not too crowded
18. Favorite time of day? morning
19. Where were you born? In PA
20. Favorite events to watch? I don't know I get bored too easy
21. Coke or Pepsi? Coke
22. Beavers or Ducks? Ducks
23. Are you a morning person or night owl? morning person
24. Pedicures or manicures? Pedicures
25. What did you want to be when you were little? a pediatrician, a vetrinarian, a scientist (all the same things my daughter wants now)
26. What is your best childhood memory? Way to many to pick from
27. Ever been to Africa? No
28. Ever been toilet papering? no
29. Been in a car accident? yes
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday and Sunday because I get to sleep later and relax more.
31. Favorite flower? daisy
32. Favorite restaurant? Four Seasons in Philly
33.Favorite ice cream? Cotton Candy
34. Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's
35. How many times did you fail your driver's test? written passed 1st time, driving failed 5 times :( If you can drive faster through the serpentine doesn't it mean you are a BETTER driver?
36. From whom did you get your last e-mail? Heather
37. What store would you like to max out your credit card? Target or Kohl's
38. Last person you went to dinner with? husband
39.What are you listening to right now? Clifford the Big Red Dog
40. What is your favorite color? yellow
41. How many tattoos do you have? one
42. How many are you sending this e-mail to? Anyone who reads my blog
43. What time did you finish this blog entry? 8:58am
44. Favorite magazine? don't have one
45.Coffee or tea? tea
46. Do you tan easily or burn? burn, real bad
47. Do you color your hair? not anymore
48. What is the first car you ever purchased without your parents assistance?
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 in forest green
49. What is your most dreaded household chore? cleaning the tub and shower
50. Who do you tag to do this meme? I'll pick Heather

Tackle it Tuesday

Here is the project I worked on Monday and Tuesday. This bathroom looked awful with the blue especially because the wall was so beat up. We struggled to get wallpaper down in there two years ago. I finally fixed the holes and painted it white. Not my first choice but our toilet is blue, our sink is blue and the counter top is white and blue marble-like. At this point I just want everything to look neat and clean when we try to sell the house. Next is the flooring in that bathroom and my husband will be doing that! Two bathrooms done in two weeks!! That inspires me to fix our basement bathroom up too but I'm tired of being in the bathroom.

Menu Monday

This should be an exciting menu since the hubby is gone all week. We usually are more casual and go with easy meals during those times. I haven't gotten my act together yet and put the prices there but I'm getting better!



Monday: Crispy Chicken (recipe from Heather)and corn
Tuesday: Soup, grilled cheese and carrots
Wednesday: Fish Sticks (we would never get away with this with my husband around), smileys and green beans
Thursday: BBQ Boneless Chicken, rice and applesauce
Friday: Chicken Nuggets, carrots and apples

Bathroom repairs

Here are pictures from all the hard work my father-in-law and mother-in-law put into our bathroom this week. Since we are probably selling the house in the summer we really wanted to put a wall surround in and get rid of the pink but we decided to be more practical and just repair the tile so we could work on other areas. I have to say that the work they did was fabulous and it looks so much cleaner in there. I will hopefully be much more excited to clean now that you can actually see a difference when you do it. I'm sure my husband still wants to paint the tile since he found a way to do it. He hates pink even more than I do!

Thankful Thursday!

I am keeping up with my blog!!! I had a very thankful Thursday at my house. My father-in-law and mother-in-law came to the door with tools prepared to work on my bathroom tile issues. I was so excited. Its one of the many jobs that needs to be taken care of before we sell this house. He took out the soap dish that was falling out and the loose tile around it. He was able to get the tile set up and just has to put the soap dish back in tomorrow and he will be touching up the poor grout. Its going to look brand new, still pink, but brand new! Next he is going to fix our leaking shower and toilet in the master bath. My dad will be coming out to visit in a few weeks and he is going to look at fixing my basement issues with my father-in-law. I'm so thankful that all our problems are being taken care of and that I have such a supportive family. It has been rough with Doug in the training and not being around much but they really stepped in and helped us when we needed it. I have pictures of the work but I'll save those until I can show the after pictures too.

Here is my list of thirteen things I am thankful for:
1. Jesus
2. supportive family
3. friends
4. house
5. 8:00pm bedtimes for the kids!
6. iPod
7. computer
8. car
9. growing patience
10. dry, warm days
11. my dog when she is lethargic
12. tennis
13. my kids being through the diaper stage

Was that the most exciting list you have ever seen or what?

Wordless Wednesday from Feb '01

Good Things, Bad Things

The kids and I were eating dinner tonight and chatting about different things. I can't remember what we were talking about but Robyn then replied that "when bad things happen, good things happen." I thought it was a silly statement at first but then I started thinking about it. How often do bad things happen to us only to be followed by some miracle? Here is a perfect example. Last week Doug's cousin was in a terrible accident and was life flighted to Toledo. It seemed hopeless then, out of no-where, things were improving and now he is at home walking and talking. On top of that my father-in-law had the opportunity to witness to him and his friends, now their lives may change forever. I guess it can be summed up best by a 7 year old, "when bad things happen, good things happen."

Wordless Wednesday

Five Reasons I Blog

I was tagged by Heather for this so here it goes.

1. Most of my family and friends live far away and blogging helps to keep everyone informed.

2. Its the only kind of scrapbooking I can tolerate because there is no cutting of pictures.

3. I needed a place to post pictures of my cute little babies (They will always be my little babies!).

4. I like to post funny and strange things that happen to us.

5. I am a former computer geek and still love to do things on the computer when I can.

After reading everyone else's meme I feel like I put such short answers. I guess I have a case of the blogger's block lately.

My Cool Tunes

I have been having so much fun lately that I have to tell everyone about it. As some of you know, Doug gave me an iPod for Christmas. Its funny because until November we didn't even really know what an iPod was since we have been sheltered from cool things since we have had children. Anyway, since then I have been gathering our CDs and putting them on it. I thought I was done until I started organizing our desk and found all my old work CDs (computer geek + computer geek co-workers = lots of CDs). I didn't know I was about to hit a gold mine. I found a CD with MP3 songs that was made in 1998/1999 before I really even knew what to do with them. This has all my favorite old music on it. It has everything from Beastie Boys, to Onyx, to Reel Big Fish, to Dr. Dre, to Goldfinger, to Biz Markie and all my favorite slow songs. I just love listening to those old songs and dancing around being goofy. Just ask my kids, they are extremely embarrassed. I've decided to use this for punishments. Whenever the kids wake up grumpy I put House of Pain - Jump Around on and make them dance to it. Garrett enjoys it but Robyn of course thinks I'm just a dork.

Have I been under a rock?

Today I realized how different things have become in our household and its a little sad. Since August Garrett has stopped sucking his thumb, carrying around his blankies, asking for his blankies, even remembering his blankies, cuddling with me each afternoon and sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night. If he wakes up while I am on the treadmill or showering he puts a movie in instead of the crying and whining for me that he used to do. He even buckles himself into the booster seat and dresses himself. I can't believe my little snuggler is becoming so independent. I'm proud of him growing up but thinking about it makes me feel depressed. Soon he will be going through the kindergarten screening and moving out of being a preschooler.

I can't believe how Robyn has changed either. She no longer wants to watch cartoons or to admit that she likes Polly Pocket. She is missing her front two teeth and is now getting embarrassed when I walk into the school to get her at the end of the day. She likes me to help in her class at least. She is also extremely embarrassed by my music and my dancing. Can I help it if she isn't as much fun or as cool as me? She is singing in the school variety show tomorrow and I'm excited for her. She has great confidence and isn't worried about it at all.

Why are my kids so independent and confident while I'm turning into an emotional wreck? I have to get past this before a baby itch starts. Doug has already turned me down in the baby department earlier this year because all he can think about is a trip to Disney next April. For anyone that knows him, yes, his addiction to Disney Vacation Planning is getting worse. He consistently checks Disney for package deals and direct flights and is worried about getting the Cinderella breakfast scheduled. I have never seen anything like this before. I guess its good, I just want to know a week ahead of time so I don't excited too early.

Snow Days

This is our second snow day in a row. I'm not sure how many inches we have because of the drifts but shoveling was tough. I absolutely love my neighbors! When I couldn't take it anymore I went in to rest and when I looked out the window to see what I had left the rest was all done and they even widened my paths with their snow blower. I don't know what I would have done without their help today. My back is killing me but I guess its because I rarely use these muscles (I also moved a desk yesterday from the basement to my bedroom and that didn't help). The real frustrating part was thinking that my husband is in Georgia for the week having a maid clean his room and eating out with his classmates. How fair is that? And on Valentine's Day! He told me he's making it up to me on Saturday so I'm excited. Here are pictures of a snow day at our household, after playing in the snow of course.

This week's drama

On Sunday morning Garrett was playing with the dog while I was in the shower and Doug was making breakfast. Doug unlocked the bathroom door and told me Garrett needed to go to the hospital. Garrett held up the dog's rope and she jumped up to get it and knocked him over on top of the heating register where he cut his knee. He had to get three stitches. Luckily our next door neighbor was one of the doctors on duty so that helped us feel a lot better. He felt great after he was sewn up since he was still numb. He was even running around at church. After we dropped him off to visit Grandma and Grandpa in the afternoon the numbness wore off and he has been uncomfortable ever since. He is actually doing nothing but SITTING STILL! Can you imagine Garrett doing that?

Night at the Museum

On Saturday we decided to have some family fun and celebrate Robyn's excellent grade card so we went to see Night at the Museum. That was the best movie I've seen in a long time. The kids didn't talk the entire movie which is a miracle in itself. The movie was enjoyable for all of us and it even looked like they kept Robin Williams under control by not letting him be "funny" or make annoying sounds. We were pleasantly surprised and the kids are still talking about how much they liked it.

This week is starting out to be busy and hectic and with all the stuff that I hate dealing with taxes, car repair, snow shoveling and appointment setting. Of course Doug is traveling so I get to enjoy all of this alone. I'm counting the days until his program is over in June so we won't have traveling to deal with anymore.

This is a picture of Garrett and his cousin Scott just hanging out at our house a few weeks ago. They get along great. Scott is 8 and he really takes care of Garrett.

Charlotte's Web

Its been hard to find the time to blog lately. For the second time in two weeks the kids have had four day school weeks. As fun as that is for them its hard work for me. We have had a house full with cousins, friends and babysitting kids. We have had lots of sleepovers and playdates. I feel like I spend most of my time in the kitchen feeding kids and cleaning up their messes.

On Saturday I was able to go to the movies with Robyn and Garrett to see Charlotte's Web. I was looking forward to taking them there because they love the whole theater experience, I dreaded the movie though. I already knew the story and I would have rather seen Night at the Museum but we are saving that for when Doug can go. Anyway, we started watching the movie and I really started to get into it despite my annoyance with talking animals. I started getting all emotional and I even cried when the spider died. I couldn't believe that I was crying and my emotional daughter decided to keep herself composed for a change. I even saw Garrett looking over at Robyn for her reaction and she since she wasn't crying this time he didn't either. I guess I'm the only one that can't control herself.

Robyn turned 7!!!!

I can't believe my little girl is 7 already. I feel like I woke up one day and she was no longer interested in Dora or Strawberry Shortcake. She wants to write in her diary and spend hours reading and listening to music in her room.

She had a family party and a couple of girls sleep over for her birthday. Her big gift was going to Build-A-Bear workshop. She loved picking out clothes and shoes for her floppy-eared bunny that she created and can't wait to go back and buy more clothes and shoes for it.

Dogs grow faster!

And I thought kids grew fast!!! She will not be a year old until March 17th and she is already huge. When she lays on our queen size bed now she reaches all the way across. I became such a germaphob when my kids were born that I never thought I would like dogs again but I was wrong. She is my new buddy. I love having someone who follows me around and doesn't talk back. She only wants to make me happy. It will be nice to have such a good watch dog when Doug has to travel now.

Toothless Tuesday!!!!!

Robyn lost her 4th tooth today! The first came out in kiwi, the second Robyn pulled out, the third Doug pulled and this one was mine. Garrett is excited about pulling her next one!

New Year, New Challenges

I have been keeping a lot of this to myself but I figured it was time for me to share some of the things I have been working on and getting ready to face in the next year.

As I talked about earlier, we will probably be moving around July and that has started me thinking about my future. First, Garrett is scheduled to start Kindergarten in September so I would be eligible to work. Second, we have no idea where we will be moving but I wanted to think about a career change that would work anywhere we would move.

Doug will be starting his training tomorrow which means he will be going away to Georgia and Virginia for a week here and there until June. I decided that during that time I will write a book tenatively titled "Parents Leaving Children Behind." This book will defend educational professionals against further blame or responsibilities until parents start preparing their children for school and getting involved with their basic needs (nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.). This book will discuss ways to prepare your child for school and how to build a strong foundation. I am in research mode now and collecting research statistics from a number of resources.

With regards to my working when school starts in the fall I decided to attain my personal trainer certification. I spent months and years in high school going through physical therapy for my knees and looking back, I realized how much I love that environment and the impact it can have on people. I began thinking that if I had all the money in the world I would open a gym. I will start on a much smaller scale of course. Since we will be moving a few times in the next 10 years I am planning on homeschooling again. With this taking up my days I thought of a great way to incorporate both plans. I will start an after school program wherever we move. It will focus on building a healthy lifestyle. I would like to rent a gym and greet the kids each day with a healthy snack and plenty of fun games that will show them that taking care of your body can be fun. I thought this would be very helpful to working parents especially when adolescent obesity is on the rise. I could also use this opportunity to help build a support system for the kids and witness to them. This would tie in well with the homeschooling because my kids would learn this also and interact with plenty of kids each day. I would also like to move into training people as my schedule permits. I am working on the financing for the certification package now.

Sorry if I'm rambling now. I feel like my head is just filled with ideas now and I can't wait to reach my goals.

Things Are Never Dull!

Yesterday when Robyn came home from school I was starting to look through her backpack when she came up to me with a box. She said she had something to show me and was holding out a pretty gold box VERY close to my face. I was expecting a cute craft from school or a hand made gift from a friend. It turned out to be a dead fish! I was thrilled of course. This was the first time that I learned she had a classroom fish. Her teacher was told that she was not allowed to hold a funeral so Robyn asked if she could take it home and have one.

We all marched out to the backyard and said a few words about Blueberry. Garrett prayed that Blueberry wouldn't die but Robyn quickly reminded him that "he's dead already." We buried him under a pine tree. Robyn spent the next 20 minutes crying over her homework.

I was sure to thank her teacher for the dead fish when I went in to help today.

The Holidays Are Over

We had a great time during the holidays. It was nice and relaxing and it brought out the best of the kids. Garrett even lets Robyn use his train table for her Polly Pocket Rockin' Theme Park. Nothing eventful, just a nice Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at home then a party at my in-laws house at night. It was a lot of fun!

After Christmas we started doing a lot of work on the house since we got Lowe's gift cards. We'll have this house in great shape by the time we have to sell it.

I'm looking forward to the new year. Doug starts his training on the 8th and I think he is really going to enjoy this position. Robyn will be turning 7 this month and has just signed up to audition for her school variety show. Garrett is finally starting to eat better and starting to grow. I'm thinking about a completely different career for when Garrett starts kindergarten in the fall and I'm planning for that.

I love the beginning of a new year and the all the possibilities!

Our Big Announcement

I just realized that I have not talked to many people in the last few weeks. Doug has accepted a promotion from a locomotive electrician to a mechanical supervisor for Norfolk Southern. This means that from January to June he will be traveling a lot and taking lots of classes. Its not as bad as the initial training that was 7 weeks straight. This time other than the 3 weeks in the beginning it will be every other week for traveling to Norfolk, VA, McDonough, GA and Atlanta, GA. At the end of June he will complete the training and will be assigned to a shop. That is where most of the fun comes in. We have no idea where we will be moving. Norfolk Southern is in 22 different states and I believe there are 256 shops. Now while Doug is traveling and studying I get to prepare the house so we can sell it. Its hard to believe we are going to have to sell it, I really didn't think we were going to move again. I'm sad that I'll be leaving so many family and friends but I think its an exciting change. The kids are more excited than I thought. I expected the drama from Robyn with leaving her relatives and friends from school but she seems happy about it. The kids want a site that is closer to Disney World. I don't want to get a location in my mind because that is where we won't be sent. :)

Our Actions

I am still thinking about a sermon that I heard on Sunday so I thought I would share it. We visited our old church because the kids were begging to see their relatives, old friends and teachers. They have a new pastor and his message was great.

The sermon talked about how our conduct is related to our expectations. He used the example of the wisemen that set out following a star and found a shack. Is that what you expect when you set out to see a king? He also used the example from A Christmas Story where the boy wanted a red rider bb gun and got a pink bunny suit. I started to think about the times when I'm the most frustrated and angry and he was right. In every instance I'm expecting things from myself and other people that are not always possible. Now that I have heard this I'm going to try and apply it by looking at my expectations before I react.

I did not EXPECT Garrett to make this face when I took the picture.

Finally Rachel!!!

I'm finally getting around to the holiday meme that Rachel tagged me for. Robyn is home sick today so I have some time. Here it is:
1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Both, I even love egg nog ice cream and shakes.
2.Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Santa doesn't visit our house. We wrap the presents ourselves. We used to have them under the tree early but we don't trust the puppy yet!
3. Colored lights on the tree/house or white? I like white lights but I am out numbered in this house. Luckily our tree has built-in white lights.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Don't need to, we do lots of kisses anyway.
5. When do you put your decorations up? On or right before Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish, excluding dessert? Don't have one, I like a lot of different things.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Visiting my relatives in upstate PA every Christmas as a child.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? We always traveled to upstate PA and I started to notice that after we got in the car every year my mom had to go back in and go to the "bathroom." That is when she put the presents out for us to come back to.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We exchanged extended family gifts when I was growing up. Now we just open one gift on Christmas Eve.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Red and gold balls with whatever ornaments we get as gifts or crafts the kids make.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread It? Both, I love to watch it falling and everything covered in white. I also do not like going out in the snow or the cold.
12. Can you ice skate? Nope
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No, I have a bad memory
14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Spending time with family, going to church and listening to Christmas carols.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Don't have one.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We travel every other year so its hard to have one.
17. What tops your tree? An angel.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? I love all of them.
20. Candy canes, Yum or Yuck! I like the other flavors but not peppermint.

Finally!!!!

This finally came out on Wednesday night. We had to put our foot down and had Doug pull it. The sight of the freaky fang was making me sick to my stomach. I let her lay in my lap and hold my hands while Doug pulled it. One side was a lot longer than the other which is why it took so long to come out.

Hoping for a Toothless Tuesday!!