Raising Crazies

Miley Cyrus Concert St. Louis MO 10/28/09

2009-10-31T21:45:00.001-07:00

Halloween 2009 - Flippin Cold

2009-10-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

This Week I...

2009-06-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

* I had a job interview
* Was offered a job
* Had orinetation for said job
* Had a family day in Champaign which was rather enjoyable
* Set up for a rummage sale
* Had a two day rummage sale
* Picked up a white german shepard puppy
* Am dogsitting said german shepard
* We are remembering what it is like to have a puppy in our home again
* Tore down our rummage sale
* Had a date night with Erich
* Got too much sun

*Am glad this week is coming to an end...

Good Times

2009-05-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

With the kids getting older but Erich being unemployed we wanted to do some kind of a vacation but nothing too expensive. Since moving to Mattoon we have heard great things about this amusment park/waterpark in IN. called Holiday World so we decided to check it out for a couple of days. It was only about 3 hours away and we ALL had a great time. There was something there for each of us to enjoy...even the kids hardly argued at all! (now, that's saying SOMETHING) Anyways glad we went there before June since most schools are still in session and we didn't have to wait for any of the rides.

OOOOKKKK then...as soon as I figure out WHY blogger won't let me upload pix, then I will upload a bunch.

McKinley's Graduation from St John's Preschool 5/21/09

2009-05-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

New Pix - Beginning Today 4/26/09

2009-04-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Birthday

2009-01-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today I turned 37 years old. Today I had, truely, a wonderful birthday...the best one I can remember. As part of my birthday gift, Erich gave me the day off to do whatever I wanted to do. Ahhhhh...what to do........I gathered a few of my closest friends and we went to Daisey Lane (a scrapbook/craft store) from 10am until close to 5pm. I have the most amazing friends here in Mattoon, I really do. They are just so much fun and they all really 'get' me. It was enough just to have them take time out of their busy schedules to scrap with me but on top of that they brought a cake and gifts. Then after a fun day of scrapping I came home to a house enriched with the aroma of some kind of italian dish. Apparently McKinley made stuffed shells (the girl loves to cook) with just a little help from 'daddy'. So we all sat down as a family at the dinner table to eat...yes another of my gifts. Then we had cake and watched American Idol. The perfect finish to a perfect day. I feel so blessed today for wonderful friends and family. Thanks to all of you who are in my life!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T10:56:00.001-08:00

Snow Days

2008-12-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today is day 2 of no school. The MPS decided to cancel school today, last night. WHAT?? WHY??? There is barely any snow on the ground and as of right now there is no precipitation falling from the sky. Poor McKinley missed her Christmas party/last day before break due to school being cancelled. Tomorrow is Reagan's last day and it looks like it may be cancelled as well. Sigh. These poor kids...they actually hate staying home when they know they should be at school. huh??? I'm sure in a few years this will change but for now I'll put up with these 'tantrums' and perhaps pullout the video camera to playback to them after a few years...I'm sure we'll all have a good laugh.

On other fronts, not much is new. We got home this past weekend from doing Christmas with my family at the Key Lime Cove waterpark/hotel in Gurnee IL. Fun fun fun!! It was there perfect way to spend time together. All the kids had a ball as did the adults. What a great waterpark. I would totally suggest it especially to people with younger kids. After the waterpark we spent a few days in Racine and then went to visit Neal and his family outside of Chicago. It was so nice to spend the day with them. Our kids played so well. I wish we lived closer. They are great people!

Erich is still looking for employment. He will have is third interview, on Monday, with a large retailer. A retailer, that I LOOOOOVVVVEEEE. Perhaps my FAVORITE retailer of all time. I don't want to jinx it and give the name but I will say that it's a store that's full of 'bullseyes' in the color of Santa's suit!! I'm hoping this pans out well but unfortunately we'd probably have to move...again. This makes me sad. I love it here but what can ya do?

I think I'll take advantage of the day and take the kids out to buy Erich's Christmas gift. Yeah, nothing like waiting until the last minute. I got my present early this year from Erich...a TOMTOM. I love it. But now i have to find him a cool gift too...ugh. Where do you go when you only have a Walmart and Biglots in your town???? Yeah, and WHY don't I want to move??

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-30T14:31:00.001-08:00

McKinley Turns 4 Yrs Old

2008-11-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

The makings of Kinley's 4 yr old party:

*Fancy Nancy Plates

*Princess Birthday Cake

*Visit from Mimi and Papa AND Lydia

*16 birthday guests

*Renting the local gymnastics center and instuctors

*Lots of gift bags

*ONE VERY HAPPY FOUR YEAR OLD SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVE HER

BAD WEEK

2008-11-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Erich lost his job with Home Depot. Prayers and job leads appreciated. 'Nuff said.

Finally Pix

2008-10-22T19:06:00.001-07:00

Been a long time, been a long time, been a long time....

2008-10-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I sit here and read everyone else's blog nearly every night but I can never seem to find the time to update mine. Or at least update mine with anything interesting. So here's what's been happening.

Reagan and McKinley have been very busy with school and sports. The first and third Monday of the month we have MOPS. Every Tuesday and Thursday night we have swim lessons. Every Sat morning we have a soccer game. (but that has ended as of this past Sat) Now, beginning, November 1st Reagan and McKinley will be playing tiny weenie basketball on Sat mornings. Yes can you imagine one of MY kids playing basketball...this should be a hoot!!! So between all of this and homework and attending two halloween parties this past weekend AND spending two weekends out of the last 4 weekends in Wisconsin with my parents, things have been CRAZY to say the least. Honestly, though, I sometimes prefer the hectic schedule...i like to keep myself and the kids busy.

Hmmmm..what else. My three legged dog is doing fantastic. The kids are finally unafraid of his 'stump' and we all laugh when we ask him to 'shake' and he tries to shake with this little 'stump'. actually it's kind of sad.

Fall has finally arrived here in IL this week. Its so nice to see the leaves change and get to wear jeans and long sleeves. The biggest issue I'm having is how to get Mckinley out of Crocs. The girl doesn't care how cold it is she still wants to wear them....with no socks, nontheless. What can ya do...the girl lives for comfort.

I'm almost finished Christmas shopping for the girls. I know...crazy but we've decided to cut way back this year therefore shopping was a breeze since I already knew what I wanted to get them and have been watching sales. Now, i just have to shop for everyone else but i have plenty of time for that.

Erich got a Playstation 3 for this birthday this month. Let's just say he hasnt been sleeping much or watching tv. I usually find him sound asleep on the couch with a remote in his hand. Sigh.

As for me...nada mucho is goin on. I'm looking forward to a trip to St Louis next week with a friend of mine, Nikki. We decided to take a day and go shopping for ourselves...should be alot of fun. (i've never been to st louis) busy busy busy being a minivan soccer, swim, basketball, ymca, school and scrapbooking momma.

i'll try to get some photos up this week.
but don't hold your breath.

Auggie pix

2008-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

the pix of him laying down is him the first night we brought him home..last friday. the pix of him standing is tonight. he is healing amazingly. i don't think he knows the leg is completely gone...i mean COMPLETeLY gone.

Drama Queens

2008-09-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today i have two HUGE drama queens in my house and surprisingly Erich is NOT one of them this time. Reagan had dry skin on the bottom of her foot this morning and peeled a little off...omg...she fell into this tirade of tears: "Mommy I can't walk, i can't play soccer today, my toe is falling off, get me crutches, my feet are falling apart" and i could go on and on. She cried all they way to the soccer fields but low and behold, when we arrived she was 'miraculously' cured and ran to score four goals. Then tonight in the bathtub kinley accidently scratched reagan's knee and there was almost blood. Well you'd have thought mckinley took a razor to her knees and removed all the skin. So now we had to get out the waterproof bandaids (WALL*e) and fix reagan up. Next thing I know mckinley is trying to scratch herself so she can get a bandaid. I get them both out, bandaged up and now neither one of them can walk. Their legs are broken, they need to be carried, etc. etc. Mind you these 'scratches' if you can call them that, are about 1/8th of a centimeter. I am so happy this day is almost over. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Wait, no it won't, Erich is HOME from work tomorrow so I'm sure some more drama is in the works. I shouldn't wonder where the girls get it from. Gotta love em!!!

i'm sick..we are all sick

2008-09-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

i have been sick all week. today reagan threw up at school and is still throwing up. mckinley is hacking and erich is just grumpy and feels 'off'. to top it all off auggie has an additional new fracture in his leg...they had to resplint him and he MUST be crated for the next eight weeks or they will have to amputate his leg. poor guy. nobody in this house can catch a break today...well except auggie and his poor leg. just needed to vent a bit.

Day Two

2008-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

WATER AEROBICS 845-930AM
WATER VOLLEYBALL WITH THE ELDERLY 930-1000AM
OPEN SWIM WITH KIDS 645-830PM

Day one:
WATER AEROBICS 845-930AM
WATER VOLLEYBALL WITH ELDERLY 930-1000
TREADMILL 530-645

I AM BOUND AND DETERMINED TO LOSE THIS WEIGHT...EITHER THAT OR TURN INTO A FISH.

McKinley's First Day of 4 yr old Preschool

2008-09-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

She's just growing up so dang fast!!!

A Saint of a Surrogate MiMi

2008-09-02T04:41:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we were invited to Terra Haute with my good friend and her 3 kids. Her kids are 2, 6, and 17. (and the 17 year old's boyfriend) The kids and I jumped on the chance to get out of Mattoon for a few days) So we all loaded up in her Durango without an inch to spare(imagine carseats, pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases, toys, purses, ipods etc) and headed to Amy's mom's house in T.H. Her mom is a dear lady with so much patience to put up with us all. We were crammed into her home and took up about ever spare inch. The kids were exceptionally rowdy but thankfully she has a fenced in backyard to they spent alot of time outside. We learned, quickly, the first night that Mckinley is deathly afraid of bonfires. Poor girl...scared the poop right out of her. My kids call Amy's mom MiMi Mary since we tend to see Mary more than their own MiMi...Mary seems to love my kids so it's nice to have a 'fill-in' for the real MiMi. Anyways Mary spent alot of her time cooking for the extended family she had staying with her and was such a gracious host. We really had a great time.

Old Friend Vent

2008-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have an old friend who still drives me crazy. We are no longer in touch but I keep up running into her on various web/chat boards as well as I occasionally scan her blog. She thinks she can do no wrong, nor can her 'precious, perfect' children. It drives me bonkers. Her kids are annoying (as I know and readily admit mine can be) and nobody has the balls to tell her because she'll only make it into an argument that you can't win. It doesn't matter how well my kids are doing, her's are always a step ahead of them...socially, academically, physically etc. I haven't spoken to her in quite some time but alot of people who know her still contact me...they all think she's a pain in the ass. Why did it take me so long to see it...even my family told me they thought she was an overbearing, needy friend. I guess I always look for the best in people. I felt sorry for this person initially because nobody could stand her...look where it got me...nowhere. I just had to vent because she's on my mind lately. this post is more for my mental wellbeing than anything else. So if you read this and run into my dear old friend, please don't tell her I said hi.

Ps she's so self absorbed that she'll know this post is about her if she reads it!!!

Our Dog

2008-08-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our dog, Auggie, got hit by a car. No, he wasn't supposed to be running the neighborhood but he accidently got out. I was chasing him around the neighborhood and just when it seemed like he was ready to give up and run across the street to our house, BOOM, he ran into a moving car. He hit the hubcap/tire of a speeding SUV and was tossed right back under it only to come back out the same side. I was right there watching helplessly. The SUV did not stop but the vehicle behind it did. When Auggie got up he hobbled across the street, into our house and straight to his crate. He was walking on 3 paws. I called the emergency vet as I figured his leg was broken and his eye was bleeding very badly but I was much more worried about any internal injuries. Seems he did break his leg in two places and may actually lose that leg but that seems to be the worst of it. His eye suffered some trauma as did his lung but eveything should be ok. He's still at the hospital until Monday when we can bring him home. Poor baby. He will be have to be crated for a while to let the leg heal. The vet called this morning to tell me that he was up and walking on 3 paws and eat a big meal so that's great news. hopefully he will heal quick and he doesn't lose his leg to infection.

i swear, if it's not one thing it's another these days. sheesh!

Changes

2008-08-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Now that Reagan is in kindergarten, and of course getting loads of extra attention, McKinley decided that she wanted to move into her own room. Unbegrudgingly I gave up my scrap room for Kinley to have her own space. Nope, she didn't need Reagan to sleep with her because, after all SHE is a big girl too. So we busted our tail last night and got her room all ready. She went right to sleep...we couldn't believe it. First words out of her mouth this morning, 'mom, I really want sissy to sleep with me tonight in my new room.' So now they both have their own rooms but are sharing Kinley's. The did, however, inform me tonight that tomorrow night they would be back in Reagan's room and then switching every night. Hey at least they aren't fighting about it. (that makes one argument that they've given up)

Reagan is doing well at school. She loves going. Sounds like she's made some new friends and is learning already. Geesh, she's already had homework and is expect to know how to read all of her color word (10 of them) by the end of the second week of school. But for now she seems even excited about that. Oh, and buying hotlunch is THE most exciting thing that has ever happened to the girl!!! She loves it!!! At 1.60/day I figure it's even cheaper than packing a lunch and I don't have to deal with the leftovers she brings home.

So, so far so good. We'll see what changes come about when Kinley starts school in 2 weeks.

First Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Reagan's first day of school went well. She woke up extra early, picked out her outfit and even accessorized with jewlery. (ya know, a girl gotta look good on her first day of school) Her school had a 'BOO HOO' breakfast for all the kindergarten mommies and younger siblings. Surprisingly I did not cry...I was just so proud of her. She walked in like she owned the place. Her first day was 2 hours and her second day was about 4 hours. Tomorrow she goes for her first full day. Her school is outstanding and I am so impressed with the staff, security ect. I think things are going to go well.

Sum Summertime Shots

2008-07-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Update....

2008-07-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today is July 13 and Reagan starts school August 14. WOW. I can't believe summer is almost over...even being as long as it has felt. It's a good thing I've started the kids back to school clothes shopping. Even Walmart has had their school supply lists available for over a week now. It's amazing how much Elmers glue a kindergartener needs. (4 8oz bottle...hmmmm)

The girls had an awesome time at MiMi and Papa's house with McKinley concluding that she wants to go live with them now. They spent time with Lydia, Michael and Brody and of course that was their second most favorite part with their first being taking a bath at MiMi's. They were sad to have to return home. At least they got to take somewhat of a vacation this summer.

The next couple of weeks are pretty busy for the girls. Starting tomorrow Reagan is taking a week long sports camp at the YMCA. She is very excited about this. They get to learn 4 or 5 sports with their rules and all. Should make fall soccer much easier for her to understand. Then this weekend is Bagel Fest. Not really sure what this entails but I think we are obligated to walk in the parade and pass out info for MOPS. (Lender's bagels are made in our little town..hence 'Bagel Fest') Then next Sunday the girls start VBS at our church. I can't ever recall a Catholic church having VBS when I was growing up but the girls are very much looking forward to this. Then the following week Reagan has her kindergarten physical (read: shots), eye exam and we have to get her new cleats for soccer which starts shortly thereafter. Then August 14 it's the BIG day...FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN!! McKinley, who is 3, has been asked if she wanted to join the 4 year old preschool class at her school, so she will be going to preschool 3 days/week. What will I do with all my free time this fall????? Anyways as far as I'm concerned the next month should fly right by.

As for McKinley and dance. UGH. She transfered from dance back to gymnastics. She just didn't like it too much. She cried every time we mentioned it. I think she is just so 'made for' gymanstics where dance it was pretty difficult for her. (you know, being as cordinated as her mommy) But all is well in gymnastics.

Bill, Rosanne, Sue and Dave: You'll be happy to know that Erich has spent the whole 7 days of his vacation cleaning out our big garage behind the house. We will send photos. Can you believe he actually did it???

So that's about all that's happening. I'll post some pix in the next couple days just for fun!!

Vacation...

2008-06-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

No not for the Chada family but for the Chada kids. Mimi and Papa took RJ and MM back to WI this week for some fun in the sun at their house. My house, on the other hand, seems so quiet and boring. You get used to the sound of the running, fighting, whinning, laughing and such that it's strange when it's no longer around. I know the kids are having fun, though with my parents. MM frequently cries for Mimi and RJ just loves being around them so much. I think they were equally excited to spend some time with their cousins Lydia, Michael and Brody. I will drive up there on Sunday and pick them up. In the mean time it was strange that Erich and I went to a movie and didn't have to pay a sitter...a very cheap date this afternoon. I"m going to take these few days to get some things done around the house and my best friend is taking the train in on Friday and driving back to WI with me on Sunday. Oh I'll also be doing some sleeping in...yeah...that's pretty important too!!!!

Ugh...

2008-06-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

is it a good thing when you and your whole family lay down to 'rest' at 4:30pm only to all wake up at 10:30pm??? Nope, I can tell you that it's NOT. I cannot remember the last time I put my kids to bed at 11:30...actually I think the correct answer is never. I mean, c'mon, I'm not that mean of a mommy..they were starving when they woke up tonight. I had to make them something to eat. So cereal and hotdogs were the requested menu. Thank God it was something quick and easy. I'm not surprised they were starving as our rest came on the heels of an early morning t-ball game and an afternoon at the pool. (something about swimming just makes everyone tired) Tomorrow is fathers day and the kids are so excited to wake up and make daddy breakfast. (yes THEY are making scrambled eggs and muffins with minimal help from me) So the question is: will they awaken at 5am or actually sleep in until after their usual 7am wake up time. My gut tells me it will be way too early to predict. I hope daddy doesn't mind waking up early for eggs in bed.

The Littlest Ballerina

2008-06-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Kinners started ballet/tap this week..could she be any cuter? She is by far the smallest and youngest in her class.

One Nice Hot Day..

2008-06-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I took the girls to the playground for a picnic. Reagan thought it was very cool that we went to play at the school where she will be attending. We were there for about 2 hours and it was all I could do to tear them away but it was about 92 degrees out and I had to pee. Fits were had by all in the car on the way home.

Now I Get It!

2008-06-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

I now see why the schools around here get out so dang early in May. We have had the WORST weather here since school got out! If we not under a flood watch, a severe thunderstorm watch, a tornado warning/watch then it's hotter than hell. My poor kids are so sick of being stuck in the house while it tstorms and stuff. My babysitter did take the kids to the pool last week for a whole day and they loved it. She said the girls were great and alot of fun so I figured I would find the time to take them but guess what???? THE WEATHER HERE HAS SUCKED!!!!!!! Ok..enough said.

So something I am realizing is that Reagan really need to be back in school and on a better schedule. She has turned into, already this summer, a whiney, mean little girl. She's either crying all the time or grumping around all the time. I'm not sure how many time outs she's had in the past two weeks but surely too many to count. I"ve been doing the sticker incentive chart to help her straighten up but she doesn't really care. Yeah, she wants the stickers but no she doesn't want to earn them or be good for them. UGH. It's going to be a very long summer.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2008-05-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Kinners last day of gymnastics. She did so well this year but as it comes to an end she has decided to take, as she says, "a little break" from gymnastics and try out ballet and tap dancing instead. This should be fun!! She starts in two weeks and is so excited to go out and get her ballet and tap shoes. She's such a girl!!! Do you think we can get her hair in a bun? hmmm....

Catching Up...

2008-05-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

It's been brought to my attention (thank you Karrie) that I have been really slack-assed about updating my blog. I definately agree but not alot has been going on here. As the photos show, spring/summer has arrived. Reagan has started t-ball and she loves it!! She's doing very well but, for the life of me, I cannot figure out how she can see with her hat pulled down so far on her little face. (by the way..she wears that hat EVERWHERE) She's very aggressive playing infield and she's a great hitter. She has alot of fun as 3 of her friends are on her team. They will have their first game next weekend and that should be a complete HOOT! As for Kinley she's still in gymnastics and wouldn't trade it for the world!! Swimming lessons will start back up in a few weeks so we'll be busy with that once again.

Yesterday was Kinley's last day of school for the year and today was Reagan's. They get out so early here. Reagan even has graduation tomorrow night. Even the K-12 grades get out on Monday. Shoot, the community pool is already filled and ready to open on May 19. I'm not sure it will be quite warm enough out for us by then but we'll see. The hard part will be going back to school August 14 when it's hot as blazes out. I imagine the schools have air, though, since they were builty only 3 years ago. Anywho Kinley will head back to preschool Tues/Thurs and Reagan will go all day kindergarten Mon-Fri.

Other than the afore mentioned things not much else is new here. We hope to get our back yard fenced in sometime soon. It will be nice to let the kids run around/ride around in our huge back yard and not have to worry about them if I need to go in the house to get things done.

Really that's about all that's new. Enjoy the pix of the kids and i'll try to keep this updated better!!

P.S. Please vote for David Cook next week.

p.s.s. if you know who david cook is, then you know what i'm talking about!!! :)

Important Things

2008-05-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

*I love having positive people in my life
*My new friends in IL are 'real'
*Men and woman view situations differently and sometimes its hard to remember this
*My kids are the MOST important thing in my life
*Know how to tell your real friends from those who don't really care and only care about themselves
*Money doesn't grow on trees or ebay
*A house should be home if it's not something is not right
*God will provide
*Pushing the lawn mower can be considered exercise
*Water, water, water
*Clean children are more important than well dressed children
*Don't abuse the system

Some of these things are reminders to me TODAY. Some are from the past and some are for the future. I've been taking time to evaluate the important things in my life and I'm looking forward to some big changes.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

2008-04-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yes we experienced the earthquake Friday morning. At 4:36a.m. Erich and I woke up to the house shaking and a low rumbling outside. At first we were very confused. I thought a plane was landing on the house or there was a tornado going down our street. Erich thought the kids were running up and down the stairs or something strange like that. (he's normally confused when he first wakes up anyways so it was a typical morning for him.) Once everything settled down we figured it could have been an earthquake but c'mon...what were the chances? So we turned the t.v. on and there was no reports for about the first 30 minutes. Soon after that they started reporting. What a strange thing to have happen. When you live in central IL you REALLY don't expect to experience and earthquake!! There was an aftershock about 10:15 a.m. but neither I nor Erich felt it. Apparently on the other side of the store that Erich works in, THEY felt it but he nor anyone near his office did. I was on the road at the time so I obviously did not feel anything.

Oh, NOW I Remember

2008-04-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Oh now I remember why I only have two kids.

Today I've been watching my dear friend Amy's two year old and 5 yr old. I've forgotten how the aroma of a 'just pooped pants' permiates the air. (especially when cooped up in our little playroom) I've almost forgotten how to change a poopy diaper. YUCK. I've forgotten the rare language that two year olds speak.

I can't believe how long it takes to get 4 kids out the door, buckled up and settled down. I can't believe how different boys are than girls. I can't believe how expensive it was for 4 happy meals at McDonalds so the kids could run around and burn off some energy!

Amy's dear little 5 yr old, Gabe, is a uber sensitive little boy. He crys at everything. It breaks my heart. He misses his mom so much he can barely stand it. Add this to Reagan who decided at the same time Gabe was crying, to teach the 2 yr old to spit from the banister. Compile that with McKinley having a pee pee accident right before walking out the door to swimming lesson PLUS have a 2 year old with diarreah...ALL AT THE SAME TIME. (lest I mention a husband who had a chipped tooth fixed today acting like he just had open hear surgery) Today I can be confident that I am the ONLY sane one in my family.

The good news is that at least I know I can do it for ONE day if I absolutely need to!!

So, MiMi, Papa, Oma and Opa please do not hold your breath for any more grandchildren from me any time soon. I'll need a week to recover from this day.

The Easter Bunny was Here

2008-03-23T19:50:00.001-07:00

"Dying" for Easter to Arrive

2008-03-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Weather and Such

2008-03-22T09:11:00.001-07:00

Wow..this IL weather is NUTS!! Yesterday it was 72 degrees at 6:30 in the evening when I was on my way to go scrappin'. By the time I got out at midnight it was like 29 degrees. YUCK. So this morning was Mattoon's annual easter egg hunt. Wouldn't ya know it was lightly snowing, 23 degrees and MUDDY at the park where it was held. Do you think it stopped my kids? NOPE. They had a ball for about the first 20 minutes of the 2 hours we were there. They did egg hunts divided by age group so by the time McKinley was done and we were watching Reagan, Kinley was crying because she couldn't feel her feet. We've been home for an hour now and I'm just now starting to get the feeling back in my ears. At least the kids had alot of fun and got WAYYYYY too much candy!! The Easter Bunny may have to rethink what he's to put in their baskets tonight.

Monday morning we are headed to Michigan (the girls and I) to see friends and family since they are on spring break. The kids are so excited to see Oma and Opa and 'Shari Berry'. Hopefully the weather won't be bad for our drive or I may have to rethink my trip as well!!

Swimming lessons are going great. This past Thursday Reagan finally let go of the wall and swam out into the pool by herself. (wearing a float belt) I'm so proud of her. At the same time as she was doing this, McKinley finally let go of the wall as well but just floated in the water staying very close to the wall but this, too, is a big accomplishment for her. Swimming lessons were the best idea I've had in ages. We'll continue doing this through the summer along with t-ball for Reagan and gymnastics for McKinley. It's going to be a busy summer. That is, if summer ever arrives.

9 Years Ago Today

2008-03-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

Nine years ago, today, I married the man that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We've been through alot in the past nine years but somehow we overcome each and ever hurdle and land even better for the worst of it. Erich is a great husband. He never says no to me. (which sometimes is a bad thing, I think) He's very considerate of my feelings and loves me for who I am no matter how crabby, mean, pregnant, tearful, intolerant or smartassed I am. The same goes for me. He's an amazing father and I couldn't ask for much more .It's been a great nine years and I look forward to another ninety years...God help us!! I love you, Erich no matter what! Happy Anniversary!!

Smooth Operator

2008-03-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

So Erich has been gone for 3 days now. The kids have been SO well behaved (knock on wood) that I nearly can't believe how well it's been going. I've even had plenty of 'calmness' around here as well. It's been going so well I even volunteered to babysit for my friend Amy's little 2 year old boy and even THAT went well. Hmmmm...leads one to wonder.....what the heck will happen tomorrow when Erich comes home??????

Today's Mystery..

2008-03-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Why is it so difficult for me to be both a good wife and good mom at the same time today?? When I was trying to be the good wife the kids drove me crazy. When I was trying to be a good mom the husband pushed me waaaayyyyy too far over the edge. Either way it made for a miserable day. Why can't life just be joyful and simple? Is it REALLY too much to ask??

How NOT to Spend a Wednesday

2008-03-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

1. Stay up all Tuesday night/Wednesday morning with fever, throwing up and aches/pains
2. Call dr only to find out he can't see you until Monday...5 days away
3. Call your bestest friend in Mattoon and consult with her on what to do next
4. Make decision to go to ER
5. Drop Reagan at school and McKinley at Amy's house
5.5 THANK GOD FOR AMY!
6. Go to ER..No waiting. I guess it's my 'lucky' day.
7. Spend 5 hours at ER being swabbed up the nose, swabbed in the throat, poked, IV'd, 3 shots in the hiney and sent home with 'good drugs'.
8. Go home to the peace and quiet of house for a few hours
9. At 9pm realize that Vicodin is my best friend and drift off to sleep.

Oh Crap

2008-03-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

School is cancelled today due to ice. It's McKinley's school day and she is SOOOOO upset that it was cancelled. I don't dare tell the kids we might not have swimming lessons tonite...all hell might just break loose!

Thanks Jen!!

2008-03-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Jenny Mosell looked up Casmire Polaski and found the 'real' meaning of this guy. I still don't understand why he gets a holiday, though!?

Casmire Polaski Day??? HUH???

2008-03-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Today my kids have the day off of school to celebrate Casmire Polaski day. Who was Casmire Polaski, you ask?? Well I asked about every 'local' that I know here in Mattoon and NONE of them could really tell me. (even the teachers really couldn't tell me) Apparently he was somebody of some importance to Illinois...but really, who is he and why should we celebrate him? Some say he was a soldier, some say he was a hero in Chicago for something, some say he invented cashmere (ha!), some say he is fictional. (these are just a few of the answers I recieved) So anyways today the kids and I remember Casmire Polaski and thank him for giving us the day off!!

Today

2008-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today I didn't want to yell at Reagan
Today I didn't want to fight with Erich
Today I didn't want to cry
Today I didn't want to pack to go to WI
Today I didn't want to do laundry
Today I didn't want to go to Walmart
Today I didn't want to do dishes
Today I didn't want to worry
Today I didn't want to feel sad
Today I didn't want to feel loney even though I was anything BUT alone all day
Today I didn't want to have my cell phone on
Today I didn't want to be a good wife
Today I didn't want to eat those damn brownies
Today I didn't want to get out of bed....

BUT I DID THEM ALL.

I hope tomorrow is better.

Our Own Fairy

2008-02-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Winter Blahs....

2008-02-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

UGH. We finally got a winter storm on Friday. Reagan and Mckinley are both sick. I'm not sleeping. Erich has been cranky. I forgot how miserable winter could be. Thank goodness spring is right around the corner. Given all the factors working against us, I feel like I haven't been the happiest, funnest or most pleasant mom to be around so today I decided to pull out the messy crafts for the kids...PAINT. Good thing we put an old tablecloth down because they sure made a mess but they sure had fun. I'm still not feeling redeemed as a cranky mommy but I sure am trying. Tomorrow is another day...I'm praying for sun and health.

Outa the Mouth of McKinley..

2008-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Kinley: Mommy, I need to use that pen NOW!
Mommy: Ok, just a minute, honey, I have to write down a confirmation number with it.
Kinley: Mommy, YOU'D BETTER SHARE WITH ME RIGHT NOW BECAUSE JESUS IS GETTING MAD AT YOU!!

Uht-Oh

2008-02-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

Oh no...looks like the flu may have hit our house.
no no no no no no no....
please say a prayer that its NOT the flu.

Bathroom Humor

2008-02-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Kinley: Mommy, Mommy come quick!
Me: Where are you?
Kinley: In the potty.
Me: Are you ok?
Kinley: Yes, come look...I just pooped the letter L but if it came out backwards it would look more like a J.

Just when you think they are BRILLIANT, poops becomes the acadamia of the day.

Reagan's Gymnastics Bday Party

2008-02-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Reagan's birthday party with her friends was so much fun. All the kids were great and had a wonderful time. They had a gymnastics class with an instructor and then we had cake/ice cream and then opened gifts. Reagan is so in to Hannah Montana right now so we opted to get a HM cupcake cake..she loved it!! She had two of her best friends' come down from Wisconsin for the party so that was a lovely treat for us all. I will definately consider doing this type of party again!!

Thank You Mimi and Papa

2008-02-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

Look what Mimi and Papa got me for my birthday!!!!

Thanks Mimi and Papa...I love it!!!!

I love you...

Reagan

MY BABY IS FIVE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today my oldest is five...I cannot believe it. She has grown in so many ways in the past year. It's hard to believe that she's the same little girl who, what seems like yesterday, would scream and cry when we sang Happy Birthday to her. I *think* this is the first year it didn't happen. She can be such an amazing, intense little girl. She loves with all her heart and then some. She does everything with such emotion. She sings with all her might, she argues with all the gusto of an adult and never takes no for an answer. (although shes FINALLY learning that she doesn't have a choice..he he) She can memorize a song faster and better than most adults I know and she has become a pro on Disney.com, Noggin.com and Starfall. She is funniest when she's not even trying and she makes me feel loved everyday. I love this little girl with all my heart and then some and even when things get frustrating with her, I step back and remember just how blessed I am to have had her come into my live five years ago.

It's Fun to Play at the YMCA?

2008-02-06T05:13:00.000-08:00

Last night was Reagan's first night of swimming lesson and everything when , ahem, swimmingly. (ok sorry that was just too expected, right?) Reagan did wonderful!! She even got enough confidence to swim completely alone with only the help of a little float on her back. I could not have been prouder!!

So after lessons were over we were on our way out and it was storming like crazy. The swim instructor offered to watch the girls so I could go pull my car up to the door so of course I took her up on it. I got to my vehicle which was parked in the overflow parking lot (read: behind the YMCA on gravel) and as I was leaving the rain was coming down so hard that I missed the exit driveway, because I couldn't see, and ended up getting stuck in the mud and grass next to the driveway. YUCK. Needless to say I had a very unhappy husband, a soaking wet body, two crying kids and a car that is STILL, today, stuck at they YMCA. Hopefully we can tow it out later today if it didn't float away with all the rain we had last night.

Keeping it in the Family

2008-02-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

Home Depot has a kids work shop the first Sat of each month. This month was our first month going and they made a football stepstool. They each received an apron and a pin which they will collect each month with each project completed. The girls LOVED it. They thought they were so cool 'working' at daddy's store. I have no idea why we didn't think to do this before especially since it's free!!! (our favorite kind of activity..FREE) So I guess orange blood runs through the kids as well. Next month they are making race cars....they can't wait!

McKinley's First Field Trip

2008-01-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

Before we arrived at school for her first field trip, today, she informed me that, "Mommy, I don't want you to sit with me on the bus. I only want to sit with my friends. You can sit with my teacher." Um...isn't this the attitude that is supposed to be revealed in around 7th or 8th grade? Embarrased of me already? Too good to sit with mommy? WOW...she sure is growing up fast. That being said she LOVED going on the bus. They took a tour of a local grocery store and even got to practice scanning items at the register. She thought she was way cool!! I'm glad I got to be there as her little legs got exhausted after an hour and a half of walking through the store and wanted to be carried. After all, she KNOWS she's still my 'little' girl.

"Reach for the Stars"

2008-01-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

Kinley has a new catch phrase..."Reach for the stars". Ok that alone is not what is so funny. She says it a voice like "EEEEE.TTTTTT. Phhhhhhoooooonnnnneeeeee hoooooomeeeee". (if you can recall that sqeaky little voice that E.T. had in the movie) NOT only that she strikes a pose. (see pix) We have no idea where she got this from.

Our Mexican Siesta Photos

2008-01-28T16:50:00.001-08:00

Notice no pix of Erich and I...we be too fat right now...tee hee!!

Lesson Learned

2008-01-28T05:07:00.000-08:00

Apparently, if you let a 3 year old put herself to sleep at 5pm she will wake you up at 4am saying, "Mommy, I'm all done sleeping now. Time to get up." I really wish I drank coffee...it's 7am and I've already been up for 3 hours. The only good thing to come out of this: My kitchen is cleaned, laundry has been started, kids have been fed and I got Reagan's party invites filled out and addressed. The challenge for me today is to see if I can stay up past 5pm.

Reality Check

2008-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Well we made it back from Cancun in one piece. What a great vacation!! A much needed vacation. It rained the first two days were were there but it didn't deter Erich from golfing or me from enjoying a massage. Home Depot sure does know how to treat their employees, I'll tell you. We stayed at an all inclusive 'couples only' (read adults only) resort. I had forgotten what peace and quiet sounded like...the silence of not having children around is so foreign to me that I didn't know what to do with myself!! The third day we were there we took a catermaran out to see and did some snorkeling. While the snorkling was nice, Hawaii's underwater life is much more vibrant and beautiful. No big loss though, as Home Depot paid for the trip. The last full day we were there we just hung out by the pool and did a little shopping. We really had a wonderful time but I was actually missing Reagan and McKinley so it was great to see them when we got home. (plus Mi-Mi and Papa were really exhausted and ready for them to leave) So while I'm glad to be home with my children I sure could use another vacation already. It didn't take long to get back into the swing of the kids fighting, the house being messy, meals to cook and laundry to be done. Ah...the good life. I'll post pix later today.

"I'm aleaving on a jet plane...."

2008-01-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

HOLA! Well we're off to Wisconsin tomorrow. Ok not so much on a plane but in a car. (that is provided I can get all of our belongings together) We are dropping the kids off at Mimi's and Papas and we're staying there until Sunday morning when we leave at 4am for O'Hare. (granted, I'll be sleeping the whole way there) The kids are pretty excited about staying at Mimi's because they get to see their cousins and stay over night at their best friends' house one night. Mommy and Daddy are excited because we get to escape to a tropical region in Mexico for a few days to enjoy some much needed r&r and maybe rejuvinate ourselves. I'm pretty nervous about leaving our little ones while we are so far away. They won't even notice we're gone but I know they will be on my mind the whole time. Ok, maybe not the WHOLE time ... I mean, c'mon who wants to be thinking/worring about kids while enjoying a facial and massage?? So this is adios until next week....

Birthday Smirthday....

2008-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

My sister said it perfectly: "Why do we expect so much on our birthday? It's always a let down." So true. So very true!! Don't get me started about how unbelievably cranky my family was on my actual birthday. My kids, however, did manage to bake me a cake with Erich's help. Can you believe the kids chose a CARROT cake? What kind of 3 and 5 yr old choses a CARROT cake? MINE!! That being said I LOVE carrot cake..so at the very least this was the highlight of my birthday. For some unknown reason, it seems every holiday, birthday or any 'special' occasion my husband just seems to be so pissy on those days. I don't get it!? It's as if he doesn't know how to show/share happiness in someone elses happiness. I really killed me when he walked away from McKinley's birthday party, while she was opening her presents, because he was (in his words) 'irritated with how that party was going'. How friggin selfish is that? I don't know. Maybe there was something in his past that makes him like that. I wish I could get inside his head. On my birthday he told me to take the day off and go out by myself and go shopping. THEN I get home and he's pissed because he never gets any time to HIMSELF to do anything because he's always 'watching the kids'. WTH?????? THEN he gets all weird because I didn't stay out longer and go to Champaign. ARRRRG!!! I love him with all my heart but OMG sometimes I could just strangle him.

OOOPPS I guess I just went off on a complete tangent from what my post was supposed to be about. Needless to say I'm happy not to have to celebrate anything for another month until Reagan's birthday!!

Look What Kinley Did I Was In The Shower

2008-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Now that the kids are 3 and 5 years old I mildly trust them to play well while I get ready in the morning. It's the one time of the day that I get any peace and quiet so I really take advantage of it. I take a longer shower but I do stop the water occasionally to listen for screaming, hitting or 'too much quiet'. (any mom knows that if it's TOO quiet all hell is probably breaking loose) Today when I stepped out of the shower it was all a bit too quiet. I quickly grabbed my camera just incase it was anything worth noting. Well as you can see it IS worth noting. I have NO idea where Kinley found nail polish! It's not like I'm one of 'those' moms who are opposed to playing with makeup WITH the kids...however, I am opposed to my THREE year old playing with nail polish all by herself in her nice clothes. That being said, she actally did NOT make a mess. As you can see she put down a towel and really took her time polishing her nails careful not to spill it!! She is such a girly girl it just cracks me up. She told me when she was finished that I needed my nails filed and painted and that she did a better job so I should "make an appointment". Silly girl!!

36 years old? Could it REALLY Be??

2008-01-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

As I sit here 4 days away from the 'big 36' ( I think everything beyond 35 deserves 'the BIG' in front of it) I wonder where the heck has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was turning 21 learning the hard lessons of a long night of drunken debotchery and regretting the next morning whatever it was that I couldn't remember from the night before. (Lynn or Rita, if you are reading this I *know* YOU know what I'm talking about) Now where I am 15 years later, married, 2 kids, trying to dig outa debt and finding myself contemplating a boob job. Yeah, I said it...a boob job. (Erich said for my 40th I could get one) Who knew that having two kids would do this to my once perky chest??? Oh, ok, ya'll did!!?? Nobody told me! (Admittedly, though, it was worth it when I look at Reagan and Kinley's quirky little grins.) It seem so strange to me that I am so close to the 'big 40'. I don't feel that old nor do I think I look that old. (well except my boobs, perhaps) Anyways I decided to make a list of things that Kristen needs to do while 36 years old and they are as follows:
*Learn and Practice Patience
*Work out 3-5 Times per Week
*Lose That Weight
*Keep Up with Laundry
*Teach Kids to Read
*Teach Kids to Make Beds
*Get up BEFORE Kids
*Read More Books
*Be Kinder to Erich
*Take Kids to YMCA 3x per Week
*Clean My Car Out Weekly
*Catch Up on Kids' Scrapbooks

Ok that was all I could come up with off the cuff but I'm going to try to do these things and update my list as I see fit.

So as I blow out my 36 candles on Sunday I will be praying for the energy and strength to keep up with all my new goals.

Our New Dog... Well kind of....

2008-01-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

We've been really bad about getting the dogs groomed since we moved here so I decided it was high time to get at least one of the dogs groomed. Augie, our fluffy American Eskimo, needed the worst. Upon dropping him off at the new groomer I left with the instructions to, "Trim him up or do what was needed." Um, yeahhhhh, they did 'what was needed'. (see before and after pix) Our dog looks like a pathetic wimpy dog now. Even my girlfriend's son, who is 2 and usually a bit apprehensive about the dog, was CRACKING up when he saw Augie. Scootch didn't know WHAT to think. Although, upon smelling his butt he figured out it was all cool!

Post Below..

2008-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Um yeah..my experiement didn't work. I didn't take into consideration that my kids could get into the fridge by theirselves everytime I was in the bathroom, changing laundry, brushing my teeth, taking out the trash, changing the channels on the t.v. ect.

Belly of the Beasts

2008-01-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Every morning my little darling girls awaken me with the same request, "Mommy, we're hungry. Can you make us breakfast?" Some days I simply tell them to go downstairs, get a juice box and I'll be down to make breakfast in a minute. (giving myself a chance to have my eyes adjust to the pre morning light) Some days that answer simply is not an option for my little ones so I have to stumble out of bed and tumble to the kitchen. (hey, wasn't that a Dolly Parton song from the '80s?) Usually for breakfast we will have cereal and fruit or blueberry pancakes or on real lazy days I will let them have cereal. So they will eat a few bites of whatever that mornings 'special' is and then run away to play. I assume they are done so I clean up their plates and continue on with my morning chores. About 10 minutes later, like clockwork, they track me down whining, "Mommy, we're hungry. We want a snack." I ususally reply, "Ok girls go get an apple, banana or granola bar" to this they usually reply, "But MOOOOMMMMMMMYYYY we want a snack!!" (apparently this is NOT a snack to a 3 and 5 yr old) Yes, at 7:30 am my kids think it completly appropriate to eat cheetos, ice cream, popcorn or anything that ISN'T fruit, veggies or healthy in the least bit. Needless to say be lunch time, we've had this argument at least 5 or 6 times, so I'm thrilled to be able to stop the cycle by offering lunch....to which they want cheetos, ice cream, popcorn or anything that does NOT resemble appropriate lunch food. So what is it in my beautiful, wonderful, HUNGRY little girls that makes them starving all the time?? Tape worm? Maybe. Boredom? I don't think so since they have so many toys to play with. Growing? I just don't understand. So, today I'm conducting an experiment. NO SNACKS AT ALL, ALL DAY. Yeah I know...what a mean mom. But hell if they are hungry enough they WILL, I'm convinced, eat good food, eat all their meals and not be starving all day long. Wish me luck!

My Baby Started School

2008-01-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Well my youngest, McKinley started school yesterday. I cannot believe she is old enough to attend preschool. She had been looking forward to this for about a year. When she was two, we kept telling her she had to wait until she turned three before she could start. She had been watching Reagan go off to school for 2 years and it just broke her heart that she could not join her. When she woke up yesterday morning she was SO excited to go to school only to have us burst her bubble when we told her that she didn't start until 12:30. (of course she couldn't understand why it wasn't 12:30 'right now') Anyways she went, had a great day and can't wait to go back next week. Her teacher told us, "it was like she'd been going here all her life...she did great!" I'm so happy for her and I'm looking forward to having some one on one time with Reagan while she's at school!!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

New Years 2008...what fun!! We had some friends of ours over for a night of eating and games. Our friends have 5 yr old and 2 yr old boys so the kids all play very well together. The kids had a BALL. My kids, who usually are in bed by 8:30, were up until about 11:00pm!! It didn't seem possible but they got up the next morning at 6:30am. (poor mommy, I didn't even go to bed until our guests left around 3am) Needless to say I am still, 3 days later, trying to catch up on my sleep!! Anyways happy new year to all!!

Silent Night?? NO WAY

2007-12-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Ah..the joys of Christmas. The children up at 7:30am rushing into our bedroom screaming, "Santa was here!" Down the stairs they flew and wasted not a minute picking up gifts and looking for their names!! It took about an hour to open the gifts and the rest of the day and late into the evening was spent playing with their new toys. Much to our surprise it was a GREAT day with no crying or fighting! The kids were amazing too!! Reagan's favorite gifts: Squakers McCaw Parrot, Webkins, Fur Berry and Hannah Montana Lunch Box/Purse thingy. McKinley's favorite gifts: Baby Alive, Baby Pack n Play, Lucky Ducks game and Pretend Food. The best gifts this whole season were the V-Smile Pockets from Mi-Mi and the Barbie Gymnastics Divas from Aunt Lainie. All in all it was a magical day...I'm ready to take down the tree!

PS No Christmas morning would be complete without eating a candy cane!!

Don't 'Cha Love it When...

2007-12-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

Your three year old announces, on Christmas Eve, at Christmas Mass that the *only* thing she really wants this year is a rocking horse?? Um...ok. Never heard that before? It sure would have saved me alot of time and money if she approached me with this information two months ago. But I'm sure she won't turn up her nose at the baby dolls and doll bed she's getting this year. Then again..we will see!!

We'll Be Home for Christmas....

2007-12-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

We made it home from Wisconsin Saturday evening loaded up with our Christmas haul from Mi-Mi and Pa-Pa's house. The kids had a magical time! They got to play with their cousins, open presents, spend a day at an indoor waterpark and play with their closest friends - Ethan and Olivia. It was a great time but, whew, how exhausting for only being in Wisconsin for 2 full days. Now the kids are ALL off their schedules and so are mommy and daddy!! As a matter of fact, Erich seems to be coming down with something. He's been complaining of a sore throat and fever since the drive back on Saturday. (funny, he ALWAYS gets sick during ANY holiday...could it be psychosematic?)

So here it is Christmas Eve and the kids are anxiously awaiting the big guy in red! Kinley claims she wants to sit on his lap when he arrives tonight but well all know what would ACTUALLY happen if he came in 200 ft of her! Erich has to work until 5 pm so I think the kids and I will make cookies for Santa today, clean the house and hope that our church has a childrens mass that we can go to this afternoon. And certainly I don't want to waste the cute Christmas outfits I bought them. (If we try to go on Christmas morning I just *know* it will never happen. What, with all the new toys and stuff to play with??!!) So I pray that Erich will come home, in a good mood, feeling well and be ready to put together toys long into the night with me. (not to mention the fun ole task of wrapping) In a previous post I mentioned "less is more"...well, ahem, I cut back but it STILL looks like way too much. Wish us luck with getting it all ready by tomorrow morning!

Merry Christmas!

Reagan's Play Day At St. John's

2007-12-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well little shy ole Reagan was quite the performer at her Christmas play this afternoon. She got right up to the microphone, in front of about 250 people, and announced her lines ever so loudly. Everyone chuckled because she was every so confident!! We could not have been more proud of our little shy Reagan.

Christmas Secret Revealed

2007-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

Kinley: Hey mommy. Is that angel on the fireplace the one from Christmas?
Me: No, honey. I got that for my birthday last year.
Kinley: Oh. We got you a different one for Christmas this year.

Thanks Kinley!! Tee hee. I do love my Jim Shore angels so I am quite excited!! The funny thing is that I took each girls shopping alone to pick out something for the other one. Do you think they've told eachother? NOPE. I'm pretty impressed with their secret keeping so far....except for the above mentioned conversation.

Snarky People (You know who you are!)

2007-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Snarkey little comments made by people, especially people that are 'supposed' to be very close to me, PISS ME OFF! This is the Christmas season...suck it up and keep your crappy comments to yourself. You seem to think that you are better than those around you...well guess again sista'...you ain't!!

Ok glad I got that off my chest. Now it would be splendid if the person to whom I'm referring is an actual reader of my blog. She knows who she is and need to cut the crap!!

I'm so glad I have an open forum to get this all out.

Happy friggin holidays!!

NOTE TO SELF:

2007-12-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Next year do NOT, I repeat, do NOT volunteer to personally address and sign all 106 holiday cards for E's employees. (Maybe E needs a secretary! HA!) Addressing the 30 something to our friends and family is QUITE enough for my carple tunnel.

This is the House that Chadas Built

2007-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Who says building a gingerbread house is easy?? They make it look so dang simple on TV. Well as you can see for yourself the girls and I did not have much luck! We just got stared decorating the roof and then it caved in. Try as I might, I could not get it to go back together. In the end all turned out well as the kids said, "That's ok mommy. We'll just eat the candy!" I guess that's what it was all about for them, to begin with anyways. Oh well, maybe next year.

Holiday/Winter insanity

2007-12-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

Is it just my kids or does this time of year bring out the insanity?? Could it be from the long hours of being couped up in the house do to the chilling wind blowing outside? Could it be the knowledge that Santa is coming in the next few weeks? (although you'd *think* it would put them on their BEST behavior.) My kids are just outa control lately. RJ and her backtalk/sassy attitude has GOT TO GO! MM and her whining are driving me completely nuts. Ah, the joys of the season. It's going to be a long cold winter in this house, I can already tell.

Update to below (Santa)

2007-12-02T06:28:00.001-08:00

Um, yeah. Last night at the Christmas party Reagan hid under a chair for about 20 min when Santa was around and McKinley freaked out. Good times!! Another year gone by without any Santa pix.

She Talks the Talk but Can't Walk the Walk

2007-12-01T10:45:00.001-08:00

For DAYS now McKinley has been telling everyone (even complete strangers) that she is going to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she wants for Christmas as well as what her sister wants too. (being that Reagan is still TERRIFIED of Santa at nearly five years old) So we make the big hour long trip to Champaign to go see the 'good Santa'. (apparently the Santa here at our little mall is a perverted college student....hmmmm maybe I should go sit on his lap. Just kidding) We get there only to find out Santa is on a the last 5 minutes of his break but will be back shortly. I explain this to McKinley and she starts shaking and I mean TREMBLING. Then was the tears fill up her big ole eyes she screams, " I don't want to see Santa. I dont' want to touch Santa. I don't want to look at him or talk to him. He scares me. Get me away from this Santa chair" So no big deal we leave and she procedes to tell everyone, "I don't like Santa anymore. I'm not going to sit on his lap." So here it is 2 days later and we have the kids Xmas party for Erich's work. It's at a bowling alley but I don't have the heart to tell the kids that the big guy in red will most likely be there. I can see a bad night commin on.

Deck the Hawws With Bawws of Howwy....

2007-11-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

Fra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra. I love the movie "A Christmas Story".
Anyways we decorated the tree last night. The kids had a good time clumping all the ornaments on the bottom of the tree. They are so excited for Santa to come to our new house. McKinley thinks Santa should come through the front door as "not to get dirty" this year. Reagan could care less how Santa gets in the house as long as he brings her a Fur Berry.

The Never Ending Birthday

2007-11-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

Last week we went 'home' to Wisconsin for McKinley's birthday. (which actually isn't until 11/23) She wanted to have a birthday party with some of her friends up there. Did you know that McDonalds in Racine does NOT do birthday parties anymore? WTH??? Anyways I rented the party room there and McKinley got her McDonald's birthday party. Let me tell you 7 kids 4 yrs and under...um.....HEADACHE. There was so much loud screaming, crying and bickering it was unbelievable. But McKinley had a great time and that's all that matters anyways, right? So we come home on Monday and then on Wednesday a few of McKinley's friends had a little party for her here at, drumroll please, MCDONALDS. It was nothing huge just lunch, cupcakes and gifts. My dear friend Jody is so good to my kids!! McKinley thought it was so cool to have yet ANOTHER birthday. THEN last night Aunt Shannan came and brought a birthday card from Oma and Opa so McKinley assumed she was now turning 4 since she already, "had enough 3 year old birthdays." And then today, Thanksgiving, daddy gave her yet another birthday present, just because and now McKinley is ALL sorts of mixed up about birthdays. It's kind of funny. Poor girl. I'm just going to skip telling her that TOMORROW is her ACTUAL birthday...I think she'll have a complete and utter breakdown. Although I shouldn't be THAT surprised as I'm married to the man who claims that he gets 'Birthday MONTHS' not just birthdays.

Adios Amigas...

2007-11-13T14:03:00.000-08:00

So Erich's store won a sales contest and Erich and I are off for an all expense paid trip to Cancun Mexico!! I am so excited! We're being put up at an all inclusive resort for 5 days!! WOO HOO!! Sometimes I love The Home Depot!!

Flu Shots. UGH.

2007-11-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

How can you convince a child that a shot will not hurt and will be over in a matter of seconds. I suppose they have to have a concept of a 'second' to begin with. First thing this morning we load up in the minivan with the promise of going to gymnastics after we, ahem, 'run an errand' first. As the hospital comes in view of the kids you can almost here them start to shake. Next comes the inevitable first tear before they even ask why we are headed in the direction of the hospital. McKinley, ever the attentive one, says, " You told daddy yesterday we are getting shots." When the heck did she hear me say that?? I keep my lips shut, get them out of the car and remind them of all the fun toys and the aquarium the doctor's office has. (it seems to distract them from the task at hand) We step inside the office and look upon a sea of kids playing...the girls go join them. I do the usual paperwork keeping a keen ear out for any crying or screaming kids. NOPE...none that I can hear or see! They call our name and the kids seem oblivious to why we are headed behind the waiting room doors. Crap, we got the mean nurse. We get in the room and the nurse asks who wants to go first. No volunteers. I volunteer Kinley. We put her up on the table, pull down her leotard sleeve and I say, "It's ok. It won't hurt. It will be over in second." SCREAMING. SCREAMING. SCREAMING. Then the shot. (then I get yelled at from the mean nurse for not holding her hands) Band-aid on. SCREAMING. SCREAMING. Mean nurse gives her a sticker and grabs Reagan's hand. SCREAMING.....Replay of McKinley's 'trauma'. I grab the kids' coats while they are still screaming and the nurse asks me to escort the kids out the 'back door' so they don't keep scareing the other kids in the waiting room. Mean nurse shakes her head and walks away. I hope this was worth it!!

Only In Mattoon IL

2007-11-06T20:16:00.001-08:00

So as most of you know I am less than thrilled to be living here in Mattoon. The corn, the isolation from the rest of the world, the people who scowl at me for calling MATT TOON Matoon, the lack of a Target within an hour of my house. So today I add one more reason to hate Mattoon. Smoking. I went to a consignment shop and sure enough as I opened the door, the employees (three of them) were sitting behind the cash register SMOKING!!! Nice. Smoking in a CLOTHING consignment store. Um, who the heck would want to buy clothes that smell of smoke. NOT ME. Not to mention the stench on my clothes and the girls' clothes just from walking and and immediately walking out. See, this is what I get for trying to contribute to the small local businesses here. Sigh.

Less is More

2007-11-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going with the Christmas theme of 'Less is More'. Every year it seems we buy the kids alot of cheap 'crap' plastic toys that get tossed to the side, thrown in the trash or eaten by the dog in a matter of a few weeks. This Christmas I've decided to purchase less but better quality toys. Hopefully gifts that will last a bit longer than the past years' toys. I mean, really, how many My Pretty Pony dolls does one girl need? It's nice that the girls are still young enough that they won't notice the difference from the past years' piles of gifts and will still be overly joyed with the small quality gifts that Santa and Mommy/Daddy will put under the tree. This year we also hope to emphasize the 'reason for the season'. McKinley is VERY interested in Jesus this year so hopefully she will comprehend that we're celebrating his birthday. Reagan on the other hand goes to a Lutheran school (I know, BAD BAD Catholic mommy sending her to a Lutheran school but it's in a better part of town than the Catholic school and she WILL attend public school next year) so I'm hoping that she'll listen better to her teachers than she does to me. Plus she's almost 5 years old so I'm sure she already has some comprehension. So it's off to find good wood American made toys as well as some educational toys. Wish me luck!!

Halloween

2007-11-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my THIRD attempt at a blog. I suppose if my sister with THREE kids can keep up with a blog, then I can certainly try too! Not to mention we recently moved away from all of our family and friends. Let's see if I can figure this out.

Halloween this year was fun. Now that Reagan is almost 5 and Kinley is quickly approaching 3 the holidays just get better and better. We had a surprise visit from my youngest sister, a.k.a. Aunt B and the girls were thrilled. Erich and Aunt B took Pink Power Ranger (Reagan) and Supergirl (McKinley) trick or treating while I stayed home and handed out candy. Apparently, Supergirl enjoyed trick or treating a bit more than the Pink Power Ranger as PPR was home about 15 minutes before Supergirl was. Needless to say they had a great time and didn't get 'too much' candy. Heck, they didn't even argue with me when I told them they could only have one piece of candy before bed. (yeah that's rare, they must have been REALLY tired) I guess it was a good day!!

So now it's time to prepare for our trip to WI, McKinley's bday, Thanksgiving and Xmas. No rest for the weary!!