Life in the Fast Lane

Ah....mommy kharma

2009-05-13T16:45:00.004-04:00

Today is just one of those bad mommy days. I'm short tempered with the kids, it's been raining all day and I've had to be out in it running errands, I have a headache...just not really in a great mood and the kids are testing me. I made them dinner, put it on there plates with the divided trays. Handed it to them, and Ryleigh immediately spills half her milk all over her chicken nuggets. I sharply said "Well dammit, Ryleigh! This is rediculous!" and stomped over, picked up her plate, dumped out her nuggets in the garbage, dried her plate and made her new nuggets. Yeah, it was an accident and I shouldn't have been mad at her, much less spoken to her like that, but I'm human and I'm not having a great day. I'm taking her her new dinner, and I sternly say "Now you need to settle down and sit still and eat your dinner. DO NOT spill again!" Set the plate down....and I promptly knock over the remaining half of her milk. She just stares at me bug eyed, covers her mouth. I know she wants to laugh but even she knows Mommy is not in a great place today. I just shook my head and started laughing. Apologized to her, we cleaned it up and now....hopefully....we can continue dinner with no more messes. I hate days like this, and I really hate it when my attitude and short temper come back to bite me in the butt!! Hopefully I can get through the rest of the day much better!

Fail Blog

2009-03-26T16:46:00.003-04:00

I have to admit I am the biggest fan of failblog.org, HILARIOUS - LOVE IT!!!

http://failblog.org/

Sorry the link is not working, so you will have to cut & paste. I promise its worth it though! =)

Another baffling Boy-ism

2009-01-29T17:43:00.005-05:00

So we decided to tackle the whole potty training thing with Parker today. Up until today I hadn't really even thought about it. In fact I just went out and bought him some "big boy undies" today. Of the six pair that I bought, five are currently downstairs waiting to be washed. I just asked him a little while ago if he wanted to go sit on the potty and go pee-pee. His response? "No, I no have go pee-pee, but I have to toot." Then he actually passed gas, giggled and said "see?" Then ran out of the room. Boys! I think I am going to have my work cut out for me getting this boy potty trained!

Here he is sporting his "Cars" undies. He's so proud! (although he wasn't too proud to pee in them about 5 minutes after I took this picture!)

Mottley Crew at Great Wolf 2009!!

2009-01-22T12:31:00.002-05:00

Dear Santa...

2008-12-03T20:44:00.014-05:00

I think most people remember there first Christmas after they find out there isn't really a Santa. I know I remember mine. I knew that the day was coming that Kendall would start to question the whole thing, but I was still pretty surprised when Brian's mom mentioned to him yesterday that Kendall had told her she didn't think Santa was real. I was really hoping to get one more year out of her. All of a sudden, I pictured my baby girl wearing a bra, shaving her legs, and wearing deodorant. I just want to keep her innocence! I know that it's not a big deal, but to me not believing is the first step in my eyes. So I decided to really kick it into overdrive this year with the whole Santa thing. Luckily I had letters for Santa that they could fill out and mail to the "North Pole". I don't know what my next step is going to be in my mission, but I'm hoping to make a believer out of my girl for one more year!! I definitely got a few good laughs out of some of the items they put on there list. The first thing Ryleigh wanted me to write down was googlie eyes (???) and a "light up nose like Rudolf". (again???) The girls pretty much said what they think Parker wanted from Santa because he just kept saying all kinds of verious silly thigs. The first thing Kendall wanted was some "Nail kit" she seen on TV. I have no idea what that is or where I can find it. Darn TV commercials!!

2008-11-24T17:13:00.001-05:00

Fall cooking-cheesy potato soup style

2008-11-06T13:29:00.028-05:00

Okay. If you’re trying to eat healthily(is that a word?) and eliminate fat and calories from your diet, I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t tell you right now to RUN. Run FAR AWAY from this recipe. I tried to get embarrassed about posting it. But I couldn’t. And the reason I couldn’t is that I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t share its deliciousness with you; it’s really that good!!! I got the recipe from a friend at work and have made it at least 3 times already this fall...best soup ever if you ask me.

This is what you'll need (I did forget to include the main ingredient, potato's in the picture)

Start by boiling 6-7 large potato's. If you have smaller potato's just add some more. I usually cut them in quarters so they cook faster. I take off the skins after they are cooked, but you can always peel them before you boil them. Just be sure that they are cooked through, I made the mistake of forgetting this step and can tell you that crunchy potato's really take away from the soup!

While the potato's are cooking chop up about 8 pieces of cooked bacon (I take the easy route and use the pre-cooked kind thrown in the micro to make them crispy) and also get all the rest of my ingredients measured so they are ready when I need them.

Cut the potato's into bit size pieces and set aside.

Next melt 2/3 cup butter(yup real butter)in a large pan. When its melted add 1/2 cup of flour(packed)slowly while stirring with a whisk.

After it's well blended add 6 cups milk. Add 2 chicken bouillon cubes, and salt and pepper to taste. Now cook on med- low heat until you have a slow boil stirring constantly.

After you have a slow boil add 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add the chopped bacon. Mix until just melted.

Add your potato's.

After all the potato's are in add 8 oz of sour cream. Stir until blended. Remove soup from heat. At this point you would add more milk or flour to make it thicker or thinner or add more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve with some more crumbled bacon sprinkled on top. Yum!!

Semper Fi

2008-10-16T12:25:00.007-04:00

Pain is Temporary...Pride is Forever

3 days until Phase lll
21 days until Video
25 days until Crucible
34 days until Family Day....
35 Days until Graduation.....

****Go Delta Plt 1061****

Happy 7th Birthday to my oldest baby girl!

2008-10-15T11:16:00.016-04:00

I think I am finally back in business and have the new computer up and running. I even found some new programs on here that I can't wait to experiment with (including the newest version of photo shop!!)
The last week of September we celebrated Kendall's 7th birthday at our house with a cook out and then a bomb fire that night. It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends and we all had so much fun - especially Kendall. Here are a few of my favorite pics from her birthday.

Kendall's birthday was the second time that the family has gotten together since my brother left for marine boot camp and his presence was definitely missed! We did take some pictures to send to him with all the kids and my mom and dad in their new USMC sweatshirts though.

It seems like only yesterday Brian & I were anxiously awaiting the birth of Kendall. I don't think that anything can prepare you for the birth of your first child because you simply have not known that kind of love for anything before.
Kendall's was not an easy delivery. I was induced because I was past due, but when my labor did start it was very fast and furious!! Too fast for me to even get an epidural. Never in my life had I been in so much pain and never in my life had fear and worry consumed my heart so violently. After her delivery she came out totally blue and limp. Luckily for me I had a wonderful group of nurses that resuscitated her and after a rough start she came around and started breathing and crying.
And I sobbed with relief that the birth was over . . . and then I sobbed even louder when I realized that Kendall and I were both fine. It was not at all a fun experience . . . not at all the type of birth that was talked about in our birthing class! It was truly a terrifying time for all and Brian jokes that he still has nightmares about Kendall's birth! In fact, I can remember telling him moments after she was born that Kendall would be an only child - because there was NO WAY I was doing that again.
But then they placed my sweet baby in my arms and I instantly felt such an overwhelming feeling of love wash over me. And at that very moment all the pain and worry was absolutely worth it when I looked at her sweet face. At that very moment, I became a mother. And it didn't take me very long to completely forget about the pain . . . and want another baby!
I always refer to Kendall as "my oldest baby" because even though she is seven she is still my baby. And she got to be my first baby, which means that with her I get to experience all my first as a parent with her. This parenting thing is an on going learning experience. I have learned so much from her. She is such a sweet kid. She is so smart and has a memory that doesn't forget anything! She is very kind-hearted and is very in tune with me. Kendall always knows if I am sad or upset or worried about something and does not like me to be sad at all. I love her with all of my heart and soul! Happy birthday baby girl! We love you so much.

MIA

2008-10-11T21:21:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA for the last 3 weeks. We were without our PC for a while and I was only able to use my slow laptop. So I just wanted to drop a note and let anyone whose still coming by to see if I ever update this thing that I am up and running again. We have a new computer now so as soon as I get my picture software installed I promise to start updating again (whats a blog without some pics?)

Nine Years

2008-09-18T11:43:00.012-04:00

Its hard to believe that its been nine years since I said "I do". In some ways it seems like just yesterday, in others it seems so long ago. So much has happened in these nine years, most of it wonderful, with a few bumps in the road along the way. But our love for each other has seen us through it all and together we take the good with the bad and the easy with the hard. When I think back over my life I definitely tend to put my memories into different seasons. And as I reflect back over the seasons, I realize that many of them have come to an end. I am no longer a new wife. I am no longer a new, first-time mom. Sad as it may be to leave some of these seasons behind I am looking forward to the seasons to come and I couldn't imagine doing it without my husband by my side every step of the way.

My Husband-
The Father of My Children
The Stealer of My Heart
The Recipient of My Affections
The Keeper of My Joy
The Eater of My Cooking
The Hero of My Love Story
The Subject of My Daydreams
The Tickler of My Armpits
The Poker of My Ribs
The Balancer of My Craziness
The Manager of My Remote Control
The Love of My Life

Sept 11th

2008-09-11T13:39:00.001-04:00

School Days!

2008-09-09T12:55:00.010-04:00

Whew, What a busy couple of weeks with both the girls starting school!! So far so good though. Kendall looped forward with her teacher from Kindergarten, so I think that helped her adjust quickly to first grade. Going the whole day has her exhausted at night though. (Can I just add a big YEAH for early bedtimes!)

This week Ryleigh had her first day of preschool. It is always hard leaving them at school for the first time. She was so excited in the morning and on the way there, but as soon as I went to leave she started clinging to me. The teacher came and got her busy while I snuck (is that even a word??) out the door.

When I picked her up the teachers said that she did great after I left, and she was so excited to tell me about her day.

Happy Birthday Ryleigh!!

2008-09-04T00:24:00.007-04:00

(If you have a daughter you must listen this song, it will bring tears to your eyes.)

Happy 4th birthday Ry bug!! The time has just flown by, and you are getting so big. But to daddy and mommy you will always be our little "buggy". May you always know how deeply you are loved. May you reach for the stars and celebrate each day. May you sing and dance and laugh and love. May you know that Daddy and I love you completely, totally, always and forever!
Happy 4th Birthday!!

As I take a stroll down memory lane I realize each picture represents such a sweet memory. And as I look through these pictures with tears in my eyes - I see the joy my girl has for life. Oh, how I love all 3 of my children - and I thank God for blessing my life with each of them.

"Four is huge"

2008-09-03T22:54:00.009-04:00

At least that's what Ryleigh said on Sunday whenever anyone asked her how it feels to be four years old. I think she's right, four is such a "huge" age. It's crossing that fine line between toddler hood and childhood. It's hard to believe that four years have went by so quickly....
We celebrated her birthday at the park and had a great day with family and friends, then we headed to the beach with Aunt Lori, Uncle Mike and Gracie & Eli.

Day shifter??

2008-08-13T22:29:00.005-04:00

Today I joined the normal world and actually worked a day shift.(gasp!!) I picked up an extra shift (School cloths to pay for) and worked from 7A-3:30. It seemed so strange to be working during the day after working nights for eight years. I have been thinking about trying to get a "day job" for a while now but now I'm just not sure. It's (literally) as different as day and night around that place. The noise just about drove me crazy. We can be totally crazy at night and things will still seem somewhat quiet. I just don't know if I can get use to it. Every time the operator would come over head (which I learned happened quite frequently) my heart would stop for a quick second because if you hear her at night it means that you better get ready to spring into action because it means that either 1. There's a fire somewhere 2. Someones not breathing 3. Theres been a bomb threat, and the list goes on, but you get the picture.=) Not to mention people are everywhere, stockers, dietary, doctors, Linen people, housekeeping and many others I never knew existed!!
Hmmm I really have some thinking to do.....

And since I'm on the subject of my lovely profession, a co-worker forwarded this to me the other day. All I can say is funny, but also sooo true!!

You know you're a nurse when..

1) the front of your scrubs reads "Nurses... here to
save your ass, not kiss it!"

2) you occasionally park in the space with the
"physicians only" sign... and knock it over.

3) you believe some patients are alive only because it's
illegal to kill them.

4) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

5) you own at least three pens with the names of
prescription medications on them.

6) you believe there's a special place in hell for the
inventor of the call light.

7) you believe that saying "it can't get any worse"
causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

8) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom.

9) you believe that any job where you can drive to work
in your pajamas is a cool one.

10) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil.

11) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is
perfectly natural.

12) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you
consider it a form of birth control.

13) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow
ring, and twelve earrings say "I'm afraid of shots."

14) you've ever placed a bet
on someone's blood alcohol level.

15) you've told a confused patient that your name is that
of a coworker and to call if they need help.

16) your bladder can expand to the size of a winnebago's
water tank.

17) you have seen more penises than any prostitute could
dream of.

18) you believe that not all patients are annoying...
some are unconscious.

19) your family and friends refuse to watch medical
sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time
correcting everyone and pointing out upside down
x-rays.

20) you don't get excited about blood, unless it's your
own.

21) you've sworn to have "do not resuscitate" tattooed on
your chest. Soon.

22) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal
is perfectly normal to you.

23) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down
to eat.

24) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift
change.

25) you believe in the aerial spraying of prozac.

26) you believe that "shallow gene pool" should be a
recognized diagnosis.

27) you believe that the government should require
permits to reproduce.

28) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone
who utters the phrase "Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it?

29) you have ever wanted to write a book entitled
"Suicide: getting it right the first time."

30) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the
eye and say "I have no idea how that got stuck in there."

31) you've had to leave a patient's room before
you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

Crazy busy

2008-08-04T12:42:00.013-04:00

We have been so busy that its been a while since I've been able to get on here to think long enough to post anything with any substance. But I was going through my e-mail and getting rid of things I don't need when I can across this link. I know I already forwarded it to some of you but I have to say that I found it just as inspiring and touching as the first time I seen it.
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Also here are some pictures from our afternoon at Pere Marquette beach. Hopefully the toxic algae didn't do to much damage to them! ;)

I am such a sap

2008-07-30T10:36:00.004-04:00

but this made me cry.

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/07/eat-your-heart.html

Pictures from our camping trip up in Silver Lake!

2008-07-26T22:21:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-07T11:16:00.021-04:00

I hope everyone had a great 4th! I know ours was filled to the brim with fun. On Friday we spent the day at Brians grandparents pool swimming and cooking out with family and friends. Kendall and Ryleigh are little fish. The pool is heated so they were in the pool the entire day. Kendall is becoming quite the swimmer and was even diving under to get things off the bottom the other kids tossed in for her.

The next day we went to a parade, then off to a cookout, bonfire and fireworks at Dale and Susan's house on Fox Lake. What a great day spent with great friends! This is probably the 3rd or 4th year in a row we have went there for fireworks and had a blast. The kids jumped on the trampoline (which had the nurse in me totally on edge, I have seen way to many kids break arms on them darn things!!), went kayaking, and did sparklers.

Ryleigh loved doing the sparklers.
Kendall on the other hand was a little nervous. These pictures totally crack me up! You would think the girl had never done a sparkler in her life, but this is so her, my little Miss cautious

When we got home that night I hosed my exhausted and dirty kids off in the tub and I think they were asleep before there heads hit the pillow. The next day we were up and off for another day of fun at Michigan's Adventure with the Carnes family and Uncle Jared and Aunt Cathy. It was a great day and we could not have asked for better weather, hot enough to enjoy the water park, but not too hot to go on all the rides in the regular park.

Here is Parker with his big sissy on his first ride at an amusement park. Poor guy wasn't feeling good and he still had a fun time. I was so busy packing everyone up and getting everything ready to go in the morning I didn't even realize that my poor son was running a fever until we got to the park,talk about a bad mommy moment!! (Actually now that I think about it, that was my second of the weekend, but I will not go into what happened on the dock with Ryleigh the day before but for those that are reading this that were there know what I am referring too!!) Anyway, it wasn't anything that a $7 dose of Children's Motrin from the gift shop couldn't fix.

Parker wishing he was big enough to go on the kiddie roller coaster with his sisters!

Some pictures from our busy but fun weekend!!

2008-06-29T20:29:00.001-04:00

Happy 2nd birthday Parker!!

2008-06-24T23:14:00.008-04:00

My Sweet baby boy,

Happy Birthday Parker man!
I can't believe that you are already two years old! I can remember the day you were born like it was yesterday, yet at the same time it feels like you have always been here. We all love you so much and words can't even begin to describe how much love, joy and laughter you have brought into our lives! You are a ray of sunshine!

I love being your Momma and watching you grow and learn new things. You are such a happy boy. Today is a bittersweet day as we celebrate your second birthday. I am so excited to watch you reach each milestone - yet it tugs at my heart to see how quickly you are growing up.

There are so many things about you right now that I just love. Things that I never want to forget . . . like the way you pull up on my leg to be picked up when you want to cuddle. Or the way you smell right after your bath. Or the way you giggle and laugh when your sisters chase you. Or the way you say Mama. Or the way you pat my back when you give me a hug. Or the way you think it is funny when I pretend to eat all the "food" you bring me out of the play kitchen. Or the way you start to bop your head whenever you hear music. Or the way you light up and get all excited when Daddy comes home. I just want to freeze time and savor these moments of sweetness you give us every day.
You are smart, determined, curious, active, fearless, loving, feisty, and it is so fun to watch you explore everything around you. You truly have the best personality.

I am so humbled, honored and thankful that God placed you in our lives and chose me to be your mother. We look forward to watching you grow and we can't wait to experience each step of the way with you. My heart is just filled with so much LOVE for you!

Happy birthday baby boy!

Therrrrrrre backkkkkk

2008-06-10T15:32:00.004-04:00

The long awaited reunion of the New Kids on the Block has finally come to pass. Do I still have my Jordan Knight button? Some how they don't seem to sound as good as I remember...Hmmmm

The last "Griz"

2008-06-02T10:15:00.010-04:00

It's official the last of the Griswold gang has graduated. For the first time since...1986 there will not be a "Griz" wandering the halls of Whitehall next year. My brothers graduation was so bitter sweet yesterday. I was so happy for him and proud of him yet at the same time sad as it seemed to make the fact that he will be leaving for boot camp soon seem all the more real. Of course I had my camera out the whole time, trying to capture every moment, every hug, every moment with his friends. During the part of the ceremony when they were handing out the diploma's I fought my way through the bleachers to the front to get the "perfect picture" of him when they handed him his diploma. I squeezed and shimmied my way through to the very front and was in the most perfect spot. He was walking up, they called out his name, I was just about to take the picture and you will never believe who walked right in front of me litterly blocking my entire view, none other than Mr. Markel!! I quick moved to the side and got him walking away with his diploma in hand. For those of you who went to Whitehall can understand my thinking "only Mr Markel!!" So that was that, the end of an era for us, but just watch out Whitehall because here comes our kids!! =)

(Notice the man in the corner! LOL)

Monkey bathroom help??

2008-05-28T15:12:00.010-04:00

So, I have had this bathroom set for the kids bathroom for gosh...probably over a month or two now and still can't decide what color to paint the walls!! Right now the walls are white, we use to have Dora in there but Kendall informed me that she was "not into Dora any more" If it was up to her it would be in Hannah Montana (I wouldn't be surprised at all if they really did have a Hannah Montana bathroom set on the market either!) Ryleigh wanted princess. I wanted to do something unisex so we went with the monkeys which they both liked. I have the border to put up but can't make up my mind on the color. I have thought about the tanish or one of the greens..brown? Or maybe even keeping it white? So here I am asking of advise, opinions and suggestions?? Any ideas? Please? Here's the pics =)

Pictures from this weekend!

2008-05-06T14:24:00.001-04:00

Soccer, Parties and Plays Oh My!!

2008-05-06T12:46:00.006-04:00

I can always tell that the spring/summer season has finally arrived because every weekend seems to be jammed packed with activities. This past weekend started out with an all day field trip to a farm in Holland with Kendall's class on Friday. I sure give them teachers a lot of credit, spending all day with a group of twenty-two 5-6 yr old kids, was enough for me to last a year! (Not that I didn't have a good time, but by the end of the day WOW!... nuff said ) Then that night we had dinner at Northside Pub for my mom's birthday. It was so nice because my sister and her family were in town for my nieces birthday the following day so the whole family was there which doesn't happen very often. Saturday morning we had Kendall's soccer game. She is having a ball with soccer this year and is actually playing very well. Saturday afternoon we had my niece Gracie's 3rd birthday party. It wasn't at the park like my sister had planned because of the weather, but the kids still had a great time. Gracie has always loved riding on Kendall and Ryleigh's power wheels, so she was so excited to finally get her own. She needs a little practice with her steering though. She would pretty much just drive head on into whatever was in her path, which was pretty funny to watch until she almost ran right into my dad with his two brand new hips!! On Sunday my mother-in-law and I took the girls to see "The Wizard of Oz" at the Frauenthal Center. (which is where I got my lame title to this post LOL!) What a great time. The girls absolutely loved it. I was a little nervous taking Ryleigh because of her age but she did pretty good. She got a little antsy a few times but there was always something that would pull her attention back to the play. Only one time did I have to pull out a scare tactic and tell her that I thought I saw the Wicked Witch of the West peeking out from the curtain to see what little girl was getting out of her seat. Worked like a charm!! LOL! I wish I would of taken some pictures of them at the theater because they just looked so grown up sitting there all dressed up for their very first play!
I took so many pictures its hard to choose so I am going to make a slide show and post it soon!

Daffodil Principle

2008-04-17T12:28:00.006-04:00

This message is so right on....
The Daffodil Principle. Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead . "I will come next Tuesday," I promised a little reluctantly on her third call. Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carol yn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren. "Forget the daffodils, Carol yn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!" My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother." "Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her. "But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks," Carol yn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this." " Carol yn," I said sternly, "please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience." After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, " Daffodil Garden ." We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carol yn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight.

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers. "Who did this?" I asked Carol yn. "Just one woman," Carol yn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carol yn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory . We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958." For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby-step at time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world ... "It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carol yn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!" My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said. She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"
Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting... Until your car or home is paid off. Until you get a new car or home. Until your kids leave the house. Until you go back to school. Until you finish school. Until you clean the house. Until you organize the garage. Until you clean off your desk. Until you lose 10 lbs. Until you gain 10 lbs. Until you get married. Until you get a divorce. Until you have kids. Until the kids go to school. Until you retire. Until summer. Until spring. Until winter. Until fall. Until you die... There is no better time than right now to be happy Happiness is a journey, not a destination . So work like you don't need money . Love like you've never been hurt, and ,
Dance like no one's watching .

In Memory....

2008-04-08T09:54:00.005-04:00

In memory of Sgt. Todd A. Singleton who was killed in the line of duty one year ago today. He died a hero defending freedom. His ultimate sacrifice has not and will not be forgotten.

My heart cries out to the family especially today as you mark the one year anniversary of his death. You have my thoughts and prayers always.

The "Mottley Crew" Bikers

2008-04-06T22:20:00.009-04:00

What a beautiful weekend, I think spring has finally arrived. The weather could not of been more perfect. We spent almost the entire weekend outside, and even got the bikes ready to go and everyone went for a ride. With the set-up we have I think you can seriously see us coming for a mile.

The picture really doesn't do our entourage justice. Poor Brian always gets to haul the trailer with the two 30 lb toddlers.

"Kenda-roo"

"Mr man"

"Buggy"

Like me, some of you are going to need this down the road!!

2008-03-27T09:31:00.001-04:00

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER
NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.
NAME_____________________________________DATE OF BIRTH_____________
HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT__________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #________________DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________ CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No If No, explain:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number of years they have been married ______________________________If less than your age, explain:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D . A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?__Yes __No
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION:
Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________
mother? _____________
pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:
Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want to be shot would be:______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the:______________________________________________________________D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:______________________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:______________________________________________________________
F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.
_________________________________________________________Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)
_______________________________ ________________________________Mother's Signature Father's Signature
______________________________________________________________Pastor/Priest/Rabbi State Representative/Congressman
Thanks

Easter......without me =(

2008-03-25T12:18:00.006-04:00

Unfortunately Easter fell on my three day weekend this year. I am lucky in that I only have to work one weekend a month, which is very rare working in a hospital because most people work every other weekend. The weekend I do work is Fri. Sat., & Sun. nights from 7pm to 7am though, so I pretty much do nothing but sleep and work. This is actually the first time I have had to miss Easter Sunday though. When I got home from work Sunday morning we did Easter baskets with the kids and I helped get the kids ready for church since Brian was taking them. I also did the girls hair, because that would of been a total disaster if I would of left that job up to Brian. Try as he might he just can't figure out how to get a hair tie in that is tight enough to last five minutes. I finally got to bed at about 10:30 that morning. I turned over the camera to Bri on the way out the door and made him promise to take lots of pictures of the days events since I would have to miss out. On a day such as Easter I would of probably taken about 40 or so pics at least so needless to say I was a little disappointed when I downloaded my pictures from the camera and had a grand total of about 7-8 pictures. The kids had a great day and had tons of fun though. They got to meet their new "cousin" Stella, Uncle Jared & Aunt Cathy's new puppy who is a 12 week old Boston Terrier. Here's a few of the pictures I did get.

Randy Pausch- Last lecture

2008-03-11T15:08:00.001-04:00

This video is a little long, but definitely worthwhile to watch. What an amazing man.....

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

Thankful

2008-03-07T15:53:00.011-05:00

Kendall didn't have school today, so I decided to pack up the kids and meet Brian in Muskegon for lunch and then stop to Meijers to pick up a couple of things on the way home. So anyway we all went to Pizza Hut, which was an experience in itself. ( Note to self: don't try to take 3 tiered kids out to lunch at nap time when they all decide to wake up at 6 am) Afterwards the kids and I were headed to meijers. What happened on the way will be one off the events that I will always look back at and know that someone was watching over me and my kids. I was getting off the highway and waiting at the red light to turn Left onto M-120. The light turned green, I looked and all the traffic going the opposite way was stopped. I started to turn and all of the sudden there was a car coming straight at us going at least 50 MPH. I knew that this car was going to go right through the red light and right into the back drivers side of my van where Ryleigh was sitting. What happened next I really can't explain, it's like my body responded before my brain even had time to think. If I would of tried to stop, by the time I would of been able to stop I would have been right in the path of this car, so I just stomped on the gas. All I could hear next was tires squealing as I accelerated and the car behind me hit her brakes. I barely made it through before this car went speeding through the red light without even slowing down. Somehow I held it together until I made it to Meijer's parking lot, where I just broke down. Even to think of it now makes me start to shake. If I wouldn't have looked that way at the exact moment I did I know that the car would have hit me. Like all mothers, one of my greatest fears is something happening to one of my kids, so to think of what would of happened if we would of been hit makes me sick to my stomach. It was the weirdest thing because I was standing outside my car bawling my eyes out and hugging Ryleigh, when the lady who was behind me at the red light pulled up beside me and asked if we were alright. She was also very shook up. We did end up going into Meijer's to do our shopping. The whole time I was shopping I just kept thinking about how different things could of been at that very moment. Needless to say, two little girls got very spoiled at Meijer today. They ended up talking me into just about everything they asked for, which included, among other things, Bratz Pez dispensers, these Hanna Montana Yogurt drinks, and a new cage for their gerbils. I walked out of there with about 3 times the amount of things that I went there to get, but it didn't matter one little bit, I was just so thankful.

Kendall & Ryleigh after we put the new cage together

Lizzy checking out her new pad

Goldie checking out the place.

Update on Parker man

2008-02-25T21:55:00.012-05:00

Well after 5 weeks Parker finally made it in to see the ENT Doctor about my suspition that he may have a hearing problem. Them darn specialist sure are hard to get into. We had to cancel his first appointment that I had to wait 2 weeks for because he had the flu, then I had to wait almost another 3 weeks to get him in again!! So anyway we first went to see the audiologist who did a test called a typanigram and right away she told me that his readings were way off and that he wasn't hearing hardly at all. Then I got in to see the Dr. who said that he had fluid in his ears, but not enough to cause such a bad reading on the test he had done. So he starts telling me what it could be and what my options were, which basically ranged from sending him to Devos, or having him put in tubes right away or to just remove the wax in his ears and see if that helps the fluid clear on its own and retest him in three weeks. Needing some time to let the whole thing sink in I chose the least invasive. He cleaned out his ears and I could not believe what was in there! When he was done he said that he didn't even realize how much hardened wax was in there. He said that sometimes that much wax can prevent the flow of air between the outer ear and the middle ear and cause a thick fluid to build up. So now we just wait and see what happens. The Dr. didn't seem to optimistic that it would clear up on its own and that he would have to do tubes and that he might even have to have hearing aids. But I don't know if its just wishful thinking or what but I am noticing an improvement already in him. He actually responds to his name, interacts more with other kids and has even picked up a few more words. (Which had previously been two, uh-oh and bye) Also it was so funny because he has this little puppy vacuum that he got for Christmas that he plays with all the time. When you push it it starts to make a vacuuming sound. This weekend he went to play with it and when it turned on he stops, looks totally surprised like he had no idea that it even made a sound. He looked to me, then looked back at the vacuum as if to say "hey check this out mom!!" and just started laughing.

Heres a picture of him from tonight with marker all over his face,doing his favorite past-time, getting into everything!!

Future Dr. Dre back-up dancers LOL!!

2008-02-17T15:09:00.001-05:00

"The few, The proud"

2008-02-15T23:44:00.012-05:00

In a previous post I mentioned how it is so hard for me to believe that my "baby" brother is getting so old. I'm sure I feel this way because of our age difference and that I can remember so vividly when he was born, helping take care of him. (He seriously had to be the fussiest baby ever!!) Now he is graduating from high school in just a few short months. As some of you know already, for some time now he has been contemplating joining the marines. When I first heard this I was in total shock. Can he seriously be old enough and mature enough to make such a life altering decision? Doesn't he know that we are in a war right now? After much thought I have come to realize that yes he most definitely is old enough and mature enough and as much as we would like to keep our baby right here in little old Whitehall, he has made a very mature and informed decision. A decision to serve his country. He made his decision final this past week when he went to Lansing and did all the necessary testing and interviews and was sworn in as a United States Marine. Although I am still scared to death for him and we will miss him terribly, I am also so proud.

Laugh of the day- AAA batteries

2008-02-02T14:22:00.000-05:00

This is one of those stories where you begin to chuckle....then find yourself laughing out loud.

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife.
A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Taser for their anniversary submitted this...Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety....?? 'WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME!!!Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right? There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong? So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and taser in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.? ? All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, 'no possible way!' What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best...?I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, 'don't do it master,' reasoning that a one- second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad. I decided to give myself a one-second burst just for heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and . . .HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner , then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again.I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs? The cat was standing over me making meowing sounds I had never heard before, licking my face, undoubtedly thinking to herself, 'Do it again, stupid, do it again!'Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a taser, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one-second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor. A three-second burst would be considered conservative?SON-OF-A-... That hurt like **% !!! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. How did they get up there??? My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I'm still looking for my testicles! I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return!! Still in shock! P. S. My wife loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it!

Time

2008-01-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Time
What a precious gift it is. We are given 24 hours each day - yet it seems I struggle with always wanting MORE.

More time to spend with my husband.

How I wish we had more time for date nights and weekends away together. More time to talk, to laugh and just be with each other without the worries of work and the interruptions of children! ;)

More time with my children

I greatly value all the time I get to spend with my children, but it just seems that the older they get the more I noticed that this time is turning into rushed time. Rushing to get going in the morning, rushing to get to appointments or school. Rushing to get diner done or catch up on the cleaning and laundry. Rushing to get baths done before heading out the door to work. How I wish I had more "laid-back" time to just play and spend with them without always hurrying.

The sweet time we spend now with the ones we love will make memories that will last a lifetime. Time is a precious gift from God - and my goal is to try my best to use it better. To not waste it, to not be so rushed . . . to savor every precious moment.

"Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure?"
Author Unknown

Got Laundry?

2008-01-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

I doubt an explanation of the above pictures is necessary, I'll just let them speak for them-self's . Why do I allow this to happen? I so hate having the laundry in the basement, its just too easy to dump the dirty cloths down there, shut the door and "forget" about them. My old house had a main floor laundry and I never let my laundry pile up like this. I keep telling myself that its because now there are five of us and back then it was only three. Which I'm sure is partially the truth, because we do go through a god awful amount of cloths, but this is ridiculous!! I did actually have all the laundry caught up a week ago, so I have no idea how we have this much laundry in just one short week??!! So I guess everyone can guess what I will be doing the rest of my afternoon and well into the evening....

(Also just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the prayers & positive thoughts for my Dad. It was a long day for him yesterday, but we were actually up there this morning to see him and he is doing great. He had a couple physical therapist come in this morning and he got out of bed and walked to the window, which is really good. I brought the kids up there so he was glad to see them for a little while. Luckily he didn't have a roommate in his room because it did get a little wild in there with all three of the kids. LOL! )

Surgery tomorrow!!

2008-01-21T20:29:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow is the day my family has been both dreading & looking forward too for months now. My dad is having his first of two surgeries to replace his hips. He is having the left done tomorrow and if all goes well the plan is to do the right in 6-8 weeks. I pray he has as easy surgery and recovery as possible and after this is all done that he gets his life back without all the pain he has been in.

Scared

2008-01-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

I had a very scary realization today concerning Parker. For a couple of months now I have had some concern that he is not really talking at all, maybe just a few words here & there. I mentioned this to his doctor at his 18 month check-up and he said that we wont get worried until his 2nd birthday. I agreed and said I would give it until then. Well I have been working with him, trying to get him to repeat words with no success. He just points at things. Well today after his nap I heard him in there jabbering to himself so I went in to get him up. I opened the door and he was laying in his crib wide awake, but facing the wall. At that point I realized that he did not hear me come in. I said his name quietly, no response. I said it louder, no response. I did this at least six times, each time louder and each time with more & more tears in my eyes. How could he not hear me? I was just a few feet from his crib. I finally said his name loudly and he jerks his head up all excited to see me. I am trying not to jump to conclusions, but I don't think he has been hearing us. I am so worried. The level that I had to use to get him to hear me was totally shocking. He doesn't have a history of ear infections or anything. I am going to call the Dr on monday, but I am totally letting my mommy paranoia get the best of me. Thinking what if this is permanent. Will it get worse? I just keep telling myself not to get worried yet and wait until we are told anything for sure, but that is so hard to do.

PJ Day

2008-01-16T13:10:00.000-05:00

Around our house we have days that me & the kids have named "pajama day". Today is one of them days. We usually have at least one of these days a week . These are the days that I have to work and none of us really does too much, just lounge around in our PJ's all day. We watch movies, read books, color. On these days the only reason we even leave the house is to take Kendall to the bus stop about a mile away if she has school and we even do that in our PJ's (except Kendall of course gets dressed for school) I hope that we never have car trouble on one of these days because I would look like a homeless lady walking down the street in my pyjamas carrying two kids also in there pajamas. There are a lot of good things about working the night shift and having small children. One being that either Brian or I are able to be home with them most of the time and it just works well for our family. One of the only cons is that on the days that I have to work I wake up with the kids in the morning, have them all day, pretty much pass Brian at the door when he gets home from work with a quick kiss goodbye, work all night from 7pm to 7:30 am and finally get home the next morning at 8 am and collapse into a coma. I have been doing this now for 6 years now & honestly I can say I have gotten use to it, but it is definitely not any easier. One of these days, I will get on a normal shift, but until then we will just continue having our PJ days that we have all gotten use to.

My little guy

2008-01-14T13:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of my little guy. The poor thing has been exposed to everything & anything girly since birth. It first started with a few pink blankets when all his were dirty shortly after he was born. Then it was the pink and purple bottles. Having had two girls first, I had so much pink, it was everywhere. He didn't know any different so what did it hurt right? Now fast forward to now. I still really don't think anything of washing his hair with the "Princess Strawberry" shampoo, or giving him the pink Cinderella sippy cup. But now he actually prefers the pink sippy cup to his truck ones, he loves to wear his sisters play cloths and jewelry, and he has been known to carry around the play purses. (He does fill them with his match box cars though =) ) What have I done? Although, haven't they been saying it's now the "in" thing for guys to be mertosexuals.... right?

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-13T15:07:00.001-05:00

What is this??

2008-01-12T20:54:00.000-05:00

Ok so...this is I guess my first blog ever, and for those who know me know I am not much of a writer, but more a talker. I decided to start this blog today of all days because I am in need of an outlet for feelings I am having that even I can't put into words to talk about. I have been feeling like someone has pushed the fast forward button and my life is just flying by before my eyes. I look at my kids and wonder what in the heck happened, I mean didn't I just give birth to them yesterday? How can I be six years into this parenting thing? I look at my husband and wonder how could we be about to to celebrate 9 years of marriage, wasn't it just last week we were saying our vows to each other? Now he knows me inside and out, the good & the bad (& the evil =) ) The other day I looked at my "baby" brother as he helped me carry my babies out to the van in a snow storm and thought wasn't it just last year that I carried you on my hip? How could you be a man? Over the past year I have seen a series of events that have really made me put life into prospective. One of these things is seeing my dad go from the active man I remember, to one whose face is filled with pain with every step he takes. Whose pain has changed his expression and taken the color from his face. Whose pain makes it almost impossible for him to even get out of bed. I find myself saying, what happened? Wasn't it just last year you were taking us kids on dune buggy rides or for walks all over the woods or in the swamps catching turtles? I have realized that life really does fly by and that certain things, both good and bad, happen whether we are ready for them too or not.