No Tricks, just a good Treat!

So, I did it ... once again I used my powers and made Halloween "costumes" for the kids out of everyday items. I am all for them being able to wear their costumes after this day. Usually I just go with Iowa Hawkeye or Chiefs Football Cheerleader/Football player Outfits for the kids. This year I went for something different. So the girls wore "dance outfits" with their wings from two years ago ... a purchase I got for them to play dress up with. They were Fairy Dancing Ballerina Princesses. I made Camden's outfit in less than 45 minutes. I Painted the letters EHS - East High School ... which would be from High School Musical, and the main character Troy Bolton's #14 ... and placed it in the dryer on the sweater rack and let it fast dry to be worn in just an hour. I really had forgotten Kalona was doing "Trick-or-Treating" on Thursday night this year ... so when I thought I had an extra day (*remember I am a procrastinator) I had less than an hour to create something for Camden. Not to mention I was just at the doctors office only to find out that I have not been taking care of my self, and have Pneumonia. My orders are to stay in bed and get healthy ... but Dad has me working today. Gotta do a deposit, and did I mention Payroll today! Oh, I have to much to do! I sure can pick the perfect time to get sick. Well at least last night was just down right beautiful, I actually was afraid the kids would get to warm.

Hope you enjoy these photos. -b

Late, but still Not Me Monday.

So who's to say that after something as traumatic as almost losing a computer to some unknown virus you can't just get back onto another one and get going again. I must admit it feels a bit like after my first car accident, you don't really want to get back in and drive for all the fear that overcomes you with all the "what ifs" but you just realize if you're going to ever get somewhere you just have to get back in and drive. So here I am driving my self to start my Not Me Monday post late on Monday, even if it is to late to participate. -b

I was NOT so excited when asked to help read with my son's second grade class last Tuesday, who would consider this an honor? It did NOT make me feel so good that I totally felt rewarded when each kid read to me individually.

I did NOT feel the least bit happy when my son's soccer game was cancelled on Sunday when it was so windy he could barely stand up, not to mention quite cold.

I did NOT bribe my son with $1.00 to eat school lunch today. I was NOT surprised when he came home to tell me that Chili is actually good and he might let me make it some time.

I was NOT at all excited when I saw I have 3 new "Followers" ... that would NOT make me happy. Thanks to Deb, Marcie and Faith for NOT making me feel special at all. :)

I did NOT cry like a baby and almost hyperventilated as I realized my computer was infected by "Spy Wear". I did NOT just clear and delete almost all my photos from my camera memory card onto said computer before this all happened. My husband did NOT try to make me feel better by helping me to try and save what we could, calm me down and stay up with me to accomplish the major back-ups to my work programs. That would NOT be something he would be so kind to do, Thanks hun!

I did NOT make Taco's on Friday night and then figure out that I did not have any tortillas, therefore feeding my kids stale taco shells. I did NOT remind them I could be feeding them rice and beans like the Prachar kids! By the way, I was NOT out at Stringtown Grocery when I saw Haitian Rice & Beans and did NOT think 1. I could by this and send to the Prachar's or 2. Try to make it for my family, no I would enjoy eating it to much! Well, I might eat the rice same as the kids, Travis, how do you do it?

I did NOT fill the Tahoe up on Friday morning with gas at $2.48, then exercise and when leaving watch them mark it down to $2.38. I did NOT enjoy only paying $50.00 for a full tank of gas! I also did NOT see that gas was down to $2.29 on the way home tonight, I would NOT get excited over something like this.

I am NOT stressing out about getting my computer back tomorrow. I am NOT at all wondering if all my computer programs will run correctly to do subscription labels, payroll, and bill out invoices. I would NOT spend so much time pondering over something I can't control, WHY!

Well, I must get some sleep, I have a lot to look forward to! Have a great day. -b

Offline

Just so you can keep me in prayer ... my home office/work computer was "attacked" last night. And I am in a serious need of prayer that I can emotionally over come the stress this is causing me. I think as of this moment I have a fixed computer, but will not know for sure until tomorrow morning. Thank God, for a local lady that deals with these things and has been working on it since 9:00 am today, and was still at 4:30 pm. I am overloaded with work, and do not have a computer right now to do that work on. I went into the news office today to help out with ads, since our ad person is home due to a surgery that was pretty serious. So it was good that I could help them, but I am stressed at the amount of work that will be facing me tomorrow, as we will be going into billing on Wednesday, and Payroll on Thursday. Hopefully I will be up and running back to normal here soon. -b

Under the Weather and Dreaming!

I have to start with an apology if you have been regularly checking in to see if I posted anything new, I have been down with a bad cold ... and trying hard to rest. So I have spent most my Saturday sleeping, or should I say trying to. With all the kids running in and out of the house giving me updates on Jon working or asking if certain neighbor kids could play over at our house. Which of course was fine as long as they stayed outside away from me. But sleep was unsuccessful in the afternoon and I went to bed at 8:00 PM.

The girls were quite silly Saturday around lunch time ... and I do have the photos above to prove of their silliness. I cannot quite recall the reason for this silliness, but they can be so cute together sometimes.

I am down stairs watching Camden, Jon and Emily playing the Wii. So I thought I would blog some. I am trying to catch up on every ones blogs too, which seems impossible right now. I didn't know you could miss so much when you are offline since Wednesday. I am doing much better, but still not back up and running at full speed. Looking forward to a "Moms Night Out" tomorrow night, which is at my favorite place Texas Roadhouse. YEAH!

Because I missed doing another Flashback Friday ... here is what I was going to post, and missed. Look a few weeks late but I finally located Eva's photos from when she was born!

Eva with Grandpa Ray! I loved how the nurses would play with Eva's hair. She would always come to me with this "mohawk" style hair from the nurses running their hands threw it all the time.

The kids look so small ... Emily is almost 32 months (almost 3)! Camden would be 4 years old, wow I can't get over how much they changed, and how much they still pour out their unconditional love for this one.

Home at last ... or what we could call home, which was my parents place. We were in the midst of building our second home when our first sold fast and we lived with my parents for almost three months, half very pregnant, and the other half with newborn child! It was an emotional time coming home with a newborn to live in the bedroom I grew up in.

Just for you Mom!

We had Mom over for a "Birthday Dinner" on her birthday. Jon made supper, which was his famous Sausage & Peppers Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. Here are a few photos of the kids with Grandma Helen. -b

Love Ya, Thanks for being the a great Mom when I need you to be one, and a best friend when I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to shop with, have a cup of coffee, share a quite moment, and a good laugh ... you are always there for me, I hope I can return the favor back to you one of these days. -beryl emily

Two Silly Sisters

I had a moment of frustration last night while trying to squeeze in one of my new favorite shows "Chuck", my daughters were being all to silly for me. But I realized I needed to enjoy these moments, that is what re-runs & Hulu are for since we don't own TiVo, Right?

They were baseball playin, fairy dancin, sunglass wearin, singin spys:

You can see "chuck" in the background on the TV to prove that I did take the time to enjoy the kids ... I just couldn't shut the TV off was all. :) -b

Things Accomplished!

After a hard days work last Friday Jon got half a step hand poured with cement. This afternoon he completed his task by having a cement truck finish the job! So guess what we have steps! No kids around today to put hand prints in, so I am bummed from that end.

Here are a few photos of the momentous occasion!

This is a photo of what got done on Friday. We thought we bought enough to do two steps and a post hole ... nice to know he could at least get one step done, right? But, look at that perfect edging, and brush strokes!

Jon was not happy about getting his photo taken, and requested to wait until after it was poured.

So I waited until after it was poured and still got his photo! Had to prove that he could finish something. Plus this way he too has proof and can cross this task off his list!

Did you notice the missing pumpkins? Jon was too quick to do them this year, and they went bad ... I even lost my awesome flicker lights that were in them. Everything went into the garbage ... to bad we didn't do it before the trash pickup this morning.

This is my accomplishment for my day ... you can see how my desk looked this morning in my Not Me Monday post. -b

Not Me Monday

So here it is, another Not Me Monday. Following after my good friend Travis, I continue the tradition of MckMama's Not Me Monday Posting. I have been following this since Travis started, and I just LOVE hearing every ones denials of the past week. And it was so freeing to start my own Not Me Monday, so thank you MckMama and Travis! If you would like to also start your own you can go to MckMama's blog and get the rules. So here goes week two!

I did NOT go to a family wedding on Saturday and jokingly say to the Brides mom (who is my cousin) if you need a home for the extra cake you can send some our way. Why would I say such a silly thing, only to be told and sent out the door with one of the cakes! By the way that cake was so NOT good at all, I did NOT enjoy two slices yesterday. Nope, NOT me!

I also did NOT get up during that same wedding twice to take my three year old to the bathroom because she just had to go. No, I am NOT potty training ... why couldn't she just go in her pull-up on demand. I did NOT embarrass my self the second time around to take her. That would just be silly of me!

I do NOT have a mess on my desk because I work best when there is something to clean up. I do NOT feel like I have accomplished more if I start my day with this annoying mess, and I did NOT just take a picture to show you how NOT messy this desk may or may not be.


I did NOT make my whole week revolve around my now three year old daughter. That would just be wrong! Further more I did NOT pull out my "One Tough Mother" routine on the way to McDonald's as she continued to unbuckle and dance around the back seats. I did NOT pull over on the side of the road putting the fear of God into the other three children in the vehicle trying to discipline my to cute for words three year old. And I did NOT loose my cool when two minutes down the road she pulled the same trick, no NOT me because I am "One Tough Mother"!

I did NOT wait until last night to help Emily get ready to be VIP for the week in her Kindergarten class. Why would I do such a thing when I have had the materials for more than a week to get ready. I repeat I am NOT a procrastinator. I did NOT have fun pulling photos off the computer and Internet and then use Picasa to make cute collages for her VIP pictures. No NOT me, why waste my time doing such a silly thing!

I did NOT walk my kids to school today, and further more I did NOT agree to carry Eva at which time I did NOT fall down bottom first saving her from getting hurt. She did NOT continually tell me that she was the one that fell. I also did NOT continue to walk the next mile with mom in complete pain, no NOT me I need the work out even if it calls for pain ... you burn more calories that way, right?

I do NOT just love it when people tell me how beautiful my children are. I also do NOT care at all when they tell me how well behaved they are when we are out to eat, and just bite my tongue waiting for everything to go down hill. I do NOT constantly tell my self this week that I would see how I could find someone for the kids to "model" for after being told we have the most beautiful kids more than ten times. I do NOT wonder how does one start? I do NOT think about this all the time. No NOT Me.

I did NOT just hear thunder outside, and think the Tahoe is parked with windows open, only to find out it was someone moving their recycle bins! Because I do NOT see that the sun is shinning outside.

Have a great NOT ME MONDAY! When I am done with my work I can't wait to hear what you did NOT do last week! -b

Flash Back Friday

So I have seen a few of you doing this, besides LOVING the word play ... I thought after being "tagged" by Natasha ... I would pull out some old photos of us! We are talking 10+ years ago ladies, so some of you may not recognise the beauty that used to bless this body of mine. So hold back, yes it is me in these photos!


First I have to point out the photo in the bottom right. In the photo with Natasha and I are Natasha's Younger siblings at the time Shannon & Kyle ... Shannon is getting married this weekend. I remember the days when Natasha and I did so many things together that Shannon felt like my baby sister, so I might need a few tissues this weekend! Also among the photos are our days back at Camp EWALU when we did "Councilors In Training" CITS they called us! It was a lot of fun, we had "Pioneer Thursdays" and we would have Square Dancing and Watermelon Seed Spit fights ... but this was our gear, bibs and braided hair. What fun! Not sure why our Senior year we dressed up wearing the same shirt from Camp EWALU? Thought at first it was homecoming twin day, but I didn't chop my long locks of hair off until that spring before graduation. The other photo is from my first and only "surprise" birthday party thanks to Natasha, Jacque, and I believe Charleen. But I can't completely remember. So, I tried to pick nice photos of us ... but it is fun looking back sometimes to see where we have grown up from! Thanks to Natasha for being such a good Godly influence in my life always. We may not be best friends like we were, but you have always held me accountable with my faith, and to that I am very thankful. -b

5 Things You Hate to Admit

Thanks to Natasha I have received my first "Tag" ... I have heard of them before I blogged, so this should be fun. This took me awhile to think about, and am procrastinating some. Which I would admit too, but most of you know my joy in procrastination!

1. I love to take naps. It is rare that it happens, but if I can sneak a nap in I will. It can be in the morning or afternoon, does not matter to me. Though, if I can go shopping, no matter how tired I am I will go shopping over sleep ... even if it is just grocery store shopping. I guess I need just that little bit of socialness, even though I am not interacting with anyone ... I am doing something outside the house that gives me something I need, I guess?

2. One time after a garage sale Jon went golfing and left me with the kids. Lets just say I was going on no sleep and in the middle of taking a bite of Mac & Cheese I fell asleep. Nothing like waking up to a mouth full of food!

3. Okay, Travis knows this one ... but few others do. I used to be a major "Headbanger" Loved Heavy Metal Music. Very in to Ozzy, Metallica, Kiss, AC/DC ... but really liked Poison, Warrant, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe .... I could name more, but I think you get the idea.

4. I was scared to get my drivers permit. My parents had to bribe me to even get it so I could take drivers ed. What did they bribe me with? Some new clothes, what teenage girl does not want new clothes to wear.

5. This is a tough one, the others came rather easy ... there are somethings I could admit, but lets not. So I will go with what Jon can claim to ... I hate to lose. I can lose, it is not really a big deal, but in the middle of a game even with my own kids I can hit a pretty mean competitive streak that Jon will have to usually get me off of so the kids don't go to bed crying.

So there it is, my life is almost an open book. Hope this brought you a laugh or two. Thanks again Natasha, this was quite fun to think about, and post. So who to tag I would love to hear ... Sara, Deb P & Travis have to admit to. Marcie ... you were really close to being chosen, but not sure if you are up on high speed yet or dial-up! So you can breathe for a moment, I am sure you might be up soon! -b

More Eva's Birthday

I went looking for Eva's birth photos ... but I am still looking and wanted to make this post before her birthday was actually over. So I will just include photos from her first, second and third birthdays.

I hope it is okay but I really just felt led to write the following ...

Well, I thought I would tell you a bit more about my Evangeline Grace who was born three years ago today. God blessed me with her at a time in our lives that I really did not think we were going to have any more children. We were in the process of building another house, and Emily was about to have her second birthday when God surprised me with the conception of her. I have to admit I was quite angry with God for a while, as I had done everything in my power to prevent this type of thing from happening ... but of course He knew what He was doing.

I was a little more than two months along when I broke down to admit to Jon that there was to be an addition to our family and the floor plan had to be revised in the middle of a framed house. Jon took more joy in the notion of having another baby than I was, since the doctors told us after his cancer that chances were slim of having more children. So you can see where his joy came from. That night I told him we were out on a date night, and looked in a baby name book of one girl name we had tossed around. And in this book was a meaning that God placed before me, and my heart started to change. It took almost two more months before we told family and friends, as God was still working on me, and even though I love being pregnant it took tell the day she was born for this little girl to take my heart.

On October 13th by C-Section came Evangeline Grace, which means "bringing much joy"! Even in all my frustrations with this child, God helps me find the Joy. Every day feels like a blessing with her. Now I do not want to take away anything from what a blessing Camden and Emily are to me, but there is just something about Eva that I cannot define. God knew I needed this little girl, and I am so thankful that I cannot understand why it took me 9 months to figure out what a blessing she is.

So thank you God for this little girl who brings me so much joy, who feels like a blessing everyday even when times are tough. Thank you for knowing I needed someone like her in my life to remind me how good You are.

Eva's Party

Eva at her McDonald's Birthday Party with best friends Libby, Dylan & Omara.

Happy Birthday Eva! My first NOT Me Monday.

So the day is here, and my little girl one of my biggest blessings in life is now three. We are off to Washington for lunch at McDonald's play land for lunch with a few friends ... from 10 invited kids we are down to 4 and that number includes Eva ... it is that time of year kids are already getting sick. Though I am thankful that they are not coming and passing anything on.

So I was trying to think how I could turn my blog today into a "Not Me Monday" I enjoy reading these blogs and laugh at them, as I am so there, but can I still do it and wish Eva a happy birthday? So bear with me as I try to start my first "Not me!" Monday. You can check out the link below for the gal that started this all. It is pretty popular as I am #146 (I am re-editing my post to include this bit of info). Check it out, and maybe you will catch the itch to do this too.

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2008/10/not-me-monday.html

I did NOT tell Eva she could have a birthday party, and convince myself she should have one because her two siblings had first birthday party's and baby showers and she did not. I am Not taking the three other kids that are coming to McDonald's because I did not want to go out like I do for the kids 5th birthdays. I did NOT drive to Wal-Mart last night to buy items for the gift bags because I procrastinated on getting them done before going to KC this weekend.

Which by the way I did NOT just get back from an extend trip to Dallas and Atlanta for a whole week and leave my kids again to go rock out to Jars of Clay, Switchfoot & Third Day. I did NOT enjoy myself enough to sing all the songs word for word because no one could hear me with all the noise, nope NOT me. I did NOT think that it was the best 30th birthday present ever. I did NOT get mad at Jon for forgetting my camera at the hotel. I did NOT make Jon take photos with his cell phone. I also did NOT meet Jars of Clay and tell them we had their demo cassette tape, yes that is right ... we also have the demo CD before they ever signed! I did NOT want to run down to the stage and just hug Mac Powell, cause I do NOT think he is just the cutest thing ... I am married.

I am NOT blogging right now because I just can't wait to take Eva to her "Birthday Party" at McDonald's, when I should be doing my work. (Sorry Mom, will have to do it when I get back).

I did NOT go shopping in Kansas City for myself and only buy things for Eva and Jon. I did NOT enjoy going to Huston's on Saturday and eat a plate of french fries, and I did NOT eat all my prime rib. We did NOT leave KC early to get back for a family birthday party, and we did NOT arrive LATE, nope not us we would never be late. I do NOT wish I was still in KC because the weather was perfect, and still want time to myself.

I did NOT enjoy dropping the kids off at school this morning, and did NOT just melt when Emily blew me a kiss and sang out words of love and praise to me. I did NOT go for a walk with Mom and Eva, and Eva did NOT have another temper tantrum on the way to Aunt Cheryl's. I did NOT almost cry as my little three year old waved me good-bye and walked in with Aunt Cheryl like a big three year old. I am NOT adding to my blog, because I keep thinking of things I did NOT do.

So, I better get back to work, I have less than an hour before I pick up Eva and her three friends for a birthday party, that really is NOT one but we are just calling it one. I wonder how she will spend her days after today, because all she talks about is her birthday party. "You coming to my birthday party?" The past month has revolved around this event ... I will keep you posted. Hopefully later I can tell you about the events of the day, either in my photos or with some words too. -b

My Three Silly Pumpkins

We did it, we carved all three pumpkins last night. Sorry to Camden and Emily's teachers as the kids must be tired today. By the time they were all showered and had carved their pumpkin plus had pumpkin pie it must have been 9:00 pm. I even had a tough time staying awake after the news, well actually I don't think I even remember the weather coming on ... so I didn't even watch all of the news.

Though it was nice this morning as God provided me a nice way to wake the kids up. When opening Emily's window curtains there was a male pheasant in our back yard ... so the kids jumped out of bed quickly to see the site. So thank you God for easing us into our morning with such excitement.

You can click on these photos to get a larger photo to view. I did four different ones as to not get the photos to small. Check out Eva's hair in her pumpkin photos ... it was her own styling, and she was quite proud of it ... Enjoy! -b

Back to Normal?

Well yesterday morning was my first official day back as MOM on duty for morning activities! HA!

I learned some great things at MOPS convention I wanted to put to use. So, I thought I would incorporate into my day, and things were going to be so smooth and easy in the morning to get every one out the door and on time! Well everything washed away when I was frustrated when no one cared to have their shoes on at the 7:55 time they are usually all on. I think it may have been 8:08 when I pulled the vehicle out of the garage. I was not a happy mama, and I don't think my kids were so happy to have me back again.

This morning I thought, I had another chance for things to go smoother. And they did, since I went went back to my old ways ... no new concepts to upset my daily balance. We were to school by 8:06 and I was back home to start laundry before 8:30 (a very nice welcome home mom present right!)

I just want to say thanks to everyone that helped Jon out while I was gone, mom for taking the kids to school in the morning and keeping my office work caught up. And Jon was amazing he took all three kids grocery shopping, and out to eat and doesn't regret it. I think I stress out at the "what ifs" that I just don't do well in a public with all three. Though last night at Wal-Mart, I did okay while Jon was looking for jumper cables (yes more car problems ... with the grand prix) and was able to do it with no melt downs on any ones part.

Speaking of car problems ... we hopefully will do well with our new set of wheels. I am having a tough time not telling the kids to get in the "Van" anymore as we have traded up for a new family member, and now have a 2003 Tahoe. And it is a step up, I being such a short one just slide out of the thing. It is very nice, and hard to get used to such a wonderful vehicle at that! May the Van rest in piece at the junkyard. The kids fell in love with the Tahoe, though I think they would have liked almost anything we put them in. They really like the "steps" in the back to get to the third row seats, I think it sealed the deal for them. We now have a new rule about food and drinks, and that they will be limited to the point of none in the Tahoe, MOM wants a nice clean vehicle. Though I have to work hard at it, as I enjoy to eat on the run to save time, so I am learning to change my habits to show the kids I can follow my rules too.

Any suggestions on names? I am having a tough time telling the kids where to go, it's not a van and Tahoe just sounds funny, and I can't get SUV out ... do you name your vehicles? -b

BTW ... Travis, just for you I changed out my background ... something fall like. Well the dryer or washer are beeping at me to get back to my "job" so I better get going before it is to late and I have to get out the iron. -b
Laundry is not so bad ... I have everything sorted out, and this is what I have left after load three in the washer right now ... The dinning room looks like we will be eating in the Living room tonight, but don't worry we at least will not be eating in the Tahoe. :)

Did you see our PUMPKINS? Jon got three and hopes to carve them tonight. Should be fun, and hopefully I can post some more photos of them afterwards. Jon's favorite right now is the middle one. -b

Visiting Mason and Remembering Dallas

So, my last few blogs are not so much about my "Three Silly Kids" so how about One Silly Nephew or One Silly Mom? After a phone call from Jon saying he "expects" me to be blogging ... with all my free time, so just for Jon I thought I would see what I could do for an updated blog! As I was going through my photos from MOPS Convention, I started to miss my time spent with 12 other awesome, God loving moms from our group. On Saturday night I cried as I stepped onto the Super Shuttle that took me to the airport as I felt I was missing out on a special time leaving my group early, but also at the same time elated to be on my way to see my Brother, sister-in-law and my Nephew Mason.

This little boy is such a little blessing. I was so excited to see him and to see his excitement to see me too. It feels so good to have this little guy pour his love on me. Though I cannot wait to have my three kiddo's pour their love onto me once again. It has been a good time to reflect on what type of mother I am, and could be. How to grow myself and children closer to God in just the little things. Not making everything a big deal and enjoying what time we all have together.

Here are some photos of My trip to Dallas, and of course my cutest Nephew Mason. -b

Lunch at Moe's with Mason.

Dinner with Jenny Vang ... and the rest of the ladies too. It was so nice to split a meal with someone, we did a lot of sharing and sampling!

Since this was a conference of 5,000 moms, they made most of the men's bathrooms into temporary women's bathrooms. Which to beautify them, they placed plants in the urinals ... Thanks Deb and Jen for posing for this photo.

Go Fish! I spoted them in the hallway, walking towards us, and like a crazed fan ran towards our MOPS group trying to get their attention and let them know who was walking towards us. So I just asked if I could take a photo, not even thinking of taking a group one ... one of the other ladies came up with that wonderful itdea. These guys are great, I love the music, and will even listen to it without the kids. This was my third concert and have ran into them several times at Convention. But, my kids still have yet to go to a concert ...
SHHHH don't tell them what Mom did!

Best of all, one of my favorite bands/singers Plumb was in concert. She just had a baby girl Clemintine just 9 weeks ago, and has two boys. Her newest album has a lot of really good songs about being a mom. Here's a photo of me not wanting to wait in line, as I met her 11 years ago in Atlanta GA and had a signed CD from then. So I choose to opt for this photo ... thank you Jen for taking the photo.

Go Fish in Dallas!

All is fun in Dallas at our MOPS Convention. We have shared many laughs and many tears ... learned much and grew in ways I would not imagine! Don't tell my kids we met Go Fish! I spoted them on Thursday, and now have their new CD "Party Like a Preschooler" before it is released. FUN! I will tell you more soon.

Prayer for Camden as he is fighting an ear infection. -b