Lauren and Cole

School Week

2011-08-30T23:00:00.001-05:00

We have had our first full week of school. Cole started Kindergarten this year and Lauren is in 2nd grade. Cole is getting use to the fact he has to go everyday, all day. We have told him this, but I guess it didn't sink in!! I have got questions all week....Mom, do I have to go to school tomorrow too? Mom, I only get 2 days off? Mom, how many more days do I have to go? Poor baby!! Lauren is up and running. Grandma Clodaugh (Mike's mom) got Lauren an alarm clock and it is the best thing! She is up and out of bed when that goes off. She is usually dressed and coming to get me up!! This is so much better than having to DRAG her out of bed last year. She is like me and we are not morning people.

Bulldog Pups

He wanted to wear his jersey

"to look like a real football player"

He was off and running!

No tears were shed today

Our newest four-legged addition

2011-08-30T18:00:00.001-05:00

Meet Zoe !!

I thought I needed a puppy. I think it might have something to do with the fact my baby is starting kindergarten!

It is hard to get a good picture of her because she is just a black fur ball!!

Here is Zoe after her first appointment at the Pet Boutique!!

I'm trying extra hard with this housebreaking, the kenneling, the bell at the door. It is very frustrating!! Almost as frustrating as the high pitch yelp that comes out of this puppy!!

I'm not sure this was my smartest choice, we shall see

The Most Magical Place On Earth

2011-08-29T00:40:00.000-05:00

I know in my last post I did a little summary about August, but I thought I would start blogging again from the beginning of August and try to play catch up over the next couple of days, so lets see how that goes!!

We started the first week of August going to Florida for our first real family vacation. The night before we left Mike hurt his knee and couldn't put any weight on it. So I called my mom at 0300 the morning before the plane left and thankful she was in and off to Florida we went.

This vacation was all about Disney. Since it was our first. I thought it would just be easier to stay in a Disney resort and use their transportation and have fun at the theme parks.

The kids of course loved Magic Kingdom. Cole LOVED the race cars! Lauren (everyone) loved the fireworks and electrical parade. We had to go back to see it again the last night. It is ~~amazing~~ magical!!

There are soooooo many pictures and it was really hard to choose just a few...

Gone to long!

2011-08-13T03:29:00.001-05:00

Was it really February since my last post. My mother has reminded me frequently. So much has happen that I could have blogged about but I never seem to have the time and if I do have the time I don't feel like doing it. Plus I have to admit Facebook has cut into alot of my blogging time!! So maybe a short review for now and pictures to come....Lets see

MARCH:

Started off with a sad note. Mike's grandmother passed away. So we flew out to Vegas and they had a very nice memorial service for her. It was a catholic service which was a first for me. I thought it was a really special service that I liked.

The 14th was my sister 40th birthday. Happy Birthday Stephanie.

APRIL:

As always the first weekend is the City Wide Garage Sale. Something that my sister, mom and I have done for many years.

Cole had his kindergarten screening and we found out that his eye sight in his right eye was 20/200. He has to wear a patch and has glasses now. He has done an awesome job and we are really proud of him.

His eye sight has improved. Once school starts he will only have to wear it when he is at home. Which he was VERY happy to hear. Hopefully in November we can do away with the patch.

MAY:

The first of the month was busy getting ready for Lauren's dance recital.

A trip to St. Louis - Mike's mother spent the day with various dr. appts and Mike, me and the kids spent the day at the zoo.

Then May 22 a F5 tornado ripped through Joplin and changed everything. I will have to post on that a little later. I am now working out of a tent. We call it Mercy Mash, They call it a Mobile Medical Unit!

JUNE:

Was spent at the ballpark.

I coached Cole's tball team and I helped my BIL coach Lauren and Lexi's softball team. It was so much fun and made the month fly by......

JULY:

We headed to Branson for the 4th of July Fireworks and got rained out. That was okay because the next night our neighbors lit up the sky. They put on an impressive show. Although the next day they were burning all the boxes and missed some fireworks that went straight at our fence and just about caught it on fire. The grass right under it was smoking. I can't believe they even did that, it is so dry around here I'm really surprised the whole place did go up with all the fireworks the night before!!

AUGUST:

Started with what was suppose to be our first real family vacation. But the night before Mike hurt his knee so my mom got a 0300 wake up call of me begging her to go the Florida with me and the kids. So thankful she said yes! So off we went to spend the week at Disney world.

Today I brought home a new puppy shih-poo. We named her Zoe and she is adorable.

Next week the kids have open house and school starts. Cole is heading off the Kindergarten *sigh*

They are both very excited. Buying supplies this year was like going on a scavenger hunt. Cole's kindergarten teacher wanted Elmer glue NON-WASHABLE. I didn't even know they made that! I was thinking that has to be a mistake.....a whole classroom of kindergartner's with non-washable glue!!!!!

So okay mom!!! There is your update. (like you didn't know all this was going on) and my promise to do better!!

She Did It!!

2011-02-28T18:13:00.000-06:00

Last night Lauren said she was ready to get her ears pierced. A couple of months ago Lauren said she was ready as well and when the time came .......she jumped out of that chair so fast and was out of there!! When I picked her up from school today she asked if we could go, so off to the mall we headed.

She did a good job. There was that split second when she looked at me like I was crazy and said, " wow, that kind of hurt." So proud of her and she is very proud of herself!

Missed January

2011-02-14T08:06:00.001-06:00

Well I guess the month of January was skipped entirely!! I will have to play catch up before February is gone!!

December

2010-12-29T19:57:00.000-06:00

December has gone by way to fast.....I have so many things to post about and pictures to get up, but I just don't want to!! So this post will go by about as fast as the month did....

Cole had a Christmas program. He did such a good job. Not a shy guy at all!! This is a picture of him and his BEST Friend Taye!! Ms. Kara says they are ALWAYS together!!

I'm not sure who the little girl in the green dress is (oh, cole just told me - Allison)

The expression on her face is priceless!!!

Lauren had a program as well, but instead of taking my

camera I just took the camcorder. Which worked

out okay because the little boy in front of her blocked

her totally with his reindeer ears!!

The Whole Gang

(my sister's and my kidos)

Fallon 11, Lauren 7, Alexa 6 and Colton 5

Stephanie brought the cookies so we

could play our version of

Minute to Win It!!

We raced eachother to see who

could get the cookie in their

mouth by only using facial motions!!

Cole received a Nerf Gun

He LOVES this!!

There are nerf bullets all over the house!!

Merry Christmas to your family

from ours ♥

Tuesday Was the Big Day!!!

2010-12-01T10:46:00.000-06:00

Friday Lauren came home from school and asked

if she could get her ears pierced.

She was all excited and ready to do it!!

We decided Tuesday would be the big day!!

So all weekend she was counting down the days!!

I picked her up from school and to the mall we headed.

She decided she wanted to go with her birthday stone

August = Peridot

She sat up there like a big girl with Claire Bear

The nice lady marked her ears.

Cole had to be right there to check this out!!

I would have like to shared more pictures........

When the nice lady started to bring the piercing gun thing towards Lauren.....She was out of there!!!

I have never seen a girl squirm out of a chair so fast!!

We left the mall with tears a flowing and no pierced ears!!

I am Thankful for....... by Lauren and Cole

2010-11-23T19:26:00.000-06:00

The other day when the kids were running and playing like crazy I decided they ( ok maybe I ) needed a break and a little quiet time. So I asked them to come sit at the table and we had a little coloring time. While they were doing that, we talked about Thanksgiving and things they were doing at school. So I asked the kids to write down 4 things that they were thankful for.....

I am Thankful for...

1. Mommy

2. Family and Dogs

3. Food and Plants

4. That we have a house

~Lauren

I am Thankful for...

1. Having Candy

2. Dogs and Family

3. Miss Kara and my Pre-School

4. My Toys and My house

~ Cole

School Lunch

2010-11-17T20:03:00.001-06:00

For the last week Lauren has been asking me to join her for lunch today. Today they were serving a Thanksgiving lunch: Turkey, potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie!! Since she mentioned it everyday and asked how many day we had left until this day. I knew there was no way I was getting out of this.

So today at noon I walked with Lauren to the lunchroom paid my $2.50 for an adult tray, which meant I got two rolls!! I was actually surprised it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!!! Although, there was no pumpkin pie, instead we had carrot cake!!

Not only did I get to have lunch with Lauren.....I also had lunch with:

JASON: who is a chatty cathy. I couldn't even begin to tell you all the things this kid talked to me about!! Apparently he doesn't like carrot cake.....He politely asked me if he could throw up and before I realized what he said....he spitted (thank goodness) all his carrot cake back onto his tray!!! UGH!!

ALLEE: she taught me how to spell her name, she is the oldest of three kids and they just had a trip to Florida because her dad had a lot of meetings.

DAMIAN: who got an staph infection in his finger from the basketball. he had a "happy tray" which means he ate all his food.

BAILEY: who asked if I could just sit by her since I get to see Lauren at home! :)

After all was said and done. I was glad Lauren kept bugging me about having lunch with her today. It was a good day!!

A Late Halloween!!

2010-11-10T01:30:00.000-06:00

How can it be that I didn't blog one single time in October. I started this with hopes to one day make a book out of it and have a wonderful keepsake. Unfortunately, I haven't been doing very good keep this up and I think it has been even worse since I facebook and update pictures on there. So I'm going to TRY to do better, which apparently with this post I already am!!

This Halloween I had an Evil Clown and Hulk!!

Lauren's last dance recital the big girls did and dance to Pink's Funhouse which had evil clowns. She loved the dance and knew without any doubt that is what she wanted!! Cole started out wanting to be Ironman, but with one trip to the story to get that costume, turned into him wanting to be Hulk and nothing else!!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!

Orange Protest

2010-09-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

I try each morning to give the kids some kind of fruit to eat along with their breakfast. This morning Cole decided that he no longer likes oranges and he wasn't going to eat them. He told me " I might just drink the juice out of one!" I had to laugh when I walked around the corner and saw this....

He was just sitting there...pitiful!!

Check up to tears!!

2010-08-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

This morning Cole and I took off to a doctors appointment. It was suppose to be a well-child exam for preschool. It turned into "let's go ahead and do his kindergarten shots." Since he did turn 5 an all this month. That one little words brought HUGE tears!! Cole is not the best patient, but he has improved!! He actually lets the doctors examine him without me having to hold him!! The nice nurse even offered Cole 3 suckers since he had to have 3 shots. He was not interested!! Which is a big deal because Cole loves his suckers!! No suckers, stickers or ice cream made these tears go away!! When we finally got home a little baseball on the Wii has seemed to help!!

Happy 7th!!

2010-08-27T00:22:00.000-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday

My ~~Baby~~ Big Girl!!

She wanted a BIG bike that didn't come

with training wheels that had to be taken off.

She rides it like a champ!!

Cole waiting all day asking every hour

if it was time for Lauren to

come home from school!!

A bike ride to the park was too much

to wait for!!!!!!

Both the kids had their birthday this month!!!

Our new 5 and 7 year olds!!

1st Grade !!

2010-08-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

We had Lauren's 1st Grade orientation on Sunday. She was very excited to see her very own desk. She was able to put all her school supplies away in her desk!! Her teacher seems very nice. I hope she has a wonderful year!!

Her first day of school was today.

She was up and ready with no fuss today and we actually made it on time!!

I have to admit I've been watching the

clock and I'm ready to go pick her up!!

9 more minutes :)

Can't Sleep

2010-08-11T04:36:00.000-05:00

It's 0350 and I'm wide awake!! Yes, I took Benadryl to help but that didn't seem to work or maybe I need a knew drug since I been using that one for the last 10 years. I've slept my six hours........so now I'm wide awake at this wonderful hour. Sitting here I am checking blogs and catching up on facebook, while enjoying a wonderful watermelon Mike brought home for me!!!

So much has happen since my last update which was long long ago.......

1. Finally finished all the remodeling on my house. Exterior painted, new shutters, and kitchen completed.

2. We are all now under one roof. Short story.....Mike has a house and I have a house.

3. My house has been on the market now for 1 whole week. ( keep your fingers crossed ) I going to get one of the St. Joseph statues and burying it in the yard!!!

4. Lauren is all enrolled in her new school. All her 14,758 school supplies are bought and new schools clothes are all washed and hanging neatly!!

5. Our Baby Boy turned 5!!! We had a little party. Just Me, Mike and Lauren!!

6. We are planning to have a big birthday party for him and Lauren (she's getting ready to turn 7). It's kind of nice that they had no problem sharing their parties. We haven't done that for the last couple of years. They choose to go back to The Flip Shop again this year!!

7. Lauren had her dance enrollment last Friday. That starts next month!! Miss Sherry did a little remodeling also.....It looks fabUlous!!!

and I think that may be it in a nutshell!!

Later today brings....dentist appts, lawn mowing, picking up our pictures from Calotype (YAY!!!) and lots of time at the pool!!

Red, White and Branson!!

2010-07-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

I can't even remember Mike and I ever having time off around the 4th of July to celebrate and take the kids to see fireworks. I was very excited to find the Branson Landing was having their show on the 3rd and a concert which was a tribute band to Journey. I had to do a little begging, but Mike gave in!!

While we were walking around we decided

to let the kids do a little building.....

Mike took Cole to shop where

you can build your own car

Lauren and I went to check out

Build A Bear.....

As soon as she saw the Mint Chocolate Chip Bear

She knew it was the one!!

Her favorite Ice Cream

The concert began at 8 and the kids were

all smiles and dancing!!

Then the band kept playing

and playing for 2 whole hours!!!

The kids gave up and were wrapped

up in the blanket on my lap

And poor Cole asked many times...

"Are they done yet??"

Which were my thoughts exactly!!!

Finally the Fireworks began....

I think this picture shows the fireworks

were well worth the wait!!

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Our newest addition!!

2010-06-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

We decided it was time to add a new member to our family

The Four-legged kind!!

So off to the local humane society we went!!

The kids very excited!!

Even though I was trying to remind them

we might not get a dog today

we ARE JUST LOOKING!!

(yeah right)

A new humane society was just finished this

year and it is an amazing place

considering where they use to be!!

After looking and looking and looking.........

We all decided

on this playful little guy!!

Who is part catahoula leopard and part milkman!!

(maybe lab)

Meet SIMBA

Such a unqiue looking dog.

Love his coat!!

He is very playful and

enjoys barking (ugh!!!)

And his entire head fits in Blade's mouth!!

Our first puppy Blade was such a quite puppy.

I remember we even talked about how

he rarely barked!!

Not so much the case with Simba!!

How do you hold a baby!!

2010-06-11T22:50:00.000-05:00

Cole asked me to come into his room. Then he sweetly asked me, " Mom, how do you hold a baby? Can you show me." Of course I asked if I could take his picture!!

I thought awww how sweet!!

That lasted about 2 seconds or long enough for me to get two pictures.....

Then he informed me

That it was also a guitar and off he went!!

sweetness over and orneriness took over!!

Birthday Cookout!!

2010-06-11T22:34:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Mike and I decided to have our families over for a good ole' summer cookout. It just happen to be my mom's birthday, my birthday and Mike birthday, even more a reason to have a party.

We tried out a new bakery

LOVED IT!!!

Mike tried out his new grill and did a great job!!

And I tried out my new camera!!

I'm tired of always lugging around my big Canon

So I decided to give this a try.

So far....So good.

I really like the fact that I can

carry it in my purse and have it

available whenever!!

No, my sister didn't have another baby....

This cute little guy belongs to Mike's brother.

~~All~~ Almost all the cousins

(minus the 2 older boys and the youngest boy)

Kane found a perfect place

on the slip n slide

Dance 2010

2010-05-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

Lauren's Dance Recital was this last weekend. Always makes for a long day with rehearsals in the morning and this time the recital didn't start until 7:30 that night so it was a very long Saturday. Lauren was excited, she loves to watch "the big girls" dance. Miss Sherry put on a wonderful show and all the girls did a great job. This is Lauren's third year. I've enjoyed watching her grow. This year she did Jazz, Tap and Ballet. This is the first year that I felt a little nervous for her. (I wondered if this is how my parents felt before my games???) Obviously for no reason....She smiled, was having fun and did a great job!

Lauren and MissElle

Miss Elle was her dance instructor this year!

This little Cowgirl Outfit was adorable!!

Poor Cole was so tired!!

Although, he had fun actually was a

very good lil boy during the long recital.

We would often find him next to us dancing as well!!

has it really been a month

2010-05-14T00:59:00.000-05:00

Times flies!! Has it really been over a month since my last post?? We've been busy with just our day to day things. But looking forward to what is coming..... We are getting ready for Dance Recital time and T-ball time. T-ball should keep us busy this season. Both Lauren and Cole are playing. I ended up coaching Cole's T-ball team. A team of ten 3-4 year olds. I'm not sure what I got myself into. Oh my!!!

Lauren just finished her first Volleyball/ Basketball Camp. The high school coaches/players came to her school for 2 hours on Monday and Tuesday. She enjoyed it. I didn't get a chance to go watch :(

Her asthma kicked in when I picked her up on Tuesday. I noticed she was having just a little trouble (not bad) I'm really hoping it wasn't from the activity. I really think it was the weather change. Because it has lasted the last two days. With her....she coughs alot along with the wheezing. It is either hot or cold, wet or dry and the pollen (need I say more). I can always count on any change in the weather flaring up her asthma. I'm still waiting for her to grow out of this!!!!!! So until then it's Claritin in the morning Singulair at night and inhalers as needed!!

Cole is just being Cole!! He is very much into Iron Man right now. Mike took him to the movies the other day. He LOVED it!!

In between the storms we are getting the house painted. The painter has been prepping the house and I can't wait to see the end result!!

We are going to be celebrating a birthday this weekend. My niece Lexi is turning 6.

It's hard to believe Lauren has 1 week of school left. It's kind of sad. Kindergarten went by really fast!!!

And the rest..... I guess I will just have to start blogging about it!!

So hopefully I will do a better job of keeping this up-to-date!!!

It's a deal, well maybe not!!

2010-04-09T07:18:00.002-05:00

When I went in to wake Lauren up this morning. She wasn't to excited about it and begged to stay home with me today.

So I told her I would make her a deal. If she went to school today, she could stay home with me all day tomorrow.

She asked what day is tomorrow.

Saturday, I replied.

And she responded with the greatest, sweetest big laugh......"Mom, I never go to school on Saturdays!! This is NOT a deal!!

So off to school we went!!

If your looking for me tomorrow.......

2010-04-07T01:29:00.002-05:00

I'll be shopping!!!!!

I heard about this HUGE consignment sale that was being held in Tulsa, but I missed the days. I found out that they also have it Springfield as well. I have never been to one of these. The pictures and the video about it on You Tube, makes it look unbelievable. So I'm taking my mom and going to see what this is all about. From the looks of the pictures, its too bad I didn't know about this when my kids were babies (well, maybe that's not a bad thing) I found a website with some images and thought I would share.

I hope I don't see this line of people tomorrow.

I have know idea what to expect!!

But, their ads show rows and rows and rows and rows and rows ( I think you probably get it) of anything/everything that you could imagine!!

They also show everybody hauling around laudry baskets. So I told mom to load hers up in the back of the car and we'll be heading out in the morning.

So here's to shopping!!

Have a blessed day!!

2010-04-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a Happy Easter

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T20:45:00.000-05:00

Smile

2010-03-31T20:34:00.000-05:00

Lauren left this special present under her pillow a couple of nights ago

Because now we have a beautiful smile

That looks like this .......

And she is very proud to have lost her first tooth !!

Curls Curls and Curls

2010-03-24T08:59:00.001-05:00

Miss Lauren has hair that is straight as a board. So of course she wants curls. The ONLY way her hair will keep any curl is for her to sleep in curls or for me to spend an hour curling it and using lots of products!! So often she is asking for the curlers.

So she can have a head of curls!!

She is always so thrilled

No matter how crazy the curls are!!

sleepless night

2010-03-23T08:58:00.000-05:00

Around 0130 last night Cole decided to sneak into my room and scared the bejeezus out of me. To simply ask if he could sleep in our bed. Often when Mike is working, one of the kids is in our bed.

As the night went by I found myself awake many times and woke-up this morning a little tired due to....

Not only did Cole sleep in our bed last night.

He slept sidewides with my favorite little feet in my side!!

He slept right smack up behind my back

where I found I could not turn at all!!

He decided to take all his covers off and

then decided to take mine off as well!!

Finally, I said Cole scoot over or go get back in your own bed!! He found the other side of the bed and we found sleep!!

And I wouldn't change a thing about it!!!

2010-03-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

1. Have you ever had a celeb sighting?

Yes and I have no idea what he name is! HAHAH!! Mike and I was taking the shuttle from our hotel in Vegas back to the airport and this guy got on board. This is the only way I can describe him (not to offend anyone...) He is that great big tall black guy....not the one the The Green Mile. This one always plays a bad guy, Zeus comes to mind, and he has one wierd eye. I know that helps alot!! It was obviously more exciting for Mike. Plus, I was blinded by the guys bling bling all over his watch. He's watch is about all I remember!!

2. What temperature do you keep your house? 68 during the day and 65 during night. I love my digital thermostat!!

3. Do you notice dust at other peoples homes?

I guess if I'm sitting there waiting!! If you do, please don't come to my house right now!!

4. What's the worst job you ever had?

This is awful, especially since I'm a nurse. When I was first starting to go to school for nursing. I thought I would work in a nursing home. I worked an 8 hour shift and then after 3 hours on my second day, my boss made a comment about me signing up for CNA classes. I remember saying "I'm not sure about that" and she said I could just go home then. Yes, I lasted 11 hours. That's all I'm going to say about that!!

5. What is your most sentimental possession?

This is a hard one.... The first thing the comes to mind is the rocking chair (glider) that is in the the living room. I purchased this when I was pregnant with Lauren. I have spent many nights rocking my babies to sleep in this chair. Right now it is a coat holder :( But, I love the chair and it will be with me forever!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Do little boys lie...

2010-03-13T16:43:00.000-06:00

So after naptime Cole came into my room. He started playing with the tie that goes on my robe. I think at some point in the day (everyday) I see him with this.

So today I asked what he was making.....Some days it is a: fishing pole, anchor, belt, sword. But today he simply said..."a chew toy for blade" ..."I'm going to go give it to him" and out the door he went.

After ~~yelling~~ asking for him to come back. He said he was just going to show it to him!! We decided it would be best if he just left it in my room, just to be sure blade wouldn't use it for a chew toy!!

Then Cole assured me that he would not do that and that LITTLE BOYS NEVER LIE TO THEIR MOMMIES and gave me a big ole kiss!!!

Who wouldn't trust that face!!

I should probably have him write that down and sign it so I can show him that when he get older!!!

baby teeth on the loose

2010-03-12T10:52:00.000-06:00

This morning Lauren came to tell me that she has a loose tooth and sure enough....she does!!

Her beautiful baby teeth will soon be invaded with toothless gaps, big adult teeth moving in and squeezing out the little ones.

(sigh) really it's time for this already???

Our Little Artist

2010-03-05T09:39:00.000-06:00

Lauren came home with an announcement a couple of days ago.

She was very proud to tell us that

That she is.....

An Inspiring Artist for the month of March.

And that means her artwork is being displayed

in our local bank!!

Our little artist!!

Lauren's Big Day!!

2010-03-03T09:39:00.000-06:00

For Christmas Santa brought the kids a Wii and all the goodies. Shortly after Christmas, Lauren discovered a Nintendo DSi. According to her she really really really (I think you get the idea) really needed this. But, mean ole' mom was not going to turn around and buy this after Santa had just delivered the Wii.

So we made a deal...... I told her if she ~~wanted~~ needed this sooo bad that this is what we could do...
1. She could use her Christmas money from the grandparents.
2. She could earn the money for the rest.

and that is just what she did.

I made a chart for her and told her in addition to her regular chores. She folds the "big" towels (cole gets the wash cloths) and puts them aways and she puts her undies and pj's away. She could also do other things and put stickers on a chart. Each sticker is worth $2 and when she had earned enough, she could go buy her DSi and that I would buy her a game. She was very happy with this and so we began!!

We came up with 5 things: Clean her room, Laundry, Take care of the dog (which she informed me poop-duty should be worth more than $2) I think she did that for 2 seconds hahaha. Attitude, and putting away dishes.

Finally, after "visiting" it in the store many times....she had earned enough stickers. I am so proud of her. She never fussed or whined about this. It was actually exciting for her to finish a task and then put a sticker on her chart. She counted them often!!!

So here is Lauren with her much earned DSi!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T12:44:00.000-06:00

Fashion Show

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000-06:00

While watching my neices today I was spending a little time on facebook, while they were playing quietly in Lauren's room. I soon found out why they were being so quiet. They peeked their heads around the corner and asked me to judge a fashion show. So I grabbed my camera because I knew I would be in for a treat. They had the music ready and showed me where to sit!!

I could not believe the attitude and sassy girls!!

Then Cole decided he was not going to be left out....

Readers Digest

2010-02-15T10:07:00.000-06:00

Readers Digest had an article about "Things the ER staff won't tell you." The article made its way through the ER and gave us a laugh. I thought I would share some of our favorites............

1. In the ER, nurses provide most of the hands-on care. So be nice.

This one is so true..The last shift I work I had this lady come in that called me so many names I forgot what my name was.....ya know I'm sorry you wanted to kill yourself but after spending 5 minutes with you....the entire staff wanted to also!!!!

"Yes, we know you're waiting.... and waiting....and waiting" If we had a room available we would put you in it.

Waiting is good. It means you're not going to die. The person you need to feel sorry for is the one who gets rushed into the ER and treated first.

Your emergency isn't necessarily our emergency.

If you come in with a virus, don't get mad because we can't tell you exactly what it is, be happy we've ruled out that is not an emergency.

When we say, Put this gown on , we mean you should take off the clothes underneath so we can see the area that we need to examine. Don't put the gown over your clothes.

**We would like to put these on a sign in the waiting room*******

1. Some ERs don't allow more than one visitor per patient for a reason: You get in our way. Nominate someone to be in the ER and have that person relay information to everyone else in the waiting room.

2. Standing in the doorway and staring at us while we work won't help your loved one get treated more quickly. We're pretty used to people trying to intimidate us!!

3 We don't come to your place of employment and yell at you and tell you how to do your job!!!

*************************************************************************

Some of us are pretty good at spotting people who come in to score pain medication.....especially if you are specific about the drug you want or you drove over an hour to get here and passed many ERs on the way.

If you come in with a bizarre or disgusting symptom, we are going to talk about you. We won't talk about you to people outside the ER, but we need to vent like everyone else. (and a good laugh!!)

And yes.. I love the ER!!!

(we do have compassion for those patients who truely deserve it!!)

mmmm mmmm good!!!

2010-02-07T04:23:00.000-06:00

Today Lauren has been hit with the GI bug. Let's hope it is just the little 24 bug!! So for supper I made her some soup and a sandwich...............

"Mmmmmmm, this is so good mom. What is it?? Hot Pasta??"

"No honey, it is just Chicken Noodle Soup"

"Well, mom..... you are a really really good cook!!"

"Thanks babe!!

hahahahahahahahahah - Thanks Campbell Soup!! I thought I was going to have to get that girl a shovel!!

Ugliest kitchen!!

2010-01-28T09:52:00.002-06:00

Saving the worst for last.

I have put off remodeling the kitchen because I knew 1. it would be the most expensive and 2. I dreaded what I was going to find underneath. I will NEVER, and yes I will say NEVER buy a house and say oh "all I have to do is just take the wallpaper off and paint" UGH!!! I'm using the trick of half fabric softner and half water to spray on the walls and scrape off. It's coming off with a lot of work and a lot of time. So if anybody has any other tricks, please share!!

Here is what we've been tolerating for the past year. Lovely green stripes and paneling. Could it get worse than this...... oh yes.......... ( I fear what I will find under the panels)

When the green stripes were removed.

I found this lovely yellow flowered wallpaper!!

When the yellow flowered wallpaper was removed....

I found this lovely BRIGHT yellow painted wall.

How do you get HGTV in your home????????

I have only started on a little section by the deck doors.

I haven't even began the big wall.

The one good thing. When the kitchen is done, the inside is done YAY!!!!!

(of course then to the outside)

In the mood!

2010-01-18T18:48:00.001-06:00

I haven't posted since a couple of days after Christmas because frankly I just haven't been in the mood. We've been busy like everyone else with our day to day stuff and when I might have had a minute, blogging just wasn't what I want to do. So now as I'm listening to the kids have a sword fight. I thought I might sneak away to blog land!!

Here are a couple of things we've enjoyed the last couple of weeks..........

Cole had his first Christmas Preschool program. He never talked about practicing, even when I asked. You would never find him walking around the house singing any songs. When it came the night of the program, he didn't even want to go. He said it was boring. So we weren't expecting to see a whole lot. What a surprise we got. He sang every song, did every dance and smiled the whole time. Looked far from being bored. It was so funny and a joy to watch.

We attempted to take some family pictures!!!!

(Hopefully next time we can get one with all 4)

Cole and Lauren decorated their Christmas Tree.....

and I decorated mine!!

I loved this tree!!

Christmas morning!!

The smiles on their faces makes my heart smile!!

Mike had to work the night before Christmas so we were going to wait for him to come home. Mother nature had another plan and it sleeted and snowed so bad that he couldn't get his car out of the hospital parking lot. So he didn't make. It made it even worse that Santa had left the big presents in Mike's trunk. So the kids opened what was under the tree, but a sheet was put over some of Santa's presents and we told them Santa left some presents and was going to bring the rest tomorrow. Actually, they didn't seem to mind at all. Thank Goodness!!! Lessen learned!!!

Playing in the snow!!!

Even Blade loved the snow!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-27T19:01:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

As I'm sitting here looking at the living room wondering where are we going to put all this??? Our kids are for sure blessed with aunts, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents to spoil them rotten. I was so happy and proud of Lauren and Colton they were so happy and thankful with each present they opened (even the clothes!!).

This would have been our Christmas card had I made it to the post-office. I think this is the first year I haven't sent a card! I will have to do better next year!!

I was very fortunate to get to spend the Christmas season with my family and now I will be getting to bring in the New Year with my ER family!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday!!

Congratulations Graduate!

2009-12-20T17:29:00.000-06:00

Congratulations David!!

We are proud of you!!!!!

Richard David Clark

and the crowd goes wild

(ok, so maybe it was only 8 people)

Our "little" brother

Proud Parents

Always making us laugh!!

I promised NO facebook!!

It seemed like yesterday he was walking across the stage

at his high school graduation. Time seems to fly by!!

It only took 4 years!!!!

2009-12-03T09:46:00.001-06:00

Cole and I went Christmas shopping yesterday! Which is not Cole's favorite thing to do by any means!! You will hear him in the very first store saying...."Mom, I want to go home" or "Mom, I'm done shopping" or "I'm thirsty and hungry" and it doesn't matter if we just ate!!! Thank goodness Mike picked him up shortly after we started BUT NOT BEFORE..........................

As we were walking down the mall, we passed Santa. Santa was sitting there all alone and Cole was waving to him from afar as he does every year. So again this year I asked Cole if he would like to go see Santa. I about fell over when he said, "Yes!!" and took off. He walked right up to him and sat on his lap. I could not believe it!! Of course I didn't have my camera and didn't think twice about paying the $20 bucks to capture this first for Cole!!

Cole told Santa that he only wanted one thing a Rocky the Robot Truck. I had no idea what this was until I googled it a couple of minutes ago. We will definitely have to make sure Santa finds it!!!

So here is Cole's first picture with Santa

and it only took 4 years!!

so proud of him!!

Dinner with a 4 y.o.

2009-11-18T18:33:00.000-06:00

As I'm at the sink starting the dishes Cole is still at the table with just a little more to finish.....

Cole have you finished your corn yet??

Moooommmm, I can't because my legs are tired!!!

Well, it's a good thing your sitting down then!!!

Mooommmmm ( as he is giving me the most pitiful look!! ) I can't eat corn when my legs are tired!!

So of course I give in.... Just one more bite!!!

Trick or Treat!!

2009-11-01T16:56:00.000-06:00

Our Ballerina and Dinosaur

Lauren wanted to be a ballerina this year and she made

sure to correct EVERYONE who called her a princess

Cole loved his dinosaur

costume. I'm sure we will be

seeing it for many months.

They did such a good job this year and it was so nice

not carrying anyone.

Halloween week

2009-11-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

Everyone is back to feeling good and just in time for a fun filled Halloween week!!

The fun started with Lauren's dance class

It was pouring down rain so i decided to throw together a last

minute cat costume (thanks to previous dance recitals)

so she wouldn't ruin her Halloween costume before

trick or treat time.

Then Cole had his Preschool Party

Cole and Ms. Misty

He adores her!!

After his party we headed out to the Pumpkin Patch

That night we carved pumpkins for the first time!

Lauren dug right in with her hands.

Cole wasn't sure about it and

tried the spoon instead!!

Halloween has so many fun things to do. It is becoming one of my our favorite holidays!!

Sick day!!

2009-10-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Cole and I spent a very long 5 hours out at the Dr's office and the pharmacy. His swabs came back +flu and +strep. It's no wonder why I couldn't break his fever!!

My mother took Lauren last night to her dance class and back home with her for the evening. I'm so thankful!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't come down with this. With her asthma it will be harder on her.

So Cole and I are hanging out at home. He has taken up residence on the couch this morning. A little crabby!! He ate very little for breakfast, but he is drinking lots!!! I hope he gets to feeling better soon!!

and I'm going to try to be a little productive today. It's hard to not just want to veg with him on the couch!!

The joy of leaves!!

2009-10-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

When we moved into this house a couple of years ago, one of the things I loved about it was all the big beautiful trees.......then fall came and holy *&^*^. The amount of leaves in our yard is unreal!!!!

We finally had a nice day this week so I went out and raked a big pile for the kids to play in and to fill up my mom's huge pumpkin bag!!

To watch the kids play was worth all the raking. Such big smiles, lots of laughs and fun!!

I had forgotten how much fun a big pile of leaves could bring!!

Cole's method:

ATTACK

AND RUN!!

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-10-09T06:51:00.000-05:00

PINK PINK PINK

Where I work you can't help but notice all the pink, the entire building is pink to help make people aware and remember we are all fighting Breast Cancer. The new slogan this year is "Fight like a Girl". I love it!!

So I wanted to remind everyone to go get your mammogram. It is never to early! I went for my first mammogram yesterday. It wasn't even close to being as bad or painful as everyone says. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable, the rooms were a little cold!!! The cape.....well I guess I know how my patients feel when I put them in gowns. But, it is well worth it!!

So go get your mammogram and do your monthly self-exams!

Take a moment to remember those we have lost to breast cancer and celebrate those who have beat it!!

pumpkin patch field trip

2009-10-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

As soon as I picked up Lauren today all she talked about was her field trip to the pumpkin patch so I thought I would type a little post in her words...............

The bus rided was bumpy with lots of hills. I got to sit by Delanie.
When we got there we went into a shed and watched a corn video. Then we saw corn brooms
After that we went on a hay ride on they talked about corn and all that.
There was a corn maze and it took a while to get through.
Then we went on the cow train. There was more than 10 cows in a row and we got to ride them.
Then there was pumpkin basketball.
We got to eat lunch and there was a really cool seat thing that had 4 seats in a row.
Then we went and picked our pumpkin out. I picked mine because it looked like a flower.
Then we went on the bumpy bus ride again.
And it took all day of school so when we got back it was Dillon's Birthday so we got to eat cake and ice cream for our snack.

Sounds like a great day!!

One sick kid....One excited kid

2009-10-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

Today I'm cuddling with a sick little guy. He has been running a fever the last two nights and has a cough and runny nose. He is just pitiful. He rarely gets sick. But, I think that has a large part to do with the fact he has not been out around other kids besides family. Since he is just starting pre-school, he is probably going to have to get use to all the germs. We've been talking about handwashing alot!! He informed me this morning since he didn't touch his ding-a-ling when going potty he doesn't have to wash his hands!! Oh boys!!!!

Today is Lauren first field trip. She is going to a pumpkin patch and she is very excited to be riding a school bus. To bad I can't sneak her teacher my camera huh?? A trip to the pumpkin patch with her friends and no pictures, killing me!! I'm looking forward to going and picking out our pumpkins and mums!! (and taking pictures of course!!)

Tonight Lauren in going to her first sleep over. A girl I work with has a daughter the same age as Lauren and she asked if she could come over tonight. Lauren in very excited about this and can't wait to have her friend stay at our house also!!

We have finally decided on Halloween costumes......Let the hunt begin!! Lauren has a bad habit of changing her mind. We have already gone through 3 choices. Now we are sticking with it!! Which I really liked the SpongeBob and Patrick idea. I thought it would be cute to do a matching thing this year, but I guess I was the only one :(

And I'll be spending alot of time at work over the next 4 days. So I hope everyone else can enjoy the beautiful weekend!!

Catching up!!

2009-10-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

I've been busy doing nothing and haven't really been in the mood to blog, so today I thought I would do a little catching up............

Lauren has started back up with dance class. I decided to try out a different dance studio this time around. It was difficulty decision ( I know that sounds silly, but it was). I loved Miss Charity and so did Lauren and she was so wonderful with all the kids. But..... (you knew it was coming) When dance recital came around I was never WOW'd by the "big girls dancing" and I don't want that to sound mean, because I absolutely don't mean it too. It is just I've been to other recitals....and was like OMG that was awesome......and her classes were getting so big, like 15-20 girls, which is a great thing for Miss Charity!!!! So I decided to try out Sherry's and so far so good. There is only about 8 girls in Lauren's class so that is nice. So we will see in May how things work out!!!

Little Blade has been a wonderful addition to our family!! Although, he has been sleeping on the end of our bed. Which is new for me. I have NEVER had a dog sleep on my bed. He does keep my feet nice and warm!!

Sent Mike and Cole to Wal-Mart for a few things. Mike came home with a cowboy!! Cole figured out he likes going to Wal-Mart with daddy!!

Kane (mikes brother's boy :)... had his baptism. It is such a beautiful ceremony..

John and Kamie

Kane Richard

Ava, Olivia and Lauren

The whole gang

I just happen to walk by and found Olivia and Lauren taking care of themselves!!

"Oh Lauren, let's not do that", "don't think we should play in that water" (Me not being the catholic one, really not sure??!!) I said that of course after taking a quick picture. When the flash went off she looked up and the expression on her face was priceless, too bad I didn't catch that one. She wasn't sure if she was in trouble or not!!

Life in the ER

2009-09-13T08:58:00.002-05:00

Usually my blogs are about the kids and special occasions. This morning I using my blog as an outlet for me, an outlet to just take a deep breath and breathe.

I LOVE my job and I'm probably an very fortunate person. I realize not many people LOVE theirs.
My job can change in a second from good to bad. We have busy nights, where we run all night long. Then we have slow nights, where we are dragging our butts, trying to stay awake, hunting for something to do!! One of the worse things we deal with is the unexpected death. That is what I dealt with last night with my coworkers and that is why I'm writing this post.

Every person deals with death differently. Some families come in the room and turn around and walk right back out. Some hang out in the room and chit chat. Some keep their composure and some lose it. As a nurse I never know what to expect.

What I do know is my part. Turn the lights down, have chairs in the room and boxes of kleenex. To stand in the background. To be there for the family to lean on and try to answer their questions. To step out and give them time and let them know I'm there.

Unfortunately, you kind of get use to this. But this morning it hit me.

As I bring back a lady that started having chest pain while she was drinking her beer tonight and started to work her up. The Charge Nurse comes into the room to let me know that I will be getting a priority 1 trauma. A 22 year old involved in a MVA ( car vs tree) and the helicopter is 8 minutes out. So I give my drunk chest pain lady to the next nurse and go get my trauma room ready.

When they arrive this kiddo (yes, a 22 year old is a kiddo) had multiple horrible injuries. I couldn't even begin to start typing them all out. He started to Code minutes after coming into the room. Everyone did everything they could for him, his injuries were just to bad. So the Trauma Surgeon decides to call it and I let him know the time 0041. A hush comes over what just seconds ago was a loud bustling room. And then we hear it.......remember my drunk chest pain lady......."OH MY GOD, GET ME OUT OF HERE, SOMEONE JUST DIED NEXT TO ME, YOU KNOW THOSE SPIRITS LEAVE WITH YOU. I WANT TO LEAVE NOW!!!" Silent laughter filled the room!! Only a curtained seperated the two rooms.

One of the bad things about this is the parents of the kid were 3 -4 hours away. The chaplain spoke to them and let the know their son didn't make it. So now the tech and I clean up the kid and get the room ready for when the family arrives.

Once again, you're never really sure what to expect out of the family, but I do know my part. This morning was different. Is it sad to say it hasn't gotten to me in a long time, that I'm use to this?? But when the mother leaned over her son to say good-bye and kiss his cheek. My eyes swelled up with tears and I thought to myself...I've got to get out of here for a moment, I can't cry. But it just hit me in the chest like a ton of bricks when I watched that mother. I walked over and put my hand on her back and told her she could stay as long as she liked, that I was stepping out to give them some time. I went outside to get some fresh air and kept my composure. I wasn't expecting my reaction.

There has been only one time that I lost it. A couple of years ago. A father ran to the ER doors carrying a limp baby that had rolled off the bed and hung itself between the bed and bedside table. As the doctor called the time on that code the whole room was silent except the sniffling that began. The room was filled with nurses/moms. It is especially hard to loose a kid around the same age as your own, what am I saying.. it's hard to loose any kid. That night I called my own mom and cried on the phone to her and asked her to kiss my baby.

If there is one thing I've learned....life is so precious and can be gone in an instant. I thought about the mom, the brothers and dad on my drive home and yes, I cried.

Please say a little prayer for this family.

lovin my little guy

2009-09-02T03:28:00.000-05:00

I've been awake since 2 a.m. I got about 5 hours of sleep and now I'm wide awake. So I'm lying here in bed with my laptop checking out all the different blogs I like to read, updating facebook and shopping on ebay. The house is completely dark except for the light my computer puts off (which is quite a bit) The only noise is that of the fan, which usually helps me fall asleep!

0300 I hear the sound of a door knob turn. I wait to see who will be approaching my bed. This time it is Cole. He doesn't say a word and comes to his daddy's side (daddy is at work tonight). So I pull back the covers and he climbs in, as I cover him up and kiss his head, my heart is overflowing and I'm lovin my little guy.

Happy 6th Birthday

2009-08-27T09:25:00.002-05:00

Happy 6th Birthday Baby Girl!!

It's hard to believe that two days ago we celebrated Lauren turning 6!!

This year we had her party early before school started and it worked out great. She wanted to have it at the Flip Shop and it was a lot of fun. When we left she decided to quit dancing and start gymnastics. But I talked her into maybe just doing it in the summer when dancing is over!! whew.....she didn't seem to mind that idea!!

We went with a SpongeBob theme this year!!

It is a favorite around our house!!

Shayne, Lexi and Olivia having fun on the balance beams

Brooke and Lauren

Lexi on the long trampoline

Cole with Uncle John on the rope swing!!

Ava on the long trampoline

I love her expression!!

Brooke, Lauren and Fallon checking out the balance beams

Lauren just haning out!!

Our New Puppy

2009-08-24T09:18:00.003-05:00

We have a new puppy in the house!!!

Meet Blade....

yes, the name was chosen by the boys in the house!!

Blade is Blue Heeler/Lab!

He was one of 11 pups!! All of the puppies were so wonderful. It was hard to pick. There was 4 that looked like Blade and the rest were white with tan spots or white with blacks spots. All were adorable. It was hard to leave with just one!!

Blade has been the best little puppy. Already house broken...well 98%. He has had a couple of accidents but they were really our accidents for not getting him out soon enough or not paying close enough attention!! He is not hyper at all (except for being a normal puppy) which is a complete 180 from the first dog Lilly that we had!! Lilly was a silky terrier that unfortunately didn't work out for us, but she did work out for the couple that took her and she is doing wonderful.....so yeah for everyone!!!!

He is wonderful with the kids and that is a good thing because they love him and would smother him constantly, if we let them!!!

Cole..given some kisses

Cole trying to wait patiently for Blade to wake-up

This is one of his favorite places to take a nap.

First Day of .......

2009-08-17T22:36:00.005-05:00

We had a couple of "first" this week...

Lauren's First day of Kindergarten Orientation. We were able to go check out her classroom, meet her teacher, put away all her school supplies and decorate her cubby. She was very excited to see who was going to be in her class.

Lauren and her kindergarten teacher. She is so nice, which makes this "first" for us a lot easier!!Lauren running to the car on the first day of school. She was so excited there was no standing still for pictures on this day!! I let Lauren pick out whatever (sort of) she wanted to wear on the first day of school. It made her so happy to do that!

Lauren and one of her friends from Abundant Life, she was very happy to see that they were in the same class!!

I packed her lunch for the first day and when she came home I was surprised to find that she didn't touch the pudding or grapes that she had requested. After talking to her.....she was very upset that they did not bring her, her snack out of her lunch bag at snack time. That instead they gave her something else!! Bless her little heart. So I had to explain to her that everything in her lunch bag was for lunch and they give you a different snack later in the day. "oh, is that why they call it a lunch bag?". Then promptly asked if she could finish her lunch!!

After the second day of school....

Mom, you have to stop sending my lunch?

How come?

Because today everyone else had pizza and an ice cream push up, and I didn't!!

So we decided to start checking out the lunch menu!! Which kind of made me sad, isn't that what I'm suppose to do, pack a lunch for my girl!!

The first day the Lauren and Cole both leave for Kindergarten and Preschool.

Cole's first day of Preschool. After taking Lauren to school he was ready to get to his school!! He wanted to make sure that we were going to leave him and that we were going to go home!! He just walked right in and off he went.

His teacher said he had a great day. No nap today, but was quiet. I didn't realize they would be swimming on the first day so I didn't pack his trunks!! He let me know about it when we got home.

When I went to pick him up, I got the greatest hug and a big thanks!!

Thanks for picking me up mom, I missed you when I was here!!

Last day of Preschool

2009-08-07T22:05:00.007-05:00

Lauren's last day of preschool was Friday.

They had the parents come out and spend the afternoon with them.

First, we had a picnic outside. Lauren and her adorable friend Chloe.

They have been dancing and

going to school together for about 2 years.

After the picnic, we headed to the pool

to swim and play games.
The pool out there is really nice.
I wish I had taken Lauren out there more!!
Saving the best for last.
After swimming we went back to the classroom
for ice cream. Any kind you want and however
you wanted it. Yummmy!!!

Lauren's Preschool Class
Telling Ms. Esther goodbye!
Ms. Esther was wonderful and Lauren
enjoyed her so much.
Thank you Ms. Esther!!

Goodbye Preschool.............
Hello Kindergarten..............

Mine isn't the best??

2009-08-07T15:10:00.003-05:00

Last night for dinner I thought I would switch it up a little, nothing exciting.... I made spaghetti but this time instead of putting hamburger meat in it, I put some of the Tyson grilled chicken chucks. I personally love chicken and pasta. We were about half way through when Cole decided to let his opinion be known.............

Mom, this spaghetti isn't the best!

WHAT??

This spaghetti mom, isn't the best!!

Well, who makes the best?

of course his answer was....Grandma does!! She doesn't put chicken in hers!!

Then of course Lauren chimes in..........yeah, I don't like this chicken!!

So, that was the end to that!!

Scooby Dooby Doo - Happy 4th Birthday to You!!

2009-08-03T22:13:00.006-05:00

Saturday we celebrated Cole's 4th Birthday Scooby Doo style , even though the big day is Wednesday! We had his party at the Kangaroo Gym. He absolutely loves this place. It was really hard for him to sit in the room and enjoy donuts and open his presents, because he was so excited to be going out into the gym area.

We had the party in the morning so instead of cake, we had donuts!!

Finally....Let the jumping begin.............

Whew...momma needed a break!!

And so did Miss Taylor!!

Cole hangin with Ava....

Cole sure did miss his boy cousins :) Jake and Zack!! He asked about you guys and I know he is looking forward to see you soon!!

Whose got the kindergarten blues??

2009-07-29T23:19:00.016-05:00

It's not like I didn't know this was coming.

What I'm really surprised about is the feeling I have in the pit of my stomach the closer it gets.

I'm getting ready in a couple of weeks to send Miss Lauren off to Kindergarten.

No problem I can do that..... right??

First, came the stores filling up their shelves with all the school supplies. How exciting!!

Then came the supply list. I grabbed one, but thought I would just get the supplies later.

I don't need to get them now, right?? I now realize that was my denial saying Hello!!

Finally, it happen............Her teacher called!! UGH!! Ms. Vansickle would like to set up a time to come over and meet Lauren and her family.

(little side bar..) have you ever had a teacher come to your house to meet you?
What happen to open house, seeing the classroom and meeting the teacher?

At first I thought, how nice!! Then...Some of my friends thought this was a little strange and had never heard of it (and they made me paranoid, thankyouverymuch) How was I suppose to know who this lady was calling. I've never met or heard of Ms. Vansickle and now this person is going to show up at my house. Isn't it horrible that you really can't just trust people anymore with all the craziness going on in the world. So I checked it out and all is well. Now she probably thinks I'm crazy!! Anyway!!

That did it!! The tears came. I called Mike and admitted it out loud. "This is really bothering me and we are not even to "THE FIRST DAY" yet!! I'm going to be a mess!!

My babies are growing up too fast.

I just can't believe it is here and am really surprised how it hit me!!

My baby girl!!

And to think this is just Kindergarten!!

Branson

2009-07-29T22:11:00.008-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we packed up and headed to Branson. I took a lot of pictures but after looking through all of them. I thought these 3 said it all.

We drove down Friday night and stayed at a cabin that was recommend to us. It was nice because the kids had their own room with a twin bed for each of them. They were so tuckered out by the end of the day I didn't have to worry about them talking or playing!! The one thing I didn't like was the cabins were old. I think the were probably built in the 70's and still looked like it. For the money I would have expected a little better. But it was fine and the kid enjoyed it and I liked that it was something different then just your regular hotel room!!

Saturday was a fun-filled day at Silver Dollar City. I was really surprised that we have 2 fearless little ones!! Which means bad news for me, because for some reason I get really bad motion sickness, even riding in the back seat of a car. I hate it!! So I sucked it up and rode the rides, but the tea cups were not even an option!! No way!! Mike is so good!! He took them on the tea cups the they spun around and around and around till their little hearts were content!! No thank you!!

Cole was about 2 inches tall enough to ride all the rides with us!! Thank you Lord!! They enjoyed the Lost River and Mike got absolutely soaked (he he he). They weren't quite sure what they were in for with Fire in the Hole, but they were ready to ride it again after they realized they survived!! I know that probably sounds mean, but it was funny!!

I love the expression on Lauren and Cole's face. When I saw this picture I knew it was the only one that needed to go on the blog. It says it all! FUN, FUN, FUN!!

Sunday while waiting to go to the Dixie Stampede (which was fabulous!!) we went to a Dinosaur Museum. This was really neat and Cole was in heaven. If I didn't slow him down he would have went through it in about 5 minutes. These things were huge. I mean I know they were huge but..... you know!!

And of course you can't go to Branson without getting a family picture!! Mike was less than thrill, but I told him that he didn't have to worry about smiling that he could look mean. That made it better.

Cole's little face made the wait well worth it!!

We had a fun time. Next year we are going to a Beach!! I would love to hear where your favorite beach is at? Where would you vacation at again??

staying in our pj's today!!

2009-07-20T08:25:00.003-05:00

We arrived home Sunday night from a wonderful weekend vacation in Branson. I would have loved to make this post about that fun trip, but Lauren and I both came home not feeling very well. I have a horrible sore throat and respiratory junk going on and Lauren is running a fever and a cough. So today is definitely going to be a pj day and I might get through that laundry, that's a big might!!

D....E....L.....L

2009-07-14T11:08:00.003-05:00

While enjoying my whole 3 minutes in the shower this morning. Lauren barges through the door with "something neat" so she says to tell me...

Hey mom.........I have something neat to tell you

Okay!! (thinking that was a short piece of quiet)

D E L L , something that my mom loves to do. D E L L ! That was a commerical mom. I just made it up, it wasn't on T.V. or anything!!

and she happily skips out of the bathroom and leaves me thinking......

Wow, I guess I'm spending too much time with my DELL!!

Slipping and a sliding!!

2009-07-10T16:07:00.010-05:00

Yesterday was so hot. I didn't want to take the kids to the pool again, so I decided to head to Wal-Mart!! I picked up a slip n' slide, bathing suits for the kids, because it was more convenient then driving home, and some cute water shoes. You know I can't just go to Wal-Mart and get the "one" thing I was going for!! Then headed out to Grandma's house so they could play with their cousins Fallon and Lexi. Everyone had a great time! Even Uncle David came home and joined in on the fun!!

Cole, Fallon, Lexi and Lauren

Two little fish!!

2009-07-03T11:16:00.005-05:00

Wednesday evening Mike and I decided to take the kids up to my grandparents house for a nice swim. It was still hot, but in the evening my grandparents pool is shaded which is nice. Although, I'm a sun girl and would rather be in the pool with lots of sunshine!!

Last year Lauren took swimming lesson. This year she is kind of off to a slow start and I was wondering if I should do the swim lessons again (probably) but every time we get in the pool she seems to be catching on more and more??

This day she conquered her fear and jumped off the diving board. I was so proud of her. She just said I'm going to do it and did it. She went under popped back up and swam to the shallow end with a big smile on her face!! I know you are probably not suppose to wear the floaties and jump off the diving board, but it made her feel better and she survived!!

She did great until she did a little belly flop and

then the fun was over....for a little bit!!

Cole just paddles all over the pool and floats around.

He loves the water!!

He has these little fish and will squirt anyone within distance.

Why is it that whether it is Mike, Grandpa or Uncle David.

They all have the need to throw the someone up in the air.

Shouldn't some one's eyes be open to catch Cole,

Ahem MIKE!!!!

And...yes I was there also and spent

a little time enjoying my foot massage!

Until and little shark named Cole thought

it would be funny to come bite my feet!!!

Until next year....

2009-06-23T11:54:00.005-05:00

Monday night was our last t-ball game. I really don't like how they try to cram 10 games into 3 weeks. Just when they really start getting it, it is over!! We had a fun group of girls and it was fun to coach them.

Lauren has one more year of t-ball and Cole will just be beginning t-ball next year so it should be a busy 3 weeks next season!!

Until next year.......

Father's Day

2009-06-23T11:44:00.003-05:00

Around here holidays aren't always celebrated on the day the calendar says it should be. So here is our belated post to let Mike know how much we love him and what a wonderful father we have watched him become. We did however get to have Father's Day with Mike on Sunday and we are celebrating my dad tonight!! Hope everyone had a great day.

Photography

2009-06-15T01:34:00.003-05:00

About 9 years ago ( I didn't realize it had been that long until just then!) I was given this camera for my birthday. It's an Olympus Camedia, only a 3.3 megapix!! It is the only camera I've been using. I'm always checking out the new cameras and can't believe all the megapixs available. But this camera has always helped me take great pictures so I've stuck with it!!

I love Photoshop and I don't know how to do half the things it offers, but I could spend hours trying to figure it out!! This is the version I currently use!
Saturday, I just got a new camera, well new to me. It's about 2 1/2 years old, Canon EOS 30D. I'm thrilled to have it and I have to say a little shocked when it was offered to me!! I haven't even had the chance to use it yet!! I'm so excited!!

EARLY morning rambles and pics!!!

2009-06-12T04:59:00.009-05:00

I worked last night (Wednesday night) and slept most of the day Thursday. Thanks to Mike, he took the kids to Joplin for a day out to eat, a trip to Toys-R-Us, and to see the movie Up. Which I would have much rather enjoyed the day out with the kids.......I need my sleep or I definitely become what we call around here a "crabby patty" Anyway.....so here I am at 0330 wide awake. Which is too late to take anything to help me get back to sleep. So I grabbed a chocolate fudge pop tart and the computer.

Of course as I grab the chocolate pop tart, I'm thinking to myself..... I've got to stop this middle of the night snacking!! My will power not so good, but after bathing suit shopping it hopefully will get a little better. May I add (of course I may it's my blog) bathing suit shopping......I find myself laughing, wanting to cry, and disappointed. When did bathing suits become a bunch of strings!! Please give me material. After trying on 20+ suits I found myself thinking..... I really like this cute one, but not enough of it there, and this one, OH NO, it looks like something a grandma would wear. Then finally.....something that I liked and was totally comfortable in. Also something that can handle a 3 1/2 year old holding on to for dear life at times!! A swim dress!! Something totally different for me, but I love it. It covers all the right areas!!

Here is a pictures of one similar...So now we are all ready for some fun in the sun!!

This past couple of weeks I wanted to get some pictures of the kids. Taking pictures is something I love to do. I always hate paying lots of money, while thinking to myself... I could take pictures like that.

In the back of my brain (way in the back) I think maybe when the kids get a little older about going back to school to get maybe a arts degree?? Something with photography.

I love messing around with it, maybe I should just leave it at that?? Because when it comes to shooting other people I get very nervous. What if they don't like what I do? What if I don't get a great shot? Tons of thoughts like that run through my head. I guess that kind of sounds like a confidence thing huh?? Oh well for now I will stick to my kids!!

Ever so often I torture my kids by taking them to the park and making them take pictures first instead of playing on the playground.

The last week or so that's just what I did.... Cole seemed to mind it more and Lauren!!

And, since I'm awake at this wonderful time in the morning I decided to share a few of my favorites!!

I haven't decided which way I like this one? What do you think??I guess it doesn't really matter..... I get to enjoy it both ways!

I'm pretty sure Cole was trying to talk Lauren into going after the poor duck!!

Well, I think I might try to get a work-out in before the kids wake-up this morning. Hope everyone has a great Friday!!

Scratch that idea.... Cole just woke-up, way to early, so I think I will go snuggle instead!!

T-ball

2009-06-02T12:39:00.004-05:00

We have been so busy with just day to day things and work I haven't had a chance to post any blogs! I don't know how people do this everyday!!

Last Saturday started our T-ball season and it was such a beautiful summer day. It is so much fun to watch and coach. It is amazing what a difference a year makes. Lauren and her cousin Lexi get to play on the same team which makes things nice. Poor Colton, he is very disappointed that he has to wait one more year. When we were passing out the shirts, he had tears in his eyes because he wasn't getting one. So Aunt Stephanie fixed him up and he could not have been happier. It was all he talked about for two days!!

Here are some pictures from our first game.....

The team waiting for the the game to start!!

"Coaching" First base!!

Which means hopefully getting them

to run the same direction

Lauren....... Down and Ready
Todd and Lexi!Cole wanting so bad to play!

Has anyone seen my baby??

2009-05-20T23:39:00.003-05:00

I guess I have to face up to the fact that there isn't a "baby" in the house anymore. (Although, some days I have a couple of big kids that might act that way!!) While watching Cole run around with his big sister and cousins I thought, WOW, he is getting big. Where has the time gone. He can't possibly be turning 4 in a few months. Tonight when I was getting him ready for bed I held him and said, "Cole you're getting so big, your not a baby anymore" (sigh, sigh) And, he replied with....." No, I'm your puppy dog" and then proceeded to lick the side of my face!!

In case you haven't had enough of Cole.... I took a couple of pictures this evening. I love the color of these pictures and of course the little man in them!!It is ALMOST time to get rid of those curls for the summer!! Always a hard thing to do! But he's looking a little shaggy!!

preschool graduation

2009-05-17T16:33:00.006-05:00

YMCA Preschool Graduation

2009

This is Lauren Olivia Clark:
Her favorite thing to do at preschool is....going outside
Her favorite song is.....rock around the christmas tree
and when she grows up she wants to be a Cheerleader!!

We had a class that wanted to be cheerleaders,

princesses, teachers, firemen, batman and

one little boy that wanted to be a ghost!!

me and my big girl!!

Lauren and Shayne

Lauren, Lili, Kelsy and Shayne

It was a fun night. I was a little worried when the tears started when I was just reading the program!! But I got it together and made it through tear free!! Barely, when they played the country song, Let them be little, that is just the sweetest!! Thank goodness because I forgot my Kleenex!! They sang a few songs... the YMCA of course and had a slide show that everyone got a copy of !! Then we went back to the room for refreshments. It was a nice little evening.

I can't believe my little girl is headed to kindergarten!!

Lauren, Please slow down!!

Birthday Girl!!

2009-05-15T22:43:00.003-05:00

Vegas!!

2009-05-04T10:22:00.001-05:00

The ticker is gone and we are heading out!!

Please say a little prayer for a safe trip. Talk to you all soon!!

Having fun with cousins

2009-05-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we went to visit Mike's brother and sister-in-law, their two little girls and the new baby boy!! The kids always have so much fun. Lauren and Olivia pair off and do their thing and that leaves Cole and Ava, who are really cute to watch !! Kane is such a good baby, who slept through all the noise of 4 loud kids. There were a few tears, no injuries and lots of yelling and fun!!

Olivia, Ava, Cole and Lauren with Kane

Watch out Kane! I have a feeling these two are trouble!!
Ava and Kane

Doesn't Kane looked thrill that Cole is showing him the duck!!

Dressing up is always fun!

Awww sweet babies!!

Okay, he may be 3 1/2 but he's my baby!!

Music

2009-04-26T17:08:00.005-05:00

If you stopped in you just might find the kids (and maybe me :) !!) dancing and singing to the crazy songs of Laurie Berkner. So when I was looking for new music to put on the blog I was listening to the kids having fun watching Laurie's DVD and decided to let you all enjoy the crazy songs and know how much laughter and fun the songs bring to our home!!

I'm gonna catch you, you better run!!

We are the dinosaurs, what do ya think of that!!

My little dinosaur

Just look at me and smile, please!!! Ohhhh!!

2009-04-24T17:52:00.004-05:00

"Cole, look at mommy and smile"

"No, Colton!! Put down your hands!"

"Colton, put down your hands"

"Lauren, look at me and smile"!

Rotten!!

So much work !!

DANCE DANCE DANCE

2009-04-19T10:29:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a busy day with a recital in the morning and then again in the evening. It was fun in a chaotic kind of way. All the girls did great and Lauren had fun. She danced in #2 and #22 so we had quite a bit of time to sit and enjoy show. She loves watching the big girls dance. They also did a Cinderella dance with girls (a little older than Lauren) and their dad's and then in the middle of the song the big girls came out with their dad's. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.(Great job Ms. Charity!!). I was Class Mom this year, but with this age group, you definitely need lots of "class moms" so a big THANK YOU to all the moms that help get and keep all 14 girls in the correct order!! I really didn't get a good seat to take pictures of her up on stage so...Hopefully the family took some pictures of her dancing. Until next year........Live, Love and Dance.

2009-04-19T10:27:00.001-05:00

Week in Review

2009-04-17T09:38:00.007-05:00

We've had a fun-filled week. Since I'm a little behind on posting, you can enjoy it all at once!!

Starting last Saturday, we enjoyed two birthday parties. One of Lauren's preschool friends, Harrison, celebrated his birthday at the Kangaroo Gym. His party was at 10 a.m. so instead of birthday cake they had doughnuts, which I thought was a really neat idea!! Since Mike worked the night before Cole tagged along for the fun. I was a little surprised to see Cole climbing this big thing.

He loved it!!

Later that day my niece Fallon celebrated

her 10th birthday with the family.

Silly Girls!!

Sunday, we enjoyed Easter with the family and hunting eggs at Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Todd's house. Hopefully next year we will be able to hunt eggs outside. This is our second year of having a house hunt

MORE BARS!!

Fallon 10, Lauren 5, Alexa 4 and Colton 3

The race was on!!

Cole proudly showing papa

Tuesday, Lauren had pictures for her dance recital. I can't wait to get those back!!

Wednesday, she brought home pinkeye from preschool and has shared it with Cole and Mike. Cole is the only one that recovered quickly and well, poor Mike catches EVERYTHING the kids have!! I had to laugh when I got their prescription filled. I am suppose to be putting eye drops in both of their eyes four times a day. After the first attempt I knew four times a day for ten days was not going to happen for my 3 and 5 year old. Both of them usually take their medicines very well (if they need medicine.) But, eye drops are a different story!! I totally understand how they feel. You would have to hold me down to put eye drops in my eyes, as a matter of fact I do believe my sister has done that before!! So we do the drops as often as we can :)

Friday, dance recital practice and Saturday is the big day with two performances at 10 and 6.

Next Monday I'm headed to K.C. to watch my little brother, David, play in his last college golf tournament. Keep your fingers crossed for a nice beautiful day

Easter Bunny

2009-04-10T16:23:00.003-05:00

Took the kids to see the Easter Bunny today. If you are wondering where Cole might be..... He is wrapped around my leg. Begging to go home!!

I was able to take a few pictures before heading to the mall. Lauren and I did our best to talk Cole into seeing the Easter Bunny. Cole finally told us he would stand by Lauren "for only one picture"

But... that didn't happen. He stood by the gate the entire time.. well, when he wasn't wrapped around my leg say, " mommy, please I want to just go home" or "can we go home now??"

So the Easter Bunny is still on his list along with Santa, Chuck E Cheese, and any other large character. I thought since he gets to watch his big sister he might change his mind. No luck!!

We have a new baby boy!!!!

2009-04-08T16:54:00.005-05:00

Update: She was moved out of ICU to the OB floor today. She is stable and we can't wait to have everyone home!!

Kane Richard Bourgault

10 lb 8 oz

23 1/4 inches

Mike's Brother and Sister-in-law welcomed the newest and biggest edition yesterday.

Cane is doing fine. I haven't had the chance to see him yet, but Mike reports that he is a big boy with blond hair!! I can't wait to hold him and get some pictures to share.

Mom had some complications with delivery. She was bleeding and they could not control it. She had to go to the OR for many hours and received 10 units of blood and ended up in ICU. She is still in ICU and received 2 more units of blood today.

So please keep her in your prayers!!

Garage Sale Mania!!!!

2009-04-04T18:07:00.002-05:00

The first weekend in April is always the City-Wide Sale.

My sister, my mom and I have made this one of our yearly traditions!!!

This year was one of our biggest and best one yet!!

My sisters or should I say my brother-in-laws garage is taken over

and every year we wonder where did all this come from????

And, every year my sister Stephanie turns into Monica (from Friends)

Yes, this is ALL organized!!

I had to work Thursday night so I joined them early Friday morning.

We were busy all day long, it was crazy. I decided to just stay up. So after being up for 28 hours I crashed in bed only to wake up at 7 on Saturday morning for another fun day!!

Me and Mom freezing!! I had to scrape ice off my windows that morning!!

Thankful it warmed up!!

Stephanie "Monica" and mom

Popsicles and Prayers

2009-03-25T13:32:00.005-05:00

I'm here wishing I could go back to sleep.....

so now I'm reading and blogging!!

Isn't it funny that no matter what age, when your feeling under the weather a little thing like a Popsicle is wonderful.

I went to the fridge and was disappointed when I found out we were out, then I saw them!!! Somehow the box had been moved to the very very bottom and shoved into place. I'm guessing a little sneaky 5 year old with her little stool had a little hand in this. I'm also finding out that no one else likes the orange or green ones!!

So here I am enjoying my orange one and leaving the green ones for the little sneaky 5 year old!!

Over the last couple of days Mckmama has been keeping everyone updated on little Stellan. I honestly do not know how his little heart can continue to keep this heart rate going.

From a mothers point it breaks my heart and I pray for this baby that I've never meant and their family. From a nurses point I continue to cringe everytime I read her post and none of these medicines are working. Babies little bodies can endure and tolerate better than adults on most things. It has always amazed me how they turn for the better so quickly although that is a double edged sword because when they crash, they also crash quickly. Honestly, the worse part of my job.

This is truely in gods hands, as is all. Please remember this little guy and his family in your prayers.

My Gross Little Man

2009-03-17T09:13:00.003-05:00

I'm sure you are wondering how could I name this post My Gross Little Man??? After all this is my wonderful little 3 1/2 year old, who is the sweetest, most fun, little ball of energy, loves to tease his big sister and lines everything up!!

This morning while putting laundry away. I walked into Cole's room and could not believe how horrible it smelled. I figured he must have just been in there and pooped, but that, he denied and his pants were clean. After walking in there a couple of times the smell would not go away, so I called him in there.

"Cole did you poop in your room?"

"Just 4 poops!" he answered by holding up 4 little fingers!!

"What do you mean 4 poops??"

(He walked over and squatted by his bed and heater vent.) "See 4 poops" and he is pointing to 4 little poop balls that he had lined up by his heater vent.

OH MY GOSH!!!!!

"Oh, Colton Michael!! We don't that...no,no,no!!!"

Of course Lauren had to check things out......"Look mom, he lines everything up even his poop!"

"Get me the Lysol, wipes, spray, everything!"

Bubble bath for two!!!

2009-03-05T21:17:00.008-06:00

Tonight I decided to let them take a bubble bath together

and they had so much fun.

Boys can take bubble baths
as long as they have their shark!!

He was not a happy camper when bath time was over.

I just had to laugh and of course grab the camera!!

Check out our potty chart!

He is doing so good!

(No bubble bath was used in the production of these bubbles.

Just good ole' baby shampoo)

Preschool Pictures

2009-02-27T10:40:00.007-06:00

One nice surprise this morning was getting her preschool pictures.

It only took 1 week!!!

I can't believe she is starting kindergarten next year.

Time really does fly!!

Preschool at the YMCA has been wonderful.

Ms. Esther and all the teachers are awesome!

On Picture Day I packed play clothes also, so she could change and go on with her day of playing outside and painting and just being a messy kid. Well, when I went to pick her up Ms. Esther told me that Lauren changed before her pictures and she didn't catch her in time!! OH! was all I said (while thinking...crap). Then, of course she started laughing!! She got me!! I can't wait until Cole starts next fall..see who is laughing then!!!

No morning people around here!!

2009-02-27T10:25:00.002-06:00

All cozy in our beds and not wanting to get up.....left us about 30 minutes behind this morning. Which isn't so bad. It just means Lauren will eat breakfast at home instead of at Preschool. While I was trying to get her up and going. She is moaning about having to go to school so much. Oh Honey!! What are we going to do next year when we have to go every morning??? I'm not looking forward to that either!!

Next, the nice police officer felt the need to pull me over for going 38 in at 25!!!!!! I don't know which was worse getting a ticket or having to listen to a 3 and 5 year old while waiting.....

Cole...

Mommy why did he take your licenses.... He stole your license mommy.

It's okay, he just wanted some information from it. He will bring it back.

Are you going to jail mommy??

(lauren reassures him) NO, if mommy goes to jail then we all have to go to jail with her.

Mommy, I don't want to go to jail! (cries Cole)

No one is going to jail!! I assure them!!

Are you getting another ticket?? asks Lauren

NO!! The other was just a warning!!

So, now you have a warning and a ticket???

Yes, Lauren!!

Reality TV

2009-02-17T23:26:00.002-06:00

Ok, I'm going to admit I (along with millions) watch probably more reality tv than I would like to fess up to. The funny thing is I don't watch much t.v. When I do, it is these stupid reality series So, I decided to Blog about a couple of my favorites and keep the other one's I don't want to admit to quite for now. And to see what YOU think??

1. The Bachelor.. Ever since DeAnna dumped Jason... I had to see how Jason would do this season. I was shocked to see he sent Jillian home on last nights show. WOW.. I did not see that coming. And, then to see that DeAnna is coming back around... what is up with that???

2. American Idol....It was horrible tonight!! What was Jackie thinking wearing those black spandex pants. She should be kicked off just for that!! Poor Casey.. She is adorable, but it was like she had never sang a song in her life. I had to fast forward thru a couple of those performaces. Not that I could do any better, but I'm not sing for the world on t.v. either. I really like Danny!!

3. Dancing with the Stars... I can't wait for the next season to start!!

And thank you to whoever came up with the DVR. I would rather record the show and watch it later in half the time without all the commericals.

Enjoying the small stuff!!

2009-02-17T16:20:00.005-06:00

It is nice to see them enjoying the little things!!

Since I had to work all weekend we had our Valentine's on Monday.

Cole loves puppy dogs!!

Have you ever seen a girl so happy about a cookie!!

Cole lines EVERY thing up!!

He always has ever since he was little!

He kept giving his Spiderman chocolates little kisses!!
Oh My!!

Lauren's Valentine's Party

2009-02-17T15:30:00.006-06:00

Lauren had her Valentine's Day party on Friday.

Here they all are waiting patiently for the party to begin!!Bryson made an awesome Sponge Bob box!!

Lauren had a lot of fun going through all the cards!!

Cole came with me and was such a good boy!!

He was entertained at this play center almost the entire time

and didn't pay attention to the party going on right beside him!!

Finally, he decided to have a seat next to Lauren

and enjoy a cupcake. These cupcakes smelled

sooooo good!!

2009-02-14T17:19:00.000-06:00

Nancy Grace

2009-02-11T21:51:00.003-06:00

As I'm heading to bed, I vowing not to watch Nancy Grace (for awhile anyway). I got hooked on the whole Caylee Anthony story so when I flipped the channel to see what she was talking about tonight...... It was about a 5 year old girl taken out of her own bed in the middle of the night. My heart just sank!! I can't stand it............... It is horrible, horrible, horrible!!!!! So as I double check my doors, pull the covers up over the kids and say a little prayer. I know, by not watching her show doesn't make the world any better.

This weekend flew by!!

2009-02-09T10:09:00.005-06:00

I was excited to actually have the entire weekend off. We had so much planned to do, it just flew by. It was a fast 3 days!

FRIDAY
We started Friday off by going over to my sister's house to celebrate Uncle Todd's Birthday. We will just say he's 40ish. Colton was excited all day, although I think it was more about the cake than anything!! He wanted to be absolutely sure Grandma was taking the cake over there!!!

Happy Birthday Todd!!

SATURDAY
Then Saturday came and Lauren had 3 parties on the schedule. I thought what the heck!! We ended up only doing 2!! We started at the bowling alley and ended up at the Kangaroo House ( a big building filled with these huge bouncy things) It was a fun day!

Lauren and The Birthday Girl!!

Happy Birthday Shayne

~5~

I love bowling shoes!!

Colton wanted a piece of the action, but he played games instead while sis partied!!

Look at that form!!

An hour later.......the ball finally struck the pins!!

SUNDAY

We went out for lunch at one of our favorite mexican places Del Rio. Then, I tried to find Lauren some new shoes, apparently everyone is a size 11 right now. Something I was hoping to just run in and get, ended up taking what seemed like forever!!

That evening we decided to make Lauren's Valentine's Box for school and Colton decided to make a new picture for the fridge!!

After I wrapped the box she did the rest and had a ball!!

I was surprised how she wanted each side to match!!

Clean or Blog (Guess who won!!!)

2009-01-27T14:27:00.005-06:00

Today is such a yucky day!! It is freezing with ice everywhere. So this morning I thought this would be a great day to catch up on my cleaning. Obviously, that isn't happening, since it is 2:30 and instead of doing it, I'm blogging about!! Sure, the laundry is going, the living room is picked up and the kitchen is clean. But... my vacuum is still in the closet and the dusting stuff under the cabinet. Oh well maybe I will get my butt in gear this evening!!! Lauren is down for a nap, she hasn't been feeling very well and I think I will go nap with her. AAHHH that sounds like a great idea!!

Why we love new graduate nurses!!

2009-01-24T17:24:00.003-06:00

Differences Between Graduate Nurse and Experienced Nurses.

Congratulations to the December Grads and Welcome!!

A Graduate Nurse throws up when the patient does.
An experienced nurse calls housekeeping when a patient throws up.

A Graduate Nurse charts too much.
An experienced nurse doesn´t chart enough due to laws that if it is charted then it is available for litigation!

A Graduate Nurse loves to run to codes.
An experienced nurse makes graduate nurses run to codes.

Graduate Nurse wants everyone to know they are a nurse.
An experienced nurse doesn´t want anyone to know they are a nurse.>

A Graduate Nurse keeps detailed notes on a pad.
An experienced nurse writes on the back of their hand, pants leg, paper scraps, napkins, etc.

A Graduate Nurse will spend all day trying to reorient a patient.
An experienced nurse will chart the patient is disoriented and restrain them.

A Graduate Nurse loves to hear abnormal heart and breath sounds.
An experienced nurse doesn´t want to know about them unless the patient is symptomatic.

A Graduate Nurse spends 2 hours giving a patient a bath.
An experienced nurse can bath a patient, change the linens and watch a program on the patients T.V. all at the same time and be out of the room before a commercial break.

A Graduate Nurse thinks people respect Nurses.
An experienced nurse knows everybody blames everything on the nurse.

A Graduate Nurse looks for a chance 'to work with the family.'
An experienced nurse avoids the family

A Graduate Nurse expects meds and supplies to be delivered on time.
An experienced nurse expects to give the meds some time in their shift.

A Graduate Nurse will spend days bladder training an incontinent patient.
An experienced nurse will insert a Foley catheter.

A Graduate Nurse always answers their phone.
An experienced nurse checks their caller ID before answering the phone.

A Graduate Nurse thinks psych patients are interesting.
An experienced nurse thinks psych patients are crazy.

A Graduate Nurse carries reference books in their bag.
An experienced nurse carries magazines, lunch, nail file, and some candy in their bag.

A Graduate Nurse doesn´t find this funny.
An experienced nurse knows how true this is!!!.

Beautiful Day

2009-01-21T21:14:00.002-06:00

The other day it was so pretty outside and the sun was shining. You would have thought it was 70 outside inside of 20!! I opened the door to let some sun in and the kids were automatically drawn to it. Now, thinking back I should have just buddle them up and let them go outside for a little bit!

While they were looking out, they were being so sweet to eachother. At least Lauren was being really sweet to Cole because he had a cold and didn't feel very good (oh yeah, thats why I didn't let them go outside!!!) In the last 3 years I think this was the first time Cole has been sick and he was just pitiful!!

Anyway, I grabbed my camera and was able to get some pictures.

Play Day

2009-01-20T14:29:00.012-06:00

Update: Holy !$#%# Do I have some sore muscles this morning!! I'm sure that is a good thing, but it really makes me feel a lot older than my age!! :) Today Lauren and I went to my sister's house, so Lauren could play with her cousin Lexi. But it ended up being a play date for me, my sister and my brother!!!

After a while I thought I would try out their Wii. It was my first time and it was so much fun!! First I tried the bowling, tennis and boxing. Then, we did Dancing with the Stars!! My sister and I laughed and had a great time. And you really do get a work-out!!

Then..... my brother showed up!!! GAME ON!!!

He beat me at bowling.

He beat me at tennis.

He beat me at boxing.

So I thought, Hmmmm... lets try Dancing!!!

He beat both my sister and I at that!!!! He even got a 10 from Bruno!!! It was so much fun. At one point David said, " I shouldn't be enjoying this as much as I am!"

I was a fun couple of hours spent with my sister and brother. Lauren and Lexi did such a great job playing together today. I don't think they had even one spat (not that we noticed anyway :) )