It finally happened!

Last weekend I headed back to North Carolina to pick up Hannah.  Because Chris had to work, my SIL Tammy and niece Kylee came along for the long ride. 

One of the things I had to look forward to on this trip (besides picking up Hannah) was I finally got to meet a long time blog friend Tana. I told her the route we were taking, and she guided me to a local McDonalds.  I kept her updated with times and where we were through the day and when we were almost there, Tana showed up.  We met in the parking lot with a big ole hug and then let the kids play on the playscape. 

I enjoyed our little meet up and wished I had more time to stay.  She has a very lovable personality and I LOVE her accent.  (T, I just had to say that)  I kept having Tana say different "southern" words to hear her twang, and she in return made fun of my "northern" accent...mOm, and pOp

Alanna walked right up to Tana and held her hand into the play area and Ben made flirty eyes at her daughter.  And let me just say, Tana's daughter is beautiful....and so sweet.  The whole experience was a dream and something I will always hold dear to me. 

I truely am happy that we finally got to meet and hug in person.  I always knew we would be friends if we met in person and now I know for sure she is a great person.  I am so happy we started talking through our blogs and became such good friends.

Love ya T.

The one where I talk about how busy I am, but know its all worth it in the end

I know that I am neglecting this blog here.  I have a lot going on at home.  Its big news for you, my readers and many more.  I'm not ready to share the details yet, but feel free to try to guess. 
There could be a prize if you are the lucky one.

Spring break for the girls starts tomorrow.  That may or may not mean more neglect for the blog.  Depends on how tired I am.  We have something planned for everyday of spring break.  This will be the 1st spring break in 2 years we haven't went to Florida.  It makes me sad to have to wait to see my mom, step-dad, sister and my beautiful nephew Brody..But they are coming up here VERY SOON, and so our trip to Florida this year is being pushed to Christmas time!
Here is a run down on our plans for next week.  If you would like to join us, give us a call.  We always love being with our friends!

Friday- Dye Easter eggs with Sarah and do a pizza lunch, then we are heading out to some friends house for the weekend.
Saturday- Have fun playing in the 75 degree weather with lots of land for the kids to run around.
Sunday- Happy Easter (spending it with friends this year, they are just like family to us)
Monday-Picnic lunch at the park
Tuesday-The zoo, with more friends
Wednesday-Grocery shopping-have to squeeze it in there somewhere
Thursday- Lunch Bunch Playdate, and lunch with Grandma
Friday- Ice Skating
Saturday- Maybe going to Splash Universe (indoor waterpark near our home)
Sunday- RELAXING, what a busy spring break we have planned

good kids =good days

I know I left you hangin on Sunday, and I have good excuses too. Yesterday was one of those I am so crazy busy but lovin every minute of it days! Lets back up and start with Sunday.

Sunday
The weather was beautiful.  I woke up on only 3 hours of sleep, because the night before I pretended I was 21 again and closed the bar and then hit up Denny's for an early breakfast late night bar snack. It was a really good friends birthday and we were having so much fun that before we knew it last call was being made.  I almost forgot what that was, LOL..

I'm off track..So I woke up, but I was feeling good.  Got the kids some breakfast and then decides to get everyone dressed instead of laying around all day.  Chris was dropping his truck off and we had to pick him up.  We then decided to head for lunch.  The kids were so well behaved at lunch I was so proud of them.  Came home and laid the little kids down for nap. After nap we ran to the grocery store, grabbed a few things and then headed to a friends house.  My kids played with her kids and we tried to get some work done.  We ordered pizza and had a good ole time.  Came home and little kids went to bed and I follwed soon after.

It was just a fun day.  The kids are what really made it a good day.  They were very well behaved and I didn't have to yell or scold at all Sunday.  I was in such a good mood because of this and the weather made it SO much easier too. 

Monday

Monday was a snow day for us.  Having all 3 kids home and cooped up in the house is hard, but we played in our jammies until nap time and then decided to get dressed.  After nap for the little kids Hannah had 4H.  I decided to take the little kids out to eat while Hannah had 4H and then went to the local library where Farmer Jason was having a small concert.  I'm really lucky that Hannah's 4H leader is a great women and she dropped Hannah off at the library after her 4H meeting.  The little kids were dancing and having a good time.  And as a repeat the night before we got home and the little kids went to bed.

So here we are at Tuesday.  It was a grocery shopping day and thats about all that got accomplished today.

**Don't forget about the Rainbow Brite giveaway**

Today I am thankful

for hand me downs. Today I went to my monthly play date and while there a lady came to me asking if I would like some jeans she brought in for Hannah. I was so excited. Hannah was just complaining this morning that she has no jeans (she does, she just doesn't open her drawers) to wear. There were 2 pairs of jeans that worked for Hannah (because she is home for parent/teacher conferences, she was there with me). We were so happy and grateful. I feel so blessed when someone drops off clothes for the kids..It helps out so much.

Today I am thankful for...

Internet friends. Because they are so much more than that!
Through blogging I have met some great people. We email, we text and even meet in real life. If nothing else blogging has opened my eyes and heart to more people than I ever expected.
Tana, sends me pics of her daughter, Lori sends me updates on her dogs, Lindsey asks for advice, Noe sends me well wishes, and we all complain to each other. I just hope one day I get to meet each and everyone of the great girls I email back and forth.

Today I am thankful for.....

Good Friends
Back in high school there were 5 of us girls that were together All the time. Me, Sarah, Jenn, Danielle and Jessica. We were there for each other when the other needed. Through time we drifted apart...Kids, marriage, jobs, moves, we got busy in our own life and sort of forgot about each other. Every Christmas we would try to get together but then it sort of seemed forced.
Well recently we have tried again. This time with much success. We have met for dinner, hung out with each other and last night we finally got our kids together. Last night was our first attempt at a movie night. Not everyone could come, but the ones that were there were Jenn, and her 2 girls (ages 6 1/2, and 4), me and my 2 girls (ages 9 and 4) and Jess and her daughter (2 1/2). Missing was Ben, Logan (jess' son age 3 1/2) Sarah, Danielle and her 2 girls (ages 6, and 3 1/2) and Danielle is prego again. Wow thats a lot of kids. We had pizza, and popcorn, and candy and cake. It was messy and loud and perfect. Getting the kids together has been something I would often think about and last night it happened, and I loved it. We plan on trying the movie night once a month, so we will see how it goes...The next movie night is here at my house...F!U!N!

What have I been doing part 2

Saturday we had a birthday party for my niece, Hannah. Yes another Hannah, she is actually Chris' stepsisters daughter and was born before Chris and I got together so we have 2 Hannah's to love. We call her baby Hannah because she was just a baby when we met her and now she is 6 years old. WOW she is growing up. The party was at Chris' step brothers house and he owns a horse ranch. We were lucky enough to have Troy give the kids horsey rides. As you can imagine, Alanna was in HEAVEN! Troy even let her guide the horse herself sometimes.

Then there was face painting. My beautiful princess as Spider man. And if you know Alanna, you know this fits her just right. She is the type of girl who will wear a pink frilly dress and play with dinosaurs..gotta love her.

Ben was spider boy...He had a spider web on his cheek with a big ole spider hanging on.

And here is the birthday girl, "Baby" Hannah ...My Hannah decided not to have her face painted so she didn't get a picture....There is something up with that girl right now..She never lets me take her picture anymore...You would think with a mom who blogs....but she is growing up.

After the birthday party I had to rush home and start the food for my "party" I hosted a butterfly party at my house Saturday night. It was fun. The girls came over and we ate and shopped all from my couch. If your interested in any butterfly products..check out their website here.

Check out the food, we had BBQ meatballs, deviled eggs, homemade warm spinach dip, piggies in a blanket, puppy chow and DRINKS....SO YUMM-O

Sunday we headed to Chris' dad's house for a late lunch/early dinner. We always have fun over there.

Monday was Hannah's first 4 H meeting. We have been wanting to get Hannah involved with some sort of after school club, but she is not into sports and we tried the dance thing. So we decided 4 H would be fun. They started off with a reindeer craft thats going in the Christmas basket they are making for an auction. Next they talked about new business and which charity they would like to help on..Next was PIZZA and then serious work...a pumpkin craft.

Here is a picture of her 4 H members. They call themselves the Treasure Hunters. I hope Hannah decides to stick with this..I think this is a good thing for her. It will teach her responsibility, and also teach her about helping others...Plus the free pass to the fair isn't bad either..Just kidding its not about the free pass its about getting her involved in the community.

Thats just the weekends....thats not including all the thoughts I want to share that are swirling around in my head...I guess another post will be coming soon!

So now you are all caught up on where I have been. This weekend we have Halloween, and another BUSY month ahead of us. I have Sophia's 1st birthday (my niece), Kylee's 2nd birthday (my niece) and Alanna's 4th birthday all within days of each other. Then we have parent council meetings (I will explain about that in its own post), the circus, Thanksgiving and more birthdays to come. November is always a busy month for us, I will not be lacking in the "things to write about" category, just the "trying to find time to sit down" category is whats rough.

What have I been doing part 1

We have done so much the last couple of weeks, trying to find time to sit and right a full post has been next to impossible.
It started with the apple orchard. Chris had to work, so my friend Sarah and I took the kids and ate our weight in donuts, apple cider and french fries. Check out the pumpkins each child picked out. Hannah, Ben, Alanna (thats the order...sorry for the sideways view)

.

That night we had a birthday/Halloween party to attend. The mom was VERY brave in letting the kids decorate their own cupcake, and do crafts. There was a haunted house (garage) that the older boys got to do for the little kids. Alanna LOVED it and did not blink an eye when "Jason" jumped at her, but Hannah, wanted nothing to do with the screaming and flashing light. I promise Ben was there too, but it was really cold and he was in the house where it was nice and warm.

The next weekend, which would have been the weekend that just past was also a VERY busy one. Friday night I got together with some friends from high school, and yes were still hang out now. Meet, Sarah. One of my very best friends. I talk about her often on this blog and she is one of the greatest people I know. She loves me, and she loves my kids and no one could ask for a better friend.

Meet Jennifer and Danielle. Jenn has 2 girls and works at her moms restaurant doing a little bit of everything. She is funny and sweet and so much fun! Danielle also has 2 girls and is prego with #3. Shes isn't far enough along to know what she is having yet, but we are rooting for a boy. Danny is also fun, DUH and would bend over backwards for anyone she loves. Plus her 2 girls are the sweetest and most polite little things I ever laid eyes on.

Part 2 of what have I been doing coming tomorrow.

Carson

I enjoyed my visit with Lindsey so much. I wish all my best blogging buds could live so close. Carson is a dream baby. He is adorable, and smells so sweet. Lindsey was trying to get home and I was holding her baby hostage and wouldn't let her leave. It took all that I had to give up that little bundle of joy. I know our days are crazy Lindsey, but thank you SO much for bringing that sweet little man of yours to meet me and my circus! Love ya girl!

The rest of the week and some shout outs of Thank yous

Monday we hung around the house. My mom still had to pretend she was in the real world, so she was off to work. Again the girls were in the pool exactly 5 minutes after breakfast. Ben wasn't having much of the pool. It was still sort of cold water. Me and Tammy went to the grocery store for some food and the kids played while we relaxed.

Tuesday it was a bit rainy. We were in for some really bad storms that shifted right before they hit our area. After that cleared up, again the girls were in the pool. I swear my girls lived in that pool. Tuesday again we relaxed.

Wednesday my mom worked a half day and came home early so we could go to the Beach. We decided on Cocoa Beach. The ocean was beautiful. Ben still wasn't having any of the cold water, but guess where the girls were? Yup in the ocean. Ben on the other hand LOVED the sand. Sand in his toes, sand in his hands, and dare I say, sand in his mouth. We had a nice time on the beach, it was hot with a nice cool breeze from the water. It was picture perfect. For dinner we headed about 5 feet away to Coconuts on the Beach, and when I say on the beach it was ON THE BEACH. They had a live band playing that the kids just LOVED. Kylee and Alanna was tearin' it UP! Those girls would dance not stop. Ben really enjoyed it to. Hannah was a little crabby, but soon got over it and was having fun with everyone else. We ate and drank and I had some of the yummiest strawberry daiquiris (sp?) EVEH! Once it got dark, and Ben fell asleep (in ALL that noise) we decided it was time to get the kids home. ALL the kids passed out for the night on the way home. It was a quiet night.

Thursday, again was pool time and relaxing time. Did some laundry and cleaned a little bit. Started to get things together for packing. Did I mentioned we ate really good while we were in Florida. We did. We had some grilled chicken one night, grilled ribs, and we ate out some too.

Friday was time to go home day. We packed up and headed out around 5:00. We stopped at the edge of Florida for dinner. This time we took the toll roads and it was a lot EASIER, for sure. We drove all night again. The kids had a better night this time, but was still anxious to be going home. We ate breakfast at a small diner in Kentucky and it was YUMMMMMY! Their homefries were to die for. We made it home around 3ish Saturday and it was so nice to be home. Once I unpacked a little, we had to go grocery shopping since Chris lived off of frozen meals and pop the entire week. Sunday I relaxed. The car ride home wore me out. (Even though I have to give credit to my brother and his girlfriend for driving most of the way. Ben was having mommy withdrawls and I had to sit by him most of the way home). Over all it was a great trip. I missed Chris like crazy and was happy to get home. At times it was stressful to be a single parent to 3 small kiddos, but I had lots of help from everyone and could not thank them enough. I want to give a HUGE shout out to Hailey. She is my stepdads, friends girlfriend. My kids just clang to her when she was around. She went to the beach with us and she played and played and played with my girls. On the sand in the water and at dinner. She was great. We already miss Hailey so MUCH! I don't want to forget Cody (Haileys boyfriend), grandma, papa, Tammy, Kyle, Ashlie, Shawn and Hannah who also helped out with the Alanna and Ben. Ben was a little, wait scratch that ALOT clingy and everyone just helped out so much, Thanks to everyone. Your the best.

So that pretty much sums the trip. It was hectic, crazy, fun, relaxing and exhausting all in one. Can't wait for next years trip.

excuses and an award

I know I've been away a few days. Chris has been busy fixing the desktop. Remember a couple of months ago it broke. Well its up and running and much better. Chris is something of a computer geek, and upgraded our computer to practically brand new for very little money. I keep telling him thats why I married him, but I don't think he thinks I am for real, But I am!

A couple of days ago Twisted Cinderella awarded me a friendship award. I think this is very special, because finding a friend online is hard work. Sometimes the other person may not always get the joke or the sarcasm, and when/if they do, you know they are a keeper. So, Thank you Twisted Cinderella, I really enjoy you and your blog. Your girls get more beautiful everyday. I would like to share the love and award a few of my friends too.

1. Lindsey. She is amazing online and in real life and gosh, am I happy we met. I cannot wait for her to become a mommy and we can make fun of our kids as they grow.

2. Lori, she is one of the strongest people I know and I am determined to get a road trip in this summer to meet her in real life, so Lori get ready for us, THE CIRCUS IS COMING!

3. Michelle. She is one of the 1st people I started talking to online, and we share the same birthday. She is funny, sweet and is braver than she will ever know.

If I didn't say you, please don't get upset, I could list every one of my special friends online, but I am tired and really had to narrow it down. Plus so many of you are private, I can't link to you anyways :)

Mini vacation, and great friends

Just got back from our mini weekend vacation. It was so much fun. The kids had a blast. We went to some friends house about 2 hours away in western Michigan. Its sort of set back in the country and they live on a small non working farm. There is a BIG red barn out back and lots of trees. We visited an animal auction and walked around, we couldn't stay long because it was a rainy on and off sort of day, but it was still nice to be outside. We grilled food for dinner and played pool. It was far enough away to feel "on vacation" but not to far away to regret going home :) It was nice because they have a girl Hannah's age, and a boy Ben's age and Alanna played with everyone. So if our baby cries they get it and if there daughter is back talking and thinking she runs the house, we get it.. I like having friends like that, it puts you more at ease with your kids and you can enjoy yourself. Your not so worried what they might be thinking about you and your family. They "claimed" they had a great time with us and enjoyed the company, we will see if we get another invite out, we can be a little crazee when we get out in public, we call ourselves the traveling circus with 3 kids, LOL. We definitely will be back to visit when the weather gets warmer and let the kids run around and enjoy all the country air. Overall it was the getaway we needed: fun, fresh country air and cheap. Thanks to Mike and Jess for having us out...

Come join the fun

I think something is going on tomorrow? Something full of lovey dovey,red, pink and white and chocolate. MMmmm, chocolate. Do you know that they actually had a segment about Chocolate on the news today? Stop! Wait, where was I? Oh right its Valentines Day. It breaks my little valentine heart, that this is the 1st year I can't get my sweeeeet babies a little something something from mom and dad. I know its not always about material things, but I like material things, so I pout. But being as awesome as I am, instead we are having "Family Fun Friday", on Saturday, and its a Valentines Edition. We are having a special home cooked breakfast, and a yummy dinner and a movie sort of night.

Thats tomorrow....

But.....Tonight, well thats a whole nother story. Tonight is for ME, and you of course. This is a Virtual Girls Night Out (boys welcome too :-> ), a social evening without having to get out of our cozy pajamas. We are here to blog-hop and play. The Virtual GNO is a way of meeting up with bloggers you know, and make some new friends as well.

I was trying to think of a yummy drink or dinner to share with all of you, instead I want to share a yummy Apple tart dessert.
Things you will need:
1 pie crust
3 apples thinly sliced
4 oz cream cheese
cinnamon sugar
1/4 cup flour


Start by laying the pie crust at the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Then cover the bottom with cream cheese. Next start on the apples. Slice with peels still on thinly and toss in bowl with flour. Once coated place on top of cream cheese. Fold in sides of the crust and sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Cover with foil and bake another 5 minutes.

YUMMY! M.U.S.T T.R.U.S.T M.E.

Next up on our GNO is a game.
YAY for Party Games!
No its not dance on the bar naked or anything fun like that.
Kidding, or am I? No really I am kidding.....really.
Shhh, I'm trying to explain. Now here are the rules.
Share 5 things that your heart would say in 8 spaces, or less.

"What My Heart Says" By Tasha (in no particular order)
1. Chris
2. Hannah
3. Alanna
4. Ben
5.grateful

Now you...Go here, visit Ann , and while you do sign Mr Linky and join the fun, WOOOOO, HOOOOO!

3 "snow" peas in a pod

Trying to enjoy the cold, bitter winter somehow

A couple of years ago, maybe even last year, my good friend Sarah bought the girls a snowman kit. Its really adorable. It comes with a hat, scarf, wooden carrot nose, 2 eyes, 3 buttons and a red wooden heart. Over the weekend Hannah took it over our neighbors and her and her friend made a snowman. Of course they named him what any 7 and 8 year old little girl would name their snowman...

Sam The Snowman. Because Frosty was already in the North Pole with Santa, duh.

To be young again

Hannah had a friend stay the night Saturday. I remember doing this, do you?

Isn't Alanna funny. Ahhhhhh, the joys of little sisters.

*Is the video showing up for you? If not check it out here.*

The new 2009

I feel like for the past 3 or 4 months I have been in a fog. Just doing my day to day and nothing else. The stresses of taking care of 3 children, a husband, and a house were getting to me. Then I went to a dinner with some friends from high school. There were 5 of us. Sarah, Jennifer, Danielle, Jessica and me. If you seen one you pretty much seen us all. Each year we try to get together and catch up, and this year was a little different. Usually we would meet at a restaurant and eat dinner.

This year because of my circumstances we all met at Jennifer's house and she had food for us. It was so nice to get out and have friends and talk to girls that knew me inside and out and wouldn't judge. I came home that night feeling like a new person. I realized I was letting myself slip into the role of being only a mom and not a person too. The kids won't care if I don't out on makeup today, or the kids won't mind if I don't blow dry my hair today...But I realized, my husband might. Now hear me out here...I am not the type of person who tries to please other people and I need their approval, but I am all for keeping my marriage alive and not letting us slip into that day to day with my husband.

I now want to get the most out of my life. This realization also comes from this post. Yes, I still think about it everyday, but I try not to let my mind wonder to much. I want my children to have the best mommy possible growing up, so when they look back on their childhood, they know that there was no way it could have been better. So I guess this is part of my new years resolution...If thats what you want to call it. Usually the resolutions end up being forgotten by the end of January. This is my commitment to my kids, my husband and most importantly to myself.
I want to be a better person: mother, wife, sister, friend and self. Thats my vow for 2009. Whats yours? It can be anything. Leave a comment or write a post and come back to share the link.

You asked for it

T asked:

Q: How about a story from your childhood?? Maybe a school field trip or the day you learned there was no Santa Claus?? :)

A: OKay I mentioned before that I was a Jehovah Witness, and they do not celebrate Christmas. So sadly, I never believed in Santa Claus. When I was younger, my cousins would get worked up over this man who would come into your home in the middle of the night to leave gifts. I was worried for them, you know a stranger and all, and asked my mom why my Aunt and Uncle would let this happen. She told me at a very young age, maybe 5 or 6 that it was all make believe.
A school field trip....well that would have to be in 5th grade to a place called Greenfield Village. The school would go there once a year at the end of the school year. This boy, who I was friends with since 3rd grade, bought me a present from the gift shop. It was a paper flower. I remember being so embarrassed because a boy bought me something. I still have it, somewhere. This boy, and I were great friends all through high school, even afterwards. I have lost touch with him now, but he was one of my best friends. Sickly enough, we even peirced our belly buttons togehter with safety pins...How germy.

Lori asked:

Q: Where is your favorite placed you lived and why?

A: It would have to be my childhood home. From the time I was about 6 to 17 my mom, me and my little brother lived in a small mobile home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Many, many, many memories in this house. It was always a place for our friends to hang out and it always felt safe. When I think of home, I think of that house. Every memory that could have been made was.

Q: Who is your BFF for life and how did you meet?

A: Hands down, Sarah. We met in 6th grade at the lunch table. She has been a true blue friend ever since. She was there for me when Hannah was born and she was my maid of honor in my wedding. She has treated my kids like they were her own and even in more recent events, she has played Santa for me. When Sarah found out we had no money coming in, she went and bought toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, a bottle brush and she is always there for me when I need her the most. Sarah is the type of person, where we may be distant for a few weeks, but we can call each other and its always like no time has past. Sarah will always and forever be my BFF.

Today Lindsey came over and spent a few hours with me. I'm telling you what, it was much needed. After she left I sat on the couch, thinking about the last couple of hours with her, and the last couple of weeks, After thinking about it all, I realized Lindsey was just what I needed. A friend to come over and help me forget the last couple of weeks and just have fun. We talked and laughed and had fun with the kids. It was a nice break from reality. I just wanted to say thanks to Lindsey and only hope one day I can be there for her like she has been for me. Thanks friend.

support your locals

mymediaoutlet.com


I told my friend Jon that I would help support his ebay store. Check it out, just in time for Christmas.