The way it really is at our house

He's gonna have to deal with it!

2012-02-07T13:51:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you the times that people have said to me they can't tell Jacob and Joshua apart. I've heard about their strong genes. They have been thought to be twins.

The older they get and the closer in height they get, I can see where it could be confusing.

Joshua, for the past few days, has been into doing his hair in a mohawk. He is so excited to have his own bottle of "glue" and does most of the work by himself. This morning, however, Jacob wanted to have a mohawk too. I am fine with it, it's a passing craze just like everything else! Joshua had the biggest fit! He insisted that he did not want Jacob to look like him and why Jacob couldn't just think of his own hairstyle blah, blah, blah...

I said, "Son, have you ever looked in the mirror? Have your teachers ever called you by the wrong name? You both look alike, you might as well accept it!" The argument went on for the next ten minutes or so. I didn't quite understand what the big deal was, they're brothers they are going to look alike!

I tell them to get their shoes and coats on we have to get to school. I walk outside and they are playing basketball. I later find out that they are making a deal. If Jacob loses, he is not allowed to wear his hair in a mohawk again. If Joshua loses, Jacob is allowed to wear his hair any way he wants. Sounds like they have it all worked out but I promise, this will not end good.

So, the funny part of this whole thing is they were wearing the EXACT same outfits this morning. When I mentioned that fact, "I don't care about that!" is the reply I got.

Who can figure it?

One of these days, they are going to get along.

One of these days they will take it as a compliment that they look alike.

One of these days...

I have been telling Tyler lately...

2012-02-03T12:24:00.006-05:00

to walk softly on my heart. It does seem like that long ago that the young man you see today with a full beard was once my baby boy.

I didn't know what to do with him when I brought him home from the hospital. It was hard to imagine being responsible for this new life.

This was always one of my favorite pictures. I loved that face he used to make!

What a handsome boy he was!

I thought if I was going to embarrass him with some old pictures I better throw one in of myself.

Boy, was I mad at him when he took that chunk out of his hair! But it makes a cute picture now.

I have been reminiscing these past few weeks because I can not believe that the little boy I once held in my arms will be eighteen this year. You want them to chase their dreams but that means you have to let go, and I am finding that easier said than done. College is right around the corner and I find myself wondering how do I make it through graduation day?

Soon enough the day comes when he comes home and tells you about his girlfriend. It just crushes your heart. Not because you don't wish him happiness but because you realize that some day someone will become his bride. She will then become the most important woman in his life.

How I would love to hold on.

How I would love to go back and rock that baby boy to sleep.

How I would love to stop time just for a little while but I can't.

I have to learn how to embrace the changes that life brings.

My kids are going to grow up, I always knew that but what I don't know is how to fill the hole it leaves.

I can't always protect them. I can't stop them from being hurt. I can't prevent mistakes they will make. I can only hold them in my arms for a little while. I loved them first and I will always love them. I pray that I have taught them what they need to know when they head out in the world. I hope they know that they will always have a piece of my heart. I hope they know that I will be there for them as long as God gives me breath.

Oh, how I love you Tyler and I always will

but remember my heart is fragile

HANDLE IT WITH CARE!

A little humor

2012-01-19T16:54:00.002-05:00

Okay, how about a little funny. Life doesn't always have to be so serious!

I miss my kids being little and learning to talk. It's funny that once they learn how to say a word right they don't seem to remember saying it wrong. Here is a list of some of the funny ways they used to pronounce some words.

The vocabulary of a Looman boy...

bow-gock; backpack used for carrying kids

twinkling; what it's doing outside when it is barely raining

cheese biggles; cheeseburgers

moat; milk...duh?

hojo; another word for cereal

Bit; for some reason, was what Joshua and Isaiah called Jacob?

Oh-no; what Isaiah called Joshua

Beemah; grandma

Bampaw; grandpa

For Peeten snakes; for Pete's sake

jimming pool; the swimming pool

sha-ber-rees; batteries

skew; screw

skew-guy-ger; would be a screwdriver

I ud you; I love you

res-ter-nont; restaurant

owe owe; oil

strawbiggies; strawberries

ho-tail; hotel

glubs; gloves

ockles; waffles

heggy; heavy

bice-ee; spicy

talkie; coffee

napcan; napkin

dip dop; is a flip flop

eye bulb; eye ball

Let's not forget...

Thomas and Jerry

"put another dime in the "juice" box baby"

Oh, how I miss those days...

Right where I need to be...

2012-01-18T11:04:00.004-05:00

I know it's been said over and over again but with every passing day I find it's true.

As I look back at my life there are times I wanted to

~be someone else

~live somewhere else

~do something else

How I wanted to be rich when I was younger. I wanted to live in that big house like the kids I went to school with. I wanted my parents to get a new car just like everyone else. I was a kid, it was all about fitting in.

As I got older, I wanted to meet (who am I kidding, I wanted to marry) Jon Bon Jovi, Kirk Cameron, Joey Tempest...

Then, Tim McGraw, boy, was I mad when he married Faith Hill, Why? Because I stood a chance?!?!

As years passed, I wasted my time, never went to college, never got that big career, the one I dreamed about. I remember wanting to be a teacher, I remember my imaginary class, my grade book, each of my "students" (they even had their own personalities).

Life went on, I settled for that dead end job but it paid the bills. So, I kept it.

But, along the way, you don't think about the people who cross your path. How you are in their life whether you want to be or not, whether it's your dream job or not.

You are there.

Sometimes, I look back and remember the people that had an effect on my life. I met them right there where I was and where they were. Maybe, they were friendly maybe they weren't but they all had an impact.

Had I not been there, I wouldn't have met some of the best people in my life.

Had I not been there, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Had I not been there, I wouldn't have met the man I love.

Had I not been there, I wouldn't be here.

I believe that I am right where I am meant to be. Right here with people who need me and people I need.

Not rich people

Not famous people

But real people, people with problems, people who don't have it all together, people who love me and my imperfections.

Everyone needs someone to love them

Everyone needs someone to help them through

Everyone needs someone to hold on when they want to let go

Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on

My life may have not turned out the way I planned. That big house, that new car, that fame, that job never happened but I have so much more. God has surrounded me by the people I need to be surrounded by.

And I can say without a doubt that

I know I am right where I need to be...

I wish I had all the answers...

2011-12-26T15:54:00.002-05:00

For some reason lately Isaiah has been full of questions. Questions I don't have answers to. Here is an example of our conversation in the car traveling on Christmas day:

Mom, is Aunt Mandy's house blue?

Yes it is a bluish gray

Does she still live there with Uncle Jon?

No, she lives in Heaven

Why does she live in Heaven?

Because she went to live with Jesus

What does her house look like?

She lives in a big mansion now with streets made of gold

Why did she go live with Jesus?

(Bill please answer him because I can't)

Sometimes, God decides that it time for you to go live with him

Can I go see Aunt Mandy in Heaven?

Someday, God will call you and it will be your time

Will I see her when I get there?

Yes you will

But I don't know if I will remember what she looks like?

She will standing at the pearly gate waiting for you with her arms wide open. She will be the one calling you handsome because that's what she always called you

How will I get to Heaven? It's way up in the sky and I can't fly

Jesus will let you know when and He will call you

But what if I can't hear him?

You will buddy when it's your time but I hope it's not anytime soon

As I sit here typing this, he comes up to me with a present from yesterday and says, "I want to give this to Aunt Mandy, if I hold it up to the sky, will she reach down and get it?"

All I can do is smile and fight back the tears.

My baby was only two and a half when he lost her. He will miss out in this life on the opportunity to know the best aunt a child could ask for. But I will make sure he remembers her, I will make sure that when he gets to those pearly gates, he will know exactly who he's looking for!

It's been an emotional Christmas for me. Most days, I am okay but I can't handle the questions. I can't understand it either, how can I expect my kids to. It's been three and a half years but still feels like yesterday.

I never thought I would have to answer these questions. I always thought we'd laugh and cry together, complain about our husbands together, raise families together, grow old together.

Hug your kids, kiss your husband, call that relative, tell them you love them.

It's 9 AM but...

2011-11-21T09:05:00.002-05:00

it feels like 9 PM!

I feel like I could sit down with a glass of wine but instead I will have another cup of coffee and write this post.

This past weekend, like almost every other weekend, has been jam packed.

As I sigh...I will continue...

Two out of three, of my youngest children decided to cut their own hair. My youngest, (you know him well because he is mentioned in almost every post) took a chunk out of his hair so close to his scalp there was no way to fix it, he now has a military buzz! The other one, my dear Jacob, took a chunk right out of the middle of his forehead, (sigh, again)! Do I have to mention he is nine! Why oh why does he do these things? I do not know...

So, he had to get a "not as short as Isaiah cut" but a pretty short cut. Then, poor Joshua, innocent in all of this had to be a victim of the short cut too because they all have to look alike.

All of this excitement happens just in time for Christmas pictures! I guess it will be a picture to talk about in years to come, "Remember the year...."

Yesterday, Isaiah turned six. I can not believe it. I get sad with every passing year. Every birthday, every kid, every year, I remember the day I had them and wish for a moment I could go back to that day and hold them again. Even though you enjoy every moment, seeing your kids grow up is hard on a mom.

Also yesterday, we were with Bill's family as they baptized their newest addition. What a precious little boy. As if I wasn't already an emotional mess, holding that little boy took me back to when my own kids were that little. Back to when they needed you for everything, you are their lifeline then they grow up...

Sigh, again!

Maybe I will have that glass of wine!

My dilemma

2011-10-05T09:52:00.002-04:00

So, anyone who has been around my children knows that they are 100% boy. I am glad they are tough little boys. But sometimes that "tough" makes my life a little tough!

Isaiah's teacher asked to talk to me yesterday. My heart sunk, first thing in my mind was "Oh no, what could he have done?" Knowing Isaiah, it could be anything! He hasn't developed that filter yet. I had so many thoughts going through my head, I was sick.

I met with her and she said that another parent had called the principal because Isaiah kicked her son. My first thought was what am I going to do with that kid! Then, she went on to say when and where it happened. Isaiah wasn't there at that time.

Do I think it happened? It very well could have. I am not foolish to believe he isn't capable of doing it. He can be a monster, I say that with love because he is my monster! But I have seen him in action.

Do I think that the whole truth is being told? No, I don't. I think it was a game of push and shove and someone had to take the blame.

I am not defending my son, I wasn't there to see it and I will deal with it appropriately but I am upset that because of this, he has to go to the principals office. Because the parent called the school, it is procedure.

I sat Isaiah down after school yesterday and talked to him. He didn't deny the accusation but said they were both messing around. I told him he was going to have to go to the principals office at school today, he cried and cried. My heart broke to see the fear in his face. After we talked some more he said he doesn't want to go to kindergarten anymore and wants to go back to preschool. I had to be tough when I wanted to cry with him and explain to him it is a hard lesson learned. He has to learn when to walk away and when it's time to find different friends. He is 5, he doesn't understand, everyone is his friend.

I sit here upset today, crying, thinking of how scared my baby is today. I keep telling myself the same thing another teacher told me, it may be an eye opener. Maybe, he will see the importance of listening and walking away.

I know I am not a perfect parent, I didn't write this to hear what a good mom I am because I know I can do better. I write this because I love those boys and it hurts me to see them hurt and scared. It helps me sort through my thoughts and to put how I feel in writing.

I have a lot of mixed feelings over this situation. I wonder why it wasn't something the teacher wasn't told about first? Why was it brought right to the principal? I will never say it was okay for him to do what he did if he did it, he will face consequences for his behavior. But I also will stand by the way I feel, I wouldn't have got the principal involved unless there was bruises, blood or broken bones. Or if it was an ongoing thing.

Kids are going to be kids, I know that my kids have been on the other side of it too. They have came to me as the "victim." My response is to stay away from that person, if it continues, we can deal with it. Most of the time, it doesn't happen again.

I am making myself crazy over this, feeling like I have failed somewhere. I have always said they might drive me crazy at home but I can handle that as long as they are good at school. This is a first, none of my kids have ever been sent to the principals office.

A lot has happened since...

2011-09-27T13:36:00.003-04:00

my last post.

My Jacob turned nine. I will never forget the day we had him. I remember how Bill took his time getting out of the house and decided to drive the speed limit on the way to the hospital. I don't know why he didn't believe me when I told him we were going to have a baby. Twenty minutes after we get to the hospital, there was Jacob. I really don't think he has stopped since. He walked at nine months, has always gotten up early and just been a nonstop bundle of energy (we like to call it "spaz"). I couldn't imagine a day without him. He is a bit of a handful but he is a good hearted kid and genuinely cares about others.

Let's see...my birthday decided to come and I had to turn 39. All I can say is YIKES! I hear 40 knocking. I guess as long as I don't feel it or look it, I'm okay? Right?

Also, my friend Delilah decided to move away. I didn't think it would be so hard, especially, in this day and age with Facebook and cell phones but it is. She is that friend who probably knows too much about me but didn't run away. She is the friend you could have an argument with and the next day it was like it never happened. Good friends are hard to come by...

Speaking of good friends, we had a clambake. I am not sure why we had a clambake since the main reason to have one is to eat clams and no one really liked clams...

It was fun. It is a group of people I love to get together with. Next time, we won't be doing a clambake though!

We have just been crazy busy. Football is a huge commitment but the boys love it. We will cook dinner again someday :)

Days keep coming, time goes so fast, I wish I could hold on to it!

Hopefully, it won't be over a month before I post again!

How did this happen?

2011-08-03T09:44:00.002-04:00

I have never been a fan of football. I remember hating Sundays because I didn't wan't to waste the day watching football! It was 4 hours in front of a TV to watch grown men knock each other down.

I couldn't stand it. I got mad, had an attitude, and probably even stomped off like a big baby! I would get nasty, slam doors, turn up music, run the vacuum just to let my husband know I was irritated!

I HATED the sport!

Then, along came my Joshua and he loved the sport. It was crazy. He knew players names, numbers, and teams. He had his own favorite team, different from his dads, and he rooted for them. He would jump off the couch yelling. He would get really upset if his team didn't win. When football wasn't on TV, he was watching it on youtube. He would even watch the combine on ESPN.

So, you can only imagine that when he got old enough, he wanted to play. I have never seen him want something so much!

We signed him up this fall and, no surprise, he loves it. He looks forward to it every night. I knew he would love it but, what I didn't know was...Isaiah would want to play too! He insisted, so we signed him up.

So, here I am, the woman who despised football, at the field every night, watching my two youngest boys practice. I love to watch them. I still have a lot to learn about the game but it takes on a whole new meaning when your kids are out there. Sure, you cringe when helmets hit, when he gets a black eye, or gets up holding his arm and the coach is asking if he's okay. But inside you are swelling with pride! You find yourself looking forward to it every night.

And...

As for football on Sundays, over the years I have learned to accept it. After all, who doesn't enjoy an afternoon nap?

As I sit here today

2011-07-24T12:31:00.002-04:00

I read posts on facebook about how unhappy some peoples lives are. I am reminded that three years ago today, I sat by my dying sisters bedside, helpless. There was nothing I could do to help her, to change the situation. I sang with her, I fed her, I held her hand, I gave her water, I cried and I prayed for things to be different. I wanted my sister to talk to me but she couldn't. I wanted her to sit up, get out of that bed and tell me she was going to be okay but she didn't. I wanted her to come back to my house, have dinner, hang out with the kids, like we always did but she would never do that again. As I think about the vacation we took to Mexico, it's all a memory. We will never walk those beaches again.

I left her house that night knowing, but not accepting, what I knew God was going to do. I would never hug my sister again, I would never hear her voice again. My kids weren't going to see her again. It was all a memory.

So, before you post that post to complain about something that you can change remember there is someone out there dealing with something they can't change.

If he is not good for you, don't have a baby with him. If he cheats on you, don't stay with him. If it's too hot outside, go sit somewhere with A/C. If you kids make you crazy, thank God they are healthy. If your parents did you wrong, forgive them and move on.

Resentment will get you nowhere. You control your destiny, you make choices, make them good ones. Complaining doesn't fix it. Don't blame anyone else for your unhappiness.

Life will hand you things that are out of your control, make lemonade out of the lemons or wine out of the sour grapes which ever you prefer.

I watched my sister deal with learning she had cancer, she never complained. She made the best out of each day. She lived life to the fullest. She never wished it wasn't her.

If she were here today and had a facebook page her status wouldn't be negative, it would be:

"Life is good"

just like her bumper sticker used to say.

Or maybe it would be:

"Enjoy life, it's too short to be unhappy."

"Celebrate life, it may not be yours tomorrow."

Where do they come up with this stuff?

2011-06-16T14:18:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, while we driving in the truck Isaiah turns around and asks Joshua, "Are you hot?" Joshua says to him, "Do you mean the hot when you are sweating or the hot when someone thinks you're cute?" I just had to laugh.

Then today, after Safety Town, Isaiah has a coloring book that they gave him and there is a fox on the front cover. He says,"Mom, see that fox...that's what you look like!" Thank you son:)

If only....

It's funny how your dad is always better than someone else's dad. I hear them talking all the time about how strong or tough their dad is. Once, I even heard, "My dad can beat up his stepdad!" Let's play nice boys...

Since the recent tornado warnings, they have not stopped talking about how their dad has survived "like 75 tornados in his life!" I love how they look up to their dad, he is a hero in their eyes and I hope he always is.

I am working on a blog of the "Vocabulary of a Looman boy" I am not quite done with it yet, I keep think of more things they say. I am glad I started blogging to have a record of things they do.

I am not sure

2011-06-10T16:34:00.002-04:00

that I was made to be the mother of a teenager!

I don't like freedom. I mean, I love freedom, my own freedom, but I do not like it when my kids want it.

They should have to stay where I can see them at all times!

Poor Tyler, he knows his mom is a bit of a freak. Last night, he went to youth group with a friend and he didn't get home until 10:30. He knew when he walked in the door I was in a state of panic and the first thing he said was, "I know, it's late, I told him at 9:00 I was ready and my mom is going to start worrying." I said, "Next time...call. So, I am not sitting here wondering what has happened."

It's horrible, the thoughts that go through your mind when your kids aren't home. I know Tyler is a good kid (or at least has me fooled) but bad things can happen to good kids. I do not like the thought of him driving or driving with someone, it's scary.

He has started a job this week. He is so excited and I am so proud of him for getting the job all on his own. But it's another part of letting go, another piece of my heart, gone. In my mind I think, what's next? A car, a girlfriend, his own house, married, the list goes on and I am not ready for all that.

Even though I didn't know it then, I must have made my mom crazy with all my late nights. Letting go is hard, whether its first steps, first day of school, or first date. I want to keep them little forever but unfortunately I can't. I need to learn to embrace it and accept the new adventures life throws my way.

Chasing my own tail?

2011-05-27T09:15:00.003-04:00

It is really funny to watch a cat chase it's tail...not so funny when it's me.

My days are the same, everyday the same. I am okay with it most of the time. But sometimes, it makes me crazy.

Like when you clean the house...

You clean one room, go onto the next, come back into the first and think to yourself, "Did I not just spend and hour, maybe two cleaning?"

As far as kids bedrooms go, I think there should be an unwritten law: Close the door so nobody sees inside until you are old enough to keep it clean yourself.

Simple and saves me the hassle...yeah right, if only!

Then, there are pillows! The pillows for our couches spend more time on the floor than they do on the couch. Every time, you walk through the living room you bend over pick them up go up stairs or wherever you were headed come back and there they are...on the floor again! Then, you think to yourself, "Did I not just pick these up the last time I walked through?"

The cat litter box...Why is it that the minute I put the lid back on after cleaning it a cat has to go take care of business. Never fails, every time! Around and around we go!

Oh, and should I dare talk about the bathroom? I get the most frustrated with this room! There are days when my lungs are burning from the bleach smell! Finally, it is clean then wouldn't you know...someone's gotta go!

I remember when I first started blogging I said I should have named my blog, "Will my bathroom ever be clean again?" now I am thinking it should be...

"When will the hole on the toilet be big enough?" or

"If you can't make it in the hole, please, sit down!"

The list could go on...

"Does anyone but mom know where the hamper is?"

"Is it really necessary to hit your brother as you walk by?"

"How many times do I have to tell you not to climb on the counter?"

"Go sit in your bed and don't come down until you are ready to behave!"

"Stop slamming doors before someone loses a finger!"

"Can we please enjoy a meal without the arguing?"

"When will I learn that if the kids are quiet, it's not a good thing!?!?"

or we could go with, simply...

"Now, what's broken?"

because when I call Bill at work that is usually the first thing that comes out of his mouth!

Family tree

2011-05-23T10:09:00.002-04:00

Why is it so hard for kids to understand? I don't know if its all kids or just mine. But trying to figure out the concept of a family tree gets them every time.

I dread when they start questioning things.

Having a blended family brings up a lot of questions. I remember Jacob asking Jenna if her dad died because in his young mind none of it made sense. How was she his sister? Why was she calling his dad "dad"? Who was her mom?

Poor Isaiah thinks that when you grow up you either become a mom or dad. Sounds right?!? Not exactly! He insists that he is going to be the dad and either Joshua or Jacob are going to be the mom. Because he is not going to be the one who turns into a girl! Then when they try to tell him they will all have their own wives, he gets upset, "MOM! Tell them I am going to be the dad!" It's impossible...he'll get it soon enough.

When Tyler said to Isaiah, "When I have a kid..." I said, "In twenty years, right?"..."You will be an uncle." "NO! I AM NOT GOING TO BE A GIRL!" "An uncle is a boy, an aunt is a girl" "MMMOOMMM!, Tell him!"

Simple concept? Not really! Something tells me he doesn't want to be a girl :)

I remember when they asked me who my mom and dad were. I told them grandma and grandpa. They didn't get that at first either. For some reason, Bill was supposed to be my dad because he is their dad. It seems so simple but I guess in their minds it didn't make sense.

But all those questions were simple compared to what Joshua asked this weekend, "Mom, I know that I am your kid because I came out of your belly but how can I be dad's?"

Ummm...Bill,

Joshua has a question for you!

"You're a classroom celebrity"

2011-05-04T13:50:00.005-04:00

Today, when I got to Joshua's class to help the kids his teacher came out to the hall to tell me I was a "classroom celebrity." She heard all about Joshua's party. I told her there was one point during the party I told them I was going to have her come over to keep them in line because she lives around the corner. She said I should have! She is a really good teacher. I think I have said it before but I will say it again, teachers are very special people and they do not get the respect they deserve. I am guilty, I never realized what they did until I volunteered as much as I do. I told Bill they should put me on payroll. He said, "Why? Then, you wouldn't enjoy it as much." He's right. I am glad I get a chance to be in the school with my kids.

Anyway, back to Joshua's teacher, she said this weekend she had her dads 88th birthday party and they put 88 candles on the cake! She showed me the picture. I told her she is lucky I am not going to have a first grader next year or I would bring her a cake with a lot of candles on it!

And, since we are talking kids, have you ever wanted to bottle giggles. I love to hear kids giggle. you know, the giggle when they are watching Tom and Jerry and they don't realize you are listening. If there was a way to bottle it and open it years later just to hear them giggle again. You would never be sad, if you felt a sad moment coming on you would just open the bottle. Who doesn't smile at the sound of a happy kid? It's those little things that you miss.

And, since we are talking about missing things, lately people have been telling me about things I am going to miss. Giggles and hugs and kisses, I will miss. But, when you tell me I am going to miss the fighting and bickering and arguing, I am not so sure. Getting notes like this...

you can bet I'll miss!

(Bill wants to know why he is an after thought though?)

2011-04-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!

Today, Joshua turns seven...

I remember that week like it was yesterday. We were moving into our house, buying a car, and had a baby.

We love you Joshua.

10 years later...

2011-04-11T08:49:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, our pastor said, "I can tell you, this man loves this woman." I know Bill loves me but to hear someone else say it, it has a different meaning.

I didn't do anything to deserve him but I am glad God sent him my way...

I love you, Sherry,

and I know that God has brought us together.

Because of this,

I desire to be your husband and best friend, always.

Together we will serve Him in accordance with His plan,

so that in all areas of our life Christ will be evident.

Through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future,

I promise to be faithful to you.

There will be no other.

I promise to always forgive you no matter what you have done,

so that nothing will ever separate us.

I promise to love, guide, and protect you as Christ does His Church,

as long as we both are alive.

According to Ephesians 5 and with His enabling power,

I promise to strive to show to you the same kind of love, on a daily basis,

as Christ showed the Church when He died for her,

and to love you as a part of myself because in His sight we are one.

If you were to tell me ten years ago I would be standing here renewing my wedding vows, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I stand here today with you, my best friend, in front of our friends and family to rededicate our marriage. You have changed my life and made me complete. I am a better person because of you. I have learned how to love and be loved. I have learned to believe in myself. I have been blessed with the gift of our children and felt the happiness of being a mother. I have the honor of raising our children with you. The past ten years have brought more joy I could have ever imagined and I look forward to making many more memories. They have also brought some of the worst pain that I have ever felt and never thought I could bear. But I stand here today because you stood by me. You held my hand, you lifted me up, you let me cry, and pulled me through. I don’t know what this life has yet to bring us but I know that as long as you are by my side we will make it through. I promise to walk with you for the rest of my life. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to be there for you whenever you need me. I will hold your hand through the hard times. I will rejoice with you in the happy times. I thank God for leading me to that little church where we met. I also thank Him because there are no coincidences we were meant to be and I know that as long as we walk together with Him this marriage will last forever.

Finally...

2011-04-03T14:42:00.003-04:00

I can't say that I was doing everything right. I knew there was still a lot more to change. I still had a lot of pride to swallow and huddles to get over. I was broken. I believe I was right where God wanted me. Sometimes when I look back I can't even imagine what I was doing and thinking. I remember wanting to do it my way. But, my way led to one dead end after the other. Finally, after swallowing my pride, I moved back home. I couldn't keep living my life wrong and expect God to bless me.

I remember Mandy bought me a bible for my birthday that year. I carried that bible with me to work! We even tried starting a bible study before work. People must have thought I went off the deep end, all of the sudden I was a "Jesus freak!" That new christian feeling lasts for a little while, but it wears off. But the feeling of knowing your life is different doesn't.

I continued to go to church. I stayed involved. I knew I was there for a reason. I looked at my life and I knew that I someday wanted to be married but I didn't see it happening anytime soon. My dad liked to use his "prophecy" skills and would often say I was going to meet that certain someone in church. He would even throw in a "and he is going to have dark hair and brown eyes." I just laughed.

Time passed and I found the answer to the age long question...

Is the way to a man's heart really through is stomach?

Yes, it is!

I remember the first time I saw Bill Looman. My heart skipped a beat! There was no way he was the one for me. As he sang, Sunday after Sunday, I just admired him from a distance. My sister often said he reminded her of Tim McGraw and if you know Mandy you know how she "loved" Tim. Mandy, you silly girl, I don't stand a chance with him! Stop it, this is not why we go to church!

One Sunday, I made cookies for after the service. And that is when it happened. I heard him asking who made the cookies. I can not even tell you how excited I was! Fumbling for words, as I said it was me. He liked my cookies! This means something! Will I make you some more, you bet I will! He didn't have brown eyes but they were close enough!

Bill and I have come a long way since the day I told Mandy that he asked me out and she did a cartwheel in the living room.

Did God lead me to that church?

Yes, he did!

Tomorrow, Bill and I celebrate ten years together. We have made it through some of the greatest times and some of the worst times of this life. I don't know what the future holds but I know I am going to walk through this life with my best friend. We will stand up to whatever life throws at us because as long as I have him I have everything I need.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Next...

2011-03-28T10:46:00.002-04:00

When you start going to back to church it can be overwhelming, there are so many of them. Where do you start?

Mandy and I went to that church for awhile. We didn't really feel a connection. Sunday after Sunday, we came and went. We didn't build relationships, we just attended. We weren't sure if it was the church for us.

Then one day, my cousin invited me to a Mary Kay party. I wasn't crazy about it because I am not really a big make up person. When she told me her pastor's wife was the consultant, I was even more hesitant. She wouldn't give up, so I gave in and went. I had a good time talking with some of the people from her church. When I was talking to the pastor's wife, she asked me where we were going to church. I explained to her that I was tired of going to a church for months and no one knew even our names. She invited us to her church the next morning. I told her I wasn't sure what I was going to do.

The next morning, I decided I would try her church. After all, it was five minutes from home and I didn't have to go back if I didn't like it. You can bet I did the same thing on the way to church. I tried to get out of it until the very last second, "God, if I walk in there and she doesn't remember my name, I AM NOT going back to this church!" Usually, I am sure God doesn't like ultimatums but He must have wanted me there. I walked in the door and Jan came up to me, hugged me, and said, "I am so glad you decided to come, Sherry." She remembered my name sometimes it's the little things that mean so much.

Her husband, Bob, was a very good pastor. He spoke about things that pertained to everyday life. He often would bring lawn mowers or various other power tools in to make his point. Every lesson had a prop and a good message behind it. I remember he said, "To solve a problem you must first eliminate the source." I don't know why, it seems so simple and it's common sense but I use it still. When I find myself trying to solve a problem, I now find myself wondering 'what is the source of this problem and how can I get rid of it?'

We got pretty involved in that church, Awana Clubs, Vacation Bible School, nursery, and even joined bible studies. It seemed as though I found a good church but, did God have more? Could it be that I was lead there for some reason I didn't know yet? I still wasn't sure what it was but I decided I liked that church and I was going to stay.

to be continued...

The early stage...

2011-03-26T11:52:00.004-04:00

At one point, my life was crazy. I was searching for happiness somewhere, anywhere. I was determined to find it on the dance floor or at the bottom of that glass.

One day, a friend said to me, "Sherry, what are you doing? Some day, you are going to stand before God and He is going to want to know why you haven't taught your little boy about Him."

There was a

SMACK!

Right there on my face

I was responsible for my son knowing right from wrong. If I didn't change my ways, God was going to hold me responsible for not teaching my son about Him.

I don't know what hit me that day. My parents had always taken us to church. We knew about God. Why wasn't I doing right? There was something that scared the life out of me about standing before the God of our universe and not having an answer for Him.

I started taking Tyler to church. I decided I was going to change my life. There was more out there for me in life.

I remember, in the car, on the way, still trying to get out of it. I said, "God, if Tyler cries when I put him in that nursery, I am leaving!" I even remember telling Mandy about my little prayer. I got a surprise when I walked into that church. Tyler walked into that nursery! Not a single tear! I am a "burning bush" type person. If something is meant for me it has to be right there in front of my face. I guess it was God's way of telling me, "Sherry, I have plans for you...change you life, follow me, and see how I can bless you."

I was scared of the unknown. I wasn't sure where to begin. It was more than going to church. It was a change of heart, of lifestyle, of attitude. Life began to have meaning, a different meaning than before.

I can't tell you I haven't messed up since then. I can tell you that I stopped trying to find happiness in places it wasn't. The road is still being paved but as it's being paved it is being blessed.

...to be continued

Does it work?

2011-03-09T20:11:00.002-05:00

Have you ever prayed for something over and over and it doesn't happen? Have you ever just gotten discouraged because the answer may not be the one you are looking for?

Sometimes, I just don't understand why I go through such a dry spell, not a prayer answered for what seems like forever.

I have prayed for things lately that I wonder if God hears me. I know He does and I want to believe the things I pray are in His will but I am not God.

God is God and I am not that is just the way it is!

I believe in prayer. I believe God hears every one of them. I believe He will answer but it will be in His time.

I prayed for my sister to get better, God had a different plan and it was obviously not the same as mine. Now, here I am still trying to figure out why and how to face tomorrow because it is no easier today than on that day.

I prayed for friends. I have prayed for family. I have prayed for healing. I have prayed for hope. I have prayed for strength. I have prayed for peace. I have prayed for understanding.

God has heard every prayer. He has held every tear. Some day, it will all make sense. Some day, I will see Mandy, my little brother, my grandparents, and anyone else I have lost. Then, it will all make sense.

God answered a prayer for a friend today.

So...

Does it work?

Yes, it does!

Is the timing right?

Yes, it is!

Was it the answer I wanted?

Yes, it was!

Is it always?

No, it is not!

I thank God for being God. For doing the things that I can not do. For holding me up when I fall. For giving me hope when I am hopeless.

Prayer works just believe!

A little bit of ramble...

2011-02-27T10:20:00.003-05:00

So, this past week was an interesting one.

The weather has been yucky. I know that we live in Ohio, get used to it, but it is just not fun when it gets up to 60 one day and then school is cancelled the following week. I can handle winter until that first warm up.

On Tuesday, they decided to try delayed start for the first time. I am not sure how I feel about it. The kids didn't understand why they were going to school so late. They get to school just in time to eat lunch. There is no AM kindergarten which I also don't quite agree with. I guess if you going to delay school you might as well just cancel it, just my opinion.

Jacob was sent home from school on Wednesday. He had a fever. When I took him to the doctor, he was fine. But since there are so many things going around, he put him on an antibiotic to be safe. I kept him home Thursday just to be on the safe side. Then they cancel school on Friday, so he got a whole 5 hours of school in last week.

Basketball season is coming to a close for Jacob and Joshua. They have gotten so much better as the season went on. The more they play the more they will become confident in the sport. I am sad to see the season end but I am excited about next year. I am such a big baby, I tear up every time I watch them play.

Tyler got an electric guitar. I guess I really do not have to say anything else. He has been teaching himself, which is pretty cool. I have just learned for the most part to block out a lot of the noise that is coming from his room!

Isaiah has been, well...Isaiah. I have to register him for kindergarten next month. Where has it gone? I posted on Facebook what he said to me about staying little. He told me all I have to do is give him "little" pills. I sure wish I knew where to even find some "slow down time a little" pills!

Geez...

2011-02-05T17:23:00.002-05:00

I need to get with it!

Time just flies by

We seem to stay busy and often I forget to blog. I wish I wouldn't because someday I want to make it a book for my kids. I think they will enjoy looking back and reading about what "poopyheads" they were. Yes, I said "poopyhead" Why? because I can! I am surrounded by so many boys I am surprised I don't belch and "you know" out loud. I went to the hairdresser today and she said I know you want a little girl so bad but those boys are going to take care of you someday. They may be hard now but it will be worth it someday. Girls are so different, she said, and they can be so critical about how you look and what you wear.

I was telling her about how this past week I went into the library to read to Joshua's class, first grade, and one of the girls told me that my hair looked so nice. I chuckled because you would never hear my boys say that! The girls are always commenting on something, to me, it's just funny how different they are and it starts so young.

Today, Bill and I had our first dance lesson. How did it go? I don't know...the instructor never showed up!!! How rude! We sat for over 40 minutes.

The boys have started basketball. It is so fun to watch 1st and 2nd graders play ball. I would think it would be hard to be the referee. It is good for them to be a part of a team and interact with other kids.

This weekend we are getting together with a bunch of friends and heading to Hibachi Japan...I am excited, it is going to be so much fun. Every time we get together, we have a good time.

I guess I am done with my randomness for now. I should, since it it six o'clock, think about what we are going to have for dinner!

The Man I Want To Be

2011-01-14T12:24:00.002-05:00

I have always loved music but those of you who know me know that I have always loved country music. I know that some songs are a bit out there but there are a lot of songs that have meaning. There are songs I listen to when I want to remember, songs I listen to when I just want to cry, songs I listen to when I feel like God has moved, and songs I listen to when I think about my husband.

Bill has a list of songs on his ipod that remind him of me. He listens to it all the time, so much that he has the words of all the songs memorized.

I am so blessed to have been given such a good man. My husband is all the man I need and all the man I could ever want. For me, he is perfect. But to know that he is always striving to be a better man makes me realize how lucky I really am.

One day, I was in my truck and one of the songs from his list came on the radio. I turned it up an, for the first time, listened to the words. As tears streamed down my face, I realized how much time and effort my husband puts into loving me. Not a day goes by that I don't know how much he loves me. Looking back, I know I did nothing to deserve him.

I am thankful God put us together. I am thankful for his commitment to me. I am thankful that he is always praying and asking God to make him into the man he wants to be. I have a great marriage because I have a great man.

There is no special occasion behind this post. It's just with everything going on around me I wanted to take time to let him know how much I love him. He is the reason I am who I am today and that I am better than I was yesterday.

But what I really want to know is...

Now that I said all that, what am I going to say on my anniversary?

It's over?

2011-01-05T11:11:00.003-05:00

The other day I said to my husband, "I guess we should take down the tree." He said, "Can you do it Monday when I go back to work, I don't want it to be over."

Me neither I love Christmas! It is such a fun time of year. Christmas, unlike a vacation, doesn't have to end, does it?

Monday morning, Bill had to go back to work, the kids had to go back to school, and I, finally, could go back to eating bon bons and watching soaps. It was back to reality.

We had a fun break with some good family time. We took the kids to see the Globetrotters. It was fun, they put on a good show for the kids (and me too!) It was funny we had 2nd row seats and the kids were still looking at the jumbo tron! Goofballs!

Santa came to my parents house one night. My kids ran from him! Then, once they felt comfortable, they were back to their normal selves. My kids are the only kids I know that would fight with one another IN FRONT OF SANTA!

Anyway, I don't think Christmas is ever really over... Christmas lives in your heart every day. I am sure that as long as you remember the true meaning of the holiday it is never over.

Happy New Year to you and may this year bring you everything your heart desires!

I still believe in Santa Claus...

2010-12-23T21:52:00.004-05:00

because as long as I believe the child in me will never die. I can't imagine losing the joy that this time of year brings.

Christmas is such a fun time of year. As I watch my kids and the happiness it brings them, I am reminded of my own childhood. Growing up we didn't have a lot but my parents always made Christmas special. There were always presents under the tree and when I look back now I have no idea how they did it. There were six of us and we were not disappointed. We knew the meaning behind the holiday but never lost the excitement of Santa. I remember the nights that I couldn't fall asleep anticipating the big day.

I hope that my kids always believe in Christmas. I hope that they know the true meaning behind the day. I hope that someday they will look back and remember how special Christmas is, not for the presents, but for the memories. Memories of the traditions we have, memories of family, memories of the feeling of awe when they walk down the stairs in the morning to see that Santa has been there.

I know one day Santa and all the gifts he brought will be a memory but I hope the one gift they always remember is the Baby in a manger. I hope they never forget the gift He brought with Him and gave to them...the Gift of Life, along with Peace that passes understanding, Hope for tomorrow, abundant Love and never ending Joy.

I wish you a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Birthday Tyler

2010-12-04T09:24:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe you are 16 today.

Time has gone so fast. I am proud of the man you becoming!

When you have a child
You learn it's a serious business
To have a little fun
You give grace and get forgiveness
Not seven times seven
But seven times seventy one

And when you have a child
Those four walls you call a house
Take on a life of its own
When you bring 'em home
You will cry and you will laugh
When they hurt it cuts you in half
It's your flesh and bone

And year after year
Pictures fill page after page
They never really grow up
Still your baby at any age
The first time you hold 'em
It's like you see God's smile
What a smile
When you have a child

And then boy meets girl
And perfume and gasoline
Reign on your perfect world
Curfews are often broken
Thank yous aren't spoken
He's got the keys to that old Dodge
And she's wearing a corsage
And her mama's pearls

And year after year
Pictures fill page after page
They never really grow up
Still your baby at any age
And the first time you hold 'em
It's like you feel God's smile
What a smile
When you have a child

You pray that phone call never comes
And if God forbid
How would you live
How could you go on
And on and on and on

And year after year
Close the chapter and turn the page
Blue ribbons and losing seasons
Flipping tassles on the stage
Oh but you don't need a photograph
You've got at least a million
Pictures of that smile
When you close your eyes
When you love a child
Ohh when you love a child
"When you have a child" by Reba McEntire

"Tell her I don't want anything..."

2010-11-30T07:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the kids were off school and we didn't have anything planned. I had to help Jacob with a school project. Other than that we were just being lazy. My mom called and asked if we wanted to go to 50 cent Monday at the local thrift store, I told her I would call her back after lunch to let her know. In the mean time I told Tyler that Grandma had called and wants to take him to the thrift store...

"Why?"

"So you can help her pick out your Christmas gift."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, she doesn't know what to get you and she thought you could give her some ideas."

"Tell her I don't want anything."

"Tyler, you can't tell me that kids at your school don't shop there and besides, when someone wants to buy you a gift you can't act like that and she want you to help her find things for the other kids."

Joshua overhearing says,

"I want Star Wars figures."

"Do you want the ones with arms or no arms?"

"With arms."

"Mom, just tell her to get me a shirt."

"What kind of shirt?"

"A t-shirt"

So, I call her back and tell her what I said to Tyler. When I got off the phone I said, "She told me she only has a three dollar limit so if you stick with 50 cent things that is 6 items."

He must have believed me because he put on his shoes and helped get the kids in the car.

He eventually figured it out but imagine his embarrassment when...

we got out of the car and bumped into his friends girlfriend. His face was red as a beet!

Basketballs behind my tires...

2010-11-24T07:02:00.002-05:00

as I am backing out of the driveway. Only happens when you are running a little late just to give you an extra thing to stop the car for.

Pee on the toilet seat, always a pleasant surprise in the morning. So, you reinforce "Pick up the seat!" But I gotta ask, what is the point of lifting the seat if you are not going to hit the hole? Just to leave a flood for me to step in. It is a no win situation for the lonely girl in a house of boys.

Every Thursday the kids have library, "Boys, don't forget your library books!" Every day we pack lunch, "Boys, don't forget your lunch!" "Joshua, don't forget your glasses!"

"Mom, why do you say the same things everyday? You don't have to keep telling us we already know!"

Sure enough...phone rings..."Mom, I forgot my glasses." or I am reading a story in the library when my son walks in, "Mom, I forgot my lunch."

I know random stuff but this is just a small sample of my mornings this along with...

"Don't aggravate your brother!" (300X)

but it is always worth it when you walk into school and the teacher stops you to ask if you went to Florida over the weekend because your son got up and told the class that is what he did over the weekend. When she asked him how he got there, he drove with his family, of course. She explained that wasn't possible and that it was last month that he went with his family on vacation. But he insisted so she left it at that. As we laugh about the "story" and she turns to walk away she asked, "You don't have a private jet that I don't know about, do you?"

I wish...

Someone asked me today...

2010-11-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

if I kept a journal. I said no but I do have a blog and if you ever want to know what it is really like at my house just start reading past posts and they are only part of it.

...this morning as I am trying to fix my hair, I notice the kids are being too quiet. Quiet in my house usually means kids are up to no good. I come downstairs to check, sure enough, trouble! I will just say, one of our kittens has stiff fur from the spray starch! How and why do you think of such things?

...last night we walk in the door (I didn't even have my shoes off yet, that is how quick they are!), one of them heads straight upstairs, gets my hair spray and starts to spray a dollar bill to the towel chest. Why? Because I forgot to put the hair spray away shame on me.

...lately, it has been, "Mom, so and so said the f-word." Sometimes, its the b-word, s- word, or d-word. I can't handle it especially when they say it out in public! The people around us do not know that the f-word is fart, the b-word is butt, the s-word is stupid and the d-word is dumb! They just look at us a little funny.

But they are so cute...if I had a nickel for every time I heard that! Sure, they are good looking kids but unfortunately good looks does not mean good behavior.

I love these kids, really, I do. When Bill and I are sitting here with nothing to fix and no one to yell at I will read this and probably cry and wish that just one more time someone would yell...

"MOM..."

I look forward to this every fall...

2010-11-02T21:02:00.003-04:00

Gimme a V...

2010-10-24T20:59:00.003-04:00

The Looman's took a family vacation. The first one ever, if you can believe that!

We stayed a five star resort, if you can believe that!

Didn't get thrown out for rowdy kids and managed to not break anything, if you can believe that!

Seriously, it was a really good time. Just give my kids water to play in and they are happy as can be! The beach is definitely the perfect spot for them. They all want to move to Florida and I am thinking they may be on to something! I am still sorting through pictures but I will definitely post them.

If I learned anything this past week it would be to not take anything for granted. I have been so blessed beyond what I deserve. God has been good to me.

My list is a mile long...

2010-10-12T14:49:00.003-04:00

...so I think I will write a blog post!

So, this past weekend we had a reception for my brother and his new wife. I love weddings. You can just feel so much love in the air and it rekindles the love in your own marriage.

It was a really nice party. They had a pig roast and Tyler said, "After seeing that pig, I'm not so sure I can eat pork anymore." I am not sure I believe him. Isaiah was so stinkin' cute. He found out that if you rattle the party favors the bride and groom had to kiss. In middle of eating dinner he stands up on his chair, yells "Uncle Matt!" Then, "shake, shake shake" He sits down and laughs then does it all over again, he is a ham! Jacob sang some karaoke. He did really good but I think he had a slight case of stage fright. Of course, I start crying during the mother/son dance. I think it was the song, "My wish" by Rascal Flatts. I lost it, but all the people who came up and hugged me they must have known because they all said the same thing, "Sherry, she's here and she's watching." Am I that transparent? Anyway, Bill had to leave right after dinner to head to Boulder. It really is no fun at a reception without a date. But we made it through and I just want to wish my brother and Lindsay all the best. My advice was not to take a day for granted, marriage is a wonderful thing!

Now, that I can check "blog" off my list...maybe I should start packing for Florida?!?

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2010-09-28T13:24:00.002-04:00

Last weekend my husband took me on an adventure!

For me it was all inclusive:

~Dinner

~Champagne

~Candlelight
~Presents

~A Canoe Ride

~Horseback Riding

~Shopping

~Roses

~And my Forever Love!

Now...

2010-09-22T13:24:00.000-04:00

that's a scary thought!

Warning: A little mushy!

2010-09-20T11:20:00.007-04:00

I just want to dedicate a blog post to my husband.

I know that I don't say it often enough but I have a great husband and I am so glad he is mine.

I know that we sometimes fight and disagree but I know there is no place I'd rather be.

I know I did nothing to deserve him but I do know that we were meant to be together.

I love you Bill Looman

(If you wanna sing along just click on the play button to the right)

I pinch myself sometimes to make sure I'm not in a dream
That's how it seems
I close my eyes and breathe in the sweetest moments I've ever known
It feels like home
And here I am I want to be your everything
There you are
Turning winter into spring

And everyone that sees you
Always wants to know you
And everyone that knows you
Always has a smile
You're standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing
Yeah
I just call you mine

I fall apart
Just a word from you just somehow
seems to fix
Whatever's wrong
Oh, you reach into the weakest moments
And remind me that I'm strong
You've got to know
I'd be a fool not to see you even worse
To forget that you're more than I deserve

Cause everyone that sees you
Always want's to know you
And everyone that knows you
Always has a smile
You're standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing
Yeah
I just call you mine

Nothing makes sense when you're not here
As if my whole world disappears
Without you what's the point of it

Cause everyone that sees you
Always want's to know you
And everyone that knows you
Always has a smile
You're the dream that I've been chasin' after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing
I just call you mine
Everyone calls you amazing
I just call you mine
("I just call you mine" by Martina McBride)

Fishin' with Uncle Jon

2010-09-13T09:30:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, Jon wanted to take the kids to a fishing derby. The kids like to fish...me, not so much...but if it meant spending time with Uncle Jon, how can you say no?

It actually was pretty nice. The weather was perfect. The kids got a little lesson on fishing and their own fishing pole.

Jacob getting the worm so Uncle Jon could put it on the hook.

Not mom!

Joshua patiently waiting.
Tyler and Jacob also patiently waiting.
Joshua's patience paid off for Fish #1!
Isaiah...could he have a bite?
Come on mom leave me alone!

No bite yet, but I'll pose with my dad!

Now what? Oh, another picture!

Jacob caught his first catch...some seaweed!

Tyler needed more worms cause he just kept drowning them

Oh no! Joshua's second fish got away!

Phew! He got it back!

I am not sure if that is dirt or worm guts but he wears it well!

Jacob's second catch...darn it! More seaweed!

The Ohio State Fair

2010-09-11T16:10:00.003-04:00

I think Isaiah has a "quiver in his liver"

I know I am a little behind but...it happens.

The kids really enjoyed the fair this year. I remember one year we bought wristbands for them and it was a total waste of money. They cried and refused to get on any ride! This year we bought tickets and when it was all said and done, buying wristbands would have been cheaper. They wanted to ride every ride they passed!

2010-09-09T10:13:00.003-04:00

Happy 8th Bithday

Jacob!

Even though, he has been know to drive me crazy at times...I love this kid and wouldn't want him any other way!

And the names are...

2010-09-03T14:31:00.003-04:00

Okay, so my kids picked names for all the kittens. I don't know where they came up with some of them.

"Buster", "Sylvester", and "Precious"

" Max" (I like to call him Pumpkin)

"James" (???)
"Buster" in the shoe bin
"Sylvester" and "Precious" or is it
"Precious" and "Sylvester"

He thinks he is spiderman.

A few days with Grandma and Grandpa

2010-08-29T20:49:00.003-04:00

The kids and I spent some time with my parents a couple weeks ago. We went camping and to deer park. I don't know what it is about camping but kids love it. I used to go more often but I dont remember it being so much work!

We took the to the beach at the lake. They had a blast but it was nothing like the beaches of Dominica Republic!

Isaiah started a sea weed collection?!?

My mom cracks me up! She just walked in the water...in her clothes?!?

Oh, what a mess!

Tyler in his beach attire?!?

Hmmm? To go in or not to go in?

Wow! it's been a while...

2010-08-27T10:08:00.003-04:00

So, I have no idea where to start.

Let's start with school...the kids are off to another year of getting smarter! Tyler went off to tenth grade, talk about time flying. A friend of mine made a comment on facebook when she saw his picture about coming to the hospital when I had him. I remember, not to sound cliche but,

DON'T BLINK! I remember it all so well and to think that same little baby is now bigger than me.

Jacob, oh Jacob, is in second grade. I have a feeling he is going to soar. He is so smart it amazes me. For open house, last night, he had to write about his first day of school and in the journal entry it said how he was feeling shy about second grade and how he was so nervous he almost passed out and fell over! He even said he wished his mom or dad could have stayed with him. I guess somewhere deep down he really likes us!

Joshua is in first grade. His teacher said he is doing good so far. He is not used to not being able to eat ALL day long. So, when he comes home he is tired and extra hungry. This morning after breakfast he asked me if I like it when he tells me about his day, I don't like it, I LOVE IT! It is ironic that he asked me that because just this morning I read this poem Jacob's teacher sent home...

Take A Moment To Listen Today

Take A Moment To Listen Today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
Or they won't be there to listen to you.

Listen to their problems, listen to their needs
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds.
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what's the matter, find out what they're after

But tell them that you love them, every single night,
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them tight
Tell them, 'Everything's all right --
Tomorrow's looking bright!

Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
And they will come back to listen to you.

And really, don't blink!

That was an experience...

2010-08-06T14:42:00.008-04:00

in more ways than one!

Experience #1
We took the kids roller skating for the first time last week...

Isaiah took is skates off faster than we could put them on! He was not as crazy as the rest of us!

Joshua on the other hand, wants a pair of skates! He really had fun and didn't want to leave!

Tyler...wouldn't even try.
Jacob...eventually did try but I wasn't able to get pictures because I was out there making a fool out of myself!

Experience #2

The skating rink was not in the best of neighborhoods and right before we got there we witnessed road rage! I didn't really think people carried guns but they do. The next time you have the urge to cut someone off...think twice!

Graeter's Ice Cream

2010-08-03T10:49:00.002-04:00

While in Columbus, we stopped to have ice cream at Graeter's. We wanted to try something different and it was pretty good. It is a good thing we decided to sit outside, though. And thank goodness we had wipes in the car!

Tyler didn't make that big of a mess.

Jacob also did okay.
Joshua...a little messier.
Then, there is Isaiah...need I say more!

I couldn't help but take a picture of his flip flop. He, obviously, thought it would enjoy some ice cream!

More than I bargained for...

2010-07-31T12:56:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I turned away a kitten from a friend because I wasn't sure I was ready to have a cat. We would have to get it declawed and spayed. Plus, we were leaving town for a week and didn't know how it would do alone in the house.

Well, the week before there was a stray cat who kept coming to our back door. At first, it ran from me, so I fed it and it became my friend. A few years ago, we had another stray we were going to keep and our neighbor took it and dropped it off on the other side of town and I never saw it again. I didn't want that to happen to this cat so we brought it in the house, she was a good cat, a little lazy and skittish, but good. We have no idea how old she is but she is thin but her belly seemed big. We attempted to take her to the vet last week, but she scratched Bill, pretty good, when he tried to get her in the car and ran off for the day. She came back that night. We had to leave for our trip and decided the vet could wait until next week.

Well...

We asked my parents to check on things while we went out of town. We got the call on Thursday!

Oh yeah, five of them! Anyone want a cat?

July 25th

2010-07-25T13:52:00.002-04:00

Today is a day that has forever changed my life. Instead of being sad, I want to take the time to celebrate my sister's life.

Yesterday, on Facebook, I asked you to share a memory of Mandy and here is what you had to say...

Marcia Marshall~i can only think of her laughter and sweet smile right now. she's so sweet. she is one of our saintly connections to Heaven.

Rebecca Reynolds~I just love when Mandi would always smile and just roll her eyes when Jon was being his silly self!

Cassie Jebber~I remember her blushing. And giggling every time she felt embarrassed. Oh How I loved watching her face turn the brightest shade of crimson. She turned bashful so easy and I miss that so much. I love you Sherry. I miss you Mandy

Heather Galioto~A very short time before Mandy went to be w/ her Heavenly Father...her and Jon stopped by our home. We sat in the house and visited and laughed and laughed. Mandy's heart and spirit are unmatched!!! Kev and I also came across some photos from M & J's wedding and that time we went to the pumpkin patch. I also look at my girls on occasion and pray that they have a sisterly relationship that mirrors yours and Mandy's. Love and prayers to you Sherry tonight and every night!

David Walter~I used to have a great time with Mandi and Jon after Pageant practices at On Tap.... She was a great person...and will always be missed.

Chrissie Hahn~Oh where do I begin...she is a one of a kind person who has touched my life forever. The other day I was thinking of her and tonight too. I remember when we took our vacations with each other at the beach. Her face when it lit up over silly... things and the many many times we laughed together and the crazy stuff we did. Memories with her go on and on. Grace found a picture today of Mandy that I had and was asking about her and I told her that she is a special person that loved her very much! Sherry I am here if you need to talk anytime.

Bill Looman~I remember, before Sherry and I got married, I was teasing Mandy about something and this timid, easily embarrassed soft spoken girl (who was obviously a WWE fan) gave me the "crotch chop". I also remember once, Jon and I were out doing something (don't remember what) and when we got home, her and Sherry were on the floor with a bunch of empty wine cooler bottles acting all liquored up. She is a very special girl who loved her husband, family and niece and nephew's very much and without condition. She was the little sister I never had. I miss you Amanda Sue!

When I think of my sister, I think of her big heart. I have never met a person with a bigger, kinder heart. She cared about even the spiders that made it into her house, (me, I vacuumed them, her, she put them in a cup and returned them outside). Every time, I had a problem, she had the answer. When I wanted to quit, she kept me going. When I needed a shoulder, hug or tissue to wipe my eyes, there she was. When I just wanted to talk, she listened. When I needed a break from my kids, she babysat.

I miss her everyday. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about her, wished I could hear her voice and give her the biggest hug ever.

I love you and I miss you

Manda Sue, Mandalena, Aunt Manden, Aunt Mandy

Amanda Sue Starnes

Many different names, One great girl!

Where did it go?

2010-07-23T20:40:00.009-04:00

Summer vacation is just flying by. It is hard to believe school starts in just a little more than a month.

I wish I could add a couple more weeks because there is so much more I want to do.

I want to take my kids to the Safari. I found one that you don't have to take your car through. I am excited about that. Isaiah has been asking to go and we have been putting it off in order to save my car. Hopefully, this Safari is just as good and from the looks of the website it is.

I want to have a "Lightning Bug Party," yeah, you heard me right. I think I saw the idea in Family Fun Magazine. You invite your friends with their kids, have S'mores, then the kids catch lightning bugs and the one who catches the most gets a prize of some sort. I thought it was such a cute idea and I will get to it!

I want to take the kids to the beach or water park. It is something they love. I have never seen kids who like the water as much as mine. They will swim for eight hours straight!

My mom likes to take them to Deer Park every year. She has a few days off next month and is planning on going.

I know by the size of this list that it must sound like we have done nothing this summer but we have been busy and have already done so much.

I guess I am just a little sad summer is coming to an end and the kids will be in school. Some days, I think I would love a break from them but others I am sad because I like spending time with them.

2010-07-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Jacob made this card and brought it into our bedroom early this morning. I don't know what the occasion was, I guess he was feeling thankful because I didn't do anything special to deserve it.

(The sideways writing says, "By the way, never take a shark to the dentist." It is the title of a book I bought him. It is full of things you shouldn't do like take a giraffe to the movies or play checkers with a spider.)

The Goldfish Catch...

2010-07-19T11:24:00.002-04:00

As crazy as it sounds, we love to go to the goldfish catch! The place is an absolute mad house but it is worth it. The kids love getting in the water and catching those fish. This year we caught about 15. We had one left from last year. I don't think he likes his new company, he hides at the bottom of the tank. He may be mad at us. I always thought he was lonely but I guess not!

Anyway, it has been a very emotional, crazy, busy month and I am honestly glad it is almost over.

Like I said in my previous post, distractions have been nice but sometimes reality smacks you in the face and you realize you can't run from things.

Distractions

2010-07-07T11:27:00.003-04:00

Usually, I am not a big fan of distractions but this past weekend I didn't mind at all.

Friday night, we went to Rockin' on the River. The band was not the greatest but we did meet up with some good friends and had a good time.

Saturday, I did some baking for church, we did some shopping, then, that night our neighbors came over to swim. We enjoyed a fire, pizza, and maybe, a few drinks.

Sunday, we went to church, came home and swam (and maybe we had a drink or two) until our neighbors brought us dinner and then, it was off to Blossom for fireworks.

Monday, Uncle Jon came over for breakfast. We went to the parade. The kids love the parade but, me not so much, especially when it is 90 outside! We left before it was over and you are not going to believe it but we came home and swam!

Somewhere in there, I did take time to think about my sister and how, if she were here with us, we would have have the same busy weekend. The only difference, we would have had a party with a big cake to celebrate her turning the big 30!

What a cry baby...

2010-07-02T13:56:00.002-04:00

I am such a cry baby at times it blows my mind.

My kids were at basketball camp this week and I tried to get there early when I picked them up so I could watch a little bit.

When I got there yesterday, they were playing a game and every time one of them attempted a shot, I fought tears back. Then, they had a relay race. They had to dribble down the court, make a basket (or try until they made it), dribble to half court and slam dunk then bounce pass to the next guy. Well, I was wondering how many times they would shoot before they made it...they made it on the first try! I have tears in my eyes, seriously, what is wrong with me?

And speaking of tears, afterwards, Jacob ran right by me and into the hall while I waited for Joshua. Joshua and I walked downstairs. No Jacob. Out to the front desk. No Jacob. So, we walked back upstairs thinking maybe he went to the drinking fountain. No Jacob. Back down the stairs we go to see if he was at the desk or if someone had seen a lost boy. As we are walking down the stairs, he is walking up with a lady that works there. He is crying, hysterically! He thought I had left him?!? I don't get it, I have never left him anywhere alone. When we got out to the truck I asked him if he liked that scared feeling and if he learned anything?

You can bet that today after camp, he stayed right by my side!

How would you feel if...

2010-06-30T18:54:00.004-04:00

I knew the question was coming. I knew in my mind it would only be a matter of time. I didn't know when but I wasn't expecting it yesterday.

July is not an easy month for me anymore. I don't think I live in the past. I don't dwell on things. I have tried to get on with life. I don't think it is taking me too long because I don't think I ever will get over it. Some days are harder than others but most I get by. No words can express to you how much I love my sister and how very much I miss her. Not a day goes by, that I don't. I have great friends who try to help me through, they listen to me and let me cry. But sometimes, I don't know how to move on. I don't know how to accept the next phase of life.

***

"How would you feel if Jon brought a date with him this weekend?"

With a lump in my throat and holding back the tears...

I know that I can't expect him to be alone forever.

"Nothing serious, just a friend."

I don't know what you expect my answer to be. I don't know how I feel. I can't just go replace my sister!

"He's not asking you to and

he wants to be sensitive to you."

It is the wrong weekend for me. I really don't know how I feel about it.

"Okay, I guess that answers my question."

Okay

(click)

Off the phone, up to my room, and the uncontrollable tears flow and flow and flow.

I guess that was my answer, no, I am not ready.

I love Jon and I know he is lonely and hurting but I am glad he understands.

Maybe someday...

Oh...

2010-06-24T17:12:00.001-04:00

just because I thought it was cute and it's my blog and I can do what I want!

He'll be a butterfly, someday

2010-06-23T18:23:00.005-04:00

but for now he is my caterpillar.

"Why?!?!"

Seems to be the word of the month!

"Do you love me?"....why?

"Dad, do you have to go to work?"....why?

"Tyler, am I your buddy?"....why?

"Is it raining outside?"....why?

I don't always have all the answers to his questions but today when he was standing on my feet dancing with me in the kitchen and looked up at me and said,

"Mom, do want me to stay little?"

I knew the answer

"Yes, son, you know that I do."

"Why?"

"Because if you get too big you won't be able to stand on my feet and dance with me."

The day is coming when it will all be a memory. He is going to spread his wings and fly.

I heard this song today and as I fought back tears I thought on my kids...

"You're gonna be"

by Reba McEntire

6lbs and 9oz. lookin' up at me

Like I have all the answers

I hope I have the ones you need

I've never really done this,

now I know what scared is

Sometimes I'll protect you from everything that's wrong

Other times I'll let you just find out on your own

But that's when you'll be growin',

And the whole time I'll be knowin

(chorus)

You're gonna fly, with every dream you chase

You're gonna cry, but know that that's okay

Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there

You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good

We just have to believe things work out like they should

Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me

You're gonna be

I'm afraid you'll have to suffer through some of my mistakes

Lord knows I'll be trying to give you what it takes

What it takes to know the difference

Between getting by and livin'

‘Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way

Just know you'll have to live with all the choices that you make

So make sure you're always givin' way more than you're takin'

(chorus)

You're gonna be

Someone's everything

You're gonna see

Just what you are to me

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase

We just have to believe things work out like they should

Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me

You're gonna be

Always loved by me

The rest of the story...

2010-06-16T10:00:00.009-04:00

Thursday morning we packed up the kids and headed to Columbus. We planned on going to Cosi and then off to the zoo on Friday morning. Thursday went as planned. Cosi is a very "hands on" place and the kids really enjoyed it.

Isaiah was in waterpipe heaven! The point was to build a waterline from the wall spigot to the metal bowl. He eventually got there with a little help from daddy!

This is Tyler using a pulley to pull himself up.

They got to climb down into a submarine.

Tyler is riding the Gravity Unicyle. It was a unicyle on a tight wire that you rode back and forth from the second floor...he was a little nervous but he set aside his fear of heights and went for it!

This was another pulley and, yes, they really did lift that car!

After that it was off to the hotel for some pizza and swimming. I don't know why but my kids love to stay in hotels.

Friday morning we headed to the zoo. The weather man said it wasn't going to rain until that evening, he was wrong! We got to the zoo and decided to see the aquarium first when we came out it was pouring! So, we ran from one building to the next hoping that when we came out of one the rain would stop but, no such luck. We then went, had our hand stamped so we could reenter if we wanted and took the kids to see The Karate Kid. (I had to laugh the other day when a friend said her kids had carnival food for dinner because my kids had popcorn for lunch this day! Terrible, I know!). After the movie, the rain actually stopped so we went back to the zoo. We ended up enjoying the rest of our day that rain wasn't going to bring us down!

Oh, and by the way, we stopped and had a huge dinner on the way home! One way to guarantee your kids will finish dinner...feed them popcorn at lunch!
(Really, I don't recommend that!)

Our little vacation

2010-06-12T12:56:00.004-04:00

Bill took last week off work and we decided to take advantage of our time together.

We packed a lunch and went to the Akron zoo on Tuesday. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

On Wednesday, we took the kids to the Natatorium to go swimming. They have a really nice pool with a water slide and a kiddie area. Tyler and Jacob really enjoyed the slide. Joshua was just an inch to short but he didn't care, he spent his time in the kiddie pool with Isaiah. I am so impressed by this picture of Isaiah, to get him to look at the camera when you take his picture is a good day but to get in looking and smiling...that is a miracle!

We spent the next two days in Columbus. We had a really good time and we were not about to let the weather rain on our parade!

What a lovely start

2010-06-06T13:13:00.002-04:00

to summer vacation!

I started our summer vacation out in the hospital. I had a bladder infection that turned into a kidney infection that was being resistant to antibiotics. Found out I am allergic to some medication and passed a kidney stone somewhere along the way! That is an experience I do not want to go through again. To top it off they were dragging their feet about releasing me even though they told me the infection had cleared up. My husband had to go in there and pretty much tell them to take the IV out of my arm because he was taking me home.

Then, last night someone vandalized our pool. The one thing that makes our kids happiest over summer vacation now has a 3 inch puncture in the side. Bill is out there draining it, patching it, and refilling it. I don't think I have to tell you how happy he is!

It is only Day 3 of summer vacation, I hope this isn't a sign of how it is going to be!

"Great Protector"

2010-05-17T16:57:00.003-04:00

The other day I was listening to Jacob and Joshua playing hot wheels together. I hear Jacob say, "Can I borrow your shot gun? I need to shoot a deer." Joshua says, "Just don't shoot the babies...(pause)...and don't shoot the moms either!" So, I ask him why he doesn't want Jacob to "shoot" the moms and he says, "Because they are protecting their babies!" I then asked him if people moms are the same way and he said yes.

It's funny that he said that because Bill calls me the "Great Protector" and maybe I am. If I could I would never let any hurt come into my kids lives. I know that is not possible but what kind of mom would I be, if my natural instinct wasn't to protect. Nothing hurts me more than seeing them go through something that is out of my control or something I don't have answers for.

And just a random tidbit: The other day we were at Steak-n-Shake and there was this couple who were senior citizens. They were sitting next to each other, sharing their food and talking to each other...I hope that I am in love like that after all the kids have gone. It was so nice to see love that is forever.

My coupon book

2010-05-10T17:10:00.002-04:00

For Mother's Day this year, Jacob made me a coupon book at school. I just thought I would share with you the coupons I get to choose from.

~I will clean my room

(He forgot to add without arguing and complaining)

~I will make you breakfast

(Bill said, "Oh no!")

~We will take a walk

(Oh, will we?)

~I will let you choose the game

(At first,I was confused but then figured out he was talking about the Wii)

~I will let you pick a show

(This one really made me laugh because the DVR in our living room might as well be labeled, for kids only, because I am not sure there is a show recorded for anyone over the age of 8)

I am sure that I will forever cherish that book, never "cashing" in a coupon because I don't want to rip it.

Life ain't always beautiful...

2010-05-05T11:31:00.002-04:00

...sometimes you fight with your husband

...sometimes your teenage son makes you cry

...sometimes your kids tell you to leave them alone

...sometimes when you love someone you have to let them fall as long as they know you are there to catch them

...sometimes life is just hard

but there is always tomorrow and chances are it will be better.

For about the last four years this bird and its mate have made a home on our front porch. That is when I know it is spring. For me, spring reminds me of new beginnings. Often I find myself in a rut, sometimes I think the situation I am going through is the way it's going to be. But as sure as the flowers are going to bloom and those birds are going to come back, things come and go.

And sometimes, no, most times, life is beautiful!

Sometimes I need to be reminded of that

2010-04-28T10:22:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!!

Yesterday, was Joshua's birthday. To celebrate the day and hold him over until his party on Saturday, we had dinner at Dairy Queen and brought home a cake.

I don't know where the time goes, it doesn't seem like this...
was all that long ago!

Go ahead and laugh at me...

2010-04-23T09:41:00.002-04:00

almost everyone else has.

Okay, so most of you know this but those of you who don't get ready for a laugh!

Last Friday, I cut my finger while washing my food processor blade. At first I tried to hide it from Bill (I don't know why). So, I ran upstairs to "check" out the situation on my own. Not a good idea, too much blood for me. Then, I go back down stairs with my finger wrapped in a towel and tell Bill, "I cut myself and I am going to pass out!" He tells me to sit on the dining room chair.

I am crying and yelling at him because I can't see and my stomach is sick. He is trying to put a band aid on and I start to fall over, he carries me to the couch. All the time I am yelling at him because somehow this is all his fault!

My poor children...Tyler was turning green because he is as bad as me when it comes to blood, Jacob thought I was dying (his words), and poor Joshua is crying because he is so worried about me. Isaiah, well, he was probably flushing something down the toilet!

But back to the story, after I come back to reality, we eat dinner and I ask Bill to take the band aid off because it is too tight and my finger is throbbing. He said, "No" What?!? I said, "Take this band aid off and change it." So, he says, "They can take it off at the hospital when I take you in to get stitches." Oh no, that is not happening so I start to feel sick again and put my head between my knees and tell him, "I can not get stitches, I think I am going to puke!" I didn't and we left.

The hospital was another story. Have you ever had two needles stuck in the base of your finger? Pukey again! So, anyway, long story short it got numb the doctor came in and I said, "DO NOT tell me what you are doing, just do it." I did not need the play by play.

Two hours, two stitches, an numb finger, $150, and a HUGE bandage later we head home.

Now, let me just tell you, I have given birth 3 times without so much as a Tylenol. It doesn't make sense to me either but these stitches are due to come out within the next day or so and the very thought is making me sick. I am not quite sure I am going to get through it without passing out again!

Enjoy the laugh!

Boy did I let him down!

2010-04-21T09:09:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Isaiah was looking through a magazine we got in the mail from the zoo. He was asking me where the lions and tigers live and I told him in Africa. Then, it was the bears and foxes, I said I guess they would be in the forest. He is content with my answers and goes on his way.

Later, I am going to the florist to get flowers for the secretary at school and I asked Jacob if he wanted to go but Isaiah insisted on going instead. When we get in the car I realize why he wanted to to go...he thought we were off to the forest to see all the animals!

Rock climbers in the making!

2010-04-16T10:02:00.003-04:00

This is how we play basketball...

2010-04-07T21:08:00.002-04:00

at our house...

In a football helmet, of course!

Storytellers...that''s what they are!

2010-04-06T17:34:00.002-04:00

I often worry about the stories my kids especially Isaiah are going to tell. I have heard some good ones but I know the truth, other people may scratch their heads!

Some of their stories are believable, the exaggerated truth let's say. But others are just funny.

Today, Isaiah's teacher stopped me to tell me about his story. I said "Oh no, here we go." She said she asked him where he got the scrape on his arm (The truth: he scraped it climbing a tree at his uncles house). He told her, "I got it playing football, Ochocinco knocked me down!" (For those who don't know Ochocinco plays for the Cincinnati Bengals). She thought it was so funny! Me...well, I was just glad it wasn't something else! I say that because as I am typing this he is playing with Play Doh...rolling what I would call "snakes" but not him!

March...

2010-03-30T11:17:00.003-04:00

March is a busy birthday month for me. My grandma was born in March and so were both of my parents. My mom on the 17th and my dad on the 28th.

This year my mom had a surprise party for my dad who turned 60. It turned out really nice. The hardest part was getting him out of the house without a reason. He was actually surprised which surprised me because he doesn't get surprised easy...did you catch that? Anyway, when we were little (and even today) it was impossible to buy a gift that he didn't guess.

Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PARENTS!

(I owe it all to you because without you there would be no me)

Look at the lovely artwork?

2010-03-19T09:26:00.004-04:00

This is one of Joshua's pictures from the art show at school...

This is one of Jacob's...

And this...

is the artwork our neighbor left in our yard.
(It's cat litter from his driveway!)

I don't know if you will but I thought it was

2010-03-17T13:48:00.002-04:00

FUNNY!

Isaiah was going to the bathroom the other day and some how got a little "something" on his leg. When I went up there I asked him how it got there and he said, "Tyler pooped on my leg!" He still insists that it was Tyler even though Tyler was around. But it makes me wonder, not if Tyler did it, but who else has he said it to? Kids will tell you anything!

Joshua is funny too. I finally have him watching the Cavs with me again and most of the times he will root for them unless the team they are playing against happens to be wearing his favorite color of the day. The other night went the Cavs were playing the Celtics he was the best fan until the next day when he got upset with me then he tells me, "Mom, you know that team the Cavs played, they are my new favorite team!" All my hard work, down the drain!

This time change has messed up Jacob. He is usually the first one up before 6:30 every morning. The morning after the time change, he slept until 7:30 and when I woke him up he was surprised just thinking he slept in. The next morning, after sleeping until 7:30 again, he says, "Mom, I don't know what is wrong with me, I keep sleeping so late!" I don't see anything wrong, I like it.

Then there is Tyler, he can be a stinker too! I was sick in bed on Sunday. When I finally surfaced and came out of my room, I jokingly said to Tyler, "You're going to miss me when I'm gone." He nonchalantly says, "Yep, who's gonna do my laundry?" I guess I asked for it!

Right out of his mouth

2010-03-04T12:58:00.003-05:00

I remember not to long ago, Joshua was my blanket baby. We thought we were going to have problems taking them from him but he eventually stopped carrying them. As a matter of fact, I just found them under his bed and when he saw them he said,"Remember when I used to carry those little blankets around, I don't carry them anymore because I'm not a baby."

OUCH!

It's the truth, he's not but...don't tell his mom.

Speaking of OUCH, the other day he told me I was fat!?!? This puzzled me because I have weighed the same since high school. I said, "Why would you say that? Do you really think I am fat?" He ever so nicely came up to me, grabbed my stomach and said, "You are skinny every where but right here!"

REALLY?!?!

The rest of me...

2010-03-02T13:53:00.002-05:00

I know that I am always talking about my kids, my husband, or my sister but rarely about the rest of my family.

I also have 4 brothers. I am the oldest and then, Michael, Mandy, Matthew, Nicholas and Jay, (my cousin who my mom got custody of when he was a baby). My fourth brother died as a baby when he was 5 months old. I never really understood why. Not only why he was sick but why God put a baby in this world to live for such a short time, it makes no sense to me. I know I may never know the answers to all the questions I have but one thing I am certain of is, he and my sister have been reunited and they are waiting for the rest of us.

My parents are also a big part of who I am today. We never had much growing up but we always had plenty. Now, that I have kids of my own and realize how hard it is to take care of them, I have found a new respect for the sacrifices my parents made for us. My mom stayed home with us while my dad went to work. I never knew what hard work was until I became a stay at home mom after I got married. It is a very rewarding but difficult job. My dad has always been a hard worker but is now unemployed. It is hard for him to sit at home and see my mom go to work everyday because that is no the man he has ever been. I am thankful for them because they have made me who I am today. I just wish there was more I could do to help them because it seems like when it rains it pours. I am not sure when or if ever my dad will work again. I know they will make it through this but the road has been hard. Some how, some way, they will make it. They have made it this far, almost 39 years, through one trial after the other, losing 2 children along the way. I could never imagine and hope I never have to feel that pain.

Remembering my childhood and watching them now I know there is no problem to big. We are all faced with trials. There is always a way out, it may not be easy but it is just something we go through and come out on the other side a better person.

It'll be spring someday!

2010-02-16T20:49:00.001-05:00

I just don't know when!

Don't you wish your girlfriend was

2010-02-09T14:32:00.002-05:00

HOT LIKE ME!

HA HA HA HA HA

That is the song of the week at our house. I don't know why all of the sudden they are singing it. We haven't watched Alvin and the Chipmunks lately.

I have been listening to my kids play lately and it is so funny the things they say when they don't know you are listening. Right now, as I type, in between batches of snickerdoodles, Joshua is playing Madden on the Wii and is alternating between that song and another he is singing in school..."A...you're adorable, B...you're so beautiful, C...you're a cutie full of charm..."

Isaiah has a very good imagination but he also has a "lost and never to be found again until we move unless he threw it away box" somewhere around this house. I really wish I could find it because we are missing some things around here that I really need! The base of my coffee pot, our coasters, a piece to the vacuum...where, oh where, could they be? When I ask him he looks at me like I am crazy. I am but that's another story for another day. Some day, we will find it long after we buy a replacement.

Back to the cookies but remember not to lose your inner child, imagination is a great thing.

Today...

2010-01-31T12:48:00.002-05:00

I often think about the people in my life that God has put there for a particuliar reason. On this day, just a few years ago, my future husband was born. It is amazing to me that God knew that day even though I wasn't born yet that we would be together. He knew that we would meet one day, fall in love, get married and be who we are today. Even though, I often enjoy giving him a hard time about our age difference (like when I was in kindergarten, he was in 8th grade). We were meant to be right where we are. Our lives took us in separate directions, we were in very different places at different times. But none of that matters, what matters now is that we have found each other and I am a happy girl because of it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL!

I love you and I am thankful for you today and always!

With every fiber in my body...

2010-01-16T21:46:00.003-05:00

First, let me start by saying today we went to Bill's brothers house to celebrate his parents 50th wedding anniversary! I can not even imagine it. When I hugged her I said, "You are a good woman!" Bill said,"She is proof that you can make it 50 years with a Looman man, in case you are having doubts." You know, I love my husband with every fiber in my body. I could never imagine my life with out him. I have absolutely no doubt that as long as we are alive we will make it. It is amazing the effect another person can have on your life. When we have an argument, sometimes it feels like my world is falling apart. But when all is well, life is great.

Anyway, they had a nice little party. It was supposed to be a surprise but someone spilled the beans. I don't stress out as bad when we travel anymore because the kids are getting older and don't get into as much mischief. Isaiah really is the only one we have to keep a close eye on. He is nonstop fun! We were all sitting in they family room, everyone chit chatting, and he comes up to Bill's aunt and calls her a "tuba fart!" She laughs, we tell her it could be worse. Over Christmas break, we had our pastor and his family over for dinner, after dinner we were watching the Cavs game and Isaiah sat next to him on the couch, lifted his little butt cheek and "tuba tooted" on his leg! I gotta tell with every fiber in my body...I LOVE THAT KID!

God's will?

2010-01-14T10:58:00.005-05:00

Recently, Bill asked a question on facebook about choosing the sex of a baby...do you think it is wrong? The post drew a lot of responses and a bunch of them had to do with God's will. So...my little brain started ticking. God's will is tricky, do we really know what it is or are we just trying to impose ours? I know there are times when there is a "burning bush" in front of us and then we can be sure but other times God's will is confusing. There was a lot of talk about "playing God" and how you shouldn't do it but, are you really looking at it from all angles? What about things like "the pill?" Why is it okay to prevent having babies? Is that not playing God? You are choosing to keep from having a baby that you don't want to have. If it is God's will that is what you are concerned about then why not trust Him after all, He won't give you anything you can't handle...Right? How about terminal illness? What about cancer? You all know that this is a disease that has hit home with me. God willed Mandy to have cancer. She trusted Him, went to doctors who tried to help her. She used modern technology to try to prolong and possibly save her life. Was she "playing God" because she didn't let nature take it's course. Before considering it wrong look at the big picture, put yourself in the other persons shoes. I don't think it is wrong to increase your odds, people do it everyday. I know this is my opinion and I would never push it on anyone. I am talking as a mom of 4 healthy boys, who I love and am thankful for, but I would be lying if I told you I don't have a yearning for a little girl. My boys were given to me by God and I wouldn't want it any other way. I am sure there are thousands of people who have always dreamed of a little girl (or boy) and if modern technology can help them fulfil a dream, why not take advantage of it if that is their prerogative?

Sledding

2010-01-12T13:54:00.004-05:00

Last Friday was a snow day for the kids. My mom called and asked if I wanted to take them sledding. Here are a few pictures from the day in no real order.

It is hard enough to walk up the hill on your own imagine pulling Isaiah.

Better get out of his way, he stopped for no one!
Grandma and Joshua

Grandpa giving a helping hand.

I know he is smiling here but he was not happy about being out in the cold. He gets that from his mom!

Jacob having a blast!
Full speed ahead!
Tyler and his snowboard have become inseparable these days!
All that work to drag the sled up the hill for the thrill of going down.

Our trip to the Festival of Lights

2010-01-09T14:25:00.004-05:00

The Monday after Christmas, we packed up the kids and headed for West Virginia for the Festival of Lights. We have been looking for a new family tradition for a while now and I think we found one. Of course, our trip was not without incident. We were all packed, ready to go, and no shoes for Jacob...they are gone, vanished into thin air! So, we put an old pair of Tyler's (size 3) boots and off we went. now, our plans included a stop at the shoe store!

We stopped at Applebee's for a late lunch and it was off to the hotel to do some swimming, one of my kids favorite pass times!

Don't ever let Bill tell you he doesn't play video games!

I thought the advent candles were pretty.

I took a picture of the Precious Moments becausse they reminded me of Mandy. She had a collection of them.

Every boy loves dinosaurs!
Isaiah loved the drive thru Tunnel of Lights.

Nothing worse than...

2010-01-08T10:47:00.005-05:00

a wet toilet seat!

That would have been another good name for my blog!

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there and because that is how I started my day. Those who have boys know exactly what I mean. Picking up the seat must be just as hard as putting it down!

So, while I am on the subject of those kids of mine...

If you read Delilah's blog you know that on New Year's Eve Isaiah, Elise and Avery (I am sure led by the infamous Isaiah) flooded our upstairs. I should have known it was too quiet! The water started leaking through the floor and onto our new bar. If you have read my blog before then you read about the first time it happened!

Last night, the kids and I watched the movie "UP!" it's a cute movie. I remember when Tyler was younger Bill took him "snipe" hunting. Now, the other three want to go. As we are watching the movie Isaiah comes and sits on my lap because he is afraid of the snipe. He pulls my feet up on the couch and says, "Don't put your feet down there, the snipe will get you." Then my tenderhearted Joshua runs behind the couch and I ask him what he is doing. He is crying and upset about another part in the movie where he thinks they are going to leave "Dug" the dog behind. And this morning Isaiah brings me a bag full of wooden blocks ("snipe food" he said). We go downstairs and he starts looking for that darn snipe again! And we had to watch the movie one more time.

After breakfast and a movie, I am sitting on the couch with Isaiah and he says "I want to give you a kiss" I jokingly say "No" and start moving my head from side to side and I am yelling for "HELP!" (No one came to my rescue, by the way). After playing around for a few minutes, he stops trying to kiss me and says "Stop screaming! You sound like a little girl!) Hmmm... I wonder where he has heard that?

Anyway, we are off to go sled riding with Grandma. Enjoy the snow everyone.

Christmas Break?

2010-01-05T19:47:00.003-05:00

They must call it a "break" because it's a break for teachers (and they deserve it). I have a new respect for teachers and what they do since I have been volunteering at the school but that is a post for a different day.

We stayed busy everyday. We caught up with friends we hadn't seen in a while (the 23rd), had my family over for Christmas Eve, went to visit Bill's family in Mingo Junction for Christmas, had an after Christmas party at my uncles house, unfortunately, had a funeral back in Mingo Junction (the 27th), spent the night in West Virginia to see the lights at Oglebay (the 28th and 29th), had our pastor and his family over (the 30th), actually let all the kids stay up for New Years with the Millers, did some shopping on the 1st and 2nd (got some great deals), and then had adult game night with the Millers (the 3rd).

I tell you all this not because I am complaining because I enjoyed every minute of our "break." Being busy is not a bad thing when you spend it with people you enjoy to be around. I just have not been able to blog and as soon as I get my camera to download I will post some pictures and fill you in on the details of our busyness.

I "elfed" my kids

2009-12-11T10:26:00.001-05:00

Isn't that wrong???

Status update

2009-12-10T10:25:00.002-05:00

Facebook asks for a status update, well, there is not enough room for an update so I will blog it.

*First, let me start by saying, Bill has been out of town all week and isn't due back until tomorrow. So, that means nonstop fun for me.

*I have been so busy I didn't even make a birthday blog for Tyler so let me first start by saying...

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY TYLER!

(I know I posted it on facebook but I needed to say it here)

*Jacob had his winter concert on Tuesday. It was very cute but, oh so crowded! How many people can they fit into the elementary school gym? It was packed! Jacob actually sang and did the motions...that is a big step for him.

*Wednesday morning Tyler started my car so I can take him to school and locked the keys in it! So, I call the police and you know it can't just go smooth! I was in tears when he told me the only way he could unlock it would leave a mark! When I called Bill after the policeman opened the door, I cried, he probably thought the car was totaled the way I was carrying on. It's fixable and only as big as this "O" but it's my car, my new car!

*Joshua got in trouble in school again (as if the car wasn't enough for one day). The boy loves to color and he keeps coloring pictures he is not supposed to color yet! Of all things to get in trouble for...coloring?!?!

*and on a different note, exactly how big does the hole in the toilet have to be before a boy can hit the target? GRRRRRR!

Goofy kids

2009-12-02T10:40:00.002-05:00

So sensitive

2009-11-28T11:01:00.002-05:00

I just recently told Joshua I didn't want him to grow up. I was just thinking about how fast they are growing. Before I know it, they are going to be grown and I just want time to slow down a little. Anyway, last night, we put him to bed and within two minutes he was downstairs, crying uncontrollably. I asked him what was wrong and he said he is afraid that he is not going to be a part of our family anymore once he grows up. He said I really want to be in this family and I don't want another one. He was afraid that once he grew up we would no longer be a family and he never wants to leave us. He wants to live here forever. So, through my tears, I tell him that some day he will be big and have a wife and kids and he won't live here but that is many years from now. That was the wrong thing to say! He insisted that he wants to live here forever because he wants to keep the same family. I told him that was fine, he could live here as long as he wanted and that no matter what I was always going to be his mommy and daddy was always going to be his daddy and we would always love him and be his family...that was the answer he wanted. So, with another hug and kiss for added security and a smile on his face, he was off to bed feeling safe and secure that he would always have his family. His sensitivity is what makes him so unique and it's what we love about him.

On a different note, I posted pictures of our remodeled kitchen on facebook. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

2009-11-20T12:34:00.004-05:00

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY ISAIAH!

Let me tell you about my day...

2009-11-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

First, I have been taking my friend Delilah's son to school some mornings. Sometimes, I just laugh at the things the 3 boys talk about in the back of the car. This morning, as we were getting ready to walk out the door the conversation went something like this:

JACOB: "Jude, are you going to play with Aidan on the playground today or are you going to chase Emma?""
JUDE: Don't you remember what I said about Monday?"
(at this time he sees me looking so I turn away and he finishes)
..."Remember I told you she wants a break from being chased until Monday"
JACOB: "Oh.."
JUDE: "But there are 3 other girls in my class that want me to chase them."
It was so funny...they are in first grade!

Then, I get them off to school and it's time for the handy man to be here. Firs,t let me back up and tell you, he cancelled on Wednesday when Bill was home and today when Bill is 4 hours away in Michigan somewhere, do you think this project is going to go smooth? Of course not! He makes a cut in the wall and starts removing plaster just to find heat ducts! Why no one thought of that before...I don't know??? So, obviously our simple project just got so much harder. Here I am freaking out (really I was), I can't get in touch with Bill and this man says to me "Well, there isn't anything I can do but patch up the hole and get out of your way" ...Oh no, that wasn't going to happen we did not rearrange our kitchen for this project to be over before it got started. So, after an hour and a half of brainstorming, we came up will a new plan but, will Bill like it? I can't give him the green light without my husband...can I? No, that would be wrong...or would it? So, I finally talk to Bill and he says "Sounds good, go ahead and do it" Really? That simple? Had I known that I would have told the handyman to go ahead 3 hours earlier and it would have been started. But instead, he has to come back tomorrow. Anyway, wish me luck my kids are all off school tomorrow and it should be interesting.

Finally, I had parent teacher conferences tonight. Bill and I have always been afraid of Jacob having behavior problems in school but his teacher said that he is a well behaved child, very respectful, and is doing very well academically. Joshua is having a few struggles but nothing to worry about. They think it's because of his ear tubes and the fact that he couldn't hear well without them. He is just a step behind but with a little work he will be back on track.

Stay tuned for pictures of the project...

Remodeling...

2009-11-16T19:05:00.003-05:00

I have wanted a "bar" in my house for a long time. One day I said to my husband, "Let's knock out that wall and build a bar." At first, he thought I was crazy...then I saw the light bulb and the wheels in his head were turning. "Okay, lets do it!" What?!?! Last week, we had someone here to put in new doors in our upstairs and while he was here Bill said,"Come tell me what you think and if you can do it." And wouldn't you know he said, "I have time next Wednesday." Yes, that is 2 days from now! So, I have barely recooped from the bathroom because that led to the bedrooms which led to the hall and now into the kitchen.

First, here is a picture of Joshua ans Isaiah's room. They wanted blue walls which was fine but we had to draw the line at the orange door!

We are planning on getting them new bedding around Christmas so then it will all come together.

Next, Bill is taking out the baseboard to put in my cabinet with the butcher block. I am painting my kitchen in yellow because my sister always wanted a yellow kitchen. I talked to her husband tonight and asked him if he had something I can have from her kitchen to put in mine. He said he would find something special.

Here is a drawing of the plans, sorry they are a little light. This is a picture from the dining room looking into the kitchen and where our new bar is going to be. As early as the end of the week I should have a picture of the finished project. Hopefully, if all goes well!

It was bound to happen...

2009-11-05T10:11:00.007-05:00

one of those posts where I talk about the other side of my life so pardon me for getting emotional.

Lately, I have been thinking about the things I have that I don't deserve and why is it that other people in my life are going through so much. I don't understand why things are the way they are. Why did God give me my husband? Someone I trust with my whole life. Someone who loves me unconditionally. When so many are just looking for someone to love them. Why are my kids healthy when so many are not, losing their life before they should? Why are some born into chaos, forced to deal with their parents stupidity? Why did He choose my sister to be sick? Why didn't He save her? Why are so many people in my life struggling? Fighting their own battles from sickness to unemployment to wayward kids. Nothing seems to make sense.

The other day, I was very upset about a lot of things and felt tears welling up. I went to pick up Joshua from school and a lady came up to me and said some things were going on in her life and she doesn't understand what God is doing.

How strange was that!

I said how ironic that you say that because I am struggling with the same thing. On the way back to our cars, I broke down and cried...right there on the street in front of a complete stranger. She hugged me and offered to pray for me. As our conversation went on I found out we both have the same name and have sisters with the same name but what really sticks out in my mind about the conversation is the part when we talked about how you never really know what is going on in someones life. They can just be going through motions but on the inside they are hurting. Do you really know what someone is going through? Do they put on a good charade? The person behind you in line at the grocery store, the mom at school, your teenage kids, your parents, maybe even your spouse. I often wonder why people act the way they do but maybe that is their way of coping. I don't know what they are dealing with. Maybe it's something they don't deserve, maybe they just found out bad news, maybe they lost someone they love, maybe they're jobless, maybe their kids are acting out. I know that this is something I need to work on in my life. Everyday I am reminded to be kind and not quick to judge because behind every person is a story and maybe just like that stranger was for me you are the person they need right there in their life at that moment.

Here's a video of a song that goes good with this post...

They don't understand

Some more fall fun

2009-11-02T16:40:00.007-05:00

I try to take the kids pictures in the leaves every year (last years can be seen here if you wanna look). This year I decided to join in the fun. Those of you who know me know that pictures are not my thing!

Joshua

Jacob
Me and two of my boys

A little silliness never hurts
Shortly after this it turned to wrestling as usual.
Isaiah with his lawn mower
I can never get a good picture of him because he never stays still! In this picture his hand is blurry because it was moving.

Jacob coming out from being buried.

Um, this is my new car...how did that get in there??

Isaiah at it again...

2009-10-30T16:25:00.002-04:00

My dad watches my kids for me on Thursday afternoon so that I am able to go read to Jacob's class in the library. Things were going okay for him until last week when Isaiah told him he was going to the bathroom and tore up the bathroom instead. Well, he came back this week and Isaiah struck again!

Since we are finishing up the bathroom remodel all of the tools, paint, and stuff is still upstairs. So, the story goes like this...

I just walked in the door and my dad says things went okay. The only thing Isaiah did was bring Bill's drill downstairs and my dad put it up. Well, as he is telling me this I am wondering "Where is he now?" So, I go to check on him and as I am going up the stairs he is coming down and says "THAT WAS FUN!!!" I say, "What was fun?" He says, "I painted my TD!" Oh yes, that little booger opened the paint and painted the TV in his room along with part of the dresser, part of the wall, and door frame. As if that wasn't enough, he used one of my new white towels to clean some of his mess (he couldn't have grabbed the green one that matches the paint perfectly!) I have no pictures because dad and I had to hurry and clean it up before it dried!

No real harm done, it all came off but I may have lost a babysitter over it. My poor dad...

My new bathroom

2009-10-29T09:17:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday, my husband decided to do this to our bathroom...

Now, he did tell me he was planning on redoing it but I had no idea he was just going to gut it one morning! After he took everything out, we went to buy everything we needed to put it back together. We had a bucket in the basement for the boys and I ran to McDonald's when necessary.

I stepped outside my box with this project. I am, or so I thought I was, the neutral type but I think I may have started something. Now, I want to paint the rest of the house. Anyway, here is what it looks like now. All that is left are the baseboards and towel racks.

Well....

2009-10-23T13:46:00.005-04:00

It' not because I don't have anything to write about...it's just finding the time!
We took the kids to Kalahari last weekend. It was fun and they really loved it. Bill and I had no time to relax though so it was definitely a kids weekend!

Tyler and Joshua standing under the big bucket that dumps water after it fills up.

Tyler did try to surf but that didn't work out so well. He needs a little more practice but he did good on the boogie board.

Jacob walking across the lily pads. Poor Joshua was so upset he was about an inch too short.

Isaiah loved the little kiddie area.

Joshua being a ham!

Tyler and the big cement elephant.

The whole crew in front of the big rhino in the lobby.

A trip to the fire station

2009-10-15T09:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I walked to the fire station with Isaiah and Elise's preschool class. They got to hear about fire safety, see a fire man in all his gear and sit in a firetruck.

Their teachers assistant says to me..."I think Isaiah and Elise are really good friends." I told her that her mom and I are good friends. Anyway, there they are on the back of the truck.

And here they are inside...

Onions!

2009-10-07T13:18:00.003-04:00

It is not new news to anyone who knows us but for those of you who don't...our family doesn't eat onions. Bill is allergic to them, I have never liked them (worked out perfect for us), Tyler will eat them but the rest of the kids will not. I like the smell of cooked onions, I have chopped my share working at an Italian restaurant. We have never forced our will on our kids but for some reason they don't like them especially Jacob. Last night, we stopped at Wendy's to eat dinner. Jacob and Joshua ordered the cheeseburger kids meals. They came with onions, we didn't know so we didn't order them special. Jacob ate 3/4 of his sandwich and found a very small piece of an onion. He got so angry and almost made himself throw up. We told him that he didn't have to finish it but if he ate almost the whole sandwich it must not have been so bad. He was crying and carrying on like he had just found out he ate some sort of hideous creature. He said, "I don't care if they under arrest me! I am going to go back there and yell at them"..."What is wrong with the people who work here"..."Why would you put onions on a kids cheeseburger?"..."I am going to tell them, why didn't you listen to my dad when he said no onions?"..."My french fries taste like onions" He was so mad! All the way home he complained about the onion taste in his mouth! He is such a character but the one thing you have to know about Jacob is he remembers everything! We are going to hear about this for a long time but there is one thing you can be sure of...the next time we go to Wendy's we will make sure to say "no onions" and if we forget, he will remind us!

A fishy story

2009-10-04T13:08:00.002-04:00

Over the summer, we took the boys to a goldfish catch. They caught a total of 12 goldfish. They are just little feeder fish and if they make it through the night it's a miracle. This year we have had 2 survivors and they seem to be doing okay. Until, last Sunday, when I noticed there was only one and I couldn't find the other. I found him under the marbles at the bottom of the tank. I waited until the next day, when I had the time, to "fish" him out. I got a metal skewer to move him out of the marbles and hoped he would float to the top. When he moved. He was alive. The poor little guy was stuck under the marbles for at least a day. When he came out he was swimming in a bent sort of sideways way. I actually felt bad for him,I fed him and talked to him...my son Tyler thought I was nuts as he stood there watching his mom talk to a goldfish. I know he's just a goldfish but I didn't want him to go out like that. I really didn't think he was going to make it through the night but he did and the other fish doesn't have to be lonely. Go ahead you can say it...I have lost my mind but we already knew that before I talked to the fish.

Fall?!?!

2009-09-29T13:41:00.002-04:00

Where does it go? Time just flies by these days. A month ago I couldn't believe summer was over and school was starting. Now, I can't believe September is over!

I like Fall. I think it is a very pretty time of year. I am looking forward to bon fires with some friends. The hot tub is a nice place to relax in cooler months. I love to rake the leaves for the kids to jump in. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hay rides are right around the corner.

I am not looking forward to Winter. I do not like to be cold. Bill always tells people that before he married me, he would make it until December without turning on the heat. Well...that has changed. I don't like that game. I usually make it until the first cold night in September. (Yes, that was today...Shhh! Don't tell him).

Anyway, I guess it is time to find all the winter stuff. It's time for coats, hats, gloves, and boots to come out of hiding. I just hope that winter goes by as fast as summer.

Happy Fall everyone!

Bowling Fun...

2009-09-21T15:44:00.003-04:00

We took Jacob bowling for his birthday. Here are a few pictures from the afternoon.

Isaiah laying on the floor because he does that sort of thing.

Joshua bowled like a pro. The look on his face says he was in it to win!
Jacob must have just got a strike either that or he was up to no good.

Tyler either threw a gutter ball or was just plain disgusted because...

everyone was beating him!

(In Tyler's defense, the rest of them were using bumpers. He was the only one who wasn't)

Okay, so...

2009-09-20T20:52:00.002-04:00

I have been busy!

I have been meaning to blog but when? That is a good question.

I was just thinking about the list I made before school started and how I have accomplished so little of it. The sad part is it was such a simple list! I did clean my house once, it lasted an hour. I have gone to breakfast with my husband a few times. Shopping is really no fun alone. I haven't met any friends for coffee. I have volunteered at school, I am pretty excited about that. I have 2 school parties to coordinate, 3 to send in goodies and 1 to attend. I am in the library twice a week and in the copy room once a week so I guess I can if nothing else check that off the list.

Oh well, it is still September the list will get done in time. I am not too worried about it.

But as for tonight, my list is done.

2009-09-09T11:17:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY JACOB!

A Mom of Boys

2009-09-06T19:48:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl one of my biggest dreams was to have a little girl. I had it all figured out...patent leather shoes, ruffled underpants, pig tails, ribbons and bows. She was going to be beautiful and spoiled rotten...my little girl. Well, life happened and God decided I was going to have boys. When I had Tyler, I knew from the beginning he was a boy and I was fine with it. When I had Jacob, I was still okay. Then, along came Joshua, I was a little sad but I got over it real fast. Then, Isaiah, I thought for sure he was the one, wrong again, but I also got over it. Don't get me wrong I love each one of my boys and after sitting at the hairdresser listening to teenage girls...I am glad I have boys! They have brought me so much joy and I would like to share some of the things I have learned from them:
...HOW TO LAUGH: If you have ever been to my house you will know we laugh a lot. Sometimes it is just a chain reaction, someone starts and everyone else follows.
...HOW TO THROW A FOOTBALL: While I am not crazy about the sport, I might as well accept that it is a part of my life.
...HOW TO BE PATIENT: I always heard you should never pray for patience. I think God puts us in situations that are a test our tolerance. I am tested daily.
...DIRT DOESN'T HURT: This one is still hard for me. I have gotten a lot better. Tyler used to wear white and it stayed white because he wasn't allowed to get dirty. That doesn't happen anymore...I buy dark colors and a lot of Shout!
...HOW TO LIGHTEN UP: I have never been big on strange noises that come from ones body, but back to my first point, sometimes you just gotta laugh! I haven't got to point where you say, "If you can't beat 'em, Join "em!" (and I am not sure I ever will!) But I have relaxed a bit.
...SUPERHEROES: Boy, there are a lot of them. Batman, Robin, Superman, Ironman, Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Venom, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers...but don't mention Wonder Woman or the pink Power Ranger, they are girls and they have cooties!
...HOW TO HORSEPLAY: There really is no way around it. At one point or another, you will find me on the floor wrestling, giving wedgies, or tickling. Playing monster or horsie, it's all part of our life.
...BUMPS, BLOOD, AND BRUISES HAPPEN: This is another hard one for me. I pass out at the sight of blood and I can't take out a splinter without feeling woozy.
...HOW TO LOVE,
...HOW TO NURTURE,
...SELFLESSNESS,
the list could go on. I don't know why God has chose this life for me. I wouldn't change it if I could. My kids are healthy and happy and that is all I can ask for because that is all that matters.
I know someday I will get that little girl. My babies will have babies sometime, hopefully not for a long time. Then, I will be able to comb her hair, use ribbons and bows, dress her in pink, and paint her nails. But until then, I am going to enjoy the boys God has given me.