Creative Learning Academy

I am really tired tonight

2005-02-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

Kevin and Mac have been "partying a bit" tonight. They were joined by Ivan _ _ _ _ _ (I can't remember his last name!) I have a headache from the conversation and from being SO tired... I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night or this morning either for that matter.

We went to bed last night kind of late after the Super Bowl party at Cindy's. Zack was coughing so badly that I knew he'd sleep better propped up a bit in our bed witht the coolness from the fan blowing on him so I told him to sleep in there with Kevin. I then went to sleep in the living room--yep my good-old sleeping spot!! Anyways I had just barely dozed off when Becca came out of her room acting weird. She started to throw up in the living room and I kind of guided her to the bathroom. I took care of her, bedded her down on the couch (she insisted), cleaned up all the messes, and then tried to get to sleep as quickly as possible. It wasn't long after that I woke up as hot as I could be and realized that I needed to get Kevin up in 15 minutes so I'd better stay up or I'd oversleep!! So I started a load of laundry (yep at 3:45 am). Kevin got up and went to work a bit later and I dozed in the chair but not before helping Zack get settled back in and then Becca too who woke up when the door shut!! We were all up again at 7:00 am!!

Anyway Becca has felt miserable most of the day but not nearly as miserable as Zack! They have laid around watching movies most of the day. About 2:30 pm Zack decided it was his turn to start throwing up!! He did so all over the blankets he was covered up with on the couch!!
I was able to get him cleaned up and the mess too before Kevin came back from playing darts with Travis. It was on the way home that he m et up with Mac!

Oh and yes I have been washing clothes all day!!!!!!!!

Well guess I'm getting off here since I'm exhausted and WANT to go to bed!

Long time no post....

2005-02-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

Hi well life has been busy but not interesting. The kids and I went and got groceries today. I did pretty good with coupons too! At Wal-Mart I am able to use coupons and the Bridge card. When using coupons the amount saved is taken away from the cash items first. I was able to get a 12 pack of double rolls of Angel Soft toilet paper and a package of napkins for 34 cents tax! I love deals like that. The kids were pretty good too. Zack isn't feeling all that great.

I know. I know. F is for FLU and F is for February.

What a day!

2005-01-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

Well we went to the Hillman Library today. We were able to find "The Two Towers" that was the second movie in the series so Zack picked that one out. Becca saved "The Cat and the Hat" movie. I picked out a couple too.

I took Becca over to Crytal's house. She is spending the night over there with Emma. This is her first time to stay there! She was a bit scared at first but then ended up being pretty excited about trying! Hopefully she will have a good time. I am anxious to see her!

Zack is spending the night with Mom and Dad. They said that they'd keep him. So I'm here alone right now waiting for Kevin to get home so that we can be ALONE! He is with Travis right now.

Well guess I'll get off here and go watch "Ghost". BYE!!!!!

Today was COACH

2005-01-27T22:41:00.000-05:00

The kids and I had another delivery for the Salvation Army and a trunk FULL of books for the free table at the homeschool group. I was able to give them lots to look at!!! I still have one more carload to get rid of! The house is feeling lighter! lol

The kids enjoyed their classes today I think. Zack is learning a bit in guitar class. I hope that some real meat gets tossed in to the lessons soon as Kevin thinks that Mr Bohlen is kinda dragging out the tuning process too much! They also seemed to really enjoy gym and Spanish! I am SO glad that they like going!

We went to the library and were able to get a few books and "The Return of the King" dvd. Unfortunately the one we wanted next wasn't there. But they watched it anyways even if it was out of order! I am hoping to get someone to copy these for me! Well for Zack actually!! lol

Well guess I will get off here now and go to bed!

Busy day!!!

2005-01-25T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today I had to get some housework done. I am really pretty much done with all my sorting and separating. I had an appointment in Alpena so I went--all alone. I didn't take the kids with me. I dropped some more stuff off at Salvation Army and then headed over to the hospital for my diabetes ed appointment. Pari-the dietician-was fairly impressed with me and said that I don't need to go back unless I want to! If I need something I am supposed to give her a call! YEAH!!!!!!

After that I ran over to the doctor's office where I had to pick up a prescription. Then I went to Wal-Mart to fill the prescription and to pick up a few groceries. I had to kind of rush to get home.

I fixed a quick supper and then Kevin dropped Becca and I off at Cindy's while him and Zack went over to visit with Dad. Cindy had her Tastefully Simple party and we got to try some yummy things. I ordered a couple different things.

Then we came home! Now I'm chillin' a bit before I go to bed!! TTFN

An enjoyable and quiet weekend...

2005-01-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

We had tons of snow yesterday that kept us at home. I had thought perhaps the kids and I could go craft with Crystal but instead I spend the afternoon and evening on the internet! But not before making everyone homemade chicken noodle soup. My family seems to love this so I try to make it when I can.

Today has been a really lazy day. I enjoyed a yummy breakfast by Kevin--applesauce&cinnamon pancakes, sausage, and fried eggs. We also had chocolate milk! Kevin is a sweetheart and most Sundays will make us a good breakfast. Afterwards we sat and chatted about lots of things. So many things can be discussed in a short time! We enjoyed listening to our WOW cd while we ate.

Then after dishes, we sat around. Some of us played video games, watched movies, read, etc... I looked through some cookbooks. I printed off a bunch of papers last night to read by Sandra Dodd. www.sandradodd.com She has a lot of interesting thoughts on unschooling. I have been absorbing tons of things lately and have really thought a lot!!!!!!!! Not use to thinking so much!

I made Banquet pot pies for supper. They were good. We haven't had those in forever. Travis and Ashley were here to eat too.

Well I guess I'll say goodbye for now. Happy blogging and bye!

Freaky Friday

2005-01-21T22:25:00.000-05:00

My sweet Becca came to snuggle with me this mornig after Kevin left for work. She still likes to sleep in my bed and even though she is eight I like it too!:) We always have anice little chat before we both doze off to sleep and then I rub her back and she is soon snoring away (that she gets from her daddy!). I am finally back to being able to sleep all night in bed--before my shoulder just wouldn't allow it!

The kids and I ran to Hillman. We had to put money in the bank to pay the light bill and then get some gas. We also hit the library. Zack was able to find the second book in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that he couldn't find yesterday. He was also able to get the first movie in the series. Becca picked out "Freaky Friday" for herself and I snagged a couple I thought that Kevin would like.

We even had time to stop and chat with Crystal a bit. Steve went back to work this week.

We had such a fun day....

2005-01-18T23:37:00.000-05:00

We all kind of slept in today. Well the kids and I did. Kevin had already left for work and I had gone back to sleep. We got up and the kids grabbed some breakfast. I still have a hard time believing that they are old enough to "do it themselves". I always like feeling needed. But they are trying pretty hard to stick to the new chore charts that we made the other day. Everyone has certain jobs that are theirs daily or on a rotating basis.

Got a chance to catch up on some blogs that I haven't had time to read in all my cleaning days. But I am pretty much caught up. There are several blogs that I really like and will be trying to add them to this one sometime in the future. I want to ask the owners first though.

I have to mention a really weird thing that happened to me this morning. I got up at 4 o'clock as always to make Kevin his coffee before waking him up. Well I monkeyed around doing things to stay awake and tried several times to get him up. At about 4:20 am I sat down in my chair and cuddled up with a blanket with all intentions of just sitting and waiting a few minutes before trying again to wake him. Anyway I fell asleep! But that isn't the weird thing. I woke up at 5:00 and kind of freaked--like "Oh no!!". So I jumped up to go wake Kev up but as soon as I was on my feet I realized that my legs were both asleep--feet too. I fell down! Smacked my forehead on the wooden homemade footstool we have! Nice sharp corner!!! I had no feeling in my legs and had to crawl from where I was about three or four feet to get to a place where I could pull myself up!! I walked to the bedroom carefully as the feeling came back into my feet first and then my legs! WEIRD!!!

Kevin was happy to see that his cousin and good friend Mac was here when he got back from getting firewood with Travis. They had a good visit over some beers and then went to Travis's house. He has a pool table. Got home quite a bit later than I expected but at least he had a chance to see Mac. They were very close growing up--especially in their late teens,early twenties. I felt a bit of jealousy over their relationship when we first dated but I quickly realized that Kev always came home to ME. So I was the winner in the end!;)

The kids and I had a great time checking out a Science tote that we got form our library awhile back. Zack was thrilled to find a gadget in it called an "Optic Wonder". I have always wanted to get him one but have never done it but he has asked if I could PLEASE get him one. I will certainly try my nest. I know that they are not that expensive so I am sure I will do it soon. Of course he also wants the "Lord of the Ring" trilogy. He checked out the first book in the set and had it read in less than four full days! He is so fascinated with stuff like that. I try to maintain an interest in it so we can chat about it but I really have never been into science fiction-type stuff that much. But I will admit his enthusiasm is contagious!! He hasn't watched the movies (well a little of the first one) so we will be getting that when we get to the library.
Guess I'll head to bed now.

Ate too much...

2005-01-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

After some reading and other stuff (schoolish) we ate lunch and chit-chatted. The kids used the computer while Kevin and I watched them and talked. We decided to go to my parent's house. On the way we figured we could drop a bunch of stuff that we had decided to get rid of off at Crystal's house. While chatting Becca defeated the Green Goblin on the Spiderman game for the computer. YAY BECCA!!!!
We left for Mom and Dad's and after unloading the stuff into Crystal's garage, Kevin commented that he knew why people did their spring cleaning in the spring. He said, "It is cold--normal people wait to do this stuff in the spring for that reason!!" Oh well, at least it is out of the way now."Isn't that what you wanted babe?"
We stayed at my parents' for supper. Mom made yummy meatballs and gravy plus mashed potatoes. We also had corn and biscuits and green bean casserole (mine and Becca's favorite!). Mom is a great cook and I had way more than I should have. But according to her scales I have lost 15 pounds!!!
We had to run over to my nephew Chad's house to pick some stuff up and I was lucky enough to get to see baby Joseph! He was born in September and boy is he ever growing. He is such a little doll. He has the cutest chubby cheeks--the kind I always want to squeeze(gently of course!). JoJo sent a brownie home for each of the kids. They were thrilled and gobbled it up in Aunt Michele's truck. We had to drive that since our car still isn't fixed. But it's looking like it will be done on Wednesday if all goes well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY--Shaelinn and Jon!!!

Only a couple more rooms to go!!!!

2005-01-16T23:31:00.000-05:00

I can't wait until I am done! We are so close to being finished!! I plan on celebrating somehow. Any suggestions? This is a list of what I have to do and then I will list what I have done--
TO DO
Clean out MY bedroom
Clean off the back porch/storage room
Clean off computer desk
Clean out pantry
DONE
Kitchen cupboards/bar/shelves/refrigerator--inside and top
Dining room white drawers/wood cook stove(not functioning at the present time--use the top to hold assorted school things--baskets of paint/glues/etc..
My desk
4 Plastic drawer thingies that have three drawers each--catchall
Bathroom--under the sink/towel shelves/two drawer stand/shelves
Bookshelves in the hall
Hall closet--oh man was that one bad
Living room--stands that held way too much
Becca's room--TWO bags of clothes removed as well as two bags of "stuff" and two bags of books--oh and then there was the HUGE bag of garbage!!!
Zack's room--every nook and cranny--got rid of lots.
Cookbook collection.
Paper stacks.
Books,books,books.
I think that is it but the house actually seems like it can breathe now! lol
I have a lot of stuff to put on the free table at the homeschool group as well as a bunch more stuff to donate to Salvation Army and another batch of stuff for Crystal. I feel so happy about this. Kevin keeps saying "Wow, you really have been busy."

I am happy that I am making him happy about this but I have to admit I feel really good about it. The kids do too. We had a nice discussion today how so many of their things are being donated to the S.A. and how it will helppeople in several ways--inexpensive way to get things they need, money will be used to help others, etc... They feel good about themselves.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TJ!!!

Ashley's shower was today...

2005-01-15T22:15:00.000-05:00

Becca and I were going to ride along with Mom and Cindy and Kellie. Mom changed her mind about going and so did I. Unfortunately, Becca was looking forward to it. I just really didn't feel like going. I have been in such a groove with the house. I just didn't want to stop for a day. Plus it was quite a little ways from here. I guess I also didn't like the thoughts of going without any money. I can usually tolerate that but not always.

But we totally attacked Becca's room and it is great! We also started Zack's room and made major progress. We are stalled now however until Kevin can take down his bunkbed. Yep that's right--take it down. I really wanted it and I am still grateful that my sister Cindy gave it to us but I had Kevin take it down. Both kids wanted to have their beds directly on the floor. Aunt Michele has hers that way and so that helps make it "cool" but they also realize and commented that this way they won't be able to do the tempting things with clothes and toys (shove everything under the bed!). Plus it will help eliminate Dakota taking anything and everything under the beds to chew on!!!

I am really tired now! I worked my behind off! My shoulder is really sore tonight too. I think I did way too much.

I mentioned yesterday's weather and there was something like a 40 degree change in temperature over the course of the day!! Check it out here at http://www.thealpenanews.com/archives/2005/january/14/local.html Hopefully that link will work for you!
Crazy weather this WORLD is having!

Sign-up was today....

2005-01-13T21:18:00.000-05:00

What a day this has turned out to be!! I had to drive Michele's truck to go sign the kids up for their classes. I don't like to borrow other people's vehicles and especially don't like it when it's a truck--hate to say it but I am a car lady! I'm not crazy about vans either!

It wouldn't have been all that bad except we got a bunch of rain and then freezing rain and then snow while I was out and about! The roads were horrible and I really had a hard time seeing in the truck!

We took a load of stuff to the Salvation Army and made it to two grocery stores as well as the library and sign-up. WAY more than I want to do in the weather we were having!

Well guess this is night-night for me!

ps My blood sugars are GREAT!

Busy, busy, busy

2005-01-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

Well first off let me mention the news. I am not babysitting for Jeremiah anymore. Today was my lst day. Bridget is moving over the weekend and I'm all done. I will miss the little bugger. I hope to have more time to focus on the kids though.

I am purging the house like crazy! Kevin and Zack took a load of stuff to Crystal today. They used Michele's truck since our car is in the shop. Kevin usually does our repairs but this is a bit complicated and COSTLY!!! Oh well...the Lord will provide what we need.

WOW I really did a lot today! lol

2005-01-10T22:25:00.000-05:00

I am actually pretty pleased with myself tonight. I managed to get a lot accomplished today.

It started when Kevin got home and decided that he would make us all our "Sunday" omeletes on Monday and found a candle in the potholder basket. Then he found that the cookie sheets (clean) were sitting in the oven when he wanted to use it to keep stuff warm. He then said "That's it. We are doing it. I want us to get rid of as much of this sh-- as we can!"

Then I actually got to get the tree taken down today! With alot of help from Jeremiah I might add! I got all of the Christmas stuff put away except for two tablecloths. One is on the table under all the clean laundry. The other is on the kitchen table that NEEDS to be covered due to incredible peeling and flaws! I just need to buy another tablecloth though since I don't have any appropriate for this time of year! I always buy the cheap vinyl/flannel backed ones from Wal-Mart.

I also started filling boxes with stuff to donate to the Salvation Army. I am really motivated to do this! I even talked to the kids about it and we talked about why we have so much stuff and how sometimes it seems as though "things" are more important to us than people. I don't want that life-style. We all agreed to work on it! It will take us alot of time though I am sure.

OH!!!!!!! Zack called the library today to ask about replacing the missing book. They told him the would call back. GUESS WHAT?!?! I found the book!! I AM THE ONE WHO MISPLACED IT! I can't believe it but I did and I amptly apologized to the kids for losing it over "some thing". I think they have forgiven me! :)

Laughed my butt off (well some of it anyways!)

2005-01-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

We dropped Kevin off at Travis' house so he could go ice fishing. Roy couldn't go. Then the kids and I headed to Mom and Dad's.

Cindy came over shortly afterwards and we played a game called Zobmondo. Talk about gross. It had a lot of "would you rather eat a whole goldfish or swallow a teaspoon of fish eyes" type questions. It was fun even if it was gross.

Then we ate a really good meal. Mom had made roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, carrots, bread, cauliflower salad(she sampled the kind Becca and I did and had to make it just like we did!), and really yummy peach jello!

Then we played some more Zobmondo and then a couple hands of Hand and Foot until it was time to go pick Kevin up from Travis' house. Mom sent home another box of "stuff". Not a whole lot that I wanted but that is ok. I showed Kevin this article I printed off of the "Amity Mama Forums" http://www.amitymama.com/vb/index.php? It was about getting rid of much of your worldly possesions. It is something I am seriously considering since our house is stuffed to the brim. I think Kevin was intrigued but not sure if it could really happen since I am such a pack rat. Guess it will take the hand of God to make it work.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Randy!!!!

Hmm...looks like a repeat of last year...

2005-01-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

Crystal and Steve and kids were supposed to come over today for "Christmas" but never showed up. They don't have a phone so I couldn't call to see what the deal was or anything. Finally I got an email from her, at the library, saying they couldn't come because their car quit on them. So maybe we will get another chance before Easter? Hopefully!!!!

We watched Jeremiah today too. He got here about 1:30. He is still sick but seems a bit better than before. Keep him in your prayers. Bridget got her apartment so I won't be babysitting for a whole lot longer. I will really miss seeing Jeremiah but I think it will also be nice. I didn't realize how imporatant the freedom I have gained with the kids getting older was to me! I like to be able to pick up and go and not be stuck to a schedule!

Mom invited us over for supper tomorrow. Kevin is going to go ice fishing with Roy and Travis and Ashley. Still working out the car situation!

I hope that this is the start of something good.

2005-01-07T21:47:00.000-05:00

This day has been rather interesting.

We have discovered that we have another library book missing. This time it really is. Becca was reading one Zack checked out and now it cannot be found. It's last known whereabouts was on Zack's top bunk. hmmmm....where could it be?

We had several heated arguements today about responsibilty and/or the lack of it. The kids just spent several days cleaning up their rooms. Normally on a "major clean" I help them but my shoulder hasn't allowed much of anything for me. I never expect the job they do to be as good as when I help but I do expect them to do SOMETHING!

This is so frustrating to me since when I was a kid I could not stand a messy room. I have heard my mom say it a dozen times how she "Never had to tell Niki to clean her room." I realize that the kids did not get this trait and I have accepted that but WHY keep garbage? and WHY shove things under anything possible? Since the rooms are theirs I would like to be able to let them keep them how they want but man they can't have garbage in there! UGHHHH...

Anyway they are still needing to find the book and as soon as my shoulder is healed a bit more we will do a major clean. I hope to get some new bins and totes to help them get more organized. They simply have too much stuff though (and fairly small rooms).

Today Becca and I went to town. We picked up a few groceries. I even got diet pop--now I will die from that instead of diabetes! lol We also stopped at Salvation Army and found a couple books for Becca. Then we hit Dollar Tree. Christmas stuff was only 25 cents!

We then headed over to the library where I met with a woman from our homeschool group. We are teaching Michigan history together and we needed to connect so that we could get our ideas work out and organized. I think the kids are really going to like this class.

Zack and I had a good conversation this evening about his feelings and attitude. I think that maybe I know now more of how to handle him. I swear parenting is a never-ending learning process. But they are SO worth it!

Poor Jeremiah is still sick. We watched him today for about 5 hours. Hopefully his new medicine will help. Pray for him please!

Have a great Friday night!

What a nasty weather day!

2005-01-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

The weather has been horrible today. Lots of snow and like zero visibility. Many schools closed early because of it. We were supposed to go sign up for classes at the church where we hold our homeschool co-op but it was cancelled due to the weather.

The kids have finally decided what they are going to take.
Zack--1st hr Guitar lessons for beginners
2nd hr Gym
3rd hr Spanish

Becca--1st hr Michigan history
2nd hr Gym
3rd hr Spanish
Also being offered are things like crafts and storytime, pottery, yearbook, Classical Kids music, etc.. We have grown into a great blessing for each family involved!

Went to my parent's house today.

2005-01-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

Kevin dropped the kids and I off at Mom and Dad's house for a while. We were there for lunch.
We had chicken sandwiches and other good stuff.
The kids were pretty good there. No major fighting! Praise God!!!

Angel stopped there too. She didn't have too much to say. Her and Mom gossiped about work. Mom is no longer working but will be able to get disability I am sure. She has some physical/health problems that will make working nearly impossible if not also dangerous for her!

Anyway Kevin enjoyed himself celebrating Roy's birthday.

I watched Jeremiah for Bridget when I got home!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Roy!!!

My life as a dummy....

2005-01-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

Well we went to the library today after my other appointment. Kevin drove us again. The kids didn't get as long in the library as they would've liked but they did get to go. AND considering yesterday they are really lucky. We did find the "missing book" though on the shelf like I suspected. I was very relieved.

AND in other news...lol I had my appointment with the Diabetes educator/dietician today. She is really nice. Well after talking to her and reviewing my history and life and everything else, she has put me on insulin. Yay! I am not happy about this but what can I do?

WHAT A DAY!

2005-01-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

I can't even begin to explain it without exhaustion. We went grocery shopping today so that was good but boy were the kids ever BAD! I needed their help in WAl-Mart to get groceries. Kevin wanted to stay in the car to sleep since he hadn't really gotten much. Boy do I ever wish he would have come in! Maybe he could have controlled them. MAYBE.

I don't know what has gotten in to them lately but they act up so much anymore! I'm really getting tired of it and I am really praying for some help from the Lord in figuring out what to do.

Moving around a bit but still really sore.

2005-01-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

Today I am feeling a bit better. I still don't want to do much but we are going to go grocery shopping and to the library. Kevin is driving since I just can't do it!
I sure hope that the kids are able to help me out a bit. We need groceries SO badly ut I just haven't felt like going.
I sure hope that we will locate a book that shows up still on my library card. I am sure we turned it in. It is just a Berenstain Bear book. Oh well--it shouldn't cost too much to replace if it truely is lost.
Well guess I need to get off here and get ready to go. BYE!

I sure know how to ring in the New Year.

2005-01-02T21:23:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a couple days sine I have been and still am in serious pain. I fell on New Year's Eve--well since it was midnight I guess it was New Years Day;) but I fell none-the-less.
I went outside barefooted and it was very icy. I slipped into the wood pile. I crashed pretty hard. Kevin took me into ER about 8:00am on the 1st. I had X-rays and despite the pain wasn't given any pain killers!! I have a sprained middle finger on my left hand AND tore several muscles in my right shoulder as well as spraining several. I was told to take it easy. I have been trying and trying. It is hard to be useless! Kevin and the kids are really babying me. I am just getting on the net for the first time now. I have to move slow and can't life my arm at all yet.

That's it for now TOO MUCH PAIN to write any more.

Here's those resolutions...

2004-12-31T20:06:00.000-05:00

Well for 2005 I want to change everything! lol Na not really....

I really hate resolutions because I fail at keeping them and then feel like a failure but this year I want to make some serious changes in my life.

1. Lose weight--more #'s than I'll admit to.
2. Change the entire family's eating style--Less junk, more natural/wholesome foods, make more from scratch. Choose lower fat, less sugar, lower sodium, etc... Help the kids make better choices.
3. Get my diabetes under control--see above ideas as well as STOP drinking pop (at least stop drinking it all the time).
4. Start an exercise program for myself and try to get the family involved.
5. Read my Bible more--consistently on a daily basis.
6. Let little things bother me less--try not to over-react.
7. Spend less (if we ever have money to spend).
8. Read more out loud as a family.
9. Take time for myself and interests that I have. Show the kids its ok to learn.
10. Play games more with the kids.
11. Organize our house--declutter, get rid of stuff we don't need, etc.
12. Learn to say NO.
13. Spend more time with the people I like and love--my parents, brothers and sisters, etc...
14. Try one new recipe a week.
15. Write more letters or even emails.
16. Find a place to volunteer.
17. Work on helping my kids learn to get along better.
18. Get my scrapbooks caught up.
19. Make a weekly DATE happen for Kevin and I.
20. Last but truely most IMPORTANT I will grow closer to the Lord and be open to His leading.

NEW YEARS EVE....

2004-12-31T17:43:00.000-05:00

What are you doing tonight? Us--well nothing really. We have several DVDs to watch and the kids want to play Monopoly. We are going to have burgers for supper and probably chow on the remaining fudge and other Christmas goodies. I plan to drink a glass or two of Parrot Bay Coconut rum mixed with Mt Dew. It is oh so yummy. I almost NEVER drink but this is what I usually do when I do.

We are just hanging out today so guess that I get off this thing instead of boring you to bits.

OH WAIT!
I'll blog later what my resolutions are! Take care.

I hope that today ends soon!

2004-12-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

I am really tired again today. I don't know what my deal is. I am going to assume that it is something medical! lol It couldn't be that I'm not getting enough sleep! Oh well I will get to go to bed soon!

Today was another babysitting day. Jeremiah was pretty good too! He had me laughing pretty hard earlier. He is 2 1/2 years old so you never know what to expect! He was watching me slice potatoes in to a pan for supper and asked me what I was doing. I said to him "slicing taters. Can you say taters?" He said,"taters". Good. "Now can you say potatoes?" "Potatoes" Now here is the clincher--I said to him "Can you say 'I'm cute'?" He took a long look at me and then said "You aren't cute!" I cracked up! What could I say--he's right!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Kevin has decided is his day to celebrate New Years Eve! So he has been doing that for most of the day here and there. He went out and checked up on Roy who was out ice fishing. I'm not sure if he caught anything or not.

Steve, Crystal and the kids stopped here for a bit. Crystal used the computer to check her emails and Steve made a phone call. They were on their way to Wal-Mart. It wasn't until hours later that Jeremiah found Crystal's wallet! They have no phone so that I can call them and by the time I realized we had the thing it was after dark and they can't drive their car after dark due to a headlight problem. But I will run it over to them tomorrow. HOPEFULLY! The roads are getting dreadfully slippery since its raining!

Well guess I'm going to get off here and take care of my family. TTFN

Happy Birthday to Kevin's Mom!!!!

Boy do I ever feel tired...

2004-12-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

We have had a normal type day without too much getting accomplished. I finally got my washer draining so I am desperately trying to catch up on laundry that exploded over the holiday week-end. It is really hard to believe it is almost another holiday week-end again already!

Jeremiah is sleeping on the couch. Sorry Bridget. I hate to let him sleep this late for her sake as he will probably be up late and be cranky too. But he needs to sleep when he's tired right? He is such a sweetie too. Today he brought Shrek 2 with him to watch. We did that and played and read the "dumptruck" book. I like days when we actually get to do things and he isn't overly crabby! lol

I am trying to get Kevin to wake up now. He is snoring away in his recliner. He wanted to get some wood cut up for the night but hasn't done it yet. He too has been really tired. I wonder if maybe we are getting something? I sure hope not!

What are your plans for New Years? We have several options right now.
#1 Steve, Crystal and kids could come over and hang out. We girls could drink some spiked MD. The kids would love it and eveyone would crash here. But her sister and bil may still be up over the weekend. And at one point I heard Kevin's brother might be coming up too.
#2 Our nephew and his girlfriend are having a party at their house and have invited us. Kevin may want to go but I wouldn't enjoy it so I may just drop him off and pick him up as I am sure he will have his fair share of drinks.
#3 We will stay home and have a family celebration-the four of us--like we do every other year! We watch movies, make pizza, drink out of cool glasses, shake our noise makers, play games, countdown to midnight, etc...... THIS is my preference.

Went to my favorite hangout today.

2004-12-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

We had to go to Alpena to return Becca's boots. Boy that girl has big feet! lol Not really but they sure have grown since her last new pair of shoes/boots! We exchanged them at Kmart where Grandma had bought them earlier in the month. We weren't able to get the same design because there were very few boots left in stock but she is still very happy. They are PINK after all!

Then we ran to Neiman's(a grocery store) to use a gift certificate I had for there. We also turned in all of our bottles. How embarassing to get the final total of $20.60 in refund money. We drink way too much here. Of course it has been quite awhile since we did the return thing!

Then we went to the LIBRARY!! We love that place. I practically have to drag the kids out after an hour or more! Judy, one of the really sweet librarians, joked with me that she was shocked to look and not find any holds for us there. We almost always have something that is there from another library! She also told me that by next month they will have a homeschooling magazine on their shelves. This will be a first and I am happy to hear that! I love to read-even magazines. But I hate to buy them!

Anyways we then came home to put stuff away. We then received a sleeping Jeremiah. Bridget carried him over sleeping and he slept quite a long time. He woke up just in time to have burgers and salad with us. Kevin had eaten a late lunch shortly before we got home so he wasn't overly hungry and now we have leftover burgers for lunch tomorrow. I LOVE leftovers-most anyway!

Time to watch a movie with Kevin! Boy are we over using the new DVD player or what! lol It's "Mean Girls" tonight. I'll report on it soon!

Not much going on except lots of cleaning up!

2004-12-27T19:31:00.000-05:00

We have had such a mess around here from new toys, clothes, and wrapping paper that I've been going a bit crazy! We are slowly getting things back to normal--what is normal for us anyways!

The kids' rooms are not that great looking but I really try to let them have their own "room" as long as it is safe. We do have one day of the week where everyone cleans their rooms. We also have a "Major Room Clean" every 5 or 6 weeks.

Today was back to babysitting Jeremiah. I went and got him around 12:00pm. He came with cousins Marcus(6) and Dominic(4)!! They had been there and REALLY wanted to come play with Zack. So they were her until about 4:45pm Bridget called and asked me to give Jeremiah his bath and said that George would be here to pick him up about 6:00pm So I gave him his bath. The poor thing!! He was not happy about that. I have never given him a bath before so I don't know if this was normal behaviour or a first time thing or what but he was an emotional wreck! I still feel bad for how it went but I really did my best to make it quick and painless.

Well guess I will get off here and go watch a movie with the kids. Hmmm...wonder what they will choose tonight.

Merry Day after Christmas to you all!!

2004-12-26T14:33:00.000-05:00

WOW what a Christmas we have had. We were given way more things than we ever deserved. The kids were absolutely spoiled. I just cannot believe the fun that we have had these past few days.

Christmas Eve I was up quite late and then was woken several times by Zack who was unable to sleep. I had to get up once because I heard Dakota(our dog) into something. Amazingly it was his stocking! So I was really glad that Zack finally fell into a good sleep.

Kevin and I woke up around 7:45 and he went and woke the kids up! We opened stockings and gifts for what seemed like forever!! The kids were very happy with their haul! Kevin got a few minor things and I got the ink cartridges that I have been wanting for my printer! YAY!!!

Then slowly the neighbors (all Kevin's family) began to trickle in with gifts for us all. Then after some breakfast of some not too nutritious food Kevin and the kids went next door to deliver presents to his parents. Then they went to his sister's house as well.

I stayed home to get our Christmas dinner into the oven and straighten the house a bit since my parents come over for Christmas dinner every year. We had ham, hash brown casserole, pistachio salad, baked beans, jello with fruit, deviled eggs (stuffed eggs as we prefer to call them), cheese, a green bean casserole(Mom's contribution--begged for by Becca and I!!!). I also made pumpkin delight to be topped with ice cream. There were also plenty of Christmas goodies that I hade made earlier in the week. I did not, however, manage to get a loaf of bread into the bread machine! SORRY Dad!

My parents brought more presents from them and my sister Cindy. Like I said we were very spoiled. AND HAPPY. We now have a DVD player and some new DVDs. Just as our VCR wears out! lol Thank you everyone for your generosity! The thank you cards will be in the mail very soon!

Christmas Eve at Cindy's

2004-12-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

My family gets together on Christmas Eve to celebrate and exchange presents. It has always done this. We go to Cindy and Wally's house and always have a good time. We eat, play bingo, and exchange presents and visit as well.

We had some great food tonight. Cindy got a 6 foot sub (I think) from Subway and had lots of other goodies. I made taco dip and double delicious bars. I ate until I was stuffed and then ate some more. Everything was SO good.

Then we played bingo. Everyone buys several dollar items and we lay them out (this year we wrapped them to add to the suspense and excitement) and then we each get 5 cards. We take turns being the caller and after someone has five of their cards called they get to pick a prize. We continue until everyone has had a chance to win a prize and then we start over.

Next was present exchanging time. We got nice things!! I felt bad that this year we just didn't have the money to buy people things. It is hard on me when it's like that. But we sure were spoiled by everyone. I really do have a great family.

Surprisingly it was Kevin that gave me the hardest time about leaving. I couldn't get him going. I hated nagging on him but I knew I had presents at home to wrap and lots of other last nminute things to do. He was enjoying himself with the guys as they drank a few beers. It stinks that I am always waiting until the last minute to do everything! But I also knew Cindy was in the same boat with the wrapping as I was so I wanted to give her a break and let her get at it at a decent hour.

I know that it will be well past midnight before I get to bed. I had to get on here and blog a few minutes. I still have stockings to stuff and presents to lay out. It is really late too so I had better get to it.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I probably won't get on here until the day after Christmas. Remember JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!!!

Wow am I ever tired!

2004-12-23T23:47:00.000-05:00

What a day! I have been on the run I think most of the day. I went to Crystal's and we ran to a church in the neighborhood to pick up some stuff they had there for her. Then I went to my parent's house to pick up a few things. My aunt and uncle were there and then shortly after they left another uncle and a cousin showed up. I was there much longer than I expected. I came home and did a bit of cleaning as well as some Christmas wrapping. Then after fixing supper for the fmaily I ended up going to Wal-Mart. I had to get some groceries and stuff for Christmas Eve. I also wanted to pick up a few things on the list that Kevin wanted--lined leather gloves and wool socks. Wal-Mart was sold out of both. ughh.... Anyway I got in line a 9:50 p.m. and did not get to check out until 10:30 p.m. That was just WAY TOO LONG for me to wait.

My girl's day-out!

2004-12-22T19:34:00.000-05:00

Wow hard to believe but true--I got to go to Alpena with my best friend Crystal. We used to do this on occasion and would have a blast but like I said yesterday due to busy motherhood, crazy schedules, sickness, etc.. we haven't done this in forever. Where did we go? We-the big spenders we are-hit the Salvation Army, the library, and Dollar Tree!!! Oh and we did go through and order from the dollar menu at McDonalds. lol We did have a great time though and are determined to do this more often.

I got home just in time to babysit Jeremiah. I unloaded the goodies I bought and books found at the library. Zack's Star Wars book was in much to his delight. He is also happy with the spy book he had on hold. There was and "Animal Ark" book on the free table that I grabbed for Becca. The movies this time were Kevin-oriented. So I have a fairly happy family at the moment.

I guess I need to get off this thing since I still haven't decided on supper yet. Sometimes I miss the old days when we had more money and could order pizza. Man has it been a long time!

ttfn

Oh the fun I had today!

2004-12-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

My best friend Crystal came over today. Her kids were home from school on account of the snow--we have lots! She brought the stuff for us to rubberstamp together. We made lots of cards. It was a blast. Becca really gets into it too! So we sat and chatted and made cards and just plain had fun. It was really nice since we hardly ever get to be together anymore.
Our lives are just too busy it seems sometimes. They have experienced some major difficulties this past year and we haven't had the greatest year either so I am always glad when we can just spend the day together doing something we enjoy.
Crystal is also my scrapbook buddy. Without her I just can't seem to get motivated. After she leaves I am generally on a roll and can cruise through a bunch of pages but just don't seem to have the same enthusiasm.

We also discussed our Christmas get-together. We always get our families together to exchange presents and have a bunch of yummy food. Last Christmas things were crazy and they only got worse after the first of the year. We chuckled today remembering that it was a week before Easter that we finally all had time to make a day of it and "Do Christmas". We were able to enjoy nibbling on a chocolate Easter bunny while opening presents!

Zack was happy to be woke up early when Bob (my friends ds) arrived. Since he had gone with Kevin to work he was supposed to sleep awhile after getting home. BOY do I ever wish he had gotten more sleep. What a cranky child he is! Fortunately Crystal left a Christmas movie here for us to watch and that is what we are going to do now.

I made some very yummy pork chops for supper along with fettucini alfredo and corn. Zack is not a pasta eater and Becca is a pasta lover! So it seems as though I am always trying to find something they both like--that is AFFORDABLE that is! lol

The snow outside is frightful....

2004-12-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

We have a ton of new snow today.
Zack went with Kevin today to do his route. Kevin has a rural newspaper route and delivers to over 200 customers. Today the paper was giving out samples of Splenda. I recently read an article to him about Splenda and the dangers of it. http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm
Kevin joked that this week he was poisoning his customers. What will it be next--arsenic?

Wow the stuff you can get done if you really try.

2004-12-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

I didn't have to babysit for Jeremiah today so I decided it was time to get rolling on some of the things I put off too long. I scrubbed my floors on my hands and knees until they were finally clean. At least I know they are clean. My kitchen floor needs some new covering as we have some tears in linoleum here and there. I also got a couple loads of laundry done and dusted some shelves.

Both of the kids got to help make some more Christmas goodies. Becca made peanut butter cookies and Zack made chocolate chip cookies. They did nearly everything themselves. I just assisted when needed. Now the trick will be keeping them out of the cookies until Christmas.

I like to give platters of goodies to family and friends. MY family is big but so is Kevin's. He is the eighth of nine kids. We live very near many of them as well. TOO near actually but that too is another story.

Kevin and Roy(his bil) have come home with one load of wood and have left to get another. We are getting quite a pile of wood. My brother Terry helped us get a bunch of wood off of his property. What a blessing that was! He even hauled it with his tractor. I made him a loaf of bread but that doesn't even scratch the surface of thanking him!

I have an interesting son.

2004-12-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

ZACK

He is very interesting. More on this later.

Well I told my sister about this blog so now I HAVE to do it!

2004-12-20T14:59:00.000-05:00

My family is very ummm.... SPECIAL. I am the baby so that stinks. But only because I would like to have the wisdom the older ones have. I have three brothers-Randy, Terry, and Roger(he died when I was almost 11). I also have three sisters--Cindy, Angel, and Connie. There are lots of kids born to them as well and I LOVE being an aunt.

I am fortunate to be able to live near most of my family. We get together a lot at my parents house to have meals and play games. I of course ALWAYS win! Not really--I never do!!!!

I hope that my kids will be blessed enough when they are grown to be able to have that kind of relationship with us and each other.

I'll be including lots of "stuff" on here.

2004-12-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

I will have reading lists, recipes, movie recommendations, fun family games, good music, and pretty much anything else floating around in my head. I will be learning along with every step so I hope to be able to add some interesting things in time.

Well I think I am ready for this new adventure!

2004-12-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

I am excited to be doing this and hope my inexperience doesn't show too much. I am writing this while the kids play in their rooms and Kevin(my dh) is gone getting firewood.

We try extremely hard to live as cheaply as we can as we never seem to have enough money. We have a wood stove that provides all of our heat. Despite it being -6 outside the house is fairly toasty. Poor Kevin, however, I am sure is a bit frosty!

I am hoing to get a chance to do a little Christmas shopping today. The kids were given money by a cousin and want to hit the Dollar Tree to use it up. I think they hope to use it to by presents for others which I find very sweet.

2004-12-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

Working on getting this set up. Remember patience is a virtue(or so they say!)

How do you spend your free time?

2004-12-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

I don't know for sure what free time is but I like to spend it surfing the net and reading other blogs. I hope that you all will enjoy reading mine--even if it seems a bit boring at times. That's just my life--boring yet hectic!

I am still learning....

2004-12-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am really hoping to get this to work so bear with me. I will tell you who "me" is just as soon as I get a good grasp of what I'm doing here!