I didn't forget.....

After yesterdays little incident, I didn't forget to brush teeth this morning!!

Dental Hygene

So, I was running a little late for work today and all the way out the door, Kevin had to go potty. I grabbed Matt and told Kevin when he was finished to come out to the van. I was strapping Matt in when Kevin comes out in tears. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "You forgot to brush my teeth". So, I finish strapping Matt in, shut the garage door (I didn't want to take Matt out of the car-seat) and took Kevin back into the house. I put him up on the counter and asked if he wanted to brush or if I should do it for him. He wanted me to do it. So, I brushed and he spit! I was 10 minutes late to work today but I didn't mind because it was so important for him to brush his teeth. Once we got to school, I told me that I had to take his picture and makes sure a smile really big so I could see his shiny, clean teeth!

My Little Computer Geek

My little Matthew William is a Computer Geek....maybe it's because I was on the computer so much when I was pregnant, who knows?! But, as soon as he could push the buttons, he's became fascinated!! I don't know how many times he's made my work disappear, you'd think I'd learn to not leave my computer unattended. Before our trip on Sunday, I ran upstairs to grab something and this is how I found him. Me, being the mom, I ran for my camera and left the computer in harms way. I caught him with his little impish grin...this is Matt is true form.

House Hunting Trip

On Sunday morning we packed the van and headed down to the LaCrosse area to start our 1st serious house hunting trip. We looked at four house and the one pictured above is our favorite. Tom and I had seen the house on a differnt trip and thought it was okay, this time we loved it. 2 acres, 3 car garage, 4 bedroom 2 1/2 baths. Lots of room for the kids to play, and there are only 10 houses on the street. So, we have to get our house on the market this week and pray that the house sells so we can make an offer.

Snake Break

So for my afternoon break I went down at got to play with snakes at the daycare. They are a man visiting with all kinds of snakes and lizzard....it was fun. This is Kevin and I holding a mexican albino corn snake.

I break for.....my boys

I love that my boys are at Daycare in my building. I love that I can see them when ever I want. I go to the cafeateria every day at 11am to refill my ice and everyday Matthew is the hall with his friends going for a buggy ride. I get to hold him, kiss him and say Hi to all of his friends. Yesterday was a great day. It was a beautiful Minnesota morning and at 10am I took a break to go an watch Kevin play soccer. On my way, I saw Matt outside playing so I went and hung out with him for a few minutes...even though there was a fence between us, we enjoyed our visit. Next, I was off to go watch Kevin. Once again, I'm the only parent there. I know how lucky that I'll allowed to go for a few minutes to watch. Kevin sees me and then I have to remind him to listen to the coach and pay attention....but they're 4, they are busy looking at bug and taking potty breaks to really play soccer but they still have fun. So, on my way back to my desk, I reminded myself, once we move that I just won't be able to pop in and see the boys when ever I want. So, I'm thankful for the time left here and all the chances I have to see the boys when I want. What a way to spend a break!!

What's the BUZZ

So, last night I was picking things up on the upper deck and there was a paper grocery bag when had been hiding under the deck all winter. So, I went to throw it in the trash, I picked it up...only to drop it, grab the boys and run into the house. The bag was full of bees. So, I told Thomas right away and he took a very long extension pole and moved it to the an area of the deck so he could spray into the bag to kill the bees. We went out to supper and then off to buy stray to kill the bees. Once at home Thomas went into the back yard, sprayed the bag and then ran far away. No bee stings!!! We know have to let it sit for 24 hours before we remove...and being the great and loving wife that I am, I'm going to let my hubby throw the sack away!!

Oh, what a beautiful morning!!

They say that a picture is worth a 1,000 words...only if I would have had my camera this morning. It's a beautiful morning a light breeze and 68 degrees. Every morning, I am blessed to cross the Minnesota River via the Cedar Bridge. It over looks the wetlands at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It is such a beautiful picture...you can see wildlife in the wetlands but also, in the background you can see Minneapolis and the plains flying into MSP....it truly is an amazing picture. It makes me so proud to be working for Fish & Wildlife because that is my Refuge that I support. It's a great feeling to know that what I do makes a difference in this world.
Bottom line, God painted me a beautiful picture this morning and I'm so thankful!!

Granny Mo

Today I miss my Granny Mo. I can't believe that she's been gone for almost 7 months now. She always comes to me when I least expect it, invading my thoughts and reminding me to pick myself up and keep going. When she comes, she always makes me cry, I think the tears are a result of the guilt that I feel because I didn't call her when she needed me most. Its hard to talk to someone who you know they are dying. I wish I could somehow take it all back; just to talk to her one more time. I have so many wonderful memories with her that I will share with my children. Makenna is the lucky one because she has a memory of Granny but my boys won't have even one memory of the great woman she was. I am truly blessed to come from a family of strong woman...because of their choices,I am the woman I am today!!

Sunday Afternoon Break

We've been so busy trying to get the house ready to sell that's we haven't had a lot of time to do "fun stuff" So, sunday afternoon I took the kids to Kelly Park to hang out and just play for an hour. We had so much fun. It was a little windy out but it didn't stop Matt and Kenna from getting wet. The house should be all done and ready for show by next weekend and I look forward to taking the kids to the waterpark, going on picnics and a trip to the zoo!

The Last Comic Standing

I truly believe that God is the "Last Comic Standing"!! Over the past few years, I have come to believe that God has a sense of humor! He always seems to give me a lesson but with some kind of twist. Like when we got pregnant with the boys. It took us three years to get pregnant with Kevin and we figures that it would take just as long to get pregnant with Matt....only two months of trying and we were pregnant....we were totally not prepared but are so thankful for the gifts he gave us when we received them
God often teaches me through song. I love contemporary christian music, it touches my soul and I can freely raise my hands in worship. Casting Crowns is an amazing group and their song, "I will praise you in the storm" and help me get through a couple dark nights. I also really like the band, Third Day. It was the first Christian concert I attended and the first time I raised my hands in worship(I will never forget that feel, hands raised and tears falling).
So, this morning I was walking the boys into daycare and the hall lights were all off and all you could really see was the light at the end of the hall. So, me by me,I started singing, "There's a light at the end of the tunnel....there's a light at the end of the tunnel for you....for you". I didn't really think the words I was singing....I was just singing. Then I get to my office and get the computer all plugged in, turn on the ihome and what song you come on the radio but, "There's a light at the end of the tunnel. So, I have to stop and think of what God is trying to tell me, what is the big picture here. I thought about it and right now trying to sell this house is killing Tom and I. We are under so much stress trying to get everything done and get the house sold. We know we are going to have to live a part but for how long. But today, I had a peace about the whole thing...there is a light at the end of the tunnel...and my light is Jesus Christ. We know this move will be a success if we remember to keep our eyes on Him. I know everything will work out but with God's sense of humor, who knows how its going to end.
Below are the lyris to the song....

I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
I can't begin to know what you're going through
I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

Just remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
So keep holdin' on

You've got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Brings a new life for your eyes to see

So remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

"Use your mouth for words not biting"....

I've had to use those words twice this week with Kevin. Twice, I gotten a phone call from his teacher, saying that some child took a toy way for a child and then Kevin has bitten the child. So, twice this week, I've gone downstairs to talk to him and remind him that it's not okay to bite some one even if they've upset you. Today I made him call his father on the phone to tell him what he had done....that was very emotional from him to do!!! I'm not sure why the biting is going on. He did just move to a new classroom and we have a lot of changes going on at home with this up coming move. But, I'm hoping that it won't happen again. I did tell him if I get another phone call from his teacher that he bit a child, he would have to get a spanking...and yes, I do spank my children but only when I have to. So, as you go about your day today, just remember to use your mouth for words, not for biting!!

Me & my "Blankie"

It's true, I'm 36 years old, a wife, a mother of three and the proud owner of my "blankie". This is a horrible picture of me but I'm hoping you'll look past that and look at the love I have for this blanket. Makenna took this picture of my in the Orlando airport after spending 7 very long days doing the whole Disney thing....yes, I was a little tired.
My BFF Jeanell made it for me right our family was moving to Germany....its been like a friend ever since. I carefully packed in suitcase when I had Kevin and he cuddled in the hospital bed with us both. It travel with me though out Europe. It took several trips over the ocean and then back again. It was at the hospital with me both time when I had surgery. I wasn't as organized with the birth of Matthew but when my husband when home to pick up the other kids, without asking he brought my blanket. I always take my blanket camping and it hangs out at the campfire. Its been puked, pooped, peeped and spilled on but it always washes clean.
I want my BBF Jeanell to know that my blanket is one of my more treasured possessions. Even though we live far away, I always feel close to her because of this gift that she made for me, by her own hands and with love!! Miss you, Jeanell!!

Sunday at the Lake

We were so blessed to have spent this past Sunday at the Lake with the Etzlers. We ate BBQ and just hung out for the day. The kids all played in the water and got to go out on the jetski and in the evening we all went on a boat ride. What a great day!!

Zoloft....take me away

Okay, I'm so stressed out that not even the Zoloft is touching my anxiety!! I feel that the house is a weight that can't be lifted from my shoulders. The cleaning is never ending...the children make mess after mess and the animals have hair all over the house...it just makes me want to scream. How can I keep this place clean, work 40 hours a week, take care of kids, try to paint and do other repairs all while my husband is out of town........AAAHHHHH!!!!!
So, that is my blog for today...one of stress!!

I know it will all work out but right now on Tuesday, July 8 at 4:46pm....I'M STRESSED!!!