TheWoodkeFamily

I have several more to come.....

2010-08-05T13:58:00.003-04:00

I have bunches of pictures to post... I still have to edit the newborn, one week pics and one month pics but here are the rest. Sorry for the HUGE delay.

Brenley at 2 months

2010-08-05T13:53:00.002-04:00

Brenley's 2 months photo shoot....

Brenley at 3 months

2010-08-05T13:50:00.001-04:00

Brenley's 3 months photo shoot....

Brenley at 4 months

2010-08-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

Bren's 4 month photo shoot

Brenley at 5 months

2010-08-05T13:39:00.001-04:00

This was Bren's 5 months photo shoot

6 months old

2010-08-05T13:30:00.003-04:00

Brenley Dean Legg is 6 months old today.

click on the photos for a full view.

Okay, enough snow already....

2010-01-09T12:10:00.002-05:00

Let me begin by saying, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! A new and fresh beginning, not just for me but for everyone. We usually hear of resolutions this time of year, and it takes just as long to break them as it does to say them. My resolution was to finish one project prior to starting another.... broken, of course. We started the studio.... and as Gabbi's due date got closer, we decided that it was more important to finish the space for her and the baby. Still not finished but it is a job that is quickly shaping up to be wonderfully perfect. I can't wait to post the finished pictures. Hopefully this will be before the pictures of the baby... Gabbi was accepted by Miracle Diapers, I can't even begin to express what a wonderful program this is. We have already posted about wanting to cloth diaper, and this not for profit sends a small stash to start low-income families. We have been working on cloth diapers and covers all through out, but it will be nice to be able to try different brands and find what works best for us. After Brenley out grows them we will send them back along with the ones that we have already collected. This will help other families too. We have also made reuseable wipes, (yes, they are wash rags) and reuseable breast pads. I love to be able to use the experience as a learning tool. Perhaps both of the girls will take this information into adulthood when they decide to have families.(Much later!!!!) Gabbi is home-schooling through BYU. Her father has agreed to help pay for it, (thank God)and it gives her the opportunity to work ahead and she may be able to graduate mid-term her senior year. That will also give her the opportunity to start college early. I have really been pushing the importance of education, for both her and Bren. Braxton is slowly trying to be responsible... it has been a long road. Matthew and Jonathan both visited over Christmas break. It was wonderful to see them both and they appear well. Chloe is still working quite a bit, and looking forward to graduation. She hasn't talked to her dad lately but she tries everyday.... Here is hoping that this year proves better than any so far. Love to you and your families.... <3 Suz

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all of you....

2009-12-25T13:42:00.003-05:00

Love and Happiness to each of you during this amazing season!!!

For those who won't be able to attend the baby shower...

2009-12-11T23:04:00.003-05:00

The baby shower will be in January, it was going to be Dec, but it all came too fast. But anyway, for those of you who would like to know what she needs, she is registered at Target.com... registry is under Gabrielle Businger. Thank you so much to everyone in advance.... Love to all, Suz
http://www.target.com/registry/baby/4YVVDNDIB52N

As Brenley grows, so does Gabbi

2009-12-11T20:51:00.003-05:00

projects

2009-11-25T13:43:00.002-05:00

I am a terrible blog poster....

2009-10-18T00:17:00.003-04:00

I wish that there was more time in each day. Since my birthday I have been crafting my fool head off for the pending arrival. I have pictures that need posted from Danny's birthday on so I am aware that needs done, it is just another one of those things that takes time. Maybe there wouldn't have to be more time in the day if I could just work faster... sew faster, knit faster, crochet faster.... create faster. Yeah, I don't see it happening either. So I still need to paint Gabbi's room, well Gabbi and Brenley's room. We do have the colors picked out and I know where I am going with it, so that is always a plus. We have made several decisions and so the executing part is what is left. Gabbi and I have discussed breastfeeding, which she quickly agreed too ( YEAH!). And there is that cloth diapering thing that she has totally warmed up to after seeing all of the fantastic designs that are available (these are not your grandma's cloth diapers). And with cloth diaper decisions we came to covers, which we have been working up some amazing wool ones. You really should read all of the info out there... I barely have time to craft when I am so busy educating myself on what is best for the new little one. Oh and all of the choices are also making our whole carbon footprint so much less. That is one of my obsessive things. I really wish that I knew more people who loved to sew, knit and crochet just for the love of crafting because it is official, I have more than I will be able to finish in 3 and 1/2 months... (yes you read that right.... we are already at 24 weeks). I do have a sneak peak ( to the left) of what the wool longies I have been working on look like... (these are acrylic but you will get the general idea) and they will look big as I was making them to fit the specs of my friends baby who is 9 months. I figure that eventually I will need to make more than just newborn things, right? If I have any crafty volunteers please e-mail me at thewoodkefamily@hotmail.com and I can let you know what I need help with. Some of the patterns are mine (like the one above) and some I have found throughout this glorious craft encyclopedia that is the internet. I am planning the worlds cutest baby shower for December when the kids get out of school for break (since all of Gabbi's friends are still in school). I just hope that the renovations on the house are done by then, oh and that we get a couch since I donated ours to Mat's apartment and then he left the military and the couch didn't get to come back. We do need one, so I am just praying that one shows up before December so that we won't be having a pow-wow sitting in a circle on the floor kind of shower. Danny has started back to work but it isn't steady yet so we have been playing catch up with the bills and holding our breath that we will make it through any other periods of lay-off. Chloe' has been hired at Maurices at the mall and she LOVES it. She is so happy just to be there and it is just like shopping only she gets paid!! I am glad that she has found a happy place. (It is not always easy to do when you are 17). I am sure that there are a million more things that I need to write about but for now I must get busy.... half finished projects are calling my name. Love to all, Suz

Okay, more stuff....

2009-09-23T00:02:00.002-04:00

We leave for the cruise on Friday after school. Chloe moved back in because it took her exactly 3 weeks to get kicked out of her dad's house. No, she is not going with us, her attitude hasn't changed a bit. She is doing a runway show this weekend, playing in the powderpuff football game, going to homecoming and has a job interview on Monday, so she will be busy anyway. Jonathan has moved to Lafayette with his friend Kyle. This is good, I would rather know that he is safe and he is there. He did quit school which makes me VERY sad.... Mat has come home. I will have to post pictures of picking him up from the airport. He did get kicked out of the Army... long story for another time. He is living in Monticello, which means that we can talk whenever we want and that is a nice feeling. That is all for now. I will have a million more things to say when we get back I am sure. Love to all..... Suz

some pics.... sort of.

2009-09-22T23:56:00.003-04:00

My scanner is broken and I can't rip the entire ultrasound DVD to my computer, well because it has escaped me. But I can take stills of the video and I am posting them. You can really tell in the real pics and the video that he is very much a boy, but my pics didn't do that well at showing. I am exited to share Mr. Brenley's first pics with you though.

I just love little foot shots!!

This last one he moved too quick but I took a picture with my camera of the ultrasound picture and I will post it. As I said, there is no mistaking his little boy bits.

deep breath....in through the nose, out through the mouth...

2009-09-02T09:04:00.002-04:00

It has been crazy busy again. Chloe moved in with her dad the day before school started. It has been a long time coming as many of you know. I still talk to her on a daily (or almost daily) basis. She seems to be doing better, which was the point... right? On the first day of school Jonathan came home, decided that he could no longer wait the few weeks until he turned 18 and packed his things... he also moved out and is staying with friends. I haven't heard from him directly which scares the crap out of me, but the girls see him daily at school and say that he seems to be doing well. The day after George died we lost Coco too. The vet thinks that perhaps they were poisoned. By the time I got Coco to the vet (less than an hour after she started seizing) he said that her internal body temp was 109 and that he was pretty sure that there wasn't anything that he could do. So here we are 2 weeks later.... with only one child at home and one dog. I have been crafting my fool head off. I always am this time of year. I can't wait to post some finished pics. I found a tutorial on the internet ( http://www.missgioia.com/2007/03/patchwork-cube-tutorial.html ) and I decided that it would be great for the baby shower in December. I am making the squares at 12" and it will be just shy of 3' cubed when I am done. I am working on the squares right now embroidering numbers and letters, colors and shapes... to eventually be used as a learning tool. We have decided (okay, you caught me, it was me) that cloth diapers are the way to go and so I have been sewing those and covers also. Gabbi has her ultrasound on September 11th and she will be 19 weeks already (doesn't seem possible, does it?). We have been holding our breath and hoping for a girl... or a boy, doesn't matter really as long as it is healthy. I have been taking pictures every week and will eventually get around to posting pictures again. Dad and Sandra came to visit and we had a great time. It didn't seem to last long enough, but it never does. Should probably get busy again, dishes to run through the dishwasher and a load of laundry to do ( I didn't realize how much easier it was with less people, lol.) . Love to you all, Suz

Lost another puppy this morning....

2009-08-17T07:53:00.002-04:00

Prince George Rainer Stout left us this morning... to play in puppy heaven. We lost Diane just over a month and a half ago.... It is fitting that it should rain today. Love you fluffy butt.

A small visit...

2009-08-12T23:25:00.001-04:00

Mat has been training in Louisiana for the month of August. He called this evening to say that he will be home on a 4 day pass in a few weeks. It will be nice to see him. Miss him like crazy.

Danny's failing gall bladder..

2009-08-12T23:21:00.003-04:00

My wonderful husband has been reduced to a whining, attention craving, bratty child.... and all of this from a little bitty gall bladder... I am forced to wonder why we have those pesky little things anyway. So they are running a function test with contrast on the 19th... he has already endured numerous blood tests and an ultra sound... and it's not the fun kind where you get to make big announcements.... So there are no stones but there is obviously something not right. They are talking surgury. We will have to wait and see. Just so that Tradesman doesn't call him into work before it gets fixed. Love to all!

In different news...

2009-07-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

Matthew and Jennifer broke off the engagement. It was the most mature conversation I had ever had with my son.... Although it makes me sad, I am aware that this is for the best.

Side note: it has to STOP raining on the weekends so that I can have a yard sale.

Love to all...

Yes...

2009-07-24T15:02:00.002-04:00

Yes, my daughter is pregnant
Yes, she is only 14
Yes, I am upset because she has no idea of how this will change her life
Yes, we will make it through this
Yes, it will be hard and we will need help
Yes, the timing is bad (economically)
Yes, she went to her OB/GYN appointment today
Yes, the baby is doing well and we heard the heartbeat
Yes, I let Gabbi and Braxton spend as much time together as possible
Yes, I am aware everyday how much this sucks

No, I am not going to treat her like she is a bad person and punish her (she does that to herself already). I was hoping for support, I don't need reminded of how crappy the situation is.... I am reminded often enough. Those of you who can't get past the situation and on to being supportive and helpful are not welcome to comment.... We don't need it.

ummm.....

2009-06-24T23:02:00.001-04:00

Matthew called to announce that he is getting married. Her name is Jennifer Fuller and she seems nice enough (or so the girls tell me). So any way, there you have it..... when did he get to be old enough to make that decision...... sniff sniff

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2009-06-21T11:23:00.002-04:00

To my father, husband, brother and friends,
I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by the most amazing group of fathers on the planet. May you all have a relaxing and memorable day. Much love to you all!!!
Love you!!!!

June Celebrations!!!

2009-06-15T22:59:00.004-04:00

The girls preparing the cupcakes... (You will need to click on the pictures, they are always too big, sorry)
thank you Gabbi and Destiny!!

The yellow daisies.... yummy.... lemon

The pink pionies..... yummy.... cherry

Happy Graduation to ME!!! I am now the proud owner of an AAHCA!!

Happy 2nd anniversary Wil and Bess!!! May your love continue to grow each and every day.

Happy Happy Birthday to you Miss Bess!!!

Happy Fathers Day to all of the amazing fathers in my life!

and Happy Birthday to the love of my life!! May the fishing and golfing that you do this summer be a constant reminder of how important you are to our family and that you are loved and appreciated!!

thank goodness that June only happens once a year, lol!!
Much love to all!!!

We are knee deep in.......

2009-06-15T22:56:00.001-04:00

STRAWBERRIES!!!!!

It is officially the beginning of a new week...

2009-06-14T10:54:00.002-04:00

This week we have cleaned the kitchen and I baked homemade bread in the most wonderful tube pans. I made a tapenade to go with them as they were italian seasoned and we ate them with beautiful cheese ravioli. There were heart shapes, stars, flowers.... I just love these pans. We also made cupcakes (the end result is for a different post). The kids and I are going to work on sewing reusable shopping bags today. I bought some amazing flat sheets at the goodwill yesterday for only a dollar a piece. The bags will be beautiful and help save the environment. (for more info on this project, please contact me, I will be glad to help you save the earth too!) I have a million pictures to post but the batteries are dead in the camera right now so I will have to search out the rechargables.... ( I have a sneaking suspicion that it was the kids, lol) I can't wait to get something done today. I feel as if I put my life on hold and I finally got it back!! Thank you to everyone for your support and I look forward to time with all of you!! Love to you all!

Well, the hard part is done...

2009-06-08T03:52:00.002-04:00

The course work is complete and all I have to do now is wait for my final grades and then the formalities of a certificate and transcripts. I have to admit a couple of things, the first being that I cried as I turned in my final assignment. When you do something every day for two years it kind of becomes part of who you are.... and now I will be ....??? and the other thing is that after rearranging my sleeping schedule for 2 years I am going to sleep ALL DAY tomorrow to catch up!! Watch for regular updates.... Thank you to all of you for your amazing love and support, I couldn't have done it without you!!! Love to you all!!!

Jury Duty Update...

2009-05-28T00:32:00.002-04:00

Nothing ever really happens here so imagine my very pleasant surprise when it was an attempted murder trial. No I didn't get picked but I also didn't get any homework done because I was glued to the surroundings anticipating what was to happen next. 4 hours later I got dismissed as did the rest of the 75 people ordered to be there. Bummer!! Wil still hasn't shown up, Joe Joe is home and resting, surgury went well.... and the kids are crazy with excitment. So there you have it....11 days left. Love to all!!

Jury Duty...

2009-05-27T04:12:00.002-04:00

In exactly 4 hours I will be at the court house for my very first jury duty experience. I am stoked really, which speaking to other people I have found is not a common emotion. The kids last day of school is today and then SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER... (I know that you are humming it now, lol). I only have one week and 5 days left of class. I can't believe how horrible the procrastination has gotten. I will be lucky to pass these classes with C's.... which is disappointing after how hard I have worked on the rest. I am taking classwork with me to the courthouse as I am sure to have plenty of time to work on it there. Chloe' has only one probation meeting left before release, and she will graduate from the treatment program on July 1st. July 22nd is her court date and she will be a free woman. She really has improved and we have been lucky that she was given this opportunity. The kids are looking forward to fishing, golfing, and going to Mississinewa all summer long. Dan and I walked up to the park this evening after stopping for ice cream to see if the pool was up and running. It was dark but the water looked beautiful. Can't wait for some of that either!!! So 12 days from now I am hoping that Dan has the roof back on so that we can go full force with the yard saleing.... I need to get this junk out of here. Well I guess I am going to go shower and do my hair... Love to you all!! Oh and I almost forgot to mention that my little brother did say something about coming down one day this week... Danny said that his clubs are ready when you are, lol. And one more thing, Momma's little Joe puppy is going in for surgury this morning, to get fixed... his little sweet face looked so sad when I saw him last I am sure that he knew.... it will be okay joe... we still love you!!

Anniversary....

2009-04-28T21:16:00.001-04:00

We had a really fun time. Thank you for all of the wonderful well wishes. I can't believe it has only been 8 years.... I already can't remember what I ever did without him. Love to you all!!

Little Update

2009-04-10T23:42:00.002-04:00

Well, we bought the Love Dare with the understanding that we were going to DO it.... over a week ago. I can't do this alone, or the marriage.... I wish that we were partners again.

In other news, I completed my finals in finance and psychology, and the final grade was an "A" in Finance (thank you Wil) and a "B" in Psychology. I know why I got that grade, it was completely my fault. I got overwhelmed one week and skipped a 100 point paper... but luckily I did well on the rest of them so it worked out. I still have a 3.81 GPA and only 8 weeks and 2 days left. If there is senioritis to be had, I am having it. The sociology class and communications class that I am taking now are REALLY easy but the homework still hast to be done.... (COME ON SUZ<>>> THE END IS IN SIGHT) lol.

Chloe made the A&B honor roll (Go Chloe) and actually there were NO F's on this report card for anyone!!! WOOT WOOT!! I know that may sound bizarre but we have had that problem in the past. Jonathan had 4 A's and 2 D's (Lack of homework disapline, I wonder how that happened) and Gabbi has 2 A's, 1 B, 3 C's and a D.... she forgot her pill a couple of days in there.

Our roof is still leaking in the kitchen but in all fairness, it is STILL cold out. I wish that it would just make up it's mind to be spring.

I received my giant tomato and rainbow pepper plants today, I will be planting them indoors tomorrow and then I should have a huge crop this year since we bought better plants.

I have lost 7 pounds so far on this diet but the lack of flavor is killing me, so I am going to try to tweek it a little so that it is tollerable. Mom has lost over 10.... BRAT!!! But we are sticking with it NO MATTER WHAT!! I love love love my treadmill!! It is amazing, the Wii fit is working out just splendid as well. I have been spending many hours with them both.

I still haven't finished Easter baskets which puts me at crunch time since they need to be "delivered" on Sunday. Actually I haven't had time to craft a darn thing.... I think that time should just multiply and give me some space. Spring cleaning is lurking everywhere and we have a million things that need listed on Ebay. If anyone needs ANYTHING, I am sure that we have 2, so just let me know. Oh and I have boxes of baby clothes that were gifts that never got sent and now are too small if anyone needs them, LOL!!!

Chloe is preparing for prom next weekend and let me just say I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. She has done so well in everything since she got in trouble and has turned her life around. Back to where she was ... a couple of years ago when she still loved me... I have been so excited and proud and I just know that if she keeps it up she will be the amazing and sucessful woman that we all know that she can be... with this being said I know what goes on at, around and after prom and this presents too many opportunities for slip ups.... Please pray that she keeps her head about her and we have no new issues to resolve.

To look forward to this next week..... I am goint to a designer purse party. Any of you who REALLY know me know that this is a WEAKNESS... I wonder if there will be matching shoes available, LOL!!!

Love to you all.... XOXOXO

Oh and I almost forgot to post.... because I am a busy momma, not because I am not proud

2009-03-31T10:28:00.002-04:00

Chloe made Berryettes for her senior year of high school, she decided that she wanted to do that instead of cheer, and Gabbi made freshman cheerleading ( you know what that means...sniff sniff... that she is going to high school in a few short months. NOT THE BABY, I AM NOT READY......... ( and the tears start again). I just had to post my little brag on the girlies!

One down, and several to go...

2009-03-31T00:26:00.003-04:00

I finished Gabbi's custom Easter basket today and thought that I would post it. I made it to match her room so that she could use it to organize things there and for some extra storage... I love how it turned out, I think I will use them down in my office when I find the right fabric. Click on the pictures for a bigger view.

My St. Patricks Day outfit...

2009-03-31T00:22:00.001-04:00

I know that these are a little late but I wanted to show off my newest apron... (it was in the middle of my modest dress week so ignore the fact that I am wearing a skirt, lol)

Jonathan after surgery

2009-03-31T00:19:00.001-04:00

Jonathan had to have his wisdom teeth removed along with 2 others, we didn't get any pics the first day or two after surgery since he slept the whole time, but here he is after a couple of days.

Happy 34th Birthday Little Brother!!!

2009-03-24T20:18:00.001-04:00

I found out why the bakery caught on fire... heeheehee

Hope that you had a great one!!!

Okay, the long awaited craft blog, lol.

2009-03-12T18:12:00.002-04:00

I am having trouble deciding where to begin... For Christmas my amazing husband bought me an embroidery sewing machine. I have wanted one for over 10 years so this was very exciting to me. I then proceded to order 50 spools of different colored thread for it and didn't have anywhere to put them. My husband and I went to the Goodwill store (on 50% off day, that never happens) and found this beautiful solid wood arimore and it was perfect for my machine. He then crafted me a spool holder to put across the back for the thread.
Here is a picture of him working on it...

and here is the finished product...

And then he made me a pom-pom maker...

And then Jonathan had to try it out...

Here is a few shots of my new sewing machine, cabinet and thread holder...

I used my new sewing machine to make several Christmas presents and a birthday apron for my friend Mysti... It turned out so cute that I had to make one for myself too...

I have also fallen in love with Japanese crochet called arigurumi. I have several new patterns and have finished a few... so here they are...
my turtle...

my piggie...

My one-earred bunny, yes I will finish the other ear... eventually, I kind of like it that way,lol.

And then I bought a ton of Hello Kitty patterns, since she is my favorite, here is my mermaid ... no face yet, but I will get it,lol.

I just love her!!! I also made a little felt baby...

That one is all hand embroidery, no machine work there,lol.
With all of the craft stuff invading the house I also got a craft cabinet, on sale of course but it works perfectly!!

And as if all of that just wasn't enough, I got a Cricut to do some scrapbooking, that is if I ever find any time,lol.

All of this was just in case everyone wondered what in the world I have been doing, since I haven't been blogging, lol. Well that and homework, housework and the usual...

I miss everyone and love you all dearly. Thank you for letting me share. I look forward to posting more Hello Kitty stuff as I got 4 new Japanese pattern books in the mail today!! WOOT WOOT, go me go me!!

I honestly haven't forgotten...

2009-02-26T19:04:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy that it is amazing that anything gets done, ever... but I thought that I would take a minute to let everyone know that there should be some amazing updating going on really soon. I will try to take the time tomorrow to show off some projects and tell of a few developments... I love and miss you all... have a great day.

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig.......

2009-01-25T19:18:00.002-05:00

Okay so I didn't go to market but the title seemed appropriate, we have been gone for what seems like forever and the housework that piled up seems to indicate that it wasn't quite long enough. Danny got laid off 3 weeks ago Friday and the job offers just don't seem to be materializing as quickly as we thought that they should. We went down to Memphis to increase our chances of finding something that won't lay people off in a couple of weeks and that pays enough to support our large family. We haven't heard back from anything yet but then again, we have only been back for almost 48 hours. I guess I am just impatient. We had our Christmas celebration with my brother and his beautiful family yesterday. I know that there are pictures but it will take me a while to get that all loaded and taken care of. For now I just want to say that we had a lovely dinner and it was so nice to get to spend time with everyone. Thank you Dad and Sandra for being so gracious as to let us invade your home for a few days. Hopefully we will do it again soon. Also Thank you to Wil and Bess for the nice time at your amazing home. (I love the new color in the dining room!) I forget every time that we go that it is only an hour and a half to get there and that we should make the trip more often. I can't believe how grown all of the girls look.... you should probably staple their feet to the floor now and try and make them stop while they are young..... it goes by entirely too fast. Well, I hope to post again tomorrow after I finish this final... Much love and appreciation to you all....

After Christmas Update...

2009-01-12T04:13:00.002-05:00

Wow, here we are in a new year and I am already behind (raise your hand if your suprised). I got the house de-Christmased within the 2 days following the holiday which I believe to be a new personal best. All of the big dinner dishes were done and everything. Mat made it back to New York, a few snags and a speeding ticket but he made it there safe and that is what matters. I have undecided to go to Indiana Wesleyan and am currently re-evaluating my options. Danny got layed off on Friday and everything and every one has a new perspective on things. I know that we will survive it and much of it will be uncomfortable but hopefully we will come out stronger on the other side. Chloe has been doing some re-evaluating of her own. We will see how all of that pans out in the next couple of weeks. I have been busier than ever creating and I can't wait to post some of the things that I have been working on. Don't worry, I will keep the suprise for now, but I really am getting anxious. Hopefully that will have a happy ending too. In a moment where so many things seem to be going wrong I am greatful for all of the hope that things will be better than ever when it is over. Goals and dreams are free.

It's going too fast...

2008-12-20T15:57:00.002-05:00

I always feel this way the week before Christmas... I will never get a thing done! Oh well, I am hoping that my children will find it in their hearts to forgive me. We will do what we always do, eat... A LOT, and then hang out playing with some of the fun things that we have gotten for Christmas. I hope that everyone has a WONDERFUL holiday and enjoy each other!! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Five Golden Rings....

2008-12-18T05:22:00.001-05:00

Tried to take some Christmassy pics...

2008-12-18T01:08:00.000-05:00

It would have been easier if I had willing participants.... Chloe so didn't want to be there.

Happy 6th Birthday Heidi!!!

2008-12-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!! I hope that you have an amazing day!!!

I can't believe that it has been 6 years already!!

Lots of love, Uncle Danny, Auntie Suz, Mat, Jon, Chloe, Lexi, Gabbi and all the puppies!!

Happy 8th Birthday Hannah!!!

2008-12-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

We hope that you have the most amazing birthday ever sweetie!!!

Lots of love, Uncle Danny, Auntie Suz, Mat, Jon, Chloe, Lexi, Gabbi and all the puppies!!

Christmas Decorations....

2008-12-12T02:22:00.001-05:00

Family time and being "Green"

2008-12-12T02:14:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and Amanda

Homemade wrapping paper

Some of the pictures, Chloe's cutie penguin
(For the penguin family,lol)

Making homemade wrapping paper- Mom

The table full of paper and crayons.... and yes, there's grammie!!

Chloe drawing a present on her spot!!

Lexi making cutie little Christmas stuff!!

Jonathan and the snowman, lol, he's super cute!

New Puppy Pictures... 4 Weeks Old

2008-12-12T02:09:00.000-05:00

Joe, Nanuk, and Coco

Phoebe

Joe and Coco

Phoebe, Nanuk, and Sophie

Coco and Joe

OH and because I am a bad, bad, auntie

2008-12-11T02:38:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY MAMIE!!
I do hope that your birthday ROCKED!!

I love you sweetheart and I can't wait to see you again!

I finally made the decision!!

2008-12-11T02:22:00.000-05:00

I have decided not to continue in Health Care Administration, and I have also decided not to continue with University of Phoenix. It has served it's purpose. Prior to going to UOP I was unsure of how I would do in college and now I know. I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up when I started so I chose something that I had some knowledge of and hoped for the best. All of this sounds like bad news but in reality, the best is yet to come. I will receive my associates degree after my grades are posted and I have finished my last class on June 7th. I will start my bachelors program in business administration with a minor in human resources at Indiana Wesleyan University on June 21st. I haven't been this excited in a long time... so what is the first thing I did after going through the process??... Bought a hoodie that said Indiana Wesleyan, of course, LOL!! From everything that I have read it is an amazing school!! I have applied at the hospital again and hope that I will hear back some good news, if not I think that I am applying for an internship in admin at Eli Lilly. Wouldn't that be the bomb? If that doesn't pan out either I have looked into an administrative internship at (insert drumroll here) .... St Jude Childrens Hospital. Yes Dad, that means what you think that it means. Eventually I will have crammed enough information into this skull of mine to make some money with it.... I hope. So that is my good news for now, OH and I met a new friend today... IN REAL LIFE!! She is super sweet and has some of the cutest kids ever!! I can't wait to hear about all of the amazing things that have been happening for all of you!!

Mat's Email Address

2008-12-05T01:37:00.000-05:00

Matthew has a new email address if anyone would like it. He is able to check it in their common room computers. Eventually he would like to get a laptop but I am guessing that it will be a while. Like when we win the lottery, lol. So here it is:
MatClarkNY@yahoo.com

He has already started getting some of the cards,lol. He has no idea that I am up to 70 people who have promised to send him one.

Welcome to the World Sawyer Bryan

2008-12-05T01:32:00.000-05:00

Sawyer Bryan Harrison was born on December 4, 2008 at 5:20 am. He weighed 5lbs.5oz. and was 18 inches long. He has the most beautiful blond hair and blue eyes... and looks just like his big brother and sister. Here are his first pics.

Auntie Suz is so proud!!! :)

i almost forgot about the waiting....

2008-12-04T01:14:00.000-05:00

Considering the fact that two weeks ago I celebrated my youngest childs 14th birthday and today... well, yesterday here, I celebrated my oldest childs 19th birthday I think it is a fair assumption that enough time has passed that I would forget. My best friend Mysti has been talking about having just one more baby since I met her. It has been a bumpy couple of years, some really low points that will never be forgotten and a whole lot of waiting.... So here we are, again tonight... waiting. If I had wings I would fly out to stand by her bedside so that she wasn't waiting without me... but I can't and so I wait here. Some time between now and morning a long awaited bundle will arrive... and I hope to get to share this news with you in the morning. I am praying for you, Mysti and Sawyer, Jeremy and the kids and my thoughts are forever with you. May God bring Mr Sawyer into the world with no complications so that we may be able to enjoy every minute.... every smile, laugh... everything. Until I get the call... I will be waiting.

Happy 19th Birthday Mat!!!

2008-12-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

I honestly can't believe that it has been this long!! You have grown into an amazing young man! I LOVE YOU AND WISH YOU AN AMAZING DAY!!!!

I GOT IT!! WOOT WOOT!!!!

2008-12-01T03:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, so who knew that it would be so dang hard to get an address, lol. I also posted his address on a couple of sites and I am pretty sure that the boy will get a bajillion Christmas cards. I am hoping that it makes this first holiday season away from home a little easier.

Here it is, the elusive address,lol!

Pvt Matthew R Clark
HHC 2-22
Fort Drum, NY 13602

Mobile phone #574-386-9992

I am positive that it would make him happy to hear from all of you!!!

PS.... his birthday *sniff sniff* is Wednesday... he will be 19.

Happy Birthday Reesie!!!!

2008-11-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

My beautiful little niece has a birthday today.... HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!
We love you!!! Hope you have the most amazing birthday ever!!

Love, Grammie, Auntie Suz, Uncle Danny, Mat, Jon, Chloe, Lexi, and Gabbi!!

Snuggles and licks from George, Diane, Sinatra, LilliAnne and the babies!!!

Things to be thankful for...

2008-11-27T03:15:00.000-05:00

We have a home, it is ours, and I can paint it any color I like.
Our home is warm, we have only turned on the furnace once this year... the fireplace everyday.
We have water when we turn the faucet, and electricity when we flip a switch.
I am able to go to school, and my children are also getting an education.
We have clothes and shoes to wear.
We have warm, comfy beds and snuggly pj's to wear.
We are able to eat well balanced meals at least once a day.
We have amazing family and friends. (something that no one should be without)
Matthew is safe and spends his days becoming a better man.
Jonathan is growing up and learning some hard lessons, but he is learning. (don't ever forget your goals Jon)
Lexi has come to be with us and our family is complete. I no longer mourn the loss of my uterus.
Chloe is becoming the most amazing, talented, smart, couragous young woman... we all knew that you had it in you sweetheart.
Gabrielle is thoughtful and kind, and on her way to being outstanding.
My HUSBAND..... You are my love, my life, my everything.... without you, I would be nothing. Thank you for all you do for me and our children.
My mother, your daily strength makes me want to strive to be more like you.
Our freedoms.... given to us by the men and women who defend this amazing country of ours.
Thank you for our government and let us all pray that the right decisions are made and we continue to enjoy the opportunities that we all have today.

None of this would be possible without God, our eternal Lord and savior. Thank you for my faith and your faith in me.

There are so many things that I have not listed.... it would take all night. In these hard times I think that it is yet another thing to be thankful for to have the opportunity to see what all we do have, instead of just dwelling on the things that we lack.

Thank you to all of you for listening.

Gabbi's Birthday

2008-11-24T01:32:00.000-05:00

We went on a shopping trip for Gabbi's birthday, so the girls were told to take a picture documentary of the trip, so there are pics of in the truck... lots of them, at the piercing and tattoo parlor, in the mall, at the Meijer store and Golden Corral. So this about sums up the birthday trip... in case you were ever thinking that a shopping trip with 3 teenaged girls might be fun..... it kind of , um , well , isn't....

LilliAnne Marie Pregnant and the babies...

2008-11-24T00:45:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Mat's Visit

2008-11-24T00:33:00.000-05:00

Gabbi's Birthday Hair

2008-11-17T00:30:00.001-05:00

Gabbi's piercing video

2008-11-17T00:10:00.000-05:00

Mat made it to New York...

2008-11-15T00:36:00.001-05:00

Mat called tonight and he made it to where he was supposed to be. He was unaware of what to expect and so he really didn't take the stuff that he was going to need. I am not aware of his address at this time but when I get it if I could get help from all of you I would really appreciate it more than you would ever know. He has a studio type, dorm room-ish that he is living in. Had he known he would have taken the things that he had in his apartment before he joined, but as it is he went there with only a few changes of clothes. He has a bed, desk and mini kitchenette in his room but does not have ANYTHING. He is using a hoodie as a pillow and blanket at this point. Mom and I are making him a fleece blanket and I am knitting him a pair of slippers but he needs simple things like a matress pad, sheets, pillows, towels, silverware, soap, laundry baskets, pots and pans, dish rags, well, you get the idea. The poor boy doesn't make enough money at this point to get all of this stuff and I will make sure to get his address so that we can all help him out. I am going to have him try and find a computer to use somewhere and post a wishlist on Walmart.com and that way I know what he needs. I will post that here too when I get it. I am sure that any little thing, used or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

Done....lol.

2008-11-10T02:10:00.000-05:00

Okay, new classes start tomorrow and I made it through another round of finals. I turned in my Human Resources final and less than an hour later my instructor had posted my grade.... 100% A+!!!! WOOT WOOT!! The only thing about that is I am pretty sure that he didn't have time to even read my 4500 word, 20 page presentation with a 5 page PowerPoint.... so do I just take the grade and forget it, or do I wonder if he just saw that the length was appropriate and gave me the grade. I know that I earned it so all is good. Now to wait until next Sunday for the grade in Med Term. I know that she will read it......blah. Love ya!!

One assignment left..

2008-11-07T01:01:00.000-05:00

The two classes that I am currently taking end on Sunday....I have completely finished my final in Medical Term. and I only have one assignment left to do in Human Resources and these two are behind me. Next classes start on Monday morning and I will be taking Health and Diseases, and Medical Law and Ethics.... I really think I might like the Med law one.... we will have to wait and see. Each class is one step closer to a degree.... can you even believe it... me?? degree?? LOL. It's about damn time.

Mat's Pics

2008-11-05T20:12:00.000-05:00

I guess he's been busy...

2008-11-05T03:04:00.000-05:00

So, we have a new president elect... but that is not what this blog post is about,lol. Mat has been running around trying to cram as much as he can into the days that he has here. I did get him for about an hour and a half today and I took him to Sears to get his photos taken. I can't wait to show... He walked out of the bathroom in his uniform and it was instant waterworks. He looked so amazing... It was one of those moments where every minute of your childs life hits you at the same time. I will be sharing soon!!

Day One

2008-11-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

Well, he called me at just after 7 to let me know that he had made it to Indianapolis and Lucy was there to pick him up. He was exhausted because the bus wasn't as easy to sleep on as he had wanted. He decided that he was going to sleep at his dad's for a while before he came over. I waited most of the day before going out to vote and stop by the grocery. I did call Jonathan while at the store to ask what he wanted for dinner and Mat was here. Of course he was... so I asked him what he wanted for dinner and we ended up having fajitas. We had both steak and chicken so that everyone would eat. Mat stayed until just before 10 and he looked really good. He has stopped smoking which is GREAT, he put on some weight and looks healthy, but he still left to go back to Monticello. I would be lying if I said that it didn't hurt my feelings. But as far as the big picture, things are going well so far. I am pretty sure that he did some things last night that I won't know about and maybe that is for the best. I did ask mom last night to borrow the camera, and I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I have them.

My son is coming home for a visit!!!!!

2008-11-01T01:41:00.000-04:00

Because I know that he will never read this, and that the people who will....well, might understand, I felt the need to say a few things before Mat gets home in the morning. So here goes...(Deep Breath)....I want to be proud of him, I want to believe that all of the bad behaviors have been starved, beaten, and sleep deprived out of my son. I am having trouble trusting.... he is really good at telling me what I want to hear, which means he knows.... he knows what he should be doing, how he should be acting and behaving..... but is he really doing it? I think that with him having been in GA, and very limited contact, I believed what he was telling me because I WANTED to, but now he is coming home and I am so afraid that he will act just like he did before he left that I almost don't want him to come.... What if it was all a lie? I don't think that I could live with the disappointment. I want him to do well so bad, but to find out that he has been having discussions with his father this whole time.... the one that didn't want to ever speak to him.... (Yes, he pulled that crap AGAIN) He is such a terrible influence... the drinking, the stealing, the drugs, the random sex partners.... all of this was allowed by his father. When he left here it really was to save his life, because he wouldn't have survived on the path he was on. But did it really change him? Who will he be when he comes in my front door tomorrow?? He used to make me laugh, he used to make me proud, he used to make me want to be a better mother.... but it has been so long, I HAVE TO GET PAST THIS AND I DON'T KNOW HOW!! I can not let him leave and not forgive him for all of the pain that he put this family through, because I would rather he be the person that he was before he left.... then never have the opportunity to tell him how much he means to me and how much I love him.

In honor of National Make a Difference Day...

2008-10-26T23:23:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share this amazing website that I found. Because I have already told the kids that we won't be able to afford Christmas this year, we are going to do our best to help people who are less fortunate than we are. It is an amazing feeling. Check it out at www.wishuponahero.com. There are big wishes and small, some small enough that even we can help.

As I suspected....

2008-10-16T22:56:00.000-04:00

He didn't call me back last night, return any of the calls or voicemails that I sent today... and when he talked to Chloe he told her that he would talk to me later. AND she didn't stay with him tonight. When she got off of the phone with him.... she knew that it wasn't my fault and she realizes that sometimes he can just be plain jerkish. On a happy note, that just meant that things around here today were good for a change. WOOT WOOT!!

Sigh The world's longest blog entry....

2008-10-16T04:01:00.000-04:00

So Miss Chloe has gotten in trouble up to her ears, for real this time and I can't save her. With policies and administration changes over the summer she has found herself expelled from school. They warned her, I warned her, we ALL warned her... but here we are. Because this is a violation of her informal probation she will be put on formal probation and ordered to take correspondence classes through BY and try to obtain her credits so that she can return to school in Jan. I promised that I would help her through as much as I could. So because she is in trouble she is basically grounded from breathing which at 16 is like I stabbed her, blah. So any way, she has been sleeping at her grandmother's house ( her dads mom) for the last three nights because that is where her dad is staying until his house is finished. She eats breakfast and gets ready for school there and then her dads girlfriend drops her off at school at 8, I pick her up at 2:30 and she stays with me and eats dinner and then they pick her up between 7:30 and 8 pm. So she called me tonight and said that her dad said that if I didn't go down to the court house and tell them that he didn't owe child support anymore because she is staying with him then she wasn't allowed to stay anymore (no, there really are parents out there that use the kids to run their own agenda). I told her that I would not discuss child support with her and that I would be happy to talk to her dad if he would like to discuss anything. She was furious because she wanted to make sure that she could continue to stay with him. We also discussed the fact that she does not have to hate me to love him, or hate it here to want to spend time there, or hate her siblings here to love her other ones at her dads. I think that it was causing some issues and I do hope that she understands. We all love her and she is allowed to love all of us. Back to the thing with her dad, he is VERY far behind with child support, how much exactly I am unsure, and there is nothing that will change the amount that he already owes me. I have been up trying to ponder what exactly I was going to say to him to make the most fair situation possible. I understand that he has been burned since his older daughter spent 6 months at his house just to turn around and go back home and her mother is taking him back to court for the support that he owes while she was there. I am not HER mother... I know how to be fair and I would rather talk things out and come to an agreement than to fight or go to court. That never makes anyone happy. So this is what I wrote up, not for legal reasons but for a jumping off point for negotiations, I NEED some opinions, although this will be read long after the discussion I am sure. So here is what I wrote:

8 am – approx. 8 pm during which she spends 6 ½ hours at school
Approx. 8 pm – 8 am during which she spends at least 6 ½ hours sleeping
Every other weekend and regular holiday schedule.
I agree to:
Continue to fight to get her state medical insurance, which can be used by both parents.
Take her to all probation meetings, court dates and medical appointments.
Pick her up from the alternative school every day at 2:30 pm.
Feed her dinner before she is picked up.
Tutor her in all of her homework including Algebra II.
Return all of her text books to Logansport High School so there will be no charge.
Make sure that she has notebooks, pencils, pens, etc. for school.
Continue to work with the school in obtaining a work permit.
If and when Chloe gets a job, she will be taken to work.
You need to:
Make sure that she gets to the alternative school every week day at 8 am.
Feed her breakfast and give her an opportunity to make a lunch.
Have a place for her to sleep that is not on the floor.
Give her the necessary space for her to shower and wash clothing.
If and when Chloe gets a job, she may or may not need picked up during this time.
To avoid court and attorney fees for both parties:
Week 1- Rod agrees to go into the Cass County Court building, pay directly to Suzan Hodges-Woodke the amount of $80. In return, when the money is received, the money will be returned to Rodney Scott and he will in turn use the same money to pay for the next week. This will keep from any other money’s from ever being needed to be paid. This will keep an arrearage from being formed during the duration of Chloe’s stay and also keep any support from being paid. In this agreement both parties have equal time and no support is paid by either parent. Probation fees will be split evenly between both parents until such time that Chloe is employed and will owe the money back to each parent since the fees are her responsibility.

I am not Norma, I have never taken you to court and the only time that support was ever raised in 16 years was once when you requested that I go to the court house before Norma so that she did not receive that much more in support. I have never kept your daughter from you or you from her. Every time that she has requested to call, she has. I have always been fair and again, this agreement is fair to both parties and costs nothing, to any one. I promise to alert you of any problems that Chloe is having with school or any probation requirements, such as community service and I expect the same from you. With the support check that was sent on the 1st of October, Chloe’s out-of-school suspension fees were paid. I have never made it about the money; I just needed you to be her dad. I am sure that this will need revised as the occasion arises, for such things as moving into the house on 20th St, and Chloe’s return to regular school. I am always available if there is a problem, either at my home number or my cell number. I would like to be allowed to call Chloe if necessary.

Honestly, it is the same money swap game that we played with Jonathan for over 2 years and it works. I know that this is not what he requested but to be honest I told him several years ago that I would call the courthouse and find out if I could stop the support and the only way is attorney's and a judge, OR he and I would have to get married. That last one wouldn't happen if hell froze over, but I don't mind being friends with him and the first alternative is not anything that either of us can afford. I tried to be as fair as humanly possible. I hope that he can see that. What do you think??

*side note: Yes, this is the same dad that for her 16th birthday he told her that Danny should adopt her and that he never wanted to see her again....

*second side note: this is also the same amazing little girl that I have been head over heals in love with since the moment I first saw her.... and whom tells me that she hates me every day....

My #*&$)#$&#)& ex......

2008-10-14T03:59:00.000-04:00

I finally broke down and told his momma on him. It's a good story, you should ask me some time. I hate that I made her cry, I mean she does like me better than him,lol. But when the realization hit her that he was $20,800. behind in child support, she was visibly upset. I know that it is a false sense of hope to think that she would be able to say something to change his mind.... but we can hope, right??

oh... and a little known fact.

2008-10-10T04:23:00.000-04:00

The first time I got married (back when I was still very young) was on October 10,1990. Today would have been my 18th wedding anniversary..... weird, huh??

A Happy Day....

2008-10-10T04:17:00.000-04:00

My mom was cleaning at her house and changing out some pictures on the wall. She found some old pictures of a day that my mom and I took the kids to Discovery Zone. Yes that is how old they are since Discovery Zone hasn't been around for a long time.

I just love these pics!!

Check Check.....

2008-10-03T06:17:00.000-04:00

Testing Testing 123.... As the parent of teenagers, sometimes I just have to check and see if sound comes out when I talk.

The Man I Always Knew He Could Be....

2008-09-20T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hearing the alarm go off....

2008-09-17T04:33:00.000-04:00

For some reason I have been having the hardest time sleeping. For the third day in a row I have listened to my husbands alarm clock go off... and I was already awake. No one really wants to be awake at 4:30 in the morning, well not normal ones anyway. My ankle seems to be fine, and other than a nice purple bruise there are no real lasting effects. Well maybe I am still a little embarassed that I twisted it in the first place but it doesn't keep me from walking, so all is good.
I am still loving both of my classes and because of the kindness of my human resources management teacher I am still doing well in them both. (Side Note: Pay closer attention to what assignment you are turning in).
Gabbi has been cheering her little heart out for the 8th grade football team. We have had some issues with grades and lack of turning in some homework... not just from her but from all of them. Whoever said that setting a good example would be motivating for the children obviously has never met mine. I haven't heard from Mat in several weeks and have a sneaking suspicion that this might have something to do with my lack of sleeping. I miss him and it makes me worry to not hear from him.
I still haven't figured out what we are going to do about the roof. I don't suppose that this is one of those things that will work itself out. Many prayers would be appreciated.
I guess that will be all for now. I love and miss you all.

The Good Stuff...

2008-09-15T17:09:00.000-04:00

Danny is officially back on first shift and has been for an entire week. Gabbi had cheer practice today but I twisted my ankle and couldn't drive mom's car to go pick her up so the children enjoyed the last few warm days of summer and walked to go pick her up. I think that I will let them go and play at the park for a while. I need to go fix dinner and it will make it easier without them here. Mom is at grandma's, I really hope that grandma will see that she no longer needs that twin sized bed that she is storing and will let mom take it because Gabbi and Lex are tired of sleeping together in one twin sized bed. I really REALLY need it. So that is what has been going on here. Not really much....

School.

2008-09-11T12:39:00.001-04:00

There are several pros and cons to the children going back to school. School started here on August the 12th and so they are all fully back in the swing of things. This also means that today, being Thursday is the first day this week that none of my children are at home sick. I have been telling them to wash their hands every chance that they get and to try and be pro-active in fighting off illness.... why is it that this never works. Public schools are like these buildings full of germs... It is my hope that we will not have any more weeks like this for the entire rest of the school year. Unfortunatly we are only a month in and flu season is right around the corner. I wonder if I could talk them into wearing those silly face masks to school??!!??

My blog hates complaining posts...

2008-09-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

I wrote a rant on technology not working correctly this morning... for my blog to totally screw up when I posted it. So I had to delete it.... ironic

Update.... again.

2008-09-09T04:43:00.000-04:00

Well things here have been a little crazy, good crazy this time instead of bad. Well most of it good.... there was that little thing with Gabbi in the hospital but all is well with that now and hardly seems worth mentioning. I have completed my Algebra 2 class with a B, which is so much better than I ever dreamed that I would get, so WOOT WOOT for that. Danny is now back on first shift as of this morning!!! Life is better that way, we were actually holding hands shopping for index cards at 4:30 this afternoon. I have successfully started both my medical terminology class and my human resources mangement class, both look so fun after taking algebra. My brother and Bess, all of the girls (including Chelsea) came and visited. It was super great, all of my children were on their best behavior, and for that I am grateful. We had a great time although I didn't get the opportunity to do all of the things that I had planned. All of the ladies had their photos taken together in the dresses that I made. It would have been better if I had the opportunity to fit them first but it worked out fairly well. We all spent the night and then ate breakfast. Wil and his family left early Sunday and made it home safe and sound. It was kind of cramped in the truck though so I don't know how sane they were after the ride... or before the ride... anyway, off topic,lol. Here is a slideshow of the photos that we had taken. Thank you again to Wil and Bess for coming to visit, hopefully we will be able to do it again soon.

A break....

2008-08-24T20:48:00.000-04:00

I spent Saturday and Saturday night with my brother and his amazing family. Mom and I went up and had a great time playing and talking, and eating... there was a lot of that,lol. We stopped at Aunt Carols on the way up and her yard, the garden, the pond all looked so delicious that I had to take pictures. I thought that I would share.

Fishing Pics from the Dad and Kid Fishing Trip

2008-08-21T17:58:00.000-04:00

She MADE IT!!!

2008-08-21T17:30:00.000-04:00

A great big thank you to all of you who kept Miss Gabbi in your thoughts today!! She wasn't nervous and did a great job. So here we go again, 8th grade cheer!! She has made it all 3 years of middle school now, I am hoping that it works out in high school too since it is her incentive to stay out of trouble and keep her grades up!!!

Shhh... Do you hear that???

2008-08-16T15:19:00.000-04:00

My amazing husband has taken the children fishing, and I am here ALONE!! So imagine what it is that I hear.... NOTHING, isn't it beautiful? I hope that they catch a ton of fish so that I may post pictures tomorrow, oh and so that they don't want to come home for a while.

So I have been informed that it has been entirely too long...

2008-08-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

So I read over the last entry and noticed that it was a long... long... time ago. I am currently taking an Algebra 2 class that is just now starting to make sense again. I can't believe that I took this class 20 years ago and didn't have an issue with understanding and now, that I am paying attention and trying... I struggle. Go figure. The kids started back to school this week which is a prayer answered (thank you God). We are still struggling with bills but who in this country isn't. My husbands constant obcession is with moving to Perth Australia since he found out that he can make over four times what he is making now and do the same job. We got new family pictures taken in June before my oldest son left for boot camp, so I posted it... I miss him more than I can even describe. My oldest daughter has decided that she hates cheerleading this year after years and years of devoted practice, competitions and friends. She has not replaced it with anything other than this amazingly terrible attitude. I do hope this is just one of those stages that I always hear people talking about. Jonathan is determined to do much better in school this year as he is required a specific GPA in order to fulfill his plans...we will see, he always starts off well, it just doesn't last. Gabbi and Lexi are inseparable these days, I hope that is a good thing and they are not plotting new ways to get in trouble or determining the best ways to not get caught when they see one of the other kids get in trouble. I don't know how many more years of this teenagers thing I can do. For as much as I complain, they really are great kids. I don't know what I would do without them, my guess is make terrible cookies,lol. Board games just wouldn't be the same and I couldn't ever enjoy a scary movie again without making someone scream in the middle. Yes, they do serve a purpose, all of them. So I have updated for now and I will try as hard as I can to make sure that it isn't ever that long again.

This homework is hurting my head...

2008-02-16T19:45:00.001-05:00

I really love being in school. I love everything about it. I love that it gives me individual purpose, other than being Danny's wife, Chloe, Mat, Jon and Gabbi's mom..... It helps to define me as me. There are so many things dealing with school that need to be done right now that I don't know how I am ever going to complete them all. I finally got our household bills caught up with our tax check and now it is time to renew school financing. Now they need verification and I have yet to choose my next classes... which doesn't really work out well... since that is usually gets me through the current block... looking forward to newer and more exciting things ahead. My nutrition homework is on dehydration... a 1750 word paper that is due tomorrow, I have started the research but all of it is so boring and I HATE boring papers. Seriously... anyway , back to work... and then my Ethnic Diversity paper... BLAH~

I am a terrible housekeeper on the weekends...

2008-02-11T03:09:00.000-05:00

So here we are at ten after three in the morning and I just finished setting up the coffee maker for in the morning. Oh wait, it is morning. While I was in the kitchen I noticed that the clean dishes that I finished on Friday night had yet to be put away, the floor needs a good sweep and a mop, and there is a new mountain of dirty dishes. I blame my husband,lol. Well wouldn't you? He let me sleep in until after 10 this morning. That fact alone erases so many usable hours in a day. In addition, he asked me if I wanted to drive over to Kokomo (only 30 minutes away) and go shopping. Well yeah.... what kind of woman would I be if I didn't go. It was grocery shopping, but still, shopping is shopping. I suppose that just means that if I go to bed now, I can sleep for about 2 hours before the love of my life must get out of bed to get ready for work. Maybe I will be lucky and there will be a 2 hour delay for school. So before I go, I just want to say.... It is really my own fault and I will be paying for it all day tomorrow. What's done, or not done, will be there tomorrow. Good night all.