New Years Eve

We aren't doing anything tonight but catching up on life. I have to work in the morning so low key, but it is all good. I folded the ever mounting laundry pile and figured out bills so that feels great. The kids went to a movie with Bob today and took Hunter shopping which was thrilled about. He got a new gun and a race track, so a seven year old boy a day doesn't get any better! I went to shopping with Stacey and got some cool stuff for the house. Darcy has totally inspired me after visiting her a few weeks ago. Her house is the most comfortable house I have ever been in! It is so homey and classy at the same time. Our photos are throughout her house which is so sweet and meaningful. She has arrangements throughout her house of pictures and art work, I can only dream to come close to her knack. She also has a lot of her own artwork which is just cool. Again very inspiring.

I am so excited for 2013! It has to be better then 2012, so many bad things happened in 2012. Personally and globally....I was so so sick in July, I worked as a manager which I thought I would love but didn't, Brandon and I created a debt that scares us, and most of all Croix Benning Briscoe died. I know 2013 has to be better!

With that being said I did get one of the best gifts of all, I be came an aunt. Kenlee Ann Smith is so amazing, she is old soul in a baby body. Her eyes are mesmerizing, she looks at you and you can literally see everything...everything good in the world. She is such a blessing....even if she gave me a lot of grey hairs coming out!

Goals personally for 2013 are:

Figure out money
Lose some weight
Get the house in order
Allow the kids to have friends over
Get the kids to do chores and respect money
Remember not to throw kids birthday parties
Spend more time with people that count
Do something special for my husband and try everyday to remember that I am lucky to be married to him even when life gets hard.
Go to Atlanta for the first time in eleven years....I miss my dad!
Remember life is short....sometimes way to short!

Brooklyn's resolution is to watch more tv....to funny. If I have anything to say about it that would be a no!

Packer Viking Game day

I just downloaded blogger to the iPad and I super excited to start blogging again!

Today we are going to have mom, bob, and Jackie over for the Packer Viking game. I can't wait to hold Kenlee, she is so damn cute. We are going to try mini tacos in the wonton wrappers. Fun stuff.

Brandon and Timmy went for a walk in the state park, hunting is their life!

Brooklyn is going with Mom to pick out a new doll.

Everyone came over for the game it was fun. I am always worried how Jamie will take the game...he hasn't yet hit the fact that it is just a game but it is coming soon, I see how he is a wonderful father... And with this.... games all of sudden don't matter as much. The Vikings did win though, but I think it puts us " packers" in the benefit. Kenlee looked so cute in her Vikings outfit and I loved that she had another one to put on right after she peed on the first.

For My Kids

Shine The Light lyricsWalk away I knowYou’re not coming backNo one was ever told and you dared not to askI had this feeling you’d rehearsed ‘cause all the words you spoke were so divine.Left beside myself your silhouette just passing by.I hear you breathing fast asleepIs it really so? I’m tangled up in plaid and basking in the afterglowI have this feeling we been here to long the circles worn upon these floorsI stand beside myself a sea of change addressed unsure.If you feel you’ve got to break my heartThat nothing here could ever heal youIf I could be the mend the cast, restartWould you let me fix the rest of you?So I wipe away the yearsYou‘ve blossomed through it allHad my knees been there for me I might have never fallenI want this feeling to deny it all, deny you felt the same and II left you by yourself my faults were thereWaving their goodbye’sIf you feel you’ve got to break my heartThat nothing here could ever heal youIf I could be the mend the cast, restartWould you let me fix the rest of you?You’ve gone uncomfortably quiet & I am comfortably sadI given in and resigned you held the rein’s in your handsMy hearts divided, I’ve been placed securely under your thumbMy betters been best and I am feeling unsungBaby walk away I knowYou’re not coming backNo I was never told and I dared not to askIf you feel you’ve got to break my heartThat nothing here could ever heal youIf I could be the mend the cast, restartWould you let me fix the rest of you?

Remodeling

So today, we have almost finished cleaning out the "scrapbooking room." It has been so much more work then I anticipated! We have boxed everything and carried it out into our very much smaller garage ( good thing because we will have a mudroom finally.) Brandon got some kicks because it got to demolition the cabinets and shelving and got to then burn it.... and we all know how men love fire. We moved our main computer out to the basement living room which is kinda nice... not so cold. The porch is about two thirds done it has a roof and it is partially shingled. The mudroom is framed and the heat should go in next week. I am still so undecided about the wood flooring and color of the siding. I have asked my mom for some advice and tomorrow I will see my very talented Aunt Judie.

Last night with the huge mess we have going on around here we could not find Brooke's nuk. So she finally went to bed without one!!!! And only asked me once for it today and that was when I was laying with her in our bed, putting her to bed. But with her becoming older (no baby anymore) she today has decided to call me "Erika" instead of mom. I asked her why and she said because you are "Erika," when I respond that this hurt my feelings she said "You will be my mama but I am going to call you Erika." Also, I just have to say that she was so sweet laying in our bed, she just kept wanting me to play with her hair.... she has never asked me that before.

Hunter was grounded to today for trying to fake punch Lexi. No more violet video games. Although that is hard to keep around here because of his father.

Lexi is doing well. She is very excited about her book report. She has picked the book "Mrs Holly is Jolly." She also helped me alot cleaning. She is very excited for her new bedroom but I am worried she won't be able to sleep in it, considering she can't go downstairs now without one of us.

Tomorrow Brandon starts of gun hunting again..... Lord please let him get a big one so it ends!

Looking forward tomorrow to playing racquetball with my good friend Tammy and then having brunch with her, my aunts, and Dani at my mom's beautiful new house.

Summer Sun

OK I know it is bad when I never never write... I always have good intentions does that count?



Then summer is already half way, I can't believe it!!! When have been very busy with birthdays, weddings, and cabin visits.



Alexa had a beautiful birthday with friends. We went to the River Falls bowling alley and bowled. It was so interesting to see her interact with friends.

Using the computer

Ok ok i just haven't been able to use the computer as much as I thought i would be able to the problem is that Brandon is always using the thing or Alexa. i could only use it in the late evening. Right now I was able to steal it because his buddys jerry and tim came over to hang out . We have been going through each room and reorganizing them so far done Brooklyn and Alexa and Hunter are completed.

New Age

I am so excited I just got my wireless internet to work!!! Now I really don't have a excuse not to make posts.

Tomorrow is Brandon's 35th birthday- what a old man- I love that I get to say that for the rest of my life! The kids made him some very cute cards, and he is getting a backpack for Roxi to wear while shed hunting. Today, I asked him if he had thought anymore about going back to school and for what... his answer really surprised me.... he said "You know while I am in the woods, I see so many beautiful things and I wish others could see them the way I do, so I was thinking that I would like to take some photography classes." I had to laugh out loud. I mean I think that is a wonderful idea... but this came from the man that never wants his picture taken because he thinks it steals a piece of his soul---to funny. But, it would be a wonderful adventure to try and it is not a huge commitment, I mean he could continue with what he does now, not a lot of interference.

Lexi everyday impresses me with her smarts. Tonight she did her homework flawlessly. However, it was another late day due to sleeping in late, we all really need to work on that one! We also made Brandon's cake all together, they loved stirring and stirring. I liked it too.

Hunter was over tired and so winy all night, he comes to me just crying, looked at me with those big blues and said "Mom it just isn't fair, I never get to do anything." "Well, Hunter what do you want to do?" "I don't know."- with more sobs. My heart had to go out to him.

Work is not always a bad thing...

So, today is my first back from a week and half vacation, the longest amount of time I have gone without working since before I Lexi. And I was totally ready to come back, in fact, the last few nights I have been dreaming about work. I guess that it is a good sign, that I miss my work. I miss the thrill and the kids were good but I think they were getting a little sick of me and vice versa.


We went to the lake all weekend, it was fun, Brandon wasn't able to be there the whole time but it worked out. We took the kids to the swimming beach and we ran around chasing each other. Of course, Brooklyn wasn't scared of the water at all and screamed when it was time to go home. Lexi was swimming all over with no life jacket, but I was most impressed with Hunter. He started out his usual scared self but my the end of the exertion he was beginning to swim (an under water run, more like) but swim! He also didn't want to leave. Hunter and Lexi also tried swimming off the boat and tubing in Grandma's lap. Unfortunately, Lexi, Grandpa, and me got really really bad swimmers itch, and let me tell you there is nothing worse the itching everywhere! Lexi got it the worst and poor thing it is the second time this year already. Abby, Jason, and Charlie were able to join us for one day too, which was really nice. It is so sweet to watch Hunter with Charlie, he loves babies so much and wants to help and play with them. He kept asking if he was a "really really good babysitter." He even fed Charlie his food- so cute.





One of the greatest things about this weekend was the fireworks. On the forth we watched them from the patoon given by the Long Lake association and they were ok. Brooklyn was particularly cute, at first she was so scared running and burying her face into us, but by the end of the day she was use to the "boom boom" and just watched in amazement. But the real treat was the next night when Larry the Cable Guy put off his. They were the greatest fireworks I have ever seen!!! They were extremely close and set off from four different locations, the kids and I watched with our mouths hung open. They were so beautiful, tears came to my eyes.





Funny story that I forgotten about until Brandon mentioned it again this weekend. All the guys had been over for a Nascar Race, including Mike, Eric, Rob, Tony and Jon and they were all drinking beer of course. Well, Hunter wanted a spit sooo bad a kept begging Brandon, finally Brandon said "Sure." So Hunter took a big swig and immediatley got the "digusted" face (frown and squited eyes), took a exagerated swallow and said jn an abnormal deep voice "awesome." It was hilarous to know that he hated of little drop of the that beer but wanted to look tough in front of the guys. Got to laugh!

Poor Roxi got the old fixaroo today. She is home now doing well. I feel bad for her but I don't want any more babies around this place!!!

My cousin Dani is also visiting, which is always a pleasure! Today we went for a walk down a the Willow River, that park is so incredibly beautiful! Brandon and I are going to try and make it a goal to go down there more often with the kids. It creates an amazing since of peace that overflows you while watching nature.

I looking forward to going to the lake this weekend, I feel like my vacation is speeding by. So is the summer. I started scrapbooking Brooklyn's first birthday, it feels good. Hopefully I will keep up with it a little.

Where has all the time gone?

Ok, so I have been really bad about keeping this updated. I guess I need to make a better effort. It has been way to long to go back and enter every detail so I well say a few things that pop into my mind.


Brandon is loving fishing. We have been up to the cabin the last two weekends and have had an awesome time as a family. Brandon has been really showing Hunter and Alexa the ropes of fishing and both the kids are getting pretty decent at casting. Hunter even made it an hour and half on the pontoon with just Brandon. They caught a couple little ones. Brandon is also working very hard with Roxi, he is quite a good trainer I have to say. Roxi sits and listens really well to Brandon, not so well with me, but we are still trying.


Alexa has started softball, her first organized team sport- she loves it! They have their first game this week, we will have to see how it goes!!! She is also really looking forward to summer vacation. She continues to be awesome at reading, she reads to herself now, Junie B Jones are her favorites. She finally started riding her bike with no training wheels!!!!! Now, her and Hunter race up and down the driveway, we even started letting them bike down to cul de sac by themselves.



Hunter also continues to be hilarious, this week I caught him peeing of the dock but the real funny story came two days later when I wasn't home. Apparently, Brandon had been in the restroom and when he came out he asked Lexi where Hunter had gone. Lexi said "outside." When Brandon went outside and started calling for Hunter at first he couldn't hear him but after a few seconds he could hear Hunter's bike on the road biking back from the cul de sac, once Hunter was in sight Brandon took a hard look at him and realized he was naked from the waist down with just a short white t-shirt on and his dairy air hanging out. When Hunter got back Brandon asked him what had happen to his shorts, Hunter replied "I had to take a pee back there and couldn't get my pants back up, so could you go get them?" Then this week he was fighting with Lexi, when out of no where he screamed at her "your fired!" I just started rolling, even Lexi started laughing. They have a bittersweet relationship. One minute they are bestfriends running around playing wonderfully together the next they are bullying each other. However, the really bully can be Brook the other day Hunter was sitting in front of the TV minding his own business when Brook out of no where came up behind him and pull his hair, right out of the top of his head. He just looked at her and said "No no Brooky." Then thirty minutes later Hunter was rubbing his head up in her lap saying "my baby my baby." And she didn't like that apparently cause she swung at him.



Brooklyn vocabulary continues to grow at an alarming rate. She is now saying "toot" when she farts and "I don't know" is her favorite phrase. The other day I found Lexi and her sitting in the rocking chair together and Lexi was teaching her to count off her fingers, it was soooooo cute. And then the best thing ever, she started saying "I love you." My heart warms just thinking of it, she is so loving always giving me hugs and tugging at my legs. She especially gives me love on my bad days, she as a keen sense of when I really need it. A very special soul she has.



As for me, my Malibu finally took its last breath and Brandon and I bit the bullet and got not just one but two new cars. And I love them both, I never have been that interested in cars, I mean I have never driven that nice of cars with all the gizmos. But now I finally got some of the perks and holy cow I am loving them!!!! We got a '08 Town and Country (minivan), I know I know I always swore I would never drive a minivan but you just can't past by the tv, stow and go seats, and rear backing up camera. Not to mention the 15 drink holders! Mainly Brandon drives this van and I got (drum roll please) a fully loaded Dodge Drango and I LOVE it!!! It has leather interior, black shiny exterior, remote start, a way to adjust the radio from the steering wheel, and the seat automatically adjust back to my position, it is simply amazing.

Overall, life is speeding by but it still is soooooooo good.

Winds of Change

I think Hunter might be one of the funniest kids alive! He is constantly making up hilarious new voices and running around like a mad man.

Brooklyn is talking more, when you ask her "Where is Hunter or Where is...." she says "I don't know, " in her sweet baby voice. She also answers appropriate to yes or no questions. My baby isn't such a baby any more. I am now scared to cut her hair because I know that means that she really will become a little girl.

Lexi is doing awesome in school, really excelling at reading, it blows my mind how from the start of the year she could barely read a sentence and now she is starting chapter books.

What's new? Brandon is back to work, which is bitter sweet in my opinion. I like that we have money again, but I don't like that he isn't around as much, and now I get to do alot more work around the house. But, he is happy. This year he is going to try and work outside more and less in the club house because he misses the "peace" of being outdoors. I tell him that is fine but don't forget the sunscreen!

Lexi is doing very well in school, she is at second grade level reading which is amazing. I always worry that my children will have difficulty with reading because I did. I joke Brandon and I should either make brilliant children because I was good at math and science and he was good at English and language or we are going to have really stupid kids. So far so good.
Last night I signed her up for her first year of softball, I think she will enjoy it. Extra activities in our house is always a sore subject, Brandon feels that it is a pain to get the kids to places in the evenings and would rather just stay home and have them play outside. His words "I didn't do sports and they don't have to either." My feelings are much different I think that the kids should be involved in things because it teaches them skills of working with other people, self motivation, importance of exercise, failures, achievements, etc. I feel that we need to make the activities work, even if means that our lives harder. Part of being a parent is sacrifice. However, I can see how it is harder on Brandon because I am the one who works evenings and he would be the primary driver and it really isn't fun buckling three kids in. But, still.........

We Bit the Bullet

Our biggest news, we got a puppy!!!! Her name is Roxi and she was born January 9th, which puts her at just 6 weeks. Four days ago Brandon announced we were getting a dog and he had found a rat terrier at the pet shop. I immediately flipped out, saying "you can't make this kind of decision without me, what about money, who is going to deal with the dog when you aren't around, even if I was going to get a dog I want a long haired dog a 'soft dog'." I was mad, mad, mad! Well, he found a breeder in Hammond with yellow lab pups for sale and made an appointment that day. We drove to the house and one look we were all hooked! We took her home and amazingly, I am so happy she gives me this feeling that our family is complete. Surprisingly, I would never would have thought a dog was the answer to a feeling of "incompleteness." Now, Brandon has agreed she is his baby, meaning he gets to do all the work. He gets to get up in the middle night, he gets to clean up all the "accidents." Hopefully, everything will go well!

Liven on change and hope

Well, for my family 2009 is starting out pretty good. Brandon and I are finally figuring out each other schedules and who is responsible for what without fighting about it all the time. We closed on the refinancing of the house for 4.75, which is amazing and couldn't have come better time! Lexi is liking school and more willing to do homework, even though it still isn't her favorite. Hunter rarely has potty accidents besides at night, and Brooklyn keeps becoming more and more sweet- well most the time. So life is good. Unfortunately, for other friends and family times are hard. The lay offs are crazy, people don't know what to do. People are losing their houses. It is so hard, so sad. Last night friends were over and we talked about how we are praying for Obama to help, even though none of us voted for him. But, he produces hope and hopefully he produces change, even though the economy is so slumped it doesn't look very good.

I think alot about how people now just except things and feel entitled to them, like "I have to have cable, cellphone, new car, a vacation, new clothes, new house decoration, new wii, new TV, new......" I am just as guilty as the next guy, but when did this happen, when did we all lose control or thought the greed was OK. It is sad and hopefully with the bottom falling out this wake up call and each of us look inside and make peace and strive for changing our ways.

Onto a lighter subject...

Lexi lost her last front tooth on Monday night, "I was eating a piece of orange and it just fell out, can you believe it, unbelievable, I have to tell daddy, what is all this red every where, mom?" Holding a Kleenex with blood all over it, my response, "It is just part of the root, it is normal."

Hunter is obsessed with my driving, "Mom, we are almost out of gas." "Mom, two hands on the steering wheel!" "Don't play with the radio while driving." When did he get so observant?

Brooklyn is my sugar and spice. She is a mom' s girl, with a little hatred for me. When I get home she is all hugs and kisses and then hits me over and over. It is really weird. I hope this isn't a sign of our relationship in the future.

The other night Brandon and I were going out and Rosie was going to have the children over night.
Lexi: "Why do you want to go out with Daddy?"
Me: "I love daddy that's why"
Lexi: "That is gross don't talk about that, it is only OK if I talk about loving other people. It grosses me out to think of you and daddy loving each other-disgusting."

It has started already that icky feeling of thinking of your parents, I get where she is coming from.

Well, the holiday season is actually over! Every year after all the buzz of Christmas decor, lights, presents, and food, there is something very refreshing of moving on with the new year!!! Christmas was good, busy times again. We went to my mothers on the 23rd for her Christmas, she always serves lots of yummy appetizers, lasagna, and great gifts. Not to mention her house is decorated beautifully. And of course Santa made a special appearance for the children. Alexa was so excited as she sat on Santa lap she could not stop twirling a large piece of hair (I wonder where she got that from), after jumping down to help hand out gifts, you could see her legs were actually shaking with excitement. Brook could really have cared less of the man in the red suit. But Hunter on the other hand was full of questions for Santa. One of many funny conversations with Santa included....

Santa, "Reindeer pull my sleigh."

Hunter, "My dad shoots deer."

Santa, "Well, my reindeer are very magical, people can not shoot them, that is one of things that makes them special."

Hunter with a very confused face, looks at Santa, then announces "That's Crazy."---I could not stop laughing.



On Christmas eve unfortunately, I had to work so Brandon, Rosie, and the kids went down to farm (Rosie's side) without me.



Then on Christmas, we woke up to lots of gifts from Santa and us. Lexi got her Wii and Hunter got his big speed racer car and bat mobile. But, they also got a surprise from Santa including a kid four wheeler for Hunter and beautiful huge pink Barbie house for Lexi. They were both very excited but especially Lexi, she screamed and screamed. It was so cute. Santa did a wonderful job from carpeting, adorable little curtains, and window shutters with little hearts---so cute. It is something our family will always treasure and hand down to the next generation. I also think Santa did such an amazing job on it, he could go into it as a business! ;)

The following Friday Jackie and I went down to Grandma Joyce's. It was very nice seeing all the family. Wild as ever.

Then finally ending with Rosie's on the 3rd. It was again very nice, but I am so glad everything is over and the decor is down.

We also had a nice New Years, I had to work so after a friend, Jen, came over and Brandon, her, and I watched my favorite movie Super Bad. I laugh so hard just thinking of it- a must see, trashy, but must see.

Brandon has no new year resolutions- surprise surprise. My include the usual, lose weight, organize, send a personal note more often, scrapbook, and cook new meals. Lexi was watch more TV- I am not going to allow her to accomplish that one. Although I am very excited for 2009, I hope it is really good.

Baby, it is cold outside

This last weekend my dad came home because Kara became a lieutenant in the United States Army!!! And graduated from college on sat, what accomplishments!!! It was a good weekend, I had a really long day at work on Friday, so after I went to my mom's to shoot the stuff. She is always makes me feel better after rotten days. Then on Saturday morning Brandon, my parents, the kids, and I went to see Santa at camp St. Croix. It was fun, but we almost didn't get Hunter out the door. Brandon made the mistake of telling Hunter that he (Hunter) was scared of Santa, so much that Hunter started to believe him and didn't want to see Santa. So, then when Brandon realized that he shouldn't have said anything he told Hunter that we needed to go see him because they were going to beat him up- isn't that horrible- but it worked so then Hunter wanted to go. Men, I will never understand their testosterone! Needless to say that by the time Hunter saw Santa he had forgotten that he was there to beat him up0- thank goodness. And both Hunter and Lexi asked for the "appropriate" gifts from Santa, just like I had coached them too!!!- makes my life easier. Now, if I can just get all the presents wrapped in time.

After visiting Santa my dad came and Jackie and Jamie came over and we had a very nice Christmas meal and opening of presents. My dad is such an amazingly good cook, sometimes I think he missed his calling.

Then after eating myself into a coma, I decided it is probably time to start concentrating on my body again. So, yesterday I hit the Y and went over to my mom's for dinner with the kids. It was a good evening. The drive home from her house was cold and the roads were not the greatest. But again proved that Lexi is diffidently my worrier. "Mom, keep both hands on the wheel, don't you think you are going to fast, Hunter be quiet, mom needs to concentrate, I don't like the winter!" She also was able to repeat what the forecast would be for the next four days, when she watches the weather on TV- I don't know.

Brandon is doing well after his big V on Thursday. A little swollen but able to move and help out with the kids. His back is not in the best of working condition but much much better then a few weeks ago. He actually vacuumed yesterday- amazing. I think we will leave 2008 on a good note.

Oh, yeah, I got really positive review at work on Thursday, God must have known I needed a pick me up and my co-workers ;).

I think Brook is teething again, she is a drooling machine and I noticed today that her gum is swollen and actually bruised- poor thing. Of course we are still fighting runny noses- pretty much sure we will until June.

Today, Brandon and I were laying in bed and didn't really want to get out of the warm covers quite yet so we sent Hunter to wake up Lexi for school. He was so cute, he tried everything for kissing her, to yelling at her, to singing her a song- what a good little man.

I amazed at how much Lexi is reading, she is really getting it, which of course I was nervous about since I struggle so much when I was younger, with it.

Back to my ten minute list:

Things that scare me:

Snakes, snakes, and snakes. I often have dreams that snakes are crawling all over my skin. My heart starts pumping just thinking of them. Weirdly, when I first met Brandon his roommate had a snake and I wanted to impress him so I kissed the snake, man that took alot.

Another thing that I am scared of is forgetting all day that I have another patient. So, all day I tend to my other patients and at 2:30 right before I leave I realize I have not even looked at this person. Oh man that would terrible.

But most of all I am scared that something could happen to the children. I worry that we could be in car accident or one of them would get a terrible life-threatening disease. I don't know how I would live without one of them, tears come to my eyes even thinking of such a thing. In fact, I can't write more on this.

Until next time...

Hunter says some of the sweetest things:

Looking at wedding picture of me in our bedroom, "Look mom, you are princess and so pretty."
And in the middle of the night, as he crawls into bed with me, he says, "Mom, can you go and get my blanket, it is blue with white clouds on it, thanks." Like I have never seen his blanket. And later that night he farts and whispers in Brandon's ear, "Daddy, do you think God farts?"-- so cute.

Two days ago Brook slammed the door in her face and has a perfect straight bruise down her left cheek.

I found out my dad is coming next week for two days, I am excited.

Tonight I am going to Sara's annual Christmas party, which I am also very excited for and I think Brandon might come with me.

Tis the Season

Oh my where do I start? Life got really crazy the past month. Brandon went into the hunting season with great hopes of taking home another trophy buck, unfortunately, fate step in and he threw his back out again. It all started after a few days of bowing hunting and walking the hills. It started as a normal low back ache and the quickly turned into a life alternating event, not only for him but all of us. Life quickly started spirally down down and down. Brandon spent almost the entire day on his hands and knees with horrible pain shooting down his sciatic nerve. He could stand for approximately one minute before having dropping down to the ground. He was unable to help with anything, he did all he could do with kids while I worked more then usual trying desperately to make money for him being laid off. Both his mom and my mom did all they could do to. The kids would want him to play with them and he couldn't, he was on multiple meds that completely changed his personality making him agitated and spaced, with emptiness behind his eyes. It was very trying and difficult times. We went to the doctor multiple times, he had MRI on Monday of this week, but we have not heard any results. Luckily, however, Brandon has started to feel better on his own. He still has a lot pain but not nearly as bad, he is able to help and play with kids, he even snuck out this morning for a hunt. He is no longer taking his meds as often and the man I married is back. And I am so happy!!!!! Challenges are so hard and there is times when I don't know if we can get through another lay off, another health issues, another disagreement. But when we get through it and look back it feels so good. And we are stronger for it. A good friend told me once "A relationship takes alot of work, you always have to be working on it." Which is a "duh", but means so much to me and I needed someone to simple say to me, it is not going to always be easy but it is not suppose to be. When I think of this it gives me strength for another step.

On one more sad note before I move onto my beautiful children. We have scheduled Brandon's big V for next Thursday. I am completely grieving for this. Brandon didn't really want a third and I got it. So a forth to him is completely out of the question. And money doesn't grow on trees and Brandon and I will never have enough for three we have. I would be taking away opportunities from their perfect souls. So, if I made the decision to have another child, it would only be for selfish reasons. Consequently, the snip is going to happen.

Ok, so what has been happening with kids?

We had thanksgiving at Judie's (it was beautiful and so good like usual) and Hunter sang "I am going to love you forever, like you always, and as long as I am alive, my baby you will be." In front of everyone, it was adorable.
He is really into speed racer right now and goes around the house singing and dancing to "go speed racer go."

The day after thanksgiving I had promised Lexi that we would put up the tree and decorations,she gets really excited for these things. So at about six thirty in the morning I woke to her face about four inches away "Mama can you get the decorations out now." I explained to her that we would have to wait until Brook went down for her nap otherwise it would be difficult. So, all morning every twenty minutes "Mom, can you put her down now." "NO Lexi she has only been awake for an hour" Finally, I couldn't take the wining anymore and I started getting the decorations up from the basement. As I opened the boxes the kids were oohing and ahhing. And Brook, just like I knew she would be, was into everything. Finally, Lexi starts getting frustrated with her taking things away, saying don't touch that, don't do that. She looks at me with tears beginning "Mom, this is not working for me, please put them to bed."- I felt so bad. I soon put Brook to bed and Lexi, Hunter, and I put the tree up. It was so cute to see Hunter recognizing the tree this year. He kept saying to me "It is so beautiful, the tree is so beautiful, I love it." Those things got to make you smile.

Lately, we have been playing musical beds at night. Last night Hunter started in our bed then went his big bed then back to ours and then finally ending in the crib. Brook started in the crib, went to my rocking arms, then to crib, then to the pack and play, then my arms again, then daddy's chest, then the crib, the my rocking arms again, then finally ending in between us in our bed- crazy!! I just have to remind myself they are only this old for a little while and I will miss it someday.

I have almost all my children's presents bought!!!! I love amazon.

Some notes about the pictures I recently posted. Brook loves to dance, she goes up to the CD player and the kitchen pointing to it, as I play music she puts one arm up in the air and spins. Right before Brandon back went bad they had a good time dancing in the kitchen. I love the picture of Brook by the tree, the colors are great, and blurriness gives it a magical feel. The photo of Jackie and Jamie is from thanksgiving- they couldn't be more perfect!!!!

Until next time.

Smells Make You Remember Good Times

This past weekend Lexi was sick with ear infection, I brought her to quick clinic on Saturday morning, she fought me the whole way saying this isn't a real doctor, I explained to her that "No, this is a really doctor in fact it is my doctor and my friend Cyndy Bast, you will like her." Finally, I get her in the room everything goes well and while we were leaving I asked Lexi what she thought and she said, "I like her, she smelled real good." Isn't funny how smells is what children remember and associate things with. Like I still love the smell of my little ponies and the smell of Gain laundry detergent, it reminds me of my grandma. Or the smell of homemade chicken noodle soup.

Needless to say Lexi is feeling much better, and last night I took her to the movie "High School Musical 3, Senior Year." We ended up being the only one's seeing the movie, Lexi couldn't get over it, saying "This is so weird, I mean really really" It was funny to watch her look everywhere with eyes big and looking back at the projector. I could tell she felt uncomfortable, that we were the only ones there.

Hunter has been doing awesome with no diaper thing, he hasn't had any accidents for me, but continues to request a diaper, totally his security blanket right now and that is ok. He also has been requesting to sleep in his "big boy bed" which I also very excited about because that might mean that Brooklyn will no longer be in our room and we can watch tv and read before bed again! I miss our conversations before bed, I use to say they were the only time that Brandon and I "really" talked all day and I miss my scrap mags--I am nerdy they are practically the only thing I read right now at this point in my life.

This weekend since Brandon was hunting everyday (no luck) the girls and I went out to the willow to watch Stampeed, it was so much fun. I love dancing, even if I do occasionally fall with my best friend--thats ok just means we are really having a good time. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Music always puts me in a better mood. The kids and I have been dancing to Sugarland in the kitchen at nights lately they love it and it gets us moving.

I just thought of this funny thing Lexi said this weekend after taking NightQuil "It tastes like candy and smells like a Christmas tree."--Funny

We have decided that this year due to Brandon being layed off and the economy in the dumps that we are only getting our children presents. I feel bad but better to have a house over head-right? I keep thinking about the day when everyone isn't in such a pinch- hopefully that day will come eventually. At least, yesterday, I filled up my car for $1.96 a gallon, unbelievable I actually never thought I would see gas prices that low again in my life.

So my aunt Sue told me an interesting stat this weekend at my mom Sunday night dinner, she said "Only 15% of women have blogs." So, maybe I don't need a blog to be in the twenty first century but it is away for me to log our family events and right about things for future scrapbook pages. So, some of the stuff I write might not always make sense or be spelled right but that is ok, it makes sense to us-right?. And if anyone of reading this would like to say something back you can under comments or email me, I would love to hear from you. So, I have the make a ten minute list of.... (different questions that make us "us") so I am going to have a list once and while and if anyone wants to do one for themselves and email me, I would love it. Everyone knows my passion is scrapping.


Question: Make a 10 minute list of you personal accomplishments/milestones

My biggest accomplishment was marrying Brandon, even though we have up and downs, he is my true love, more then just a lover or friend, something I can't describe. My life would be completely different if I had never met him, I have no idea where I would be right now- not here. My three greatest gifts came from him which are my next biggest accomplishments. My children rock my world they make me know that someone so much bigger, then us is out there. They make me inspire to be a better person everyday, I am totally amazed that I get to be their mom, sometimes I look at them, I don't even believe they came from me. They are just so perfect! My next accomplishment of course was getting my nursing degree. It was really hard but I did it and know I have a dream job, I get to help people everyday and there is no bigger reward then that, knowing I affected someones life- it is great- of course stressful because if you make a mistake, you can also ruin a life, but it is still great. I hope future I go back to school and get another academic accomplishment. We will see.................and that's it for my ten minutes today.

One more thing before I go, Sunday night dinners are the greatest. I love that my family gets together to reconnect and explore each other. Oh and the food is good to, comfort food.

One more thing....

Brooklyn started saying "Bubas" for bubbles -so cute.