Seeny says...

Ross 2010

2010-03-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I LOVE taking senior photos. If not, I really, really love the creativity and flexibilty that this type of photo has. I'm really excited about these and extremely proud of them. Enjoy!!

2010-03-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Goobley-Goo

2010-03-13T16:23:00.001-08:00

Today, you turn 4 years old sweet Goo and I cannot believe the changes I have seen this past year as you now grow into the ornery little boy that we see every day.

You have an addiction to fruit snacks and candy. You would rather have a box of sugar from the store than a toy I think, which makes me wonder exactly what kind of sugary narcotic is in them. I use them as bribery and "positive reinforcement" to get responsive behavior. Please don't fault me for doing this.

Too early you were outed from your crib and grew accustomed to a full size bed that you shared with your brother. You never came to snuggle with me in the middle of the night because you were scared; You had your brother to fight off the monster lurking under your bed. This year you started coming to snuggle, even if it is very infrequent. Sometimes you come because your brother is in the top bunk and you feel alone. I treasure these times, bubby. Even though you take up 3/4 of mommy's pillow and sling your arm over my face, I love that you come to snuggle with me. Soon you won't.

4 months ago, you came to me and asked to plan the deck-a-rations for your birthday. You crawled in my lap and we searched the computer until you decide what you wanted.

You love birthdays.

Last week you became so bossy telling me that I needed more decorations here and that there were not enough there. You love the icing, the cake, the balloons. YOU LOVE IT ALL. So happy that you got the love of celebrating life from me. So fun to see that at least 1 person backs me up in the crazy amount of balloons I want to blow up. There is really never a thing as too much stuff at a party.

You have such a HUGE love for your brother. You watch and study his every move and want to be just like him in every way. I have a feeling that this will continue for many, many years.

You have a friend. A very best friend.

You have this little dance you do. Most parents would probably find it obnoxious but your dad and I think it is a true side of your personality that so few see. You stand up, in your character underpants, turn around and sing, "I can shake my bottom. I can shake my bottom." Really precious and ALWAYS makes me giggle.

Your favorite meals are ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese, just like daddy.

You carry a Spiderman mask in your pocket sometimes and wore it once into the Y Kidzone this week and last week during Sesame Street Live to see Elmo in person. I love that you feel more comfortable as your alter ego. Someday I will long to see your red cape flying through the house instead of in the box I will keep it as you grow.

You will always be my superhero.

Happy 4th Birthday Goo! Mommy loves you so.

The Diva Princess Emerges

2010-02-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, I had been warned of the difference between little boys and girls. Believed it, yes, never understood it...UNTIL NOW!!!

I'm sure we all remember the first post of my little angel's sweet disposition and naughtiness from an incident in the not too distant past.

It was nice.

But the above face is one that I have seen frequently in the last few weeks. This, a select few of my lucky girlfriends can verify as they spoke to me on the phone while I shut myself in the closet as she screamed at me from the other side of the door for a Popsicle.

She's just precious.

So the Diva Princess has finally emerged in full force with phrases such as:

"I do myself!"

"Get way from me!"

"I need my Barbie princess!!!!!!"

"Leave me 'lone!!!!"

"He 'it me!!!!!"

and the ever lovely...... "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

I myself was an angelic child and had none of characteristics of a demanding princess.

She must get it from her father.

Baby Love

2010-02-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Photos I was lucky to take of a sweet 5 day old princess, Adelyne.

Forget what huge miracles that God has created in such tiny packages.

Call me Stealth Ninja Runner

2010-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

I am unbelievably, incredibly, jump out of my skin, exuding with excitement today.

Mondays are my running days, and this very Monday was the day that I ran further than I have EVER run without stopping.

3 miles

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I can't even believe it still.

I had been on this run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute thingy. Today for some reason at 4 minutes I didn't stop. "I just kept run-nig." As Forest says.

Last week in my crazy hard core/boot camp/kill me class, Missy, the instructor was talking about friends who would give anything to be able to workout, or run, or move in a way that our bodies could right now because of an illness or an inability. She said that it keeps her driven and motivated when she wants to stop, knowing that she can be active while her friends cannot.

Today, I had that picture in my head. An unbelievably beautiful sweet friend whose struggling with an unknown right now. Her face kept me going; kept me from stopping the run today.

The other face running through my head. My sister-in-law's, who is going to zoom passed me in our run coming up in April.

BUT, she's a runner.

I'm not.

Maybe someday.

Here's to setting a faster pace and not stopping.

Good day.

Unbelievable day.

Tough Topic

2010-02-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Last Monday, my Danno's grandmother passed away after finding out only 5 days earlier that she had acute leukemia and that it was not treatable.

We took the kids up to see her at the hospital. They were fine with all the monitors and cords and they filled the room with energy and noise. I was so scared sis would yank a cord from the wall in all of her bouciness, and a loud beeping would then ensue and a flood of nurses would storm in because my children were curious. But she didn't. Thank goodness.

Nan-na was in good spirits that day. She was able to communicate and talk to my kids amoungst all their boisterous energy. So thankful for that. 2 days later she was gone.

We had a discussion over whether to take the kids or not. Danno decided he wanted them to be there to play with cousins and other family. I wasn't really concerned about the babies. I knew they would never remember or question anything. But my J would know. He would ask. Dan talked to him because he has a way with words that I cannot explain. The door to our office opened after their talk and Jackson came out and sat down next to me. "Mommy? Nan-na died. Why?"

So hard. So very hard.

I explained to him that she was sick and how our bodies get older and are not able to fight disease like it used to when we are young and healthy. I said more. Not much more. Told him she had no pain and was with Jesus. He just quietly shook his head and left my side.

All I wanted to do was grab him and keep innocent. Oblivious to pain and death.

He prayed for her that night. I wish I could have witnessed that sweet innocent prayer that he said he prayed; that I could answer the questions that he wasn't asking me; that I would know what he felt.

I was dreading the day of the funeral for him, wanting to protect questioning eyes and thoughts. He said very little. Just observed and seemed very sad.

I think he aged 5 years that day. I know that questions are still to come when he's ready to ask us, and I pray that I have the wisdom and words to help him understand and not be frightened, but comforted.

1st Review of the Booty Shoes

2010-01-20T11:35:00.001-08:00

So I'm on week #2 now of using the "Booty shoes" or the Reebok Easy tones.

Haven't heard of them?? Click here to see an advertisement. I'm giving you the less spicy version.

Initial reaction on day 1. Very comfy. Almost like walking on 2 pillows. Felt a little weird walking at first, but not really a big deal. Get on a cardio machine and after about 5 minutes I get the sensation like my shoes were tied too tight. Know that feeling? Just a little numbness or tingling in the ball of my feet. Ignored it and went on.

Day 2: Tried a class. A little cardio and balancing and weights. Same numb feeling and also a bit more shaking than normal as I tried to balance in lunging and some Pilate's stretches.

Days following, similar feelings. This to me means that something is going on. I'm having to concentrate more to balance and my body is having to work just a little harder. Today I ran in them. I was a little worried as I was afraid that I would fall or trip, not that I need the booty shoes to help me along in that area. Really, no different or more difficult than my regular running shoes and no noticiable balancing problems.

Rock On to that one.

So, something is going on when you wear them. I know that there's a fancy shamncy explanation that would explain it all, but really all I care about is that I don't feel like I wasted my money on a shoe that felt the same as every other tennis shoes I slipped on. In fact, they are incredibly more comfortable. So thumbs up so far Booty Shoes!!

Didn't take a before picture and even if I did I wouldn't post it for the world to see my backside. But I am very optimistic that they are improving my balance and making my muscles in my legs and backside work differently than they had before. We'll see in the next few weeks if the toosh is higher than it had been before the holiday. I'm sure Danno will let me know:)

PJ's and Girlfriends

2010-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

This year, as I turned 29 again, my girlie poos had a pj party to celebrate my ever regressing age. Amazing how that's working for me.

I'd like to share a little about each of these beauties if I may. J, on the left, listens to me whine, gripe and whine some more, then gently offers the counseling I need depending on the drama I'm usually experiencing. She has wisdom beyond her years and kindness that penetrates anything she touches. I love you J. Thank you for being incredible.

JAC, listens to me whine, gripe and whine some more. She's my work out buddy who sweats by my side weekly. I have missed her so much while I've been recovering. So glad she has come into my life these last few months. Love her and so excited to see our friendship grow.

Me, in the smack middle, who listens to me gripe and whine and pout.

Jess. My ever talented heart friend who listens to me whine, gripe and whine but tells me to shut up about it or do something. I love that about her. Don't we all need someone in our life who tells us how it is? I just love our daily texts and convos. Thought I was about to die when I couldn't speak to my sweet friend during the week that I was mute with drool. See below post. She would've loved to see that and document it with pictures. She loves me in all my freakish glory, with my self-diagnosed Web MD diseases and cancers. Thank you for being "my person".

And my L. She also listens to me whine, gripe and whine and ALWAYS laughs at my jokes. I love that about L. She always thinks I'm funny. Gives a huge boost to my ego. L is by far my most interesting friend who has led the most facinating life. I could listen to her tell me about her stories and experiences for hours. She is so giving and wonderful. AND she has over 500 + friends on Facebook. I'll never catch her. L went back to work this fall and I miss our lengthy afternoon chats. Love you girl! Thank you for being awesome.

A year ago I made this blog post. How far we've grown since then as girlfriends, heart friends.

Thank you for helping me celebrate my birthday this year girlies. Love you all more than you know.

Tonsil-yuck-tomy

2010-01-07T12:11:00.001-08:00

On December 29th, I had my tonsils removed for reasons I care not to share and am certain that you'd rather not hear. I had been told that it was horrendous to have them taken out as an adult. Awful. Excruciating. But I had went through some pretty horrible pain after the birth of our 2nd child and was pretty sure I could handle it.

Let me say this about my recovery. It is lasting FOREVER!!! I am so stir crazy I can not even wait to blow out of this popsicle joint and see the girls at the gym and chat with mommies in the halls at church.

First, let's talk about the surgery.

Pretty much what I expected. Get there, sign in, no make-up, no jewelry, blah blah. Nurse. Check. Doc. Check. Anesthesiologist. Check. Wheeling me into the surgery and all sorts of things start to come out.

I chit chat with the nurse as she tries to ease the typical fear that patients have. Didn't have those. She asks me what I do in my spare time. Mommy, work out, etc. "Oh honey, no working out for a while for you. There are lots of blood vessels or arteries or something that we have as adults in our tonsil area and if you start bouncing around, they could burst and you could bleed to death." Nice. No one mentioned this to me. Would've pranced right into my 9:30 Body Design class, started the mountain climbers and then fell on the floor with blood gushing out my mouth as Hanna continues to kick every one's tails in cardio. So no working out for 14 days or so and slowly ease back. Got it.

But then... they begin strapping me in with this enormous black belt. WAIT A MINUTE!! This is a tonsillectomy. What kind of procedure do you have me signed up for exactly?? Are you removing part of my brain?? Wheres Mc Dreamy?

Knocked out. Wake up. Oh yeah. There it is. The extreme sore throat that continues to hang around and will be here for another few. Fun.

My girl was there long enough to see me ask for a vomit bucket and more pain meds before I pass out again. Lovely. Thanks for not taking the blackmail pictures. Can't promise the same if the roles are reversed someday.

The pain has been bad. Not gonna lie. Not as bad as baby number 2's birth. As you can see, I have been on liquid Lortab. 3 bottles and resisting the urge to call and ask for the 4th. Some days I can't even tell I took the pain meds. That's pretty bad.

AND there was that tiny little thing that happened on day 2 post. My uvula had swollen 10 time the normal size. Not surprised that this happened to me since all of the discusting freakish things usually do. Pretty much felt like my thoat was closed seeing as how each time I took a drink, water would dribble out the sides of my mouth and down the front of my shirt like a psych patient. Very glamorous.

AND the not talking. ABOUT TO KILL ME. Wasn't really expecting that one either. I can maybe limit myself to a 15 minute phone convo and that's really pushing it.

AND I missed a week of Christmas break with my kiddos and hubby because I was passed out. Would've rather been watching movies and playing the Wii with my Jackson.

Heard enough whining yet?? There is more than one postive.

1- I have a refound apprecaiton/love again for Food network, more so, Racheal Ray. She is fun. Why do some people hate her. Everyone, let's not hate Rachael Ray because of her fun-ness. She's likable and I like likable people.

2-I have felt so surrounded in love by some friends from church. They took our son to keep him from being bored. They brought my family meals nightly so they wouldn't have to run out for fast food every night. They called, texted, and laid cards on my front porch to make sure we were doing well and making it. THANK YOU LORD FOR LOVED ONES.

3- My parents who came up for a few days to cart the kids around, do laundry, dishes and take Jackson to spend Christmas money at Wal-mart to buy the new Ben-10 Legos. Thank you for driving 2 hours for that.

4- My husband is a dream. My wonderful, who woke up to give me meds in the middle of the night, who took care of me, who took care of our kids, and made sure that I was ok that first week home. I love you sweet. You're amazing.

It has been awful. Hopefully it will all be over soon and all be chattering like my old self in no time.

I'm Famous!!!!

2009-12-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I have a friend. Jess. She's awesome. She's creative. She's a writer and so much more.

She's kind of a BIG deal.

Today is my birthday. I'm 29 again.

Click here to read my birthday dedication from my sweet friend.

Love you, sweet. Thank you.

A Creative Piece of ME

2009-12-09T08:35:00.001-08:00

I know I have allot of quirky talents. Ballooning, throwing great parties, painting, and another list of random God given abilities that I have been blessed with. They just come naturally to me and I get excited about preforming them.

For the last 6 years, I've known that I have a talent for photography. I began taking pictures of my kids and others when I knew I could do better than what a professional photographer was giving me. I then began doing families, kids, seniors, and engagement photos here and there for friends and family to help them and I know now that they were helping me to gain experience to helping me foster a talent that they also saw. I love that each time I meet with someone or pick up my camera, that the BEST photo I may have ever taken or will take will be today. I love that when I am taking pictures, I feel the photo happen, knowing it's that great one. I am thankful and blessed by each and every family that allow me to share a moment in their or their child's life.

So it's been my little hobby. An outlet to allow me to be creative and to see something that is ALL me. I'm usually busy around the holiday, but WOW, has this season been off the charts. I'm sorry I couldn't post all of my work. Please forgive if you don't see your cute mugshot.

Maybe someday this will be more. For right now, it's a blessing.

Turkey Run

2009-12-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

On November 21, we ran/ jogged/ walked in Wichita's Annual Turkey Trot. We did OK, running continuously farther than we had ever run and beating the goal that we had set. I also discovered I could sprint. Who knew?? For these reasons, I am so proud of us.

Jess, K, and I recruited the amazing BTT and her wonderful children. This alone made the Turkey Trot amazing for me. I am admittedly a HUGE BTT fan along with J. This fabulous woman spoke at my Friday morning MAPS group a year ago. The message she brought spoke deeply to my heart and was something that I greatly needed to hear. For this and another HUGE list of reasons, she is a little like a Beth Moore to me, except she's local and she gives me hugs. Both of these women speak the Lord's truth and wisdom to those of us that need to hear. Both very INCREDIBLE ladies. Love BTT to pieces and so privileged to call her friend.

So, already paid for the New Years day run. Can't back out and it's sure to be a cold one. Need to set a new goal that is attainable.

2009-11-12T12:02:00.001-08:00

The Alter Ego Revealed

2009-11-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

This Halloween the kiddos went as Batman, Robin and Batgirl. If you know me, I am anal about having a theme and everyone dressing as a group. I know that these times are limited so I am taking advantage while I can.

I sit the kids on the porch to take our pictures before we load up to leave and Maddox begins to act HILARIOUS!!! Running around, using all of his super abilities as Batman's sidekick.

I know I have said this before, but Goo is my extreme shy guy. He holds onto my leg when we go to an unfamiliar place and once there he takes forever to warm up or never does. But daily around our home, he runs around and cracks me up countless times a day with his funny quips and actions. I long for everyone to see what I see.

I was amazed Halloween night, when in his costume, this alter ego that is funny and boisterous emerged in public. Having a mask and costume gave him some sort of comfort to feel that he could be someone other than the shy guy he seems to be around others. I was so incredibly proud that night to show off my sweet Goo. Everyone saw what I see everyday. He's amazing. He's funny. He's friendly.

He's mine.

He's mine always.

He wore his costume to bed that night. Wanting to be Robin that much longer. I let him. And I didn't make him take it off any the next day. If he felt invincible in that costume, I let him.

Whatever magic it held is his whenever he wants it.

I love you little Goo-Robin-superhero. You're amazing to mommy everyday.

Jackson's #7

2009-10-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday you walked into the kitchen and said, "Mama, I don't wanna grow up. I wanna be a kid forever and play my video games and always live with you."
I want that too bubba. I wish I could freeze you perfectly at age 7, still in love with your mama and playing with toys. This past year, more than any other, I have felt the time passing too quickly as you grow.

This year you were brave enough to ride the school bus and try hot lunch for the first time. Big, Big deal bubba. You were so excited to tell us all about the lunch line and choosing your own foods. Your favorite is the deli sandwich and chocolate milk.

You are so friendly, my sweet. We went to the zoo this summer, in a town that was not your own. We walked in with our maps in hand, ready to explore for animals, when you spotted a young boy about your age. You confidently walked up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and said, "Hey, we're wearing the same flip-flops. Cool!!" This is who you are. My easy going little man who can talk to anyone and play whatever as long as you have a great time.

You played T-ball, soccer and learned to swim this year. You can read, write and add and subtract. You love to color and create. A handful of a few words that are leaps and bounds from where you were a year ago. So proud of you bubby and the smart little boy that you are.

More than anything, I love that you love your family. You run to me everyday after you get off the bus and give me BIG huggers and say, "I missed you mama". You still cuddle in my lap and want me to lay with you at night to read stories and say your prayers.

I love you so much my handsome boy. You are a gift, my precious gift that I treasure. Thank you so much for blessing me.

Prayerful day

2009-10-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how much I love the man that you see here?

He is amazing. He is everything and more to me. He loves me 100% wholeheartedly, unconditionally, and without any demands. He is a wonderful father, never forgetting to tell them how much he loves them and how special they are. He is thoughtful and funny and adorable and I just can't squeeze him enough.

Work has been tough for him as it has been for so many. Yet when he leaves the office behind at the end of the day, he leaves everything there and tries never to bring the stress home to his family. This has always bothered me. I am a teller. I tell all and more and then some more. I can't keep my mouth shut and stick my foot in it frequently. So when I tell him every simple detail of my day, how many calories I burned during my workout to the funny things my girlfriend says during our daily chats I want to know ALL of his day. Everything that has happened while away from me the last 8+ hours while at work. He tells little. AHHHH!! How frustrating for a talker.

Today, something may have had the potential to stress him. Today, I did something that I didn't think I would have the time for or the patience for. Something so simple. I committed to pray for my love upon every hour of his work day. To give him peace and clarity. For help in stressful times.

Nothing happened today. Nothing stressful. Nothing chaotic. He told me he had a peace on the strike of the hour because he knew that I was lifting him and our family in prayer. I helped his day. I did something for him when I feel so helpless and stupid when it comes to his business world.

Do you pray for your spouse? Do you pray for them daily? When they don't even need it?

Faster than Lightening

2009-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say, I have had self esteem issues most of my life, which I continue to struggle with. I have the typical body dis morphia junk that most women have, Exaggerated by childbirth and my crazy head. My husband doesn't get it. He's a dude and is committed to love me forever. Therefore, he has some sort of blinders on when it came to me stepping into a bathing suit or going to a pool with a full body cover up.

I have NEVER been athletic. I am the epitome of clumsiness and am always falling over my feet and running into walls. That's me and can't change it. Oh how I longed to be that cheerleader who could do flips in the air and kick her toe above her head. That would have been comical. The pyramid would be falling over and everyones legs and arms would be broken because of my inability to walk in a straight line. Instead I chose to be the funny girl and laugh at myself then cry about all of of inabilities in the corner because I believed them to be true. I wanted to excel at something... to be great.

Since giving birth to our 3rd child, Ava, I wanted to feel more comfortable about myself and the way that my post baby body looked. Stop whining about it and do something Seeny!!! You can say I went a Little overboard. Working out for 5 + hours a day, whenever someone was napping, and watching every calorie that I put into my mouth. Lost the baby weight and discovered something. I liked the feeling I had after I finished a workout. I felt happier and strong and proud that I had done something for ME.

My sweet husband agreed to get us a membership at our local YMCA The kids and I go to most days, staying until they page me or my Kid zone time limit has been reached. I Love that I can see muscles in my arms and that I can take my kids to the pool and play without feeling like I need to run and throw on a cover-up to hide my many flaws that continue to be on my Mommy Bod. Which leads me to this...

I want to be a runner. I do an hour of cardio a day but struggle with running on land because of shin splints. This will not beat me!!! A friend invited whoever was willing to do the 5K run in the Race for the Cure. The 5 of us ran, talked, ran a little, and talked allot then ran in for the stellar finish. Very fun and So very proud that I ran as much as I did, and did a ..."RACE". (OK, so it wasn't competitive and our time isn't really important.) I did it and it was fun and I now I want to do more. We are all on board for the Turkey Trot in November. Our goal, to run the entire time. BUT WHEN WILL WE TALK??

100% Big

2009-09-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

So why when he brought this piece of paper home did I feel a little twinge of sadness? His very first spelling test. Spelling. What? He can spell? He's a baby. He's my baby. He's supposed to depend on me to write things out for him, not write them himself. He's reading, with much hesitation, and writing and getting all about big and leaving mom in the dust. He says he likes math. He has subjects? What? I'm accepting. Accepting that he's getting bigger. It's a process. I know. It's the 2nd month of school, when does the accepting part stop? NEVER.

Little Miss "I didn't do it"

2009-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

So, here is the precious, please don't spank me, I am so innocent and would NEVER do anything wrong face of my criminal princess.

I thought it would be fun to have matching hot pink nail polish to match my hot pink MAPS (mother and preschoolers) shirt for last Friday. Sis, Goo, and I run to Wal-Mart to pick the perfect shade and a bottle of white to make sweet lil daisies on the big toes. Fun, right???

We get home, Maddox turns on Noggin and plants himself on my bed minding his own business and the princess and I set up for our pedicure toe-toe makeover. She is adorable as always, spreading out her tiny fingers for mama to paint. Legs sprawled in front of her, anxiously awaiting new color for her tiny toes. She loves having her finger nails and toes painted. I mean LOVES it!! We get her done and then I do mamas as she blows on her hands and watches. We talk about the flowers and how long it will take for her nails to dry and if they are done yet. I finish and brainlessly go to the kitchen for something leaving sis in the bathroom with a plethora of her favorite past time. DUMB and BAD BAD BAD. Sis then runs in to the kitchen to proudly show me her project. OH, NO...

THIS and THIS

Precious, right? Oh, it gets so much better. Because if sis looks like that, what does my bathroom look like??

THIS

We loaded in the car since I had used ALL of the remover to paint our toe-toes this lovely shade of pink and drove across the street to Dillons and bought 3 bottles of nail polish remover. As I am sitting on the floor of my bathroom, scrubbing my rug with a toothbrush and pouring remover, carpet cleaner, Windex, hairspray and anything else I can find get rid of the impossible stain, the princess says in her sweet sing song voice, "Mommy, bubby did it. Bubby bad boy. What you doing? Bubby bad. " I can't help but then think to myself, "Why in the heck have I not spanked your bottom? Because you look so stinkin cute and sweet and this is my fault that the polish was left out, tempting you as you sat in the same room. But then, wouldn't I have swatted your brothers if they had done the same thing?? Why is it different with you, princess? It's not. And it shouldn't ever be. So with wide eyes, sitting next to me, sis got a spanking from mommy.

Hard to be mommy sometimes. All the time. But completely worth every spill, every swat, every tear and every sweet hug.

She called them Monster Cookies

2009-09-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

She came with them in hand, calling them Monster Cookies. I'm pretty sure that she had intended that they be for the children that she was leaving in my care for a snack. I offered it, only one of them was smart enough to take it between all of our kids. Then, I never looked back. Every time I passed through the kitchen, they whispered my name like the ring whispered to Frodo, "my precious." Then they were gone.

I will not deny that they have crossed my mind on more than one occasion. Their peanut buttery, chocolate, oat-mealy goodness I can taste on my lips as I write this. Alas, this is why I am fairly certain I am NEVER making them. She said that they freeze well and make about four dozen so you can pull them out and make them at any waking hour. BAD IDEA!!! I am not a self proclaimed night eater, but I think that these cookies could make me one if I dare to EVER make them.

So for those of you who are brave enough to try and make their wonderfulness here is a recipe that I found. I will say this. They were worth every minute I spent sweating them off.

2009-08-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

My Ava Grace

2009-08-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful spirit as she turns 2.

You mesmerize me my baby princess. Your love, laughter and excitement can't help but be contagious when you appear in the room that you command.

You move to your own rhythm with no concept of time for I truly believe that you think the world revolves around you.

I love that you are unbelievably funny and love to laugh as much as your mommy and daddy. What would our life be without your laughter? Please never stop laughing sweet girl. The world would be so much less without your giggle.

I love that you are undoubtedly my girly-girl of all little girls. No doubt you are a little priss and isn't that what I prayed for?? My own little princess to play dress up with and doll up each day. To put lipstick and nail polish on her sweet face after putting a bow in soft curls. To hear her clunk through the house with plastic heels in costume jewelry and a feather boa. I no doubt got a princess to call mine. With all of the drama and chatter that comes with it. I love every second of it baby girl. Thank you for choosing me as your mommy.

1st day mommy blues

2009-08-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

So how come this is what I saw as you walked onto the bus on this rainy morning, but the only picture running through my mind was this one???

You are growing so big and so fast my handsome boy. Where have my yesterdays gone and why are the tomorrows coming so quickly? I can't seem to hold you tight enough to tell you how much I love you and how proud of the little man that you are. So BIG my little first grader. I blinked and my baby is almost 7.

Hold the hands hold the hands!!!!

2009-08-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

As many know, last week was birthday week, which also means, making cakes, which means making homemade-to-die-for butter cream frosting. This ALSO means, everything is in upheaval and a disaster area with things left out and baking products everywhere. I admit it, when i am planning, things are a disaster. One morning for breakfast, Jackson decided he wanted green eggs and ham. SO i made him green eggs seeing as how the kitchen was chaos and full of baking supplies. Later that morning, the Lindsey kiddos came to play while their mommy was at a bible study. Kids played and I cleaned. everything was going swimmingly. My friend Jess came back and we ate lunch and sis and Aubrynn were sitting in the chair when I looked over and I saw it and all i could think was "hold the hands, hold the hands!!!" Sis had gotten into blue food coloring and gotten it all over her hands. The pic below is after washing. It was WAAAYYYY brighter believe me. The next night as I was dying icing with my mom I turned and she was into the yellow Wilton icing dye. EATING it!!! what is it with sis and the food dye??? Thankfully it managed to be fairly easy clean-up and didn't get on anything other than skin. An angel was watching I tell ya. The please don't make a mess so mommy doesn't pull her hair out angel of mine that seems to be permanently attached to my shoulder. Thank you Jesus for making her mine. I so need her!!

The Lure of the "Red Stuff"

2009-07-31T11:54:00.001-07:00

So this is the face of our little diva after I noticed her missing one evening after dinner. I had left the bottle of ketchup on the counter to which sis had pushed a chair over, climbed up, got herself a plate, and dumped a almost entire bottle of ketchup covering the Disney princess' , and then preceded to eat plain ole ketchup with her fingers. I just don't get the lure of the red stuff. I mean it's good with fries and on burgers and dogs, but eating plain?? Dipping a green bean in it?? on a ham sandwich?? I don't get it??!! Some of my girlfriends would tell me to ban the stuff because of all the "red dye" in it sent from Satan. Don't think I'm quite that extreme, but I do think there is some kind of narcotic in it to make kids dump it all over Ariel's face and eat it with their lil fingers.

Trying to make a memory dang it!!!

2009-07-27T17:16:00.001-07:00

So, I was trying to be the good mom and I bought all the fixins to make smores thinking we would all stand around the chimminhea, sing campfire songs, hold hands and giggle. Right, that worked out well. The kids did ok for about .5 seconds. Jackson didn't even want to eat his marshmallow, Maddox just wanted the bag of marshmallows to eat out of, Danno hates smores and wouldn't even act like he was interested, and Miss Ava wanted to poke her brothers with the skewers because she thought it was funny after eating 4 Hershey bars. Her tiny face smeared in rings of chocolate and hands a sticky mess that attracted every bug in our backyard. I am trying to make a memory here family, please humor me in participating!! I did enjoy two of them after Jackson went in the house to play Wii, Maddox begged to open bubbles, Dan played with his phone and sis continued to drag her chocolated coated hands through the clean hair that I had just washed. So I guess that the memory is... no one really likes smores but mama :( But, never fails, I will try to make this same memory again, when its a little cooler.

Is there anything better??

2009-07-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that make summertime that much better. Dips in a cool pool, no school, and endless hours playing video games and watching TV. But can anything really be better than a Flavor-ice on the front porch. Their easy no dip plastic packets you would think could be every mommy's no fuss dream. My children however, seem to find a way to make them almost as bad as a baby eating rice scattering it all over the floor. But never fails, every afternoon and into the evening, someone begs to have Flavor-Ice Popsicles to ease the heat of summer and make that 100 degree that much more bearable. Not to mention that it seems to cost a dollar for about 100 of them :)

2009-06-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Just a great pic of sis that I took. Thought I'd share....

VBS and Day Camp week

2009-06-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Last week was VBS and Day Camp for the kiddos at church. This was Jackson's first year at Day Camp which was held at Eberly Farms. The kids got to praise Jesus everyday in a camp like setting, while making new friends and learning about God's word. I felt a little at ease because I knew Jackson's camp leader and had told her of his lack of swimming ability despite my frantic rush for swim lessons at the Y the last couple of months. So you can imagine my surprise and heightened anxiety when I went to pick him up the first day and he plops in the truck telling me that he went off the slide into the deep end without taking the swim test and also got lost the second he stepped off the bus onto the camp grounds. This is my BABY!!!!! He what???? He seemed to take it all in stride and not care much about getting lost and completely thought I was over reacting about the deep end thing. But that is my Jackson. Laid back, no big thing,mom, Jackson. Where did my baby go??? Well, I got over it and am slowly letting go. He had a GREAT time at camp and is talking constantly about how indestructible and undefeatable our GOD is. He is such a wonderful little boy, my Jackson.
Maddox. Well, you know goobley. It takes him a few days to warm up, but once he does, he has a GREAT time. He made boat loads of crafts and proudly sported his VBS shirt each day. He was in the same group as his "one and only lady", miss Aubrynn. He now sings to all his songs in the car and demands that no one else sing but him.
Sis went to the nursery class that she commands each week. No big surprise there.
Mommy worked her tail off serving snacks, no a daily buffet, to all the hard working volunteers that help make the week possible. I'm fairly certain that I gained a few, which I am feeling this week on my cardio.
All in all, a great but exhausting week. So grateful that our church hosts such an event that tells all the kids about Jesus. There had to be 500 + children involved. Truly, a blessing.

Fun with Cousins

2009-06-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, the kiddos and I got to watch my baby nephews, separately of course, while their mommies and daddies were working hard earning a paycheck while we we busy having fun. Little Levi, is such a character. He is constantly smiling and playing and Sis would NEVER leave him alone. Poor little guy I know must've been exhausted after being mauled and tackled from kisses by our little princess. He is absolutely a little doll with his precious belly laughs and ornery faces.

Maddox seemed to really take to Elijah, the most mellow laid back child I think on the face of the planet. Little Eli has Mommy and Daddy completely spoiled, as he hardly ever makes a peep. Maddox played with him, proud to show him his cars and Little People play sets, which he stuck each animal in his mouth to ease those sweet teething little gums. We played outside and sat in the shade enjoying a gorgeous day.

Although these little guys are both so fun and cuddly right now, I can't wait for picnics in the park, days running through our zoo, and hot afternoons splashing away in the pool. I possibly could attempt these things now, but how fun it will be when everyone is a little more mobile. Thanks Joey and Bekah and Cassi and Justin for some fun times with these precious little guys.

Memorial Day

2009-05-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Memorial day around our home was exhausting. We completed projects that we had started but never completed. Hauling dirt, moving rock and stone, landscaping and assembling new furniture. I think Danno was grateful to go into work on Tuesday, knowing that he would have a break from laborious back breaking jobs around the house. We did take Monday to relax a bit. Having some time with friends while watching the kiddos spray each other with enormous water gun blasters.

A few pics of our somewhat completed projects...

A tea for our princess

2009-05-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy that please forgive the lack of posts. It's gonna take me awhile to catch up on all of our activities but I just could not let this one pass, even if it has been a few weeks since the royal celebration.

A good friend's daughter, princess Karis, invited Ava to her very first princess tea party. I must admit, I was more than worried about how my little diva princess would behave. The Queen Mum had excitedly told me of all the special touches she had planned; the real china, the decorated cookies and wafers, the table settings... all I pictured was sis throwing one of her royal fits as she threw the china across the room and spilled raspberry tea all over a beautiful table scape. I was soooo wrong. Ava was in heaven. Parading in the castle in her plastic heels and tiara, she handled her china carefully, stood in her chair eating cookies and wafers, sang Happy Birthday to her friend, and hunted for her princess purse and gloves. She LOVED every second of this girly princess party. I knew I had been blessed with the girly girl that I wanted, but I see piles of dress-up clothes in my future, hours of dreaming of a prince and ruling over a kingdom that is troubled, and loving every second of seeing myself in my little girl.

2009-04-17T09:22:00.001-07:00

Sickfest 2009

2009-04-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

We are currently on day 11 of our puking, diarrhea, nausea sickfest that we caught from church nursery, and seem to be ready to kick it. Lasting minimum 5 days, we had to cancel our Easter plans and so so sadly cancel our much anticipated trip to KC Great Wolf Lodge trip with the Daniel family to lay on the couch, in mommy's lap or whatever surface we could make it to. Wretched I tell you!!! Luckily, Ranno and Jackson bypassed the bug somehow and stayed healthy. So, as much as I love the walls in our home, I cannot wait to break out of this popsicle joint for some play.

Jackson our Soccer Star

2009-04-02T11:40:00.001-07:00

Still Experiencing Firsts

2009-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

As Jackson gets bigger and more grown up, we are having fewer and fewer firsts. Although Goo and Sis still have a large share of first time happenings, we did all of those before with bubby. Not that they are any less special, thrilling, or fun, they are just not the first time Danno and I have experienced them as parents.
The last 2 weeks have been fairly exciting for Jackson. He lost his 1st tooth, which he proudly got $1.00 for from the tooth fairy in his new Transformer tooth pillow. He took it out so nonchalantly. "No big thing mom, really." He came into my bedroom one Sunday evening during Desperate Housewives, said he was ready for it to come out, I showed him how to twist it, and there it was. No big thing. No whims or tears about the blood at all. Such a big boy, my handsome.
Last week at our small group at church, Jackson received another first, his first black eye. He and another little boy we running in the play area known as the Ballpark. They collided and the shiner was the result. He cried that evening right after it happened, but then was so excited about it. Running to the bathroom the next morning to check his face to see if his eye had actually turned black, and each second it seemed of the afternoon following the collision. After realizing that each time he left the bathroom disappointed that it wasn't "black" yet, we had a pow-wow about what the term "black eye" meant. Sadly, his eye was not going to be completely black like an alien or some Marvel super villian, just a little bruising. Obviously very heart breaking for our 6 year old.
So, even though Jackson's first are coming less and less and as he grows to our sweet boy, we still have some excitement over the first time things that are not so joyous.

Maddox's Spiderman Party

2009-03-20T13:22:00.001-07:00

My baby goobley turns 3

2009-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

To my baby boy Maddox... You have captured my heart from the day you were born. Late in the night, hours after you arrived, I finally got the chance to be amazed at the creation that God had blessed me with. Your curly dark hair and brilliant blue eyes studied mine in the quiet hours that daddy lay asleep on a very uncomfortable roll out sofa in our room. I made countless promises as your mommy, praying that you would always be happy and healthy to fulfill all the dreams and plans God had already selected for you.

Little did I know you were the orneriest little toot that I had been blessed with...

How could I be so angry at you one second and then gather you up in my arms the next, kissing and loving your sweet irresistible face?? You have grown into such a smart little boy, rambling through the house with such energy one minute then crashed in my lap the next telling me a slew of little stories all strung together to make a very interesting novel. I could listen to you play and imagine for hours with countless characters scattered around your sweet toe toes. I love that you are so cautious to those around you, slow to share your sweet thoughts.

We have come so far this past year my sweet goo. You excitedly walk alone into bible class and preschool classes where before you cried to go in the welcoming door; You now speak so clearly and intently where a year ago I could barely understand 1 word or phrase that you spoke; You now play with other children instead of wanting to sit in the corner, content to play alone.

I am so proud of you beautiful boy and I cannot wait to experience your amazing and undoubtedly exciting life as your mommy.

Happy birthday, sweet goobley. Mommy loves you so, so much.

Old Favs

2009-02-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

I swore that I would not be the mommy that would let the kids watch videos from place to place in the car. It was only for longer journeys, i.e. the east side of Wichita or Oklahoma. But, after much whining, I decided that it wasn't worth the fight, I had to choose my battles, thus we watch a video for the 2 minute ride to the grocery store, the 5 minute drive to Jackson's school, the 7 minute drive to church, and the list goes on...

We seem to watch the same thing over and over and over because there is a very small collection I keep in the car. From my kids new favorite classic, one that I know I would NEVER have gotten them to watch if it were up against all the choices at home, is Bed knobs and Broomsticks. We also throw Monsters, Inc. and Tinkerbell into the rotation. After the 50th time listening to Tinkerbell, I don't actually think that I have viewed the movie, it sounds pretty cute though, I realized I needed to throw some princess movies into the mix that so desperately needed to be adjusted.

Ava demands to watch Elmo at home, but I felt that she needed to be introduced to the realm of princesses and their fairy tale endings versus furry red monsters and her brother's super heros favorites. This week I popped in The Little Mermaid. Do you realize this movie has been out for 20 years?? I remember going with my little nephew, who is now almost 22, to the theater and bawling at the end when Arial became human. I had forgotten how much I loved Les Poissons, and how hysterical the charcter of Ursela is. My goodness, I have been singing Part of Your World since Tuesday, I must be enjoying the change of pace.

I love the new found wonder in sis's eyes as she watches a beautiful red head mermaid swim underwater with a crab, and Maddox's attempt to sing along with every song. It is absolutly adorable and I cannot wait to add to the princess car movies next week...hmmmm....I think my kids are in dire need to see Beauty and the Beast. It is Monday and mommy is needed to be swept away in a fairytale as I am leaving my prince tomorrow for a little road trip.

The Angels Sang and I Swear the Heavens Parted

2009-02-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

I know I usually reserve the blogspot for cute lil quips about something cute or sweet my angels have said or how much I love my amazing husband, but today, I have to break the rules.
Isn't she so pretty??? This picture truly does not do her justice. I could just cuddle with it on the couch for a few short moments and take in all of her wonderful smells. I have wanted a red shiny bag for over a year now and have waited because the heavens didn't part when I saw one.
A few weeks ago I heard the angels sing and I swear it was glowing on the shelf at Dillards during their year end clearance sale. I was with my mom and it's beauty was so hard to resist. I did resist, amongst all of the angels trumpets and all of her radiating warmth that I knew I felt. I had, the day before, decided that I was going to save more and spend less. To buy the bag would've been like cheating on a diet the day after I had started, right? I told myself, if it is still here when I come back, it is meant to be. If she's gone, I would remember her and kick myself, but move on.
I went to see a friend the next day and told them of the beautiful bag and how I decided not to buy her. I got a phone call later from my friend who works at the store, and said she was still on the shelf, did I want her to get it? I couldn't help myself. "Yes!!"
My sweet friend Tammy came by today at 8:00 this morning to drop off the bag so I could wear it to MAPS. I had my checkbook ready to pay her and she insisted that it be a gift. Seriously too much, but she wouldn't let me.
So this is my Tammy bag and each time I carry her I will think about my sweet girl and our treasured friendship. I knew there was a reason the heavens parted and the angels sang...

Also an added surprise that I didn't even know until I started filling Tam before we rushed out the door; Zebra lining. So perfect and so fun! Love you Tami-kins! So thankful that I can call you my girl.

Hangin in the tent

2009-02-11T13:47:00.001-08:00

My sweet goobley came and dragged me into his toy room this afternoon saying, "Mom, come 'ere, come 'ere". After he was almost screaming at me, I came to see what he was dragging me to play with, thinking it was some boy toy that he wanted to fight me with as I made an attempt to make my girlie version of gun and fighting noises. Instead I found that he wanted me to get the collapsible Sesame Street tent out to set up in the toy room. We set it in the middle of the floor and I climbed inside with him. He sat in my lap and we looked from the inside and talked about all of the Sesame Street characters. What were their names, what were they doing and such. Ernie was holding rubber duckie and Maddox said, " Aww, they hold hands. That's friendly." I couldn't help but giggle at his use of a BIG word and his sweet frankness about the relationship between rubber duckie and Ernie. He then says, "this is my hiding place mommy. I love you". Could I just cry??

I am so glad that I got up and went into the cramped tent with my Maddox today, leaving behind whatever meaningless task it was I was doing. He is standing next to me now, making his cars drive on the computer desk, and making sounds as they race and crash into each other.

How sweet and incocent he is at this very moment. Why do I feel that if I blink it will be gone??

Lil Miss Princess

2009-02-04T11:17:00.001-08:00

Lil Miss has become quite the diva princess of late. Carrying around mommy's purse, forever into mommy's make-up, mommy's nail polish strewn everywhere, carrying around a baby constantly, and beginning to play dress-up seem to be the norm for sis. The boys never did any of those things!! Except the dress-up. Super heroes costumes are a daily thing with masked twosome.
The pic to the right is a frequent new look for miss Ava. In some sort of shoe that is not hers and carrying mommy's bag and waving goodbye to her adoring admirers...her brothers and any one else who gives her the least bit of attention. She usually has a baby slung over her shoulder saying how nice it is when she kisses baby's forehead or pats baby's back. It is really, really adorable, I must say. Although the gut hanging below the shirt may call for a little Stacy and Clinton rescue from "What Not to Wear" for a style fix if she gets caught. I'm sure I could possibly find some way to spend the 5 grand they'd give us on the Visa check card!! They make designer bags for toddlers and I have seen heels for babies!!
The make-up thing is enough to drive me crazy in the mornings when a eye liner or blush brush cannot be found. I spend more time looking for my make-up than time it takes to put it all on. Zipping the make-up bag does help, but I know that is only a short term fix before she figures out how to get into the beauty products. She's my daughter....can't go anywhere without lipstick of course!!

The sweet tu-tu to the left was made by Nana for the lil princess for Christmas. She loves it!! She does not want to take it off unless it falls off her mid run and she doesn't realize that it fell off her tiny little behind. She's already for Meggan to come and teach her how to twirl and leap with the best of them!! Is 18 months old to young???

So my sweet lil princess is beginning to sprout into the baby girl that I always wanted. I had to pinch myself the other day as we sat in the middle of the living room combing Darby's synthetic red locks and talking about her shoes. I cannot wait for Barbie's and doll houses and sweet little clunky plastic shoes as we go into Dillons.

How could I be so lucky to find 3 handsome heroes and 1 lil princess?? Maybe I'm the evil queen....

Big brother

2009-01-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

I need to tell all about how sweet I have caught my sweet lil goobley being.

Sis was throwing one of her dramatic fits over not getting juice or a cracker or some little thing that I did not drop all to get for her. Since Jackson was at school that morning, Maddox had to step into the comforting big brother role. He chased her all over the room until he finally caught her and embraced her with loving pats on the back and words that everything was going to be alright. I got this pic just before the drama queen pushed him away saying, "no, top it!". He then began to chase her again...

When did he decide to get so big?? Usually he is my ornery little mess that I cannot resist. But this morning, he was sissy's comfort.

His speech has begun to improve by leaps and bounds and suddenly he has shown interest in being a big boy and wondering about the potty. Wondering is something, right???? Ahhh, to only have one child in diapers again... I can only dream.

Sweetie's birthday

2009-01-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

My sweetie Danno celebrated his birthday last week and I thought I'd share some of the fun. The entire day the kiddos had been so excited to give daddy all of his gifts. We made his FAVORITE cake, decorated the house with balloons, and practiced singing happy birthday and saying surprise about 1000 times. The kids were ecstatic for his arrival. Daddy called and said he would be late. I suggested meeting him at dinner so the kiddos growling stomachs would get fed as soon as possible. Once home following dinner, giggling and grins followed. Our theme for the year was "garage organization". Dan and I spent a VERY cold day following Christmas organizing and arranging the cabinets that he had received for fathers day back in June. So proud of all of our hard work, he needed a few more things to make this project complete, thus, the garage organization theme. The above picture is of the kids with the gifts that they picked out for daddy. SO fun! and below, is the complete garage before FATHEAD placement on an adjacent wall. Happy birthday baby!!

Finally, Christmas pictures

2009-01-13T09:12:00.001-08:00

Long time no Blog

2009-01-13T07:57:00.001-08:00

I have given up on my husband ever downloading a video from Jackson's program for me. It was really cute and he did a great job. Maybe Danno will post it sometime before the 4th of July!!

To catch everyone up on our holiday happenings, it can simply be summed up as short lived sicknesses, passed to the entire family. Pink-eye, began the week before the Christmas, along with Ava's ear infection, hives and cold. Jackson then began throwing up and 2 days later got pink eye. I in turn got pink eye and a sinus infection. Maddox then started puking, then me Christmas eve, Papa Christmas day, my sister-in-law the day after Christmas, and my brother 2 days following that. Gotta share the love!!

After the company left, Dan and I felt that we needed to cleanse the house and clean -up all the gunky illness that had settled over the holiday. We took down all 7 trees, Santas, lights and snowmen the weekend following Christmas and I felt so much better sitting in an illness free, clean home.

All in all, the kids had a fun Christmas and actually "saw" their presents. After last year's opening fiasco, the kids with piles of gifts, Dan and I decided to do less. We gave each child 1 gift, and they gave each of their siblings 1 gift, along with all of the other gifts they got from nan and papa and aunts and uncles, it was more than enough. They seemed to enjoy what they got instead of throwing it aside for the next gift. I think we continue this for years to come. And it makes the shopping so much easier on mama!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

I hope no one is offended, but should take this as the highest compliment possible, that I am very guilty of stealing/copying holiday traditions from others. The newest holiday theft in the Shurtz home is courtesy of my ever creative and fabulous mommy, my Arkansas girl, Meggan Daniel. The gingerbread house. Aside from making the classic milk box house for Christmas in elementary school, I had absolutely no experience, but thought this would be a very fun and messy experience to start with the kiddos this year.
I found an inexpensive kit at Walmart and unwrapped all the candies before Jackson arrived home from school. I was very excited for this little project with the boys, knowing that this was the first of many gingerbread houses to come. I thought that my Jackson would love everything about this creative process, being my little crafty little artist and always wanting to help in any way in the kitchen. I knew he would be ever so careful placing each candy in its most perfect place and wanting the little houses to look "just right". WRONG!!! He was done about 10 minutes after starting the project, wanting to show Papa his mad skills on Guitar Hero. My sweet goobley Maddox was left at the kitchen table instead, until completion, placing candies and gumdrops in everyplace the icing would hold them.
We began by looking over the instruction booklet and selected a pattern we liked. That was thrown out after about 1 minute, and I am so glad. It looks like my boys created the masterpiece instead of the Wilton decorating pattern book. I love that it is imperfect and there are 3 candies on 1 window and 20 on another. Nana helped with the wreath and cute trees, as Maddox added his final touches.
Can't wait for next years tree and many more following. Thanks Ms. Meggan for letting me steal a holiday tradition from your holiday home!!

Blessed by my girls

2008-12-10T12:11:00.001-08:00

I am so fortunate to have been surrounded by the most fabulous women that have come into my life this year. I must admit, I was in a comfortable slump, happy to be busy mommy to 3 beautiful children and a wife to the most amazing man that I know, but I was friend to a very treasured few, (you know who you are ((t, t, r, and m)) ). That was the sadness in my life. Danno had work friends that he was able to go to lunch with and talk to daily about life and if you know my "talker" husband, debate with. He then began to become active in church and things really began to change for me. Suddenly he had more than just work friends and old high school cronies. He had "NEW" friends, and I didn't. Oooo, did the green eyed monster hurl his ugly head.
So after throwing my own pity party, I decided to do something about it. But, how??
I decided to use my 3 beautiful treasures, my kids, and open myself up to show the "real" me. With those 2 things, hopefully, I could fill the void that I was longing for. I began volunteering and signing up for things, knowing that I was going to not know 1 single person.
I am so thankful that God gave me the courage I needed to show the woman I truly am, and to be comfortable with the fact that some may not find me as their friend so appealing, and that had to be OK.
I am so thankful for the push of 1 new friend, I wish I had her picture to show you. A friendly face amongst the questioning and burning eyes of others. She has been a gift, for she brought so many into my lap through words of encouragement, and I will forever be thankful and indebted to her.
Silly as it may sound, I am thankful for Facebook, for letting me connect with a very special friend from long ago and to reconnect to with many, many others. I can also send a mean piece of Flair, instant message and post fabo SNL sketches with the best of them.
And lastly, thanks to these beautiful, talented, and amazing women pictured. The above 3 are my some of my new girls, who have enriched my life and blessed me beyond belief. They have made me feel so very special and I cannot wait to share many more "martini" nights together giggling.
The picture of the 3 of us below are my girls who didn't leave me as many others have. Calling, emailing or inviting me to things when I no longer lived on their block or could walk across the street and sit on a porch swing and talk. My heart misses those afternoon easy chats. Why do you guys have to work????? just kidding.. Thank you for not leaving me! I would've been very, very lost without your friendship.
As the year of 2008 draws to a close, and we are to reflect and look ahead, I have realized how to be humbled so completely by something I was longing for and to be so completely grateful when it came.

I love you all!!!!

Giving Thanks

2008-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we went to Edmond to visit my side of our crew for food and LOTS of early morning bargains.

Amy,(my baby niece) and I headed to a small boutique Wednesday morning at 5:20 for a 1 hour half off sale. Aims said they had cute stuff and so I awoke early for the cute bargains. When we arrived, we were the only ones in the parking lot. They must've felt sorry for us, because they let us in 10 minutes before opening. I got a super cute vest and some jewelry and am kicking myself for not buying more of their make-up they had 1/2 off. Still some great deal-lios!! Thanks Amy Kay!

Later that day, we had the kids picture taken with the REAL Santa. He lives in Quail Springs Mall during December, trusting the elves to handle all of the craziness back at the North Pole. Seriously, he's incredible! Unfortunately, the disc we purchased of the kids with Santa is MIA and is no where to be found. They did an awesome job and no one cried this year!!!!!

More shopping was to follow, as OKC has the most incredible malls. Of course we had to scout out the deals for Friday morning. Nana and Papa watched the tribe as Danno and I took the mall by storm. I must say, I am rubbing off on my husband a little with the sale bug. He is all about getting a deal with me at some of our most fav stores in their area. It only took 15 years for him to tag along for some of my bargain shopping.

Thursday's turkey was always a yummy treat with a tableful of fab-o food,

thanks to my mother. Some of my all time favorites have got to be my sister-in-laws to die for green bean casserole (no matter how many times I make it, it is never as good as hers), mom's cranberry salad and mouth watering apple pie, and a new favorite for this year ( please don't laugh), my dad's salad. Wow! Really, really good!

We always take the annual family picture on Thanksgiving day and I take everyone else's Christmas card mugs for their holiday mail outs. We conclude by going to a movie and playing some very fun board games. Danno and I broke from the group to see James Bond Quantum of Solace. Very good flick and came back for a new game Kimmie brought over, Buzz Word. Good times!

AHHHH, and then Black Friday shopping morning. Ava had a little bit of a cough and awoke at 2 a.m. Not being able to get back to sleep, I began to get ready at 2:45 and Mom and I left the house at 3:20 for our 1st stop at Kohl's. The weather was fairly pleasant, so we stood outside in line for the remaining 45 minutes before opening. We then headed to Penney's for slippers and my bargain buffet server from my Mom, which I have been eyeing for over a year. We met up with the rest of our crew at Target for their 6:00 a.m opening, then headed to the mall for the remainder of the morning. Danno, actually met us there at around 7:00 and took our fabulous group picture with our team shopping t-shirts, a 1st for this year thanks to my wonderful friend Jessica Lindsey. They turned out oober cute and I hope will be a tradition for many years to come. WE HAVE TO BE A UNIFIED SHOPPING TEAM!! All for one and one for all.

We always have a super fun time when we go to see family south of the Kansas border. Hope they all feel the same coming here for the Christmas holiday!!

First Chiefs game

2008-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Danno took Jackson to see his very fist Chiefs game in Kansas City. I was a little hesitant, thinking that my baby was still too young and would get bored and be ready to come home 10 minutes after they got there. Since Dan was taking a client and his son, I wasn't so hot on the Yb meats guy listening to a whiny 6 year old. Boy, was mommy wrong (this one time). They had so much fun together. Jackson loved that he was with the guys, especially his daddy, hangin out and watching the game. He called at half time wondering if I had seen him on the TV. I asked him what he thought and he simply replied, "It's awesome!!". Ranno said that he joined in with the chants and cheers and loved Kc Wolf, the mascot. He didn't even complain on the 3 hour jaunt back to Wichita.
When they returned home, Danno was so exited about the guy time they were able to spend together, just the 2 of them. I couldn't help but squeeze my big boy a little harder that night. He is growing up so fast; becoming the Chiefs fan daddy always hoped he would be.

Relaxing Cancun Vacation

2008-11-18T13:05:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T12:31:00.001-08:00

Halloween Week

2008-11-03T09:08:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a crazy week last week. Danno and I need this trip to Mexico after all of our fall fun activities!
The craziness began last Monday, as Jackson's Kindergarten class had their Halloween party and parade. So fun for him to see him so proud marching around the school so the big kids could admire his X-Man fierceness! Jackson's school had the rest of the week off for parent/teacher conferences! You would've thought that it would've slowed us down?!
Tuesday was shopping and getting ready for the week ahead.
Wednesday we had our conference with Jackson's teacher, Ms. Williams. Big surprise , I cried! He is doing wonderfully and is a sweet and cooperative little boy (as if I didn't already know that I was given the angel child).?!? We then had a play date and lunch with friends and also made a special dinner for our new nephew/cousin Levi's mommy and daddy. So fun!
On Thursday, we trick-or-treated daddy's office, mommy's old workplace to see Aunt Trish, and some of mommy's friends houses and their workplaces. My 3 little superheroes were the cutest ever!! Later that day we trick-or-treated and enjoyed some fun at Dillons before going to our small group at church. Whew!!! That was a busy day!
Friday is always our whirlwind! We went to church for mommy's MAPS group and Maddox's Kids Day Inn. ( which is getting better...) Came home at 2:00 for naps and then threw on costumes, took pictures and out the door to the fall festival open house at church and then back home for trick-treating and Pizza Hut pizza!
Saturday, we took our annual Christmas card picture, which is always sooooooo fun for mom and dad. (dripping with sarcasm)!
Sunday mommy took 3 sets of senior pictures and 1 set family pictures! Busy, busy!!
Although last week was a whirlwind of activities, the kids had tons of fun and our definitely on sugar overload! Luckily this time on Thursday, Dan and I will be laying on the beach in Mexico with margarita and room service at hand!!

Down at the Patch

2008-10-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

Best time of the year

2008-10-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot say how much I love, love, love this time of year. I love the crisp weather, the smell of leaves and fall scented candles, the wonderful comfort food, and the warm and festive hues of the season. Most of all, it reminds me of when I started dating and fell in love with the most wonderful and sweetest man in the world. On our second date, Danno and I spent an evening carving a complicated pumpkin with one of those fancy carving kits and eating homemade chocolate chip cookies. Come October, I always look forward to taking the kids to the pumpkin patch, riding out into the field to get a pumpkin and take TONS of pics amongst pumpkins and bales of hay. Today, we made that yearly trip and the kids had so much fun watching the cutest pigs race around in the mud, play on the playground, and select their own orange gourds to take home for the front porch!! Good memories! Enjoy!

Happy birthday Jackson

2008-10-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

My baby turns 6

2008-10-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Jackson turned 6 on October 7th of last week. We celebrated with a lunch at Mcdonald's, pictures at the park, guy time at All-Star sports with daddy, a chicken and noodle birthday dinner and a chocolate cake to round out my big boy's special day.

The real craziness began on Saturday with 14 little munchkins running around the backyard and jumping on the Incredible Hulk inflatable. After a hot dog and mac and cheese lunch (yummy), presents were excitedly opened and candles blown out to celebrate Jackson's special day.

That evening, family and a few friends came by for a chili supper and more Ben 10 themed cake. After eating an entire bag of Fritos and a more than eventful day, Bubby wasn't feeling well and wanted to go to bed shortly after everyone arrived. After a little rest, he felt rejuvenated and was able to open his mound of presents.

Some of his favorite gifts of the day were a scooter, an Ben 10 alien creator, many Star Wars things, and of course the Lego Batman game that he snooped and found 2 weeks before. Mommy and daddy were weak and let him have that one early.

Happy birthday handsome man! We love you so much and are so proud of the sweet little boy you are.

Touch a Truck

2008-10-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Grampa Joe took Jackson to a Touch a Truck event here in Wichita. He got to sit in and toot the horns of several different kinds of trucks. The highlights were a firetruck, a city bus, some kind of 4-wheeler and of course, the monster slide. There was also a cement truck, Jackson wasn't to keen on that one for some reason. Afterwards, Grampa took jackson to his favorite eatery, McDonald's, where he played on the equipment and slide, of course, for a bit.
After coming home, Jackson made and colored a book of their fun day together and cannot wait to show it to Grampa Joe. Thanks Grampa for giving Jackson a fun day together!!

First day of Kids Day Inn

2008-09-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Maddox's first day of Kids day Inn/Mom's day out was last Friday. As you can see he clearly does not want his picture taken for this momentous event. He has been talking about school and acted so excited to take his new Spiderman backpack and lunchbox that I was hoping he would have a good time. At Meet your teacher day the week before, he was excited to go play with the animals and color. I prepared his teacher for the worst, explaining that we still have a rough time dropping off for church on the weekends. Mrs. Downing had been Jackson's teacher at 2 and he absolutly loved her. She met Maddox at the door with open arms and luckily, no tears at all!!

After MAPS that morning I found it very strange leaving the church that day with only Ava in tow. Is this what it was like with only one child?? I had forgotten. This was a piece of cake. We went and picked up Jackson, had a fun lunch at Mcdonalds, some ice cream at Cold Stone and then back to pick up the goobley at 1:30.

Mrs Downing said there were some times with tears, but overall, he did ok. Hopefully next week and each week after will get better for my sweet strong-willed 2 year old and someday, close to the end of the school year, he may actully enjoy his time at KDI.

My merry maids

2008-09-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

The kiddos and i are having company tonight for dinner while my sweet husband is out of town on business. We all know what this means. Clean-up!!! I am not an everyday cleaner, that would be impossible and frustrating with the 3 little monsters, I guess i would classify myself as more of an everyday picker-upper??? Let me rephrase that. Constant picker-upper!! It seems like the monkeys run through the house in a whirlwind, dragging whatever it is in their hands strung on the floor and leaving a semi-neat room in utter disarray in a matter of seconds. Ava is at the stage of throwing food everywhere off of her tray the second she decides she is done. The area around her high chair is something that gets swept 3 times daily and cleaned (with solutions) every other day. She is the messy-mess, as I call her.

Any -hoo, company is coming. which means giving the false impression that the house is spotless always. Today, the boys joined in on the project. sticky fingers and hands are always leaving little markers on our kitchen chairs. Jackson and Maddox were to spray the chairs down and wipe away their foodies. This led to a song, written by Jackson, called "clean-up is fun". We were all singing and scrubbing the kitchen clean and hopefully making good habits of my handsomes.

Soon, the boys began fighting over who sprays and who gets to wipe. Apparently it is funner to spray than wipe away. On this beautiful 70 degree day they were whooshed outside to play while i finished up.
At least I managed some help for a few minutes, and I think a new song which we will sing at clean-up times. Just regular Disney day!!! Zipp-a-dee-do-dah!

Funnies

2008-09-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

As challenging as it is to be the parent of a 2 year old, some days it is also the most hilarious, laugh yourself silly time that I love so much.

Maddox is just a regular comedian right now!!! I walk into the toy room sniffing "the odor". I say aloud, "who's poopy?" My 2 year old responds, "nope. No stinky, yucky mom." He then turns around, pulls open the back of his diaper to check himself and says,"no yucky mom". Maddox walks up to Ava and smells her bottom and exclaims, "It sissy stinky, yucky!!" I just have to laugh at all of this because I have never seen a 2 year old check himself for dirty pants and then check someone else to investigate the problem! So funny, my little sweet goobley.

A random thing that made me smile today~ On the way home from taking Jackson to school this morning I saw 2 horses kissing. Truly, lip to lip!! Now, not knowing anything about horses, I seriously doubt they were kissing...but I'd like to think so in my little dreamland were the sky is beautiful, birds are chirping, Disney movie where everything is perfect and no one ever gets sick.
I may need counseling....

Toofers, Passy's, and Silliness

2008-08-29T17:25:00.001-07:00

Finally, our little princess' toofers have broken through! After many cranky and painful days and nights, 3 more teeth appeared through the gum line in Ava's tiny little mouth. One more on the bottom center, and 2 center top ones. No wonder she was such a cranker puss, those teeth were hurting my baby princess! Now maybe we'll be good for awhile...

Maddox, as most of us know is obsessed with the "piderman"!! He found a spiderman stocking cap and 1 lone glove laying around in their bedroom. He comes to me, both in hand, and says, "Mom, Mom. Put on!" For the last hour and a half he has been wearing this spiderman/Michael Jackson 1 glove get-up, looking ooberly
cute-o!!

Every now and then I go for a passy-hunt, looking for all of the randomly thrown pacifiers that have been strewn around the
house to be kicked and hidden under furniture, in couch cushions, and in any nook and cranny that can be discovered. While searching the basement, I placed sissy's passy's in a small pile on the table. After collecting, I found Ava on the floor, amidst them all, choosing just the right one to pass the time!!!

My Sweet Boy

2008-08-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

I have spent so much time talking about Ava's birthday and Jackson going to kindergarten, I thought it was time to share a little about how big my sweet goobley has become. He has asked about Jackson each day after we drop him off at school. "Where Dackon mommy? He chool?". Today, after dropping off my sweet big boy, the babies and I went out shopping to do some exchanges and kill some time before being back at the elementary school in 3 hours. He was such a big boy today. Staying beside the cart, not complaining while riding in the stroller, and talking up a storm. When we all go shopping together, it seems like he wants to be like brother and walk, not ride in the stroller with lil sis. Today, with all of the Little Einstein's characters accompanying us, he was on such good behavior and asking such questions, all of which I could understand!! He grew up overnight! I kept telling him over and over how proud mommy was of him and what a big boy he was to be so kind and let mommy shop. I could almost see the proud little grin in his eyes saying, "I am a big boy like my brother". I feel as if these positive affirmations and uplifting words are making such a difference in his demeanor, language, and overall behavior. All my babies are growing up! I have always said that every age is my favorite; always the most rewarding. But I am so proud of my sweet Maddox and how far he has come, turning into quite the little man.
If you are wondering, each day is getting better for me. Although I find my heart break each day a little more watching Jackson's backpack disappear behind the glass doors of the school, I am thankful to spend the time with my 2 other babies and help them grow into the wonderful little people that their brother is. I cannot say enough how much I love all my babies and how I want to freeze time and make them stay little forever; Even though I know that isn't quite possible, I am trying to soak up every minute of their sweetness and to never let them forget how much they mean to their mommy.

Why does he have to grow up???

2008-08-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

I should've known today was going to be bad when I began crying over the Wal-mart commercial for school supplies. But today was so much harder than I thought it would be. Harder admitting that everyday from now, I will be taking my baby somewhere to let someone else teach him how to become better, smarter, kinder and all the things that I have worked hard at teaching him. He still needs me right???

Walking away from the school out to the car, Maddox yelling and wailing,"I want Jackson!! I want Jackson!!!", the big tear began to fall. Wasn't 10 minutes long enough for them to have him? Couldn't he come back home and be my baby again?? I need him!! I cannot stand it. I'm still teary eyed over the whole traumatizing experience. I'm crying right now! I'm sure I'll cry tomorrow and next Monday and Tuesday and all of the days to follow. But it has become evident that my handsome big boy now was very big and attending big school. Away from mommy...let me wail now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Princess Birthday

2008-08-10T19:20:00.001-07:00

Princess turns 1

2008-08-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

On 8-8-08 my precious baby girl turned 1 year old. We celebrated that morning with our traditional birthday breakfast, which is a waffle with a candle in the center. We later went to the park for a picnic lunch and some playtime. We had a beautiful August day,(88 degrees if that is possible) to enjoy by the water with nana and papa, up from Oklahoma. Mommy spent most of the rest of the afternoon and evening pinkifying the house with balloons and streamers and twirlly doo dads, making the home fit for our fairy princess on her special party day. A first for us, began at 9:00 the eve of her party. Friends had talked me into making the princess her special cake instead of buying one at the bakery. Was I crazy to take on one more thing??? If you know me, "YES!!!". I must say, it turned out beautiful, thanks to my friend, the fabulous Traci House, and oober-doober tasty, thanks the the wonderful me. Just that extra special touch for the kids on their more than special day. So a new birthday tradition has begun, making the cake...

The party was spent at our home with family and friends, celebrating our special little girl. Princess Ava received a stackful of beautiful clothes, fit for the little diva baby that she is. She now also has a princess tiara and sparkly bracelet to wear on outings, social functions, or ruling over her jester brothers at they entertain her every whim at her fairy princess castle.

Happy birthday baby princess. We all love you so much!

oh, and if you're wondering...I completed her book the day before the royal event. Just in the nick of time!!!

Scrappin fanatic or scrappin frantic???

2008-07-31T18:01:00.001-07:00

Reason for no recent blogs... crazy scrapbooking!! Ava's 1st birthday is in a week and I have been trying frantically to get her 1 year in review book done. This is somewhat of a tradition for our family. At the kids' 1st birthday I always try and have a month by month scrapbook of their constantly changing faces, for friends and family to "ooo" and "aww" over on their special day. And never fails, I always leave myself way too little time to finish. 2 weeks ago I began this massive project. Note to self: Please try to not begin a huge project with too little time to finish. Do I not learn or do I strive under pressure? Who knows. I do know that in the next week my hands will be burnt from glue gun overuse and my fingers sore from journaling sweet little quips. Wish me luck on finishing...

Ta Daaaaa!!!

2008-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Scroll down to the bottom and pause music to hear video easier...Funny stuff!

An afternoon of boredom and too hot to play in the yard, led us to build a secret tunnel in the toy room. This is a side of Maddox that few people see, but mommy and daddy see often!

How can you say No, no"??

2008-07-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

Seriously. How can anyone say no to this toothless adorable grin?? Ava has reached the age of forever curiousity. Touching all kinds of shiny, blinky bright buttons that are on daddy's very expensive electronics or busy hands trying to open mommy's perfume drawer ( never too early to smell like a princess), I find myself smiling as I am saying "NO, no" to my tiny princess. I cannot help myself. Sometimes I am even giggling at her! As a mother of 2 little busy boys, I know that smiling, giggling and laughing are sending the 1 year old very mixed messages, but how can I help myself... just look at her!!! It has already begun, not even a year old and she is already getting anything she wants by looking at me in her little precious irresistible way and smiling, then jibbering some unintelligible phrase... I am a goner!!!!

Water fun, ice cream, and the 4th

2008-07-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun

2008-07-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

The above are recent pics of the kiddos that I have taken over the last week while celebrating the 4th with homemade ice cream and lots of splishin' and splashin'. I asked Jackson what he like better, the big neighborhood pool or the backyard slip n' slide?? He quickly said, "slip n' slide." Cheap fun is good fun! Enjoy!

And it shall be called Americus

2008-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

At 4:30 am on July 4th, , my husband awoke to sharp back pain and we all ended up in the ER shortly thereafter. Leaving the ER at approximately 7:00 am, we then knew that the next couple of days were going to be very tough for my Danno...he had a kidney stone. Feeling from good to worse and then back again most of the next 2 days, we experienced fireworks of a different kind at our home. I spent most of Friday and Saturday keeping the kids out of the house so daddy could rest. Playing at our neighborhood pool or on the the slip n slide, I have some great pics of water fun, but am still playing catch up from the weekend. Jackson, concerned and nervous at one point, came into our bedroom and laid next to daddy telling him that if he prayed to God, he would make him feel better. He then preceded to tell everyone in our driveway Friday evening that his daddy had a rock on his back and wasn't feeling well. (so sweet) Danno gave birth to Americus Saturday evening and is still experiencing some discomfort. Thank god for Lortab! After an appointment to see the doctor Monday, we now know that Americus was quite an addition. The doc's exact words were, "Wow, I can't believe you actually passed that." Ouch!!!

We are so glad that our sweet Daddy is feeling better than he was and maybe next weekend we'll have more fun together.

Fun in the sun

2008-06-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

This week we spent a couple of days at the pool. Although the water may have been a bit chilly from recent showers, everyone had fun splashing in the cool water. Being as it was my first time flying solo with all 3 munchkins, I let everyone enjoy and experience the water at their own pace. Jackson, walked right in, excited that he was easily touching the bottom of the pool at the shallow end. Ava, whimpered a little at first, but quickly got used to the water in her own little floating chariot. Maddox, my sweet, sweet boy. He cracks me up so often. Being 2, he is learning who he is and how he observes the world around him. I put his floaty on and went to grab him to hop into the pool, and NOOOOOOOO. This really surprised me since he has been my little fish in the bathtub from day one. He also seems to have no fear when it comes to some daring things. But, the big pool can be a little intimidating. So he went to the corner of the pool area hugging the fence closely. I let him hang out and do his own thing and pretty soon he scooted closer to the pool on the concrete. 10 minutes later his feet were dangling over the side. I offered to hold him again and, NOOOOOOOO. So I let him hang out a little longer. 10 more minutes later, he had walked over and was sitting on the steps of the pool, splashing around with his little sweet toe toes. I was so proud of our little goobey bear, I found myself tearing up at his courageous venture. Sadly it was time to go on day 1 of fun at the pool. Day 2, still chilly, Our friends the Riley's, who we love dearly, joined us for some swimming fun. The below picture is of Corbin and Jackson. Don't they look like brothers?? The boys both love, who Maddox calls, "Cornin", and sweet Brooke, his sister, loves the babies and will one day, no doubt, be an awesome baby sitter!!

Anyway, Maddox immediately walked right to the steps and began to splash. After a short amount of time he was asking for Jackson or I to hold him. Then, he wanted no one to hold him!!! AHHHHH! Who knows what will happen the next time we go to the pool?? But I am sure it will be fun and full of laughs.

10 Happy Years

2008-06-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

A week in paradise

2008-06-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, Danno and I celebrated 10 years in the most beautiful paradise on earth...St. Lucia. This place is amazingly spectacular, taking my breath away each time I turned around. We had a small house, set amongst the most beautiful vegetation, in the midst of an amazing rain forest. Stepping out onto our patio we had our own little plunge pool, comeplete with lounge chairs and full room service, between 2 spectacular piton mountains. We had such a wonderful time together experiencing "maximum chill" by laying on the beach, having wonderful dinners, and watching the most beautiful sunsets on earth. We loafed most of the time, spending most days laying in the sun with some fruity drink in hand. It is so relaxing to let time just pass around you being lazy when you are with the person you love so much.

Last Thursday we renewed our vows alongside a breathtaking sunset on the beach with the waves crashing at our toes. I think I cried more at this wedding than at the first one! I am talking ... the ugly cry, unable to speak cry. It was incredibly moving and emotional for us both and solidified how special what we have together is. We then had a a dinner right on the beach with our own personal waiter and chef, surrounded by torches and lanterns with the sound of water and the beauty of 2 beautiful mountains. It was the most amazing day and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

My son the genius

2008-06-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am in the toy room this morning with my children starting Spiderman before I go deaf from Maddox screaming so loud, when I begin to get frustrated because the boys have lost the remote and have not found it the last few days. (crazy how we can't do anything without the little rectangular box!) I tell Jackson that he better find it today and he needs to clean out the toy box to find it. He then spouts off, "You do it." Before my top blows at 8:30 in the morning he quickly replies, " You're really smart. I'm only medium smart, so you need to find it. Dad is 31 smart and your 27, so that's pretty smart." He then goes back ot watching the movie, as if what he said was so matter of fact and comepletely true. My back is turned and I am shaking with giggles as I walk from their toy room. He is truely gifted!
Also...Strike me down for telling my son that I am still 27 and have been for the last couple of years !! I haven't quite embraced the 3's...

Gotta love the free stuff

2008-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone is familiar with the Disney rewards program, but the Shurtz family is very stoked about our free find. When you purchase a movie made by Disney studios there is a number on an inside flyer that you can enter on disney.com to get free stuff with the points you earn. During nap one afternoon, I gathered all the Disney movies I could find that have this little code in it. When I was done, we had over 1000 points. With those points, Jackson and I picked out this awesome tent and also a really large fleece throw blanket... free!!!! Not even any shipping and handling. I was very skeptical after ordering. Cutting many a cereal box or Eggo UPC codes for some little things that the company was offering, I didn't think that this tent would hold very many stuffed animals, and the blanket would barely cover your feet. How surprised was I when I started to put together our new awesome Cars tent! And it was big!!! The kids love to lock me out and play camp out and other "clubhouse" activities. Sis even joins in on the fun.

Point being...gather your Disney points. You may be surprised on what you can get. And it's FREE!!!

Rebirth of guitar hero

2008-05-28T11:46:00.001-07:00

Ya know how you play a game over and over that you get sick of it? That is how it was with us and Guitar Hero. We played the game so much that after sore hands and frustration with not being able to pass the next level, we gave up on playing the "Guitar" for awhile.

Over the holiday weekend, we had friends over for some grillin' and chillin'. Of course, Jackson wanted to show off some of his mad skills on Mario Kart Wii, but before, we broke out some Guitar Hero. I have come to the conclusion , that i should just play the easy level, so I can dance while I play instead of getting frustrated with the extra "far" buttons. Much more fun!! We continued our guitar playing the following evening and these pics were the result. The boys living it up and dancin' like crazy to "Barracuda" and "Slow Ride. Now that the excitement is back in the Shurtz house, we can't wait for the Aerosmith version to be released!!!

The T-ball player

2008-05-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

We now spend 2 nights a week at the Goddard baseball fields watching Jackson play his 1st year on a t-ball team. Anyone who knows me, knows that watching any type of sports is by far the last thing in the world that I would like to do. I must say though, watching my baby make friends and play on a team is becoming a new favorite. Ask me if they have won any games thus far...couldn't really tell ya, but I can tell you how sweet he looks in his little uniform and how it makes my heart swell when he catches the ball or swings and it goes a long way. Last week at his game he caught the ball when it came to him and I thought he was going to jump out of his skin with excitement. We called papa immediately to tell him the big news. I am also placing my order for a button with his picture on it which I know I will wear everywhere for awhile. I am not saying I enjoy watching sports now. Believe me, sometimes come mid-winter I think I would rather cut off my arm than watch another football game or hear commentary on how the Chiefs are doing, but watching my baby have fun at anything makes it fun for me too.

Jackson's last days

2008-05-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

My baby now officially attends the big school and mama cannot stand it. I got all weepy just walking into his preschool room on his last day. At least I have the summer to prolong time before the real boo-hooing starts in August!

He had a 2 day party at preschool beginning with backwards day and ice cream sandwiches and who knows what all else! He came home with a big bag full of goodies that we could play with this summer. The following day was for goodbyes and recreation. I think they played outside the entire time and it involved water balloons!! Mommy then got to come and have a picnic with Jackson and his friends. It was tons of fun to sit on the floor and eat peanut butter and jelly amongst many a 5 year olds! He had wonderful teachers, Mrs.Slack and Mrs. Fleming as pictured above with Jackson.

We ask everyday when we will go to school and when most importantly we go to Kindergarten. I am planning to make a big red circle around the first day for him so he can begin his countdown, even if mommy wants to black it out and pretend that it isn't coming!!!!

Amy's Graduation

2008-05-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

It seems as if it has been forever since I have blogged so there will be several catch up's over the next few days. Our computer monitor is on the blitz so we have a loner from Danno's work...very temporarily. We may be offline for a while once I have to return it. I cannot believe how crazy I have been going without the computer. What did we ever do without them???

On the weekend of May 17th, my sweet baby niece, Amy, graduated from Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Oklahoma. It is so hard to believe that she is all grown up, planning for college and what she may want to do with her life. I know this sounds so cliche, but it seems like yesterday when we were playing dress up and beauty salon together. I know there is a picture somewhere of me with clip-on earrings all over my face, in my nose, and all kinds of bobbles in my hair. I think that one needs to be confiscated. Those times I miss greatly, but the shopping is our trade off. Oklahoma has awesome shopping and Amy Kay is always game to go hit the mall with us. I guess I'll take that trade.

Therefore we made the 2 hr trip to see the wondrous event and spend time celebrating with family. We had some mouthwatering bar-b-que and yummy chocolate cake to round out the momentous day. Jackson ate up this time because we allowed him to bring Mario Kart on Wii to play with cousin Alex and Uncle Mark. He amazes me how awesome he is with that game. It is fun to see how excited he gets once he beats someone or unlocks a new achievement. Fun times for everyone!!

Here comes the Spiderman

2008-05-15T09:16:00.001-07:00

I could not help but post of a few of these pics of our friendly neighborhood Spiderman! He is most certainly our new obsession with everything having to with "Pider".

Little funny tidbit... Maddox and I were going down for nap and he started screaming "pa-ker, pa-ker!! Mommy pa-ker!!" Responding in the usual, "uh-huh and I see" he would not stop the yelling. (also a new favorite) So hence, I went to go see Pa-ker. Gooby was pointing to a large spider on our front window. Come on now, Parker, as in Peter Parker; The Spiderman. My sweet boy new what he was saying, "Pa-ker".

The pictures are of Maddox in Jackson's spiderman summer underwater swimming goggles. Didn't know they could double as a costume, huh?? I am going to have to search for a costume to complete the outfit. Shame on me for not thinking ahead and buying one the day after Halloween last year to add to our dress-up collection. I may have to pay full price...maybe.

Tiny little princess

2008-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today was Ava's 9 month check-up at the doctor's office. She is still sitting comfortably in the 5th percentile weight at 15.5 pounds and in the 25th percentile height at 26 inches. She is crawling everywhere, leaving her sweet little knees red at the end of each day from following her brothers room to room. Last night Dan and I nearly passed out when she began to pull herself to her feet to be held by mama on the couch. She is moving way too fast for me. Can't she slow down and be my baby longer?? The boys never moved this quickly in their development so I am astounded at her growth in her tiny little frame and safety-pinned pants. The picture to the left fits her to an absolute tee, smiling and crinkling her nose each time someone looks her way and then erupting in sweet little giggles. She also seems to be a mommy's girl right now, never wanting me to leave her sight without wailing until I enter the room again. I cannot help but love that, just a little..

Day of unlimited kisses

2008-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

A pretty low key Mother's day for us at the Shurtz home. Danno had to sing this weekend so we spent allot of time waiting for daddy. Saturday evening, we were telling Jackson what Sunday was...Mother's day, or as mommy declared it, Unlimited Kisses day. He kept saying, "Oh no. Not for me!!" You would not believe the fight that my sweet 5 year old gave me for kisses. I do miss the days when he wasn't squirming for a kiss from mommy. My baby Maddox and sweet princess were allowing me to kiss them all over face chins and bellies and then continued to ask for more. At on time I think Jackson said, "OK Mom, you can only give me 100 kisses right now!" After many a giggles and tickles and many chases and tackles, bubby gave in to my only wish for mother's day...unlimited, uncomplaining , undeniably sweet kisses from my kiddos.

Craziness

2008-05-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week we had!! It began last Monday evening, watching my sweet baby Jackson preform for the final time as a preschooler. (boo hoo-video to come) We then concentrated most of our time getting ready for our big neighborhood garage sale. Pricing and organizing, finding enough tables and making sure that everything was in order was allot of work and not allot of time to spend time with my sweet kiddos. Daddy also had to work extra long last week, which left my biggest helper to be MIA. (Not to mention that we all missed him terribly.) Therefore, crankiness by everyone ensued. Who knows what we would have done without Nana and Papa there to help...go crazy or maybe crazier!!! Maddox did seem to be fascinated by the garage sale, always wanting to be out helping mommy with something. Jackson was a little more leery. He awoke Thursday morning seeing all the buyers in the garage and said to Nana with big serious eyes, "Is mommy going to sell our house??". The boys did make up a little fun game. I had taken a sackful of Mcdonalds and other happy meal toys and placed them in a free box for the sale. After getting cleaned out the first day, I came down to the toy room for another full sack, excited that I was getting rid of things . Ha!!! Jackson decided that he was going to buy all of his toys back after placing hands on hips and asking me where I was going with those. He took money from the cash box and kept bringing me his free toys to buy back. Maddox got in on the fun, also asking for coins , but then throwing them all over the garage. (We seem to be going through some kind of throwing phase) Needless to say, Mcdonalds toys are back in the toy room and Dad and I were picking up coins all morning yesterday.

Jackson also had a community helper day at preschool last week. The kids were told to dress up as a helper of their choice, (Dr., police officer, fire fighter, mommy, teacher, nurse, etc.) Of course Jackson picked the job that we did not have the costume for. Within all the garage sale stuff, mommy had to try and throw together a police officer outfit. I thought we did a pretty good job. He was truly the cutest officer I had ever seen.

This week I am hoping for a low key week. Maybe zoo time or a lunch at the park where I don't have to organize, negotiate or count back change. I wanna kiss my babies and have some fun!

Lil' crawler

2008-04-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that our little princess is almost 9 months old?? It seems like yesterday that she was still in my tummy kicking up a storm. And to top things off, she has begun to crawl. Ava loves to be on the floor, finding all the little goodies that her brothers have discarded at play or at snacktime. We really have to watch the messy older rugrats, the other day sis was eyeing a fruit snack that had been lost from a sticky hand!!! She is absolutely so sweet and lovable, always wanting to snuggle in a lap or give a slobbery open mouthed kiss. She jabbers up a storm and lights up when her brothers walk into the room to give her attention and to make her giggle. She, along with her silly, sweet older brothers make my days so much brighter and more fun. There is always something to laugh and chuckle at and appreciate this time as a mommy.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-04-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Dan and I went to Las Vegas with friends to celebrate the union of our friends Jeff, "Heffy", and Jenn in holy Vegas matrimony. We had a blast!!! I think so much fun that all of us agreed that we should make it a yearly trip. And we should certainly go this time of year...it was beautiful.
Besides the wedding, highlights included, "Ka" by Cirque de Solei, a yummy dinner at Emeril's, VIP drinks and dancing (courtesy Farag) at Studio 54, awesome shopping at an outlet mall, winning $270 (then losing it ), KU to the finals, a $1 million ring at 40% off (what a bargain for $600,000 ), some random guy walking through he casino and puking then just walking on (crazy!!!), and lastly, spending time with friends and my wonderful sweet husband.
I came down with a bronchial infection and sinusitis while we were there and could not have asked for a sweeter more understanding man to take care of me. At 3:30 am, when I am hacking up a lung, he gets up and goes down to the lobby to find me way overpriced cough drops and DayQuil. I just love him so much I could squeeze him to pieces!
Thanks Vegas for so much fun!!!!!!!

The choker and the dreamer

2008-03-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

So Maddox has discovered that he can make this new noise...a choking noise and then erupting with mounds of uncontrollable contagious laughter over the noises he has just made. Jackson is so paranoid about it that he keeps running to me yelling for me to make Maddox stop. Not only did it give me minor heart attack the 1st time I heard him do it, it makes me realize that my little man is beginning to show his true personality as a little onery jokester. He has also begun to say phrases like, "Oh man" and "Come on Jackson!!!". We have begun to pick up several other sentences that I know he has been saying for a while but we haven't been able to understand until recently. He is absolutely a crack-up right now and I just can't help but squeeze him silly sometimes. I love this challenging age and relish in the time that little man is discovering himself and how he can communicate with the world around him.

Jackson of late has been very inquisitive. Surprise, he is 5!!! Since the movie Enchanted came out, questions of true love and magic have filled our days and evenings. Something so cute. He is forever singing and dancing, but there is a song in the new Disney fairy tale called "Ever, Ever After". He has played this over and over and over... singing and memorizing the lyrics. I will forever and ever remember peeking into the toy room watching him sing about true love and a princess.

Easter pics

2008-03-24T06:27:00.001-07:00

Invasion of the white rabbit

2008-03-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun Easter weekend. Everyone got all dressed in our pretties for church on Saturday night and mommy could not resist taking pictures of everyone before the kiddos got all sticky. Daddy was playing for praise team, so we were accompanied by mamm-aw to a wonderful and uplifting service at church. At home we colored eggs and carefully laid them in our baskets in preparation for the Easter bunny's arrival. Jackson kept pushing me out of the bedroom so they could go to sleep so "the Easter" could come. Sunday morning the chillins ran into the living room bright and early making a beeline for all of the goodies that the big white rabbit left them. We had an egg hunt with the "smelly"eggs before we had the "big" hunt in the afternoon with daddy. A little chilly, Jackson and Maddox ran around the backyard yelling and grabbing for treat filled eggs. We relaxed in the afternoon by playing Wii and watching a little Enchanted and Ratatouille.

Jelly beans and gummies are scattered everywhere along with the heaping bowlful of chocolates that sit in the middle of the kitchen ready for grabby sticky hands. What a perfect and fun filled weekend. Hope yours was as sugar filled as ours :)

Maddox's 2nd Birthday

2008-03-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby goobley turned 2 years old on Thursday of last week. We celebrated his special day by going to the zoo to see animals and to play on the super fun play yard. After running all over the zoo and playing too long on the play set, we met daddy for lunch for nuggets and fries at Mcdonald's. Maddox could hardly keep his eyes open on the trip home he was so exhausted from all of this big boy birthday fun.

Saturday, we celebrated with friends and family at home with a Little Einstein's themed party. Maddox received lots of wonderful gifts and couldn't wait to get any of them out of the box!! In true 2 year old form, after opening one gift it had to be taken out of the plastic to hold on to right away before opening the next present, or a fit was soon to come. So tough being 2!

He has enjoyed playing with all of his new things including his train table and Thomas the Train set! He slept with 2 train cars last night, holding on so tight that I doubt they fell out of his hands while he slept. He and brother awoke this morning to play with trains before daybreak and before mommy and daddy awoke! Choo-choo!
Happy birthday big boy! We love you soooooooooooo much!

Red light, green light

2008-03-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Not allot going on today since the wind outside is blowing 100 mph and chaps your face the minute you walk outside. Unable to play outside, the boys and I decided to play red light, green light while sis was down for nappers. Running and freezing like statues through the living room, we all took turns being the light. Maddox was so funny, only taking his turn at the light for a second before running back to the other end of the room to make a running leap at mama. Mama seemed to be the most fun at jumping and tagging, seeing as how I ended up on the floor countless times, covered by my sweet little stinkers! I am sure I will have a few battle scars to show for it come tomorrow. We laughed and played and tackled until our stomachs ached. I love those laughs and I love today!

Seasame Street Live

2008-03-03T11:11:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, we made our yearly trip to Sesame Street Live. Everyone had tons of fun, dancing, clapping and singing to the songs on Sesame Street. I think sis even enjoyed the bright lights and songs. Of course we had to buy the spinny light up thing and a souvenir Big Bird to remember our day. After the show, we all made the LONG trek through a very windy, very chilly, and VERY rainy thunderstorm to reach the car. After sitting down in the car warming up and drying off, Jackson loudly said, "That rain needs to stop." Despite the rain and wind, we had a fun family outing to the show.
This morning, Jackson had a slew of things to tell papa about, of course the highlight was the show, "When Elmo grows up". Usually I don't pay much attention to the rattelings of my 5 year old to his papa, but I did overhear the comment,"If you think of something in your mind that you wanna be when you grow up, papa, then that's what you can be. I wanna be a baseball player." See, easy...

Anchorman

2008-02-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Something so funny that Jackson did last night...

Our homepage on our computer is the KSN website. Jackson runs into the family room yelling, "Mom, there is really big news right now. There is a hole in the wall and somebody is stealing!!" He then got a little distracted by something and about 10 minutes later he runs in again,"Mom, you need to come look quick about the big news. Hurry. you're gonna miss it!" I asked him where he heard about this and he said on the computer at the place where dad works. "ya know the one with all the circle colors"(NBC logo). I then go in to the office where the KSN website is pulled up. He clicks on the streaming video where there is "breaking news" of a local man stealing copper pipe through a crawl space and was then trapped inside by the home owner. After withholding my giggles and awe that my smarty pants had figured out how to watch live streaming video on the local NBC affliate's website, we talked about stealing and that it is a bad thing that we should never do. My little man has already begun to be excited and interested in the news at the mature age of 5! A future anchorman for sure.

Star of the Week

2008-02-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

This week at preschool, Jackson was the "Star of the Week". He got to bring home, Kitty, the class mascot to spend last weekend at our home. Kitty went shopping, out to breakfast, and sat in the front of the shopping cart at the grocery store. She also helped Jackson make a special card for his brother's upcoming birthday. On Monday, Kitty went back to school and Jackson became the Star of his class this week. He is allowed to bring show and tell everyday and he also brought special treats for snack today...donuts!!!!

Dan and I also had our very first parent/teacher conference. Don't ask me how many times I almost cried that my baby was even big enough to have a parent/teacher conference! Listening to his teacher explain how smart Jackson is and how prepared he is for kindergarten next year, I could not help but think how I blinked and my little man is going to school. Sometimes I want to scream, "Don't grow up" and "Please stay little forever so I can hug and kiss you and forever act silly together". (Really, am I ever gonna stop any of those things...nope!) Ahh, my sweet baby boy is growing up and I will be a wreck come next fall. Weepy and mopey that my 1st of 3 has left me to have fun with friends at school. Boo - hoo!!

Happy Sweetie Day

2008-02-14T10:56:00.001-08:00

I love Valentines Day!! No different than any other day, I use I Love You Day as an excuse to shower all my babies with even more kisses and lovins! Yesterday, Jackson had his Valentines party at preschool , receiving a load of goodies and cards from friends. Couldn't help but sneak into his classroom for a few snapshots during snacktime.

This morning my little sugars awoke to a bag full of candy surprises from mommy and daddy along with a few fun books to read before night-night. Needless to say, my little sweeties are on sugar overload!!!

Our little Goobley (Maddox), has really started to speak clearer in the last few weeks. A few cute things he has said lately.

-In the bath after I rinse his hair... "Toul"

-Slamming his hand on the refridgerator... "Ju"

-At nap, yelling..."booh" and then looking at the pictures, yelling "bye ma"

-Unwrapping gifts... "go trow ay" and running to the trash. This one Dan and I are extremely proud of.

Enjoy a few cute pics taken over the last few days...and I could post at least 10 more:)

Tiny Girl and the Da-tar

2008-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Little miss had her 6 month visit to see the Doctor this morning and she weighed in at a whopping 13 lbs 12oz and 24 inches long, still safely staying in the 5th percentile for both. My tiny girl eats wonderfully and loves eating fruits and veggies now, she must stay so tiny from all those smiles and giggles :)
So... our new hobby at the house is playing "Guitar Hero", which Maddox loves to yell DA-TAR!!!!!! Little cutie can say few things that we can actually understand but we all know what he means when he asks to play "Da-Tar". He has a little Leap Frog guitar, which he got for Christmas from Grampa Joe, that he digs out every time he, Jackson, and daddy want to ROCK! Jackson and he also enjoy dancing and tackleing each other to the music while daddy plays. Fun stuff to do while it is still cool and dark outside in the evenings.

Fun with friends

2008-02-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

This past weekend our tribe made a jaunt to visit the Daniel family, our friends in Arkansas. We all had soo much fun!!!! Claire, age 4 (my future daughter-in-law), and Jackson were joined at the hip from arrival , playing dress-up, art projects and watching movies. Landon, age 2 (the most beautiful brown eyes on earth), and Maddox had a blast playing with Landon's awesome train set and running through the Daniel home.

Friday, we all made a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. What a fun place to be. Jackson and Claire kept the play place/slide busy, while mommies and daddies chased the little ones from fun game to even funner game. After a bit, the bigger boys, Geoff and Danno disappered playing video games themselves!!! Afterall, it is "where a kid can be a kid"!

Saturday, we spent some time at their beautiful outdoor mall. The kiddos made cute cuddlies at the Build-a-Bear workshop before moms and dads did a little bit of shopping. Amidst the shopping, Jackson leans over to me and whispers wide eyed and very serious, " I asked Claire to marry me mommy". For those of you who do not know the ongoing saga of love between Jackson and Claire, they have been betrothed to marriage since birth. Jackson and I will look at pictures of the Daniels and he will say dreamily, "Oh mommy, isn't she so beautiful? I am going to marry her one day when I am 25." I have countless pictures of the two of them hugging and kissing. It is absolutely the sweetest thing.

Good times, good company, and good friends. We are so thankful to have such special friends in our life who we can share and have fun times with. Dan and I had such a wonderful time catching up and making memories with our friends and know that many more memories our bound to come.

House of pain and agony

2008-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Last week, needless to say was the pits!! Maddox came down with some horrible puking virus for a little over 24 hours. 2 days following the massive loads of laundry, the a HUGE geyser exploded!!!! Dan, Jackson and I were all knocked out, laying next to the toilet, unable to make it into another room, sick...all at the same exact time. IT WAS AWFUL!!! I felt so bad for my babies because there was no mommy to snuggle and cuddle with them for 2 or 3 days (as we usually spend our time huggin' and spreadin' some lovins!). A hero prevailed in the form of Dan's sister Aunt Christie, bestowing treasured gifts of coca-cola, face masks and latex gloves. She made us some yummy bland-o food for our empty and achy tummys and took time to hold the babies. Yeah Aunt Chrisie!!!

Thankfully a prayer was answered in that our sweet baby princess Ava came through without being plagued with the nasty stummy virus. Yeah sis!!! Love a healthy smiley baby! Everything is wonderfully back to normal. I'm lovin on my babies and doing just the regular 2 loads of laundry per day.. yeah-hoo!!!!