Oh Emma, you are so cute!

Nicholas and I were out shopping today. The one place I cannot avoid is Target. I love that store! I had a few things I needed and then I remembered that Emma needed a few more t's for summer. Well, I come across the clearance rack and there is ONE Hannah Montana cute shirt in here size, so I snatch it up. I was thinking to myself that she would be so excited about the shirt. Well, she was excited....and LOVED the shirt. Then she wanted to know how much it cost. I told her it was $8. The next thing I know...this is what I find.....


Emma said she took the money from her piggy bank and wanted to make sure we weren't going to die. How funny is that??? Really it all goes back to our Disney trip when she thought we weren't going to have enough money to get home. I guess our little sweetheart may just really know the value of the dollar.

I'm still here

Yes, I am still alive. I have been working on my post for our DisneyWorld trip. It has obviously taken me longer than expected, seeing as how we've been back for a little over a month...I promise it's coming soon. But to keep you all coming back I thought I would post something recent.

This past Saturday we decided to go to the movies. Bill and Nicho went to Monsters vs. Aliens (and loved it). Nicho did a lot better than expected and said "I loved monsters!" Emma and I went to the long anticipated release of Hannah Montana: The Movie. And please don't tell anyone...but I actually really liked it. I think the part I loved the most was that I went to it with my baby girl. It was a fun mommy and daughter date. There is a song in the movie that I really liked and thought I would post the video for your viewing pleasure...hope it works...



For some reason it brought tears to my eyes. I think most of it was because Emma was sitting on my lap at that point of the movie, and I was so happy. I was really thinking to myself..."Get a grip woman! You are at a Hannah Montana movie and you are going to cry???" So I choked backed my tears and thankfully left it at that. I did wonder though, how many other mom's were doing the same thing....SURELY I have not been the only one! We had a great time and Emma did get up and dance to the "Hoedown Throwdown". Great dance and you will have to get on YouTube to learn the dance. I'm going to! heehee

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Snow Day!

Before I begin, I just want to thank those of you that read my last blog. I know that your prayers are helping. Again, thank you. They are going to need the Lord's strength in these next days, weeks, months, years.

Last week we got A LOT of snow. For us it was a lot anyway. In one day/night we got over 12 inches! (today we got another 4 inches). Anyway, the schools ended up doing a couple of 2 hour delays and one day school was cancelled. This was a very exciting day for the kids and I thought I would post a couple of pictures.






Before that snow last week, I was really hoping that we would get some good snow that the kids could go out and play in. But after a week, and it wasn't gone....and then getting this snow today...I am really really ready for SPRING!!!!

More to post...but this is first

You know, I really wish I could be one of "those people" that blog a lot. Really though, as much as I yell at myself for not doing it...I just have to be realistic...it just isn't going to happen. So, everyone, don't expect too much from me, not that you already do. I do have to say that I have recently become addicted to Facebook and find myself on there more than I am on Blogspot (sorry!!!). I just feel that if I post a blog, I have to have pics with it. I do have more posts coming...but there is one that I have to get out to as many people as I can.



On a more serious note...we have friends down the street who's son passed away on Sunday. He had a VERY rare form of cancer called desmoplastic small round cell tumor. It is predominantely in males and happens at a very young age. The percentage of children who live past the age of 10 is very small. I would LOVE for you to read his story. Please vist his website www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonpalmer

Unfortunately, with the way insurance companies work, Jackson met his "life-time max" a while ago. His family has had to pay out of pocket for further treatment, and then Hospice care in their home. If you can donate...we URGE you to donate to the Jackson Palmer Donation Fund rather than the "other one"...to make sure that the money goes to where it is really needed.

His sister is in Emma's kindergarten class and Emma is worried that Olivia will get "the cancer" too. Emma seems to be ok, but has a lot of questions. I will ask only one thing...please say a prayer for the Palmer family, to give them strength to get through this difficult time. Thank you so much.
I have a lot to post....like Emma's party, Christmas, funnies...and will get those posted tomorrow....or the next day...or the day after that....

Emma and her room

Before I begin, let me just preface by saying that last night I was talking to Cheri and she told me that I needed to check my blog because ALL of my latest posts were "missing". I don't know where they might have gone! I think somebody must have hijacked them! Oh dear! Let's hope that it doesn't happen again. ;-)

So, on with the story....This is Emma...


Most of you already know that Mom, Dad, Nicki and Addison are coming to visit for a week right after Christmas. We are all sooooo excited about it. I told Emma that Nicki was going to be sleeping in her room. Emma is very excited about this, and talks non-stop about it. I have to say that she comes up with the cutest things to do and say, and I know that I should blog about them more often, but I don't. Don't ask me why. Yesterday she said she was going to play in her room. I told her that she needed to clean it up too. She loves to clean her room (not sure where she got that from), so off she went! A little while later she called for me to come see her room. She is always so proud of herself. So I walked into her room and this is what she showed me. I will explain after each picture. It's too cute!


She said, "I hid my calculator".


She said, "I put all my writing stuff away".


She said, "I hid all my other stuff". (blanket lifted for your viewing pleasure)


She said, "I made my bed".


And she said, "I put my books together here, and cleaned out a drawer so Aunt Nicki will have somewhere to put all of her stuff!"

It was much funnier yesterday when she showed me, and I guess you just had to have been there. But for any of you who know Emma very well, you know that in order for her to give up ANY of her space, she just really, really must love you! (Even if it is just a night stand drawer!)

Go [Oakley] Hornets!!!!

Ok, well I wish I could claim for my insight on this, but no...it is Bill. I bought this shirt for Nicho before school started because I thought it was cute yet still boyish enough for him to wear. Then the other day Bill makes mention of Nicho's shirt and says something like "Go Oakley Hornets!!!" Then it all comes clear in my head! I just told him that I did it on purpose. Yeah, I don't think he believed me.

Calling all Oma's!!!!!

Before I begin this post, let me just say this one thing....NO I am not dead, nor am I in hiding either. However, I have been working a lot (like 5 days a week!!!) and am so exhausted when I get home that all I want to do is make dinner and then veg on the couch. I'm so sorry to those of you who have missed me. I'm not even sure if anyone even checks my blog anymore because it has been so long. I will not even make empty promises to do better (I've done that before after a long absence). I will say that I will try to do my best. You have to understand that there really isn't anything going on here that is worthy of blogging about.

Bill and I did go out last night to dinner at one of our favorite places for our 9th anniversary. That was so nice to go out to eat without the kids. I wish the night could have lasted longer.

Now that that part is taken care of, I will get on with my post. Picture this...I was driving the other day to pick up Nicholas from pre-school. I was stopped at a light and I look over and there is this yard sign in front of this nursing home or assisted living home. I read it and was thinking to myself "yeah, yeah, ok, they must be desperate because they always have a sign up there, must be a pretty crappy place to work." And then, I'm like, "wait a minute!!!" and I read it again. I started laughing so hard and fumbled for my phone so I could take a picture. It was too good to be true! I had never, ever, seen any company that was hiring for RN's, LPN's, CNA's and OMA's! See for yourself if you don't believe me!!!!



So, now I am calling upon any Oma's (of which I know of only one!) If you would care to move to Indianapolis, I know of a job opening! I'm not sure what the pay is like, but I'm sure it's more than what your grandchildren pay you now!

Emma got her school pictures back, so I will try and get that posted this weekend. I love and miss you all! Take care!

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round (First day of school)

Well, the day is upon us. The first day of Kindergarten for Emma and Nicholas's first day back to pre-school. I do have to say that I didn't cry when Emma got on the bus. I think it made it easier because she was with friends. She was so excited to ride the bus!

Waiting for the bus at the bus stop!




Here comes the bus! All the kids were so excited!




Emma getting on the bus! I wasn't sure if she was even going to say good bye to us!




Bye bye Emma!!!

We'll see how she does on her first day. I pick Nicholas up at pre-school at 3pm and then we'll pick up Emma from the bus stop at 4pm. I can't wait to talk to her about it.
My original plan was to do something exciting with my day (I took today off). But really I've just been enjoying the peace and quiet, so I don't think I'll be going anywhere.
I'll let you know how the first day was! Love you all!

Emma loves her daddy!

Just something funny and sweet to share with you all....

Yesterday afternoon we were driving back from Aldi's (a little grocery store here) and we had brought along Emma's friend Cole (he lives next door). They are great friends and are looking forward to starting Kindergarten next week. Anyway, back to the story...They are in the back seat and were talking non-stop. I stopped at a light and was watching them in the rear view mirror. And this is Emma..."my daddy works at a hosipal (that's how she prounounces it). I have the best daddy ever!" And then, with the cutest look on her face, she says with a smile, "HE calls ME a PRINCESS!!!" I just thought that was the cutest thing ever! I just wish I would've had my camera with me so I could have caught the look on her face.

Just had to share that with you!

BEST HUSBAND EVER!!!!

I just have to proclaim to the world that I have the BEST, MOST UNBELIEVABLE, CARING, SWEETEST, NEED I GO ON husband in the whole world!!!!! Not ONLY did he work 11am to 11pm...(that's 12 hours, folks,in an Emernacy Room) but he came home and changed clothes and then went to Borders and purchased us the 4th and (final???) copy of the "Twilight" Series. Yay!!!
I have trueley enjoyed Stephenie's quotes of the day and am looking forward to reading the book. I'm so tired now. I need to call Bill and find out where the heck he is!!!! (I have the BEST husband EVER!!!!)

I look forward to your coments on the final?? book. My love to you all!!!

Happy Father's Day! (please forgive me for my absence)

I know, I know, I know! It's been awhile. But, in my defense, I have been THINKING about posting. Time just gets away from me. Also, there hasn't been a whole lot going on to post about. We are busy getting ready for our drive to Idaho. We leave Indianapolis on the 24th, hopefully around 5am. We will also have my WONDERFUL niece, Kehli with us. I am really excited about that. I have always felt especially close to Kehli since we are both "middle children". She is such a sweetheart. We can't wait to be out in Oakley. It is going to be so much fun! Now if I could just fast forward through the 2 day drive that would make it even better. No, really it will be a great memory building experience. I just wonder how many times we will hear "are we there yet???" Hahahaha!

So, let's see, what have we been up to? We went to the zoo on May 31st (that was the last day before our membership expired). The zoo has two Koala's until September so we had to be sure to see them. And then of course we went through the Ocean's exhibit (twice). It was actually a nice day, so we were there for a couple of hours.




I also want to wish all of you dad's out there a Happy Father's Day! I hope your day is filled with much relaxation and grilling! Bill had to work today, so that really stinks. We will hopefully be able to grill out tomorrow evening if the rain holds off.

Take care and hopefully it will not be as long before I post again....but I am NOT making any promises. I have enjoyed reading all of your blogs though!

Nicholas' Surgery Day

We just wanted to let everyone know that Nicholas' surgery today went off without a hitch. He had tubes put in (again) and his addenoids out. I meant to bring the camera, but since we had to be at the surgery center at 6:15am, I was still half asleep. He did great and didn't even cry, even when they took out his IV. We got home from the hospital about 6 hours ago, and from the moment we walked in the door he was walking, then soon running around. You would never have even thought he had surgery today.

Nicholas has something to say..... uyt4i46ou64u66666666666666666666666666666666666[]66666666666bbrzghcfzzgkghl

Our love to everyone!

I love my new look!

I had a haircut/highlight appointment this past Thursday....and had a serious "bug" about doing something different with my hair. I was tired of normally just getting it trimmed...only to put it into a ponytail almost everyday. (Girls, I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about) So, for those of you who have watched the CBS show "Big Brother" at all this season will know who Chelsea is. That is where my inspiration came from. Luckily the gal who does my hair watches it too, so she knew exactly what cut I was talking about. I did want it a little shorter than Chesea's though. Funny thing....I earned (yet again) $30 in free "product", so I opted for some moisturizing spray and a pair of sunglasses that I absolutely LOVE! I felt like a movie star. I was going to try and post the pic from the actual day that I had my hair done, but haven't gotten it yet, it's on a friends cell phone. Hopefully soon.
When Emma saw my new hair cut she said I looked beautiful and hoped that the next time I get it cut that I get it done the same way. She is so sweet! Bill is a "long hair" person, so he said it looked cute for short hair. I love it though! I feel like a new person. I didn't take a "before" picture, but just picture semi-long hair up in a pony tail. Our love to you all!

The Tooth Fairy is Coming to Town!!!!

Emma lost her first tooth today! Of course it happened while she was at school, and only 3 minutes before I got there! According to her teacher she was so excited when it came out and she was showing all of her school friends and then they started yelling "It's bleeding, It's bleeding!" Apparently there was total chaos. When I walked into her classroom she was bright red and she said her head felt hot and she wanted to lay down. So, we went and got Nicho from him class and went to the car. It only took her 3 minutes to fall asleep. We got home and she layed on the couch for a few minutes, but now feels fine. She says that she will get a "coin" from the Tooth Fairy tonight. (This is from "Charlie and Lola", one of her favorite cartoons).


She is quite excited about her first tooth!

Nicholas wanted a picture taken too. He wanted to show everyone his teeth!!!

...And Good Will Conquer Evil

All hail the New York Giants! I am so happy that the Patriots did NOT win the superbowl. Life is good.

Been there, got the t-shirt!

My wonderful mother came out for a two week visit earlier this month (and I have now just realized that I didn't take any pics while she was here, so Mom, you have to post them on your blog now) Bill and I were fortunate enough to be able to go away for a mini-vacation. We went to the Cincinnati area for two nights and on the second night went to see "Wicked". Let me tell you....it was WONDERFUL!!! We went to see it on January 15th and I still have a few of the songs going through my head. It doesn't help that I listen to the CD everyday! I have "Popular" memorized and am really thinking about trying out for American Idol next season. Yeah right! I couldn't type that without laughing. I would NEVER subject anyone except for my children with my singing, and that is only because they never complain and they love me.
Anyway, Bill enjoyed it too, and apparently he was as surprised about this as I am. I thought we were going because we BOTH wanted to see it, when truth be told, he was doing it for me. He called Mom during intermission and said he was pleasantly surprised. Go figure!


Well, yes, I got the t-shirt to go along with it. I love it! I haven't worn it much though...I'll wait until summer. I do have to say that I look much cuter in it than this gal....geez, don't you think they would have tried to find someone better looking???? (just kidding)

Well, I was hoping to post more, but I've got to make some phone calls before Nicho gets up from his nap and then I have laundry to do.
Always a mom! Our love to you all.

Remember Me?

I know, I know....I've been gone for quite some time. All I can say is...Emma's Birthday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day, Family, Football, Mom Visiting, Bill and I going on a mini vactation (thanks mom!!!) and Edward Cullen (oh...how I love Edward)! I do promise that I will be back this weekend to post some fun pictures and stories. I hope you all are doing well. Hugs and Kisses!

School Pictures 2007

Here are the kids school pictures. We just got them back yesterday. It totally turned out the opposite way I thought it would. Nicholas' teacher said that he didn't want to have his taken, so I thought it wouldn't be so good. But his turned out AWESOME! If you enlarge the picture you can kind of see "water" in his eyes, like he was wanting to cry. But, I couldn't be HAPPIER with them. His FIRST school pictures. Now Emma's on the otherhand....she totally has that "forced smile". I thought she would do so much better. But, I can't complain too much because last year she absolutely refused to have her picture taken. So this is better than nothing. Let me know what you think!
We love and miss all of you!

Our Fieldtrip

Ok, so I have this patient at work that is the nicest guy you would ever meet. Well, one day he came in for his appointment and he had little bits of straw on his fleece jacket. So, being the nosey people we are, we inquire about this. He said he had to feed his animals and was running a bit late, so he didn't have time to change. Then, being the even nosier people we are, we start quizing him....never imagining what he was about to tell us. He says he has quite a few pets such as Camels, a Zebra/Donkey mix, Buffalo, a Donkey, a Yak, Watusi's, Highlanders and Indu's. A couple of which I couldn't even picture what they looked like. He goes on to say that he lets some people come up to his house and see and help feed the animals. Well, we called him about a week or so later and ask if we can come up and see his animals. Being the nice person he is, he says YES! Well, we pull up to his lavish drive to the gate and ring the bell and tell his wife who we are and she opens the gate and we pull in further up the drive to see this wonderland! And these are the first of many animals we see....


These are a couple of his Watusi's. I've never seen horns this big! They are very nice and calm (at least these were, they are probably used to being around humans. The interesting thing is is that they regulate their body temperature through their horns. When you touch them, they feel warm. Arden (our patient) says that if their horns get cut, they bleed to death! So sad. Bill was paying more attention than I was to their history, so I'll have to have him add some more info.

Then we went over to their "baby pen". This picture is of Jasmine, their white camel. They have three, and I only remember her name because she LOVES attention. She got upset when the other camels were getting the attention she wanted. All the animals in this pen are 6 months old. There are the three camels, a yak, a buffalo, a Zebra/Donkey (named Z-Donk) and donkey (named Donkey) and some kind of animal that I can't remember, but his name was Oreo because he was black with a white strip in the middle. They were fun and Jasmine liked to try to eat our coats and get Nicholas' belly which he thought was too funny!
Then we piled in for a tractor ride out to the pasture.....

These are more Watusi's. The kids loved to feed them, they would come up and eat out of our hands.

These are the Highlanders. They seemed to be pretty calm and didn't care that we were there.

This is one of his Indu's. Her name is Snowflake. They have a dark brown one and his name is Chocolate. Go figure!
Then we went to see the buffalo. He said they only have about 25 now, and they used to have 150. They came running out of the valley towards us (luckily there was a gate) and it was such an amazing site! I couldn't imagine having a herd of thousands running towards me. They are so beautiful.

Arden told us about the biggest buffalo he has (can't remember his name, but he is HUGE), but one time they were coming up to eat and there was a younger buffalo eating at the spot where he usually eats, and he threw him up and over the fence, which is about 8 feet high! I couldn't believe it.
I know this post has turned out to be a lengthy one, so I'll try and wrap it up. It was just so exciting to see these animals up close and personal. Trust me, I would have had more pictures, but the batteries were dying. I'm hoping to go back and take Bill's sister and her kids and Rich and Cheri and the kids.
It was a very good day...and best of all, it was free!!! (except for the $1 we spent on the little "rides" that the kids went on)....

Our love to you all, and I hope you have a great and thankful Thanksgiving!

Fall Festivities

I meant to post last night, but I was so upset by the Colts game that I just sat around and sulked.
The kids had fun on Halloween. Nicholas was especially cute in his costume, and Emma was a beautiful Princess Fiona.

Our neighborhood had a parade. There was a great turnout and the kids really were excited about the firetruck.

A few days before Halloween we carved our pumpkins, or as Emma insists we call them by their proper name "jack-o-lanterns". They had fun scooping out the "guts".

We went to a pumpkin farm a couple of weeks ago and the kids had a blast playing in the huge pile of hay. Emma was very good and kept Nicholas safe. Such a good big sis!






As you can see, we had a great time!