Jessica's Style, Crafts and Kids

2011-09-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

In July, we ventured down to Branson to stay at Big Cedar Lodge. First, we had to stop at the "throwed rolls restaurant" Lamberts! Where they really do throw your rolls at you. One stuck into my straw and one hit the guy in the head behind Greg. No major damage. The food was home cooked and good. Definitely a fun stop.
The week included lots of rest for me- since I had just had my appendix out, and a lot of fun and sun for Greg and the kids. They spent most their day at the many pools, fishing and eating. We took the canoe out and rented a speed boat. Greg and I both hadn't driven a speed boat, so we were glad we didn't kill anyone and had a really good time. We accidentally submarined the kids on the tube, but they forgave us and had fun when we got the hang of pulling them around. I got to drive and either I went really slow or really whiplash. I finally got a good speed down and then they wanted to swim. Once they realized there were no sharks or paranas in the water they were in and out, in and out. I wasn't supposed to get in the water because of my stitches, but Greg pulled me once on the tube and I only got a teensy bit wet. Don't tell my surgeon. I didn't get any pictures of the outlet shopping, but that's because I was too happy to remember to take a picture!

NKOTBSB This Summer

2011-09-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

This summer Meredith and I bought tickets to New Kids on the Block-Back Street Boys or NKOTBSB for a fan-atic (as we were). The New Kids were definitely my fav because Nick from Back Street just bugs. He just seems too cocky for my style. Now Jordan, he was the man- he doesn't measure up to Gregorio, but he was pretty awesome. He even came semi close to us- if the fan-atics hadn't of stopped him to give him a good mauling. Anywho, Meredith and I went to the Power and Light District for dinner, a little fish taco, and then off to the concert. We totally forgot about the 20ish flavors of slurpies to behold at the great Sprint Center, but it was still AWESOME. Not to mention that Matthew Morrison was there from Glee. I was jumping up and down inside from excitement for all of this to happen in one night.

Knife Making

2011-01-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know this... Greg also makes knives. His dad makes knives for a living and has taught Greg and he has become very good at it. This is the knife he sold this week. They always turn out beautiful and very sharp. I am so greatful for a very skilled and talented husband. Good job Greg!

Macie Hair Update

2011-01-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

My kids have all started out bald. It is a wonderful day when they finally get hair. Macie has finally gotten enough hair to have some great hair days! She also has some pretty crazy hair days too! I love them all.

Sunday Outfits and Fav Boots

2011-01-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

I have been loving me some Sunday outfits lately! I love to shop!! I buy things and then I store them (I might be half squirrell) for some unknown event that might happen. That event has not happened yet. No more I have been telling myself. I will wear the things I love and enjoy my clothes. Here are some recent favorites- 1st pic: black shirt $4.00 target, black skirt- JCPenney from last summer- 1st time wearing it. Crazy! Turquoise suede heals. 2nd pic: Black blazer $7 Target with $2 scarf (also Target) that I gave to all my sisters and my mom in August. Purple skirt- worn once- love it. 3rd picture: Black shirt from Downeast outfitters that I got on soem crazy 75% off sale along with my FAVORITE grey boots I bought from Target in August/September-not on sale. My sister has been looking for these in her size since she saw me wear them in December, and I found them at our Target this week, in her size for $12- score!! Lil sis getting some amazing boots! Can you tell I love Target?

Family Pictures

2011-01-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

My sister in law, Erin Ellibee, took these pictures of my family right before it got cold this fall/winter. She was so patient with my munchkins. We love her so much! Thank you Erin! She has her own business and you can check her out at www.erinellibeephotography.com

Toy Story 3

2010-10-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Toy Story 3 is coming out on November 2 and there is an $8 off coupon on the Disney Movie Rewards site. I usually pair this kind of coupon with the Best Buy add or the Nebraska Furniture Mart add (whoever has it cheaper) and get Walmart or Target to price match it. If you haven't seen this movie, it is adorable!

BIG CEDAR LODGE

2010-07-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Swimming every day at the many pools. Oh the fun we had at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson this summer. We spent a week in Branson at this awesome Lodge. We have spent the last 3 or 4 summers here- I can't remember how many exactly. We love it! It is a 5 star resort and we just spend the entire time there playing and soaking up the sun. These are a few pics of what we did.
Miniature golf- going into the fish is the last hole. This was one of Caleb's other favorite things to do besides swimming and the water slide.

The boys went horse back riding. Despite Brady not wanting to be in the picture, Brady is the one who asked to go horse back riding. He was all smiles while riding the horse.

Macie loves to swim. She is only one years old, but holds her own against kids much bigger than her in the water. She is like a fish. She loves to swim under water and jumps off the side with no one there-(disclaimer: she has floaties on and is closely watched by a mother who might have a heart attack watching her do her water stunts). Strangers couldn't stop asking me about her water expertise.

Caleb and Brady love to swim also. Aren't they cute! They looove the water. We went out on a canoe and did paddle boats. This is Table Rock Lake. There are lots of turtles and fish in this lake and the water is just beautiful. Caleb participated in a fishing compitition while we were there, we grilled out, ate smores, went hiking on the nature trails, played basketball, watched movies in the pool and learned shuffle board. It was so relaxing and can't wait to go again next year!

Flippin' Out

2010-07-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

I was flippin' out the other day and was gettin' some serious air. I happen to be the master trampolinist. I have a couple tricks up my sleeve and only pull them out when I need to show up the short young people of the world. In this particular picture sequence I am doing consecutive back flips. I also like a good aerial and front flips are okay. Back flips are a trip though and get me all giddy. Do like how I flipped in my skirt? I'm just grateful to science for keeping my skirt down.

GYM

2010-06-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

I dropped my membership at the gym a couple months ago. I wanted to save some money, spend more time with my children and use the gym setup I have in my basement. I have an elliptical and a weight bench. I was doing the elliptical, but my knee started hurting constantly, and I couldn't bend down without acting like an old woman when I tried to stand back up. I have been run/walking outside now three or four days a week, but it isn't cutting it. I used to go to classes all the time at my last gym. Well, not all the time... can you imagine how neglected my children and house would be- sad thought. Moving on. Anyhow, I am bored with my workout and not feeling comfortable in my body. I need a gym and the atmosphere of people sweating and working hard and no make up and wonderful stinkiness. I realize I had no commas in the last sentence- fun. I have been looking up all the gyms in the area and have decided to try out 24 hour fitness next week. I have never been to a 24 hour fitness except for the lovely online tour- thank you internet. My only brother- Greg (yes, that is my husbands name also- no, they are not the same person), gets home from his 2 year long LDS mission in August and I need to look awesome- or just better than he remembers me. That should not be hard because I was 8 months pregnant when he left. But, I still want to look my best. I hope it is fantastic. Has anyone been to a 24 hour fitness? I heard the childcare was great.

Mother/Daughter

2010-06-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

I love the attached necklace on this shirt from the Loft.

This dress from Old Navy is so comfy and the ruffled cardi from Kohls was $6.

This cutie dress is from Kohls and was $10.

This little shirt was from her baby shower. It was supposed to be a dress, but she wears it as a shirt.

I wore this to an award event of my husbands. I was going for sophisticated but fun.

I just love having my sweet daughter and love to dress her up. She already seems to love clothes as much as I do- especially shoes.

Family Update

2010-03-03T12:39:00.001-08:00

Some of our friends got together to say goodbye to our dear friend Heidi. She is off enjoying Alabama now with her warm Georgia room. I have such great friends here in Missouri (and Alabama).

The weather has been nicer and so the kids have been riding their bikes outside the last couple days. They decided to ride the hummer that used to have a slow setting limit, but now mostly just goes throw you out of the hummer fast. At least they wear helmets. Brady without his glasses. We keep losing them for a couple days here and there and then after much praying they turn up. This has been a great praying lesson for the family.

We were actually to church early for the second time this year, and so Brady and Macie decided to give us a duet on the piano.

Brady actually was excited to wear his suit to church this Sunday. Usually we cry about church clothes. He has been so good about wearing his glasses when they aren't lost. He has not had to have his other eye patched like they thought they would have to.

Caleb is enjoying preschool and was sad when I told him his teacher said he is ready to move on to kindergarten next year. He loves his preschool class.

Macie in her cutie patootie black Old Navy dress that most of the girls in the ward have. We still love it though. I just can't stop loving the ruffles.

Our friends got sealed to their son a couple weekends ago at the St. Louis Temple. We were able to be there for it. It was such a special day. Congrats friends!

Greg got last minute free tickets to go see Rascal Flats. We had lower level tickets and so we took Greg's sis and brother in law. It was AWWWWEsome!

Greg and I at the concert. Greg is sooooo good to me. He is the best husband ever. He always puts me and our family first. I love that he is always trying to spend as much time together as possible.

Heidiluxe and I threw together a last minute church violin/piano number- thank you Heidi's mom for playing the piano- before she moved away the next week. We got 1 play through before the performing day. I had so much fun doing this. Why did we just start playing right before you left?

The kids and friend Jackson on the truck at Chucking Cheese. We had a lot of fun at our friend Reagan's B-Day party!

These are the kids at Chuck-E-Cheese before the big mouse came out. Little Scarlet was scared to death and hid under the table. She is so cute.

Those are some uof the updates of our lives. :)

Fashionista

2010-03-03T12:08:00.001-08:00

I wanted to post some outfit pics, cause I think that is so fun... but Macie had to have a shout out, cause she was so fashionista on Sunday. You can't really see, but she is holding a purse in the crook of her elbow, just in case she needs her chapstick.
I got this necklace at Old Navy this week- I like calling it Lemonade.

Blurry pic that the kids took. Oh well, I love the comfyness of the outfit.

This purple sweater from Charlotte Russe- which I paid $3 for fell apart that night. Oh well, I got 3 or 4 wearings out of it. Say-la-vee. Spelling?

I'm really loving the side pony lately. Yee haa

My sis, Alysia, helped me pick this dress out at Dillard on their clearance.

This is my Grandma's coat that she used to wear when she was my age. My Grandpa gave it to her and she used to collect fur coats. I believe it is real. It is really beautiful too. Amazing how everything comes back in style if you wait long enough.

I wore this at the temple. This pic was taken after sleeping in the car for 3 hours. Thanks to Greg for driving.

I hope you can see this, but these are free eyelashs the ladies at Salon Ambiance put on me to take a picture. They reach all the way to my eyebrows. They stayed on for a week. I eventually had to pull some of them off- which hurt- because they would not come off. It was fun having people stare at my eyes though- I couldn't help but smile wondering what they were thinking.

Dining Room

2010-02-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

We moved into our new house last March, and I love it, but I have wanted to make it my own as far as paint colors. We didn't pick the paint colors in this house and I have wanted to be more daring than our last house. These are the before and afters. The first two pics are the befores. The paint color is okay, but not really anything special- don't ya think?

And these are the afters:

I wanted more of a statement color and love that room now.

Charlotte Russe and more

2010-02-04T21:29:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know me well, you know I love to shop. I love clothes and shoes. I have fun putting outfits together and never have rules except that there are no rules. Whatever I am feeling that day. I get bored of an outfit if I have already worn it once, and so I try to mix and match everything with everything else. I love color and like to mix colors in my outfits. I wanted to take some pictures of what I have because it is so fun to get dressed. I got this fantastic grey shimmery skirt at Charlotte Russe on the sale rack and loved it. I seem to not wear a lot of my new things though and save them for who knows what occasion, so I have decided if it is new, I need to wear it.
This is the same outfit with a black short jacket over the purple sweater. I have to take a lot of my own pictures or have my 3 year old do it- so the pictures might be amazing. This is a picture of me in my mirror. Awesome.

I got this shirt at JCPenney and love it. I goes so great with my dark skinny jeans and UGGish boots.

I also got this ruffly tank top at Charlotte Russe on the sale rack and loved it, and so I also bought it in grey.

I usually always wear jeans, so it felt good to wear some dark trousers. I just love the green cardi with the ruffly dark blue tank. It just made me smile.
It also made me smile that the trash is right next to me.

G & G Aimans

2010-02-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

This is Macie trying to get away from the herd of boy cousins! Help! I am the only girl!!
Brady and cousin Andrew both in Grandpa Aiman's boxer underwear

For some reason, my mom has always bought me see through pajamas for Christmas. Every chrismas video growing up I am in a see through gown. I also would always end up going right up to the camera in my see through jammies and start scratching my bum- lovely. We love all those old videos. It is now always a treat when I recieve modest pajamas- yeah.

I just love that Brady's hand is in his pants. Way to go son.

My lovely sister Lori and her husband Willy. I think we look more and more a like every year- Lori, not Willy.

These were the band of boys-cousins- that were inseperable over Christmas. These seven boys camped out in the basement while the adults and Macie, my sweet solo girl, hung out upstairs. I felt like I hadn't even seen my boys all week. They had so much fun and didn't want to leave.

Oh, the fun we have at Grandma and Grandpa Aimans!

Sledding in Idaho

2010-02-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas, we went to Idaho and went sledding in my parent's backyard. The kids had a blast while Greg pulled them around everywhere and I watched and took pictures. I even took pictures of my mom taking pictures. Macie wore sock gloves because I forgot to buy her any. Brady was freezing because I didn't bring him a very warm coat. Caleb had a blast and could have stayed out there forever. Despite being cold, they had a wonderful time sledding and laying in the snow. Thank you Idaho for another fantastic time!

Master Bedroom

2009-11-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

We moved into our house in March, and I am finally making some decorating decisions in my room. I love my new bedding! I got it at Target and just lurv it! I also decided I needed a something to sit on by our tv, because I was using a lovely camping chair and Greg even asked me if I would just go pick out a chair- OK :)! I love my new chair! I also got one turquoise panel to hang by our bar and then cleaned off our dressers! Wow I'm good!

Birthday Cakes

2009-11-24T09:30:00.001-08:00

I have discovered the most amazing cake lady- Melissa. She made the most adorable cakes for Macie's 1st Birthday and Brady's 3rd. I went to her house and picked out the kids cakes. She has pictures of cakes she has already done, or you can look through catalogs she has and pick out something else. She can do anything. She had never done Macie's cake, the little 3-D girl and she turned out adorable. She only charged me $25 for Macie's which is $5 more than she normally charges for cakes because she had to rent the mold. The $25 also included 12 cupcakes that looked like grass and then had chocolate flowers on top. Cute!! But she only charged me $20 for Brady's Blues Clues cake, which is her normal price. Amazing!!

New Moon!!

2009-11-21T22:48:00.000-08:00

Greg and I went to see Jacob, I mean New Moon on Friday....LOVED IT!!!

Jacob was awesome! He was better than I imagined. Bella was okay, but Edward- oh Edward. If I was going to be in the same movie as Jacob and be baring my chest for that matter, I think some things on my check list would be.
1. Shave my chest
2. Go to the gym
3. Eat more protein, or just food for that matter- he looked anorexic
4. Pull up my pants.

I like Edward, he is okay, but I have always been a Team Jacob fan, even when my book club almost had to shun me for rooting for Jacob.
I just loved the hand scene when Bella, Jacob and Mike were at the movie, "Punch Face". That was hilarious!
Anyway, I loved it- I already want to see it again!

Blueberry Picking

2009-07-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

We went to The Berry Patch and picked blueberries. It was our first time and we all had a blast!

We will definitely be making this a tradition in our family.

Even Macie couldn't help but eat the blueberries.

Awww...

Projects

2009-07-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

This is a bed Greg made for Brady's room. We haven't finished it yet, but we are loving it so far. He is going to make a headboard and we will paint his dressers that same green color. We love the color, and can't wait to see how the dressers turn out.
These are shots of Caleb's room. I did kind of a nautical theme. I made those two pillows on the bed. Which turned out pretty cute. The quilt was made by Greg's grandma.

I also had Greg cut me some wood and then I covered it in fabric to make a headboard. I just put it on today.

We also painted his dressers blue and added new hardware, which we got for free. I picked the color from the pottery barn kids catalog. They list the colors they use in the catalog. That is how we also chose the green color in Brady's room. I figure you almost can't go wrong if it is in Pottery Barn.

We painted this dresser as well. The little man on there is funny, but I got him in England, and haven't figured out where to put him yet.

Projects in Macie's Room

2009-07-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

We have been doing projects in the kids bedrooms for a while now. I thought I would share some of the mostly completed things we have done. I definitely have been feeling paint happy!

We painted Macie's dressers white and put new hardware on them. I still need to spray paint the top center nob silver, but haven't gotten to it yet.
I spray painted the stars silver that her dresses are hanging from. They used to be blue and not in her room.

We painted this night stand white and added new hardware. I also got the lamp at Goodwill for a couple dollars. It has dainty roses on it that mimic her white curtains. It even came with the lightbulb.

I bought this glider from a garage sale for $20 and it was a yucky cream color. So I bought some fabric and recovered it all by myself. I was so proud of how it turned out, because I have never recovered furniture before, but it was so easy!

I even recovered the ottoman.

More Pics of Idaho

2009-05-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

My dad with Macie
Alysia, Lori and Jess

Dad after the kids got him

Caleb's B-day Celebration with his Idaho cousins

Bowling with some of the fam

Idaho in Febraury

2009-05-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Aiman (dad' parents)

Grandma and Grandpa Crowley (mom's parents)

My sister, Alysia

Mom, Me and Lori- little sis'

Feeding the Elk- Actually in Missouri, not in Idaho

I have not blogged forever, but have continued to have events happen in my life, so I wanted to post and let everyone know we are still alive. We went to Idaho in February and visited my family. I got to see both sets of my grandparents, my parents, and 2 of my sisters and their families. We drove there and back and survived. The kids were Golden!

We got to go to my favorite resturant-"Bajio's Mexican Grill", did my favorite activity- bowling, and saw some of my favorite people- my family and friends.

CHICK A WAH WAH

2009-02-12T20:12:00.001-08:00

Caleb and Brady love to come in my room naked, turn around, stick their bums out, shake 'em and say, "Chick a Wah Wah, Chick a Wah Wah, Chick a Wah Wah", and then run away screaming. Just one of the daily rituals at our house.

MOVING

2009-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are moving if you didn't know yet! We sold our house and now are moving about a mile away because we just can't stand the area we live in- ha ha. I am supposed to have packed up my whole house, but I am struggling. It is hard packing with three little kids. Today I did really good because I strapped the kids in their carseats, got McDonalds, turned on a movie in the car, and made loads back and forth for two movies worth. The kids were so good and just sat there without complaining at all!! I have one more day-tomorrow- to pack up the rest of my house and then we are moving Saturday. I think I will make the deadline, but I want to get in my bed and pull the covers over my head just thinking about it.

PIctures of Macie

2009-01-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

Macie is growing so big...

One of my friends said she wanted to see more pictures of my baby girl, so I am posting a couple so you can see how she is growing. She is 4 months now and is 16 lbs. She is a sweetheart and such a wonderful baby! I love her so much!

I got this awesome levi skirt and had to share a picture or two, but she didn't want to smile for me. She was in a very somber mood.

Hard Work

2009-01-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

So, as most of you probably know, we have had our house for sale for a couple months. We have had quite a few showings considering the slow market and a couple second showings- which we just so happened to have had again today. Yah! We will get comments back tomorrow, which if they buy it I am sure I will blog, but if we don't get an offer than you probably won't hear from me. Anyways,... I just love when every particle in your house is in it's correct spot and everything is pritine clean. Every pillow on the couch is in place, there are no dishes in the sink. No crumbs on the floor. Everything just sparkles. But, having to keep my house in ooh aahh shape has made me realize that this is totally impractical- at least for me- every day of my life!!!! I will not be able to keep up this facode forever. When we get into our new house, I will be so excited to not be stressin' about leaving something out and not being a lunatic any time the phone rings and they tell me they will be there in a couple hours to judge how good a house keeper I really am- okay, actually they just ask if they can show the house at a specific time, but it really feels like my home keeping skills are being judged and darnit I am going to win that blue ribbon. So, because my house is clean and I have 3 kids under 3 I wanted to post those pictures of all my hard work and sweat, or as my mother would say, I don't sweat, I just glisten. So, for all of my glistening, please enjoy my clean home, because it isn't lasting for long.

Celine Dion

2009-01-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Greg and I went to the Celine Dion Concert. I had been anticipating it for a while because she had to reschedule the concert from the beginning of December to the beginning of January because of some throat issues. I hadn't really thought about it though because I had been sick with chicken pox and strep throat- I know- I must have the worst immune system! So, the opening act was hilarious, it was a guy (who I don't remember his name) from Vegas who has his own show there and makes fun of other singers. He could sing exactly like so many people. Then Celine came out... She sang, "I drove all night" first and I could not stop bawling! I realized that I had listened to her for most of my life. She was the first CD I ever owned and it was given to my by my dad when I was young. He loved her too, and because I hold my dad in such high regard, I always did Celine also. Anyways, I was a mess. You know when you cry and you have a couple tears drip down your face- that was not me. I could not speak, was grimacing to keep from wailing and my eyes were pouring. I just couldn't hold it back. I was in such awe of her and that I was actually seeing Celine Dion. She was so beautiful, kind when she spoke, funny and her voice was amazing. She made it look and seem so easy to just belt out her ballads. I love her and now Greg I'm sure thinks I'm nuts- I don't care- I am. I LOVE YOU CELINE!

No Spare Key

2009-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was being a wonderful sister and mailing a big manila envelope filled with wonderful pictures and a long letter to my missionary brother. The kids had just changed into their jammies- it was around 4 pm and who doesn't love to wear their jammies at around 4 pm everyday. So, I opened the doors to the car- in the garage and had the kids climb on in while I did my loading of the car. I loaded Macie and my purse and then put the boys in their car seats. When I shut the doors, I went to open my door and it was locked. They were all locked! Brady had been sitting in the driver's side seat and must have locked the doors. My keys were in my purse in the car, so I tried to get Caleb to get out of his car seat. He couldn't and so I went to call Greg. We hadn't been able to find our spare key for a couple weeks, but I thought we should talk about it one last time. I got off the phone and in my desperation I called the fire department. While on the phone with them, Greg called to say the police department was on their way. The fire department insisted on coming anyways. They both arrived shortly and took quite a time to get the doors opened. I think they thought I was the babysitter at first because I got a lot of questions like, "How old are the kids?" , "Are ALL the kids yours?", "Is this your car?", "Is this your house?" followed by big eyes and an occasional nodding of the head. I think they thought I was about 19. The neighbors were all nice enough to slow down as they drove by and their necks seemed to elongate as they drove past. The kids finally were released from the confines of the car, were given a tour of the fire engine and said good bye to the fire men and police officers. Thank you Lee's Summit Police Department and Lee's Summit Fire Department.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Chicken Pox- Christmas 2008- gross!!!- luckily it is not on my face or neck!

Me opening my awesome slipper socks from Greggy Poo.

Christmas Eve

Getting into the festivities

Christmas morning

Christmas Eve Luminaries- to "Light the way for Christ"

Christmas Eve jammies that Greg's mom made everyone

Yah! The Holidays were wonderful and we had a great time! We got to go to some events this December. We first went to the Trans Siberian Orchestra- which was great. I really enjoyed all the male hair flipping. There was also a narrator, that from our view, never had a head. Then we went to the Nutcracker. This was Greg and my first ballet, and I will have to say that we both loved it!! The costumes and dancing were amazing and it was cool to finally know the story. I will have to also mention the amazing New Kids on the Block concert that I got to go to earlier in November with my awesome friend Merideth, Jamie, and Amy. They could still rock it!!

We stayed in Missouri for Thanksgiving, which was at my mother-in-laws house. It was wonderful. My favorite thing about Thanksgiving though, is the day-after-Thanksgiving-sales!! I went out by myself that morning, and enjoyed getting some "hot sale items", but didn't have as much fun as I anticipated, because I didn't have to wrestle anyone to the ground for anything- actually someone did that to me in Idaho last year, but I won!!, and I didn't have my mom and sisters with me that can totally outshop me (which is quite a feat because I can usually outshop anyone). I've come to realize that I come from a family of experienced, professional shoppers. Especially, my older sister. She can walk into a store, fill her arms with merchandise, and only pay pennies. That is the whole game. It isn't any fun unless it is on a supersale. Never pay full price! Those are just a few of the rules. Anyways, back to the Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we were back at my in-laws, where we ate ham and opened jammies. But, this year my mother-in-law made all the jammies. They all have doggies on them. Ruff! Then Greg and I took our 3 sleeping children home, put them in bed and went to work. We put out luminaries that night to light the way for Christ- which we filled with Kitty Litter (no, we do not have a cat-I bought it just for luminaries). It is tradition in my family to put the luminaries out on Christmas Eve and I wanted to start doing it with my family also. Then traipsed all over the wood floors with our muddy Santa boots to make footprints and took a bite of cookie and emptied a glass of milk- set presents out, and went to bed.

The kids loved their presents- this was the year of the Ninja Turtle. If you haven't seen the TMNT movie that came out in 2007- it is awesome! It is animated, but even I love it!!

They opened their first gift and thought they were done. They just wanted to play with their first gift. (I love when they are so sweet and wonderful). But we made them trudge on.

Greg's family all came over that day for brunch and lunch and we had a wonderful time.

I also got to speak to my brother, who is on a mission- which made the day even more special. I love the Holidays!!

I will have to say that I did get something I wasn't expecting for Christmas... I got the Chicken Pox. I started noticing them on Tuesday and by Christmas Eve evening, I was breaking out all over my stomach and back. I have been pretty itchy, mostly my back. I had them really bad the first time when I was around 5. I was reading that only 5%of adults get them for a second time. Also, that it is usually very mild the second time with just a few pox popping up. Right! I enclosed a picture of my side/back from yesterday. Beautiful!

6 MONTHS

2008-11-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

So, for those of you who didn't know... Greg mentioned to me a little over 6 months ago that he had skin cancer behind his ear. I almost rolled my eyes and told him how dramatic he was being... but being the great wife I am, I looked at it and told him, "Maybe you should have it checked out". It hardly looked like anything, maybe a little scar from a scratch. So, on Monday he made his own dr.'s appointment- (I am so proud of men when they make their own hair, dr., dentist, etc appointments) and went in. The dr. told him he needed to go to have it biopsied immediately, which, of course, made us concerned. Well, on a freezing cold day when we just happened to have spent the whole day in the emergency room for Caleb (short of the long story- I threw a sheet with a Buzz Lightyear rolled in it over the bannister and it went through Caleb's forehead- no, I didn't know there was a Superhero in the sheets, and my laundry is downstairs and the kids like to lay on the ground and have me throw the clothes on them.) Well, after getting out of the ER, Greg gets a message that it WAS CANCER! They had been trying to reach him all day and couldn't, so they left him that message! I was a mess, but it turns out that they can just go in and remove it quite easily. He had surgery a week or so later. They removed a big portion behind his ear on his scalp. We were there all day, because they do the surgery and then they send it off to the lab to see if they got it all. They ended up not getting it all the first time in, so they had him go back in again, and they got it all that time. They did kind of a backwards face lift and it looked terrible at first. He had stretch marks on his scalp- yah, he has no hair so you could see them, and it also looked like they cut off his ear and reattached it. They told him he had a 60 % chance of having it again and will have to go in every 6 months for the rest of his life because he is so young.

So, the reason for this post is that he went in for his first 6 month check up yesterday and he had no cancer! I am so thankful for all our blessings and am thankful that something (HG) prompted Greg to take a closer look behind his ear. I think this is a very appropriate time for me to really think about all the wonderful things I am thankful for.

CLOTHES

2008-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

So, my dear sweet Macie is getting so old... she is 8 weeks old yesterday. Happy 8 Weeks! Where has all the time gone? It seems that when you are pregnant for 2 months it seems like an eternity and that the child will never arrive, but when they finally do arrive, 2 months is like a glimmer in time. I love being a new mother again, but with is comes the new mother bread dough of a midsection that reminds you everyday of the shirt you want so badly to put on, but will not because of the image staring back at you in the mirror. So, I have decided my game plan.... and here it is. I will be working out daily and watching what I put in my mouth. There it is plain and simple. No Acai berries- thank you Oprah, no Atkins, no South Beach Diet (though I do love their peanut butter breakfast bars for a snack). I have been working out spiradically since I had Macie, but have just really started going for it this past week and can already tell a difference- High Five! My goal: to feel good in my clothes. My clothes have this wonderful and terrible quality about them. They are the same size they were before I had Macie, and I want to wear all of them again!

Sickies

2008-11-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today was a momentous day in motherhood. It is called Dr. day. It seems that not just one person can be sick in a family. Because we all love each other so much, we must give what we have to others and do as our mothers have taught us and share. So, when Brady came to me this morning with no eyeballs, just cake battered lashes and insanely puffy upper and lower lids, I knew that Dr. Yanette was going to have to be seeing us today. They luckily had one spot just open up at 10:40. Yah! But, low and behold, my mouth cave was killing me and my dr. called just after my scheduling of Brady's and said they had one spot open today for me and it was at 10:30- in 10 minutes. I rushed over there, they swabbed my non-existing tonsils, and then I rushed out of there and sped down to the Pediatricians (with all three kids), where Brady was checked out for Pink Eye! Yah! This is our first time with pink eye, so I am very excited. While we were there we gave Brady a Hep A shot- just for fun! and then I had him check out Macie's belly button.... which is infected. Dun Dun Dunnnnn. So then I rushed back to my dr.'s office where they came out in the parking lot and finished my vitals and said that I was awarded with Strep Throat. So, two presciptions of oral antibitics and one eye dropper later (with a 2 hour trip to Walmart), we are sitting pretty and I am exhausted. We are on the mend though and have filled our sick quota for November, and it is only the 3rd day of the month.

Posting for the 2nd 1st time

2008-11-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I created a blog a couple months ago, and I posted once. Now that Macie is here and things are dying down, I tried to go back to post again, and can't find my blog. Where did it go? I think someone else stole it and is trying to take over my life with my old blog. So, I am just going to have to make this blog awesomer- yes, this is a word in my world. I am now making a pact with myself that I will try to post on this blog and get to know it very well so my friends and fam can see what I am up to.