The Move

What a year it has been.....

2008-06-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

2008 began like any other year, we had an enjoyable Christmas and a non eventful new years day, there isn't much to do in the corn field. February came and I started to substitute for the kids school. Before we knew it March snuck up on us and the kids were out for spring break. We didn't go anywhere because a Florida trip was planned for the end of May.

Then tragedy hit. On April 12 we received a phone call that Roberts mom wasn't well and that we need to get to Tennessee ASAP. The house became very busy with 6 people running around grabbing everything that they could think of for the trip. An hour passed and we had 6 people and a dog packed and ready to go. Finally arriving at 5am eastern time we checked into our hotel for a 4 hour nap. Arriving at the hospital we were delightfully surprised when we saw Mary Lou, she was full of life. For 2 and a half days she talked with the kids and played several rounds of Uno. Tuesday afternoon her condition worsened. She wasn't awake as much and had little interest in Uno. April 18 Mary Lou died. I had never had to deal with a death of a loved one. I said to several friends that I hope I never have to go through that type of sorrow again this year, one is enough. During our stay in TN Roberts grandmother had a stroke which put her in the hospital, the same hospital that Mary Lou was in. The Wednesday following Mary Lou's death his grandmother went to the heart doctor for a checkup where she was later scheduled for a bypass surgery. She went for surgery the following week were she received a single bypass surgery, replaced the stint that was put in in 1999, and surgery for an aneurysm. She came out of surgery just fine but very weak. She is slowly recovering from the surgery.

For the rest of April and all of May my focus was just getting my kids through school. Anthony had the hardest time trying to juggle makeup work, daily work and also dealing with his grandmothers death. We made it through and were ecstatic when May 23 came, it was time to leave for a well needed trip to Florida for 2 weeks. The car ride was uneventful with a layover and dog drop off in TN Friday night. We arrived in Florida at 11:00 pm Saturday. It was great to finally feel the sun for spring had yet to hit Illinois before we left!! Our trip consisted of soaking in sun, swimming and of course shopping!! When the cousins came on Thursday the noise level went from low to extreme high. If we weren't at the beach the kids were back at dad house splashing in the pool. After many attempts to keep the water in the pool my dad finally gave up. The kids were having so much fun that keeping up where the water was going was at the bottom of their list!! There was so much water on the side of the pool that one would think there was a baby pool also!! With the humidity in Florida creeping its way up the girls (Jenn, Alicia, myself, Alyssa, Olivia, Madelyn, and Gabi) headed out for a much needed shopping trip to the local outlets. Guys women can only go for so long before we start to go through withdraw from lack of shopping!! It was a great girls day out and many bargains found. After a enjoyable vacation we started to head back home on June 8. Arriving back home, after an overnight stay in TN, we were pleasantly surprised to come back to warm weather. Spring and summer is finally going to come and not pass us by!!

But life doesn't stop there. On June 10 I got word that my dads wife had died. The pain that I felt that day wasn't for me but for my dad and my kids. How on earth was I going to tell them that grammy Pammy was gone?? For it wasn't but less than 2 months ago that they saw there other grandmother die. After numerous phone calls with my sisters I knew that I had to tell them before they got the word from overhearing me on the phone. Last night we gathered everyone in the TV room and let them know. All children handle their emotions differently, Madelyn was the one that broke down and cried. Alyssa remembered all that Pam was to us and things that she did with them. Anthony just laid on the floor in a daze. My heart sunk for them. Here they are still mourning the death of Mary Lou and now having to deal with the death of Pam. But with love and patients we will all get through this time of our lives and come out to be a stronger family.

For those of you whose children haven't gone through with dealing with death here are some words of advice, from someone who has now been through this twice. First, be honest with them and don't sugar coat it. Second, allow them to be part of the full process of the funeral. Don't force them to do anything that they don't want to. Allow them, if old enough, to decide if going to the viewing/funeral is what they want to do. I remember with Mary Lou's viewing that although they did go I gave them the option if they wanted to go see her in the caskets. Third, keep communication open. Let them know that you are there to listen and if they don't feel comfortable expressing themselves to an adult then encourage them to go to a friend/ cousin. My girls are 7 and 8, I am not real worried about them not coming to either Robert or I. But Anthony at 13 has a harder time talking to us. I encouraged him last night to call Jacob, his cousin. The two are extremely close and can give each other comfort, a way to express themselves and not bury inside them. Finally, be patient with them. It might be days or even weeks before they can talk about it. Allow them time to heal and let them know the you are here if they need you.

We are leaving on Tuesday to go to Ohio and will return on Thursday for a t-ball game. Even though we want the world to stop so we can grieve it won't and life must still go on. But with the love and support of friends and family we will all get through this hard time.

Both of these women played an important part in my life. They will both be missed. Never forgotten.

Spring is in the air.......but not here!!

2008-03-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Don't we all just hate when life gets in the way of our personal life!! I have been meaning to post but life has just gotten in the way. I have started to work as a substitute teacher at the kid’s school. I really enjoy being able to see my kids during the day and check up on their progress. Anthony doesn't enjoy it when I have to work in his room but the girls in the class love me!! My girls think my presence is the best thing since slice bread!! Well with the exception of Madelyn when she doesn't want to do her work, they know where to find me!!

Other than that the weather is not behaving, Odell had their egg hunt weekend before last. When you have egg hunts you envision children in their Easter outfits running around getting eggs with the sunshine glowing through their hair. NOT IN ODELL. There was an egg hunt, and the kids did run around gathering eggs. But the part about the glowing sun that didn't happen, nope instead of sun we had snow, yes I said snow. How on earth can you have an egg hunt in the snow?? But the kids enjoyed it and that is all that matters. It did make me realize how stupid people are. There were kids out hunting for eggs without hats and gloves on. When it was over they ran back with tears in their eyes because they were so cold. Come on people when you see snow coming down the temperature is not above 60 degrees, we don't live in the south. As you can see from the below picture I am not one of those parents. The only disappointment my children had is that they didn't get the golden egg, not because they were about to loose a finger due to frost bite.

It didn't stop there. Easter morning went smooth. My behind the eight ball self didn't get the eggs colored Saturday night so we colored after breakfast. Welll it took Madelyn some time before she could color eggs, she was being pokey with her breakfast.30 min. later Madelyn finishes her 1 small pancake!!

Later that day we all loaded up and headed to Bloomington for dinner. It was an enjoyable dinner with all 6 of us. My kids were on their best behavior and of course ate all their food!! As we are sitting in the restaurant down it came. SNOW!!! Not just your small flurry style flakes these were the big fat ones that you would see in winter not in spring. I guess spring showers could also mean snow not just rain!! When we got home from dinner the girls wanted to do there egg hunt. Just like last year, we had Robert hide the eggs in the kids large playroom, not to get that confused by there small playroom, because of the cold windy weather outside. I should change the word kids to girls. Simply because Anthony announced that he has finally gotten to old for egg hunts, he is 13 now!! The snow didn't slow us down and we had an enjoyable evening.

Other than the terrible weather everything else is the same. Kids are doing well in school, still waiting for the result of Roberts’s interview, and that really is about all that has happened. How exciting can life be in this small town.

Well I must sign off for now. Odell is having their annual yard sale this weekend and I must get working. I have finally come to the place in my life where these baby clothes have to go!! Enjoy the pictures.

But he's not to old to get dirty

My big boy

Little girls

Alyssa sound asleep

Madelyn acting like Madelyn, goofy!!

Snow

2008-02-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening the snow started to fall and didn't stop until early this morning, we ended up with about 8 inches. What is great about this snow storm is that there isn't heavy winds associated with it. Because of that the whole family was able to go out and enjoy it, even the dog!!

A new house guest...

2007-12-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome to the world Alicia's new baby. He is a Maltese and only 11 weeks. We felt sorry for the little guy because he is blind in one eye.

Merry Christmas....3 days later!!

2007-12-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

I don't have a long in depth story for Christmas 2007. Again this year we stayed in Odell but with a little twist. Poppop and Granny Pammy came on Sunday morning. It was supposed to be afternoon but with the weather the way it was they thought it would be a good idea to leave Ohio early in the morning. We had wind gusts to 60 mph. Then flurries later on.

We didn't go anywhere big. My first ever Christmas dinner went good. Well except the mashed potato soup (I hate when I add to much cream!!) and the hockey puck rolls (Which were served to the birds). My ham and sweet potato dish was a hit. And of course Pam's brussel sprout dish went over well, one of my favorites.

Although we really never left the house, except for quick Wal-Mart runs, my Christmas went good. It was great this year to not only have Robert and the kids but to also have family. Dad and Pam made this year extra special. I hope you have your snow tires on for next year because you just started a tradition. We look forward to seeing you next year!!

Here is a little song followed by pictures!!

Over the river and through the woods
to the convent they did go
The truck knew the way to carry the cat house
through the heavy winds and rain

OH......

Over the river and through the woods
to the convent they did go
The truck knew the way to carry the cat house
through the heavy winds and rain

For this is Christmas Day.

If the cats won't use it someone will!!

Pop Pop and Pammy

Sante Clause Jr. and the 3 reindeer

Sante Clause Jr.'s sidekick

Attack of the Wissa

See Pop Pop I can cook
Robert and Lizzie
Madelyn's new toy
"What did you get Olivia?"

There is a new bird in the house

To Tall Timmy

Crafty Wissa

Alicia with the girls

Pam with her vase hat

Anthony

" Tooth Fairy gave Santa the money for my tooth!"

Double picture taking

Pass the Pig Game

It's all in the training....

2007-12-21T05:57:00.001-08:00

A week ago yesterday the local school had their "winter concert." Hmmm...I would have called it a Christmas concert but that isn't what drove me to bite my tongue.

Lets first start with earlier that evening.

Of course I am running late trying to get the girls looking their best and making a chicken casserole. So I hired on 3 little kids. To start with, I assigned Anthony to shred the already cooked chicken. Then off to the girls to make sure they were doing their part in getting ready to go. Surprise, Madelyn is actually getting ready!! After hunting down tights to fit my ever growing 8 year old they were anxiously waiting to get in the kitchen and help. Their job was to shred the chicken a little smaller than what Anthony did. After showing them how to layer the ingredients in the dish it was my turn to get ready. I couldn't go into the school not looking as good as my kids!! No not me!!

After completely the many steps to looking my best, you ladies out there know what I mean. Men should be happy you don't have to wear make-up, high heels, or earrings (well maybe some of you wear those). I went in the kitchen to check on how my hired help was doing. Anthony was in the process of dumping a lot of cheese on top, just how we like it!! The girls were helping with clean up, by eating the chicken and cheese droppings on the counter!!

Wow!! I was so thankful for the help of these 3 well trained kids.

It was now time to go show the school what the Smith kids are made of. We pranced in the school, of course looking much better then anyone!! Seriously we did!! Would you wear a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt to a Christmas concert?? I don't think so. This is where the evening went down hill and I had to bite my tongue. They had the children perform 2 grade levels at a time. First grade was up. The class gets into position and the music teacher announces what the selection of songs will be. What?? What did you say?? I couldn't hear. No it isn't because I have a hard time hearing but because of the rudeness that not only the students displayed but also the adults.

I was taught to always show respect. Wither it be to a person or to other persons belongings. The parents of these children couldn't even restrain from closing their mouths so why should their children?? My heart went out to the music director. Not a sole was listening to him. I bet he was biting his tongue!!

The evening continued and same did the disrespect toward the performers and the administration. It was like we were at a party with background music. I was blown away.

While my children were in private school 2 years ago, every Friday they would have chapel. 4 grade levels, as young as kindergarten, would enter the sanctuary and find their seats in the pews. You could have heard a pin drop. During the 30 minute chapel not once did the students show any form of disrespect to anyone. That is what we calling training.

As I sat at this "winter concert" I look over often to my children, and there they sat. As quiet as mouse and as still as a stone. Not once did they get out of their seats. Not once did they lean over and talk to their neighbor. For the training that not only had been instilled at home but also as Grace Christian Academy was on display that night. I was so proud of how well my girls did. The use of the word respect is used quiet often in our home and now it is on display.

At the conclusion of the program I told our neighbor sitting next to me that I was leaving as quickly as I could before I said anything. So many times during the concert I wanted to go on stage and tell these rude parents and children to close their mouth and let the students have the lime light. I didn't feel that would be the proper way to handle this particular situation!! So I just gathered my children and left at the close of the performance. Praising them the whole time for such perfect behavior.

So those parents with young children out there don't get discouraged your work will be on display at the times it is needed. Keep pushing forward in teaching those little once respect and discipline.

All of my children are known in Odell grade school. Not because they are in trouble but because of their respect that they display to the administration. Alyssa's teacher is actually very upset that she might not have the opportunity to teach Madelyn. (We might be moving to Ohio. Look for a posting at the beginning of the year)

Not only did my children look good for the occasion but they were dressed to perform. And that is exactly what they did.

Sooner or Later....

2007-11-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

We have lived here in Illinois right over a year. If you look back on previous posts you will come across the post about having to feed my black persian wet food in order to help her gain weight. This ritual has continued and happens twice a day, although she would prefer it every time she is in the kitchen.

In order for her to get to the spot on the counter she has her route. What I mean by that is, she jumps on the heater, then to the counter. Once she is on the counter she meanders her way across the stove, whether it be on or not!!

Well, ever since she started this we keep telling her that she is going to get burnt if she walks across the stove while the GAS burners are on. If anyone has a gas stove you know with that comes fire. Yep you guessed it, she caught her tail on fire!!

I was heating up a pot of water Sunday evening when she waltzes her way into the kitchen. Not paying much attention to her I continued to pour myself something to drink. Out of the corner of my eye I see a ball of fire. Following this I see a cloud of smoke prancing across the stove. I don't smell but boy could I smell burning fur!! After picking myself up off the floor from laughing so hard, I examined my stupid kitty. If she wasn't a persian with a big fluffy tail I would have spend the remainder of the night in a vet ER taking care of burnt skin. The stove burnt her enough to where she has about an inch left of fur on her tail.

You would think that she would learn. No she didn't burn herself again but she continues to walk across the stove whether it is on or not.

You can't really tell the burnt area on her tail, it was hard to get a good picture. The other pictures are of her eating my wondering jew potted plant.

We have given her a Native American name "One With Burnt Tail"

DOES YOUR BLOOD RUN ORANGE??

2007-11-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Its football time in Tennessee!!

As you all know I just returned from a trip to Knoxville, TN. In the nine years that I lived there never did I participate in one of the craziest days in Knoxville. Anyone in their right mind wouldn't go anywhere near downtown Knoxville on a Saturday afternoon or evening. That is unless you had 4 tickets to the homecoming game!! You got, I finally went to my first UT football game.

Knoxville is so crazy with football that you will see cars painted orange. We weren't going to paint my friends car orange, but we certainly were going to wear it. The preparation for the game started the moment we got up. Friday, during our shopping excursions, we picked up all needed supplies to turn us into football fans. We started with a white t-shirt with Tennessee in orange with silver sparkles. Then attached an orange and white polka dot band around our neck and a "T" band around our wrist. To complete our outfit we added a "T" sticker to our cheeks.

After picking up a quick bite to eat we were off to downtown. Thank goodness her friend had a parking pass to the hospitals parking garage, her husband worked there. If not we would have had to fork over $20 simply to park. The downside of having to park for free meant we had to walk at least 2 miles to get to the stadium. I certainly was glad that I had been keeping up with my jogging or it would have been a long 2 miles. With a quick potty break at the local gas station we finally made it to the stadium.

WOW!! The atmosphere there was unbelievable. I had never seen that many people gathered together in one place. Our tickets lead us to the 15 yard line right by the field. The experience of being at the game was something that I will never forget. And something that I hope to do
again.

We left the beginning of the fourth quarter for an easier escape out of downtown!!

Please leave a message......Do Not Disturb!!

2007-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

"We are leaving when?? Are you aware that it takes 9 hours to get to Knoxville Alicia? That will put us there at 2am!!"

That was the comment that I made when she said that her college math class wasn't getting out early that day. Of all days for the professor to not let class out early. Our estimated departure time was 4pm!! No matter how many times I counted, weither on my fingers or toes, it still put us in at 2am. Arg!!

Lets back up a bit. Several months ago one of my TN soccer friends told me that she was getting married on November 5 and that she really wanted me there. It was going to be a small wedding with just a handful of guests, mostly family. Out of all the friends she could have picked from, she chose me. Of course I would be there.

Driving 9 hours for one day didn't seem right. After working Robert's schedule with the kids schedule, it was a mommy only trip, I was able to go home. I have been in Illinois now for right over a year. But the one thing I have really learned is that no matter how far you move your friends will always be there. Even though we might not talk for weeks I know that I can always walk in there house and feel right at home.

The weekend was full of excitement and very little sleep. That is the reason for the title of this post, I have a lot of sleep to make up and interuptions will not be allowed!!

With just staying for 3 days I was trying to cram in a whole year of being away. A good friend of mine invited us to stay at her house to spare the expense of a hotel. Soooo the hot water only lasted for about 10 min, which meant only one person got a warm shower. The time that we got to spend with her was worth it.

Nancy, Lizzie, and Alicia

Friday consisted of shopping!! Going to the mall!! And of course having sushi for dinner. When you hadn't had sushi in a whole year it tasted like water in the middle of the desert!!

Saturday will be described in a future post.

The wedding was held on Sunday afternoon. As I sat in the church and surveyed the small crowd I felt honored that I was chosen to be there. I didn't know a sole. None of the other soccer team friends were there. So being invited to her wedding was a real honor. After the wedding Jamie's mom came to me and made sure that I was going to stay for the reception because Jamie had been looking forward to seeing me. Of course I would stay for I wanted to see her and her growing children. Her oldest child is 8 and was born the same day Alyssa was!! They are twins except from different parents!!

Following the reception I went to visit another close friend, Katrina. When I went into her youngest daughter's room she ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug, it brought a tear to my eye. This little girl still loves me even though I moved away. She can now finally say my name. She used to call me Malizabeth!! Her 'ma' was finally replaced with 'el'!! She has grown so much and is learning so fast. Her oldest, Cassie, is becoming so much like a little lady. Getting real close to being taller than her mommy!! Being at Katrina's house was like I had never even moved away. The friendship that we had formed was still strong even though we are 9 hours apart.

Katrina and me September 2007

Alyssa and Cassie September 2007

Courtney and Madelyn in September 2007
Monday morning we left at 7am to go back home. What a hard day that was. It was great driving around a place you had called home for so many years. Knowing every side road to avoid traffic. Seeing the beautiful mountains instead of cornfields. And just knowing that even though you aren't there you are still loved and thought about.

Illinois is where I live, but Knoxville will always be home.

Another year, Another birthday

2007-10-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

It was that time of year again 2 weeks ago, we celebrated another birthday. The almost twin cousins, born only 4 days apart, had their 8th birthday. Jenn simply had a birthday party for Olivia. But I lived on the edge and had 18 kids celebrate Alyssa's birthday with a sleepover. It was wild. It was loud. It was messy. I couldn't wait for it to end. But the memories Alyssa was able to create that day was worth every headache.

We started the birthday bash off with making English muffin pizzas. I broke my 18 kids up into 3 groups. While the first group was eating the second group was making their pizzas. It went like clockwork. I did the same thing for decorating sugar cookies. Then it came to presents. I think that was when the volume was the loudest in my convent. Every present Alyssa opened a high pitched squeal followed. And echoed again by 15 party guests squealing, Anthony and his friends didn't join in on this part of the party. There wasn't food so they stayed upstairs.

After a movie, teeth brushing, and a potty break they all crashed around 11:00 pm. What time they woke up?? I don't know I sleep 2 floors up. I did set my alarm to get downstairs and start the routine all over with breakfast. My moms cinnamon waffles is always a hit. The breakfast rush ended and the kids started to file out at 10:00. I retreated to my room for a nap. I hope Madelyn isn't going to want a sleepover again. One a year is all I can handle!!

Happy Birthday Alyssa and Olivia!!

APB OUT FOR BOB BARKER

2007-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

As a young girl I always knew what my grandmother would be doing at 11:00-12:30. She would cook a hamburger patty on her cast iron skillet. Sit at her kitchen table with her patty, fresh squash, and a raw onion. That was her "evening meal!!" She would then turn on her TV and watch Bob Barker give away cars, trips, and anything else they could find to sell. Yes I am talking about "Come on down you are on the Price is Right!!" While gnawing on her raw onion, she would scream the actual price at the TV in order to help the contestants win whatever they are trying to win. When I would join in and the contestant would actually win it she would tell me they heard you. Yes Yes!! Whenever I was with her during the weekdays I was a faithful watcher of the Price is Right. Following her game show she watches the news and then takes her nap. One could always predict what she would be doing during that time.

Her loyalty to Price is Right was passed on to me. Although I don't eat an onion while watching it, simply because I'm on central time so I am watching it at 10 am, little to early for an onion!! But I would try and work laundry folding around Bob. That is until a couple weeks ago. I turned on the TV and Bob Barker was missing. Maybe it is the flu or he had to go help control the pet population. But nonetheless he was missing. I turned the TV off and found something else to do. Watching Price is Right without Bob Barker is like eating a chocolate bar without chocolate. It just can't be done. A few days following that tragic morning I got the news. Bob Barker has retired. What!! This can not be. He is not allowed to retire until I retire.

So if there is anyone else out there that is a fan of Price is Right with the one and only Bob Barker, lets start a petition going to get Bob out of retirement.

Being that everyone is upset hearing such tragic news I will post pictures to cheer you up!!

Not much going on here

2007-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

As my titles states there really isn't any big news here in the cornfield. We had beautiful weather last week where the windows were open, but had to be closed at night because it got to cold. This week it is supposed to be back in the 90's. But other than that not much here.

I don't have a young child that does something new everyday. I do have a black persian that I have finally found wet food that she will eat!! To me that is exciting!! Oh yea I almost forgot. Madelyn lost her first tooth. Haven't taken the picture yet but I will get that up. She was much easier than Alyssa was. It was loose before she went to bed and by the time she came home from school the next day it was ready to be pulled. She flinched a little but nothing like my drama queen Alyssa. It looks like Madelyn is going to be an Anthony, easy teeth puller!! Thank goodness!!

Well that is about it. As I had said in the beginning there really isn't much going on here. There will be next week because we are going to my grandmothers 90th birthday party. We are leaving here Thursday night to fly to moms.

*keep a close eye on my post in the next few weeks, there might be some important news that I will post. Can't say anything about it now, don't want to get anyone in trouble.

2 Close to Home

2007-08-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

We have all heard of Columbine massacre in 1999. Since that time there have been other school shootings.

Here we are again, but thankfully the shooters were unable to follow through on their plan. Yesterday morning at 10am a student at Pontiac High School (10 miles south of Odell) told officials that 3 boys have backpacks full of guns. According to the news the police and school personel acted quickly and nobody was hurt. The schools in the area were on lockdown, and then later released at 12:30.

The full story came later when Anthony got home. A friend that he plays with, told me, that it was his brother that was the intended target. The shooters were waiting for him to return to school from is morning co-op job, to act out their plans.

Why?? Where are the parents in these situations? Will my son in 3 years be the target of another child's rage?? Anthony is in 7th grade this year, in three years I will be sending him to Pontiac High School. Some people will suggest putting him in a different school. How is that going to help?? This type of violence is everywhere. And Society wonders why so many families are choosing homeschooling instead of the public school system.

In the future are we going to send our children to school with bullet proof vests?? My son will be in that school in 3 years. Who is to say that he won't be the victim of another child's rage??

Just love your kids everyday as they leave for school. Who knows, your child might be the next victim.

On the lighter side of things. School (ha!!ha!!) is going good for the kids. Madelyn got on yellow yesterday because her trap door kept flapping. Look at her mom she talks non stop, of course Madelyn would get in trouble for that!!

On Friday, August 24th I officially became a mom of a teenager. That night we brought him out for pizza and without him knowing brought him to see Pirates 3. All this summer the Keim adults teased him because he hadn't seen it yet. Well Keim's the joke is over you can't pick on him anymore, he has seen it!! On Saturday we had his party at the Odell pool. Anthony and his friend D.J. were in charge of getting his friends to come. They did a good job with a 6 kids showing up, remember this is a small time. The boys had a blast. Then they got silly at cake time. Yep you got it a cake fight. D.J. took the icing and smeared it all over his face, then the rest followed suit and began painting their faces with icing.

What to do?????

2007-08-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

The school year officailly begins now because they are in there until 3:00, yesterday they got home at noon. It felt like once I let them loose they came back!! There first day of school went fine. Of course the first thing out of Alyssas mouth when she got home was the list of things I forgot (or that Walmart didn't have!!) from her school supply list. Then later that evening Anthony had to remind me what I didn't get from the list. Listen my children if Wal-Mart, which is the only store close to my cornfield, didn't have it what do you suggest I do?? They are just going to have to wait for their headphones for computer class because I am not buying you each $7 headphones, you will have to wait until they get more of the 97 cent ones in!!!

So now you know what they kids did, I bet you are wondering what I did for my 4 hours of freedom. Probably not, you are just waiting to see what picture I post today. Sorry I am going to tell you anyway. Lets see, I started with the never ending task of laundry. Then I moved to mopping the floor. Then to getting ebay packages ready to be shipped out today. A few dishes got cleaned. I think that is about all I did. O, I also took a nap, that happened right when the kids walked out the door!!

Okay now to the not so boring stuff. This past Saturday Alyssa cheered for her first football game. She really isn't supposed to be on the squad because she isn't in 3rd grade. They went ahead and let her do it. Although she is the youngest you would never be able to tell. She gets out there and cheers with the best of them. Not afraid and shy infront of all the people. As far as Anthony goes, he is still on the waiting list for football. He still gets to go to all the practices but just not to any of the games. He is number 2 on the list but it looks like #1 isn't going to last. Someone has to break a bone, nothing to serious, maybe just a pinkie bone!! Although it hurts me that he can't play with the rest of them it doesn't really seem to bother him. He was fully aware of the conditions when I signed him up and he still wanted to do it. At least he is gaining good experience for next year.

Summer is Over

2007-08-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite commercial of all times is the Office Depot one where the dad is buying school supplies. As he is leaping through the aisles grabbing items the kids are behind him with sad faces. All because school is starting. Well that day has come at last, SCHOOL IS IN SECESSION!! Today I sent the little darlings off to their first day. None of them wanted me to walk them in, they all wanted to ride the bus. Okay that works for me. Waking up at 7:00 is going to be a huge adjustment after sleeping in all summer. I wasn't really looking forward to getting myself to look presentable this morning. So when all three kids told me that they wanted to ride the bus I didn't argue. Here are the pictures of my kids this morning. I have been taking this picture now since Anthony went into Kindergarten. He wasn't really happy having to take another one of these "baby" pictures, after all he is going into 7th grade and will be considered a teenager on Friday!!

Anthony 2007

Anthony 2005

Alyssa 2007

Alyssa 2005

Madelyn 2007

Madelyn 2005

She Thinks my Tractors Sexy....

2007-08-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was sitting at my computer doing my normal morning routine I was interrupted by a lawnmower. When I went to the window there wasn't just one lawnmower but at least 20 of them. They weren't even lawnmowers, they were tractors. Apparently they were coming from a local fair about 20 miles south of us. According to my neighbor they do this every year. As these tractors were leaving there were some that were going pretty fast, well as fast as a tractor can go. So the next time you get stuck behind a tractor, which probably won't be many of my readers, remember that they can go a little faster than what they are going.

Only in Odell will you see a parade of tractors coming down your road. This definitely wouldn't have happened in Knoxville!!

I finally did it

2007-08-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

After a couple years of wanting one I finally brought my self to do it. I got my first tattoo. I would be lying if I told you I felt nothing. So I am not going to lie. It hurt. At times while he was preforming his art on my skin it felt like he drug the needle across me. My favorite part about getting a tattoo was when he had to either get more color or when he had to change the needle prior to doing the shading. During my time in the chair another employee came in to make sure all was going well, he had heard the whimpering!! I said it was going just fine but I was wondering when I could have my epidural, he just laughed. I didn't though and told him I was serious. I then asked for the anesthesiologist!! Well I never got my epidural but what I did get was something that I had imagined. So now without further addo, let me welcome you to the unveiling of my very first, and probably the last, tattoo..........

Tooth Fairy Strikes in Illinois

2007-08-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

3 down, who knows how many more to go. Alyssa has had a loose tooth ever sense we have left her aunts house in July. Monday at the pool I pushed her tooth forward and heard it snap. Last night when she brushed her teeth she complained that there was blood on her toothbrush. Yep you got it, I grabbed a hold of that tooth and out it came. That is after consoling her, listening to a lot of complaining, and ear piercing screams on Alyssa's part. She is going to be just like her cousin Jacob when it comes to pulling teeth. Kicking and screaming the whole way. Both of them would rather let the tooth dangle instead of pulling it out. They think that eventually it will fall out on its own. My oldest was the easiest when it came to teeth pulling. He would have one loose in the morning and by the evening it was out. Oh well, it is going to be a long battle with Alyssa. Hopefully Madelyn will follow in her brothers foot steps when it comes to pulling teeth. Only time will tell, she has a long way to go before her first one comes out.

Stand by Rascall Flatts

2007-07-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

While on my summer voyage I erased every song on my ipod, don't ask how because I have no idea how I did it. So the only way to put songs back on it I had to download all my songs over again. While downloading the song "What Hurts the Most" by Rascall Flatts I came across this one. The words of this song are so powerful that I thought I would share it with my friends out there. Yes Mr. Keim I do have friends out there!!

You feel like a candle in a hurricane

Just like a picture with a broken frame

Alone and helpless

Like you've lost your fight

But you’ll be alright

You’ll be alright

Chorus:

Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand, Then you stand

2.Life's like a novel

With the end ripped out

The edge of a canyon

With only one way down

Take what you're given before its gone

Start holding on, keep holding on

Chorus:

Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand, Yeah then you stand.

Bridge:

Everytime you get up

And get back in the race

One more small piece of you

Starts to fall into place

Ooohhh

Chorus:

Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look u

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand, Then you stand

Yeah then you stand.

Yeah baby

ohhhhhhhhh

ooohhhhhhh

then you stand

Summer vacation take 3

2007-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is my third time trying to write this post. I don't want to bore anyone with a detail oriented explanation of what we have done. All I can say is that it is going to be hard to see it come to an end. I haven't visited with my family since Thanksgiving. So the time that I have been able to spend with them has been priceless. The cousins have been spending the past 29 days together. Not once did we have to break up a fight or find things for them to do. It was great to be able for them to spend this time with each other.

This past week we have carried on a 3 year tradition, Camp Grandmama. Three years ago my mom wanted to bring all her grandkids together for a week in the summer. She sends out registration forms for all the "campers" to fill out in order to be allowed in her camp. So far nobody has protested about turning their forms in.

Some of the activites that mom planned was for the kids to camp out on the deck, visiting Shanandoah Caverns, and cut their hot dogs in the shape of an ocotopus. For the boys I think the camp out was the highlight. They made moms deck look like a tent camp. The boys slept out their for 2 nights and then mother nature forced them inside to sleep on the screened in porch!! Although while in the caverns Tom slipped twice and then wasn't paying attention to mom as she hit her head on the "low clearance", it turned out to be a real hit with the kids. Something that they will want to do next year. That is next to Olivia wanting to go horseback riding at Camp Grandmama 2008!!

After 29 days of being with my family it must come to an end. My sisters left today and we leave in 3 days. As they say, all good things must come to an end. I will miss them greatly.

Because I didn't bore you with details I will post pictures of the great time we have had.

Where is the off button??

2007-06-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Night before last I was trying to sleep, but sleep didn't want to come to me. It wasn't because of noises outside or my brain running circles in my head. But because of a habit I picked up while living in the south, sweet tea. Not paying much attention at the pool I kept sipping on my drink at 4:30. My cutoff time for drinking tea is 12 noon, this was way past cutoff time. So I suffered that night with not getting to sleep until 1am. Come last night I was tired and ready for bed. But this time my brain would not turn off. It wasn't running circles but marathons in my head. Thinking about everything from plans for July, to swim lessons, to my dental appointment, to the president of the company coming to Roberts work today (both of his bosses are out of town so he has to entertain), and then to the smallest thing of I hope Anthony doesn't eat the leftover pizza so we can have it for dinner tonight (it turns out that Madelyn got into it this morning!!). Where is the off button and how many times must I press it before it shuts down??? I finally drift off to sleep by concentrating on the humming of the air conditioner, because I was trying to tune out the snoring coming from Robert. I was sleeping good until the phone rings, not once but twice, at 8:30 in the morning. First from some guy who is interest in the truck we have for sale. Then from a gentle girls voice asking "is Anthony there??" Without getting out of bed to see I quickly answered "no he is still in bed." Come on people I didn't fall asleep until after 1am stop calling. So wake up time was an early 8:30 this morning. It's going to be a long day. Looks like it is a nap day by the pool after my dental appointment. I hope my phone doesn't ring during my nap!! Here is a picture to look at so nobody will be tempted to call me and interrupt my nap. Enjoy!!

Swim, Swim, Swim

2007-06-26T07:21:00.001-07:00

My summer certainly hasn't been as crazy as my older sister. But I will agree with her in that where has time gone by. The summer started off slow and relaxing. But once we hit the second week of June it has flown by. Anthony started summer school right off the bat, the beginning of June. He was recommended to go to get extra help in math. With much moaning he turned the paper in before school ended and has devoted his time to getting that extra help before my baby starts 7th grade. Wow, you talk about time flying. He is even going to be a teenager this year!! At dinner last night he made a comment about school being in its last week. I asked him if it was worth going and if he felt that it has helped him. Just like I thought, mom knows best, it did help him. He has been so faithful in going, even when I forget where he is going at 10:45am. He kindly just stands there looking at his dear mommy until the light bulb comes on and I remember where he is supposed to be every morning at 11:00. Summer school!!

Alyssa didn't do cheerleading this summer because both girls have been involved in t-ball. To my surprise Madelyn has actually been able to hit the ball. No, the bat has not been to heavy to where she tips backwards!! They have really enjoyed it and are looking forward to Friday when there is a pool/pizza party for the end of their little season. See even a little town has activities for the kids.

Last week Madelyn started swim lessons. I debated about having Alyssa join but decided against it because of a belief that my dad has. He feels that a child doesn't really need to know exact strokes but more how to survive if you fall in water. Alyssa has perfected her ability to get out of the deep end, where Madelyn has not. She has done a great job this past week and has this week left.
It was a very cold morning at swim lessons, especially when you have no meat on your bones. Poor Madelyn!!
>

That will finish my month of June off.

I have yet to decide what July holds for us. A pending trip to PA so the cousins can get together. My girls are dying to spend time with Olivia and Gabi. Especially ever since the two older girls get on the phone with each other now and talk for about 30mins. It will be very interesting when the get to be with each other. I don't feel their mouths will ever stop. Even the big mature boy wants to go visit his little cousin. I asked him yesterday if he felt he was to "old" to go to PA and play with his cousin. His answer come quick and loud, "NO." Although he is almost 13 he is still my baby boy!!

Hopefully July will be slow because once July 30th rolls around it will pick up once again. I received a phone call this morning that Alyssa will be able to join the Dwight cheerleading team, even though she is not 8 and not going into the 3rd grade. She is so excited about doing that. In fact one of her many phone calls with Olivia she talked about how her past cheerleading was "so easy." Well dear you are in for a surprise. Your little 45 min. lesson one day a week is changing. You will practice 5 days a week for 2 hours. I will have to listen in on her conversations with Olivia now and see what she says!! We are still hoping to hear back from the football coach to see if there will be any room for Anthony to join.

I am going to enjoy the month of July. Enjoy going to the pool. Enjoy playing outside. Enjoy going on bikerides. Because before I know it we will be traped back inside. Trying to stay out of the "windy city." So lets get as much fresh air as we can.
Madelyn and her daddy at the cheerleading meet

Madelyn and her buddy Jaclyn

Ride like the wind Bullseye!!!

2007-06-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Something I said I would never do, I did. Got on the back of a motorcycle!! Our neighbors are away for the week and left us in charge of their 2007 Harley Davidson with only 550 miles on it!! In order to do my duty the correct way Robert and I had to go for a ride. We rode to Pontiac (10 miles south) and back. To my surprise it was very comfortable and relaxing. It doesn't even compare to riding in a convertible. Riding on a bike you get the full wind effect. One thing that I never understood till today was why motorcycles have radios. Well I found out tonight that you can actually here what is playing!! The only downfall about riding on the back of a bike are the bugs. Thankfully their is a bug shield to deter any from entering your mouth!!

I now can see why we have so many motorcycles that come down Rt. 66. It is a peaceful ride, something that would be fun for Robert and I to do on a Saturday. Ride down Rt. 66. But that day will have to wait until the checkbook says it is okay. For now we will have to ask our neighbors to go away for a week more often!! I am going to lave you with a picture, Lizzie on the back of a Harley!!

Rain Rain Go Away....

2007-06-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

I was in my art room working when Robert yells for me to come here. Arg, I am in the middle of something but decide not to argue and get up and go to him. He is standing on the first floor landing looking out the window. What could he be looking at?? Let me give you a clue. That day we had been having heavy rains which make great big mud puddles. Yep you guessed it. When I got to the window there are my two darling little girls jumping and playing in the water. Of course the only clothes to jump in mud puddle is there Gymboree with their Birkenstock sandals. Immediately came the camera and the 300mm lens. The first few shots they didn't realize they were being watched until Madelyn caught a glimpse of the us in the window!! Then they started to show off. After a roll of film was taken and a thunder cloud appeared they were asked to come in and change clothes.

Where is Super Nanny when you need her...

2007-06-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Robert and I escaped to PA and NY. With no kids!! The weekend started rather ruff with several flight delays. Our flight was supposed to leave at 7:30 but didn't end up leaving until 12:30 a.m. Uneventful flight as most of the passengers on the plane were sleeping except me I was wide awake!! It was the flight home that was the problem. First to the lady sitting next to Robert. Women over the age of 55 should not be reading Cosmo it is for the younger audience!! Second to the rather large lady blocking the aisle chatting with the want-to-be youngster there will be enough time to talk to her after the flight. Stop blocking the aisle with your loud obnoxious laugh. Now to cover the title of my blog, Nanny 911 we need you up in the air. Two rows up from us is a family with 3 unruly children. The mom was sitting next to the oldest daughter and youngest son. The husband and the third child was sitting in the row up from them. Their kids were the worst I have ever seen. The kid sitting next to the father was climbing over the seats, then apparently got hot and took his shirt off. The ones sitting with the mom were screaming, yes screaming, at each other over the damn window shade. That isn't the end of it. They started playing Marco-Polo. All the time the mom is sitting reading her magazine and the dad must have been taking a nap. Thank goodness I was sitting against the window or someone would have been kicked off that airplane. So people with young children wanting to fly first please make sure your kids have something to do. Second if your kids can't behave at home then don't make us suffer for your bad parenting skills.

Other than a harsh plane ride home the weekend went well. We got rained out from going to the city on Monday but spent the time visiting family.

Busy Busy!!

2007-05-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Life is going to start slowing down finally in about a week. School is officially over June 1st!! The month of May has definitely proven to be one of the busiest months. From a visit from Dad and Pam to cheerleading competition to sports banquets to just getting the kids through school and getting me through work.

Dad and Pam visited last week for a few days. We had a great time especially when we went to Roberts office so he could paint their car. Dad has the klutz jean and ran into a parked car and then nicked the side door with a chainsaw, and we wonder where we get it!! For the first time in 9 years I watched Robert paint a car. I didn't realize how many steps it takes to paint two small spots. Dad pointed out that after he was done cleaning it we could eat breakfast off it!! We didn't get back home until late that night so I let the kids stay home from school the next day so they could rest and spend some extra time with pop-pop and Pam. I forgot to call the school in the morning so the school took it upon themselves and called. My 7 year old's newest thing is to answer the phone, yes you guessed it she answered when the school called. And proudly told them that we were out late last night so mom let us stay home and sleep. Oh, and to also spend extra time with pop-pop. The lady on the other end asked to speak with her pop-pop!! When dad got on the phone he clarified that yes they were home playing hooky!! They left on Wednesday after my dad went to the fathers day tea with Alyssa. No dad I was fully unaware that you were going to have to play kick ball with 1st graders.

I have also had to cram in 2 field trips this month. One was to the wildlife park and the other to the zoo. These are the times where you see if your parenting skills are working. Mine are right on track. I have to say that my girls were the best behaved. Anthony also had a field trip and although I begged to go with him his only comment was "mom they already have 10 chaperone's!!" So I wasn't allowed to go!!

For Alyssas field trip the class had to wear green, what I was not aware of was that the parents had to wear green also. Maybe next time they send a reminder home I will read the full letter not just the parts I think are important!! Although I wasn't wearing green I still looked very presentable with my jean capri's, pink shirt, pink jacket, and to complete the look I had on my pink sneakers. When I entered Alyssas classroom, 5 min. before the bus left, all parents were already lined up with the classroom lights off. "I still have 5 min." I told Alyssa. Then leaned over to one of the parents who of course was wearing their green shirt and proudly said that green isn't my color anyway!! As you can see Alyssa wore her custom made green embroidered shrit with hairbows and socks to match.

The beginning of May Alyssa had her first cheerleading competition. They got 1st prize in their division. The video below was taken by an amateur so please bare with it!!

Downside of autism

2007-04-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since I posted anything, ok so it has been. I am not going to make up reasons why I have not updated so I will spare you the pain. I do want to talk about my day and the reasoning behind my title of this post. As you all are well aware of I am a teachers aide to autistic 3 and 4 year olds. Each child is different as they all are at different spectrum of autism. But the one thing that is universal is the lack of communication these little guys have. See today one of the kids got all in a tither. He was crying and couldn't make up his mind. Sorta like he couldn't decide if he was coming or going. The hardest part on us was he couldn't communicate what was wrong. Everything we tried in order to calm him "yes" then when we got it it was then "no." My heart just went out to that little one. He so badly wanted to communicate with us what was upsetting him but didn't have the ability to voice it. Finally after about an hour he settled down and was okay. So for all those who are reading my post and are dealing with a child with autism my heart goes out to you. I wish all of you parents that have to deal with autism on a daily basis strength. I know just after 6 1/2 hours 5 days a week is hard, I could never imagine it 365 days a year.

Since I haven't posted in forever I feel a picture of the kids is at hand. This picture is at the local Odell Easter egg hunt at 10:00 Saturday morning. When you think of Easter egg hunts sunny skies come to mind. NO!! Heavy coats, gloves, and hats were on our mind. Once we got out to the park all that was on our mind is to hurry up get what you can and then lets get back in the car before we all freeze. Although it felt like winter the girls had a great time. You don't see Anthony because egg hunts are way below him. He is to "cool" to do such a thing.

When will it melt!!

2007-02-15T14:56:00.001-08:00

I had no intention going outside today. Simply because with wind chill we are in the negative numbers. But changed my mind when the girls wanted to go out and play in it. So being a good mom I joined them. It was a good choice to go out because I got my garage area plowed out. See there was this guy plowing the parking lot for the school and I went to him to make sure that he wasn't going to block us from getting out. Like any Byrne I was ready to get mean, combat boot time!! But I was able to unlace my boots because this was a very nice man. He offered to plow my narrow path wider and to also plow around the garage so I could back my car out. Before he started to plow we struck a conversation, I know not really hard for me, about air brushing and body work on cars. Come to find out this guy has his own heated garage where he airbrushes and has his own vinyl cutter. I also found out that he rides dirt bikes!! Right up my husbands alley. So I gave him Roberts business card and we will see what happens. I also put a plug in for myself since he does screen printing on t-shirts for a cheerleading squad. Yep you got it, I let him know that I make the cheerleading hairbows. I will keep you all posted if anything comes out of it.

Here is a video that I made of the kids today in the snow. Gabi and Olivia you need to come and help them learn to sled!!

When will it melt!!

2007-02-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Checking out the damage!!

2007-02-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Boy is it cold out there. The wind has stopped but it is still bitterly cold. I just came in from outside and was only able to stay out for 30 min. My fingers are frozen and I can't feel my cheeks. But as promised here are some more pictures. When I thaw out I will post more.

Our Giant Sandbox!!

2007-02-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have last posted. But I feel like today would be an ideal time to give a Smith family update. As everyone probably knows by now Illinois got hit hard today. The news is only showing what happened in Chicago. But down here in good 'ol Odell we got more snow then we know what to do with. The snow started falling sometime after 10pm last night, that was the time that this old fart went to bed!! By the time morning came we had a good couple inches on the ground. Now it is 8:22 central time and the snow is about done. We have been battling snow and 40mph winds. In some places around our house there is only 8 inches but as you continue to walk around there are spots where there are 3 feet. Yes you read that right, 3 feet of this fluffy white stuff. The snow also drifted into the windows through the screens where it is reading 1 foot at the highest peak in the window and 5 inches at the lowest peak. That is just not right for snow to be sitting in between the window and screen at a foot.

My friends in the south please have sympathy on us up here. And my friends that are going to get hit or are currently getting hit by snow we can cry together. School is closed again tomorrow so maybe the wind will die down so the kids can go out and play. The wind was just blowing to hard to let the kids go out today.

Here are some pictures that Robert just took, I will get some better ones tomorrow.

Lizzie got a job!!

2007-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

School started last week, but I wasn't there. I wasn't able to earn enough money for the monthly tuition. Whoever priced college textbooks needs to be shot. My books were going to cost $245, which I did not earn. So..... when the program manager who hires for the autistic rooms heard of this he called me and offered me a full time position with the 3 and 4 year olds. What was holding me back this time?? Nothing. I accepted the position and just finished my first week. I loved it. Maybe not the hussle and bussle that it takes to get 4 people out of the house in time, but I loved working with the kids. I look at this one boy, who has very little verbal skills, and wonder what is running through his mind. That is the hardest thing with autistic children. If they don't have the verbal skills to tell you what they need the only way to show anger is to act out. That is were the teachers come in. To calm this child and teach him ways to cope with the difficult task of communicating. I could never imagine having something to say but not being able to get it out. Those of you that know me, knows that Lizzie doesn't shut up. Goodness my head would explode if I couldn't talk. Just think what these children are feeling?? Poor little guys.

Anyway, other than work, all is well up here in the windy city. Still cold and still hating the weather. Give me a few years maybe it will grow on me. I did get my first LARGE cheerleading bow order. It is for 16 of these suckers at $7 a piece. You can do the math and know that I will earn some money on this one. Boy that is going to be nice!! With Madelyn running a fever of 102.5 we are both going to stay in bed. Her being entertained by the t.v. while I make bows. I am going to make as many as I can with the ribbon that I have on me, and finish later in the week when my ribbon order gets in . Hopefully I have enough to make at least half of the order today. With working out of the house it has definitely limited my time to do other things.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. But before I close my post I must post the latest in my collection. I am starting to make socks to match my bows. For $14.00 you get 1 bow and 1 pair of socks (yes you will get one for each foot, for those who have trouble understanding what a "pair" is). If you would like another bow it will be an additional $6.00. I have also posted a new cheerleading bow order that I had and a plaque order. Enjoy!!

Left alone by myself.....

2007-01-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

After taking a morning nap once the kids left for school my day was rather productive. For weeks now I have been asking my husband to take the door down leading to the basement. Of course his response everytime was "I'll get to it later." Well today I decided to take matters into my own hands. Yes you guessed it, I took it down. It didn't take long and nothing was damaged in my destruction. This is what happens when you leave me alone by myself!! The door is gone!!

After taking this wall down I put a little more spackling on the wall so tomorrow I can finish painting. The hallway is almost complete except for a few areas that needed fixing.
I then called it a day!! But I did find time to make a few more bows and get them downloaded to the computer. When downloading these pictures I found some others that Madelyn must have taken. You can always tell it was her because she only includes half of her victim in the frame.

Cheerleading Bow

Here is that lovely model again!!

She hasn't improved any!!

My new creation

Who knows what Madelyn was doing to Phlafee

Okay it's now my turn!!

2007-01-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

Since the rest of the sisters have updated their blogs, especially Jenni, I guess it is now my turn to do the same. Christmas break has been so relaxing and lazy. All of the things that I had intended on doing never got done.

Not much has really happened here in Illinois. Weather is still cold but the snow and ice are finally gone. We actually had a day when it was 50 degrees and Robert was able to wash my poor little car. Who knew it was white!! My friend across the street got a foster baby, he is 2 days old (12/21/06). When I heard this I was right over!! He is so precious and innocent. Of course I watched him several times in the past 2 weeks. The first day I had him I just stared at him. What a precious gift from God children are. I would look at all his little features and then at my grown kids. Were their ears ever that small?? Did I ever hold them with just one hand?? At one point I even questioned if I would want another one, that feeling left quick. I enjoy my freedom that not having a baby allows you. Sure I enjoyed that stage when my 3 were that young but I also enjoy the stage they are in now. Sleeping through the night is the biggest perk!!

Well school starts tomorrow and I am going to take the rest of the week off. I am going to take a break from after the break. For the past 2 weeks all 3 kids and my husband have been home. This does not include all of the kids friends that came over and then never left. It seemed that every other night we would have someone sleep over. It is great though that my kids have made friends in the neighborhood. Tomorrow I am going to paint the downstairs hallway. It has been taped for some time now and waiting for paint!!

As far as New Years resolutions go, I don't have one. New Years eve we went to downtown Pontiac for the First Night celebration, it stunk. But the girls wanted to go so we went. The only thing that was worth anything was the 2 inflatables and the balloon guy. After that we went to Pizza Hut for dinner. I didn't make it to central time New Years but stayed awake for eastern time and saw the ball drop. It did take me a while to realize that my family would be in 2007 before I was!! But I was going to get a jumpstart on my sleep. With Robert snoring and this constant ringing in my ear I don't sleep much anymore. I am going to go to the doctor on Friday to see why they are doing this. My mom said that her ears started ringing when she was around my age. Back then there was little they could do for her, hopefully that has changed with time. I'll keep you all updated. As my mom would say "Pardon!!"

Well I must go now and get the girls to bed. Robert is out of town for the week so bedtime is left up to me.

Hope you all have a great New Year!!

My new bow holder made for my neice!!

With bows hanging on it. Buy one now for $12.00!!

BOWS FROM THE CRAZY BOW LADY

2006-12-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to post my latest bows!! It wouldn't be Christmas without a bow entry!! I have just started making cheerleading bows. So if anyone knows a cheerleader that is in need of a bow send them my way, I can make them any color. (NOTICE: Some plaques could not be represented as of this time because they are gifts that have yet to be seen!! Sorry Jenn and Em)

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope everyone is or has had, depending on when you read this, a Merry Christmas. Ours went well. The kids let us sleep in until 8:30 and then we started our day with a tradition we have done for the past 8 years. We gather in mom and dads bed to read the Christmas story out of the Bible. After a prayer thanking God for the many provisions for the past year we then go to open the gifts. Although money has been real tight since the move, we were able to sell some items on eBay to earn enough to buy the kids an air hockey/pool table. But I usually buy other gifts for the kids so there is something under the tree for them to unwrap. Because of the love and commitment of our families, they sent gifts. This allowed our kids to have presents to open Christmas morning, it is a little hard to cram a table under a tree!! So we would like to thank my whole family(so many to list!), Robert's aunt Lesa and uncle Joe, Robert's grandmother, and his mom for sending gifts. I just wanted you all to know how greatly both Robert and I appreciate that.

After opening the gifts from our extended family we gave the kids each a gift that goes to the air hockey table and pool table. Each child had a hockey puck and a handle. Of course Anthony knew exactly what it was but the girls had no clue. We then gave them another gift that had the pool table balls. Madelyn and Alyssa were still clueless, that is until we brought them downstairs!! Their expressions were priceless when they saw the table set up and ready to play air hockey. Anthony couldn't figure out why he didn't have a puck in his wrapped gift. That is because after our neighbor helped carry this heavy table in, Robert and I played on it for an hour, we HAD to make sure it worked!!

So all in all it has been a good Christmas. I still miss spending this time with mom and crew but it has still been a relaxing day. Okay enough blabbing here is what everyone comes to my sight for, to see pictures!! Enjoy and have a blessed Christmas.

Where has the time gone

2006-12-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

hello all, i have not been on in some time. the day i think i am going to post something else moves to the top of the list.

not much going on here in the cold weather. i have been working as much as i can while trying to sell my beloved bows and bow holders. the kids are now out of school so we have a few weeks to sleep in!! in 4 more days i get to give them their air hockey/pool table, i can not wait!! i have done very good in not giving it to them early.

we are staying here in illinois for christmas. i am a little upset about that, i love to visit my family for the holidays. but since we went home for thanksgiving we don't have the money to go home for Christmas. so hopefully with playing on the air hockey table all day it will make me feel better about not going to see my mom, sisters, nieces, nephew, and my beloved granny.

i had a bow order last week to a teacher at my kids school. i made her a beautiful christmas bow. i brought some of my other things that i made and she also bought 2 white bows and put an order in for a bow holder!!! while there i got an order for 4 more bows!!! hopefully this is a start to earning some money for my talents.

oh, thanks jenn (my older sister) for being my first offical bow order. you will need to send me pictures so i can post them and let everyone see my creations.

i wanted to add to my posts some of the new bows that i have made. i made a door plaque for my sisters little one for christmas so i can not yet show that. it turned out so cute, i can not wait to show everyone. enjoy!!

More to do about hair bows!!!!

2006-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yes it is another post about hair bows!! I made this kitty one yesterday to match with the girls Gymboree line city sidewalk. It turned out real cute but my model wasn't cooperating!! Longer post later. I have waisted my morning playing on the computer and I took the day off to do some much needed cleaning. My husband also just called wanting me to make 2 snack trays for their work get together on Thursday. ARG!! I am going to make forgotten cookies and hopefully won't sample to many of them. TTFK must go clean and make cookies.

!!!!!!!!!!!Hair Bows!!!!!!!

2006-12-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my cousin Stephanie and sister Emily for promoting my bows on their blogs. If I knew how to link them to this entry I would. Anyway, the reason I am posting about my bows and that I really need to make some extra money. Not only for the Christmas season coming upon us, but because I start school in about a month and I have to earn enough money to buy my books. I don't understand why a regular book, just as big as a textbook, costs less than a college text book. $100 for a book that you use for less than 6 months, come on!!

So that is why I am trying to get into the hair bow business. I have tried to sell these on eBay but the competition is enormous. That is what has led me to try and promote myself on a blog entry. Here are the prices:

Basic baby hairbows (on a snap clip or an alligator clip) - $2.00

Large single bow (for big girls) - $5.00 or 2/$8.00

Large double bow (for big girls) - $7.00 2/$10.00

Valentines bow shown in picture - $10.00

Reindeer bow (you get 2) - $9.00

Both Holders - $12

I can make these any color you would like and put them on a clip that will work with your daughters hair.

I am also promoting my hair bow holders. These are great for displaying all of the bows that you buy from me :) I am also making door hangers with your child's name on it. The bow holders can also be personalized.

Lets put an incentive to buy them. If you buy anything listed on this blog I will ship your first order for FREE!!! Yes I am desperate. This is something that I enjoy doing. I also like to see little girls still look like little girls. My daughters go to school everyday with some form of decoration in there hair. Whether it is piggy tails with a bow on each one or a simple braid with a bow at the end. When I go into the school people now tell me how beautiful my girls are and that they can easily identify them by the bows in their hair!!

How long will the ice stay

2006-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

My parking lot/driveway and the sidewalk. Look at all that ice!!

You all have probably wondered "what happened to the new blogger?" No I didn't die in this ice storm we had. But I will tell you this, it hasn't gotten any warmer. It was a week ago today that the first snow storm hit this tiny town and we are still suffering from it. Well maybe not the whole town. Ok probably nobody but me is suffering. We still have snow on the roof of the house and on the grass. But what gets me is the ice still on the hood of my car. One would think that with driving for 30 min. one way to substitute that the ice would slide off from the warmth of the engine. But of course not, it can't since the temperature outside is still below freezing. How can you thaw out when the temperature is still in the single digits.

My poor little car check out the ice on the hood!!

Well this morning when I was driving my 7 year old to the doctors a chunk of ice desides to melt enough that it fly's off the hood. Yes a 4 by 2 piece of ice came flying at my windshield at 55 miles an hour. Once it came in contact with the glass it shattered, thank goodness nobody was behind me.

When going anywhere in Illinois you must be careful when pulling into or driving in parking lots. Yep you got it, there is still ice on the ground. I am afraid to park in a spot that is covered in ice. I can see it now, tires spinning as it is trying to gain traction. Then, BANG, right into the car next to me. No that didn't happen but it is just a feeling I have. Needless to say I park on solid ground, even if it means walking a mile in sub-degree temperatures just to get into Wal-Mart.

The cold has also had its effects on my little girl. I brought her to the doctor today with a fever and came out knowing why. Double ear infection. The little one was up once last night crying because it hurt so bad. As parents we want to be able to comfort our little ones. But last night there was nothing that I could do about it. All I could tell her was to try and sleep and that once the doctor opened this morning she would be the first one in the door. She did fall back to sleep and woke up when the others did,at 7am. She sat on my lap and ebayed for a little with me then climbed up on the couch were she got some well needed rest. The best thing about being a child is that you can go to the doctor in what you rolled out of bed in. She had on her cute "I love candy" jj's. I slipped my yellow Nautica fleece on her and put her furry pink slippers on, then off we went. Since slippers are not proper outside in the snow shoes I gave her a piggy back ride to the car, she enjoyed that but my back didn't.

We only waited for a brief time at the doctors before being seen. After examining her she was offered a shot and medicine or just medicine. I convinced her that a shot would allow her to sleep tonight. She agreed and was so brave as the needle went into her leg. She tensed up, you could see the pain in her eyes, but she didn't cry. What a brave little girl.

After dropping her prescription off at Walgreens we went to McDonalds, that always makes things better!! I got her a McChicken and a vanilla shake. Her response to the shake was, "this is so good, I just can't stop drinking!!" Those who know Alyssa can hear and see her saying that. Those who don't know her let me let you into her little mind. She is very expressive and dramatic when she talks. So imagine her saying that with all the expression she can muster up!! What a doll baby.

She is now sleeping on my bed with pillows under her head, doctors orders!! I hate that she is sick but have enjoyed the past two days with her. Especially after telling her dad that the best part about being homeschooled, although I put them in public school about 6 weeks ago, was that she was able to spend more time with mommy. So these past 2 days have meant the world to me, because I know it meant the world to her :)

I must go now and make sure she is okay. I have to get her better by Monday since I have to work in the autistic room all next week. I have the money for my tuition for January now I must earn money for the books ($245!!). Well ta-ta-for-now. Or TTFN as Tiger would say!!

Still sound asleep. Get well my sweet baby!!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!

2006-12-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

As you can see by the title these southerners have had their first round of snow. It started yesterday with light rain. Keeping a close eye on the radar I called my partner in snow crime Emily who lives in New York for some advise. She reminded me what are mother has always taught us, "always be prepared!" So off I go to the grocery store to load up on the essentials; milk, eggs, bread, and chocolate!! When I get to the store the cheap 2% milk is completely gone!! Being that I refuse to buy the high dollar milk I buy whole milk. About 5:00 the freezing rain began and continued until I fell asleep at 10:30. When I woke up this morning at 6:30 to see what mother nature had done and to check on the school closings, if any, the wind was gusting and snow was falling. I come downstairs to my 7 year olds first thought of the weather. She said, and I quote, "Mom, have you seen outside? Holy cow!!" That was just priceless.

My first choice is to check the schools website to see if school was cancelled. Internet was down. Next I turn on the TV but all that was being reported was closings in the Chicago area. Then the house went silent. Power is out. No now it is back on, well long enough to turn on the radio and hear that school was indeed closed. Power is out again and will be for the next 6 hours.

Robert gets the car scraped off to go find a gas station that is open so we can get gas for the generator. By the time he got the generator up and running and the furnace rigged so it would run, the electricity comes back on. We finally allow the kids to get suited up to go experience something that they had never done before. They had seen snow before but not in this magnitude!! Enough of me babbling, enjoy the pictures!!

As I am just about to publish my post I hear a noise outside that sounded like someone mowing the lawn. Why would anyone be doing that when there is snow on the ground. Okay you people who are reading this that live in the north know exactly what it is. You got it is a snow blower!! Being that we live next to the catholic school and church they must keep the sidewalk clear for their people. So here is a picture of the man plowing the snow with his John Deere snow blower!!

All in a Days Work II

2006-11-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't post last night but sleep was calling my name. We started the day bright and early at 6am, arriving to the airport at 8:00. Being that I am cheap I told Robert to just drop us off and I could do the rest. So the 3 kids, 6 suitcases, 2 car seats, a laptop bag, my purse and I start the journey to the ticket counter. A nice man offers to take the car seats, which are slung behind my back, to Southwest’s ticket counter. I hesitated because I am a Byrne I don't need help. After a short thought period I took the generous mans offer and let him carry the car seats. Upon arriving in the long line I took the seats back, for he was going in the opposite line. The line for those who still needed a boarding pass, Friday night I had already printed mine off. So off we go into the labyrinth to get to the ticket counter. After a long weaving in and out of ropes we finally arrive at the destination. My heaviest bag weighed in at 47.5 pounds, just made it. Now that we had lifted a heavy burden off our backs we headed off to the security line. By the time we finally make it to the gate it was an hour later. Flight went well, kids did fine, and grandma was waiting for us at the end. Okay that was a quick summary of my Saturday.

Now to finish my post from Friday night.

At the end of the school day Friday I spoke with the lead teacher once again and she once again recommended for me to talk with Bill. This time right when I got home I called him. He was very interested in hiring me to work in the autistic room. I told him my school schedule and he gave me two options. First, move my classes to the evening and work full time under contract as a teacher’s aide. Or second, stay on the sub list and keep my school schedule and earn my teaching degree. I chose option two. I have goals of eventually becoming the lead teacher of the class. I have goals to know what the best way of helping a child with autism. Without getting my degree either one of those goals is not possible.

So I am putting the year long dream once again on hold, on hold for my education and on hold for my kids. If I worked everyday 8-3 I wouldn't be able to see my children bouncing onto the school bus in the morning. I wouldn't be able to see my children getting off the bus in the afternoon. Was I really ready to miss that all for a minimum wage position?? No. My number one priority is still my children and what their needs are. There will come a day that mom standing on the front porch greeting you as you come off the bus won't be important. Was I really ready to miss watching the girls running across the street excited about telling me things that happened at school. No I wasn't. I wasn't ready to have to miss the class parties, school field trips, or just going to the school to see how all is going.

So my dear readers now you know. I have put my goals and dreams back down the list so my 3 sweet children will always know that their mom loves them and will be here for them always. I will still go to school to eventually earn my degree. I will substitute in the special education classes but on my terms. Those days that the kids need me at home to nurse them back to health. Those days when there is a school party and my kids need me to be there to celebrate with them. For those birthday parties that I will bring in cupcakes and eat lunch with them. My terms without being under contract. So that full time job will still have to wait. There will come a time when I will have that full time job with a 4 year college degree, but not right now. I still have many things and places that I must be at.

So there you have it, my decision. I need to be a mom first and foremost.

Oh almost forgot. The dance went well. Here is a picture of Anthony dancing with a girl!!! Remember my most important job is to me a mom first and foremost, this is one of those times. My children will always know they are top priority in my life.

All in a days work

2006-11-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have about 15 min. to post before dinner has to be made. It is 5:45 and in an hour I must run to my sons school to chaperon his first school dance. But before this can be done I must cook dinner for the other two plus a husband. But first let me run through the past two days.

Yesterday morning I was sitting at my computer im'ing with my younger sister, a normal morning ritual now!! I received a phone call that got me extremely excited. It was from the special education co-op department wanting me to substitute in their autistic room. I was elated!! See last year in TN I subbed a lot in the autistic rooms and fell immediately in love. That is what has driven me back to school to get a degree in special education focusing in autism, I start in January. Anyway, I immediately said yes but it would take about an hour to get there since I was still in my pajamas, hair all frazzled. I quickly ran all the way to the top and picked through my wardrobe to find the best "first impression" outfit. It was quickly found with a pair of Express editor dark gray pants, a light gray Express ribbed turtleneck, and of course the perfect black to shoes. But wait I still had to find 5 silver earrings to complement and pull the outfit together. After much searching they were found!! I get to the second floor and stuck my head under the faucet to get it to sit down, I had washed it the night before and went to sleep with it wet. Now I go down one more floor where the blow dryer and gel is. We keep the blow dryer on the 1st floor for my husband won't wake everyone up at 5am with the noise. My hair was behaving very nicely so it didn't take me long. With a spray of Chanel Mademoiselle I was ready to impress. Well I thought I was ready until I looked out the window and saw the trees being thrown every which way. You guessed it up 3 flights I went to gather my gray dress coat with black scarf. Now I am ready, forget about lunch I will pick something up on the way. I hop in the cold car and off I go, please no tickets today. After calling my husband and briefing him with the news, I get on the phone with my younger sister to finish our morning talks. I pass the Subway where I was going to get lunch. Yes Granny I was on that "damn cell phone!!" Oh well lunch wasn't going to happen today, school cafeteria food I don't eat!! Getting off the phone I pull into the parking lot. All went great, I felt right at home. The day went better when I was told that I could have a 30 min. lunch break with no kids!! In TN there wasn't enough teachers in the room to eat by yourself, so I was ecstatic.

I have 3 more min. to post.

At the end of the day the lead teacher comes back to the room, she was in a meeting the second half of the day. She tells me that she just had a meeting with the hiring manager for the autistic room and that they were needing to hire another aide. Yes you guessed it, she asked me if I would be interested. OMG!!! This is what I have been waiting for for a year. I was thrilled!! She gave me a number to call Bill and tell him that I was indeed interested in the job. I tried to call at 4:30 but the office was already closed. I searched the internet for the Co-ops website and found his email. I sent him my resume and told him that I would be interested in becoming a full time employee.

Well readers you are going to have to wait until tomorrow night to find out if I get or except the position!! Sorry but I have to go cook dinner and then get dressed for the dance!! I feel like Cinderella!!

Spare the rod Spoil the CAT

2006-11-15T06:06:00.000-08:00

Short little fat black cat!!

We have all heard the saying "spare the rod, spoil the child." Well , does this pertain to short little fat black cats?? Because I think I might have one of them. See when we moved to this big house in a little town it was overwhelming, for someone that is only about a foot off the ground, to absorb. Our old home was only 1,700 sq.ft. with no steps, well maybe just a few. My bedroom was off the family room where I would retreat every night after the kids went to sleep. Shortly after settling in bed here she comes crying the whole time. For she knew that it meant that my time would be devoted to her. Until she jumps on the bed and finds that my time now is being taken up by a laptop, looking for this big house in a little town. I would ignore her demands and continue my searching on the world wide web. She of course didn't agree with my decision on how I wanted to spend my time. So she would simply plop herself down on the computer and wouldn't move until she got HER time.

We have now picked up and moved and her little house has grown. My bedroom now is not off the family room and we have I would say about 30-35 steps from top to bottom in this house. So yea I would have to agree with my previous statement that it is overwhelming for a little kitty. Once we moved in and got settled I noticed she was loosing weight. I immediately thought of kidney failure since I just lost one to that illness. I started to worry because I didn't want to have to go through that emotional roller coaster again in such a short period of time.

Thinking back on the events in the past month and a half I realized that the time I use to devote to her had diminished. It was showing in her weight loss. My focus then was turned to her and to fatten her back up. Knowing that wet food, with having 4 cats they usually don't get this, has a high fat content I started the routine of giving it to her in the morning when I woke up. The morning routine grew into an afternoon routine, then moved into evening routine. While still in the "breakfast routine" stage I would spend quality time just with her, just like I do with my 3 children. While the kids were in school I would lay on the living room floor and pet her until she gave up or until I told her that was enough. It worked!! She was growing back into what my son calls "the short little fat black cat."

But now I have a slight problem, she expects wet food. You can't just ignore her and tell her no. She gets louder. I let her eat on the counter for the other cats don't steal it from her, they are already good and plump. When I am making breakfast or cooking dinner she runs in the kitchen, up on the heater, across the counter, over the stove (even if its on), and over to her eating spot. Then she talks to you. It first starts in a low sweet cry. The more you ignore her the louder she gets. I give in. Fine kitty you win. She gets fed. Now you see I am stuck with feeding her wet food 3 times a day. The dilemma is you can't ignore her because now every time you go in the kitchen she expects food. Also, being such a stubborn cat if you got the wrong food at the store she won't eat it. She will sit on the counter and cry until you give her the flavor she likes. She doesn't like the ground up food, she likes the sliced. Before she even eats it she must snort at it several times allow the other cats, Phlafee (pronounced fluffy) in particular, to catch wind of what is going on in the kitchen. You guessed it I have to feed them, or her, also. So my readers it is my own fault. I have spared the rod and spoiled my cat!!

Phlafee the food stealer!!

Goodnight to the Old Lady Whispering HUSH.... Goodnight Noises Everywhere......

2006-11-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Goodnight you ask?? But it is only 7:46 am here in the big city of Odell or Ordell if you are a 89 year old grandmother. Why you ask are we talking about going to bed?? Restless sleep maybe?? Having a bad Monday?? Kids driving you up the wall?? Well dear bloggers it has been a good Monday so far. All the kids got downstairs in a timely order. Madelyn didn't choose to scream when she can't get something on or if her pants keep falling down from her small frame. Alyssa didn't argue about what I picked for her to wear. And Anthony actually came down in his clean Ralph Lauren jeans instead of his orange holey running pants. They ate their breakfast like good children, then gathered their backpacks and tucked their lunchboxes inside and ran to the schoolbus. Well not Madelyn, I make sure that she brings the lunch box that clips to the front of her Cinderella backpack. You see the second day my children went to school; they were homeschooled for a month, good topic for another blog. Okay anyway Madelyn with her lunchbox. So on the second day of school Madelyn comes bouncing off the school bus with lunchbox in hand. Like a kind mom I unburden her from her bags and walk my children into the warm house. Realizing that Madelyn's lunch box was awefull heavy I asked her why she didn't eat her lunch. She replied that she did. Slightly confused by the weight of her box I ask why her food is still in it. She delightfully exclaims that they gave her a ticket. A ticket?? That would be her abbreviated term for a lunch ticket. My darling 5 year old tells her teacher that she doesn't have a lunch and that she must get lunch from the cafeteria. In turn she got a "ticket." I am still slightly confused on why they didn't call me to bring a lunch for her because she clearly didn't have money to pay for this so called "ticket." But she was able to eat lunch so how she got it or how much she didn't pay for it shouldn't bother. Umm NO!! If I didn't lay the law down right there she would be getting "tickets" everyday of the week. In a gentle mothering tone, with a little force, I told her that mommy has to buy those "tickets" they are not free. So please my little one eat your lunch I pack for you.

So completely off the subject of why I am talking about sleep already. Sunday night, 8:45, my husband informs me that it is time for him to call it a day and go to sleep. I am thinking that there is no way I will be going to bed this early and choose to continue playing on the computer. At 11:00 I start the long journey to the tippy top of my house, the attic. (Refer to previous post) On this journey I imagine climbing into my warm comfy bed and drifting off to sleep wondering what tomorrow will bring. I get to the top and all you see in my room is the glow from the floor heater. See when houses were built back in the day attics were not finished and as a result the heat was not distributed in that part of the house. So we must have a floor heater to keep us warm. Okay back to the ambiance in the room. The glow of the floor heater, the humming of the ceiling fan, and the gentle purr of my calico persian on the bed. I slip my down slippers off and climb under the crisp white eyelet sheets and turn my mattress warmer on full blast. I tuck the cover around my body forming a cocoon, for not a bit of cold air should enter. Resting my head on my pillow and ready to drift off to sleep. NOT!! My quiet comfortable mode is changed to "good god." The saw starts going. No not the people in the church next door building a new alter. But my husband warming up for the grant finale, which by the way doesn't end till 5am when he must get up. Yea great for me. It begins with a loud sawing sound entering through his noise. Then silence. You hear nothing. But be ready because what goes in must come out. With a LOUD blowing hissing noise a burst of air explodes from his mouth. Yes dear readers my husband snores. But not your average kick him in the side snore and once he rolls over it will stop. NO!! No matter how many times you kick, or bang your hand on the headboard, or loudly sigh it goes on all night.

WELL.....

When God created this world he choose the 7th day to rest. But if you look at the small print he also wrote "or when your snoring husband goes out of town." And the chorus sings Hallelujah!!! Hallelujah!! We can sleep tonight!!! So that is my story. Bedtime will come early tonight for the ambiance in the room will not be int interrupted by saws.

Goodnight to the old lady whispering hush......

Goodnight room......

Goodnight mush......

Goodnight red balloon.....

Goodnight little kitty (okay so that wasn't in the book!!).......

Goodnight noises everywhere......

The Move take 2

2006-11-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

i was going to write a long in depth book on our move but thought that would bore most people, so i deleted it. now "take 2," i am going to go with how we found our new house in Chicago, IL. well not really Chicago since we are 90 min away from the city. we live in a city that most people can't find on a map. is it even on a map?? i don't know but i bet all have heard of rt. 66. yes the highway that ran from Chicago to California.

that is until Eisenhower thought up a wonderful idea called the interstates. hwy55 was put in and the thriving city of Odell became a ghost town. restaraunts and hotels were no longer needed, nor was the old gas station. but our house was still needed.

before i start on what my house looks like let me back up a couple months. no no don't worry i am not going to go into the long story of selling the old house, but will one day get my emotions down about the move.

Jelly Bean

laying in bed watching TV and playing on the laptop while petting my black persian, my husband Robert tells my son to "go and show mommy this house on realtor.com." which by the way became my favorite website for months!! looking up the mls number i see a house that is listed with 11 bedrooms, all brick for a low price of $147,000. what!! there has to be a catch or something must be terribly wrong with it. but i fell in love with the outside and knew that it was going to be mine. Robert would be going back to IL the next day and be able to look inside.

anxiously waiting, i finally get pictures at around 9 that night, IL time, 10 TN time. the pictures didn't really show the character of the house. remember this house was being photographed by a man. you ladies know that men do not look for the things women do. things like how big are the closets. is there a dishwasher, i don't do dishes!! do i have to go far to get my mail?? in the IL wind i am not going to go to a post office just to retrieve bills. even without decent pictures i told him to put an offer on it, for i fell in love with the outside of this all brick 5,500 sq.ft. house.

my new home

this house, in the big, 1100 people, town of Odell was where i was going to call home. it was built in 1915 where several nuns called this house home. It was then sold to Martin Luther, not the activist, to run a home for handicap adults. 10 years ago a couple bought it and had raised numerous foster kids. now it is mine. the elderly couple couldn't keep up with it anymore so they had to sell.

without even looking on the inside i told my husband to make an offer. "are you sure," he asks. i loved the outside and with several gallons of paint i can make this house my home. so negotiations started and paperwork began. after about 30min. of negotiating, and back and forth phone calls with my husband, we settled on a final price of $137,000. yes you read that right an all brick 5,500 sq.ft. home for the low price of $137,000. they even agreed to leave all the appliances, washer and dryer included.

chapel with original stained glass windows

what have we done with all those rooms? on the first floor we have a kitchen, dining room, living room (was the old chapel with original stained glass windows), computer room, full bathroom, and a guest bedroom.

the second floor consists of 9 rooms, 3 of decent size and the others are 9x9 rooms. these nuns didn't need much space!! my 3 children have their own room, my husbands computer room, my sons play room, a central computer room where all the networking stuff is, my art room, and 2 rooms that we have no idea what to do with. this floor also has a half bath and a full bath. to the end of that small hallway is a sunroom with small wood strips for the ceiling and old antique windows around it.

okay so where is the master bedroom you ask. that would be the 1,000 sq ft finished attic. yes that is my room, i tell the movers, as we are figuring out how to move my enormous king size framed canopy poster bed all the way to the top. i have 6 dormer closets and 4 dormer windows. with only a bed, dresser, and nightstand, the room looks empty.

our room prior to moving in

we also have a full basement with the girls play room, a laundry room, a half bath i can the dungeon bathroom, a large room that has the 4 zone hot water contraption to keep this house warm, and then another large area where the kids can play. their little tykes basketball goal goes down there also!!

so that is my house in a nutshell. i hope i didn't bore you with details. enjoy the pictures!!