I write and write and write. I am looking for authors and down-to-earth people who share my interest and can give a novice, like myself, good advice in this exciting but demanding field. Looking forward to hearing from you. God Bless!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year!!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy and Safe New Year. Whatever you are doing tonight please be smart and safe. I've made my New Year's resolutions. Have you? I am looking forward to 2009. I know it will bring changes (hopefully, many of them positive). It will definitely be an interesting year. Please be safe tonight and have a wonderful New Year's Eve.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Dressing up mom

Oh, boy...what you will do for your kids. The boys decided that they wanted to make me beautiful yesterday. Thank goodness they didn't get into the make-up. HA! Actually, I look better than previous dress ups. They picked out my dress and jewelry and did my hair. Doesn't look too bad until you look at the shoes...heehee. They were so proud of themselves.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Family & friends

I have had some time to reflect this year. Greg and I have mentioned several times how lucky we are and what a great life we have. There are many people in this world that aren't so lucky. They may not have a home to live in or clothes to wear. They may not know where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep at night. They may not have parents or family that care for them or love them.

It's very sad to think of all the people in our own country, not to mention in other parts of the world, that don't feel the love of a parent or a friend or comfort of a home environment. Let's all try to appreciate what we have and do our best to spread the wealth and do what we can to help others. This is the time of year for sharing and giving and loving one another. It should last all year long not just at Christmas time.

Don't let this year go by without telling someone how special they are and how much they mean to you. Make a resolution to be more involved with your kids activities next year, or make that phone call that you have been meaning to make for so long, or just stop and smell the roses and think about what God has given you if you'd only reach out and take it.

Take time to think before you speak. Be considerate of others feelings. Be understanding of their situation whatever it may be. Don't judge people. That job is for God only. You never know what someone's life is like unless you walk a mile in their moccasins. And don't let a day go by without telling someone that you love them. Life is too short to hold grudges and to not mend fences. Someday that loved one may not be around any longer and you'll wish you'd told them how you felt. Peace and love to everyone! I hope you are enjoying the holidays to the fullest.

You mean, some kids may not have gotten toys for Christmas...?

Christmas is a time of giving. I keep trying to install this type of thinking in my children. "It's not all about the toys and presents", I tell them. It's about Jesus birthday and giving and sharing with others. Especially others that are less fortunate than yourself. Well, yesterday when we all got up I decided this would be a good time to sort through some toys and do some recycling. I told the boys that Santa had been really good to them this year and that it would be really nice if they sorted through some of their toys and picked out the ones that they didn't play with anymore and gave them to other little boys and girls that maybe didn't have any toys to play with. I'll never forget Michael's face as I told him that there are some children in this world that don't have a very good Christmas. They either don't have a home to live in, their parents don't have enough money to buy them anything. Some of them don't even have their own room or bed to sleep in at night. He just kept looking at me like, 'How could a child live like that'. Well, we all know that some don't. But I got them to sort through some toys and we got a pretty big bag full. Next week, we'll all go to the local consignment/toy shop in town and the boys can give them their toys and they can see how giving is such an important gesture in today's society. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 26, 2008

WOW! Did that tornado hit your house, too?!....

Well, it's over. Or should I say, the opening presents part is over. We still keep our tree and decorations up for about 12 days after Christmas (alas...The Twelve Days of Christmas).
We had a really nice Christmas.

We always go over to my parents in KC along with my sister and her family on Christmas Eve. Things got started a little later than planned so we were rushing to get our kids back home to take care of all the Christmas traditions of putting cookies (or in this case, a brownie and a piece of cake) and milk out for Santa, letting the kids open 1 present before going to bed, putting the reindeer food out on the lawn, and reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Plus, Michael had lost another tooth earlier that day so we had to put that in an envelope and leave it under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy. The boys were so excited.

My mom & dad drove back over to our house that night and spent the night so they could be there in the morning to spend time with the boys. They really enjoyed it and we were so glad they were willing to travel so much on Christmas Day. They left about lunch time to go to my sister's in Holden for Christmas dinner. I cooked a turkey dinner for us here at home and a good friend of ours came over to share it with us. Greg wasn't feeling very good Christmas Eve or Christmas morning but, bless his heart, he cowboyed up and hung in there putting toys together and playing with the boys. By the end of the day he was feeling better. It was a good day.


Runnebaum Christmas in Kansas - Dec. 19th


Boy, I've really got a lot of catching up to do, huh...

We had Greg's side of the Christmas last weekend. It's always such a great time. Everyone gets along so well (even with the family being so large). Greg is the youngest of 15 children. Needless to say, we can't have a get together at anyone's house so we rent out a church hall in a nearby town and hang out there all day. It's great fun. We all bring food and, of course, DRINK and have dinner at noon. Then we open presents. Santa showed up this year and handed out gifts to all the kids. They were so excited! The adults have a mens and womans white elephant gift exchange. Everyone gathers in a circle and picks numbers and then goes around a opens their gift. Of course, you can elect to either open the gift that corresponds to the number you drew or you can choose to take someone else's gift and give them your unwrapped gift. It's a lot of fun. Everyone has a great time hanging out, visiting & catching up, drinking, playing cards and watching kids. Enjoy the pics....

Christmas Program - Dec. 17th



The boys had their school Christmas program a couple of weeks ago. The church was packed....standing room only. The kids were so cute and did so well. It's so wonderful to see all their smiling faces and here all the LOUD singing...ha!

Mojo Christmas party - Dec. 13th

Well, I've got my computer back. Not sure if it's any better. I'm still seeing some problems but that's for another post...heh heh..

Our Mojo biker group got together for our annual Christmas bash of holiday cheer. It was a good time. I think we're all getting old. Even though we all had a great time and were performing some crazy antics throughout the night, the party disbursted before midnight. Which is very early for some of the Mojos. Needless to say, even with everyone leaving at about the same time, Greg and I were STILL the last ones out the door. ha! Some things just never change. Here's some fun pics.




Thursday, December 18, 2008

It's Christmas time!

Well, it's the time of year that is full of Christmas shopping, baking, wrapping presents, parties and hecktic schedules. And our household, as I'm sure is the same for all of you, is no exception. We have had a busy 2 weeks full of Christmas parties and activities (both adult and kid orientated) and have more to come this weekend. Plus, in the middle of all this, my computer decides to mess up. So, it is currently in the shop undertaking a thorough workover. We have had a Mojo Christmas party and the school Christmas Program but I have no computer to load pictures. I will do that as soon as I can and update you on the rest of the "Christmas Histeria"... Love to all and enjoy the holidays!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Follow-up

This is to answer Rebecca's comments to my previous post. No, we were about 10 minutes late to the party. And I failed to mention that Greg had not come home yet during all this commotion. He was working late so he missed all the excitement. That's usually how it works...ha. And, yes, I got all the glass picked up. Luckily, it had broken close to the dresser instead of right in the middle of the floor. Everything worked out. Greg helped out at the party with taken money. He was a God-sent. And the kids had fun with the babysitter and got to watch the movies I had rented for them. The life of being a parent. I wouldn't trade all the bad for the good for any amount of money. It's all meant to work that way and it always has a happy ending.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Crocodile tears

I have to tell this story.... I'm sure those of you that have children have been through this moment. Yesterday was a VERY hectic day for me. I had to work from 9am - 1pm and then had to run some errands in Boonville before heading to Columbia for my Jenny Craig appointment at 2pm. After that I trekked around Columbia for about 1 1/2 hours stopping from store to store doing some Christmas shopping. I had to be heading back home by 4:00 in order to pick up the kids. We had my Central Mo Board of Realtors Christmas party last night at the Isle of Capri and I had volunteered to be the money collector at the door. I HAD to be there by 6:00.

So, I rushed back to Boonville, picked up the kids, called in for pizza, called the babysitter to make sure she was still coming (hadn't talked to her in a week) and proceeded to get myself ready. Mind you, it was now about 5:15pm. While getting ready, the kids had finished their pizza and were playing.

I received a phone call from a close friend who's dog had just been attacked by one of their other dogs and they didn't know what to do. I gave them what little veterinarian advice I had and told them I'd leave some ointment and bandages at the house if they wanted to come by and pick them up. Remember, I was committed to be at the boat by 6:00. While I was on the phone, the boys (while PLAYING) proceeded to throw a pillow in our bedroom and it hit a basket I had on our dresser filled with glass balls and other decorations. ....everything fell on the floor and broke on the carpet. Remember, I'm still on the phone giving dog nurturing advice. I get off the phone and yell at the boys. I've still got rollers in my hair.

Anyway, here's the point to my story. Michael had been the one to throw the pillow. He visibly felt so bad. He said, "Mommy, I'll clean it up". I said no and left the room and proceed to clean up the glass. Michael came in the room and the look on his face just about broke my heart. He said so sadly, "Mommy, I'm sorry" and he gave me a hug. Tears were just streaming down his face. I couldn't be mad anymore. He was trully sorry for what he had done and had realized that what he had done was wrong and that's why we preach and preach about not playing rowdy and throwing things in the house. Anyway, I'm sure those of you with kids know what I'm talking about. How can you punish them after they have visibly punished themselves enough by feeling so terrible about what they've done. I love my boys! It's all good!

Oops!

Jennifer, This is for you..... I forgot to tell you the rules about being bookworm tagged. You are to pick up the book closest to you and turn to page 56 and write down the 1st sentence of paragraph 5. Sorry... You probably got the gist of what you were supposed to do anyway but just wanted to make it clear. Isn't this fun! Can't wait to hear what you're reading. Hope you're having a good day!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Bookworm tagged.....what fun!

I love being tagged! Ok, here you go, Jaclyn - http://jjandawilkinson.blogspot.com/, Lori - http://www.simmonsjourney.blogspot.com/, and Rebecca - http://peculiarsmith.blogspot.com/. Here is my first sentence in the 4th paragraph (page 56 only has 4 paragraphs, too).... "We had two kids by the time we'd been married three years." This is from a book by Stephen King called On Writing - A Memoir of The Craft. I have been tabbling in writing a book and Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. I'm actually currently reading about 2-3 others books right now, as well. My husband teases me because I can have 4 or 5 books started and read them all at different times and still keep up with what the book(s) are about. I LOVE to read. I have a book in my car, by my bed (actually about 3 by my bed), and one downstairs by the sofa. I'm reading Helen Keller in the Readers Digest Condensed books, How to Win Customers and Keep Them for Life, and a book I bought spontaneously in the book store on Hauntings (of houses, people, etc.). And I just finished a book last night from another one of my favorite authors (Janet Daily). Coincidently, my dad worked with her brother at AT&T. Small world. Anyway, thanks for tagging me. I'm going to tag Jennifer - http://jmgreen.com/

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Fun, cold & busy day

We had a busy day yesterday. Vince was invited to a swim birthday party at the YMCA. They had so much fun swimming and playing. Michael got to go, too. They swam for an hour and then came in and had cake & ice cream and opened presents. It was a lot of fun for the kids. After that, we went home, got some "nutritious" lunch (after filling them with cake and ice cream...ha) and changed clothes to go to the Christmas parade Boonville was having later in the afternoon. Michael was in the parade walking and passing out candy with the Cub Scouts. He was so cute in his uniform. I was up until after midnight the night before sewing on patches. That'll teach me to wait until the last minute. It was pretty cold but the boys enjoyed the parade. They got lots of candy, of course. After the parade, we drove around town a little bit and stopped to see the live nativity scene they had. The boys got to see a 2 day old donkey. He was so cute and so new that his legs were still wobbly. Here is a video and some pictures.









Thursday, December 4, 2008

Don't you just love quotes....

When I was working at Marion Labs in KC I loved to add a weekly or monthly "Food for Thought" at the end of all my emails. It was very inspirational for me and hopefully to others, as well.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Don't carry a grudge. While you're carrying the grudge the other guy is out dancing. (Buddy Hackett)

He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others. (Leonardo Da Vinci)

Lord, give me the courage to change the things which can and should be changed, the serenity to accept the things which cannot be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference. (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Nothing will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. (Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784; writer)

The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, the day you stop making excuses, that's the day you start to the top. (O.J. Simpson) - BOY, this one's ironic, isn't it!!

We have the opportunity to choose who our children's parents will be. (Unknown)

The hardest victory is the victory over self. (Aristotle)

And my personal favorite....
The is no such thing as bad kids, just bad parents. (my dad)

Enjoy the rest of your day and week. God bless you and Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I did it!!

I lost 1.8 lbs during this past holiday week. I can't believe it. After Thanksgiving dinner and a adult suprise birthday party the next night, I STILL lost weight. I'm so excited. I've lost a total of 7.8 lbs. WOW! Sorry I'm getting so hysterical but I really didn't think I would be able to do it. This was a big thing for me. Can't wait to weigh-in next week!! heehee! It just proves that you can really lose weight on Jenny Craig. I love it!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Whew....made it through Thanksgiving dinner!

Well, I made it through Thanksgiving Day without gorging myself. I was really proud of myself and realized that it wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. I had lost another 1.8 lbs on my weigh-in the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and that gave me more motivation. I didn't have to take my little Jenny Craig meal. I ate the things that everyone else ate but just smaller portions. And I wasn't miserable at the end of the day. At Thanksgivings past I would be so tired and my stomach so full, I'd have to take a nap before we headed home. It felt good to have some energy after eating Thanksgiving dinner instead of being in a vegitative state.... I just hope I lost instead of gained this past week. My 3rd weigh-in is tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Santa's little helpers

We had a chance to help out when Santa came to town this past weekend. He let us advertise for our business (since we did have some Santa rocks that were made up...hee) if we could help hand out little treat bags to the boys and girls after they saw Santa. The boys had a great time. Here are some pics.

Great Thanksgiving Day!

We had a great Thanksgiving. We didn't really do much and nothing really happened that was spectacular. It was just a good day. We went to my sister's in Holden, MO. Mom and dad were also there. Cindy has 3 daughters and the younger one is only 3 years older than Michael so my boys and Kimberli played together all day. At the end of the day, everyone seemed to be on the same page....this was probably the nicest Thanksgiving we had ever spent. I'm so thankful for our families. God has truly blessed us!

Friday, November 21, 2008

We're legit - Someone buy a rock...PLEASE!

We had our ribbon cutting at our business (ROCK Your World) yesterday afternoon. The Boonville Chamber of Commerce (which we are members) came out and we had snacks and drinks. We're having an Open House all weekend. I just hope the cold weather doesn't turn people away. We decided on this date to have the ribbon cutting because it's a year anniversary since we started the business. Why couldn't our anniversary be in May...ha! Hopefully, 2009 will bring a lot more business our way.


Losing my mind....???

Ok - I'm writing about the funny things my kids say again. They can be so funny..... The other day I was taking the kids to swimming lessons and when I drove out of the driveway I turned the wrong way. I was in such a habit of going the opposite direction to take them to school that I just automatically turned that way. And we were running late so I backed up into the driveway and turned around and said, "Mommy's losing her mind" and Michael said, "Is your mind going to fall out, Mommy?" HA! What a hoot! Sometimes I wish I could have their honesty and innocence, if only for a moment. I love my boys!

Isn't he cute!

I just had to send this. Michael is in Cub Scouts and has moved up to Wolf cub. Isn't he cute!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

WOOHOO!!!

My first weigh-in with Jenny Craig was yesterday. I lost 4 lbs my first week!!!! I was so excited. I thought maybe I'd lose 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. But 4 lbs. This program really works. I have had more energy in the last week than I have had in a year. And I'm not taking anything other than regular vitamins that I buy on my own at Walmart (I take quite a few of them - I'm a vitamin freak). Just wanted you to know. Life is good....

Thursday, November 13, 2008

1st day behind me

Well, I made it through the first day on JC. It wasn't so bad until around dinner time and that's when I wanted to snack. I didn't, though. I walked 11,000 steps, too, and that made me proud. I'm so excited about getting back into the jeans I have saved and haven't worn in probably 20-25 years. I'm NOT excited about the holidays, though. It looks like I might be having Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year and I absolutely LOVE to bake during the holidays. Oh, well...I'm just going to have to cowboy up and use some will power. Easier said than done....ugh!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Yes, I called Jenny!

Well, I joined Jenny Craig this morning. I wanted to post this because it will make me more committed by letting everyone know. Hopefully, you all will support me when we're out or during the Runnebaum Christmas (God help me!..ha). I'm so excited. I'm sure some of you will say, "How much weight can she possibly need to lose" or "You DO NOT need to be on a weight program". But, I just don't feel comfortable with my weight now. And it's different for everyone. I would feel so much better and be more heathier about 30 lbs lighter. I want to have more energy and be able to play with my kids without feeling out of breath or tired. They are so active. I want to be around a long time and I want to spend those years as healthy as I can be. I've always worked out but since having kids and moving away from family and friends, it's been increasingly more difficult to make myself stick to a workout program and to eat more healthy. I'm going to do it this time. I'm committed and I'm telling all of you about it. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted. Love to you all!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Peaceful morning

We actually got to sleep until 8:00am this morning!!! Michael had his sleepover and Vince didn't get to sleep until about 9:00pm last night. And, he is our late sleeper. Usually, Michael wakes up and then wakes up Vincent. It was so nice to have an extra hour of sleep. Plus, Greg and I stayed up until about 1:00am watching scary movies last night. Yes!! Greg actually watched 2 scary movies with me back to back. He HATES scary movies and agreed to watch 1 with me A YEAR. Well, this year he has watched 3. Last night before we drifted off to sleep, he said, "I've watched 3 scary movies with you this year. That means I don't have to watch any more for 2 more years!" haha! I love my husband.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!!



What a great holiday. Next to Christmas, this is my favorite holiday. And I think my kids share my views. Greg and I went to an adult party this past weekend and here are pics of all our costumes. Vincent missed out on trick or treating this year. He mis-behaved and that was his punishment. Times like those are when I hate being a parent. It broke my heart when he started crying but we had to teach him that he just can't do things and not expect to have consequences. Anyway, they were still cute in their costumes. Michael went trick or tricking with a friend and had a sleep over. Can't wait to hear about it tomorrow morning.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Please keep in touch! Make the "Jump"...it's fun!

A friend of mine just posted a new post on her blog talking about her enjoyment when she finds out that someone has been reading her blog and keeping up with her life - a friend that she doesn't even speak with on a regular basis. I know what she is talking about. We live so far away from most of our family and friends and it is hard to keep up with everyone's life. It really feels good to find out when someone is interested and following my blog. Of course, this works the other way, too. I would love for my family and friends to "jump on the blog wagon" and put their posts our there so I can keep up with THEIR lives.

Please give it a try. It is SO EASY. If I can do it, anyone can!! If you are only mildly familiar with computers, you can do it. I will help you and assist you if you need it. Just let me know. I would LOVE to keep up with what's going on in your life. And I definitely always have something to report in mine.

Love to ALL my family and friends.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The Random 7



I've been tagged by http://peculiarsmith.blogspot.com/
Seven random things about me:

1. I am addicted to books. Used to be shoes (well, I'm still addicted to shoes, but my feet and back can't take it anymore and neither can my pocketbook... so, it's books now). I can not go into a bookstore without buying a book or spending, at least, an hour roaming around.
2. I love scary movies and during October around Halloween, that's all I want to watch! Of course, I have to watch them alone because Greg won't watch them with me.
3. I am a vitamin freak. I take about 15-20 vitamins a day.
4. I used to model (a LONG time ago). Didn't ever do anything big but it was a great learning and development experience.
5. I love animals. If Greg would let me, I'd have all kinds of critters just like Elli Mae. I'm still working on him... I especially love the Big cats.
6. I love to cross-stitch. That, and cooking are the only real domestic qualities about me.
7. I love surprises - both giving them and getting them.




Monday, October 20, 2008

Out of the mouths of babes...


As Art Linkletter and Bill Cosby have said...."Kids say the darnedest things!" Last night, I was reading the boys a couple of books. While reading one about Clifford's 1st Halloween, I mixed up the words and said dog instead of ghost. After I turned the page, Vince said, "Mommy, you can't read very good. You said 'littlest dog' instead of 'littlest ghost'." Then, Michael said, "No, maybe mommy's just so old that she can't see the words." Oh my gosh! I about busted a gut!! It was so funny!! I was LMAO! They can say things like that so innocently. Then this morning, after Greg had helped me colored my hair back to it's normal color last night (actually, he did it all...he's so great!) Michael saw me and told me he liked my blond hair better but I was still beautiful and he gave me a hug. Moments like that just make my day.



Saturday, October 18, 2008

Rock Your World!

We have been in the engraved rock business for about a year now. It's been going pretty good. Just trying to get our name out in our community and the surrounding areas. But we recently took an order for a rock that hopefully will catch people's eye when they drive by the owner's property which is right off I-70. It turned out really cool and we are really proud of it. We hope there are lots more orders for these kinds of designs. They are great for advertising.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

We have grass!!!!


We have spent the last 2 1/2 years working on our yard, pond and pasture. We were so excited when we got everything done and could put down grass seed. We did it right in time, too. It has rained several times since we got it done. I was so excited the other day when I looked out the window and saw GREEN! Maybe by this time next year I can write about the house being completed...ha

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

My strong boys

Michael has gotten on a workout kick. Which is good. I would like for all of us as a family to workout together. Maybe then we would all stick with it. I was downstairs tonight trying to find 10 measly minutes to get some crunches in. Of course, as soon as I disappeared, I heard..."Mommy...mommy". Greg temporarily took care of the "Mommy, mommy" and when I got my crunches done and came upstairs I found Michael and Vince into my dumb bells. They were so cute. Check out the video of Michael. He was doing so many reps that he was having trouble lifting the weight...it was hilarious!!!

Remember the important things

I have struggled with my life for the past 4-5 years. Whether it's been with my weight after having children or the lack of freedom we have now because of the children or trying to finish our dream home that is still in progress after 3 years. When I'm down and depressed or exhausted and frustrated, God tries to talk to me and show me things. These times are when he likes to test me. And, believe me, he tests me A LOT! I guess I'm just not getting it yet. Maybe someday I will. But when the situation is over, whatever it might be, I sit back and open my eyes and ears and think about what God is trying to tell me. He keep testing me because I keep failing the tests. He's trying to tell me to trust him and to concentrate on the things that matter and to realize that I don't have control over my life, He does. I'm slowing learning that. But for a controlling A-type personality, it can be difficult at times. But one thing I do know is that He is there for me always and has proven it again and again. He has intervened SO many times to make my life easier, happier and more meaningful. He has given me a great life and a great family and I love Him and them so very much.

Day off??


The kids were out of school today. So, after I got a few things done around the house in the morning we all went to the park. They played and had so much fun. They love to go on the merry-go-round that I can push them on. They rode it so much (mommy pushing it...whew!) that Michael started getting a tummy ache from getting dizzy. ha. After playing for about an hour we went to Pizza Hut to use their coupons for the Book It! program from school where they read a certain amount of books (or have mom or dad read the books to them) and they get a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. They ate so good that I told them we'd go to Dairy Queen for ice cream. By this time, I can see Vince's eyes starting to droop. He was getting tired. But, NO, they don't want to take naps...ha. Sunday, after church, we all went out for lunch in Tipton and told them that we were all going to go home and take afternoon naps (Sunday naps are great!). They whined and said, "We're not tired. I don't want to take a nap". When we left to go home, both boys were asleep before we got out of the Tipton city limits. And for those of you that are familiar with Tipton, that's about 5 minutes. We put them to bed when we got home and they slept for 2 more hours.




Anyway, back to my story... when we got home from Dairy Queen, the boys helped with some yard work and pick up around the yard and then they chilled for the rest of the afternoon/evening. It was a nice day. I was worn out by the time I went to bed. I always am when the kids are home with me. I have a very good friend that has adopted 3 little girls and is staying at home with them (right, Rebecca...?) and I think I'M tired??...

You have to cherish the moments and make time for those special days. They won't be young forever. Pretty soon they'll be hanging out with friends and going on dates and you'll never see them. I know I need to stop and cherish these days more often and not worry so much about whether the laundry is done or the dishes are put away or whatever else I think needs to be done. My boys have to come first.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

SOLD!!




I sold my first house a few weeks ago. I was so excited. The people I sold it to actually moved here from Alaska. I've got another one under contract now and a lot of lookers out there. The market sucks right now but I'm confident that it will get better next year.


Friday, October 3, 2008

I am NOT old!

All I was trying to do was work out. I am almost 50 years old and have vowed to myself that I'm not going to be the typical female going thru menopause that gains weight and doesn't do anything about it. I wasn't 1 minute into my workout (warming up jogging in place) when I heard a LOUD pop and I went to my knees in excruciating pain. I immediately started crying (NOT because of the pain but because I knew that this injury would hinder me from working out for a while). I called Greg. Poor guy...I was crying hysterically. He didn't know what to do and I barely got out what had happened to me. Looking back now, it's kind of comical. I'm still upset but we'll get through it. I haven't ever had a problem with my age but getting closer to 50 has slowed down my metabolism and made me realize the reality and that I need to do something to counteract it. Luckily, I didn't break anything but I have to go see a pediatrist. Turns out I have some extra bones in my heal, several bone spures and 2 of my bones connecting to my little toe are fused together. Go figure.... Don't know what caused the popping noise and I can't put ANY weight on it. So, I'm hobbling around on my crutches trying to still take care of my family. The boys helped me make their lunches this morning. They are so great!! I really am blessed even with a bum foot. Like Greg said...God never gives us more than we can handle. Thank goodness!

Soccerman



I have never played soccer. The only thing I know about soccer is that you are supposed to kick the ball down to the other end and try to make it in the goal. That is the limit of my soccer knowledge. But, now I am a "soccer mom". At least, for the next couple of months. We had already put Michael in wrestling and baseball. But Vince hadn't been old enough to do anything other than swimming lessons. He had been talking about soccer for a year. We said, "Ok we'll try it out". Not sure if he's going to be a great soccer player someday but for now he's having fun. We just need to work on his attention span....ha.

And, yes, that's Vince with his shirt up over his head. Like I said...we'll give it a try...