Killam Klan

Boys like to cuss....(even 2 yr olds)!

2010-05-21T08:40:00.001-07:00

Karter has been getting in trouble the last few weeks for his language. It started with 'dang it' and 'butt'. He would say them over and over or run a bunch of words together and throw 'butt' in every so often. So, we started really getting on to him for it and he got time out and spankings and so now it's better, sort of.

He still has a bad attitude at times and will just say a whole bunch of random words together, but he's saying them with a bad attitude. So now we are working on his attitude. For example, when I spank him, his response is...'You don't spank me! Hotsauceblahblahblah!' He then gets another spanking for having a bad attitude and sassing his mama!

It is funny after the fact and I have to laugh b/c he starts his rant every time with 'hotsauce'! Anyways, his language is better, we're working on attitude now. Also I never had this problem with Addisyn, maybe boys just like to cuss!

A Story

2010-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Viewpoint #1-The paw-paw
A paw-paw takes his two young grandchildren to a track meet. When no one is looking the youngest, a boy, decides to relieve himself beside the sandpits. Paw-paw turns around and can't believe what he is seeing. His words later describe it as being about three feet of pressure. He then looks up and realizes it has happened right in front of a car full of old ladies. (Later it is discovered it is the paw-paw's ninety year old aunt.)

Viewpoint #2-The aunt
An aunt, upon walking up to work at a track meet, sees her young nephew relieving himself right in front of everybody. Then she sees paw-paw turn and around and freak out. Then she sees grandmama and tells her 'Look at what your grandson is doing!' The grandmama then freaks out. They decide to keep walking and pretend they do not know the said paw-paw and children. Later, the aunt is approached by a lady:
Lady- 'Do you have a son?'
Aunt- 'No.' (thinking I know where this is going)
Lady- 'Well, earlier I turn around and all I see is this white aXX!'

Viewpoint #3-The mother
When the mom is told of the incident-'Oh my gosh! Did anyone see?' um yeah.

Viewpoint #4-The dad
When dad is told of the incident- 'That is freakin' hilarious!!!'

The end.

A New Post!!!!

2010-03-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

I am now 22 weeks!! Over half way there! AND after my last appointment I have now gained half the weight I need to the entire time!!! In five weeks, I gained alot...13. Can you read that? I hope not! Don't tell anyone!

We do have a name picked out, but I'm not going to post about it until closer to my due date. Hopefully, we'll still like it by then. With Karter we changed names about 2 months from my due date. I really like this one, so we will see.

We also have new neighbors. Where we live that usually means within a mile or so down the road, but these are in our front yard. My bil and sil and niece are building a house and they were able to sell their current house so they bought an RV and hooked it up. Their house is not started yet so it will probably be this fall until it's ready. I'm glad we have been able to help them. Hopefully we will all still like each other after all this! LOL

It's a....

2010-02-16T10:59:00.001-08:00

GIRL! We are so excited and everything looks healthy!

Here's the conversation with Addi and Karter:

Me: Guess what! We found out what the baby is and it's a girl!!

Karter: Nooooooo

Addi: (nothing)

Me: Addi, you're going to have a baby sister!

Addi: Oh, yay!!!

Addi really is very excited. She has said all along that it's a baby sister. Last week she carried a baby doll everywhere and said it was her baby sister. We are so happy to know what it is and that everything was healthy. And no we have no names at this point. All we have been thinking of is boy names, so we will have to switch gears!

16 weeks

2010-01-28T09:23:00.001-08:00

I had my 16 week appointment yesterday. I am not kidding when I say I exploded this weekend. I feel huge!!! So I was completely surprised when I only gained 1 pound not the 6 I was expecting. We heard the heartbeart and everything else was good. I feel great and Duane says I am glowing. :)

Our sonogram is on Feb. 15th. Maybe we can find out what it is and are praying for a healthy baby.

In Addi and Karter news, there is nothing like hearing them sing Jesus Loves Me together in the car. In warms my heart! I am so blessed!

Heard and Said

2010-01-22T08:57:00.001-08:00

Things I've heard or said this week:

"Mom, please turn on Bob the tomato and Larry the pickle."

"Don't abuse the toothpaste!!"

"Your haircut looks like a boy's."

"Don't carry the puzzle pieces in your mouth like a dog."

"Put on some underwear, we do not go around without any."

My Hero

2010-01-19T12:15:00.001-08:00

Karter walked into the kitchen the other morning proudly proclaiming "Got it! Got it!" and holding a dryer sheet pinched in two between his fingers.

I went over to see what he 'got'.....it was scary, nearly the biggest one I've ever seen...and he had it smushed real good and dead.

Loose black strings beware.....

So Excited!

2010-01-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Colby is going to be on the next season of Survivor! I can't wait! I remember watching him every episode forever ago. Go Colby!

13 Weeks

2010-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

We are at 13 weeks! I really haven't felt that bad or tired or anything this whole pregnancy. I felt really bad for about a week and a half and that's been it. This one is totally different from what I remember the first two being like. It had me worried for a while that everything was okay but our visits to the doctor have been great. At 12 weeks we even saw the baby wiggling around some.

Shyanne on the other hand is feeling really bad. Hopefully she'll feel better soon and we can enjoy being pregnant together!

Three's a crowd!

2009-12-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

And that's what we'll have come July 2010!!!

Yea!!

Thankful!

2009-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my sweet Daddy!!! He is the best Dad and Paw-Paw ever!!! Happy Birthday!!!

2009-11-03T09:52:00.001-08:00

I seriously have pictures to post. I just have to get my camera from Shyanne.

Raising Kids

2009-10-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

What do you do with a three year old that makes you want to pull your hair out and stomp your feet?

I am reading the book 'Bringing up boys' by James Dobson. Very good so far. In the first chapter he states that in general boys are harder to raise then girls but not all cases. Well based on my three years of parenting (not alot and I will probably say the opposite at a later time) our girl is much more difficult than our boy. She is so strong willed. And I don't mean slightly. I mean if you don't tie her shoes a certain way, fix her hair just right, lay the right clothes out, fix the right thing for breakfast, then she has a lay on the floor, scream and holler melt down. And she thinks she is never wrong. I can tie her shoe in a double knot like she asks, then she will argue that I didn't tie it in a knot. I mean seriously, would I lie to you? Get a grip. Last week we had major meltdowns everyday. She spent the night with my parents and mom told her she couldn't stay anymore until she could act nicer. It is that bad! What makes it even more frustrating is once she gets over it and moves on she is the sweetest kid you have ever seen. And I know she can act right b/c some mornings she wakes up on her own, dresses herself, is ready to eat anything, and says yes ma'am, and has a very pleasant attitude.

I think it is worse when she is tired and last week we didn't get to bed early enough probably. And I am trying a different approach. I call it EXTREME PATIENCE. This is a level of patience way above and beyond any normal level. While it took us 15 minutes to try and fix her hair the other day (b/c I had to brush it a certain number of times in a certain way) and pushed my patience we didn't have a major breakdown. Also if I can't do it the way she wants it, I am just not doing it. I tell her maybe Daddy can do it right or that maybe later she will be ready for me to try again but that I am not going to do it if that is how she is going to act. I don't know if this is good parenting or not, but we are just trying to get through this without her ruling over us and with us having some semblance of being in control and having our sanity. I know it is best for her to figure out now that she is not the boss and that she must respect authority. Overall we are just trying to discipline Biblically and balance the rod with instrucation and love and mostly pray that God will know our hearts and will straighten out what we mess up.

She has been better this week and has even had an ear infection. Who knows? I am sure next week will be different again. She really can be the sweetest most caring child. This is just an opportunity to learn more patience and teach her great lessons in life.

Thanks for letting me vent!

P.S. After mom had her this weekend, she told me that she remembers me acting this way.

Randomness

2009-10-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have no desire to blog. But here is what we have been doing lately.

-We hosted a housewarming party for some dear friends that moved here on Saturday.
-I had bunco at my house last night! Fun times!
-I am teaching the older Awana's group on Wednesdays. It is such a blessing to be involved and see kids learning to look up verses in the Bible and memorizing them.
-This Saturday we have our Murder Mystery party at my house. We are so excited! I think it is going to be lots of fun! I am playing a librarian!
-I am desperately wanting the book Catch 22. Okay maybe not desperately, but it is next on my list. I read it in high school and enjoyed it and am wanting to read it again. I may start dropping hints to Duane and see if he gets it.:) It would so make my day if he did!
-The kids have been good. Karter was sick last week with the bug or something, but better now.
-Addi is going to be a ladybug for Halloween and Karter a bug catcher. My nieces and my nephew and Addi are bugs and he's the catcher.
-Only ONE month until New Moon! Woohoo!

Have a good week!

I win Mother of the Year Award

2009-10-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

NOT!!!!!!!!!

I sent my children to daycare in shorts today. The high turned out to be only 60 degrees. And I find out later the pep rally was outside today.

Bad, bad, mom.

Let's be realistic...

2009-09-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Since Addi was born and until Karter turned 2, I have been on one of the following plans:

1. Pregnant-so you are supposed to be big and gain weight so you can pretty much eat whatever you want.

2. Breastfeeding-burns more calories than I don't know what, so therefore you can eat pretty much whatever you want.

So now that I am on neither of these plans, I think I need a new one. I can no longer wear clothes that I wore last spring (as in 09) or even early summer.

But seriously let's be realistic....

Here's the situation (I'm sure you can all relate):

Two small children (small translates to needs help with most tasks)

Full-time job outside of the home

I am the woman (translates into cooking, cleaning, washing, organizing, laundry, etc.)

So because of the said situation (which I wouldn't trade for anything), the only available times for working out are between 9pm and 6am.

But Let's be realistic....

Since I enjoy sleeping and can't get up in the mornings, let's narrow it down to 9pm-10:30pm. This time only works if all other things are in order, such as kitchen cleaned up, bags packed for tomorrow, clothes laid out, kids in bed.

I would like to say that I could do the Shred video during that time and work hard and really do some good...

But let's be realistic...

I enjoy watching tv and it's my way to wind down after all day. I like to put the kids in bed and then have about an hour of nothingness, just watching tv and relaxing and it's something Duane and I do together. So I'm not really willing to turn the tv off to do the Shred.

So here's my new plan... Put the kids in bed between 8:45 and 9 and then get right on the stationary bike and watch tv while I ride for 20-30 minutes. I know it's brilliant! The only problem is it wasn't getting me the results I wanted. So do you think I'll have to sacrifice and get up earlier and turn on the Shred?

Let's be realistic....

No. I opt instead to give up...(now wait for this, it will shock some of you)

Sweet tea

and

Dr. Pepper

Now I have cheated three times with a DP, besides sips of Duane's b/c those don't count. But as of tomorrow it will be 2 weeks. I even have been ordering unsweet tea from Chick-fil-a. Shocking, I know. Ask Shyanne, I'm serious.

So maybe cutting out these extra calories and riding the bike a little longer and adding some crunches and squats here and there will help. We will see!

Final New York Post

2009-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am a little tired of the NY posts. I am going to try and finish with this one. It may be long....

Here are some pictures of Times Square in the daytime. It is just like you see on TV. Everything is big and busy!

This last picture Duane made me take from across the street. Apparently some guy thought 'I think I'll go out in my underwear with my guitar and cowboy hat and make a living taking pictures with people'... or something like that. Kinda random.

We then went to Central Park and rode in a bike taxi. A guy pedals you around while you sit in a seat, kind of like a ricksaw (sp?). It was beautiful! Lots of people biking, running, walking dogs, pushing strollers, etc. This first picture is in the first scene of Face Off when John Travolta gets shot on the carousel.

This is the fountain from the beginning of the Friends episodes.

After Central Park, we walked back through Times Square to the Majestic Theatre. We saw Phantom of the Opera. It was wonderful! It is amazing what they can do on one stage. Their costumes were beautiful. It was very dark inside so the pictures I took of the theatre didn't turn out and of course we couldn't take any during the show. So no pictures. I would for sure go to another play!

After the play, we walked through Times Square at night. It is still so lit up that it is hard to tell it is even night! Here are a few pictures of it...

Overall we had a great time! It was a great experience! It did make me grateful for Texas, my home, my family, and the fact we all live so close together. I missed my kids terribly and I don't plan on leaving them for that long again for a very long time!

Part 2

2009-09-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Next we went toward Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. It rained on us the entire morning and we had to carry umbrellas. It wasn't pouring though so we could still walk around and see things.

We then walked toward Battery Park and got on a ferry that took us around the harbor. We got to see Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and many other neat buildings and ships. I am glad we did this tour because it was so foggy and overcast with rain that we couldn't see these things from the shore. I hated to think that I would have gone all the way to NY and not see them.

The Statue of Liberty is beautiful and BIG. So much more than I thought it would be. She really is amazing.

Next post-the Subway, Times Square, and a naked cowboy!

NY-Part 1

2009-09-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

Here is the first part of our trip....

We flew into DFW and were supposed to leave at 1:45, but got delayed until about 5:30 because of the weather. So we didn't get to Newark until about 8:30 (our time) or 9:30 NJ time. By the time we got to our hotel and then ate we didn't get to bed until 1am. Looooong day! Here we are at the Newark airport.

We did ride our first train from the airport to the hotel. This is on the train:

e got up Saturday and went into NY. Here is a picture from our balcony. That is the J&J Corporate headquarter building in New Brunswick behind me. (Notice how my hair is fixed all nice and pretty. Keep this in mind for future photos.)

We went to the World Trade Centers first. I think it would have had more of an impact if I had seen the buildings before 9/11. They are already working at about ground level. We were told there was a huge hole where the buildings were but by now they have it up to the ground. Here is a picture of the construction where the buildings were.

Coming up next-Wall St., the Statue of Liberty....

There's no place like home...

2009-09-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

We are back. Bear with me for a few days or a week and I will do some posts with pictures of New York. Ya'll know how I am, it will take me that long to get it all together! :)

I will say that it was quite an experience and I was glad to get home and see my kids!

Beans & Parmesan Chicken & Biggest Loser

2009-08-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sounds good doesn't it!

Sunday night my poor Karter boy pulled a crock pot by the cord and dumped it on his head. It scared me silly! I didn't rush in at first because well Karter has lots of crashes and I was waiting to see if he cried. When he did that's when it scared me. It was a different cry then usual and I knew he was hurt or scared. Thankfully God was watching over him and the beans were not hot enough to burn him, but he did have a big goose egg on his head. I got up every two hours and checked on him Sunday night, but he was fine. No big deal, right? Yeah, not to mama!

Last night I made parmesan chicken for the first time. It turned out really good and wasn't that hard! Thanks for the recipe Stephanie S.! (out of your grandma's cookbook)

Oh and some exciting news! My mom's cousin's daughter (are you with me?) is going to be on the next season of the Biggest Loser! You can see a preview of it on NBC's website for the show. She is wearing green and her name is Abby. Her story is very touching and sad. We will be cheering for her every Tuesday and wishing her the very best!

Have a blessed week!
p.s. we are in single digits until New York-9 days! I promise I'm not counting :)

Happy Birthday to my Best Friends!

2009-08-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Duane and Shyanne,

Happy Birthday to you!

Love ya'll!

A Tale of Two Cities

2009-08-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I forget how much I LOVE this novel! I hadn't read it for a few years but always say it is my favorite. When I started reading it this time I thought 'why do I say this is my favorite?'. Oh, but now I remember. The plot. The secrets. The horror. The love. The sacrifice. It all ties together so perfectly! This IS my favorite novel!

<3weeks!!!!!!

2009-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

It is less than 3 weeks until we leave for New York! As in 17 days! But I'm not counting or anything! I am so excited! I have no idea what to pack b/c I don't exactly know what the weather will be like. Mom and Shyanne are so excited to be helping with my wardrobe, but seriously I think I may have to fire them! j/k I am all about comfort especially since we will be wearing the same thing all day and walking most of the day. They are more concerned with how I'm dressed! I am just kidding! They are a big help b/c sometimes I'm pretty lost in this department. I just have to tell them 'Uh, no' sometimes. We will see! I feel a little anxious and like I should already be packed or something! I can't wait!

Thoughts...

2009-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

We, as humans, are so seriously born in sin and anybody that thinks they are not a sinner just ask your mother. It is the only explanation for how children know how to fight, talk back, hit, lie, and act foolishly. You do not have to teach them these things they just know! Did I mention that my children act like siblings, as in they do these things?

They are also the greatest and most wonderful blessings from God and I am so undeserving of such great love and faith. I was thinking yesterday that through my children I am learning more and more about God's love. I understand more of His love for me as His child and more of the childlike faith I am to have in Him.

Have a good week!

Slightly Embarrassing...

2009-07-29T07:09:00.001-07:00

Last night in conversation with Duane I quoted Peter from Family Guy.

I admit we might watch it from time to time and occasionally I do laugh.

Joseph got swallowed by a fish?

2009-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

After church yesterday:

Me: What did you do in Jr. Church?

Addi: We got candy and painted.

Me: What did you learn about?

Addi: Joseph got put in a big hole.

Me: Who put him there?

Addi: His brothers.

Me: How did he get out?

Addi: Reuben helped him.

Me: Oh.

Addi: Then he got swallowed by a fish!

So I had to correct that little bit but pretty good, I thought, for a 3 year old. It is amazing how kids learn so much and so fast!

Hide N Seek Rules

2009-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hide N Seek Rules for Toddlers

1. Find a 'hiding' spot where you are not really hidden, like the entryway by the front door.

2. Holler to the seeker to come find you. When asked by the seeker, 'Where are you?' in reply state where you are, 'In the hallway'.

3. Giggling and laughing the entire time the seeker is coming is encouraged and enhances the 'hiding' experience.

4. When the seeker is not coming fast enough, leave your 'hiding' spot and see where he is. Note: He may be right around the corner and scare the pants off you.

5. Have fun!

6. Repeat. With the same 'hiding' place.

He can scream like a girl

2009-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Funny story.... I was going to sleep last night. Duane was in the shower, when I heard this high pitched holler. I was thinking, what was that?, was it one of the dogs?, or is Karter up? It was Duane! A HUGE garden spider had gotten in the shower and was crawling up his leg!!! Yep, it scared him and he screamed like a girl! Ugh! It gives me the hebee jebeeies!

Two Years Old!

2009-07-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

My baby turned two yesterday! I can't believe it. He is the sweetest most loving kid! If he thinks he is in trouble he will run up and hug my legs and start kissing me. I love him so much! Happy birthday my big boy!

Shyanne made the cupcakes for is puppy "pawty"!

Here is a close up:

Karter's own cake:

The banner she made:

Thanks Aunt Shy Shy for helping make Karter's day so special!

Blowing out the candle with Daddy's help!

Paw-Paw brought the horse over and let everybody ride! Here is a picture of Addi and her friend.

Karter had a great party! Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success!

Guess What?!

2009-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Duane and I are....

going...

on a TRIP to...

NEW YORK CITY!

Crazy, isn't it! We are going with Duane's boss and his wife. They invited us and it worked out and we really didn't have any excuses not to go. We also never travel anywhere and have never gone anywhere like this before, so we thought what the heck let's do it! We are going on a Friday and coming back on Monday, last weekend in August. I am soooooo excited! That's truly an understatement!!!! We are going to see Phantom of the Opera when we are there and of course the normal sights! I can't wait!!!!!

FT Worth Zoo

2009-07-07T11:03:00.001-07:00

On the 3rd we went with JJ, Teri, & Sierra to the Ft Worth Zoo. We went and ate at Rainforest Cafe, and visited Bass Pro Shop and Sam Moon, and spent some time with Duane's grandma.
These pictures are not in order:

The gorillas would dance in the RF Cafe and Karter would stand in his chair and wave at them saying 'Hi"!

At the zoo:

This is right after the left the house at 4:30am! Look at those eyes!

On the way Karter was entertaining himself with fruit roll ups. He would put them between his big toe and second toe and hold them up. It was pretty funny!

Have a good week!

Randomness.....

2009-06-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Anytime Karter is coloring or 'writing' thank you notes or drawing outside with chalk, he says 'A' and proceeds to draw (His name does not start with an 'A' but he obviously prefers it to 'K'). Of course anything he says has a bit of a country drawl to it and he has a deep voice. He also hunts 'snAkes' with his toy pistol. I used a big A because again it has very country sound when he says it and that is the best way to spell how he says it.

And this is a conversation Addi and I had this morning:

Addi: my throat hurts

Me: it does?

Addi: Yes...... Where is my throat?

Hmmmmm. Interesting.

Check this out!!!

2009-06-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

We are finally redoing the kids bathroom into something that has a kid theme. It has been sponge painted purple for five years. Two weekends ago Shyanne and I painted it and then painted the bottom half of the wall blue. Here is the picture of the shower curtain we found:

My friend Jaymie came over this past Saturday and painted see creatures on the blue part. She did an amazing job! She is so super talented in all things artistic and is so humble about her abilities! She is a blessing to have as a friend! Check out these pictures (which don't do it justice):

These three are in order from left to right of the entire wall. We are going to put a chair rail up above the blue.

These pictures are of a closer view:

Didn't she do an awesome job? She made the animals match the curtain exactly! Thanks Jaymie!

See the post below for pictures of the kids!

Pictures of the kids

2009-06-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

We really haven't been doing very much around here. Obviously, by the lack of posting! We are going to Dallas on Friday to visit Duane's grandparents and take the kids to the zoo and do a little shopping. It will be nice to go somewhere for a few days! This is the last week of swim lessons. The kids have been doing great and really enjoyed it. Well that's about it! Here a few pictures of the kids being silly last night, wearing an army hat and a fireman hat!

Have a good week!

7 Years and counting.....

2009-06-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our 7 year anniversay! Wow! This makes me realize several things:

I forget how old I really am.

Time flies when you're having fun.

Seven years ago I would have never thought it was possible to love someone so much and more and more all the time. We have been through so much and our love just grows and grows! I am so blessed. Credit has to go to God! He has given us such a perfect example of love, forgiveness, and mercy. Lord, thank you so much for Duane and please bless us with many more years together!

What have you done with my husband?

2009-06-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

This crossed my mind last night. Here's the story:

Last night I had bunco at Shyanne's house. We had a blast! I only had one fit with Shyanne! It was a little after nine when I was leaving and called Duane to tell him I was on my way. He said the kids are waiting for you to give them a bath. The way home I start to think could he not have managed to give them a bath at least. I mean what have they been doing? I nearly called him back to politely say that if he wanted he could go ahead and give them a bath. But I didn't. He did after all keep Karter this weekend (who ended up with two sessions of diarrhea) when I was out of town. So I get home and there are no kids to be found. He had given them a bath and they were already in bed!! Addi was sleeping but Karter was still awake so I got him out and rocked him a little before putting him to bed. Shame on me for thinking ill thoughts of him. He's just the best husband! Thanks, babe!

p.s. I did do a Shred workout last night. It has been forever, but I am trying to get back going again.

Nothing Much Here

2009-06-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Really nothing has been going on. This is all I can think of to say:

The kids allergies have been acting up.
We have swim lessons today.
Mom, Shyanne, Addi, Kylee, and I are going to the state track meet Friday and shopping in Round Rock on Saturday! (That should be fun!!)
Karter is approaching TWO-enough said.
I saw the preview to New Moon-the next Twilight movie-I can't wait until November!!!!!

I will try and have pictures to post from this weekend! Have a good week!

Finished!

2009-05-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

I finished the Twilight series. I really did enjoy them and am kinda sad it's over. I really wish I had somebody to talk to about them, but no one else is reading them, except Duane and he is slow as Christmas! So I am going to talk on here about them. If you are not interested or have not read them all then skip this blog.

I read some negative reviews about Breaking Dawn but I really liked it. Here is what I think the deal is. Alot of teenagers/ younger adults like these books and I can see where they would really enjoy the first three books more then the fourth. The first ones are all about who's Bella going to end up with and there is alot of mushy romance stuff. That's what makes the fourth book different. To me the fourth book is like the next step, Bella's decision is made and they move into the next chapter of their life. I think anyone who has been married or is older can appreciate the fourth book more. Yea there's not as much lovey dovey romance between Edward and Bella, but anyone who is married, especially with kids, knows that marriage is different than dating. AND I love how Bella is still so as attracted and in love with Edward and that Edward is constantly amazed at her!

Also I am glad that it did not come to a fight at the end. Why is it that someone has to sacrifice their life or be broken for it to be a good book? I like that it is a happy ending and that they live happily ever after and that Jacob still gets to be a part in their lives and that Bella has a child and is a vampire and got all she wanted. Don't we all want the happy ending?

I also don't know how they are going to make this fourth book into a movie. It should be very interesting!

I promise no more Twilight posts-next time will be about us!

Bullets

2009-05-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

Here is a quick update:

Mother's Day was great! I got a new woman's study bible. I am already loving it! It was a great weekend just loving on family.
I did three phase 1 workouts last week. They did get easier with each one and I could walk almost normal by Friday. I am bad about doing them on the weekend. I hope to do at least three this week.
On Friday I fininshed Twilight, then thought I would take a week off before buying the next book. However, I decided to read the teaser or 1st chapter of the next book and of course they get you hooked. I got the second book for Mother's day on Saturday and finished it last night. Duane says I'm obsessive, but I just get so into good books. I try to be good though and only read after the kids are in bed and I have done by chores (haha), washing dishes, clothes, etc. Although, that is not all ever done, but I do enough so we can get through another day!:) I now have grounded myself from reading the teaser chapter in the second book and from entering Walmart or Target or anywhere books are sold until at least Friday. This way I can catch up on my sleep, do my workouts, and watch TV again with my husband (he will be happy). But I feel certain by Friday I will get my greedy hands on book number three and will be reading in bed until nearly midnight every night til finished. Oh it is so hard to be good and wait! I am taking this as a good test for me to deny self!

Free!!!!!

2009-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

These lovely creatures are being modeled by our very own Addi lou. There are nine to choose from and best of all they are FREE! I know, it's hard to believe, but yes, we are willing to part with ALL of these lovely little dears!

This poor fellow refused to look at the camera, however my skilled helper was able to force him by using the 'squeeze the neck' technique.

There are 3 black and whites, one orange, two blacks, one ugly calico, and one black with white feet. And I am missing one-maybe another black one? Let me know if you or ANYONE you know needs a kitten. They are ready! Oh and one more thing...

Just to play on your pity a little. The kittens are getting much more brave and making their way around the garage where if they get in the backyard, this awaits them:

I am not being mean but Cleo does not like cats or she likes them too much. Ok now don't you want one!

Too funny not to post!

2009-05-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

One morning Duane went in to get Karter up and this is what he found:

At some point in the early morning hours he got his diaper down to his knees! Isn't he cute!

I am such a WHIMP...

2009-05-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

but not for long. This morning I did the first workout of the 30 day Shred video. I thought I was going to die and could barely get myself or the kids ready! My legs and arms are like Jello, still, as in right now. Although, not as bad as right after I did it. I blacked out only once, when I got up from doing abs. I think I may have to switch to evenings. We will see. And it's not like I haven't been doing anything. Since January I have ridden the stationary bike or run at least twice a week (minus two weeks when we were sick). Anyways, while I can tell my hiney and legs are better, I just don't ride the bike that hard and need something for my midsection (aka: I have two kids section).

I chose this video b/c it is less than thirty minutes and had very good reviews. Supposedly you should see results in a few days in your endurance and strength. There are three levels, I don't know if I'll make it to level 3! I'll let you know how it goes! Wish me luck!

I caved in....

2009-04-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

and bought Twilight. I was trying to resist b/c my family gets ignored and I feel guilty for not doing something more productive when I am reading a good book. Everyone kept saying how good it is and much better than the movie and I loved the movie! So I bought it, however I must try and be disciplined with how much I read a day. My hopes are not too high though, b/c I LOVE a good book!

Fortune Cookie

2009-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

"A romantic adventure will add interest to your life"

Yep, that's what it said. I haven't laughed that hard in a while.

Car Update

2009-04-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

My new car is a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. I loved it the day that I had it! However, today they said that the wrong part came in and it will most likely be Thursday before I get it back. I will take a picture then.

Post NO. 2-Easter

2009-04-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

See my previous post for a pre-easter update.

Here are easter pictures:

We did not get a very good one of our family. Someone always looked goofy. And yes we all coordinated.

This last weekend we went over to the playground by Duane's parents house. Here are pictures of the kids playing! Several of us parents went down the kids slide. I think we had as much fun as the kids! That one slide shot you out so fast, I fell on my hiney! Anyways, we had fun!

Have a good week!

An Update!

2009-04-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hello out there! I know you have all been anticipating an exciting post!!! lol I make no promises. We have survived tax season and can now think and breath normally again. This weekend was wonderful! My house is clean and picked up and we spent wonderful time together with family!

Here are some bullets to catch you up:

We have put all of the bottles up! Karter sleeps all night pretty much all the time!

Addi has been sleeping much better as well! Progress!

We have watched several movies over the last few weeks-some bad (wanted) and some oh so good! (TWILIGHT). I am in love with this series! I am now coveting the books! Should anyone care to give me a present, this would be great! (I would move it to the front of my list of eight books or so to read!)

I got a new car!

We have eight or nine kittens to give away! Two litters, two days apart, two mamas feeding them, and no we don't know who belongs to who! Should anyone want one or two or three let me know!

Did I say I got a new car? It's in the shop after one day. This is God's way of teaching me to react to these situations in a way that pleases Him, not me. I want to be mad and act ugly, however I am not letting myself. It is out of my control and is in HIS control!

Okay enough bullets. Here is a picture of my old stove (as promised) and the new one!

I obviously don't know how to edit pictures! See now you can appreciate my new one as much as I do!

I am going to post this and do another one for Easter pictures!

Shame on Me! and Confessions

2009-03-26T10:45:00.001-07:00

I have not done good at blogging lately, but don't worry I am still reading all of yours. I really don't have much going on right now. My stove did come in and really do love it! I have pictures of the old one, but I have to get them off my camera.

We are battling with the kids right now to get them to sleep all night. When you find out your having kids, you never think that they won't sleep all night when they are 3. Addi slept wonderful from about two months until two years or so. Now she has a bad habit of waking up and wanting a drink. And I can't seem to get her potty trained at night. I don't know. Alot of it is that I haven't been ready to fight the battle yet. I know once it starts I have to win! We have been working on it more this week and it's been better. Then there is Karter.....confession time. He is 20 months old and still goes to sleep with a bottle. I feel I failed at this with him. Addi didn't even blink when we went to a sippy cup. He has stronger feelings for his bottle (as he did for his mama)! It has gotten bad b/c now he has a preference over which bottle you give him. :( But he sleeps pretty good at night. So it is all a process. I feel sure that the battle or war is coming over both of these habits. I just have to get myself ready. I also feel certain that the one who will fight the hardest is Addi. She is sooooo stubborn.

Anyways, right now I have to make it 3 more weeks! Just a reminder if you haven't filed your taxes, you might want to start thinking about it! :)

It's on its way!!!!!!

2009-03-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

It is ordered and may be here by Friday!! I can't wait, I love it!

Introducing my new range:

Whoohoo!!!!!

Pictures Finally!

2009-03-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I have had on my camera forever! Somehow there aren't very many of the kids. Here is one of Karter after a bath!

This is my latest uppercaseliving project. I have a wonderful rep who sells accessories and has the best and most creative ideas for projects! If anyone needs to order some it is my friend Jaymie. You can go to her blog and she has a link to her site.

I am not very creative so Jaymie sold me the board already painted with the ribbon. All I had to do was apply the saying. I really like how it turned out! Here it is hanging with our pictures.

Here are the Valentine's Day cookies Addi and I made! They were so yummy!! Seeing these pictures makes me want to make some more!

One night when the wind was so bad it blew over one of our old trees. Duane cut it up with the chain saw and had a whole pickup load of wood. Then he trimmed the bottoms of our pine trees in the front. I thought they looked really nice.

Here is one of the girls before church. Notice the purses!

Until later.....

Date and a haircut

2009-03-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Last night Duane and I went on a much needed date. We had a very nice time. We ate at Red Lobster and then went and looked at new ranges!!!!!! Oh I can't wait to get a new one!!! We haven't decided yet but hopefully pretty soon. I HATE my current one with such a passion.

And Duane gave Karter his first haircut on Saturday. My baby is not a baby anymore! It was the last thing that made him young. I nearly cried! It looks sooooo much better and needed to be done. Here is the before picture:

And here is the big boy:

Have a good week!

Moments

2009-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

So Shyanne's friend Cassandra did a post on memorable moments in her life and it got me thinking about some of mine.

1. Realizing and admitting I was not saved, when I had thought I was for 10 years. I will never forget praying with Duane and Ms. Diane in a cabin in Oklahoma and making things right with God. He is so good and patient!

2. Marrying the love of my life almost seven years ago. Looking back I don't know why our parents let us do it, we were so young and so in love and that's all that mattered to us! But God's timing was perfect and things have turned out so wonderful!

3. Hearing Addi's first cry. I will never forget it!

4. Leaning forward and touching Karter for the first time and seeing his dad with tears in his eyes so that he could barely cut the cord.

These are by far the best and most important, but I could think of a few more. I don't know why but some of the most vivid memories I have are not always pleasant ones, but I am so thankful for the wisdom and growth that God brought from them.

5. Crying on my mom's shoulder and in Duane's arms when we found out some of our really good friends were getting divorced.

6. Finding out Duane's paw-paw had died exactly one week before our wedding and having the feeling that I had to get to him immediately.

7. Crying like a baby my senior year of high school when our cross country team made it state. I didn't even run on varsity but it was such an honor to be a part of something so amazing!

8. Finding out I was pregnant with Addi! The most wonderful feeling ever!

9. Crying with my mom because all at once I was losing all my friends to either moving or going to other churches.

10. Standing in the hallway of Shannon, crying in Duane's arms when his sister lost her first
baby.

11. My bachelorette party when Jill had one of her friends pretend to be a stripper! I will never get over it! I still have to pay her back for that!

12. Getting the call in the middle of the night that one of Duane's classmates had died fighting in Iraq.

13. Being sworn in as a CPA in Austin only six weeks before my due date. I was huge!!

I could think of some more but they are mostly sad. It was nice to think about what God has done and how He has taken me through so many things in life!

Two Posts in One

2009-03-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

1. We are now back among the living. For the last week we have fighting illness. Last Monday Duane stayed home with the stomach bug. Karter started throwing up and running fever Tuesday night. He ran fever off and on until Friday. The Dr. said he had the stomach flu. I was thinking must be similar to the 24hr stomach bug so we should be good to go in another day. Not so much. Karter started throwing up again on Saturday morning and continued every few hours until Sunday morning, at which time Addi started and continued until Monday morning. Karter looked horrible by Sat. night, he hadn't eaten hardly anything for four days. I called and talked to the nurse, who said that it was more like the flu and it had been lasting for 2-10 days and that kdis would be better for 3-4 days and then get it again. I started feeling sick with a head cold on Monday and was sooooooooo tired. Now I have all this congestion which makes me feel sick at my stomach and I am still soooooooooo tired. It was all I could do to get ready and to work this morning. I feel better now that I am up and going. Anyways, that is what we have been doing for the last week. I pray that no one else gets sick! It is no fun!

2. I FINALLY got a converter box yesterday. No TV for two weeks, especially when you are home for three days with sick kids is not that much fun. We have watched every movie we have plus some from my parents! I really could stand no tv, except for The Biggest Loser on Tuesdays. I have watched it at my parents the last two weeks. Last night after the first hour, mom didn't really want to watch another hour so I went home. Duane worked late and I was thinking I can hook up the converter box and have it going in time for the weigh in. Sure enough it was easy and we now have our two channels again. BUT I AM SO MAD AT BIGGEST LOSER! I get it all hooked up and am watching and then they say 'To be continued'!? Ugh! So now we have to wait until next week to see if anyone goes home!

3. I decided I had a third thing to blog about. Last week when Duane was home sick he finally put the other screen door on our porch. Now the dogs can't get on! Anyways he cleaned it off this weekend and we put the kids bikes out there. It is wonderful! Now they can just go out there anytime they want or I want them to and ride their bikes and play. It's almost like being outside and they can't go anywhere! I am really going to enjoy this!

Later Alligator.....

Karter the Cowboy

2009-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

I don't know why this is underlineing everything. Anyways no time to fix it. I have lots of pictures on my camera and several things to blog about but they will have to wait until I get the pictures on here. Dad took the kids to the stock show on Monday and here are a few pictures Shyanne took of Karter.

Isn't he cute in his hat! AND he is wearing wranglers! I love them on him! They remind me of my Dad and Duane!

We did go to the Rodeo on Friday. Addi went again on Saturday afternoon with Duane's parents. It was pretty good. Then Sierra spent the night for the first time on Saturday. They had lots of fun! I did manage to get three children ready for church almost on time! (Duane helped too!) Gotta go!

about Duane

2009-02-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a post about Duane:

1.He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Right now nothing (we need to get a converter box) usually CSIs.

2.You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?Thousand Island

3.What's one food he doesn't like? black olives

4. You go out to eat. What drink does he order? Dr. Pepper or tea

5.Where did he go to high school?Veribest High School

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? He has a collection of pocket knives and guns. To my dismay he loves to bring home the tail of a rattle snake everytime he kills one.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? turkey and cheese with mayo

9. What would he eat every day if he could? cereal

10. What is his favorite cereal? Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Almonds (for supper even)

11. What would he never wear? A sweater vest.

12. What is his favorite sports team? Not a huge sports fan.

13. Who did he vote for? I don't think he made it to vote.

14. Who is his best friend? ME, and best guy friend...Brother JJ

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? bite my nails

16. What is his heritage? Czech...(he and Jason are cousins)

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? Carrot cake (but I wouldn't bake one)

18. Did he play sports in high school? yes, football and track, until he was injured and couldn't play his last two years.

19. What could he spend hours doing? fishing

20. What is one unique talent he has? He is GREAT at ironing. I am horrible, but has quite the talent to make it look like your clothes came from the dry cleaners!

Super Spiderman Girl

2009-02-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

That is what Addi said she is this morning.

Also heard in the car was:

"Mama go faster. There's a bear hind us."

Weekend in Review

2009-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had to work and afterward we went to Duane's parents and then fishing. Addi caught a nice bass for such a little girl and a Barbie pole. Then she caught a huge drum. It was really ugly and it broke the line but it was near the bank and scared her so bad she ran away and started crying. Poor girl! I have a picture on my phone, but can't get it on the computer yet.

Then today we went to church and had a lazy afternoon. Tonight I took some pictures of us in our boots, but Shyanne's USB cord doesn't match my camera so those will have to wait. Here is one off Shyanne's computer of our boots. I thought it might be cute in black & white and framed. We'll see.

Here are a few pictures of the kids. Addi was practicing writing her A's. Karter REFUSED to look at me for a picture. Have a good week!

Now I'm Ready

2009-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I started this blog a month ago, but never really got into it or figured out how it all works. Shyanne is going to spruce it up a little, so I'm ready to introduce it to you. I will try to keep some current pictures of the kids up and post a few times to let you know what's going on. I like keeping up with all of yours so I thought this would be a good way to keep you informed. Besides if Kelli is willing to attempt it, I can too! haha Enjoy!

New Here

2008-12-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

So, I guess I will give this blogging thing a try. We will see how it goes, but I am not making any promises.