It's a party of 5

Preparing for the return of school

2011-09-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

It has been a awesome summer, but time to start preparing for school. These three adorable faces that we love and cherish will soon be hearing school bells. I am thankful that they all like school.

This has been the mess that has our dinning room cluttered. Going through school supplies and organizing back packs.

Crossing things off the supply list...
He enjoyed sharpening all the pencils this year.
I was labeling his school supplies with a sharpie perm marker and left it unattended. Kaden took full advantage of moms mistake and wrote on his face. Oh, what a boy we have...
Yah for school to be back in session.

It's about that time again

2011-08-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Football season has begun this year at our house. Trent plays youth tackle football for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. This is his 2nd year. He will play for the red team The Badgers. My husband and I really enjoy having our kids in sports and they really enjoy it. Trent loves football and usually comes home looking like this after his practice. Exhausted. The first three practices they only wear the helmets. Then after that full practice gear. Practice pants, uniform, helmets, pads, and cleats. They practice for a few weeks then the games begin. We start out with a tournament that lasts three days. Our fall season is very busy. Would not have it any other way. This house loves football.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

We aren't irish but, we are huge fans of the shamrock and everyone loves a little luck!! Plus, this little cutie looked really good sporting his shamrocks. ;)

1 teenager + 3 days in the hospital= Boredom

2010-03-04T19:24:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

Blaine's world

2010-03-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Taking a look into Blaine's world...

On Sunday, February 21st Blaine, Trent, and myself headed to Appleton. We spent sometime with my friend Jessica. It was really nice to hang out with her. We left earlier then planned because Blaine was feeling sick. On the way home he spiked up a fever and chills. He was burning up and shaking from the chills at the same time. In the van he had the temperature up. It felt like a sauna as I was driving. We stopped at a McDonald's so he could use a bathroom and when we stepped outside...on a warm "felt like spring day" it was like being in a humidty and stepping into air conditioning. I gave Blaine something to reduce the fever and it didn't help. So mom drove about 82mph to get home and get some more fever reducers. Finally the fever went down.

Sunday night/Monday morning same thing. He spiked a fever. His knee was also hurting. Took him to the ER. At first they thought he had an infection in his knee from a fall he had several weeks ago. They did an Xray and found out he has osteochondrosis. You can read all about it here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteochondritis-dissecans/DS00741 So, now he is under the care of the orthopedic surgeon and on crutches for 6-8 weeks. He will return to in 4 weeks for a check-up. Being on crutches as an active child as Blaine is very frustrating to him.

Although we found out what was wrong with Blaine's knee we are still dealing with his fevers, loss of appetite, loss of color, no energy, just feeling miserable. After many pokes with blood drawn... they came up with two things. 1) he came in contact with strep throat -didn't actually get the strep throat but, had a reaction to a reaction to it. {WHAT?} That was my thought. That didn't make any sense to me. I continued to be concerned. I know my teenager and he wasn't feeling very good. So, I called the Dr. MacArthur and she said the last of the blood cultures came in and it shows he has staph in his blood stream. When they drew blood last week they had to let the blood sit for 72 hours and see if bacteria grew in it. Which showed them a staph infection. It's not a contagious form of staff. It's not on the outside of his skin. It's inside his body. Dr. MacArthur wanted to admitt him to the hospital and run antibotics for 48hours.

He is feeling better. He was admitted yesterday and already after 24hours...he is feeling much better. Wants to escape from the hospital actually. He has had enough. I'm really enjoying the one on one time with Blaine. If you know teenager boys at all...you know they don't talk much! ;) We have been playing yatzee and kicking eachothers butts, talking, cruising around in the wheelchair, and just hanging out. Enjoying all his company. Admiring his balloons, cards, and gifts. Talking and chatting it up.

Dr said hopefully Blaine can go home tomorrow. He also hopes to return to school by Thursday.
Blaine doesn't like missing school and his friends!!!

That is what is happening in Blaine's world!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Very important colors

2010-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Jelly Bean Prayer

RED is for the blood He gave

GREEN is for the grass He made

YELLOW is for the sun so bright

ORANGE is for the edge of night

BLACK is for the sins we made

WHITE is for the grace He gave

PURPLE is for His hour of sorrow

PINK is for our new tomorrow

A bag full of jelly beans, colorful and sweet

Is a prayer, is a promise, is a special treat

Our Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

The crazy loves of my life.... I wouldn't trade them for nothing

as crazy as they are...
they are mine and I love each one of them!!!

2010-02-15T21:32:00.001-08:00

New haircuts

2010-02-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

Dieting and weightloss...

2010-02-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

I would love to hear all your diet and exercise tips. I've been walking 3 miles a day and watching what I am eating for three weeks now. I see results. I'm happy with that. Just not as much as I would like. Don't get me wrong...I am thankful just a bit discouraged.

I would love to hear what works for you. Do you struggle with the same thing I am working on?

Guess who loves the snow?

2010-02-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Kaden loves to play in the snow. It has snowed and it was time to go out and shovel...Kaden was the man for the job. He has his own little shovel. He loves to help mom and dad. Along with some shoveling...he also had some fun!!!

First you have to taste the snow....

then take some time to get some work done.....
pose with your mom...
the best is when you hop right into it....

I think mommy enjoys taking Kaden out in the snow as much as Kaden enjoys playing in it. This day we spent two hours playing outside. We went in the house, had a snack, and Kaden fell asleep for a nice long nap!! I love snow playing days!!!

Super Bowl XLIV

2010-02-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

We are cheering for the Saints! Who is your team?

Someone isn't feeling so well....

2010-02-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Kaden... has been doing a lot of resting. This is his third terrible cold this winter. Running nose, fever, sore throat, his eyes are always watering, tired, no appetite, just feeling under the weather and yucky. I hope my Kaden starts to feel better soon...or Spring hurries up. We have had enough of winter!!!

A recipe, a movie review and more...

2010-02-06T22:36:00.001-08:00

Wanted to post this recipe before I forget. Our good friends Matt & Stacy came over to watch movies tonight. We always have lots of snacks for everyone to enjoy. Tonight Stacy made this dip that is definitely worth talking about. It's very simple. 1 can of chicken chunks or you could cut up cooked chicken breasts if your prefer. cream cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. I'm not a huge fan of any hot sauce in any way, shape, or form. However, when this is warm and served with crackers...it's so yummy. We always enjoy getting together with them. Tonight we watched 17 again with the kids and Ring 1. Next time I'm sure we will watch Ring 2, also. That movie is so odd it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. We have been enjoying our Netflix membership. Friday evenings my mom comes over and watches movies with us as well. My dad watches WE wrestling and my mom hates wrestling... and a LOUD TV, so she heads over to our house. We have been doing this every Friday for awhile. This Friday we watched Julie and Julia. Mom wasn't a big fan of the show. I liked it. I like to cook and blog!!! Ice Castles comes out this Tuesday so I put that number 1 on our Que. Hopefully, we will see that new movie on Friday. We don't always watch movies when Grandma comes over. Sometimes, we bake things. Whatever we do ... we always enjoy our Friday evenings. They are sacred around here. Peace out. I must get some sleep. I'm blogging while my husband watches Criminal Minds. We love watching the show. I am partial to Shemar Moore! HA! It's always nice to put the kiddos to sleep and lay on the couch and relax with my hubster. I also enjoy the foot rubs he gives me. Gosh, I love that man!! Thank you Jesus for my family.

A little imagination and some play-doh

2010-02-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

Kaden is a huge batman fan. So imagine the excitement when we played with play-doh the other day and we could make his little bat friend. Not even thinking when I gave him a bat cookie cutter along with some heart ones for Valentines day. Kaden was more then thrilled to be able to make batmans and make them we sure did. I think we made over 20 of them! This one Kaden insisted on having his picture taken with. Heart glasses and playing peek a boo with the camera...
So much fun to be had....
even making mommy some cupcakes!!
most take time for being silly..

My little boy had a lot of fun playing with the play-doh. Next, we will be making homemade play-doh with kool aid flavors. I plan to increase Kaden's play-doh toys. Thinking about the barber shop one. He will get a kick out of the hair growing out of the top. He had quite a bit of toys previously...but, in the old house he made a HUGE mess and we had carpeting in the dinning room so that was a mess in the carpet. Now he is much older and actually plays verses making a mess. I even enjoy our play-doh time!!

Stay tuned more pictures coming... I'm trying to stay up to date on my blog. At times with work, school, and raising kids and having a family...life tends to get away from me and doesn't leave much time for me to blog!!

School is going well. Classes are hard this year. Espically anything with medical coding. Sometimes, I think I am way over my head. My faith in God keeps me going! I am fighting a painful bought of swimmers ear! This my blog readers hurts. If you have never had swimmers ear then please thank your lucky stars!

Well...off to bed for me. Tomorrow is the Super Bowl and I have lots to do before any S.B.P. Go Saints!!! We are cheering you on!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

What does sprinkles and family have in common?

2009-12-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

So happy

2009-12-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Guess who is turning 3 soon??

2009-11-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

In just a few short days Kaden will be THREE years old!! It doesn't seem possible. There has the time gone? How did my kids get to be 13, 9, and 3?? Today I was talking to Kaden and I and it finally hit me how much he has grown! Kinda brings a tear to my eyes. All of our lives have been much brighter with Kaden's presence. Only 5 more days......

And you will be a BIG THREE YEAR OLD!!
Wow Kaden Mykl Ermis you have grown so fast!!

Did you know we have to girls

2009-11-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

13th birthday part 2

2009-11-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

A birthday, a teenager in the house, and some fun

2009-11-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Blaine turned 13!! Yes, that is right we have a teenager!! Not to sure we are ready for this. Some of his friends came over to celebrate with him.
Becca, Kenzie, and Blaine's cousins Tyler and Brett.
Marc reading!?!?
The Trentster
Alex, birthday boy, and Jensen
Happy 13th buddy!
Marc and Brandon
Blaine opening cards while buddies look on. Blaine, Jensen, Alex, and Jesse
The way Marc wrote out Blaine's card envelope!! Classic
I offered to pick up the kids at school but they all insisted on riding the bus. Had to take a photo of them getting off the bus. lol This is probably the only time girls get off the bus at our house! Blaine had a great birthday! He is an awesome teenager!!!!
He had 2 parties. One with friends on the Friday (3 spent the night) and after cleaning the house all day Saturday we celebrated the birthday again on his actual birthday...Sunday Nov 8th!!! I will post those pictures soon.

I simply cannot believe I am the mom of a teenager!!!

Quote of the day..

2009-11-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Don't put a question mark where God put a period!!

Coleman VS Crivitz

2009-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

That is our #25. Blaine going to make more points!

#25 with the ball again! Go Blaine!!!
Blaine's very athletic. He plays football, track, and basketball. He LOVES basketball. When he gets home from school and practice ... then he is outside playing basketball. Plays even in the dark. =) Trent loves sports too. So, they usually play together. Even in the morning before school. When I take Kaden outside he usually says...I wanna play basketball mom!!! Good thing we have a big basketball hoop outside. More basketball pictures to follow!

just Kaden being Kaden

2009-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

Hear no evil...
See no evil....

If your looking for a good read....

2009-11-16T18:57:00.001-08:00

LOVE & RESPECT...... I highly recommend this book!

This is the best marriage book any couple could ever put in their hands.....

A wife has one driving need to feel loved. When that need is met...she is happy. A husband has one driving need to be respected. When that need is met .... he is happy. When either of these needs aren't met...things get crazy!! Love & Respect reveals why spouses react negatively to each other and how they can deal with such conflict quickly, easily, and biblically.

I strongly recommend adding this book to your collection. =) The results are well worth the cost. And, before I forget...there is a workbook, too!!!

Enjoy!

Something beautiful to me

2009-11-16T18:44:00.001-08:00

I look into these eyes on a regular basis and everytime I do they continue to amaze me! Kaden has such beautiful eyes. So big, so bright, so inquisitve!! Headlights ...that is what these are to me. My first brown eyed boy!
Blaine has greenish hazel like my mom
Trent has blue like his dad
Kaden has brown eyes like me....

Finally out of three .... with eyes like mine!!

Although they all have BEAUTIFUL EYES!!! I'm going to bast in the "brown-ness" of Kaden's ... that match his mommys!!

-----------------------------------------

I have been reading the book Love & Respect.

We had a visitor

2009-11-15T05:19:00.001-08:00

Arista came to spend a night and hang out with Kaden. They played together and really enjoyed the time together. They insisted on taking baths at the same time....

It was really nice to have a girl in the house for a change.
Yep, we had a visitor.....
Arista came to visit!!!! We hope she comes back soon!

playing with your brother

2009-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

Just a little something

2009-11-14T18:24:00.001-08:00

Just a little something that I threw together. You can make one too. All you need is a old window pane minus the glass
a piece of material. Mine came from either Joann's Crafts or Hancock Fabrics. I usually pick up material from time to time so I'm not positive where it came from. Also, you need some glue sticks and a hot glue gun. Just hot glue the material on to the back of this rustic frame and you have a new creation.
Plus, if you have some hip berries or a little something to tack on the front to add that little extra flair!!! I have done other window frames however this is the largest one I have worked with. A friend of ours...Matt (my friend Stacy's husband) brought us a truck load of old windows and doors. So, I will be making more. Our shed in the backyard is kinda full right now of projects for me to work on. I look forward to jazzing up some things for the Christmas decorating season!!! Do you make any projects? Please share!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-10-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

seasons come and go.......

2009-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Football season at school came and went! They were 7-1. Blaine had a fun time playing football for junior high! Now, onto basketball. Blaine thrives on playing basketball.

friends are fun

2009-10-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Kaden can never leave home without a handful of toys to play with while in the van and he must wear a hat!!
Dathan was over spending time with Kaden and he is also a hat lovin boy!!! Dathan and Kaden being silly
because they share a special frienshipthey give eachother funny looks
that make them laugh.....
and just enjoy hanging out together
It's great to have a good friend........
Friends are fun!!!

Pumpkin Smoothies

2009-10-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying these tonight!!! Someone emailed me this recipe and they are so very delish!

Ingredients

1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup milk or vanilla yogurt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. brown sugar
4 ice cubes

Directions

Combine ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.Pour the smoothies into small glasses (this drink is rich) and garnish each with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped topping. For a fun touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or a few colored sprinkles.
Serves 2 or 3.

What does green mean to you??!!?!?!?!?!

2009-10-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

In our neck of the woods it means...school spirit and homecoming!!! These pictures show how our boys went to school this morning. They showed the true support for their football team and if you know us...you know we are all about football! Tonight Coleman hosts the football game. Coleman vs Suring! Yes, that is right...Blaine's socks don't match. He is wearing his black under amour sock and the green sock is his fellow football playing buddies green socks. This is how they wear their socks during the games too. =) This does not reflect on my mothering skills or my laundry matching abilities...whatsoever!!!
WOW...green hair = SMILES! big ones!
Even lil brother Kaden had to jump into the picture! He was seriously wondering why they put green in their hair. It was the funniest thing.
Homecoming is what green means to us!!!!!!

...P A R E N T I N G ....

2009-10-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Parenthood, its not a job. It's an adventure!-- Author Unknown

Sometimes.....

2009-10-08T15:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a boy just needs to hang with his mama!!! Kaden insisted on wearing his hat! Lately, he doesn't go very many places with out a hat on....sometimes he acts silly and covers his eyes... Sometimes he shows mommy his gorgeous eyes!!!
Sometimes little men like to help their mommy clean........

and sometimes little boys like to put spongebob stickers on their body............ No matter what we do SOMETIMES.... we always enjoy spending time together!!!

Boy have I missed you.............

2009-09-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

I sure have missed blogging! Our life has been so hectic. As you may know or not know...I returned to school! Yep, I'm in college. The Health Care Business Services program has now become my life. I couldn't start school slowly .... parttime wasn't in my vocabulary! Nope, I went full force and gave myself 16 credits! WHEW! What was I thinking??

Also, we moved! We love the home we now have! This move was so much work. Boxes boxes boxes! I think I was dreaming of boxes! We are all moved in now and are in total bliss! Putting some finishing touches on things, but we are all settled in. I will post pictures to follow...please be patient!
Here are some pictures of the family for you to enjoy!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-08-12T10:59:00.001-07:00

Curls or no curls....

2009-08-09T12:44:00.001-07:00

Blaine was ready for a change...he wanted a new look. So his curls are a thing of the past. I must admit that I do miss them. He looks a bit older now. It is hard to believe that he's a pre-teen. I wonder if I am ready for that!

We took our animals to the zoo........

2009-08-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

It was a hot sunny day and we wanted to do something but was not sure where to go. So we hopped into the truck and headed to Lakewood not to sure what we would find there. We stopped at The Lakewood Zoo. While there Trent and Kaden had a good time. They enjoyed a yummy treat!!
Spent some time with daddy!

checked out some animals...
watched some animals drink.....
and we also fed some animals.......
this goat roamed all over the zoo......
Kaden loves moo cows. Trent had to hold him because he was climbing up the fence to the moo cow....
baby goats....were hungry
he was hugging the sculpture.....

Dirt Cup Dessert

2009-08-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

. Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) cool whip
1 cup powdered sugar
2 small boxes intant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk
1 (14 ounces) package oreo cookies
Gummy worms
Clear plastic cups

Directions:
Blend cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add cool whip, blend until smooth. Set aside. Mix chocolate pudding with milk. Blend until thickend. Add to cream cheese mixture and chill. Crush oreo cookies in blender or food processor. In small cups, put a layer of the cookies. Top with pudding mixture. Then top with remaining crushed cookies. Decorate top with gummy worms.

They are more fun to make with little hands helping you!!! =)

baking a cake as fast as we can

2009-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have my own batch of little bakers on my hands. Yes, they baked me a birthday cake. They were so eager to do so. I must tell you that cake was delish. It was a smashing hit at the birthday party/cook-out on my birthday!!! More birthday photos to follow!!!
Have a great night!

Upside down flag causes controversy

2009-07-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

CRIVITZ - An American flag has been flying upside down, and causing some controversy. A Crivitz man raised the flag "union down," saying he was in distress, because of a problem with the village.
Vito Congine bought a Crivitz building last fall, planning to turn it into a supper club. He says the village board welcomed the idea, and was planning on granting him a liquor license. But when it came time to get the license, after Congine invested more than $180,000 into the building and renovations, the board said no citing the economy and other concerns.
"My wife and I are on the doorstep of bankruptcy," said Congine. "We're in distress. And I told them you just put my building and my home and my entire family in distress. I'm going to express myself."
Congine expressed himself by flying the flag upside down.
Right now there's no flag on Congine's property. He says someone vandalized the rope on the flagpole.
But he had been flying the flag union down. Before the Fourth of July parade, which would go past Congine's property, the Crivitz Police Department took matters into its own hands. The police department says it received complaints about the flag, and tried to contact Congine. On the 4th, the police department took the flag down, returning it to Congine the next day.
"It's ridiculous. They violated my first amendment rights," said Congine.
No one from the village of Crivitz would do an on-camera interview because of the possibility of future legal action. The village issued a statement saying on the advice of the district attorney, the flag had to be taken down to prevent things from getting violent, and to protect Congine.
"Nobody ever even brought that forward to my attention," said Congine.
For now, Congine's flag sits inside his vacant supper club, but he he plans to fly the flag upside down again this weekend.
The American Civil Liberties Union is looking into taking legal action against Crivitz. An ACLU official says taking the flag appears to be illegal.CRIVITZ - An American flag has been flying upside down, and causing some controversy. A Crivitz man raised the flag "union down," saying he was in distress, because of a problem with the village.
Vito Congine bought a Crivitz building last fall, planning to turn it into a supper club. He says the village board welcomed the idea, and was planning on granting him a liquor license. But when it came time to get the license, after Congine invested more than $180,000 into the building and renovations, the board said no citing the economy and other concerns.
"My wife and I are on the doorstep of bankruptcy," said Congine. "We're in distress. And I told them you just put my building and my home and my entire family in distress. I'm going to express myself."
Congine expressed himself by flying the flag upside down.
Right now there's no flag on Congine's property. He says someone vandalized the rope on the flagpole.
But he had been flying the flag union down. Before the Fourth of July parade, which would go past Congine's property, the Crivitz Police Department took matters into its own hands. The police department says it received complaints about the flag, and tried to contact Congine. On the 4th, the police department took the flag down, returning it to Congine the next day.
"It's ridiculous. They violated my first amendment rights," said Congine.
No one from the village of Crivitz would do an on-camera interview because of the possibility of future legal action. The village issued a statement saying on the advice of the district attorney, the flag had to be taken down to prevent things from getting violent, and to protect Congine.
"Nobody ever even brought that forward to my attention," said Congine.
For now, Congine's flag sits inside his vacant supper club, but he he plans to fly the flag upside down again this weekend.
The American Civil Liberties Union is looking into taking legal action against Crivitz. An ACLU official says taking the flag appears to be illegal. courtesy: www.wluk.com
--------------------------------------------------------
I would love to hear what you all think of this. I feel it's completely disrespectful to the flag and all it stands for to fly the flag upside down. Also, feel it's equally disrespectful to "steal" ones flag and return it to him the next day...laying it down on his porch!!!
----------------------------------------------------------
this is the article from www.yahoo.com
An American flag flown upside down as a protest in a northern Wisconsin village was seized by police before a Fourth of July parade and the businessman who flew it — an Iraq war veteran — claims the officers trespassed and stole his property.
A day after the parade, police returned the flag and the man's protest — over a liquor license — continued.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin is considering legal action against the village of Crivitz for violating Vito Congine Jr.'s' First Amendment rights, Executive Director Chris Ahmuty said.
"It is not often that you see something this blatant," Ahmuty said.
In mid-June, Congine, 46, began flying the flag upside down — an accepted way to signal distress — outside the restaurant he wants to open in Crivitz, a village of about 1,000 people some 65 miles north of Green Bay.
He said his distress is likely bankruptcy because the village board refused to grant him a liquor license after he spent nearly $200,000 to buy and remodel a downtown building for an Italian supper club.
Congine's upside-down-flag represents distress to him; to others in town, it represents disrespect of the flag.
Hours before a Fourth of July parade, four police officers went to Congine's property and removed the flag under the advice of Marinette County District Attorney Allen Brey.
Neighbor Steven Klein watched in disbelief.
"I said, 'What are you doing?' Klein said. "They said, 'It is none of your business.'"
The next day, police returned the flag.
Brey declined comment Friday.
Marinette County Sheriff Jim Kanikula said it was not illegal to fly the flag upside down but people were upset and it was the Fourth of July.
"It is illegal to cause a disruption," he said.
The parade went on without any problems, Kanikula said.
Village President John Deschane, 60, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said many people in town believe it's disrespectful to fly the flag upside down.
"If he wants to protest, let him protest but find a different way to do it," Deschane said.
Congine, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq in 2004, said he intends to keep flying the flag upside down.
"It is pretty bad when I go and fight a tyrannical government somewhere else," Congine said, "and then I come home to find it right here at my front door."
--------------------------------------------------------
Your comments are more then welcome!!!

I'm trying to potty train a monster!!!!

2009-07-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Have any of you had trouble with this? Kaden is our third child and the most difficult to potty train!! I am so against having the potty chair in the living room but I tried it and even included some crayons/markers to make it more exciting!!! um...where is the paper? {smile}
Big brother Trent even joined in on the fun...
Kaden's art work!!!
If any of you moms or dads have any advice please share!!! Kaden is 2 1/2 years old and he doesn't like to be in a wet diaper. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!! Kaden and I need the help!
I realized that I didn't post any Father's Day pictures!! We celebrated the day with church in the morning and went to my parents for steak on the grill (mom's knee replacement surgery was VERY new at this point...and couldn't leave the house) Then we came home for some quality time with dad. Watched a movie and shared chocolate chip cookie/cake!!!
Kaden fell asleep early (in the car on the way home) so he unfortunately slept through the festivites. He was exhausted from playing outside G&G's house. Here are the 3 of my 4 men in my life!!! Such silly characters!!!

Big Milwaukee Brewer fan! Nothing like a Nike Brewer shirt!!
Reading the Father's day card from his honey!!! She's such an awesome wife!!! xoxo
Last week Blaine, Trent, and myself headed to Appleton to my friend Leah's house to see her new baby girl Ellasyn. On the way down there Trent had a good time sititng in the back playing with silly-puddy!!! This boys imagination is outrageous!! He didn't even tell us he was doing anything silly...when I looked back at him...this is what I found. I cracked up!

Having fun with Allie in the pool!! Due to lifes business and all we don't get together as often as we would like. Leah is going to be marrying next year, and I am her matron of honor... so we hung out in the house talking about the wedding, going over things, and of course I was spoiling that sweet little girl, Ellasyn. I will be her godmother on the 19th of this month.

Guess what we had delivered....

2009-07-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Trent was so happy when the sand was delivered!! He spends most of his time out in the sandbox. His dad use to spend a lot of time in the sandbox when he was little, too.

almost....WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-07-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

We have been playing outside so much this summer...Kaden has been falling asleep here and there! =)

sometimes you need one of these........

2009-07-07T19:04:00.001-07:00

Kaden finally took a much needed nap and since it's a rare moment that he does rest .... Trent wanted to lay down next to his brother!!!
Trent's sporting our new stellan bracelts. Sorry, for the poor quality picture of the bracelts. Trent is also wearing a orange shirt..to match the bracelts. =) However, the cameras settings were set to black and white. Wearing orange for STELLAN @ www.mycharmingkids.net
So peaceful
This is where he originally "crashed" then woke up and crawled on the couch! Needless to say I got some unexpected me time. So thankful for naps and rest time.
Sometimes you need one of these!

Flag tart recipe

2009-07-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 ounce) cool whip, thawed
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries

Directions:
Press the sugar cookie dough into a greased 11x7 baking dish lined with nonstick foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. cool. Remove crust to a serving platter, if desired. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add the cool whipe, mix until combined. Spread half onto cooled crust. Arrange blueberries and raspberries in a flag pattern. Place the remaining cream cheese mixture in a resealable plastic bag, cut off one of the corners. Pipe zigzag white stripes on the tart in between the raspberries.

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July to everyone!!! Hope you all have a safe holiday!!!!

Out of town

2009-06-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Blaine, Trent, and myself are currently out of town visiting my friend Leah, James, Allie, and the newest addition to their family Ellasyn!! She is adorable and only 7 weeks old today! She has captured my heart with that head full of dark hair and long eye lashes!

Tonight we all hopped into the pool!! The weather here in Wisconsin is a chilly 60' so the pool was F R E E Z I N G!! Despite the cold temps...we had a lot of laughs!

Needless to say we have enjoyed some shopping, grilling-out, and lots of catching up to do! Tomorrow I get to see Tabby & baby Kolt, then going to spend some time with Jessica over lunch and head home!!

Sometimes it's nice to get away!!
Pictures to follow .......
maybe tomorrow!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A tasty treat....

2009-06-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

Margarita Grilled Chicken...INGREDIENTS
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 cups bottled margarita mix

DIRECTIONS
Pour the margarita mix into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts, and press out as much of the air as possible before sealing. Marinate 4 to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Remove chicken from marinade, and discard the marinade. Grill chicken 8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tasty BBQ corn on the cob.....

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch onion powder
cayenne pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 ears corn, husked and cleaned

DIRECTIONS
Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend in the softened butter. Apply this mixture to each ear of corn, and place each ear onto a piece of aluminum foil big enough to wrap the corn. Wrap like a burrito, and twist the ends to close.
Place wrapped corn on the preheated grill, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until tender when poked with a fork. Turn corn occasionally during cooking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Salsa Pasta Salad.....

INGREDIENTS

2 cups dry rainbow radiatore pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
3 tomatoes, diced
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder

DIRECTIONS
In a large pot with boiling salted water cook radiatore pasta until tender. Drain.
Meanwhile, combine chopped onion, bell pepper, olives, tomatoes, and green chilies in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, cilantro, garlic salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, sugar and chili powder.
Mix cooked pasta with vegetables. Toss with cilantro dressing and serve

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is an awesome meal! I had this for supper tonight!

Been a little crazy around here with work, my moms total knee replacement surgery and rehabilation, and I have been having some major migraines lately too. Hope you all have a great summer weekend!!!

Peace out!!!

Nighty night...

2009-06-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

NIGHTY NIGHT Tune:

Nighty night Kaden
In your sweet bed.
Rest your feet,
Rest your head.
When your eyes close
Just count the sheep.
Until you fall –Fast asleep!
I sing this to Kaden every night after we read a book at bedtime. A friend of mine shared this and a few others with me. It's become a favorite in our home. What makes your bedtime so special?

Oldies but goodies

2009-06-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a little busy around here......

2009-06-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Blaine left for camp at Northland Bible Camp on Monday. He is in Pioneer Village. He will return home on Saturday. This is his second year at camp. I pray he grows closer to God while he is there. I didn't take pictures when he was loading up on the church van :( Because, I was busy trying to keep Kaden away from the road. Then after they left we realized Blaine left his digital camera behind... so hopefully some photos are posted to the camp website sometime so we can see them. I pray Blaine's camp experience draws him even closer to the Lord.

It's been a busy few days as well as the rest of the week will be crazy. Trent was at his friend Hunter's house playing in the water and going down the water slide. I am so happy that he enjoyed his time with the Deeter's. He really misses Blaine. (we all do)

Tomorrow my mom has knee replacement surgery. She's had two scopings on her knee that were unsuccessful. Please lift her up in your prayers. SO, I will be getting up extra early tomorrow, dropping Kaden off at 6am at a sitter (close friend) and Trent and mom are heading to Grandma's surgery. We will meet my dad and brother there. Trent and I, after the surgery will leave and get grandma some balloons. :) Balloons always cheer people up!!!! My mom is so anxious to get this surgery done. With two failed surgerys already...and the fact that she has to walk crocked straining her back with much pain... she just wants some relief. She will stay in the hospital for a few days and be released. She has a walker, and my dad and I will take turns on shifts helping my mom. I'll be so happy to see my mom healing and moving around as she was a long time ago before this injury. We are praying for you MOM!!!

Kaden has mastered climbing out of his bed!!! He proudly lifts his leg up and jumps down!!! yikes! This is all bad. It has become like a nighmare to say the least. Our beloved little monster already strongly dislikes bedtime now it's even harder because once you put him in and you walk away he jumps out and follows you!!! I've tried rocking him but Kaden is not a rock-me-to-sleep type of boy!! He use to be but has outgrown that. Needless to say, he doesn't take his naps during the days at home. Saturday and Sundays are long days when Kaden misses his naps. If you have any hints, tips, secrets, ANYTHING to help us with this problem....please yell, scream, comment, email, text, send smoke signals...ASAP!!! I need all the help with this!! Imagine that...two older boys down and ya think ya know everything!!!

Just wanted to let you know what we have been up to. Been busy with dentist appts, baseball games, enjoying summer, Yes, it's finally HOT! HOT! HOT! Thank you Sweet Jesus!! I know I'm not alone on that one. Well time to drift off to sleep next to my sweet hubby. Together we say GOODNIGHT!!!

A lil fun with a camera and 3 willing boys and a late afternoon

2009-06-11T18:05:00.001-07:00

Please let me know which one you like!!!

Thanful Thursday

2009-06-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord, for these blessings you have bestowed me with.
Please help me....
To never take them for granted
To be more patient than I ever thought I could be
To always put their needs ahead of my own
To bathe them every day in prayer
To have wisdom in every situation so I can guide them in the right decisions
To love them like no one on this earth will ever love them
To be a Godly example they can follow
To live everyday the way
You would want me to, and
To keep You always at the center of our home.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-06-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Q: Who's your favorite baseball team???

2009-06-09T21:36:00.001-07:00

A: The Milwaukee Brewers!!! Blaine's middle school recently headed to Milwaukee on a field trip to the Brewer game.

Milwaukee Brewers vs St Louis Cardinals
The Brewer's didn't win... score was 3-2 Not bad they only lost by 1 point.
Regardless, Blaine and his friends still had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the game and trip!!
It was his first time and we happy he enjoyed himself. This is a picture of him and Alex Stodola.
Next, I need to scan the pictures from Trent's field trip with his class. Maybe I will work on that for tomorrow. Plates pretty full right now. Tomorrow is the boys last day of school. It's a half day and we are so thrilled that school is over finally. They have never gone this late in the year. However, wonderful Wisconsin and it's ROTTEN weather ... we had a lot of snow days to make up.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am so very thankful .. each and everyday for the 4 boys in my life....without them I am nothing...with them I am everything....and for Gods grace...each and everyday!

Time for me to to have some sweet dreams!! May you all have sweet dreams!

Baked Ziti Recipe

2009-06-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Baked Ziti

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
7 1/2 cups Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce
1 package (1 pound) tube-shaped pasta (ziti) (about 6 cups), cooked and drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 12 ounces)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook the beef and onion in an 8-quart saucepot over medium high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the sauce, ziti and 2 cups mozzarella cheese in the saucepot. Spoon the beef mixture into 2 (12 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 2-inch) disposable foil pans. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes or until the beef mixture is hot and the cheese is melted..
ENJOY!!!

I

2009-06-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

I live my life for Jesus
I love my family
I am a sinner
I am not perfect
I am a regular mama
I can not do it all on my own
I am learning everyday
I do not know everything
I am just like you
I am Shay

baseball, boys, trucks, outside, family....

2009-06-06T20:53:00.001-07:00

The weather has been so nice lately we have been spending a lot more time outside. Blaine and Trent love baseball and have been enjoying playing games with dad and friends. This particular night Coty was over. I even hit the ball a few times. I'm pretty sure I surprised Trent. He didn't say it ... but, he didn't really think I could do it. Awh, what us moms can do!!

This picture is of Trent throwing the ball. He is quite the ball thrower and we has a good idea when it comes to hitting also.
Blaine is also serious stuff when it comes to hitting the ball. After school every evening it's all about baseball!
Dad enjoys playing baseball with the boys. Coty is in the background. Not sure what he's looking at ... maybe the ball. Not sure. But, these guys played for many hours. I'm glad they spend time out there enjoying the warm weather.
Kaden....he found 2 trucks and he was oblivious to the baseball fun going on just feet away from him. I am sure he could hear all the cheering mom was doing for the boys...as they ran to bases, and swung the bats... but all our little 2 1/2 year old cared about was his trucks!!
He's also all boy....all about trucks, noise, and dirt!!! DIRT DIRT DIRT!!
Here are the two trucks that occupied my little toddlers mind for a good hour or two.

What do you and your family do outside on warm nights? I am looking forward to hot days and evenings and we can bring out the water!!! I know those days....are coming!!! I can't wait!!!!

+

Favorite Foto Friday

2009-06-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to. Enjoying the four wheelers and spending time together. Trent and Kaden are the avid riders. Blaine likes it...but they love it!!! If Kaden could drive his own next to Trent he would.

Typical boys loving noisy toys and dirt!!!

warmsunnyparkdaywithfamily........

2009-05-26T06:42:00.001-07:00

I'm believe that you need to get out and do things with your children. If we didn't encourage this Trent would literally play video games all day long! So, we headed to the park for some fun. Spent a few hours out there...had some fun, did some laughing, soaked up some sun...just had a great time. This is one of my favorite pictures of the day!!
Kaden really enjoyed the rocks and sand. There's just something about boys and dirt!! The Trentmeister... you can tell that he's having a good time by that smile! Trent he loves the outdoors. We are so blessed to have such active and outdoorys children.
Blaine and myself. Let me tell you he is taller then me but NOT that much taller. I slipped my sandles off and dug my fit into the sand/gravel. To make him look even taller. =) He loved it. We are sure it won't be long till he is this much taller then us.

Just Who Was Lost Again?

2009-05-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Random Picture Challenge

2009-05-23T15:41:00.001-07:00

16th picture folder 28th picture

There is so much love between the 3 boys! We are so blessed. Each one looks out for the next. Blaine is a terriffic big brother...always has been and is so happy he has 2 brothers to be there for. Trent's new to the game of having a little brother. He truly enjoys it too. They are like little mother hens to Kaden. It's nice.

We are so blessed! =)

Now go to www.4littlemen.blogspot.com to check out the other Random Picutre Challenges.

Pasta and Cauliflower Recipe

2009-05-19T06:13:00.001-07:00

Back by popular demand...my recipes! I am going to post a recipe every week! INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower, broken into small florets
1/2 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound spaghetti

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
Meanwhile, steam frozen cauliflower until tender. Alternatively, break cauliflower into flowerets, and steam until tender.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and saute until golden. Add garlic, and saute until golden brown. Stir in cauliflower and seasonings.
Drain pasta, and transfer to a large serving bowl. Toss with onion and cauliflower mixture, and top with cheese.

Lena Track Meet

2009-05-19T05:57:00.001-07:00

Kaden, Brandon, Trent, and Jimmy...hanging out!! Blaine running the 1600 m dash! Go Blaine Go!
and he is going!!
In the bull pen waiting to run again! It was extremely windy and cold out!!! A lot of us were covered in blankets.
Blaine & Brandon his best friend! Being crazy! Probably freezing inbetween events.

Wildlife Sanctuary fun......

2009-05-18T18:42:00.001-07:00

Wildlife Sanctuary, our animals...there animals!!

2009-05-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at the Wildlife Sanctuary. The boys had a lot of fun feeding the geese and the deer. They both were amazed when the animals came right up to them while feeding them. It was wonderful spending quality time together. We even indulged in a little picnic.

Ten days has been too long....

2009-05-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

I can not beleive it has been ten days since my last post! Shame on me! I've just been really busy! With the weather getting warmer... the kids, my hubby, and I have been spending more time outside enjoying all the things God created for us. I've also been trying to get more reading time in then internet. =) See, how well that worked.

Here's a poem that was in my email...When I read it I wanted to share it with my fellow blogger friends! Here it is ladies....

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on..
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn ' t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn ' t stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-05-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

2009-05-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful spring day so we headed outside! Blaine and Kaden enjoyed some quality time together. Blaine is so good with his brothers. We took a walk and ran into Grandma's kisses

Then we took a 4wheeler ride!
Just spent some brotherly time together outside. While we enjoyed some blooming flowers! Don't mind those leaves. Act like you never seen them. :)

That was our beautiful spring day/afternoon/evening!! We headed outside in the evening so Daddy could relax after a long day at work!

Kaden at Grandma & Grandpa's house and visting with Auntie Gloria & Uncle Benny

2009-05-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

My auntie Gloria and Uncle Benny came to visit my parents. My mom and my aunt are shopping buddies! Of course Kaden and his buddy Grandpa had to have some smoochin time!
The 3 men...
Aunt Gloria and Kaden spending time together.
Kaden and his second favorite lady....G R A N D M A!!!!! He loves his Gma!!

A toddler and a haircut

2009-05-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Kaden got a haircut from my friend Jodi at her salon! To start off he sat in the chair like a big boy...she even gave him a squirt bottle to spray water at the mirror in front of him! He did well with this until she brought out the clipers and comb then he wanted nothing to do with it!! So, he ended up being on my lap while Jodi cut his hair!! As you see it was a work in progress. My poor little boy sure didn't enjoy any of this. The whole time we were telling him he could go go the park and play on the swings and go down the slide. Even thought Kaden loves to do that...he simply wasn't interested! I felt so terrible that he was so upset.
Almost done! Just need to rinse off the excess hair and we are all done Kaden hang in there sweetness!
He looked so handsome so grown up!! So exhausted after all of that! Jodi did an awesome job give Kaden a line!! I'm so proud of him for going through a haircut which obviously he doesn't like and so proud of Jodi for cutting his hair exactly the way I wanted it. She never did a line before and she did great!
even in the back!!! Thank you Jodi! we love you!! No more running to Oshkosh to "The Barbershop" although Kaden was impressed with the peanuts on the floor and the flat screen while he was in the barber shop.... It's much nicer to have a haircut close to home!!!
Kaden gives Jodi big props on his haircut and she was really good with him!!! Encouraged him all the way through!!

Track Invitational

2009-05-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Track Invitational at Suring!!!

Coleman gathers!

A Brewer fan even came!!! lol

Brandon, Blaine, and friends were being entertained by Kaden during the events!!!

While waiting for Blaine's 1600 meter relay to start....It started raining and mom forgot the umbrella. So, Kaden went right over by the lady sitting next to us...(a Suring fan) and hid under her umbrella!!

Blaine did very well at this invitational. I would post pictures of him running but the camera was in my hand... but I was cheering for him and it was so exciting I didn't get pictures!! I know, I know, He wasn't very happy about that. We have another one coming up! I'll work on it!

Easy Fingerpaint Recipe....

2009-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Easy Fingerpaint

Ingredients:
2 cups white flour
2 cups cold water food-coloring

Directions
Put water into a large bowl. Slowly add the flour, while the children are stirring. Once it's all mixed together, divide into smaller bowls and add food coloring.

Brotherly Quote...

2009-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

He is my most beloved friend and my bitterest rival, my confidant and my betrayer, my sustainer and my dependent, and scariest of all, my equal.

Gregg Levoy

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-04-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

FREE Mother's Day Card

2009-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can go to www.hallmark.com
to send your mom a FREE Mother's Day Card,
and even personalize it if you like.

1. Go to the above website and sign in or register for a free account.
2. Select or create the Mother's Day card that you like.
3. When you go to check out use the promo code CARD4MOM to cover the cost of the card and postage.

I just did this and it worked for me. The offer ends May 1st so you don't have much time. You can have your card delivered directly to your mom by May 8th.

Everytime I make a bed .........

2009-04-28T14:03:00.001-07:00

Monkey Face Cupcakes

2009-04-27T16:05:00.001-07:00

Something fun and yummy to do with the kids:

Ingredients:

1 package chocolate cake mix
1 can chocolate frosting
24 vanilla wafers
Black or brown decorating gel
Red decorating gel
48 light blue, dark blue or white milk chocolate M & M's
12 peanut butter cream filled sandwich cookies, the ones that look like peanuts

Directions:
Prepare cake batter according to package directions for cupcakes. Cool on wire racks. Set aside 1/4 cup frosting. Frost cupcakes with remaining frosting. With a serrated knife, cut off a forth from each vanilla wafer. Place wafer on each cupcake with the rounded edge of wafer near edge of cupcake, for face. Add dots of black or brown gel for nostrils. With red gel, pipe a mouth on each. Place M & M's above the wafer for eyes, add dots of black or brown gel for pupils. Using reserved frosting and a star tip, pipe hair or just use a butter knife to put on hair. Carefully separate sandwich cookie. Cut each in half. Put one on each side of cupcake for ears, rounded edge out.
Makes 24.

Let's have something to talk about.............

2009-04-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

It is my 100th post!! So, I decided to post about our god-child Justin turning 21!! I had to send him a happy birthday text this morning. Didn't really expect a response since he's 21 and all... but, of course he replied thank you! Justin is a wonderful young father. His parents did a great job with him so I know he will do a great job with his little boy Tyler.

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Justin Happy Birthday to you! You deserve such a great day!!! I remember when Justin was younger and we played school and store together. Ironically, I use to play that with his mom when we were younger. Life is funny.
I'm just thankful for such a nice young man to be our God-child.

Again, we sing....
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Justin...Happy Birthday to you!!!! How old are you???? 21!!!!
Love ya
Wayne, Shay, Blaine, Trent, and Kaden
--------------------------------------------------
Oh yeah It's my 100st post!!! When I started my blog I never expected to reach 100!!! Kind of a milestone for me!!
yeah for me!! whoa!

Kaden

2009-04-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

Kaden is our two year old little man! He can be such a tender sweet little boy...Sometimes he sneaks up behind me and wraps his arms around me and kisses me while I'm cooking or really doing anything. If he sees you cry Kaden will come up to you and wipe away your tears. He is fun to cuddle with. He's also a very active little boy! He is on the go from the time he is up till the time he is down. Sometimes I wonder where he gets his energy from. I could bottle it and sell it! :) He loves to play with his toys, run non-stop, and he really enjoys the outdoors.
He really keeps me going! Not sure who is more wiped out at the end of the day...Kaden, mommy, or daddy?
Kaden really enjoys playing with his big brothers!! He also makes time to play with Kali our kitten and Brooks our puppy. They all get a workout playing together!!!

Trent & Mom day.....

2009-04-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Trent and mom spent the day together. First we headed to church. Trent sat with mom in the auditorium during sunday school and morning worship service. Usually he goes to children's church but today was special and he stayed with me!! The service was awesome. Pastors message really touched my heart. Trent and I had a discussion on the way to pick up Grandma .... about obedience and disobience. It's amazing the prospective that comes from a child. Out of the mouths of babes...as they say! He never stops amazing me. He did tell me, although he was very tired and hungry (refused breakfast before church) that he enjoyed listening to Pastor Scott talk today! And he felt bad that he was way too hungry to sing the worship songs!!!

After that amazing church service....we headed to pick up Grandma and were on our way to Tabby's baby shower. Tabetha is my cousin's daughter. I use to babysit her!! She use to spend a lot of time crying! OMgosh...I am telling you that was quite the baby. Now keep in mind, I was much much younger at that time. Then she became my favorite and was my minitaure bride at my wedding!! Now she recently had a baby! A baby boy.... Kolt!!! What a little ham he is!! I first seen him 6 weeks ago and he was only 2 wks old at that time. He was a peanut. So tiny.

Today we were SHOCKED to say the least....he is 2 months old...and a whoopin 14lbs!! WOW! Kaden is 2 1/2 yrs old and 28lbs!! Way too funny.
This is a picture of the proud new mommy and baby Kolt at Easter!! I think he looks a lot like her.

Trent met Kolt for the first time .... and had a great time holding him, bonding with him, feeding him, burping him, just plain loving him!!! I love this picture of Trent and Kolt. Look at the way Trent's starring at him! priceless!
Precious, innocent little life!!
Trent, me, Kolt, and Tabby!!
Trent feeding a hungry little baby Kolt!
We had a great time with Tabby and Kolt. We will be seeing them again soon! When I'm in Appleton again were going to spend sometime together. On the way home Trent said... I miss the baby!! So we sent Tabby a text ...saying how much Trent misses him...so we will plan for her to bring him up here so Trent can spoil Kolt. His new little favorite baby. I can't wait to see how Kaden reacts to Kolt. To see if he is jealous, to see how he acts around a little baby. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder!!!

And no I don't wonder that...because I'm planning on having another baby!!! NOPE, not me!! I hope you all enjoyed your Sunday afternoons!!!

Strawberry Mice........

2009-04-25T19:36:00.001-07:00

We all enjoy having fun with our kids!! We all enjoy having our children eat healthy!! Here is a recipe: These mischievous mice will have your kids happily nibbling on a healthy snack in no time.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Fresh strawberries
Mini chocolate chips
Black decorators' icing
Almond slivers
Toothpick
Red lace licorice

1. For each mouse, slice a small section from the side of a strawberry so it sits flat.
2. Press a mini chocolate chip into the tip for a nose, using a small dab of icing to secure it in place, if needed.
3. Add icing eyes and stick 2 almond slivers into the top of the berry for ears.
4. For a tail, use a toothpick to carve a small hole in the back of the berry and push the end of a piece of licorice lace into the hole.

Serve these berry cute treats with small triangles of cheese.

Steve Urkel came to visit our home.....

2009-04-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Kaden was in the play-room and when I walked in there I found this....he was wearing my glasses. He must of grabbed them off the kitchen counter and ran with them. Thankfully they weren't all out of shape or broken. He smiled and said Mommy look at me!!! I couldn't stop laughing. Then made sure he seen himself with my glasses on. He laughed too. Well, I explained to him that even tho he was EXTREMELY cute wearing them that they belong to mommy and he can't wear them. I think we started something bad because now he runs for them all the time!!! When will the terrible 2's end??? I love our little Steve Urkel!!!

On the way home from track practice.....

2009-04-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

On the way home from track practice Blaine feel asleep! He must of been so exhausted...because he feel asleep on Trents shoulder Trent said... "um mom, Can you make Blaine get off of me?" When I looked back there we all had a good laugh!! :)

What I love about afternoon naps...

2009-04-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

On a quiet afternoon Kaden enjoys having a little rest time. Sometimes, he falls asleep and sometimes he doesn't. But, a rest is always needed. He sometimes lays down in his own bed or in mommy and daddy's bed. Almost more often then not....... he sleeps with his build-a-bears Grizzly the bear and Kader bear. He loves his football bears.
As long as they are close to him...he is able to get a good rest!
then when rest time is over...Kaden starts moving...but first we have to stretch....
and have a BIG yawn first!!!
Now Kaden is ready to run, run, and run some more!!! Rest time is over! Now he is energized what was mommy thinking?

I must add that I love his rest times. It gives me a chance to get a lot of things done and have some quiet "me" time!!! What is your rest time like???

Favorite Foto Friday

2009-04-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

This picture is of my Grandma Miller and her sister Jeanette at my parents 25th wedding anniversary. This picture was taken March 1994. My Grandma passed away October 2005 and my great-aunt Jeanette passed away recently. They both are sadly missed!!! We love you Grandma!!!

Look what Cindi gave me....

2009-04-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken at Dexter's. We have become a HUGE fan of their pizza! David took the picture of us. I had posted a few others awhile back .... but before David left for Australia he shared this picture with us. Kaden is a little mommy's boy!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2009-04-22T06:22:00.001-07:00

ORANGE for Stellan

2009-04-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

Were wearing ORANGE for baby Stellan!! Our whole family is praying for him. There's a picture of him on our side bar...click on it and read all about Stellan!!!

The Trentster...

2009-04-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Trent... our middle child. He is 8 years old. Doing wonderful in school. He has really improved his behaivor and his grades. I couldn't ask for much more from him. He's impressed us .... already! There's something about Trent's smile....it simply makes you fall to pieces.
He can be so sober and serious at times...then at other times he melts your heart with that handsome smile. I know it's been hard on him being the middle child. But, I think he is doing very well now that he is use to having a little brother. Trent's a charmer too. He is moms little helper...when Im cooking he asks to help. The other day he asked me if he could shop vac the vehicle out. :) Trent's got a great sence of humor too. He can keep your laughing...at the funny things he says. He reminds me a lot of Wayne and Grandpa Ermis. Trent and Gpa were very close.
He loves basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. He enjoys playing his XBOX 360...and xbox live. However, Trent's happiest playing outside and enjoying being active.
And...he loves ripped jeans!! {grin} He plays hard and you can tell by his jeans. I love you Trenty!!!

ABC's about Me

2009-04-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

A - Age: 35
B - Bed size: Queen!!!
C - Chore you hate: taking the garbage out!!!
D - Dog's names: Brooks
E - Essential to start your day time: brush my teeth
F - Favorite color: pink
G - Gold or Silver: silver
H - Height: 5'6"
I - Instruments you play: flute-use to play
J - Job title: mother, wife, slave.... you name it
K - Kid(s): 3 - Blaine, Trent, and Kaden
L - Living arrangements: Married, in a home
M - Mom's name: Lynn
N - Nicknames: Honey, Mom Mom, Mommy, Mom, Ma - Shanaynay
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: tubal ligation, tonsils removed
P - Pet Peeve: messy house
Q - Quote from a movie: why you carrying that hammer??
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Sibling: Jason
T - Time you wake up: 6:00AM
U- Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: beets
W - Ways you run late: kids aren't ready to go
X - X-rays you've had: Teeth and back
Y - Yummy food you make: mostly casseroles or marinated stuff on the grill
Z - Zoo favorite: Penguins,and giraffes

I tag all my followers to do the same quiz and leave me a comment so I can come read your answers!!! It's a fun way.... to get to know one another.

My newest order.....

2009-04-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share my newest addition to my collection. I love reading books about being a mom and having Christian children. Finding Your Purpose as a Mom How to Build Your Home on Holy Ground by Donna Otto & Anne Christian Buchanan. It was a great price also....$9.59 on Amazon.com. I will keep you posted as I read the book.
Here is an insert from harvesthousepublishers.com
Life management expert Donna Otto shares with readers simple tips and practical insights to help them have the home of their dreams—one in which holiness reigns and rest, peace, and joy can be found.

Women of all ages will benefit from suggestions that will encourage them as they
shape the atmosphere of their home
create an environment that is relaxing and loving
nourish the body and the soul
enjoy life with creativity and laughter
provide a safe and peaceful place for loved ones and guests alike
Making Your Home Holy Ground prompts readers to take a fresh look at their hearts and homes and move beyond house beautiful to the fulfillment of house holy.

Ahhh, I can't wait to start reading!!!

Have a great night!! What are you reading before you go to bed???

It's moving watching time....

2009-04-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

Since it's raining and raining and raining outside...and we are forced to stay in the house (track meet cancelled) we decided to watch a movie. Starring Billy Bob Thornton. This is one of my hubbys favorite movies!!!

Mmmm!!! :) My hubby does it and sounds just like Karl!! Well, that's what we are doing...because of the rain! What are you doing?