st.peterschic

What makes you go on?

2011-02-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me this week what makes you run for two hours.What makes you keep running? I thought about this a lot today while I was running.. My answer is this. What keeps me running is the realization that I can do this. The only thing stopping me is me. I am not tired my lungs are good. I can breathe my legs do not hurt. So why can't I? I have changed so much from the person I was years ago. I am so much stronger. After the bad spot I realized I am strong. Its a shame It took me 36 years to realize this but I guess at least I did. I will never say that time period was good for me but I sure came out the other side a different/better person.

Before the year ends.. A look back

2010-12-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

I find it hard to believe that 2010 is almost over and done. I used to hear people talk about the older you get the faster time goes. I for the life of me have no idea where this year has gone. As I look back I am extremely thankful I am not in charge/ control of this life. In April my life did a complete 360.. Unexpectedly after a month of two half marathons I decided I could and would loose some pounds.. and my running buddy got pregnant.. after trying for years. This two events pretty much changed my year. I lost 50 pounds and she delivered the cutest baby. Two things not on my radar for the year. I find it only appropriate to say thanks to end the year. . First off goes to Rachel you changed me.. watching you woke up something inside me. Thanks. Next up Philip. Thanks for picking up the slack around the house while I go to the gym all the money we have had to spend on new clothes and most of all saying.. I love you no matter what size you are. Karla for the words you say that are just what I need to hear when I need them ...such as " you will be fast tomorrow" and believing I could finish under three:) And my boys that allow me to run behind them and who have reintroduced me to biking. And last but not least Kristine.. Thanks for helping me see its not my timing that counts. Who would of ever thought after ten years a baby! It was our year!! You sure set the bar high for 2011...

The teacher becomes the student

2010-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there is a moment a minute in that changes us. Often we don't notice until we look back and realize that a moment changed us.. forever. I had a moment like that recently. I had talked "the girls" into training and completing a half marathon. I had the priviledge of completing it along side a dear friend. I stayed with her during the race. I was her partner. During the race I watched her.. the half marathon was hard for her but she never complained, she never thought of quitting she never looked back. She had trained she was prepared. I had been on the receiving ends of lots of phone conversations where she was scared.. and worried. She wouldn't be fast enough. She couldnt do it etc. etc. But what she had was: me beside her and determination. You could see it. She was going to do it. She was going to finish. The whole race you could see it in her eyes. She wanted it. She never complained. She stayed on course. She rocked it...at mile ten it was raining and she said. I have never walked over ten miles.. But she did it and she was fast.. In the Rain.. And then the finish line. She had made it. She easily said 30 times " Can you believe I am doing this." When she was done she was proud. It was HER moment but mine too. It made me think why can't I? What stops me? IT was my wake up call. I have fear. But why can't I do it? Thanks for allowing me to cross that finish line with you and share your moment in time.( you know who you are) Thanks for the wake up call I needed to make a change. But most of all thanks for being by my side no matter what ..a promise is a promise.

Sometimes it't the journey that makes you who you are.

2010-05-15T22:50:00.001-07:00

I recently ran into an old friend from a few years ago. She asked how I was. We had lost touch a few years ago when all the bad happened. I made me realize how far I have come from all that. Today I told Phil that was a really bad time of my life. It still haunts me. I look at pictures of myself from that time and I see how miserable I was and unhappy. But I have learned who I am. Not what I do. When people meet me now where I work is only a very small part of me. It does not define me. Years ago that wasn't true. I also learned what was important. My boys ( all three of them) and my friends. The ones that know what happened and stood by me and never once thought about standing behind me but right beside me. That time changed me. But when I am with my boys and we are all at home laughing over something crazy or when I am laying on the floor with my buddies after eating too much Chinese food I know I just might be the luckiest women around. It's funny cause I once told this friend I ran into when this whole thing started that I ruined my life. It's funny it was the exact opposite.

Finding myself in a not so familiar place.

2010-01-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

Lately I have found myself spending lots of time in the kitchen. I have been cooking. I will pause a minute while you 1.either laugh or 2.pick yourself off the floor. Anyway I have been not only baking but cooking. I have found myself being the person who tears recipes out of magazines because they look good and actually trying them. Yesterday, while I was cooking and the boys were right there beside me measuring and stirring it made me laugh. Logan said " Were so lucky to have a Mom who cooks for us. Your the best cook Mom." It made me laugh. In fact I did laugh and Phil said You have come a long way. It also made me think. What makes me want to cook and actually enjoy it? It has to do with the boys. While I was having a conversation with a wise not so old friend this week we were talking about home. I told her I get to make the home for my boys. I get to create the memories they have of family and dinners and what it feels like to have a holiday. The smells, the tastes the sounds. I get to define what that means to them. I guess this act of cooking has become one more way for me to show the boys love. It all came full circle this past week when Logan and Rob asked me to make them a recipe book of all the things we like to cook together so someday they can make it with there kids.

In a Galaxy Far Far Away.....

2009-10-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

17 years ago. 17 YEARS AGO. I met a group of girls throught nothing else but divine intervention. And even now when I see them no it is like no time is past at all. Through kids, marriages and some really bad years when we are together it is like we are right back there when our biggest worry was how many more skips we could have in Faith in Learning before we failed or who our date would be for R.N.O. Its makes me so happy to see my kids grow to love my girls. The older I get I realize how blessed I am to have friends like that. Friends who will come for Halloween and not only dress up with the boys but bring costumes for everyone else too. Seventeen years ago I had no idea those girls I met in Into to Sociology would seventeen years later be hanging out playing dress up and be such a huge part of my life still. Thanks for the memories... and in the words of Logan .. See you next year.

Tag your it......

2009-09-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rob and I were walking and he was talking about recess. He said he has a problem and really doesn't understand. I said what is it. He said at recess we like to play boys chase girls,(they take after there Dad what can I say) anyway...he said they learned they cant actually tag each other. I said why he said because you cant touch at school and then he said. I don't know why do you. He said how do you play tag without touching? Hmmm. I had no answer. Its a great question. He went on and on but in my mind I was thinking have we really turned into a society where we cant tag? I know the science behind it but tag?
Later we were eating dinner and our doorbell rang. The doorbells rings alot the boys have lots of friends (this quality they get from me) Anyway Rob told his friend they couldn't play and his friend asked why? Rob said I am spending time with my family. His friends response was again Why? This led to a discussion about our family and how we may be different than others. Logan said its because normal families don't eat together or spend as much time together.Its funny how we are not the normal family because we eat together and spend time together. Maybe if a few families could go back to those ways we could go back to letting kids tag each other.

A place in time.

2009-06-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

So I turned 35 Saturday and I got a call from a friend on Saturday telling me she was getting divorced. And after I talked to her and offered whatever advice I had I hung up and thought is this the age it happens? Is 35 the age where those of us who got married split up and go for round two? I know it was only a coincidence. I am not a fan of divorce watching my parents go through it and seeing how it ruined my family makes me hate it even more. But standing and watching friends go through it brings it to a whole new level. I also understand why and how it happens. It used to be such a big thing is it now? It certainly is more common. I have a friend who is also around 35 who is dating never been married but we have discussed opening the dating pool to women who are on there second marriages since we are older now. So I guess this is how life progresses. I am old 35. Thirty five.

If only we all had a friend like Little Ernie

2009-04-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Rob has a friend names Little Ernie. I gave Ernie to Rob on his third birthday. He now has little Ernie two we lost little Ernie one when we took him to the playground he wanted to go down the slide and never came home. Little Ernie has no eyes, and his hair has been rubbed off. He also has several holes in his nose that Phil ( God bless Phil) sews up. Its fun to see at seven my little guy who calls his friends on the phone, eats dinner at a friends house at least one night a week, and downloads music on his IPOD still has little Ernie. It is fun to see a glimpse of the little boy who once lived here. It amazing how fast the past four years have gone. The following are pictures of Ernies surprise party we had for him on his birthday...

Boys will be boys will be boys....

2009-03-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

I remember maybe last year of the year before ok I dont remember that well but I do remember saying I am not sure when people let there kids play outside without someone being with them and now my boys play in the backyard alone. Well alone is a little bit of a stretch every day there are kids riding there bikes over, scootering to our house pulling up and running to the backyard. It is funny I dont remember ever having friends on the same street growing up but the boys have quite the gang.. I hear them lets play like your the dragon, or Im the powerranger or lets play like I am the dad or lets play school (yes they still find it fun to play school)or my favorite lets play like we are working at Dicks sporting goods. And the hours go by and they play. Every once in awhile the run in to get drinks and to see if they can get an ice cream from the ice cream mans truck that stalks our house; that will be a topic of another post. I dare open the door to see what is going on and I hear.. What are you doing back here? As if the backyard belongs to them and there gang. It makes me laugh. I tried to sign them up for summer camp this week I was telling Logan how great it was gona be with the water slides and the inflatables etc, and he said well you know I dont know if we can go we might miss the backyard. There you go.

How will your kids remember you?

2009-03-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sitting at soccer with the boys today they said we need coaches all you have to do is 1. Love God 2. Love Kids do you know anyone like that? Rob and Logan both put there hands up and said "Our Mom loves God and Loves Kids". NO I am not coaching soccer. But I am glad my kids know that I do love God and love kids. The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about how my kids will see me apart from them. Phil bought me a plane ticket to go see the girls in Kentucky. Logan did not want me to go but Phil told him we have to share our Mom. Those girls love her too. It is funny the minute you become a Mom they have no memory of who you were before. I love that I am able to be apart from them but I am even more glad that I get to be defined as there Mom who loves God and Kids.

The stuff love stories are made of.....

2009-02-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

From the outside eye my marriage is anything but typical. In fact if you have spent anytime with Phil and I you know that we have very nontraditional roles. Phil and I can be kinda low maintenance. Phil hates Valentines Day he thinks the card company made it up to make guys buy presents. I wanted to go out for Valentines Day. I got a babysitter and I wanted to do something. So Phil being a great husband made a plan. But if you have spent anytime with us you know out plans do not always come through. Last night around 1:30 he woke me up and said Logan is sick. What he should of said was Logan has managed to leave a trail from his bed, down the hall to the bathroom....gross. So I got up again if you know me you know I hate mornings and being woken up. I started to clean up the floor. I realized we had no carpet cleaner. I looked in the bathroom and Phil had Logan in the bathtub and I decided I would go back to sleep. Honestly why should two people be awake???? Eight hours later I woke up Phil was on the couch sleeping with Logan, all the sickness was cleaned up like nothing had even happened.( which means at some point in the middle of the night he had went to Walgreen's to get floor cleaner) I realized that was the best present in fact If I wrote sappy love stories this would be a best seller. There are times in life when someone beside you to take care of the kids and gross floor so you can sleep is the definition of true love. I am not sure it gets any better than this. I can not imagine any one I would rather do this thing called life with...

Baby just look at us all this time and we're still in love
Something like this just don't exist
Between a backwoods boy and a fairy tale princess
People said it would never work out
Living our dreams has shattered all doubts
It feels good to prove 'em wrong
Living our love song

Out of the mouth of babes...

2009-02-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

Today I overheard Logan say this. " I have a great life." and that my friends about sums it up.

A MI that looks like me.....

2009-01-19T20:02:00.001-08:00

I love the NIKE plus running system sometimes it seems I work for NIKE or get some kind of paid endorsement I talk about it so much. It motivates me. I am in a running group of people I never have met who do 100 miles a month and it keeps me going every month to keep up with these people. I never want to come in last. While uploading a few days ago I found where you could make a MI that looks like you. So.. here is mine.

whatever works. This is what works for me.

Home

2009-01-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Its comforting yet unsettling to me that the most at home I have felt in years came this past week at a IMO's. My dad took my sister and brother and our families out to dinner and just for a minute I looked up and thought wow this is it. It felt familiar and comforting and like Home. One of the things I have missed the most about my parents divorcing is not being to get that feeling back. But there at Imo's eating pizza listening to all my familes voices around me I was home. Just like that and then it was gone.

What Christmas looks like from my view....

2008-12-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing Christmas. It was filled with family, a lot of laughter, food and some presents too. I am blessed I could not ask for a better Christmas or family.

17 days and counting

2008-12-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has ever asked me the age old question don't you want more kids gets this response. "I love the age Rob and Logan are now why would I go back?" This season is no exception they are so excited for Christmas. We have had so much fun getting ready. I being such a country girl introduced my city living husband to the Christmas tree farm this year. A decision I now regret since we took home two trees, an additional one for the boys room. And awoke some crazy tree craze in Phil who has to this date put up six Christmas trees in our home. I regret waking that sleeping bear. For all of you laughing feel free to show up at my house after Christmas to help take them down. Anyway.. nothing can compare to hearing Logan sing Christmas carols adding his own words to what he doesnt know. Listening to him and Rob discuss if every Santa we see is the real Santa or a helper.. or seeing the Veggie Tale Manager riding along on the Christmas train. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Giving Thanks for Turkeys..

2008-11-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

Not to disappoint the loyal fans who are anxiously awaiting pictures from today.. Here they are pictures of the turkey trot(yes Karla those are the shirts I made even Dan Dan the tan pants man has one)....I have so much to be thankful for my family, my husband being able to walk around the track this year.(ten years ago yesterday he asked me to marry him :) My friends: who has college friends show up year after year for Thanksgiving just to run the turkey trot... This time last year things were so uncertain. I am so thankful and truly know how blessed I am. Happy Thanksgiving.
** Official race results... Logan won for the first year with a time of 11.05/mile**

More than politics..

2008-11-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking another attempt to change your mind but this is different. I am different from so many of you because of the family I am in. I view voting as a personal decision, and this is mine.
Today in the car on the way home I asked the boys why they want to vote for Barack. They said because he will improve schools and give to the poor ( they don't see this as a bad thing). I wanted to say this. I am voting for Barack Obama because he is a Christian and that comes first to me. I am not going to debate platforms and all that is not what this is about. I am voting for him because for all the times that someone has said to me " I didn't know your husband was black" or my favorite " Your husband isn't really black you know?" or don't forget "Your husband doesn't sound black" I usually don't talk about these things but they are there. I am hoping if Barack is president that maybe we will no longer be intimidated by someone different than us. I am voting for Barack because of the words my Mom said to me when we first talked about me dating Phil. "well its ok for you but what about your kids which race will they identify with?" My answer now would be how about the human race? I asked Rob do kids ask you why your Mom is white and your dad is black? He said why would they Mom?. I am voting for Barack for Phil's Mom who would not get behind Barack for so long because she still knows the trials and troubles that her race has gone through. What we know as history she knows as her life. The women who had never from day one treated me like a white women but as her daughter. When you ask her about the election she still cant believe she has lived to see these times. She cant believe her grand kids are growing up in a world where a Black man could run and did run for the President of the United States. Which brings us full circle. I am voting for Barack for my two boys. If Barack is elected president on Tuesday no one will ever be able to tell them again they cant be whoever or do whatever they want. Regardless of what happens Tuesday I am hoping things will change for them. That is what I wanted to say and someday when they are old enough to understand I will.

September 14, 2008 My first half marathon

2008-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

I did it. My friend Kristine and I completed our first half marathon. It was the longest wetest race I have ever did. Thanks to Ike it rained here all day with winds up to 40mph but the race went on. Thank God I put all vaniety behind me and decided to wear a poncho. Other people were wearing trash bags. When we were waiting for it to start I tried to get Kristine to quit. It was so miserable in the rain and cold. You couldnt look up cause it was raining so hard. She said we didnt come this far to quit. Once we got moving it was fun. My ponch ripped half way through so I picked one up off the ground someone else had thrown off. ( again I have no pride) What made me the most proud is when we got to the finish line there were only about 6 families there and there was mine in rain coats and long pants cheering me on....Logan yelled Mom you look like a banana.( the poncho I borrowed was yellow) And just like that is was over I am not sure when my shoes will dry out. I hope soon so I can get training for the marathon we signed up for next month.

What will there memories be of.

2008-09-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think about what Rob and Logan will remember about growing up. I think of all the silly things we do and think of what will define there memories of our family. Will it be bowling in the living room, the hours we spend reading books, the walks we take the lazy Sunday we spend at the park. I know I try everyday to be the Mom that I want to be. I try to keep the big stuff from them cause they are kids. Often Logan says when I have a wife I am going to do...it is often various things. Today it was when I have a wife I am going to tell her she is beautiful and take her out on dates. I asked where he was gona take her and he said to ride horses. Ok.... Today we were driving around singing in the car and they were so happy. I wonder if they will remember. I remember that kind of stuff I remember my Mom wouldn't sing and my dad would whistle off tune.. I hope they remember that its the simple stuff that matters. I am guilty of saying every stage of there lives I love the most. I love where they are in life. The innocence the way they do love everything. I am so lucky to have the life I have.

Not bad for a me.....

2008-08-27T18:35:00.001-07:00

The 1st day of the rest of his life.

2008-08-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Logans 1st day of kindergarten today. Logan is so different from Rob. At times I am not even sure he belongs to me. For example, Logan loves to look at himself in the mirror. Those who know me know that often I dont even look in a mirror to get dressed in the morning. He often plays red carpet. It goes like this act like your taking pictures of me as I am walking down the red carpet. I actually asked the doctor once do you think you could of switched him at birth? Logan was excited to go to school. He wanted to play Legos and play on the internet. He was very sad when he realized even though there are computers in the class they are not for him. I am only sad because now he is exposed to a whole world that doesnt revolve around us. He didnt want me to walk him in school. I can do it by myself. I know the way Mom. I watched him go. He never looked back not once I think that is very symbolic of things to come with him. How old does that make me if my babies in kindergarten???

Ok here it is.

2008-08-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

In a little longer than a month my friend Kristine and I are going to walk a half marathon. We have been talking about it for a long time and finally decided if not now when.. So we have been training. We have been adding a mile every Sunday this week we walked 10 miles. It was so fun. I have learned lots of things. Things I never knew like you can get huge blisters on the bottom of your toes and they hurt like heck. And you can tape them and they still hurt. After two and a half hours of walking your blood sugar may drop really low. You should not wear cotton shorts to walk in. I am excited to walk the half marathon. I wonder if we will make it only one month to go.

Kayak, lakes and sun..does it get any better?

2008-07-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the lake that Marsha and my Dad live on. They have a great beach to play and swim. And to the boys delight they have KAYAKS!!!!!!!!!! So my dad took both boys out on the lake kayaking. We had such a good time. Did I ever tell you I love summer. Today was wonderful. It felt like a vacation. I love spending time with my Dad and Marsha they are so relaxed and low key. No schedules or rushing around. I am glad we have Marsha in our lives...
YEAH SUMMER....

This cracks me up.

2008-07-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

I wonder when I will stop laughing every time I see my name as the teacher on someones paper I am grading...me the teacher. GO ahead I laugh every single paper.. Wouldnt Dr.Stevensons be proud or shocked one or the other.

You knew this was coming...

2008-07-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SUMMER

Swimming....walking after dinner when it is still light......no school.......swimming.........wearing sandals.........the sun.........the MUNY...........ice cream............and lets not forget SWIMMING!!!!!!!!

I love summer and I think I have passed that love on to both boys not a day goes by they don't say..it sure is a hot day we should go swimming. I love seeing them love summer the way I do. Here are two pictures of them at the Muny for Karla and one from Fourth of July. The older they get the more there personalities are more like me.. They do funny things.

Enjoy the summer it will be over soon.

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

Six years ago in February I had the pleasure of meeting someone. I met this person some might say by fate others by divine intervention. They became someone I grew to love over time. I looked up to this person almost immediately when I met them. It was in a bit of a crisis and they handled it and became someone for me to look up to. I learned a lot about unconditional love from this person. I saw it in his eyes the first time he held our son. I saw his face when he found out he was going to be a dad he was so excited. I always loved Phil but seeing him with the boys and be a Dad has been the greatest gift. I love watching Rob and Logan and him play. I knew it was love when he would get up night after night with them when they were small and I would sleep. I see how when they are sick he sits up with them. The boys are blessed to have a dad that loves them and teaches them to love. They are blessed to have a Dad that teaches them to love God and others. I often hear Phil say it is your job to take care of Mom too. I love that Logan always says when I grow up and I am a Dad.... I love that he thinks that is part of growing up to be a Dad. I cant think of anyone I would rather raise kids with. I think we make a great team. I love that my boys have you as a role model. Happy Fathers Day Philip.

I finally figured it out.. The secret to friendship

2008-06-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

What you say did I figure out.. I finally figured out why I am friends with all of you. Yes you if you are reading this.. why I like you. It simple really one reason. Because you wear a swimsuit. Simple isn't it.. I can not and will not be friends with women who do not wear swimsuits. I will never understand that. You know the ones that wear a size six and just don't like there bodies so they don't swim... that is it. . I am not saying you have to wear it to the grocery store but I cant remember any of you saying... Oh I don't swim... I don't even own a swimsuit. There it is so go ahead dig it out and wear it proud and when you put it on think of what I said no swimsuit=no frienship.

ITS SUMMER AGAIN!!!!!!!

What have I got to complain about?

2008-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here is what was waiting for me when I got home. Rob had made me a card. My first "homemade" card. ( Ok I am not counting the ones Phil makes because he forgot our anniversary). I think this may be the best present I ever got. I included the picture he drew on the inside. It is him and I at a garage sale. I am the larger person you may recognize me from my smile. He is the smaller one don't our smiles look alike. He drew this because he is so happy to go garage sale with me. How can you not love the mind of a child. The back of the picture are the tables of clothes since I like to buy his clothes there. And the thing in red is a Scooby Doo game we bought at one this past Saturday. When your son is happy to go to garage sales and buy clothes do you really have anything to complain about?

If not NOW...WHEN?

2008-04-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so here is the question of the day. What is it that you want to do and keep thinking I should do this... And what are you waiting for? I guess I am really trying to get out of the whole I will do it later mentality. Maybe this is midlife crisis. Do you have those at 30 something:) Maybe it is because I swear to you it seems like yesterday I was in college and its been 13 years since I was there. (So Karla that means we have been friends for 16 years :)) Maybe its becuase I had a wake up call earlier this year.
Whatever. What is it that you have always wanted to do but havent and why not or better yet when will you? I have been thinking about this A lot lately. I know what mine is .. I think.

An unlikely workout partner

2008-04-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

I like to walk. It is free, it clears your head you can do it anywhere. I have always wanted a workout partner. You know someone to hold you accountable...make you go when you feel like taking a nap. I often walk with my girl friends. But I would of never thought I would find a workout buddy in Rob. He wanted to walk with me. I tried to think up every excuse no its too far. Just stay with dad and Logan but he was persistent " I can do it Mom" so we walk and walk and walk. Now we walk anywhere from 2.5 to 3 miles a day. We run into people who say I saw you guys walking you walk really far... anyway. He is the best workout partner I ever had. When I get home from work there he is...Get your shoes on Mom lets go walk.. Ok, And while we walk we talk and sometimes the conversation is quite well enlightening. " Mom, I think you should know I have a girlfriend now." Me oh ok. Well tell me about her. What would you say he is 6. She is in my class and she is so beautiful. Other times it is well touching. " Is this called quality time Mom, is that what adults say...quality time" It is so great. And dont think we walk slow, No this workout buddy pushes me "come on Mom speed up why dont we just run up this hill to knock it out." The other day Phil saw us walking and said he kicks your butt huh? But yesterday when we were walking he said I love when it is just me and you Mom walking.. and said I am going to say a prayer thanking God right now. And he did while he was walking. And I knew he was the BEST workout buddy I ever had.

Ask and you shall receive SPRING AT LAST!

2008-04-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Two things I have passed down to the boys my love of nice weather and being outside. It has rained here so much it was so nice outside 65 and SUNNY... the second thing is when we have a good day we say "It sure was a nice day today" we say it almost every day really but today as I was helping Rob after his bath he said " It sure was a good day today I will remember it for a long time just me,you, Logan and Dad hanging out. And it was such a nice day outside:) It was a really good day. What more can I say?

Showing some love to the Lou

2008-03-29T16:04:00.001-07:00

Rob has been on spring break so we have been spending some time here we have great things to see here. Hint hint if anyone would like to visit. We are almost spoiled. When we left the zoo today Rob said we did so much this week it was like we were on vacation. Let me know if anyone needs a room at the Casa de Brown house.

This for some reason does not surprise me...

2008-03-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times.

You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained

You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun.

How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

http://www.blogthings.com/thesesamestreetpersonalityquiz/">The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Here comes Peter Cottantail.

2008-03-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

We have never colored eggs before at my house it is too messy. Tonight we lived on the wild side.

And yet again....with breaking the rules ( I never was one to follow them anyway)

2008-03-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

"For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle - as we did in the OJ trial - or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.
We can do that.
But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.
That is one option.
Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, "Not this time." This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can't learn; that those kids who don't look like us are somebody else's problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time."
Barack Obama March 18.2008

Seems like just yesterday they were learning to scoot....

2008-03-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

And today how to ride SCOOTERS!!! Where does time go? They have been wanting them so we finally found some on craigslist they were so happy. It amazing how quickly things change..how big they get.
This last picture is for you T. Rob said Wow Mom you can rollerblade you are cool... I couldnt help but laugh who knew this skill would one day impress my kids. And I was a bit surprised too, It has been a long time.. In this picture we are doing tricks..( they have there legs on there handelbars this is the only trick I can do)

Hello Spring Are you coming or what?

2008-03-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

As some of you know and make fun of I have lived in Missouri my whole life other than those four wonderful years at G.C. so I am used to the weather..I am used to the humidity that feels like no other. I am used to the tornadoes.. but I have never seen such crazy weather as this year. On Sunday the boys and I had a picnic at the park. It was 76 degrees. And yesterday snow enough to sled again. Enough I am perplexed. My brother says if it wasn't 76 I wouldn't of minded or noticed the snow. I don't believe that I would of minded. I am a four seasons kind of person and by March I am ready for Spring. I am ready for jacket weather and the park. So global warming, El Nino or whatever ....goodbye winter and hello Spring.

** the little guy is my nephew not Logan**

If only we all had a Lloyd...

2008-02-14T18:02:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!

Breaking my own rule here.

2008-02-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have a few rules I try to live by. One of those rules are DO NOT DISCUSS POLITICS WITH FRIENDs. I often tell Philip before dinner parties I mean it dont discuss it people are entitled to there personal views. I am breaking that rule. I went to go see Barack when he was in town last Saturday night. Phil and I went with a few people from work. We stood there on a hard concrete floor actually the football field with 20,000 strangers for four hours. The thing that amazed me was the diversity that was there.. young, college kids, old white ladies, black men, african american families, middle class white families. It was amazing. I have been an Obama supporter for awhile. I read a lot about him, his issues. I converted Philip. I truly believe he is who/ what we need right now in our country. I know we are entitled to our own views but at least read up on him with an open mind. Ok enough politicking.

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Snow day 2008

2008-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Yeah a true snow day!! YEAH! thank you God for the snow! thank you for a snow day!

Things I have been thinking about today.

2008-01-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry to dissapoint you that are looking for a deep entry. This truly is what I have been thinking about today at one point or another. What exactly is grace and is Gods enough for me, as the song says? How does one spell hoo ya? You know in the movie scent of a women....hoo ya is that right? Who will be the first to offer John Edwards a cabinet seat/ attorney general/vice president position Clinton/Obama. Why do you have to write a note to the school when your kid is out sick after you already called? Will my Mom and Dad ever be in the same room/location at one time again? How can you be married to someone for 35 years and see eachother every day and then not see each other at all? When did they stop loving eachother? Should I call people to encourage them to vote for my candidate of choice for the election Tuesday? When should we begin work on Robs science project that is due in three weeks? Is the world truly ready for a black president? And as a side note as a Mom of two African American little boys I hope the answer to at least that question is yes.

Watch out Olympics here we come

2008-01-21T17:46:00.001-08:00

Its cold outside, the month is dragging on, its Monday....what is one to do well if you are in this family...you learn the hip new sport taking all houses by a storm...CARPET BOWLING. Yes folks it is a game in which the parent needs no skill and usually wins. Ok in my case my kids are four and five but they have to learn to loose sometime right? And as you can see by the pictures I have great form...( I am team Nemo that explains the hat on my head) anyway the kids loved it heck I loved it to.

Proof that I am a MOM....

2008-01-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

We play a game at dinner where I write a sentence on the aquadoodle mat ( http://www.aquadoodletoys.com/) and Rob tries to read it before it dissapears. Tonight he wrote his first sentence....for me to guess. That kid makes me laugh. The next picture is his first book report. I know I am a dork. I dont care. Its cute to me. And as a side note he has no artistic ability whatsoever again me.......

Learn my fate in 2008...

2008-01-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Ok there it is there is my motto.. My wise old friend once told me to make a motto to live by every year...So here is mine for the year. In this next year I will have a new job, and this whole thing will all be over.. FOR GOOD.. Here's to a good year.

***I love in this picture how all you can see is Logans smile on his face****

Ever wonder what goes on at my house.

2007-12-29T19:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas Christmas time is here.

2007-12-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Here's to two days of family and no fighting:) Here's to watching two little boys show us all the magic of Christmas. Here's to playing games in pajamas on Christmas night. Here's to my husband who finally got tired of me getting lost and got me a G.P.S for my car. Here's to my inlaws who stay over night after night even though they live in the area just so Christmas doesnt have to end. Here's to Christmas. Maybe the best one ever. Logan said as I put him to bed. I am sad for one reason only....Because it is over.

Merry Christmas:)

(Yes Phil does have a dress on dont ask and if you look at the one with Phils family you can see our bird on Phils shoulder and some extra "snowpeople" jumped in the picture... Phils family is a little Crazy)

Almost there...

2007-12-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

Some wise, slightly older, but still very cute man said to me this week "How come no matter what age you are no matter how fast the rest of the year goes the two weeks before Christmas seem to take forever?"

These are a few of my favorite things.

2007-12-15T21:59:00.001-08:00

Snow out my window enough to go sledding
flurris and snowmen at the days neer beginning.
Fresh snow in the backyard with no sign of spring
These are a few of my favorite things.

Candy canes swirls and trips down the hill
Bundle up tight and so to not get a chill.
Children who have Christmas carols to sing.
these are a few of my favorite things

Boys in snow boots with there warm little mittens
Shopping is done so I can play outside with them.
Days that are perfect becuase of the snow
These are a few of my favorite things.

When my life bites
when the scars sting
When I am feeling sad
Im gona remember my favorie things
And then I wont feel so bad.

Today was perfect...snow...my family. I imagine this is the way the song would be written today. I am a happy women:)

When Christmas Come To Town - 12A

2007-12-12T18:06:00.001-08:00

Carla does this help you? I may be partial since I have boys but this is a great Christmas movie...check it out.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2007-12-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

Who needs elves when you have Rob and Logan?

Third times a charm.

2007-12-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

I had a really bad day. Sometimes the pressure of managing 80 people and answering to 75 residents and there families bites. Sometimes it is to much. But then I come home and my buddy says " Dont forget Mom it is date night..we are supposed to go skating. " and I think. I have been skating so much lately I should maybe buy some roller skates for myself. This is three times in a month. But Rob was so much better. We skated fast. As you can see from the picture we were away from the wall. As that may not mean anything to you but that is huge for us. It was fun. And suddenly it didnt matter. Nothing but Rob and I skating. I think maybe that is the answer to world peace.
Admission to the skating rink for two: $12
Cost for video games to play during the limbo: $2
For just a minute not having a care in the world: PRICELESS

Trotting the trot with the turkeys

2007-11-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

Couldnt of asked for a better day...With family and friends or friends that are like family(yes that is Dan Boyle). It was a nice day maybe one the of the best. Maybe it meant more this year. Too bad I needed to be reminded of all I had to be thankful for... How could I not be thankful for a family that all packs up and heads to the track to run around at Thanksgiving.

A look at the past and a glimpse into the future.

2007-11-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

So today I went somewhere I hadnt been since college. I used to go once a week in high school with a group of friends. We had such a good time. We used to think we were so cool as we decided who it was we should couple skate with and as we held hands and went round and round the rink. Today I once again found myself at the very same skating rink. And again heard it was time for a couple skate yet this time I knew who my partner was. Yes today I took Rob to learn how to skate. He was invited to a birthday party there and I decided he should learn before the party..and so we went. It was a bit like a donkey on ice at first but he got better. It was funny to think there I was couple skating around the rink with Rob and he was proud. I am sure there will be many more for him, couple skates that is. He probably will not even remember who it was he had his first with, but for one split second nothing mattered to me either but the boy I was couple skating with.

Are you caught in the middle?

2007-10-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Philip and I went out. That is news enough worthy of a blog. We hardly go out as much as we used to b/c we have no babysitter. But Philip did all the arranging and we went...And that is only the beginning. We got to go see Casting Crowns.. That was such a great experience..One thing I respect in artists is the ability to write good lyrics. And they may be one of the best.You can relate with them.. One of my favorites is.

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle
Are we caught in the middle

Isnt it funny how some of us have to hit a low to be reminded of what it is about. I have another meeting this week with the people I dread. The last two weekends have been a nice ecscape from it. Its not over yet. But when it is over I will never be the same and I dont think I will be caught in the middle anymore.

THANK YOU

2007-10-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

You will never know how much I needed that.
Heres to the third weekend of October 2008
Smandy

Frustrated....

2007-10-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

That I let my Mom get to me. I feel disgusted at myself that I cant make it work. I get so frustrated that I cant fix it. I am disgusted that we cant get along. Not even sure who she is. How can something that was so close be so far apart in such a small amount of time? How at 33 can you redefine home/family? Its so hard for me to not play the peace keeper role. Who would of ever thought I would be a child of divorce with step parents.

A co authored blog: myself and Kenny Chesney.

2007-09-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

This is on thing I have really tried to learn these last few month.

Don't blink
Just like that
You're six years old and you take a nap
And you wake up and you're twenty-five
And your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growin' like mine did
Turnin' into moms and dads
Next thing you know
Your better half of fifty years is there in bed
And you're prayin' God takes you instead
Trust me friend
A hundred years goes faster than you think
(So) (But) don't blink

The absolute best thing about being a Mom

2007-09-22T21:34:00.001-07:00

When the kids go to bed YOU GET TO PLAY WITH THERE TOYS!!!!!!!!!!!

I am riding away in the rescue heroes airplane, and man it sure was fun now I see why Logan and Rob love it so much.

September 11.....

2007-09-11T18:30:00.001-07:00

My memories of September 11th have to do with exactly 6 years ago today I had the absolute miracle of hearing Robs heart beat for the first time. He was 16 weeks along inside me and I remember thinking oh my gosh should I really bring someone into this world.. Today 6 years have gone by and today we went Home Depot to buy weed killer . We get all the way up to the counter and Rob says Uh Mom I need to tell you something. I say ok what. He says you really should pull the weeds out not spray that stuff on them. I say why is that honey. He says it is bad for the worms. You dont want to kill worms do you Mom? I think, you know what I really dont care there worms truth be told I dont care if they die or not. So I say you know what I am only going to spray the driveway so I think it will be fine. I continue on and he says." If we dont take care of the world Mom who will." and so you guessed it I returned it to the shelf. I guess tomorrow I will pull the weeds out cause God forbid I hurt the worms. And then at dinner we talked about the world trade center and Rob said you know Mom I dont get why anyone would want to hurt the world do you Mom. And to think 6 years ago for a brief second I was worried.....

Random thoughts to satisfy my friend.

2007-09-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

I hate being called out. I wont usually be outdared, so please stop calling me...you know me well enough to know I cant take it...
So this is what I have been up to. I am thinking about a job change. In fact I am sure I am going to make one by next summer. I have been adding some part time jobs to my life now b/c I was/am afraid I might have a hard time being hired eventually. And a funny thing I actually like these jobs. Ok here's what I have done so far...I have handed out lipton tea samples in the store....I have handed out dog food samples at Petsmart and I have handed out things at the stadium and you know what I don't mind it at all. Time goes fast, I make good money and knowone asks me for anything I am not the one calling the shots. I am not the boss. That is so refreshing. I guess I am burned out. No I am not going to be the dog food girl forever but when this whole thing is said and done I think I will hang up the whole nursing home chapter. I am not sure what I will do all I ever wanted to do was work with old people. All my adult life is been that. So I think its exciting and Phil thinks it is funny here I am with my Masters degree happy as can be handing out dogfood. I wonder where I will end up. So that is where I have been lately working a little extra to try to figure it out till this is all over.

Another stage in life....

2007-08-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

So Monday came I took Rob to kindergarten we went in and took his backpack off and I left.,..That was it. Today I walked him down the street all the while he talked about what he did yesterday, people he met, things he did, things he saw and we got to school and he walked inside I watched him walk in down the hall and I walked away..just me and then it hit me somewhere in the middle of the hill home. This is why people cry it is sad. It almost seems unreal that this is really happening. He loves school. I asked him what he likes best and his answer was everything Mom I love everything... But a funny thing happened today at my house. At 8:30 it was quite the boys were already in bed and all of a sudden again that feeling hit me. The boys spent most of the summer up until 10:30 or so. I will adjust to this new phase of life. I do sometimes have issues with change.(I know this comes as a surprise to so many of you) I spent the first two weeks of kindergarten home because I was "sick" from all the change. So here's to my son the kindergartener. Already doing better than his Mom did with school. I did hear him pray tonight thanking God for a nice teacher and a nice class. I made it..until next year with Logan.

Did I ever tell you I hate being called out.....

2007-08-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ok I have thought about this a few days I will try to add a few things to the blog that you may not know.

HERE YOU GO IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.. THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME.
1. A am hooked on MTV/tween reality shows ex: Degrassi, The Hills, Sweet Sixteen, reruns of Dawsons Creek. I know I am 33 but I cant help it.....This is a non judgement blog its only going to get worse from here I promise.
2. I can not go to sleep without a glass of water near by I never drink it, I dont wake up for it but I need it just in case.
3. I am addicted to craigslist. I look at it every day I look at jobs, things for sale. I sometimes post on it...I am mesmorized by it.
4.. I can not go into a bookstore (think Borders) without having to go to the bathroom number two..stop laughing again I dont know why leave me alone.
5. I have a habit of taking toilet paper and twisting it I always have some in my pocket at all times ALWAYS , it makes me calm. My family makes fun of me. I can't remember when I started but I ALWAYS HAVE AT LEAST ONE IN my pocket.
6. I hate birds. I am afraid of them. They try to peck you. I know I am 300 times bigger than them but I hate birds yet recently I brought one home for the boys becuase they asked me for one.
7.My idea of a perfect day or date always begins with a big soda from Quicktrip.
8.My brother and sister nicknamed me the Bull growing up it had to do with my temper towards them.
9.My Dad used to have ladders on the side of the house and my friends in high school used to throw rocks at my window and put the ladder out and off I would go right out the window.
10. In 7th grade I was a chearleader. I can imagine it either.

I realize I peaked around number 6 but I hope you learned something like never to go into a bookstore with me.

How Can It Be?

2007-08-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

In two weeks my little buddy will go into Kindergarten? How can that be possible. I swear I was just in the hospital room about to kill Philip for thinking it was ok to eat white castles while I was in labor. Or when Philip and I left the hospital without Rob when he was in ICU. How can he be ready for kindergarten. He told me he is so excited becuase he is going to wear his nice pants and go into school and get a girlfriend. I am not sure why he thinks this is ok but I am glad he knows he needs to put on nice clothes to meet a girl. I am sad he is going to school. I cant believe it . I wonder how I will feel watching him go in and leaving. I cried when I took him to sign up. Maybe we should have another (just joking Phil dont get excited.)

MEET ME AT THE MUNY...

2007-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

But I was not to see Peter Pan again. And now I tell his story to my children, and they will tell it to their children, and so it will go on, for all children grow up...except one."
-Narrator

We took the boys to see Peter Pan this week at the Muny,. They love Peter Pan and Captain Hook. It was so fun. The boys loved the outdoor seats, the orchestra, the idea that here was a theater right in the middle of Forest Park so close to the zoo. I was amazed how well they sat and enjoyed it they loved it. When Peter flew Rob said " Now that's the real Peter Pan." It helped me see the Muny all over again seeing it through there eyes. I forgot how great the Muny is. When it was over Logan wanted to know what the next show was so they could come again. I was happy to introduce the boys to live theater and the MUNY.

Peter: Well I will not grow up! You cannot make me! I will banish you like Tinkerbell.
Wendy: I WILL NOT BE BANISHED!
Peter: Then go home. Go home and grow up. And take your feelings with you!

This explains it

2007-07-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

When I came home from work today this is what I saw.

It's a sad day when even Rescue Heroes and Siderman ride around in a Barbie minivan...

JUST TO MAKE YOU LAUGH

2007-06-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

THIS MAKES ME HAPPY... Just thinking about watching it every Monday night. I loved it so much...(especially his feet:)

Number two

2007-06-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

There is something about being number two ...always second some may say,You never will be first. I am a bit biased I tend to think it makes you try harder to be different...I know I did. If you know my number two you know he is a handful I once told the doctor if he wasn't mine I might say he was B-A-D....but he has turned four now and he has developed quite a personality....He is the best and worst qualities in both me and Phil ( and Phil has quite a few bad ones :)) I often tell Phil he puts me to shame...He is the curse my Mom always wished on me. But I love him. There is no doubt in my mind he will go far..He often says Just be quite or don't talk to me...But he is so lovable.. He loves books, and to ride his bike, and rescue heroes and on Sundays when you wake him up he yells ' I love Sunday School" ..and to sing..All day long he sings. He makes up songs and sings ones he knows.(Don't laugh but he is a mean Kelly Clarkson fan- again Phils bad qualities)and his favorite phrase is wellllll. He cracks me up and makes me understand why my brother and sister named me to bull all those years ago.

Happy Fathers Day

2007-06-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am lucky.. maybe even blessed not only do I have a great Dad I get to watch my boys have a great dad too....I credit my dad for so much of who I am. My dad taught me as long as you have a big soda in your hand what can be wrong...My dad also taught me the value of work and the phrase I was looking for a job when I found this one...my dad also taught me how to play hard and for those who know me that is one motto I live by. I credit my dad with teaching me the simple things in life. He may not be the wealthiest man alive but I am richer for having him as my dad....
And that brings me to Philip. Philip lives to be a dad...he always wanted to be a dad and he considers that the greatest job he ever has had. I love watching the boys with there dad. I love hearing Logan say wheres my dad? I am blessed to have married a man who understands loving our boys is what is all about..I guess I learned it from my dad maybe that is why I love seeing that in there dad....

Happy Fathers Day to two of the best Dads I love...

HAPPINESS IS..........

2007-06-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Someone knowing you well enough to know that the most perfect gift ever for your 33rd birthday is a inflatable pool toy whale...Does it get any better than this really??????????

(if you look close in the water you can see a little swimming guy swimming under water..again DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS?)

Summer Summer Summer Summer Time.....

2007-05-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love summer. I love the sun, swimming, swimming and laying in the sun, my birthday and swimming on my birthday in the sun....SO this was the big weekend the kick off summer weekend. An added bonus to summer is Logans birthday kicking it off for us. He is born on the 28th so he is my summer baby. We had his birthday party it was a Pirates party..We also kicked off summer with a swim party. We ended up Memorial Day by taking the boys to a soldiers memorial by our house. I told them that it was a place where we honored soldiers. Logan asked me if we were honoring the soldiers that protected Paul while he was in jail. And you thought kids didnt learn anything in Sunday School....We really havent told them much about the war, or soldiers...As Phil says they have all there lives to learn that. So today we will just enjoy the things that others have fought so hard to give us...family, our freedom and last but not least SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was that MICKEY or am I GOOFY????

2007-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for awhile I was once again at the Magic Kingdom...IT is probably the best vacation we as a family have ever been on...We stayed longer...we were gone 10 days we spent four of those at Theme parks the rest we RELAXED,...and apparently that was exactly what we needed...the boys are at the perfect age. No diaper bag (this may seem like no big deal but I have carried the diaper bag that had diapers for two kids in it around Disney, no stroller in fact nothing was in my hand other than a Mickey Mouse ice cream..NOTHING! OK and a Mickey mouse shaped rice crispy treat...(hey leave me alone its Disney) anyway that is where I have been...
Things are good here. Rob had his last day of preschool that was a bit sad. Logan turns four Monday.Philip is moving stores...For those of you who have never heard me complain he has been working at the Edwardsville store which is 58 miles one way from our home and he is moving next week to one 11 miles from our home....I cant tell you how with gas at 3.20 a gallon that equals in savings...My work is really buys lately apparently nursing homes have become the place to be anymore...we are almost full which we have never been full ever ever ever...I put the last ever in to see if anyone was reading... Hey Karla I bet you still are...Its almost Muny season again...Ill buy the tickets for two if you come visit...Heck I will buy the tickets for three or four if you bring some buddies with you( Dr. T you in?) Well I will go,. Have a safe holiday weekend.
Everyone, except Aaron needs a MANDY
(again Karla that was for your benefit)

Ch Ch Ch Chia....Ch Ch Ch Ch CHIA...

2007-04-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

I gotta admit I am a fan of preschool crafts. I love to see what the teachers come up with we have had some interesting things come home with the boys.. I love most of them...I am biased becuase they are my kids. But this one takes the cake. It came home last week and Phil and I were skeptical. Very skeptical.....But much to our surprise it turned out to be one of my favorites. Who could resist a homemade chia pet???? I love this guy yea Ms. Amy and Ms. Stephanie You ROCK!!! You get the award for the craft of the year...

Oh Caption My Caption.....

2007-04-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

This picture reminds me of all that is right with the world. This is the epitome of childlike innocence. I love this picture b/c not only is Rob on a "captions" ship he is wearing an eye patch that I made him out of pink (his favorite color) material..And he is so happy.....It makes me laugh and sad at the same time. I will be sad for the day when he no longer pretends....but for now he is a good captian and he has a backyard to protect....Aye Aye Captain.

Logans first Race..

2007-04-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Rob " Logan is this your first race"
Logan " I know I am going to beet those little kids"
Rob :" Yeah... you are a fast runner."

We get all the way downtown and the lady says it is raining...ITS CANCELLED..

Logan: "I got my number on though"
Rob :"It's my brothers first race"

But they got medals for showing up and somehow that made it all better. Not a real great way to start Logans running career... Oh well there is always Logans next first race.

I LOVE THIS GUY

2007-04-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks Easter Bunny.....

2007-04-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Bawk Bawk!!

Signs of spring..

2007-04-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently every day when I come home from work this is what I do until it gets dark....

This ones for you ALF feet (and you know who you are)

2007-03-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I cant help thinking about all the fun we used to have together. We used to stay in that back room at Meyers house forever, You me and Daun all holed up in there talking and avoiding our work, or the time the class officers went to Taylor and we sang all the way home. It makes me smile to think of all those highlighters that were thrown at you at night while you were sleeping. And the fun we had in Europe,, the royal flushes and the bridges across beds. I remember how many times you would tell me you are insane but then join in. I always knew you would go far. I always told you " It's your world we just live in it" . I always thought you would be successful business women, running a multimillionar dollar company taking over the world. That was until tonight.....I have never seen you so happy, so at home. With J.P. and Ava. When you were talking about staying home and being her Mom that is your world now. I couldnt help but smile. I was right you did go far. I apologize for the highlighters...but not the spraypainting....... I love you and your ALF feet.....Thanks for letting me live in your world for at least a little bit.

It was good to see you, and your daughters Alf feet.

(photo credit goes to J.P with the camera phone.)

A wonder bread kind of person.

2007-03-23T21:41:00.001-07:00

So my brother is here. He is in town for the weekend. I could get use to seeing him this much. He told me his girlfriend said " she thought I bought Wonder bread" and the funny thing is I do. So how do you take that?????What do you think she meant by that? I asked him and he would not commit to an answer something about opposed to whole wheat....Hmmmm...maybe I am that plain. And that got me thinking am I a wonder bread type person really? I guess I am ...I have become a wonder bread type person. Can you tell what kind a person is by the bread they eat? I definetly am not a whole wheat kind of person. I am also not a banana loaf or anything fruit related...Hmmmm... Am I the wholesome middle America, two kids, one minivan one husband Wonder bread Mom......Hmmm..So I ask you Can you tell a person by the bread they buy????? I wonder...

( I couldnt resist ending it that way)

Putting a new spin on accountability......

2007-03-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I often make myself New Years resolutions they usually involve something new I want to learn I am a firm believer if we keep our mind busy we won't get Alzheimer's. I know you are laughing but you haven't seen it the way I have. I have done a lot of reading about this so I really try to keep my mind busy,.anyway...I have learned to knit, to sew sorta and this year I decided to go somewhere different with this whole resolution thing. Ok I am gonna throw it out here..I am going to run a race. I may come in last I may cause such a scene that people think "What is that and WHY?" But I am going to do it. So I have a training program if you will I have to increase mileage each night. The race is in June...Anyway I have a confession to make I really like it. I can now 2 1/2 miles without stopping...in about 40 minutes. I am out of breath and I smell when I am done but it is good for me. It is mine. I can control it. Since my parents thing I have felt out of control of so many things and I guess I don't do well with that. Anyway...I tell you this as a added incentive to myself. I gotta tell you the time I spend less than a hour a day is all mine...My mind is able to process the day ( I usually run at night) and sometimes I talk to God. I also have a theory you never see a fat runner....and I have to say I have lost a few pounds thanks to this resolution. Anyway there now it is out there...Somehow this helps..........Anyone else need some accountability????

I MISS THIS PLACE...............

2007-03-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

Heck I miss that person too..................

WWW. SNOWBOARDGUYS.COM

2007-02-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

We have been visiting my brother for a couple of days and Rob and Logan spent some time snowboarding. Last week we were trying to potty train Logan this week he is on a snowboard. We had a great visit. The weather on the mountain was great. It was super to be with my little brother and his family. We had a great time with them. The boys were obsessed with Uncle Jeremy. It was neat seeing them have a good time with him. It really was amazing how patient my brother was with the boys. And it was pathetic how much Rob and Logan took to him. Who wouldn't love an uncle who snowboards. Rob cried all the way home, he started saying we could move by him they have a Target there Dad could work there. It was a nice visit. I am sorry we live so far away that drive through Kansas is no joke. I was sad to come home too. I miss uncle Jeremy too. It was good for my soul to be with my little brother. Thanks for a great time. We will have to do it again soon.

SNOW DAY

2007-02-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

How cool it is to have not only a snow day but it also to be your Birthday., Robs real birthday is today and as he told me the snow was his birthday present from God. It was not a bad amount of snow enough to let his preschool close and let us still play outside. I love the picture of Rob being sprayed with snow. It cracks me up. I guess if you are five today today is the perfect day....And come to think of it sure beets were I was five years ago today so I guess it was the perfect day...Thanks God for the birthday present to Rob.

Lifes Like A Road that you travel on....

2007-02-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

When there's one day here an' the next day gone...Today we had Rob's fifth birthday party. I admit I got a little choked up when I was setting up for Robs party. I was amazed that my baby is five years old. I can remember the day we went to the doctor for an apoitment and he walked me over to the hospital to have him.I remember when Rob was sick after he was born and the doctors would not tell us he was ok. He kept saying we are testing this and ruling out this.. And now he is five...He wanted to have a cars party so bad. He also somehow talked us into having his whole preschool class over so I am crazy enough to do it. So we had 18 kids over for a CARS birthday party. It was so much fun ( I might have been more excited than the kids).We played games like hot ToMata and The Piston Cup challenge. In the pictures you can see the medals they won and the kids. It was wild afternoon but Rob told me "I loved the party Mom just like I love you." There's a world outside every darkened door
Where blues won't haunt you anymore.Where brave are free an' lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore .

Boys will be Boys

2007-02-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Start them young around here dont we. What makes it worse it that is the Nintendo 64 they are playing Phil gave me that for our one year anniversary. Need I say more?

(Hey Jay that player you created is still in there...Mandy freakshow Barry)

Dont Worry That It's Not Good Enough For Anyone Else to Hear..

2007-01-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Go ahead finish is you know you want to..I think that is what hit me as I sat and watched the Elmo show. Here is another whole generation of kids that are growing up on Big Bird, Grover and the new guy ELMO... When you think about that circle of life thing it is amazing. A wise( and very attractive) person said " I feel like I'm finally hitting my "sweet spot". Here I come, 2007!" I echo that. This is going to be the 33 year I am on the earth and I may finally be seeing things differently. I am not searching to figure out who I am, I am not worried about where I am going. I am finally able see things where they are. I had a good weekend. We did see Elmo, it was Devins birthday, Two years ago he wasnt even part of our family. It snowed today so the boys and I played outside a long time. We made a presnt for Phil.I think what I realized somewhere between these are the people in your neighborhood and fuzzy and blue is if you spend all this time planning your life and not living it its gone before you get there. SO JUST SING...SING ALONG

I now pronouce you Husband and Wife...

2007-01-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

A few pictures of the wedding. The big group is Peters family or my new step brothers and sisters. There are 4 boys and 2 girls the rest are there wives/husbands. ( daughter in front row in black and white, son standing next to my Mom, son on the other side of Peter, daughter in pink sweater, son in yellow shirt in back row and son in blue shirt in front row.) I cant tell you there names because I couldn't remember them all. They were nice but they were not as excited about the wedding as my Mom has lead on. They don't seem as if they plan on seeing us.( when the wedding was over they said It was nice meeting you we will see you some time I assume.) Its over. Now lets see what happens from here.

D Day

2007-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have a brother and sister. Tomorrow I will have some combination of the like that equal 9 all together. Let the festivities begin.

Mandy not looking forward to this at all

What kind of world do you want?

2007-01-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

A servant heart? When I graduated from those hallowed halls at G.C. we were all told to have a servants heart I don't think I realized that I accomplished that until yesterday. I am humbled by the world that I am a part of everyday at work. It is ironic because I do not feel at all is if my main mission is the obvious one in the old people they are taken care of I am amazed at how I have taken on the staff that works there. I bring them toys before Christmas to give there kids for Christmas. I bring them heaters when the gas is shut off at there house. I lend them money to get to and from work but its not the tangible things that humble me. Yesterday I spend the afternoon at the Children's Hospital my coworkers 6 month old grandson is sick and she needed help filling out some papers and she called me to help her. As I was driving there is hit me I have for now found my niche. This is what I was called to do. As we sat in the hospital room and she cried and I listened to her it was humbling. I feel silly for the things I complain about. This is a baby that has such a rough start and is such a victim of his circumstance.Often people ask me aren't you afraid in the city and I can honestly say no not one bit. I am the minority but I never feel out of place. I never for a minute feel like I don't belong. The city is so different from where I live , so different as I left the hospital my co worker said "Hey Amanda. I love you." and I realized that it really was closer than I ever realized. Thanks for the insight and the opportunity. I am humbled again.

Closer to Heaven in 2007

2006-12-31T22:06:00.000-08:00

You try to come up with a motto that rhymes with 2007 its not that easy is it Karla....Well another year has come and gone. I spent New Years at home with Rob and Logan they were so happy and I cant get out of my mind the New Year means it is really going to happen that wedding. I go to my Moms house earlier today and she gives me some towels with a B on them because in her own words "there are no Barry's anymore" she already has some monogrammed towels with a F on them. I had to seriously fight the urge to flush them down the toilet and while that seems wrong it might of made me feel better. Only 13 days left now. I know I really should get over this. I am sure that at the end of 2007 I might not even remember the wedding happened. This is going to be a big year for us. Rob is going to go to kindergarten, Logan hopefully will be potty trained completly. I am sure there will be a lot of great things about the year...and who knows maybe I will flush those towels down the toilet.. One never knows what the year has in store.. Happy New Year.

Christmas 2006

2006-12-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

What fun it is to have a three and four year old at Christmas. Before they went downstairs Christmas morning Rob said " I hope Santa got my messages..I hope he did. The magic of Christmas has never been more real to me than seeing through the boys eyes. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Not to be outdone by my little Brother.....

2006-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

We had breakfast with Santa at the nursing home seemed like a good idea but we had 110 kids and old people. Whew it was a lot of work....
For those of you who think they are more computer savy than there big sister all I can say is I may be slow but I always get it in the end,..sorry little brother.....

I am getting quite good at this blog thing Karla are you impressed..

2006-12-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

| View Show | Create Your Own

And I think to myself its a wonderful world

2006-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

It is at some point in each of our lives we are either the one getting the spanking/giving the spanking...making the mess or cleaning up the mess....and one of my new found favorite riding in front of the sled or riding in back of the sled. The boys cant get enough of the snow. So we have been putting on tons of clothes and sledding every day because in there own words the snow may turn to water tomorrow...So off we go down the "big hill" and I swear I have never been on a sled so much in my life. It reminds me of the Calvin and Hobbes last cartoon where they ride off into the sunset. Calvin says its a wonderful world Hobbes oh buddy ..Lets go exploring...It is a wonderful world. (link to it in case you missed it)http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/7879/last.htm

SNOW DAY

2006-12-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

We finally got enough snow to sled. The boys thought they were in heaven. I know its not Colorado but pretty good for Missouri.

Trotting with the turkeys

2006-11-23T20:28:00.000-08:00

This year we started a new tradition the high school close by built a new track and so I decided we should all go after dinner and run a few laps. It was really fun we called it a turkey trot. The weather was beautiful and the company wasnt so bad either. Even my niece who is 15 said that was pretty cool . Rob was the winner he in his own words "smoked the family". As you can see by the picture we all had to wear turkey pins (yes I am a dork I made them ok) anyway pictures of the big finish and the participants. Happy Thanksgiving....gobble gobble,

Conflicting memories

2006-11-19T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have a memory one of my favorite that comes back this time of year it is of my brother and I driving around in my Old little dodge omni looking at Christmas lights it seems we did this a few times maybe it was our way of getting out of the house minus all the chaos that was out family during that time. I just remember being happy looking at those lights maybe even honking at the houses ( I am not sure why we did this but it seemed ok at the time) one house even had music they played in the yard so you could hear it as you drove by..which was good cause the Omni had no radio..I wonder what my memories will be of this year. My moms wedding that is all too close and all she thinks about...I hope not. I wonder why looking at lights with my brother is such a vivid memory in my mind, and I wonder why our whole family didnt go. It almost seems that I have erased most of those years and the holidays other than that.I am really going to try to have a good holiday season this year minus the wedding. Maybe I will drive around and look at a bunch of lights I wonder if the one yard still plays music.......

NO words necessary ...

2006-10-29T20:28:00.000-08:00