Imagine laying on the couch watching the Olympics (anyone else becoming an 'O' junkie?) and thinking you see something flutter in front of the screen. But think it must be exhaustion settling in, after all it IS 130AM. You shut the TV off only to realize that something just flew by your head. Holy CRAP it's a BAT!

Before you start thinking oh my GOSH let me say this is what happened to DH, not me! Thank GOD. I was upstairs sleeping peacefully when i heard a horrible racket going on. A combination of thumping and screaming. I started yelling from the bed, upstairs, 'What's going on??'. I'd hear nothing. Eventually i hear 'There's a BAT'.

I carefully slinked down the stairs and peak thru the door to see DH sitting on the couch with a blanket in front of him. The bat was in every room in .1 second I swear. I so wish i could have had the video camera b/c DH's reactions were HILARIOUS! He had the front door open, which leads right outside and one window that doesn't have a screen. The dogs were in the other part of the house freaking out. Climbing the walls and gate to get at it. Eventually DH yells 'I'm out of here' and jumps OUT the front door! We have no porch and he had no shoes. Out he went.

He then went around to the side doors and came in that way where he came armed with bat gear, a tennis racket. EVENTUALLY the bat was swatted with the racket but not before i had 3 dogs tearing thru the house, the neighbors cows started mooing and I'm thinking if the neighbors hear this all going on they are going to for sure call the cops. Ever notice how quite it is outside at 130AM! I sure as heck did.

1hr later we both were in bed. DH came to bed WITH the bat racket. I made him disinfect it thoroughly and asked if he'd please sleep downstairs and be on bat patrol. Didn't fly. I think it was 3 AM before I fell back to sleep. Just when i thought I'm going to fall asleep, I'd start laughing at the nights events. You should here DH scream. He says he doesn't scream but I'm not sure what else to call it. OK he says it's a SHREEK not a scream. Whatever, it was VERY funny.

Last time we had a bat we had 2 in one night and i swear i didn't want to even accidentally touch him for feel he'd whack me with the racket! Last night was no bats, i made DH stay downstairs tho just in case.

Do any of you have a bat story you'd love to share??

Oh and DH asked what I would had done had he not been home? I said call 911!

Post Birthday

Yesterday, Sunday, was Miss A's big party. It was just that too. She got so many great presents and many friends & family came to help celebrate. Unfortunately only Jeff's parents and one niece were able to make it from his side. My niece Katie, and her husband, had their daughter baptized yesterday in Lincoln NE. That only took out Uncle David, Aunt Mary Jo and the lovely Carrie which was to bad, but of course we understand. They did send some great presents, John Deere and Dora, fruit snacks!, book and some $$ What a hit with the kids the fruit snacks were. Heck with the toys they wanted to just eat them and open no more presents.

Speaking of presents, this is a list of what she got:
25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid
Baby Alive
Graco set which included Pack n play, stroller, high chair, etc and required a lot of the men to put together (haha)
Tutu and boa
PJ's
coloring book, crayons, bubbles
Books
I think that covers it all. She really loved it all but her babies are the biggest hit. She is so in love! We had a Dora cake that was just delicious. No i didn't make or decorate it. I'm hoping some day i can upload pictures so you all can see it.

My sister and niece came down from Minnesota Saturday afternoon. It was fun having them here. I had a mini party at the pool then on Saturday. I made ice cream cone cupcakes. I was pretty impressed with my work. Once again pictures when this freakin Internet is back to 100%. We had fun swimming with everyone and the went out for supper.

C'man stubbed his toe outside Saturday and really did a nasty job of it. I didn't freak and didn't have to call anyone to help. I wrapped it up in a band aide and later that afternoon at the pool it was bothering him. So a lifeguard cut the skin off and things got better. He was like the king. I gave him a piece of candy thinking that would distract him. Nope he wanted to watch what was going on. Later we couldn't find him and after a brief panic by Ruth and I, i found him back in the life guard station getting another band aide and eating candy. Little stinker. I think he loved the attention of the cute life guards!

Both kids are napping now and have been for a couple hours. JoJo and C'man get WAY wild together and combine that with all the partying everyone is exhausted. Miss A doesn't seem to care that shes 2 and unfortunately her attitude hasn't improved, or gotten worse, since turning 2. Terrible two's SCARE me considering what we've been thru already:)

Picts from BFFE

Farm boy C'man....

Gorgeous Iowa.....

Farm boys...you all know C'man....there's my 3yr old and 8 yr old grinning from the back...

The bag lady herself, and Rae's DH pulling C'man in the parade....

Rae and the Smile Contest! (which went really well I think!)

The lady in blue is from the news...and judged the event....

Miss A enjoying the parade and a blue sucker!

Helloooo from Nebraska!

Well, here is my very first attempt at blogging. This is BFFE from Nebraska. I went to college with Rae and can you believe it was 10 years ago we graduated?? She's interested in going to the reunion this October at the Homecoming Football game...I'm not sure....we'll have to see where my DH is and about my children......


Speaking of college, I graduate with my master's in early childhood special education next Saturday at 9:00!! You're invited, of course!! I hope I don't trip or need to go to the bathroom in the middle. Nothing will ever beat the beautiful graduation we had in the Willow Bowl outdoors though....


I have an 8 yr old boy who is very active and onery at times, but loves to bury his nose in a book. He's reading the Captain Underpants series right now and should be finished by Monday or Tuesday with all the books (and he just got started on Wednesday). My 3 yr old loves books too, and likes to be onery like his big brother. He knows all his letters and I'm waiting for him to figure out word beyond the STOP sign....I will be chasing the 3yr old this fall up and down the soccer field as big bro plays.......

I'm a special ed teacher who has worn many hats the ten years I've been teaching...I started in New Mexico when my DH was stationed at the Air Force base...teaching autistic and moderately mentally handicapped kids in a self contained classroom....then in Nebraska teaching K-5 severe kiddos with multiple handicaps (cerebral palsy, autism, mental handicaps) that was very challenging and draining. I scaled down to K-3 when they hired a new teacher, and then I decided to go back to school per a federal grant....two years ago! Last year I nearly overdid it with grad school, teaching two Headstart preschool classes plus special ed for preschool, and my family. My DH was online classes for his MBA as well, which he got in June. Anyway, I am now going to work with families at risk (poverty, low birth weight, prematurity, non English speaking, and teen parents) for birth to three as well as toddler special education services AND some preschool special education services. Crazy, huh? I don't have an office to work out of, but do have a classroom that I can't "office" out of...I'm a homeless teacher and the district, like last year, is very lacking in concern over it, and the elementary special education teachers are of no support as they see themselves as overworked as well....so besides feeling a little down and apprehensive, the school year starts next week....but I think once things get started and lined up, I think I will enjoy it. It's just hard not knowing my hours (need to be flexible for the families and to do evening activities) to set up a babysitter for my boys....

My DH has a new job starting in 2 weeks that is two hours from our town...so we will go back to living like we did when he was a truck driver...home on weekends...but he is to be traveling...if he wasn;t in a dead end job (which worked perfectly since he took my 3 yr old to my mom to babysit in that town 30 min from here) and the pay increase is so nice...hopefully in a year we will be moving to the city (closer to Rae), but I hope for a smaller town around there....big believer in small town values....plus I'm a scaredy cat driving in a big city!

After the past years of online classes (two and a half for me, five for my hubby)....We still don't know how to act as a family or a couple...my hubby and I once in a while sit and stare at our computers....but we sure have taken advantage of running around the state and to Iowa and Colorado once we were done!!!!!!!! We enjoyed the Quasi Centennial at Rae's town, if I can figure out how to post picts I will....We loved biking, hiking in Colorado mountains with my parents and bro and future sis in law. Beautiful! We are going to a Kool-Aid days tomorrow and maybe to a waterpark...(me in a swimsuit...think of the poor gal Rae described....) next week to a minor league ball game the night before or the day of the ball game (lots of kid things...an enclosed playground, bouncing inflatables, fireworks on Friday or the last vacation giveaway on Saturday, people watching) and maybe a trip to the gorgeous state park....

Well I hope I didn't go on too long about me....


My thoughts on Rae and her family.....

About Rae...she's sweet, she's stubborn, strong willed, and has a firm stand in her beliefs...even if she does love George W (just kidding, Rae!!). Her kids are a blessing, and she's a great mom, and tries hard in all she does for her children, her hubby, and her family, and her church and community. Her words "telling it like it is" have comforted me and challenged me to be better by acting like my Jiminy Cricket (ie. announcing to my extended family about my church marriage was actually to be a wedded blessing when I was already married to my hubby...almost a year earlier by civil union per Bosnia orders). Rae educated me and gave me appreciation for and some understanding of the struggles of families trying for children (IVF) and the heartbreak and joy that come of it, and of the anticipation and joy of adoption....her strength has taught me lessons of life, and yet her "only Rae" moments have brought me to realize that my not-so-perfect moments (often!!!!) remind me that we are human too, and the fact that Rae can laugh at herself too teaches me humility. I admire that she set her standards for her job, and even though she enjoyed the work, she packed her bags to take care of her children (which were more important) when her bosses crossed her lines....I wish financially I could do that, but she did, and now is doing the most important job that is also the most difficult one of all: a stay at home mom....doesn't matter how clean your house is or what you get done, it's the amount of quality time she spends interacting with her children every day, and with your own kids I can attest to how trying and how they can push your buttons and drive you to your wits end, but how joyous and full of gratitude they can make you...how proud and to treasure those fleeting moments...

DH is a quiet, gentle guy who is very laid back....a good match for Rae's hyperdrive sometimes, they need each other to balance out...his easy going ways with the kids, easy laughter, and a good comforter, I bet. Rae, he did a nice job with the kids during the community church service, handling them well, redirecting gently and showing soft guidance.

By the way, I think Rae should post her beautiful testimony she gave at the community church service. I had a man come up at the waffle feed and ask if "that boy C'man?"....she moved a lot of people. Brave girl!

Miss A is described as a chip off the old block...a normal head strong two year old who knows what she wants....just think of how she will be in a tough situation later in life! She enjoyed watching the parade, pointing and smiling at what she liked...Who will win...I think the dark haired beauty will!

C'man is a sweet inquisitive farm boy! I was impressed with his no fear method of looking for eggs and love of the tractor. Loves to talk with others (I was surprised that he struck up a conversation with an old guy about the flag in front of the old school) and play and run.

The end!!!!!!!!!!!!

Swimming, Tatas, and Alcohol

Man do i rely on Internet to much. It really has put a damper on my life not having high speed Internet. I'm hoping in the next 1-2 weeks to be back up to full speed. Do any readers out there have wireless Internet? Can you relate to what I'm going thru?

So lets see, since I'm on, let me tell what we've been up to. The kids and I have been doing lots of swimming at our local pool. I can tell you we all have one heck of a tan. I'd love to 'show' you but a couple things prevent that. One being the obvious, the Internet. Oh now come on did you think i was going to say something else? Well yeah, that too. In order to actually see the lines I'd have to expose more of myself then i should, or care to. But i must say yesterday at the pool was a girl wearing a 2 piece that shouldn't have. I took one look at her lopsided tata's, her big/rolly tummy, and well decided heck i should have worn my two piece. I would had looked like Pamela Anderson compared to her. I know not nice, but really, she shouldn't have been wearing it and I just prayed C'man wouldn't say anything. Anyway, back to my tan, I guess i could take a picture of my back:)

I've decided what i want to get for my tattoo and fairly sure i know where i want to get it. From C'man's BM I got a tiny capsule of mustard seeds on a necklace. I want that with 2 mustard seeds out of the capsule. One for each child. Then all the other little ones inside would be all the embryos that never made it and/or those yet to come. It would be something I could add on if more children were to come OR if later i wanted to actually have it look like a necklace i could have that part added on. What do you all think? any artists out there that could draw something up for me? Any takers of anyone that wants to get it WITH ME!!

I survived both the 125th celebration and the fair. The 125th was fun. BFF-E and her family were here too. It was kind of hard juggling entertaining and fulfilling responsibilities of the celebration, but i think I managed, or maybe i should say 'we' as BFF-E helped a lot! We had a great time at the dance Saturday night however i won't be drinking orange juice for a very long time. I'm not sure what my problem with alcohol is, but i just can't handle it anymore. I think it was the drink with vodka in that did me in for the night. I woke up a very sick lady! I really didn't even drink that much. SO yeah, swore off of alcohol now for awhile. Being the big drinker i am (NOT) this should not be a problem. Any left in the house i have offered to stock my nieces new apartments fridge.

Lets see what else...oh tomorrow is Miss A's b-day!! She'll be TWO! Hard to believe 2 years ago i was at work telling my coworkers that i think I'm having contractions! I worked all day and about 1130PM i woke up just knowing this was it. I tried taking a bath and by midnight I'd woken DH up saying this is it. Called niece Emily to come over that we're heading to the hospital. Needless to say i didn't have her till 1236PM the next day. It was a LONG 8 hours of labor before i finally got the epidural. Dam male nurses!!

Anyway I'll be sure to post in the days to come about the coming and goings of her party and day!

Well this is long enough for one post. I'm still looking for stand in posters from time to time. Megs, Lala, BFF-E anyone else??

Good Gravy

I'm still having Internet problems and the worst part is that while i logged on here to just go ahead and post the final vacation recap that I was working on, it's now GONE!!

Those that have been reading this back in march i believe it was I had this same problem where i reached my allotted 'air space' causing be to be dropped down to dial up speed and have to reduce my Internet usage by 75%!!!!

I'm hoping that in the next week will be back in business but until then please don't give up on my blog! I'll be back. However I am going to add 2 new people that can do posts for me, and share there stories if they want, Laura in NJ and my niece Meg's:) Maybe from time to time you'll see posts from them. If you'd like to post on here as a guest poster, let me know.

Thanks for hanging in here with me and i promise I'll be back!! This week tho Miss A turns TWO! Sunday is her b-day. Can't believe it.

Problems with Internet

Hi All !! This is Rachel's friend Laura, from New Jersey passing on a message from Rach.

She wanted me to let you all know that her internet is having problems b/c once again...she has reached her FAP threshold (happy to report...we don't have such issues in NJ).

She'll be back on the airwaves as soon as she can. She's headed to sell purses this weekend and hoping to find a wireless connection there, but in case she doesn't she'll be back on Sunday, from her parent's house.

She says: "Please don't give up on my blog!! I'll be back, just have to limit the amount of pictures that I download. GRRRR...I HATE wireless"

Change Of Pace

Going to stop with the vacation updates just once. Our town is celebrating it's 125th b-day this weekend, do any of you others have this? Besides all the other stuff I'll be doing, parade entry, working for the community center food/beer stand which I'm just SURE will come with it's own drama, I've been asked by my pastor to give my testimony.

I declined the first time she asked but she asked me to reconsider. Sooooo being the kind of person that i am, i agreed. I really do have a testimony but just wasn't sure this was the place i wanted to start sharing it. But I'm doing to do it. I'm basing it on a verse out of Matthew about having faith as small as a mustard seed. Those that read this and know me via this or in real life (IRL) please send me some input. I have the rough draft written but it's very interesting to hear what other people see. For instance my pastor could write it for me and i used some of what she said. Do any of you have anything you think i could use?? I'm not going to get to personal in that I'm not going to talk about the many Clomid cycles, the IUI and then the 5 IVF's, the fits of rage i had after the last failed cycle i did and the ever so lovely filling of being over stimulated. Ahhh i just thought about those times. WOW i really can't believe i survived. Heck i only have 3 minutes:)

When it's done I'll post it on here for you all to see my soul bared. Of course i think i bare my soul more here then i will Sunday. BFF-E is coming too this weekend. little does she know how much i have her doing. She offered, i took her up on it:) She didn't want to sell beer, neither do i, so i have her helping with my purses and kids! Boy will i need help with that part!

Please share with me some ideas, sentences, etc i could use. I would forever be grateful!

Vacation Recap #2

Boy i wonder how many recaps I'll have? EVERYONE is sleeping, C'man, DH and Miss A. The kids need it too. C'man hasn't napped in days and with Bible School these past couple days he is CRABBY!!

OK but this is about vacation. I left off Thursday i believe.

Lincoln Tunnel

Friday was the big day where we went in to NYC for the Broadway show of Spamalot. We left mid afternoon. Laura's friends daughters watched the kids and i think they all had a good time. We had a great time. When growing up we would head in to NYC every summer for 1 or 2 days. I never was to fond of the city but it's better now that I'm older. Still very loud, smelly in some places and lots of people but now that I'm an adult it's not as daunting as when I was younger. We ate at a great restaurant called Carmine's. Shout out to the new friends we made while sitting at the bar. I gave them my blog so say hello if you're reading this. It's a family style Italian restaurant where the portions are HUGE and you share it. It was great. Here are some pics.

It was this evening too that we started talking about tattoos. Maybe it was the one to many $11 drinks I had, but if there had been a tattoo shop right out the door and i knew what i wanted, I'd probably had done it. No regrets either:)

Then we walked to Broadway to catch the show. It was just amazing seeing a show IRL (in real life) The sound effects, the backgrounds, just EVERYTHING was way cool. Of course no pictures were allowed but Drew Lachey was in it and did a great job and then Stephen Collins who was the dad on 'Touched By An Angel' I believe that's the show, was the lead. Great job by all. It was just a great evening. I could use a weekend like that, NYC, Adults only, food, drinks, etc and i really hope someday we can do that. See me in there!?

Oh and we took a cab and i was busy looking for the 'Cash Cab'. Do any of you know that show?? Well we didn't find the Cash Cab, maybe next time. I used to watch that show with the guys i worked with and was hoping we could find it b/c b/w Laura, Mario and Jeff i know without a doubt we'd win some $$. Sorry, I'd had been no help at all! L & M had never even heard of it....have you?

We got home that evening by midnight so that wasn't even bad. But we didn't get to bed till 130! See a pattern here. That's why i say i think we averaged 5 hrs off sleep the entire time we were gone. But is it ever worth it.

On Saturday L & M had a wedding to attend mid afternoon. We spent most of the day just hanging out by the pool. It's so divine. C'man is a swimming machine with his goggles and swimmer floaties and just loved jumping off the board. Once Miss A got IN HER floaty, she loved to just float around the pool.


That evening my brother, his wife and there new baby came to visit. They were already in NJ so they stayed over night by us. I don't have many pics of Baby 'O' and hoping i can scam some off of my bro and Laura. He's ADORABLE! When he cries he sticks his lip out and it's SO funny! I was to busy huggin and lovin him to take pictures AND making sure my kids didn't have to much fun with him. So cute.

OK I'll leave off here and save the next recap for another day. I promise they won't all be this long! Shout out too to my niece Megan. Her and I talked today over facebook. She just came out of a relationship and I'm worried about her. She's down in Florida and trying to not think of the bastard, ass hole, sorry 'guy'. I told her I may have to come down and kick his ars and then get her in to gear:) Sorry for the harsh words but doesn't it make you mad when someone you love and care about gets hurt or is hurting??? She'll pull thru i know she will. I gave her my blog so that will leave her with lots of reading to do. Don't forget Meg's gotta leave comments or better yet, you could start your own blog.

Vacation Recap #1

I think we're finally getting back in to the swing of things. However C'man has decided he's done with naps. Therefore it really limits my time to blog. But he's outside playing now so i have a couple minutes. I may have to do my vacation recaps in stages.


Marley and Dreyfus

OK so from the beginning. These two dogs are how Laura and I met. We breed our Chocolate Lab 'momma mocha' with another lab. I then listed the pups on the Internet and somehow Laura found me. They had lost there beloved dogs years earlier and were ready for another and thought 2 would be the way to go. The every day communication began. They were going to be a surprise for her husband. In the course of 3 + weeks of communication I often wondered why they didn't have kids. Having just completed my first IVF i was yearning for someone to share my journey, sadness, hopelessness, despair, etc with.

I'm really not sure how it came up but she too had been thru IVF and knew EXACTLY what I was going thru. What an answer to prayer! It really turned out to be a small world b/c Laura and Mario live in New Jersey, that was where my mom was born and raised. Then they, like us, loved labs AND the infertility left bruises on their heart just as it was beginning to on ours.

Flash forward the dogs are now 5 years old?? and our friendship continues just as strong as ever. She surprised me by coming out for a baby shower in honor of C'mans arrival. What a surprise that was. Anyone that knows me knows that surprises are very hard to pull off. She stayed the weekend and we were able to bond in person. Then she and my mom, were the first to hear C'mans cries as he entered the world. At 5 1/2 weeks of age C'man and I flew out to there house for a week and then the next summer she came here for a couple days. This trip was the 2nd summer we've been out there.

It's pretty amazing how God brings people in to your life for a reason. I can not express how amazing God's timing was in this friendship. Feeling such loneliness and despair she is just what i needed.

OK so back to the vacation. We flew out of Omaha Wednesday late afternoon. Everything was fine till we laid over in Detroit. We ended up taking off 1 hr behind schedule. I'll spare you the details but just say how relieved i was that unlike another lady we met, we didn't sit out on the runway for FOUR hours!! I'm not kidding, i would have plead insanity if I had to be on a runway that long. Heck i wouldn't have to plead it i would BE IT.

We got in at 1145PM and were home and in bed by 2AM. Late night. Thankfully the kids were just amazing. They slept most of the way from Detroit to Philly and the once in the van they quickly fell asleep again and we were able to put them to bed at Laura's with no problems! Thank you GOD!!!

Thursday we hung out in there beautiful pool. Here we are living the good life. What vacation is all about! Friends, pool and drinks!

Enough for today. It's already taken me hr to do this much and now both kids are up and ready to go. Say a prayer tho if you could, for my dad. He is very sick and in the hospital. He's had diarrhea for a number of days and then high temps. Docs don't know whats wrong. Pray for knowledge for them and peace of mind for Dad. He is very down about having to be in the hospital and still feeling rotten. Poor guy I'm so sad and hope he comes out of this all soon!

We're Home

We made it back to Iowa last night. No delays on the way home this time, however the kids were a little more buckie. We got back to our house shortly after 11pm. I tried to drive home but i could not stay awake in fact i don't even remember driving. DH took over and i fell asleep immediately. Still very exhausted today. I think we averaged about 4-5 hours of sleep/night! I'm not used to that at all. But it's all worth it.


This was us a week ago:






I'd post a picture of me now but it's to scary:) We had a fab time. NYC was great, food, socializing, the beach all just amazing. I really loved the beach. Laura's sister in law rents a house just 6 houses down from the beach. That sure was nice for us to have some where to change, shower, etc. Wouldn't that be divine to rent a beach house for the summer?

We all have great tans and colds:) The kids did amazingly well. C has Bible school this evening. I hope he's not to tired.

I'll download the pictures some day soon but for right now i need to get things cleaned up and put away.

Thanks Laura for the amazing time!!!

Tattoo ideas

I want a tattoo and needing ideas. Those that know me, and don't know me, tell me what you think? What should I get? Where should I get? I am thinking of getting it either on my big toe or shoulder. I would like to be able to 'hide' it if necessary. Keep in mind i'm on the more conservative side of this.

Broadway was AWESOME last night! We ate at a great restaurant, Carmincs. We sat next to a nice guy at the bar, sorry we never caught names although I did give him my business card WITH my blog, and the bar tender. Hi guys if you're checking in! The food and drinks were wonderful. Maybe to wonderful with the drinks.

I just can't say how amazing last night was. It was fabulous. We are so lucky to experience broadway, NYC, Time Square, etc. Having vacationed in the NYC area growing up it looks a lot different at night. What a lot of people and hustle bustle everywhere.

Ok the laptop is getting HOT on my lap. I must get going and continue my search for my tattoo! Please give me ideas!

New Jersey

We have made it and having a great time!! I'm actually sitting in Mario & Laura's beautiful kitchen listening to the kids play, DH is putting silverware away for the last 30 min and two dogs are sitting peacefully by me. Tell just now when C'man dropped something and they jumped 5 ft off the ground.
Getting here was a little interesting. Real quickly Omaha to Detroit was fine accept for the man sitting next me had to use the bathroom 40 min in to the flight and A had just fallen asleep. I was rather cross to say the least.
Then in Detroit L told me that N'west had laid off 4000 people. N'west was what we were flying. Our plane was delayed do to mechanical problems so they had to bring in another. Then one of the 2 wingman needed to back the plane out 'walked'. That was our 3rd strike!
Eventually we got in the air. Our kids were great considering everything. There was a baby on board and older kids that were far worse then ours. I heard the mother tell her 3 kids to shut up! You could feel the tension in the air by everyone.
We got in one hr later then planned. So that wasn't bad. We were here and in bed by 2AM!!
OK this lap top keeps skipping around on me!!!

Yesterday was spent in and out of the pool! They have just a beautiful pool, back yard, and house. Laura cooked a delicious supper of chicken, hamburgers, shrimp and a variety of salads!YUMMY!

Here shortly the 4 of us are going to the outlet malls!! This afternoon by 2 M&L will be home from work and we will be heading in to the city, NYC, for Spamalot!! We can not WAIT!! I hope and pray the kids cooperate for the babysitters b/c they've been a little bit of a handful!!

Gotta run!!

Prepare For Take Off

Tomorrow, Wednesday, we fly out to LAURA and MARIO'S!! We are SO excited. I'm busy packing suitcases and trying to stay with in the generous 50lbs they allow us!! Kidding of course. However, since we purchased 3 tickets that allows us 3 suitcases. My plan is pack 3 large suitcases 1/2 full. But looking at a half empty suitcase only makes me think i can pack more. Oh dear.



4th of July was nothing exciting here. I've been incredibly sick with a kidney infection and very dehydrated. This past week has been hell. I'm fully on the mend and can now fully agree how important drinking water is. How much better i felt after drinking and drinking! Amazing! We, well the kids didn't, see any fireworks this year. That is just to late for my little ones to stay up to. Especially with us leaving on vacation. I enjoyed some from the bathroom window upstairs and fell asleep to the banging. Yes living way out in the country we still can hear the booms. The dogs can too thank you very much!!



Here's some pics i attempted to take on Sunday before church. You can judge for yourselves how well it went. Typical
Miss A having a fit and then remembering she doesn't like grass.
ok so a little better. Not the height of the corn. This lines our backyard. I love it when it's this high. Feels so private back here.
Of course C'man can ham it up so good for the camera. Mr Photo Man
Now i REALLY am mad and this dam grass. GET ME OUTTA HERE!
How about daddy. I wish we all could have our picture taken but i haven't taught the dogs how to do that yet. BFF-E when you come that's your mission:)

When C'man sees a plane in the sky he says 'someday', his 'someday' is coming tomorrow buddy!

Happy 4th

I can't believe it's the 4th of July already!! The summer is 1/2 over!! Celebrate our independence today and be thankful you have it!! So many don't and pray for those that are fighting for it!!!



We leave Wednesday for NJ so lots of things going on in preparation!! I'll leave you with some pics of my favorite little life guard in training!!!