Well it's almost 2009. A new year, a new lease on life. My family and I had a great christmas holiday--I hope all you did too. My kids got a lot of great gifts from friends and family. Here are some pics to prove it.

Lazy Friday!!

It feels like a lazy friday. I just want to sit curled up on the couch on my laptop; putting music on mp3 players, play on smilebox, and picture it. I really need to do laundry, dishes and keep kids from killing each other, but I don't wanna.

Since Lukas has been going to daycare he always is bringing home art work. I have a staples paper box full of paintings, drawings and other fun things he has made. Yesterday when I dropped him off, his teacher handed me a big box:



In it was a few things he made at school (with teacher's help of course). But none the less very cute:


***a snowflake ornament & a picture frame with colored noodles***


***A MELTED SNOWMAN ornament***

This is my favorite gift of all that was in the box too:



It was so nice of the teachers to do this. I was so surprised. I am going to get a thank you card for them.

Christmas Time!!!

Well its Christmas time in the city!!! No snow yet, just cold cold weather.
I have been crafting with my friend Angi. We have been making some felt ornaments. Here are some of the ones I have made.









and the stockings were hung:




I don't have a chimney tho.

Is it almost the end of November already!!

Geesh, this year has gone fast. And is almost over already. There is just about 5 and a half weeks till christmas!! yahoo!! not!!

Well, Lukas has been, sicky boy, for the last week and a half now. I hope he gets better soon.

A lot has been going on, in my life, in the past 6 months. My relationship with Erick came to an end, my house is getting foreclosed on, and I moved in to a two bedroom apartment. (that my mom owns) Yes all 5 of us in a 2 bedroom apartment. It is cramped but we are going to manage. I need to get my life situated soon. I am going to Edison (Piqua) to get a degree in Human Services. I want to work with foster kids and help people. I need to be able to help myself and my family first though. So I am trying. My kids are doing great through all this mess. They think it's a great adventure and have had no problems adjusting to the change of scenery.

Lillian and Jacob got all A's and B's on their report cards. I was so happy they are doing so great in school. Lillian has always love school and I was worried about Jacob. He doesn't seem to want to listen and pay attention. He is working on it though.

Lukas is getting so big and talking so much. He is so freakin' cute. Payton is such a pretty girl, but her attitude lately has been so ugly. Hopefully its just temporary.

Here are some pics, just cause I like to take lots of them to share:

Wow my last post was on Septemeber 7. That is just crazy. I wanted to blog regulary when I started this blog and I have been slacking big time. Well here's some cute pics anyways. Everyone is doing good.

Pics of the kiddos!! 9/6/08

just a little info!!

Well since Erick has moved out I have been so bored. I started school at Edison in Piqua. I like it. It keeps me busy most of the day. It was so freakin hot last week though gosh you just couldn't breath. So hopefully the weather will get a little cooler and we can get out of this house and go for walks or to the park.

Lillian hates soccer. She is not into it anymore. This is her third year and she is not wanting to go to games anymore. So I think I am going to let her quit if she wants. I don't know what else to do.

Lukas is ok with being dropped off at daycare. It only took three weeks but hey. Can't complain.

School

Back to school for the kids was last Wednesday the 20th of August. The little kids started daycare last Monday. Lukas hates it. He cries as soon as we enter the driveway. I hate leaving them there. But I have no other choice. I started school today. I had and English Comp 1 class this morning and have a Phsycology class this afternoon. I am so nervous about this school thing. I hated high school when I went. I did decide what I was going to major in at least. Human Services is what I want to do. What exactly I am not sure of yet.

Lillian had her first soccer game of the season on Saturday and of course they lost. They had to be there an hour early for pics too. It sucked cause it was so hot. The coach wanted to know what he could do to make Lillian more interested in the game. Cause she just wasn't with it. Well think about it, I wanted to say, she was so hot and tired by the time the game started. Duh!!! She had another game Tuesday night, I bet she will be much better. He will see.

Other news: Dad moved out. So it's just me and the chitlens by ourselves again. I am ok with it for now. I think cause I have other things on my mind.

Lukas's 2nd b-day pics-slideshow!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I made this and thought it was pretty cute.

Summer! Where is Summer?

Oh my gosh, Summer is almost over. Yay in a way. School time again. I am looking forward for the kids to go back to school. I am so nervous about me going back to school. I start one week after they do. The little ones are going to be going to daycare. My view on daycare is not good, but what can you do? Can't take them in my pocket with me everywhere I go. I like the curriculum and like the girls who work there. I just don't care for the germs and sickness and mean little brats that go there. Lukas hasn't had to go to daycare yet. He is going to be "LIVID" after I leave, for the first month. Maybe longer. Payton has been to daycare for a little while when she was about 1 and she went to preschool last year.

Soccer, oh how we love SOCCER. NOT!!! Lillian and Payton is playing soccer this year. Lillian already informed me that this will be her last year. OK!! So we have practices Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thank god Payton only is one day a week cause its the preschool group. Games are going to be scattered throughout the week and on saturdays. That sucks cause I have a Math class on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Other things on my mind:

*Trying to get organized: house, clothes, trash, toys, bedrooms
*Getting dr forms for daycare
*Spending the last full week before school starts having fun
*Trying not to be to pissed off that Jacob's bike got stolen
*Wishing I wasn't so tired all the time
*Also wishing I wouldn't have taken the baby bed down yet (cause someone won't go to bed)
*Got a new Panda Bear hamster--also forgot the damn things are nocturnal (noisy ass thing)
*Got some good deals on clothes, for my growing kids, at garage sales last weekend
*Kind of jealous that my cousin and sister in law are having babies and I can't anymore
***I hate bugs***

Pics of the weekend and week!

The first two pics are from the ride to the lake on Wednesday 7/21/08.





Grandpa gave the birthday boy a golf cart ride.



Cake and candle and party!!



Lukas's favorite present!!

Hot week here in OHIO!!

It was a very hot week here. Lukas's birthday was on Tuesday. We went to Gram's house (my mom) and had dinner. Yummy subs from Subway. Then Thursday the kids had dentist appointments. They love to get their teeth cleaned. When I told Lillian where we were going she actually said "yay". Weird huh. Then Friday I took the kids to Build-a-Bear. They had a blast of course. Lukas got a free animal coupon in the mail for his birthday. The girls had to get Hannah Montana outfits for their bears. Then we went to the Flower Factory. Which is a wholesale outlet store. They have anything and everything. I was so tired from all the driving and walking I went to bed by 10pm. Lillian was still up watching movies with dad.

Fun Weekend!!

We had loads of fun at the lake last weekend. We went up on Wednesday afternoon. We hung out and visited grandma and grandpa and made some yummy dinners on the grill. Ribs are the number one favorite right now. Friday evening we had Lukas's second birthday party at the park. The kids played on the playground equipment, ran around kicking beach balls, played in the pebbles by the playground, ate cake and had a water balloon fight. The dads played cornhole while the mom's sat and relaxed. It was a hot but very fun party.

It was also Lakefest weekend. So they had a festival with rides and games. We watched the fireworks on friday night, went to the festival on saturday, and went swimming at the beach at Angi's dad's house on sunday. I will post some pics later.

Another week gone!

I can't believe it. Another week of summer vacation gone. Only 4 weeks till school starts again. Crazy huh??!!

The weather here the last week has been wonderful. Not so humid (hot & sticky).

We had such a long week and weekend at the lake. I will post more and some pics tomorrow.

Another week gone!

I can't believe it. Another week of summer vacation gone. Only 4 weeks till school starts again. Crazy huh??!!

The weather here the last week has been wonderful. Not so humid (hot & sticky).

We had such a long week and weekend at the lake. I will post more and some pics tomorrow.

Fun this week!!!

We've been having fun this week.

It has been so hot here. I can't stand to be hot and sticky. But I am still alive and hanging in there.

Lillian and Jacob had friends over this week. We also went swimming a couple of days.

We have two birthday parties this weekend so I might have some cute pics to share on Monday.

Lukas fell asleep . . . .

. . . on the front porch today. He was being very stubborn and wouldn't take a nap for me today. So I let him play. He went outside and was playing on the front porch and he fell asleep. Then daddy brought him inside and put him in the playpen.

Rainy Saturday!!

Payton and Lukas decided to go out and play in the rain. Good thing it wasn't storming.





Then they were making faces at me!!

Guess what!!

LILLIAN'S HOME!!! YAY!!! Lillian is home one day earlier than I expected. What a great surprise for me. I missed her so much. Now we are visiting my mom and then going to VBS tonight.



Lukas didn't stay awake for Gram's house.

I absolutely love posting pictures.

One word answers!!!

I got this from Debi at www.bouffard11.blogspot.com.
The only rule is you can only give one word answers. Good Luck.

1. Cell phone? off
2. Significant other? sleeping
3. Hair? short
4. Mother? love
5. Father? hate
6. Favorite thing? kids
7. Dream last night? none
8. Favorite drink? tea

9. Dream/goal? job
10. Room I'm in? dining
11. Church? none
12. Fear? death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? career

14. Where were you last night? drive-in
15. What I'm not? preppy
16. Muffins? yummy

17. Wish list item? college
18. Where did you grow up? Piqua
19. Last thing I did? type
20. What are you wearing? shorts
21. TV? Off
22. Pets? asleep
23. Computer? white
24. Life? short
25. Mood? good
26. Missing someone? Lillian

27. Car? Caravan
28. Not wearing? bra
29. Favorite store? Wal-mart
30. Summer? hot
31. Love someone? mom
32. Favorite color? purple
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will repost? YOU

Remember let me know if you do this.

Missing Lillian-see you next week baby girl!!

to see more wordless wednesday here

New hair cut!

I got 11 1/2 inches of my hair cut off and donated it to Locks of Love.

Tattoos are addicting!!

This is my newest addition.

My bed . . . ahhh!!!!!

I was so excited to get back home to my own bed Saturday night. We were at the lake for 4 nights. That bed up at the lake is like sleeping on the sidewalk, it sucks. Now I just don't want to get out of my bed here at home lately.

We had fun at the lake otherwise. We let the kids ride bikes at the campground my mom camps at. Jacob loved this. He knows a few of the kids from school that camp up there. So he was off doing his own thing. Which is really his first time being able to be free. He checked in every now and again. It really worked out and I was glad. We went out on my mom and stepdad's pontoon and watched fireworks set off the barge at Celina. It was so pretty. It was late and Lukas and Jacob was wide awake. I couldn't believe it. Payton was out not long after we were out on the pontoon.

It is so hot and humid here the last two days. Man I can't stand it.

I am really missing Lillian. She emails me alot. I haven't talked to her very much cause as soon as I here her voice I want to start balling.

My first born child, Lillian Mae Swartz,
I wanted you so bad for so long. I love every minute of everyday with you. You are growing up so fast and to be a wonderful young lady. I love you with all my heart.

Your mommy

Long tiring day!

I know better to stay up late and try to get up early with the kids. It just doesn't work. We went to visit with my sister and then to my brother's house yesterday so we got home late last night and I, of course wanted my internet time. So I got on the internet and go to bed way to late. So therefore I didn't want to get up this morning. I was a grouch and Lukas was a grouch. So nothing got done till dad got up. Then Jacob mowed the yard. I was getting the truck packed for the lake. Dad made his own food. Lukas was napping and Payton was just hanging out.

Menard's was having a Grand Opening this week. So they were having some famous people for signing autographs. We went to see Rob Dibble and got baseball's signed. My brother (works second shift) wanted me to go get a ball signed for him and I wanted to take Jacob. My brother ended up meeting us there, he had been able to get off work after all. That was cool, I had some adult conversation for an hour and a half while we waited in line.

Oh yeah and I got 11 inches of my hair cut off today. Yeah I can't believe I had that much hair. I have always been one to change hair color or style a lot. But recently haven't been doing that. I have just been getting a trim every now and again and letting it grow. Well lately I have been getting really sick of it. So bye bye hair. I donated it to Locks of Love.

Just a little something!!

I have been trying to figure this Smilebox thing out. Here is what I have for now.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Rain Rain Go Away!!!

We have gotten so much rain all my Summer days are ran together with siblings fighting and whining. I hope this next week will be nice. I would like to spend some time getting my tan back and swimming.

We are going to the lake for the week of Fourth of July. Hopefully boating, fishing, playing together, visiting family and enjoying time together.

I have heard firecrackers all over town all day today. My dogs are outside right now barking because of them.

Terrible two's huh!!!

I don't know who ever came up with it but terrible two's weren't as bad as terrible four's for Payton. My gosh she has been horrible lately. She wants it her way or no way at all. Whining, screaming, crying, peeing to bed (and in my bed at that), saying "she's not my friend then" (when she doesn't get to play with someone), and I could go on for days. But I won't. Man she is being a real brat. I don't know what to do with her anymore. I am going to sit her down in the morning and have a real long talk with her and if that don't help, LOOK OUT NEIGHBORS!!!!

Dag-nabit!!

Dag-nabit almost a whole week since I last blogged anything.

Well Lillian left for Tennessee on Monday June 16. I am missing her beautiful freckly face right now. She has emailed a few times. I tried to call her but she was watching tv and wouldn't talk. Love ya Lil!!!

Lukas, Jacob, Dad and I went to the lake from Wednesday to Friday. The weather was so nice. We took so many walks and the kids rode their bikes. We went fishing and played at Eastbank Park. Just a nice week here.

We went to the Drive-In on Friday night to see Indiana Jones and Drillbit Taylor. I asked Dad if we could turn the van around backwards and lay the seat down for the kids and we could sit in our chairs and watch the movies (which we never tried before cause Lukas was too small last year). Well my swift idea. Lukas fell out of the van into the (large chunky) gravel on his head. Oh my gosh----he had the biggest hugest nastiest knot on his head. We did not leave. He calmed down and finally went to sleep. His head still looks horrible. Poor Punkyman! Both movies were ok. Jacob really wanted to see Indiana Jones. I guess he will have to wait till it comes out on video cause he didn't last one whole movie. They all were out.

Just a little inside joke. I hate the word Dag-nabit. My mom says it all the time and my kids have picked up on it and say it alot.

Tattooed and tired

Saturday Lukas and I picked the girls up from the sleepover around 11am. Kiarra and Jacey ended up going with us to Walmart. **5 kids crazy at walmart** We went home, the kids played and I did some things around the house. Jacob came home from The Beach with his Uncle Tommy. They had so much fun. Lillian went with her dad for the weekend.

Sunday Jacob, Payton and I went to see Kung Fu Panda. It was a cute movie. Jacob loved it. Payton didn't. She wanted to go swimming instead, but we just didn't have time for that. We went to my sister's house for dinner and a little swim. I also got a tattoo last night. Here it is:

Just another day. . . .

Jacob finished up his long week at Cub Scout Day Camp. Lukas and I went to see him at day camp on Friday. It was so stinkin' hot. Jacob spent the night at his Uncle Tommy (his dad's brother) and went to The Beach today. He had so much fun. I am so glad his Uncle Tommy loves him so much and wants to spend time with him.

The girls were going to a friend's sleepover party last night and I ended up staying and chit chatting until late. I think they had like 18 kids there. What a crazy mess. I think I am done with sleepovers for my kids b-day parties. I am thinking of different ideas for next year. Any ideas anyone????

Puppies*kids*softball*& more

Lillian found a puppy running around our neighbors front yard. It was about 5:30pm on Monday evening. We were getting ready to go to my mom's house to visit. First thing from my 9 year olds mouth "CAN WE KEEP IT MOM PLEASE!!!!". You know it has to be someone's pet, I told her. So she took this cute little black and white Boston Terrier for a little walk up and down the sidewalk on one of our leashes. I told her we would hang on to him till we found where he belonged. So we took him to my mom's house and this little puppy had the most fun with Jackie (mom's Jack Russell) you would ever think two dogs could have. So we came home about 8:15-8:30pm. I told Lillian to walk him down to the next block and come back. If he belonged in our neighborhood someone is bound to be out looking for him. So she didn't even get to the next block and some guy was riding his bike and he stopped right by Lillian and she said "I this your dog". He told her it was and they came walking down to me. We chit chatted for a few minutes. I told them, my neighbors, go figure, we had a blast taking care of him for 3 hours. Lillian felt so good for doing a good deed for this young family. She is growing up so fast. I am going to miss her. She will be gone for four weeks to Tennessee with her dad for summer break visit.

Lillian has had Girl Scout Day Camp this week. Just Monday through Wednesday. She's having so much fun. It sucks she can't stay and camp-out with them tonight. She has four softball games this week. She had one on Tuesday evening. They have a double-header tonight. She is gonna be a tired grouchy butt tonight.

Jacob has had Cub Scout Day Camp this week. His Day Camp is five days. He hasn't been back to his baseball games. We decided he just isn't the sport-man type. He won't pay attention and focus. I know he is only a seven year old boy, but you just know when someone is not interested. Jacob will be going to The Beach waterpark this weekend with his Uncle Tommy and Aunt Amy (dad's brother and sister in law)

Payton spent the night with a friend and had been a trooper being in the van traveling running the kids everywhere this week.

Lukas is getting so big. My gosh, I looked through some pictures today. Wow has he shot up just in the last few months. He loves the pool, and swinging on his swingset. He is getting more interested in bikes, the more the older kids ride their's.

Speaking of which. Jacob has started riding his big bike. We got him a big bike for his birthday in January. The one he wanted and a helmet. Well every nice day he could go ride we would suggest he ride his bike to get used to it and have fun. Oh no!! He said he was scared cause it was big and it didn't have pedal brakes. Well he got it out of the garage the other day and starting riding it, all on his own. I was so proud of him. He is getting so big too. He will be in second grade already. Geesh, seems like just yesterday I was putting him on the bus to Preschool.

Strawberry disaster!!

Well Payton didn't win Little Miss Strawberry. I wanted her too so bad. She looked so cute in her pretty dress. The weather was horrible. It was raining and hot. There was about 150-200 people crammed into a little room. It was so crummy.

My sunburn is making me so miserable and bitchy today. I just wanted my kids to go stay elsewhere but that didn't work out either. As usual nothing ever does for me it seems.

Way too long......

I have not blogged in way too long. So much has been going on so I'll have to catch you up a little at a time.

One major thing that has happened is Daddy had nose surgery. He had to get his Septum fixed so he could breathe. So he has been home 24-7 for the last week and a half driving me nuts. He is all better though and going back to work tonight.

Lillian had a softball game last night and she hit the ball. Yay-hoo!!!!!!! I was so happy-so was she!! They still lost by one point though.

It has been so hot here. We went to the pool on thursday and got bad sun-burns. Then our ding-dong butts went swimming again yesterday and added to it. Man it's hard to sleep at night when I can't roll around and get comfy.

Payton is in the Strawberry Festival-Little Mr & Mrs. Strawberry Pageant today. It has been sprinkling all morning so hopefully it will let us have a little peace. I doubt it though.

this past week.....till now

Monday Lillian had a softball game and they won. Score was 12-8. Of course she didn't hit the ball at all nor did she catch one. But she loves going and being a part of the whole thing.

Jacob had a game on Tuesday night and his team won too. Score was 12-4. He didn't hit the ball either. My sister watched Lukas for me. Good thing to cause it was so cold up at the park that night. Then it started sprinkling when the game was about over.

Today was Payton's last day of preschool till next school year. They had a little party and invited parents and siblings. It was pretty cute and fun.

The weather this weekend is supposed to be warm and sunny. It better hold out for us. We are going up to our trailer at the lake for the weekend. We will do some boating, fishing and lots of playing.

Happy Memorial Day and have a great weekend!!!!

wow-one whole week!!

I can't believe it's been a whole week since I've posted anything. This last week hasn't been real busy, but I've had a kink in my back and it has moved up to my neck. So I havn't felt well and I've been tired a lot this week. I guess life is catching up with me.

Monday I had my very last Girl Scout meeting. My girls bridged to Junior Girl Scouts for next year (which actually means they are going to move up one age level-since they are going to 4th grade). We had dinner (which was fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni, fruit salad, brownies, and chips) at the park, we did a little skit about the girl scout promise, then I had them walk over the bridge after I put their Junior pins on them. They had a blast. I was sad to see them and I go. But it will all work out.

Tuesday we went to a little cookout for Parents as Teachers. Then I took Jacob to Cub Scouts. The other kids played on the playground for awhile.

Wednesdays games got rained out again. For the third time in a row. It's getting old. Lillian and Jacob are not practicing either. Oh well I guess.

I have nothing planned for this weekend except laundry, dishes, and maybe a trip to the park or a walk around the block.

Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to me!!!

Today was one of my lazy Sundays that I love. I was on the computer for a little while and I kept the kids from killing each other every now and again. All in all a nice day. Except all this rain washing us away. My gosh I don't think it is ever going to stop.

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's everywhere.

Build-a-bear Saturday

Do you ever do stupid things when you are nervous and people are around?? We went to Build-a-bear Saturday. It was kind of crazy getting there with me being my ditzy (non-blonde) self. I scheduled a party for my Brownie troop-this is their last year as Brownies and they made the money by selling cookies. Three of us were driving to get all the girls there. I gave the other mom's the directions I was taking. We were on our way and I took a different way then I told them cause I was talking and not paying attention to where I was going. I felt so stupid. I think everyone is used to it cause they weren't surprised. But we made it 30 minutes late and we had a blast. Most of the girls had never been there before.

Lillian and Payton had friends over to play the rest of the night and I relaxed.

Mondays . . .

Yesterday I had some errands to run (seems like everyday lately). I had to take Payton to school because she wouldn't get up in time for the bus. After she got out of school I took her to the doctor for a check up on her foot. Since she wouldn't take the Sulphatrim-antibiotic the e.r. dr prescribed her-the family doctor gave her k-flex. She is supposed to take this one 4 times a day. How in the world am I gonna remember that-I guess when she reminds me like this morning. So hopefully she is on her way to a full recovery and no more drama for a while. I can only handle so much at a time.

Sundays!

Sundays are such a lazy day! (most weeks) I feel like I don't want to get off the couch. No laundry got done-some dishes got done (only cause I had to to use the sink)-kids didn't get rooms clean-floors didn't get swept. Oh well the mess will still be there tomorrow.

Payton's foot is still swollen and red. But she was jumping, walking and running today like there wasn't anything ever wrong with it. She wouldn't take her medicine today. So I am going to call the doctor tomorrow and see what he says. Can't wait till she is all done with this foot thing.

Funfilled day at the hospital!!

So thursday night we were having a nice fun evening in the backyard. Well Payton (my 4 year old) got a stick caught in her flip-flop and scratched her foot really good (right above her toes). Friday morning she woke up and wouldn't walk on her hurt foot. Daddy looked at it and said it looked bad. It was all red and getting swollen with red tracer mark going up her foot. I said it just looks like a scratch. Later on about 2pm my friend calls me and asks if her little girl could come play with Payton for a little bit. (she is Payton's best friend) I asked Payton and she didn't want to cause her foot hurt. So I knew something was wrong and maybe we should call the doctor. My friend is a nurse and she said she would come down and look at it. So she did and she said you better take her to the hospital. So I did, and it is infected and it had a big splinter stuck in it. She screamed the whole time the doctor was prodding at her boo-boo. He had to cut 1/8" to get to the splinter. Needless to say I have to carry her around and cater too her like she is a handicap. (thank god she really isn't) Payton also has to take and antibiotic. That's always fun. She puked last night cause she thinks it's nasty. I have to threaten her for her to take it. :'(

Nice, warm day!!

Today was a very nice day. Although I didn't spend that much time outside as I should have. Lukas and I went to the grocery. Then I had a friend and her kids over for lunch. I have working on these little scrapbooks for my girl scout girls all evening off and on. I want to get them done cause they are going to be so cute. But then what am I going to work on next??

We all played outside throwing the baseball around and swinging. It was a fun evening.

Tomorrow it is supposed to rain. Jacob and Lillian both have late baseball games too. I hope and am praying that they don't get rained out. Wish us luck.......

A pretty fun evening!

Lillian thinks she did pretty good on the big OAT test this week. I am so proud of her for not getting so nervous about the whole thing. They put so much on those third graders shoulders now days.

Last night we had a pretty fun evening. We went bowling with Jacob's Cub Sout Pack. The kids seemed to want to eat the whole time, even though we ate dinner before we went. Lillian got mad cause she didn't win of course. But I thought everyone had a good time. My mom watched Lukas for me and Payton went to a friend's house. When we got home it was pajama and bed time.

Not much. . .

Today I ran to Walmart twice trying to get pics for my girl scout scrapbooks I am making for my girls. In case I forgot to tell you I am my daughters girls scout leader. I have been the leader of this troop for three years now. This is my last year though. I will miss it but I need a break.

Lillian has been studying for the big OAT test for third graders. Today was the first part of it. They asked parents to write letters of inspiration for the kids. I wrote mine and took it to her school today. I told her teacher to not be suprised if she cries when she reads it. She is very emotional like her momma. Sure enough when she came in the door after school I asked her if she liked her letter I wrote and she said "Yeah, and it made me cry". I didn't want to make her cry at school. I just wanted her to know that no matter how she did on the test I will love her. We have this thing between the two of us, I always tell her --- I love her no matter what.

Lillian was supposed to have a softball game this evening at 6pm, but it got rained out. She wasn't too mad. Of course she wanted to put her freshly laundered uniform right in the dirty clothes basket when I told her to get pajamas on. (she just took it out of the dryer before she put it on)

Payton's party!!

Payton had her very first birthday sleepover last night. She invited 5 friends, and 4 showed up and 3 spent the night. So all in all I think it turned out great. Plus Lillian had a friend spend the night also. So they helped a little bit. They played outside writing with chalk and playing hopscotch for a while. Then we sang happy birthday and at cupcakes. YUMMY!!! Payton opened her presents and took pictures with her friends. Then I cleaned up and they danced in the living room. We went outside and played with the bubble things she got. The girls painted some little ceramic ponies Payton picked out at Wal-mart and that was a hit. They loved painting. I gave them some poster board to paint on too. They had a blast playing with balloons for a little while before laying down for movie and snack time.

We also had a family party at 1pm Sunday. She got a lot of great presents and ate some cake and ice cream. What a fun birthday she had. I am so glad she made it till after the party to crash out. She was asleep by 6:30pm from all the excitement. I can't believe my baby girl is 4 already. I love her so much!!! Happy Birthday baby!!


Now for a relaxing evening. Yeah right now it's shower time, check homework time and bed time. Shoo!! Can't wait.

Opening Day! April 26, 2008

Well today was opening day and we missed the parade. I was ok with that cause I needed to get caught up on sleep. We got up about 9:00 am and started cleaning and straightening up cause we had to leave by 12:30pm to get to Lillian's game. Jacob's game was at 2pm.

Lillian did good at her game. She struck out everytime at bat. But she tried her best. She got mad and threw the bat and started crying once. She needs to work on some sportsmanship. Her team lost 11-15.

Jacob struck out everytime at bat too. He played catcher postition also. His team lost 7-10.

I am very proud of both of them for trying there best today.

Well we finally got to leave the ball park at 3:20pm. We still had to go home finish straightening up and do dishes and make cupcakes for Payton's birthday sleepover tonight.

Crazy week!!

Well last week went to fast with me running here and running there. Baseball and softball practices in the evenings and appointments in the daytime. Me getting stuff for Payton's fourth birthday party. But the weather was wonderful and we played outside almost every minute we could. But all is well.

Long day!!

Monday was an ok day just did some running around I needed to do. Went for lunch at O'Charley's. I wasn't real hungry so I brought the leftovers home. Then I ended up missing my favorite show cause I was on the computer and didn't pay attention to the time. Darn it!@!!!

Today I went to Children's Hospital with my cousin Kelly and the twins. They had to get blood work taken. We had to be there at 9:45am. We didn't get there till 10:15am. Running a little late you think. lol We made it finally and they accepted us anyways. So we were happy she didn't have to reschedule. shooo! We finally made it home at 1:20pm. Can you believe that???

Then we did some errands in town and then it was time to pick the kids up at school. (cause you know they are still in trouble)

Jacob was supposed to have baseball practice @ 4:15. So here I am busting butt up to the park. Guess what, geesh noone was there. Last Thursday he was supposed to have practice and she didn't call me to let me know it was cancelled either. So I was steaming. I called the guy in charge and made a big complaint. Don't know if anything will come of it or not. But I was just mad as heck about this. Gas is too expensive to be running all over town for nothing.

Jacob also had a Cub Scout Pack meeting tonight. My mom kept the two youngest ones for me. Lillian was at softball practice. So it was just Jacob & I. It was great to have a break. I feel so good even though I am tired from running all day. Anyway he received some Tiger Beads for family activities, den activities, go see its, and special achievements. I am so proud of him. He loves Cub Scouts.

Now it's laundry time. I need to catch up from being gone all day for two days in a row. Wish me luck!!

Weekend over! Blah!

Well the another weekend gone. Nothing exciting happened. The girls each had a friend over Saturday night. Jacob went camping with Cub Scouts. I caught up on laundry and mopping. FUN FUN!!

Sunday evening I got some away time. Mom came over and watched the kids for about an hour and a half. I didn't do anything exciting just went to Wal-mart with a friend. It felt like a vacation though after a crazy week.

The crazy week started on Tuesday (4/15) when my kids didn't come straight home from school. I was freaking. My fiance went walking down to the bus stop and driving around looking for them. They were no where. In the mean time I called everyone I could think of. Couldn't find them anywhere. I called the cops. They came (at this time they were gone for 40 minutes when the cop finally showed up) and we gave them discriptions and ages and I started freakin out more. Low and behold here they come walking up the sidewalk, like what's going on mom. I said with the cops standing right there, "where in the world have you been". I was hugging them and crying. I just wanted to beat them and hug them at the same time. They were in an intermediate school where there bus stop is with a couple of the older girls and there friends. Both TV's and radios got taken away. They have to be dropped off and picked up from school now. I just coudn't believe it. I sat at the dining room table just staring at them and shaking my head while they started homework. The kicker is that Jacob was supposed to be at ball practice 20 minutes before they even came home. Lillian was supposed to have ball practice that night too. Noone was able to go.

Wednesday 4/16 was the one year birthday of my nephew who passed away. Happy Birthday Hayden Michael Swartz!!! Aunt Mandy misses you so much. I wish you were here.

Then Thursday they had ball practice again. Both are supposed to be there at the same time of course and at different schools across town from each other. This day sucks bad.

Friday wasn't a very planned out day either. Jacob was going camping with Cub Scouts. His dad was taking him. He was supposed to pick up Jacob at 4:30. At 4:37 I called him and he said his truck was acting up could I take them where they were supposed to go. Finally around 5:00 he shows up, here we are loading all the camping stuff into my van with 4 kids and two adults. My can is just a sports edition not full size. Lord we were crammed. Anyway we meet the other people at the church and we had to sit there and wait for everyone. Here it is 6:00 the kids are complaining they are hungry. UGH!! I asked if they could ride with someone else. Thankfully they could. We came home and I made a quick hot dogs and french fry dinner and everyone was happy again. YAH!!

Kids Introduction!

Well I introduced myself now I should introduce my kids.

Lillian Mae:
* First child
* 9 years old
* Smarty pants
* Mouthy
* Very loving
* Loves to hang out with her friends and family.
* Plays softball-(first year)
* Plays soccer-(third year coming up)
* In Girl Scouts-flying up from Brownie to Junior this year
* Likes listening to music and watching movies

Jacob Allen:
* Second Child
* 7 years old
* Very laid back
* TV addict-(doesn't matter what's on his eyes are glued)
* Very loving
* Whiny
* Likes his Nintendo DS and Playstation 2
* Plays baseball-(second year-G-ball)
* Played soccer for two years and hated it all the way
* In Cub Scouts-first year-Tiger Scout

Payton Katherine:
* Third Child
* 3 years old until next Sunday
* Very active
* Loves playing outside (swinging, riding scooter, etc.)
* My princess and daddy's baby girl
* Starting soccer this fall
* Loves her Headstart-Rainbow class
* Loves having friends over to play

Lukas Robert:
* Fourth and last child
* 1 year old
* Very active
* Is loving Spring time-outside to play
* Likes Dora, Diego and Mickey Mouse cartoons
* Wouldn't talk until 20-21 months (not one word)
* Likes to eat-especially off someone else's plate
* Loves sister and brothers friends
* Loves Gram and Aunt Beth

We all love to go on family outings. It's hard to do with four kids. Sometimes it turns into a disaster, but you can't say we didn't try. I love my kids they are everything to me.

Well for the first post-

I will introduce myself. My name is Mandy and I have for kids. I am engaged to a wonderful man with whom I share two of my fours kids. I am a stay at home mom looking for a job. I hate to go back to work but I need to. I am going to be using this blog for journaling about my life. My children are my life until I figure out what I want to do with myself.