James, Cassandra, Madison & Eli

Quick while he's napping! :)

2012-02-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

4 months old

These three get lots of play time together

Crazy just how much this girl has grown!

This dog toy is his favorite. Was screaming in the store, spotted it and stopped. Loves it!

You like my previous couple of posts? hehe But when I get codes or asked by the companies to do posts and get free stuff, like 50 Christmas cards, $10 off a purchase and 50 free Valentines cards, this Mom on a budget does it. :)
However we have been busy busy here. Just trying to keep up with life and each other. Eli turned 4 months yesterday. Had his check up today and is 14lbs 9 oz! Gotta love it.He is also 24.75 long. SO 50% for everything.
Madison also had a check up today. 63lbs and 4'3", this girl is on the 80%for height and weight but averages out to 70 with the combo of the two! My kids sure keep me busy. You should check out the mess of a room that Madison has. Maybe I will try and post one later. but ... life just might happen. There are boxes everywhere in there. I had enough of the mess, grabbed 4 boxes and we are de-cluttering for a garage sale this summer. If shes' not going to respect it or take care of it, use it or put it away, its disappearing.
We finally choose a paint color for Eli's room. But first we have to remove all the trim and moulding pieces, prime the walls and then paint. Put on new trim and the blinds we got and this kid just might get into his won room by his 1st birthday. Lets be real, we don't move to fast and right now with the whole nursing and only being 4 months, I'm not in to much of a hurry anyways. And he is doing just fine in his bassinet right now. (until he can pull himself up that is)
Any ways I hear a rattle moving, which means little buddy has woke up. Back to real life.

Stationery card

2012-01-30T18:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Heart Day Valentine's Card

Mom. Dad. Kids. Christmas photo cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Valentines is Just around the corner

2012-01-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Here in my family Valentines is pretty low key. The hubby goes the the Chocolate basket in Portland, where they have some of the best chocolate. Madison and I usually make some cards for the family and for school. However, this year I am excited to try Valentine cards. I loved their Christmas one that we got and am excited to try these. There are so many though that I 'm not sure that I can choose which one we will use. Like these:

If you haven't tried Tiny Prints before I recommend you do. You can also check them out on their facebook page, pinterest page.

I will have to let you know what we choose when we are done! Hope you like this too!

December

2012-01-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun this month. Eli has started to take to playing and showing an interest in his toys and at the end of the month has become quite the wiggler. He is also getting a pretty strong core and will be sitting up on his own sooner then later.

Madison had her vocal concert this month as well. It is a lot of fun listening to them all sing and how excited they get about their songs. Especially one that they worked on and wrote the words to themselves.

The beginning of the month our niece Bella turned 4, Crazy how fast the time goes by. We celebrated with her and other family and friends at Big Al's Bowling. Madison got really good. She even got a strike once and a a few spares. We better watch out, she will soon be beating us, no problem.

Then break started and we had lots of fun hanging out together as a family. Watching Christmas movies, playing games and just being together.

Christmas was lots of fun too. Christmas eve with my family, Christmas morning with James' dad at our place, followed by his sisters and mom. Then we went and had dinner at Grandma's. Lots of fun times. The kids got spoiled too! Next year will be fun for Eli. He slept through most of this years. Madison loved her toys and got the one thing she asked for, a guitar and plenty more too. :D

Playing with his toys

Bella turns 4!

Singing at her concert

2 months old

Bowling her strike

Hanging out as a family

Madison and her pink guitar

Our kids Christmas morning

Eli looking at Daddy and his present

Our family Dec 18, 2011

Getting so big already

Christmas 2011

Check out his cool hat from Tracy and Mat

Playing tractors with Daddy

Tiny Prints!

2011-11-23T14:28:00.001-08:00

What a deal I stumbled upon! I found out that Tiny Prints is offering 50 free cards this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

They've got some pretty great stuff, especially their darling card line up. I'm going crazy just browsing through them trying to decide what to do for our family cards this year! I mean look at these:
So, so cute. Tiny Prints also offers photo books easy and simple to create. (Bonus: they also have a deal right now when you buy one book, you get any others 50% off. Sweet!)

Calendars? Yes please!

You can get in on this deal too. Just blog about Tiny Prints and their adorable holiday cards, and they send you 50 cards, complimentary. There is a little form to fill out here and voila! They'll tell you what to do from there.

Happy Holidays!

November

2011-11-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

One moth old! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.

This little man does not like tummy time no matter what mood he is.

HE defiantely has my nose. James says its my dominate triat since Madison got it too.

Still crazy as always/

Halloween

2011-11-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

October

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

October was a fun month. We of course had Eli join us in the beginning which meant lots of new fun, Adjusting to sleep cycles of a newborn and hormone changes in me. Which luckily weren't to abd until about week three when I seemed ot have surges. I had the same thign with Madison at around week three. But then things leveled out and have been good. Madison finished her second season of soccer with Team Galaxy. It was great watching the improvemnent this year. We had passing, defense and offense. It was better then the whole group running together in a circle afraidto get he ball from the other girl who had it. I can't wait to see how they do next year. We even get a couple new players next year on the team as they get older. :)

Madison is an awesome big sister. She even reads to her brother as part of her homework. And loves to hang out with him. Which during the first weeks was a bit much for me. She always wanted to hold him and be with him, although we still had school and homework that had to be done first. This concept did not sit well with her. She did not like that she had to do her normal stuff as well. Even tried the "I have to get to know him and spend time with him" excuse. Loved it, but....

When anyone uses the vacuum Madison has always put headphones on, because it is to loud and hurts her ears. So when she was asked to vacuum she went and got her headphones and put some on Eli as well. She didn't want his ears to hurt either. Big sister was looking out for little man already.

She loves to hold him and walk him around. She is great about when her arms are getting tired to either put him down or give him to some one before anything happens.

This little man loves his Daddy. Almost too much. After a weekend, Mondays are horrid on me. Eli is fussy, cranky and crying most of the day because he can't figure out where Daddy went. TO the point where yesterday, James gets home from work, Eli is fussing still, James walks over says hi and instant smiles and not little ones either, starts cooing and almost laughing because he is so excited that Daddy is home. So every morning when James gets ready ofr work Eli is up spending a few minutes with Daddy before he leaves. as James said last night, It makes him feel good to know he is missed and loved so much already, althoguh he undestands its not easy on me :)

I walked away for a minute after setting Eli on the floor for some tummy time and I thought it was wierd I didn't hear him screaming ot making any noises. (he really does not like tummy time) and come around the corner and big sister had come to him rescue and picked him up and was holding him while working on her computer. Although this was a great big sister moment, I had to explain that although he doesn't like it, he still has to do tummy time to build up some muscles.

Our happy family of four.Two boy, Two girls and a dog and cat. Life is good.

They don't look anything a like, now do they ;) hehe

Although the flas is way over exposing and I can't seem to fix the picture, I still love this moment that Madison caught on camera.

He has arrived!

2011-10-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Eli Maxwell Stone

10/9/2011

4:52pm

8lbs. 13oz

20.5"

Our little man came quick once he was ready. We were at the hospital for an hour before he came in the world. Barely had time to get an IV line in and no meds either. It was an incredible adventure and I loved being able to experience the whole thing without a fog from pain killers. Although doesn't mean I didn't ask for them :) But Eli had other plans and after an only 2 hours of active labor, he joined us.

I had been having some contractions since 2 am, but they were pretty mild and only every 30 minutes to one hour apart. Slowed way down during the day and weren't bothersome. Then about 2pm started to come back in play and they were enough that I called the doctor to let them know I probably would be coming in in the next few hours but the contractions were still 10-15 minutes apart.

I called my mom and in that time I asked her to come over to get Madison. Within the 30 minutes or so it took them to get to the house, the contractions went to a few minutes apart. On the way down to the hospital they became super strong and literally minutes apart. I got checked in and was at 6 cm. While they were finishing getting my room prepped my labor continued. By the time I got into my room I was at 9.5 cm and was told to push. Thinking he would have to drop a little bit. Nope. The doctor had to tell me to stop pushing, because she saw the head after one push. which let me tell you was not an easy task once I was ready to go. That way she could finish getting ready to be able to catch him. 3 pushes later, one for the head and 2 for the body, Eli came flying out. SO quick in fact it caused bruising on his face and head, which later caused us to have to spend an additional night at the hospital, before we could be cleared to go home. James was my rock. He reminded me to breath deep and relax as much as I could between the contractions. Also reminding me I wanted a natural birth to be able to experience and remember the whole thing.

The whole thing happened so fast our car never got moved to a parking space until 45/50 minutes after he was born. So our parents and Maddie got the call of his arrival as he was parking the car. :)

I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Because of the bruising and extra red blood cells being active due to it, we ended up having to stay an additional night so Eli could spend 9 hours under the bili light to reduce the jaundice and bilirubin counts. Getting the old red blood cells out of the body and not making the liver have to work over drive. But luckily after one night he was cleared and in the low risk range and we were able to go home. :) Good thing to because he really hated not being able to see and being wrapped in the bili blanket.

Now we are adjusting to being home. Getting our feeding down and getting acquainted with each other. We however will be going shopping in the next day or so because even though he is over 8lbs he needs the newborn size clothes which I had about 4 things of, and they are big on him. :) Madison is adjusting well and is loving ever minute she gets to spend with him. Although she is having a hard under standing why I am still so sleepy, the whole pushing out a baby, now making food for the baby, and lack of sleep while taking care of baby, hasn't really set in. But that is all for now, time for feeding the baby.

Looking back I realized that my water had broken here at home. I had been going back and forth to the bathroom after contractions to empty my bladder. And one time I Remember thinking that was a lot considering I just emptied my bladder a minute ago and awful clear. It wasn’t until a couple days later I realized this is probably when my water broke, considering I arrived at the hospital with no water left and were trying to figure it out. J When your mind is consumed with other thoughts, this little thing got over looked. But in the end everything was good and we have a super wonderful little man that we are loving and enjoying.

Less Than 2 Weeks!!

2011-09-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer here! We are under the two week mark. I have prepared a few meals for the freezer, a couple more tomorrow. Hospital bags are packed. Madison's bags are packed. We actually went out on a last girls night tonight for dinner and shopping afterwards. Its was nothing fancy, but still some time with just the two of us, since who knows once this little boy is born how long it will be before it happens again. She enjoyed herself, which is all that mattered. :)
I had James install the car seat the other day, so now all that's left is waiting and making sure we have a plan for where Madison and our dog, Mac go during the labor portion and the 24hrs afterwards. We have a small tentative plan, but are still working on getting it a little more set in stone.
Had a doctors appointment today and everything is looking great. He is head down and faced the correct way. This to me is the greatest relief. Unlike his sister who was laying sideways even after my water broke. Then when we did get her head down, faced the wrong direction giving me horrible back labor pains. I am hoping this labor is a lot easier and quicker considering he is being a good little boy and at least for now in the correct position. But only time will tell.

Its hard these last few days, because I keep thinking I have tons I still need to do, still need to get, and there isn't. The only thing I haven't got to yet, is the dusting of the house. Which is a fulls day job in it self. I have noticed cobwebs everywhere and shelves that always need done. But when you have lived in a house for over a year and half and haven't dusted corners/ceilings, there is going to be some things that need taken care of. The shelves, well no matter how often I dust, there is always some there. Those at least usually get done once every two weeks. But the last few times I have been out of pledge and have just been using my microfiber cloth, which is awesome but doesn't hold the dust back long.

But we are super excited for the upcoming arrival of our little boy. Name is still not chosen, but we have a few options. The name won't be chosen until his arrival. That way we can make sure the name fits him.

But in the mean time I have PTA, house work, animals to keep company and Madison to keep me entertained and busy while I wait.

August

2011-09-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

Stellwagen family reunion was in August. The first picture is of some of the first generation of cousins and the second is the 2nd generation. Pretty cool. And when thinking of all those that still weren't there it is shocking to think of how large of a cousin group we are.

Madison turned 7 this month. Can't believe just how fast time went by! She went for a super hero theme which was fun and enjoyed some time with friends and family at home. It was a nice day and not too hot, which was a nice change.

My grandma also hosted my baby shower this month for our little man on the way. Can't believe in a few short weeks he will be joining our family!

Madison and James are still just as busy spending time together working on projects, whether it be on the house, crafts or his truck. :) She sure does love her Daddy.

We are now into the start of the school year and soccer. I have an online class I am taking. PTA vice president and anxiously awaiting for our little boy to come. Although I am not in any hurry. Mid October works great for me :) James is busy with work. Got his jobs lined up and will be taking a week off when our boy comes. He's already got planned out what he will be doing around the house while hes off. Although I think he will be cutting his list short and spending lots of time with the new one before returning to work. Madison is busy with school and soccer. She enjoyed her swim lessons which ended when school started and is very excited for her little brother to come and join us.

I know its quick and short, but what can I say, we are busy busy people.

July

2011-08-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

We ended July with a trip down the river with Flea and Kyle and their puppy Hercules. Madison had lots of fun. She kept wanting to go out further to test her swim lessons. Told not unless her Daddy was with her. Some other time though

Independence day we spent home here . The town puts on a big parade. Came back to the house where Dad and Maddie kept playing with the parachute from the firework and had a great time. Later Madison and I walked down to the vendor section and shared a big snow cone. Yumm!

This is me on July 4th. around 27 weeks I believe.

June

2011-08-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

June was full of lots of activities to keep us busy. School didn't end till mid month. And then summer started.

James and Maddie worked on projects around the house, including some stuff outside and working in the basement. I even came home one day to find that Madison had learned how to use the chipping gun and was helping her Daddy in the basement.

We had a fantastic T-Ball season. A great team and lots of learning. Next year, we are on to softball.

Father's Day was a relaxing time at home. Madison even made wall decorations, including a picture of her Dad. (It still hangs on my wall. I like the picture and it adds something to the wall for now)

We had play dates with friends and celebrated a few birthdays too.

May

2011-06-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

May was busy month with T-ball games, Mother's day, James' birthday and Madison's first music concert. It was great seeing the kids sing and do motions for a couple of the songs. However I think the best song they did was the last song. They sang It's a Grand Ole Flag. They did great. It was the loudest song. Without music and the words were clear. A great way to end the concert.

Ahhh!

2011-06-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today I am crazy hormonal. What does that mean? Thinking about the past, present, future. Its a scary thing at times. Remembering where James and I first started from, some of the things that we have endured over the almost nine years we have been together. Its driving me nuts. Waiting for an all clear on genetic screenings. All the things we still have to get for the baby. I'm just not into it right now. I have finals this week and I am just a mess. However I remember last night. Dinner for James' birthday with the family and I remember that its all worth it. It was a great time. Low key, no stress, My house got clean, except for a load of dishes, and some laundry, but it got dusted, cleaned and vacuumed which lately is a pretty big deal. Sometime I just want to curl in a ball and stay in bed until it passes. Life. I love it. I hate it. I am so grateful for it.

PS this was apost from May 28th :)

April

2011-06-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

April was a busy month. But the best part of it was telling Madison that she will be having a sibling. It also encouraged he reading skills. She wants to be able to read to them and ever since then she has excelled at reading. For a girl who was struggling to keep up, and at some points not keeping up, this has been a blessing in disguise. She is now up to where she is suppose to be reading wise and its great!!

It's a ....

2011-06-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's such a wonderful thing being able to see inside of a tummy and see the growth of our child. Madison was absolutely in awe of what she was able to see. We took her with, the whole week before she kept making sure that she didn't miss the doctors appointment that would allow her to see either her brother or sister.

The best part was listening to her gasps of excitement as she saw for the first time her sibling. It was a great experience that I don't think that she will ever forget. The technician was great with her as well. Anytime Madison had a question of what an image was, or what a color was, she explained it to her which Madison loved as well.

Shortly towards the end, the tech asked Madison what she thought the baby was and Madison got it right. She is having a baby brother!

James was just super excited that the baby was healthy and growing just as planned and so was I. It was also nice for them to see just how much of a mover this little one is. They knwe he was moving around from feeling him every now and then and me telling them I felt him all the time. But for them to see him go from being straight up and down, sideways to completely upside down in a matter of an hour was proof that he is our little active man. We can't wait to meet him in October.

James' birthday

2011-06-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, and I am now the elementary' PTA vice president for next year. I will be busy.

A picture of me at 19 weeks and the other two pictures were taken on James' birthday. James' birthday we hada nice causal dinner with family here at the house including watching the littles play and pizza for dinner. I even made him a strawbeerry rhubarb pie which every one said turned out pretty good. Glad since my first attempt at one before wasn't as successful.
The following week we were glad to have James' brother Mat in town for the weekend. We celebrated Jenni's birthday and Rachel's college graduation that week. Madison lovedhaving time to play with Uncle Mat. She played the game Guess Who with him for the first time and has become obseesed with it now. Lucky for her I found a brand new one at Goodwill last week that she has been making everyone she can play with her ever since.
Summer break starts next week. Lots of projects to get donw in the next couple of months. We sure are excited.

Finally!

2011-06-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finally figured out what was wrong with my blog. They went and changed the editior program and mine was set to the old one. Go figure.
Well since then we have had many a t-ball games, easter, spring break, James' birthday, and visit from the brother in law, Mat, and birthdays and an ever growing belly. Madison finishes up first grade on Monday. She is excited to be able to sleep in. She has been super tired this week. Sadly I think she is growing again. Grr... Time to buy more clothes. HAHA. and shoes. All of her shoes including boots not have holes in them. Luckily its getting to be warmer out and Mom just bought her and pair of sandles that will work in the mean time.
Speaking of mom, I am dog sitting right now, Merlin, which has been an adjustment. Love him to pieces but definately not a city dog at all. Reminds me of how Mac was when we first moved here. Barks at all the cars and all the people as they walk by. I also think he is really starting to miss Mom and Dad. But they will be back on Thursday and I'm sure he will be all better then.
Anyways now that the posts are working again I will try to come back tomorrow and add some pictures and life to the blog again. Hope nothing goes wrong again.

2011-06-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

123 test test test

T-Ball

2011-04-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Madison has been enjoying her T-Ball season. She had been a little sad about always being outfielder but this last game she got ot play different positions including pitcher, which she rocked. :) We were very proud of her. However she asked me yesterday when its soccer time again. I think she really enjoyed soccer. But she is loving T-Ball just as much.

2011-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love the fact that Madison has cousins and family around that she will be able to grow up with. Not to mention I love, loving on them as well. Now if only we could get Bella closer...

Madison has begun her T-Ball adventure. James got to watch her first game while I did concessions for the team. But was able to catch her second game. Its a great feeling to know that she is enjoying herself, learning, making friends and exercising all at the same time.

I am back at taking classes once again. James is working and we are all trying to stay a float. spring is teasing us with sunshine and then drops down to the30s at night. Where is the warmth of spring?

Secret

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings

2011-04-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, How life has been good to us. The first week of February brought James and I some great news. We were going to be the proud parents of two children. We waited until three months had passed and a chance to meet with a doctor to make sure everything was going well before we told Madison. We always promised her that if we had a baby she would be the first to know. We let her know last Thursday. She is super excited. Very excited to be a big sister. She is now hoping for a baby brother, so that way she won't have to share her barbies or dolls with him, but she will share her Lego's and trucks with him. If its a sister, she says she will be happy too, because maybe they can have bunk beds. Bunk beds are her newest obsession.

She has been constantly poking at my tummy to see if she can find the baby and can't wait to find out if a brother or sister will be joining her. She even bought an outfit already for her sibling.

James and I are hoping for a healthy, happy baby.

Our newest member of our family will be joining us the beginning of October.

Where has the time gone?

2011-03-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Life has been great. Finished some classes and now enjoying some time off for Spring Break. I'm getting close to be completely done. End of the year I should, as long as everything goes to plan, have my masters degree! Very exciting.

Just a few things we have been doing since our last post. James and Maddie enjoyed a date night together at the Daddy Daughter Dance at Madison's school.

We had a few snow days. One that actually got school canceled, but since we had no snow, traveled to go play with the cousins.

One two hour late start which meant playing in the snow at 6 o'clock in the morning. I remember doing the same thing when I was younger. Just hoping it would become a full snow day.

James and I have been great. Getting lots of projects done on the house. Coming up with many new plans that we want to "remodel" the house to make it more usable. I'm most excited for new electrical wiring throughout the house. We are about half done. That's half less that we have to worry about. Most of the old water lines have been replaced as well which means less corrosion and better water flow. But other things including working on the furnace, moving the washer and dryer down to the basement and moving the stairs to the basement are projects yet to come. Along with my new storage and built in pantry down stairs as well. Heck, we plan on living here forever, or at least I do :) , we might as well change it to the way we really want it.

But life has been good to us an we are very happy for the people and things in our life.

I am excited to start my garden soon. My bulbs are coming up, some of the early spring ones are starting to flower and the sun should be coming out soon to stay and warm up and fresh air. Ahh, spring, how I am excited for you.

Flea Wee is 21!

2011-02-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

My little sis turns 21 today. I'm not sure how I feel about this. She is still my little pain in the butt sister who would stay up all night talking to her stuffed animals, running around with her horses and playing out in the mud girl to me. But now shes a working adult, living on her own, old enough to drink legally and doesn't like the mud anymore. What happened?

Dad and I were discussing this last night at dinner. He can't believe that Flea is turning 21 already. And then he said its not right that I will be turning 25 next month as well. Time went by to fast.

This is a thing that I try and keep in mind; Time does goes go by to fast. I try and slow down and remember to enjoy the little things. Like when I realize its 15 minutes past Maddie's bedtime for school but she asks for a story before bed. Will that extra 5 minutes really make a difference? Not really. Or will that extra long hug before going to bed harm anything?

Try and soak it all in. For all I know my own daughter is going to be turning 21 before my eyes, I will be wondering where the time went, sooner then I think. Heck shes already 6!

Grateful Friday

2011-02-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am super grateful for my husband. I am grateful for him everyday, but it is always a nice thing to remind him of.

He works hard for us. Takes care of us when we are sick.
Trys to improve our house to make it better for us.
Knows how to laugh and have a good time.
Listens to my hints that he needs to get out with friends.
Can make me smile and laugh, even when I am mad at him. Just can't stay mad long.
Makes me feel beautiful even when I haven't brushed my teeth, in pjs, and have no makeup on
He is a super daddy

I could go on. But just saying, I am super grateful for this dude. I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Spring is coming?!

2011-02-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

We haven't been up to too much. We all got the flu last week. First me, then James, and then Maddie. Luckily we weren't all sick at the same time, but it still bites when you are out sick, for any reason. I even had to miss a friends party taking care of the little. But life as a Mom always comes first for me The say Madison wasn't feeling well, she spent her day on the couch and Georgina climbed up to lay with her and Mac followed right behind. Both laying their heads on her tummy and keepign her company almost all day long. They sure do love her.

Luckily we are starting to feel better and the sun is starting to shine. I even have bulbs that you can see starting to come out of the ground. I am very excited for all the flowers and color to arrive. :) Now if only it would be 60 and sunny instead of 40 or below and sunny; I would be one happy person.

2011-02-03T10:27:00.001-08:00

Since James hardly even looks at this, I wanted to post what Madison and I put together for him for Valentines. We don't do much for it. We would rather tell each other how special you are to each other everyday then one particular day a year. But... Madison loves any holiday so we still do a little something. Not to mention she is just gorgeous, don't you think?

Cooking With Madison: Chicken Kiev

2011-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Madison really enjoys to cook with me. This last time I was taking a few pictures so I would have something to add to the blog picture wise and I was so entertained with how she was pounding the chicken for me that we ended up making a video. I do have to say we sure enjoyed it. I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I do.

Reflections

2011-01-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

This past year has given us many blessings. We had bought a house. Took a road trip, seen family, monuments, bears, new additions and many other things. We have laughed, played, cried and of course there has been the occasional disagreement. But the thing is that we have done it all together as a family.
I have made new acquaintances, strengthened friendships and lost friends as well. But in the end, even as I struggle at times to remember that I can do it, I know that at the end of the day I will have my baby girl, my animals and my husband through it all. If I was to be asked who my best friend is today I would have to say my daughter Madison and my husband James and I think that I am alright with that. I think your family should be your greatest friends. Ones you can talk to. To share the good. The bad. To laugh and cry and just be yourself with.
Life can be challenging and sometimes you just don't know what you are going to do about certain things, or wonder why they are happening to you the way that they are, but that is just the great mystery of life.
I am excited for what the new year will bring. Full of possibilities. I did not make any resolutions, because half the time I don't even remember what they were. The only goal I have is to enjoy my family no matter what is going on in life and I think that is the greatest thing that I could do right now.

Christmas Recap

2011-01-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great. We had three days of it. Full of fun and family time. Christmas Eve we spent with my family. This was a hoot watching the kids. Madison was super excited and this year Landon was excited with the opening of presents. Lots of good memories and fun.

Christmas day we spent the morning just the three of us. We got to enjoy gifts from Santa and lots of presents from Mom and Dad. Madison was one happy girl. Especially since Santa heard her request and got her Bigfoot, special delivery from Santa's workshop. Around lunch time James' family came over to our house where we exchanged gifts, and had a great time hanging with each other for a couple hours. In the evening, we enjoyed a nice quite dinner, very yummy and time to play with our gifts. The next day we enjoyed more Christmas by having our family dinner at Grandma's house. This year was the first in a long while that everyone was there. The kids had a great time playing and the adults got time to catch up with each other. Although I do have to say that we are starting to run out of room. I hope everyone got to enjoy their family's and remember the reason for the season.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2010-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

Today one of the greatest men in my life turns another year older. He is a brother, uncle, husband, dad and grandpa. He makes an impact on everyone's life he meets. He may be a little ornery to some, but get to know him and you know how much he loves his family and supports them all to the best that he is able. He would do anything for them. So on this 28th day of December I just want to say Thank you Daddy for being you and for loving me and my family for all of the crazies we are. I wouldn't be who I am today without you in my life. Happy Birthday.

I love Christmas! How about You?

2010-12-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Life is good

2010-12-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

Life is good. James has been working lots on a big project that he is trying to finish. It is a garden for a college and being so Madison and I were actually able to come and see James and the guy working on it. I'm very excited to see the finished project next week at the dedication ceremony.

Since James has been working long hours on this job, Madison goes into Daddy over drive when he comes home and especially on Sunday's when she gets to spend the most time together. These past ones have been full of picking on each other, goofing off and making enough racket to give me a headache. But I love it nonetheless.

My sister moved and although its not much, it is a lot closer to my grocery store and so I went and visited them recently. Landon is a crack up. I brought my camera over to get some recent photos of the kiddos and told Landon to give me a kiss and although it was hard because he was trying to push past the camera to give me a kiss, I just love this photo.

Little Miss Chloe is growing way to fast. At six months she is just gorgeous and rolling around all over the place. She also has blast jumping in the jumper-roo which my daughter loved as well. I can't wait, but can, for her to grow some more so we can go on walks and have more interaction. Auntie sure loves them.

Alright enough of this updating, I have to go and find Christmas lights for our tree. Its big and wonderful. I don't have enough lights to even do half of it.... I hope I can find some and at a decent price :)

Isn't she goregous?

2010-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

This girl brings so much joy to my life that is hard to think what life would be with out her. We have our days when James gets home and he is in charge of Madison because I can no longer stand her and am at my breaking point. Then there are days that she nothing but perfect. Snugly, caring, polite and excited to get things done.

One thing that Madison has always done since she was little was join me in the bed in the morning after James leaves for work. To this day she still climbs into bed with me for our special cuddle time. Even when she says goodbye to James she tells him to tell me that she is waiting for me in my room. Where sometimes I hold her as she goes back to sleep or we read a book, or sometimes we just talk. I know that this won't last forever, but I will soak up every moment of it that I can take.

Have I mentioned that I love this girl to pieces? :)

First Snow

2010-11-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Its snowed. For the first time this season. First time while in our new house. Guess who was the one to suggest pictures. James. HAHA You all thought it was me. :) Its wasgreat. Just enough to cover then ground, melted in the morning and now we have frozen ground with freezing temperatures. To say its been nice having a fireplace would be an understatement :) Enjoy.

Balance

2010-11-17T12:37:00.001-08:00

tring to find a balance at the holdiays is hard. You want to have your own traditions or start new ones. Yet you want to keep the old. Trying to balance all the families schedules together and still have time to enjoy and relax where ever you need to be. For our family, this time of year gets little crazy. We have my parents, James' parents and my grandparents who all want to see us on the same day. And we would love to do it all, but ist a lot of driving and balancing. We also have to find time to do our family events together as well. I love my family and all that we do together, but sometimes it gets hard. Not to mention trying to fit everyone elses schdeules together.

Busy Weekend

2010-11-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the end of the Galaxy season. It rained. They played and had lots of fun. Then later that evening we had a pizza party. They even got trophies.

Our pumpkin carving finished on Halloween. Saturday night I did mine and when Maddie got up Sunday morning, after breakfast, she carved hers. Sadly, the pumpkin seeds are all gone already.

Halloween was lots of fun. For us its a day to dress up and enjoy what fall is bringing. This year we started the day off with Disney on Ice. Madison was excited because she got to bring her friend along a well. They had a blast.

Then we got to come home to have some dinner with the Baune's. Followed by trick or treating up the block. It was a lot of fun. We chose a quiet section, with well light roads and not a a lot of people on them, which made it more enjoyable. And the temperature was decent and it didn't rain.

Madison did have a little trouble waking up the next morning but that was to be expected. :)
PS Madison decided last minute that she wanted to be a Pink Princess. Which was ok, since she was going to be snow white using her dress up clothes anyways. its was sill a costume we had all the pieces to :) First time being a princess.

Sunshine Award

2010-11-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

My cousin gave me this award. I am very humbled by it. :)

You are suppose to tell seven things about yourself and to bless 7 others with award. So If you get this. Pass it on. :P

So here it goes.

1. I have always wanted to be a teacher

2. I can't sleep with the dresser doors are open or closet door is slightly open. It makes the room look different and then I can't sleep. Also why I have a really hard time sleeping anywhere that is not my room. Vacations and hotels, I don't sleep much.

3. I love cats, but hate, hate, cleaning litter boxes.

4. I love the colors of fall, but don't like down pours of rain at night, that make it hard to see.

5. I love snow. Its beauty. The fun that you can have. But hate how cold it is.

6. I can't swim.

7. Its not easy thinking of things..... I play the piano and it gives me a great sense of comfort and love. Don't know why, but there is something about it.

Now to pass it onto to 7 others.

1. Heather @ Life in Our Nest- She is super Mom :P and her posts always make me smile.

2. Brittany @ Brittany's Recipes- Wonderful food that makes you smile when you think about making it or when you do, Yum

3. Cynthia @ Maloneys Baloney- Might be just starting but your posts always make me smile

4. Donna @ Totally Real - I love your creations. It makes me smile when I thin, I could do that. Then realize I probably never will. :P

5. Coree @ Girls Play Soccer, Too! - Its great to see how much passion you have and you are sharing it with others

6. Bridgette @ Bridge to Adventure - To see what you get to experience is wonderful. Maybe some day I will be able to travel, but until then reading about yours is wonderful

7. Rachel @ Playing House- You may not know me. I found you through Heather's blog and I love the way you post about every day things and its makes me happy to see other families who love to spend time together and do things.

Grateful Friday

2010-11-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one in a while. Okay. A long while. I am grateful for my family. All of them. We may be weird, crazy, complicated, and some times, just don't get along. But they are still family. As I get older I realize that you will achieve things in your life that will be silent rewards for yourself. But these silent rewards that the other 99% of the world doesn't understand, your family knows just how much it means to you. To have a family to be there when you are experiencing some of life's lowest lows or at times when you are experiencing some of life's highest highs. They are also there for you when you haven' had anything new in your life happen, and they are there for you then as well. This is a ramble but what I am trying to say is, I LOVE MY FAMILY IN ALL OF ITS CRAZY WONDERFUL WAYS!

And because I don't post without pictures. Here is one of Madison and James. I walked into the living room and felt so much love and joy, that I turned around, found James camera and had to take this photo. :)

Let there be fall and decorations

2010-10-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

On the agenda this week:

Keep up with our school work and supplements in numbers and reading at home, hopefully squeeze in a mini spider lesson as we make handprint spiders that will also have a mini math lesson (10 fingers - 8 legs = how many fingers used ) :)

Finish carving pumpkins, spaced out so Mommy doesn't go crazy with Madison's need to go fast which when carving with sharp blades does not og over well. So far we have cleaned the pumpkins out. Today we plan out design. Wednesday we start to carve, depending on taks finish Thursday.

Last soccer practice today, Games Saturday followed by team pizza party.

Making fall crafts including Stained glass pumpkins, crayon shaving leaves, and maybe even some paper plate ghosts

Planning class harvest party, hopefully getting enought supplies for the crafts and few treats for Friday

Halloween: Disney on Ice, Mini party at my place consisting in the Baunes doing some crafts, dinner and finding a residential neighboorhood to do some trick or treating in, followed by most likely a late night to bed and school in the morning.

Too much, maybe, able to complete, possible. Let's see how the week progresses. I'm excited though. I haven't done to many crafts with Madison of late or ever decorated for fall. Hopefully I will follow through and get into the fall season :)

PS Madison has been getting a little better in the attitude and respect department. I think she is starting to realize that it doesn't get her anywhere if she acts like a two year old who is frustrated and can't communicate using her words and actions. :D

Tough Love

2010-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

I love my husband. He is compassionate, caring and loyal. The other night we were sitting in the living room talking about some issues in the family and in doing so I was reminded why I first fell in love with him. To hear the concern, the ability to look for a brighter future, to remember the hurt we went through in the past and know that everything happens for a reason, even if we don't agree with it at the time; all this are parts of reasons why I love him so.
Because James works hard for our family I deal with most of the parenting and conflict with Madison during the day. He usually sees the after math or the phone calls from me asking when he will be home to help. But last night he got to witness it. Madison is giving some simple chores to help around the house and to earn the extras that we do for her. Her biggest one that she cars most about if play dates and most of all dessert! Her chores include putting away her folded laundry, feeding the animals and picking up her stuff from the living room and picking up her room.
Last night was laundry night. Meaning Madison had to put her laundry away. After dinner I asked Madison to put her clothes away. They were folded and in piles. This started it all. Ignoring me repeatedly. Asked several times nicely to do it. Then I started to get frustrated. I asked once more and told her that if she doesn't respond or start putting her clothes away that she will to time out for not listening. That's when the yelling and crying start. Yelling at me that its not fair that she has to put her clothes away. Not fair that I put away my clothes, the towels and not hers. Not fair that I have her pick up her stuff in the living room before dinner and then asked her after dinner to take care of her clothes when she already cleaned the living room. When she stopped I as calmly as I could mentioned to her that it took 30 minutes of her to take care of her back pack and soccer stuff from the living room and that her soccer stuff was STILL in the living room. That as we have discussed before that she is quite old enough to take care of her own clothes. That Daddy works hard at work, Mommy work s hard at school, taking care of the pets, taking care of Madison, cleaning the house and making dinner, and that Madison job is to learn lots at school, grow strong, be respectful and to be helpful. And by being helpful and doing her few chores that she is doing her "job" to help the family.
I then ask her one more time to please take care of her clothes so that we can sit and read together before bed. More yelling and crying. I try giving a hug to calm her down, that doesn't work and it just makes it worse. So I tell her to go to a time out. Which in my house is a corner in the the walkway. She has to face the inside corner, stand there quietly and calm herself and when she is ready can let her self out and come discuss why she was there in the first place.
However, last night she decides that it was just another place in the house to yell from.
Therefore I walk over to her and guide her to her room and tell her that she can stay there until she is ready to act like a big girl and talk to us with words and without yelling and crying.
5 minutes, 10 minutes pass and the crying and yelling have finally ended from her room. I wait till 15, and then I go in. Ask her if she is ready to put away her laundry so we can read after wards. She say yes and after a little discussion on respect and over reacting, she is given permission to leave her room and take care of her clothes.
However, this does not occur. She comes to the living room and sits down and starts complaining about having to go to her room. I ask her again to please take care of her clothes and that if she doesn't she will lose dessert for the night.
To spare you the rest of the details, she lost dessert, and continued to lose it till next Monday. More yelling and crying. After finishing her clothes I asked her simply why it took so long to put away her clothes and why she cared more about losing her dessert then helping that family and caring about the way she was treating her family.
at that point I was fried. And the conversation was leading to no where. All it was getting was that she did put way her clothes and take care of her stuff so she should be able to have dessert back and it wasn't fair that she lost it. Now when Madison loses dessert we don't always have had some thing planned for it, its just the thought of it that matters. The nights that we do, James and I wait to have it till after she goes to bed. Not trying to make it any worse.
The conversation ended with me telling Madison that we will revisit the conversation today and that is was time to go to bed. (which was only 10 minutes early). That we do love her and that we always will, but that she needs to remember what it is like to be a part of our family and to help and to treat everyone with respect, especially her Mom. Since being Mom, I am the one she treats with the least respect. She treats her friends, peers and teachers great. Other members of the the family, and strangers too. James too. But when its comes to Mom it is like everything that I have taught her gets forgotten.
Is it me? I don't know. Any advise would be accepted. Shes only 6 years old. If we don't get this under control now, I am afraid of what it will be like when she it a teenager, heck even 2 years from now.
If you stuck through all of this, kudos to you and thank you for listening to an exhausted Mom.
PS where I was going with all this, after Maddie when to bed, James gave me a hug and said he had never seen her like that. I explained its been like that a lot lately, and that he agreed with how I was handling it and would back me in my decisions. I was exhausted and at 7:45 headed to bed where I went to sleep and James... I have no idea, I passed out. Oh the joys of being a parent. I do love it. I really do, just some days run you a little thin and test all the joy of being a parent to the max.

Life in General

2010-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Amongst our activities getting ready for winter, school, sports and family life; We have been enjoying each others company. Mac has finally excepted his new family members, (the babies) kitties. He even allows Tom to play with his tail. Funny thing is that Tom used to hate Mac. To the point of hissing and swatting at him anytime he was remotely close to him. Now I come home and find them laying together on the floor, best of friends.

Fall is coming. Therefore we have been trying to enjoy as much of the sun that is left. Including see what nature things we could find to enjoy. Any one ever trying to take a picture of a dragon fly or a spider web when there has been no rain, I will tell you its not easy. But I sure do like trying.

I know Madison and Mac have been having lots of fun and keeping busy when I go to the kitchen to make breakfast for Maddie and I on a Saturday morning after James has left, and when ready call for the kiddo to come eat and find them like this.

Apparently they were still tired and decided to crawl into Mommy and Daddy's bed and sleep for another 3 hours. And they were out cold too. So I ate, did some reading and got some things done in other parts of the house.

For the Joy of Soccer

2010-10-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying soccer in this family. Madison loves it. She was aprehensive at first. With a little encuragement from Mom and Dad and lots of fun, a good coach and a great group of teammates, Madison is learning the joy of sports. I know she will be sad when the season ends. I wonder what the next sport will be....

Getting buttoned up for the Year

2010-10-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

We have been busy wrapping up projects outside to get ready for the winter. Meaning for the first time since we moved, I don't have brush pile in my back yard, seed is being planted, the wood pile is split and stacked and I actually have a fairly decent sized back yard.

But that also means that for a few days, I neglected the house work to do so. Hence the giant pile of laundry sitting in the living room to be folded and put away, and just as much dirty, waiting to be cleaned. And don't even ask what the kitchen looked like. But I have got caught up on the house work, yeah and it is functioning order :) The basement however, different story ;)

Looking forward to next spring to see what comes of the back yard then.

Not to Self

2010-09-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

There are times in our lives when we are unsure of our self and we look to others and heaven ward to remind us who we already are. It is times like these that are the hardest on the soul, but the most important in life. ~ Cassandra Stone
Self: Remember you can do it. Just take a moment and reflect, breathe, and get yourself together. Then execute and everything will begin to take place.

Go Team Galaxy!

2010-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

I passed snack duty! Sliced apples and cold bottled water for half time and treat bags at the end that had a juice box, little thing of bubbles (left over from parties) goldfish crackers and one snack size piece of laffy taffy! I think it all worked out in the end.

I enjoyed watching team Galaxy play. It was a joy to watch them. The thing that I loved most about it was that at this age level the coaches were able to be on the field to be able to help them with directions and basics of soccer when they needed reminded. It was also nice that since team sizes are 6, that during the games it is 3 on 3 which made it a more fun and a learning experience for all of the girls involved. Madison went into the game not knowing how she felt about games, and left excited for the next one.

When Life Gets Busy

2010-09-07T08:41:00.001-07:00

Ok so I haven't posted in detail about our trip and eventually I will. But we have been busy. School has started, soccer has started, and I am also teaching Madison piano. With Madison in school you would think I would have more time. Exact opposite. Just means that long list of house chores and projects that have been put off that still need to be done before fall and the rain arrives have to get done, 'cuz lets face it, I'm out of time. But I did want to take a minute this morning before getting to work to say hi and give a quick update.

Madison is now a first grader! Time sure has flown. During her first week I remember one morning looking at her and saying "I think you grew." Put on jeans a day later that fit fine the week before and 2" too short now. All her pants. Really? Really!

Madison has also started soccer. She is very excited about that. Her first game is this Saturday. I'm nervous. Not for her, but for me. Why? Simple I'm first up on snack duty. WHAT!! Talk about pressure. So it might be all in my head, but I've never done it and don't want to be 'that parent.' You know the one.... No not really. Me neither. HAHA But still.

Lots of stuff going on around the house. Including 4 kittens running around and determined to destroy my house plants and to wiggle their way into my heart and make it crumble when we have to find them homes. Which two are staying and two are going. IF your interested let me know. They are cute, cuddly and on a schedule. That's right folks, I got my kittens on a schedule. They know what time we get up and wait outside my bedroom door, have breakfast, playtime, nap time at 9-10:30 Lounge time Lunch at 12. Play till about 1. Nap#2 Wake about 3. Hang out, play, stretch and cuddle time. 5 dinner. Wait for James and follow him around. 7:30-8:30 play time and to bed by 10. And they all purr!!! and lots. Love a purring kitty.

Anyways better get a few photos to go with all this writing and then better get my day going.

We've been busy

2010-08-16T07:18:00.001-07:00

I haven't forgotten about you blog world. I just have been busy with the real world. I will do my best to put some of the great things we have been doing in the next week.

Just to give you an idea, the biggest thing we did was take a road trip vacation. Our original destination was Peoria, IL to see James' brother Mat and then to Indianapolis, IN to his cousin Joe's wedding. However, when we were plotting our road home, our sister-in-law Tracy suggested that we take I-9o home and hit the Dakota's and Rushmore and Yellowstone. When we looked at it and it only added about 5 hours to our trip, when we were already going 30, sounded like a good idea. We however nixed the idea of going to Yellowstone so that when we go we can have more time. Especially when we realized it is only 12 hours away from home. Next vacation maybe? We will see. We did however go to Rushmore, otherwise, who knows when and if we would have gone otherwise. When we stopped at a visitor center when we got to SD, we got some information on stuff to see on our way there. Including, the Badlands, Custer Park, Bear Country USA, Cave mining, dinosaur park, and a Mammoth Site and many many more. We decided to go to Bear Country, drove on the outskirts of the badlands and go to the mammoth site as well as Rushmore. It was a great detour. If you ever vacation to South Dakota, there is plenty to see and do!

After nearly 6,000 miles of driving, seeing 47 different state's licence plates and driving through 11 states and 9 capitols we returned home and have created many memories to last a lifetime.

I will later post more about each of our stops and the experience there, but in the mean time enjoy the few pictures as teasers.

The sun is here and we are playing!

2010-06-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Madison did it! She finished and passed Kindergarten. We are very proud of her. She is excited to be able to sleep in, however the other day she came up to me from playing in her room all sad. When I asked her what was wrong, she replied, "I miss Mrs. Anderson." She was truly a great teacher.

Summer finally decided to show its wonderful warm head and we have been enjoying every moment of it. With swings, bikes, scooters, balls, parks, water, and lots of fun laughter and running out side.

Two of the temporary guests in my house. Aren't they precious :)

But this is what keeps me going every day!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

To the two most important men in my life, Happy father's Day. Thanks for taking care of us girls. We love you very much!

Ingredients

2010-06-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

A little on life. It can be wonderful, beautiful, sad, dark and hopeful. Its a mix of just about everything. Its a magical journey full of good and bad. The only thing that we can all hope for is that the good out ways the bad. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I can't express how much I enjoy being able to share all of these ingredients of life with my friends and family. Here are a few of the ingredients we were able to savor this month.

Amazement: The innocence of childhood and the laughter of happy healthy children.

Hope: For our future full of a generation of children who can accept each other for who they are and not the color of their skin, race or physical looks.

Beauty: The natural beauty that has been blessed upon us to enjoy and experience.

Sad: With life comes death. Although this Momma was blessed with six babies only four are surviving. Sad is the day that you hold a baby in your hands and watch it take its last breath. No matter the species.

Excitement: What will the year bring? Full of potential and unknown, but full of love and family.

Love: The love of a family.

Fun: Being able to enjoy the day and to have fun along the journey of life.

Blessed: To introduce Miss Chloe Ann Marie Ramseyer to our family on May 26.

I can't wait to see what mix I get this month. I wouldn't change it for anything. How about you?

Soon

2010-06-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

A update to come soon. I promise. Including birthdays, friends and new additions :D

Priceless

2010-05-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

There is something magical about watching 45 kids take off running up the side of a hill on a beautiful sunny day during a nature hike.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2010-04-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

We have been super busy... Ok not really super, just our everyday busy, which at some times feels super. Its spring in the NW, which means its time for flowers, new births and inconsistent weather. That's just who we roll out here. It could be beautiful sunny and 60 out and five minutes later 45 and pouring rain. These past few days have even been throwing in the hail for 15 minutes straight and then be gorgeous blue sky's curve ball in. But one thing that spring does bring is the start of some thing new and wonderful. Its one of my favorite season. The birds return, flowers bloom, grass grows, (which also means I have to cut it.) and its time to plant the garden for summer.

But enough random thoughts. More of what we have been up to, besides the ever going school and work, we have added a parking strip in front of our house, and steps to get to our front door. At which time, Madison drove the tractor all by herself.

Did I forget to mention that we are the type of family who allows their kids to play in the mud, in a dress, barefoot on a semi warm day and then when they are cold from playing in it, make them stop and take a picture because I warned them it would be cold and had to show Daddy what they did today?

We walk to the library and parks multiple times a week. We even built fairy homes at a Saturday event a couple weekends ago.

I helped my Grandmother host my sister Melissa's baby shower. At that time I was able to give see my adorable niece Bella at that time who is a crack up to be around. Landon man is growing up fast and will be a big brother in under a month. I also got to see my baby sister. Isn't she goregous!?

We've been taking care of my sister Felicia's dog, who is extremely hyper and let's just say, if I had an ounce of this dog's energy you would be able to keep up with me! But it had been good for Madison who keeps asking for another pet, and we told her that she wasn't ready to take care of another one. Now she sees why we said no.

There have been other fun things, includinga baby shower for my friend Jennifer and her adorable son Colston, but these are the highlights and things I have picture to go with. I hate posting without pictures and since I take so many... :P

Life has been good to us. We could not ask for more. Well we could, but why? Its a grand adventure all on its own.

Beautiful Tulips

2010-04-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

I love Spring. For the last few years Madison and I have enjoyed going to the Woodland Tulip festival. This year my Momma went with us and we enjoyed some time together as the three of us taking pictures and looking at the beautiful flowers. Spring. AHH, how I love thee..

Easter

2010-04-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Easter was a nice and relaxing day. Started off our morning at our place with a nice breakfast, then headed over to my parents to have a little Easter hunt with the littles. Luckily we got it done before the wind and rain. The kids made off lite bandits from the Grandparent Easter Bunny.

But some how while we were at my parents house the Easter bunny came to our house while we were gone to hide eggs here. *Wink *Wink. With a new house and all, he wanted to make sure that Madison got to have a hunt at her new house just like she asked for. However the rain did not hold off for it to be completed without a little rain, but that did not stop our little princess from enjoying herself.

We finished the evening off home with a nice honey ham, mashed potatoes, rolls (made from scratch and actually turned out! yeah!) and steamed carrots.

Easter Baskets made with love

2010-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, my Momma made us all Easter baskets and I couldn't wait till I could make one for one of own kids. This year I did. and it only cost me $3 to do so. That's less then buying some of the baskets out there and its adds that personal touch to it.

2010-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends:

Thank you for being you.

Love Me

Rainbow Cake Recipe

2010-03-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Rainbow cake Recipe
This is quite simple. It will surprise you.
2 white cake mixs
food coloring
2 cake pans

Mix cake mix according to package. Then separate into how ever many colors you wanted into smaller containers and dye them. I used the Wilton gel colors, but what ever you like.
Grease your cake pans.
Now this is the most complicated part. HEHE
Start in the center of your pan and drop, spoon or however you want to get it in there your first color you want. Then the next color will go on top of it in the CENTER of the cake pan again. What it does is spread the previous color out. Kind of like a very slow ripple. Starts small and then continues on ward. Keep doing this until you are out. I used two cake pans.
Bake according to package

Now a little advice.. I used 7 colors, the rainbow and my first layer got smooched out my the other colors. However if i would have taken half of my last color and added it to the first one, the last one wouldn't have been so prominent and the first color would have showed more.

I told you it was easy! Now go make you own.

Rainbow Heaven

2010-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

What are all the pretty colors?

What if I was to tell you there was a surprise inside of this cake? Looks innocent enough.

Isn't it so cool!

This was when I cut the cake to level it for stacking.
This year I wanted to do something fun for my birthday. Well since that doesn't entail a whole lot and I came across a rainbow cake a few months back and have wanted to try one, but no reason to make one, I made myself one for my birthday. The one that originally found was baking individual layers, but that was just to much work for me. I think it turned out quite fabulous if I do say so myself. I was very excited about it. Ask anyone who came and saw it.

Now I want to try and make the cupcake version. I think they would be fun for a kids party.... or adult like me :D

Blessing

2010-03-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today as I sit here, sick and coughing, I am blessed to think about my little family of mine. My husband called me a little while ago, just to see if I was feeling any better. He has been worried about me. My daughter this morning told me that I should go home after I dropped her off at school and rest so that when its time for me to go and get her and come back home that she can read to me and we can take it easy. Which of course includes a bike ride to the park and to the library after lunch. "Cuz Mom fresh air is good for you. It will make you feel better." All with her beautiful blue eyes filled with concern looking at me.
Yesterday as I was listening to the radio in the car an old song by N'Sync came on and it made me smile. One for how crazy obsessed as young girls we were with this group and two, for one line in the song that has always stuck in my mind. "God must have spent a little more time on you." I know this song is suppose to me about the girl that he finds that he loves so much. I however, think of my little princess and how special she is to me and how my life has changed for the better ever since I was blessed to become her Mommy. Times have been rough at times, but sometime there is a bigger picture out there and you never know just what is in plan for you. Take it as it comes.
I remember when I was pregnant with Madison, laying in bed at night crying, and I prayed a very simple prayer, "Please don't give me anything that You don't think that I can handle." The next morning I just felt better about the whole situation and was able to start to move forward and look towards a future with my little baby in my arms, raising and guiding them through life. In the end all that matters in life is how we live it and the example that we leave behind for the next generation to follow. If I leave behind a love for family and friends, for generosity, compassion and the acceptance of all living creatures and beings then I will be happy. Time will tell.
Now off the change bedding before I have to hit to road to go pick up my little blessing from school. Love to you all.

We've been busy

2010-02-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's been crazy. Getting settled, starting projects on the house. My husband could not wait to get started on. The kids however waited a surprising 3 weeks before they played in the mud. And by this I mean, were sent out to take the compost out... Five minuted later hadn't returned and found them like this....

And if you were wondering, it got a lot worse. Mac was covered in mud on top and bottom, thick, I think she may have/must have taken mud and put it on him. She decided she wanted to be a mud monster and literally covered all parts of her clothing with mud. I don't have pictures of this because at that point I was wondering how to get them in the house to the shower without getting mud everywhere in my house. Let's just say after rinsing them, not even having time for soap the warm water was all gone before we were finished. But I wouldn't expect anything less from my children.

Valentines came and went. Madison was excited. She had a valentines party and kept a card that she made for Daddy hidden and secret for over a week! She was very excited when Daddy got her her very own box of chocolates too. Luckily Valentines is the only time of year my hubby brings these home for us or we would be in trouble. James however may have got the short end of the stick, but he still was very happy. Madison and I spent the day before making him a key lime pie. Lets just say watching my daughter try to get the juice out of tiny key limes and then when she does and goes to lick the extra juice off her fingers, as lots of people do when baking, and get the taste of pure key lime juice... Priceless!

To spend some time with my nephew Michael I took him with Maddie and I to home depot for the kids clinic and he had a great time. Its once a month, maybe some thing I will have to do each month with him. And the littlest nephew is just a ham ball. For his Mommy's birthday we had a mini photo shoot at my house and had a blast. Did I mention Melissa is having a baby girl. Miss Chloe Ann Marie Ramseyer. Can't wait to meet her in May.

Other then that trying to stay ahead in school, visiting the family when we got time and trying to plan my sisters baby shower, we have been enjoying our time together as a family. Did I mention not having TV is wonderful! Hope all is well with everyone else.

OUR HOUSE

2010-02-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

As of January 13, 2010 James and I are officially home owners. The process was longer than we anticipated, but was well worth the wait.

Favorites about the house:

Large open living room
Dining room area that can be used and still have space for guests! Huge deal
Fireplace
Large backyard
Space for my piano
And so much more

Favorite about the area include walking distance to just about everything including:

2 parks
Library
Cute little shops
Restaurants
Post office
Elementary and Middle Schools

Fun Fact: U-Haul was founded by Leonard Shoen in 1945 in Ridgefield, WA in a garage owned by his wife's family, and expanded through franchising with gas stations.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Wish you all the best to this new year. Will update most likely in a few weeks unless I get some free time. I'm in the process of packing up our stuff to move to our home. :) More on that later. Still have some time, but trying to get as much done as I can before classes start back up. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

To Conserve some money on Stamps

2009-12-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone has a very happy and joyous Christmas. May we all be blessed.

What is a girl to do?

2009-12-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

One that loves her Daddy to pieces. Whose Daddy come home with a truck full of mud? And wants to spend time with Daddy?

Play in it of Course!!!

What do yout think?
Hear no evil, See no evil, Say no evil

Christmas is Coming

2009-12-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

And that means that it was time to decorate the tree. Oh how I love thewaking up to the smell of the Christmas tree in the morning or when you walk in the door from being gone for awhile.

James has been some very long hours for us. He loves us so much that one day he brought home some sparkling cider because we love it, and this goregous orchid. We loved it. Madison is havinga hard time sharing the flower though. :)

Quickie

2009-12-02T13:07:00.001-08:00

It's been crazy around here lately as I'm sure it has been with lots of people. The holidays will do that to you. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with the Stone side if the family. It was yummy. Christmas though.... Will be a different story. Madison is very excited about the "holdiay" season. She even made me a present for Thanksgiving because it was a holiday. She hasn't stopped bugging me about getting our Christmas tree since the day after Thanksgiving. Soon, soon, I keep telling her. James has been working everyday and is possibly going to be working everyday until Christmas day, so trying to fit in time to go and get a tree is a little bit tricky. It will work out in the end.

Madison has been enjoying time going over after school to our neighbors house and playing with Paige and her little sister Callie. She would be over there everyday if we let them. Its great to know that she has such great friends.

I have been studying. Just trying to keep up with the school work, and when I havea few extra minutes I go and volunteer at Maddie's school. I love working with the kids. I would do it every day if I could and some day I will.

And since I don't like to post without pictures, this is Madison with Riley on the left and Paige on the right. Paige lives next door and Riley around the corner, so these tree are becoming good friends. All I have to say is yeah for good friends.

Landon the Lil Man

2009-11-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Last week I got to spend the day with my littlest nephew Landon. I got my baby fix until the time we have our next one... (no not yet, but soon...hopefully). He is nine months old and walking! What happened? He's growing to fast.

Check out this face! Landon is always making this face. It looks a little evil, but he is so happy and laughing when he makes it...

What a handsome 'lil man.

But most importantly, I love this little girl. She puts a smile on my face everyday.

Here is a little peek at Landon walking. Ignore my carpet. It needs cleaned. I know.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T17:24:00.001-08:00

This year Madison was a fairy ballerina. My mom made the tutu. I love it.

This year Madison got to carve a pumpkin for the first time. When we were at my Mom's house she did the face by herself. At our house, she insisted on doing the monster, therefore she got a little bit of help from us. James did the flame face and I did the ghost family.

My mom hosted a party at her place this year. We watched movies, had treats and enjoyed the company of others; without being in the cold of run over by trick-or-treaters.

Before heading to my parents house, we did meet up with the Baune's to allow the girls to do some trick-or-treating. They had a blast.

As with every year, we went to my Mom's work the Friday before Halloween to show the costume off and visit the rest of the office people. Madison however is not a fan of vampires. Even though it was my mom, she really did not like the teeth. I think the ones that my mom has were to real like for her tastes.....

Because bright hot pink teeth on the other hand are lots of fun.

First Field Trip

2009-10-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Madison had her first field trip. They went to Bi-Zi farms, where they got to play, see the farm animals, ride a tractor and get pumpkins. But most importantly they got to learn together and to have lots of fun.

Pumpkin Time!

2009-10-19T14:44:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again where we went and visited the pumpkin patch. We climbed a hay pyramid, did a bale maze, petted farm animals, went in circles in the corn maze, rode the tractor, got pumpkins, washed them and enjoyed the nice mud as we got rained on. It was a great time!!!

Grateful..

2009-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love, my Madison. She is beautiful, talented, and smart. Her laughter will brighten anyone's day.

I love my Landon. He is handsome, strong and huggable. His drooling face with open mouth kisses is enough to melt your heart.

I heart my frogs. Especially my guard frog who protects my front porch from strangers.

And my frogs under my window sill who give us joy to look at, but are surprisingly content and quiet.

(I had to take three so you could see them, but this is the order, there is usually two other ones too; but weren't there at the time.)

A Full Weekend of Fun

2009-09-22T16:56:00.001-07:00

We had a very busy weekend. Madison stayed the night at her Grandparents house Friday. Saturday we went to Oak's Park for the day with my Mom for her company pinic. Sunday we went to Ringling Brother's Circus. And James worked all weekend as well. It was busy! But full of fun. Got to take advantage of all the activities that we can.

Entertaining ourselves on the way to Oak's Park in the car. Up, Up and Away!

On the ferris wheel with Daddy

With the Grandparents

Of course the carousal was a hit.

I do love having some time with my husband. He is a great provider and takes great care of his family! We sure do appreciate it.

Not to many pictures from the circus, but Maddie was sure excited to see the elephants. They are her favorite animal after all. But she did enjoy the tiger show as well.

Happy Birthday Momma

2009-09-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Momma! Today my Momma turns 43! Can you believe it. I wish you the best day and lots of love. You are great.

Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest. ~Larry Lorenzoni

Sewing Finally!

2009-09-16T11:08:00.001-07:00

I have finally used my sewing machine!! Yeah. I made table runners and for one I made two placemats to go with. Thanks mom for your help.

Madison

2009-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

I love my daughter. There is no doubt about it. She makes me smile. Laugh and remember that life is fun and full of excitement.

This morning to entertain ourselves while we waited for the bus, we took pictures. This is what we ended up with. The last one is Madison's self portrait.

First day of Kindergarten

2009-09-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Yeah, I get to go to SCHOOL!"

Waiting with Mac for the school bus.

Off to her first day of school.

Madison is at her first day of kindergarten. I think her dog is having the hardest time with it... She crossed the road and got on this big yellow thing and it took her away. He kept going out towards the road and looking for her and pouting next to me or James when hes not out there. He misses his girl. Its so cute. True Friends.

She's back! And very excited. Her favorite things

She made two new friends. (but can't remember their names)
Got to play on the playground.
Riding the bus was her favorite. It is so much fun.

Grandparents

2009-08-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today as I struggle to keep myself from going crazy. Its one of those days. I have been thinking about Christmas for awhile. I needed help from Madison's grandparents to complete what I wanted to do for her, but I have not received anything from anyone, I guess I will let them off because of their age. :D
My daughter is one the of luckiest girls when it comes to Grandparents and in that aspect I am too. I know of people who only had one grandparent living or maybe not even one. My daughter Madison has... ready for this..... 14 living Grandparents!Four Grand, 9 Great Grand and 1 Great Great Grand, Crazy. We have more then the average because of my biological father and one honoray Grandma who actually is my ex Step Mom's mother. Gets complicated but she has always been around, even when those who are straight blood have not.
So today I want to say that I am grateful for the amount of my heritage that lives and can be shared with us. Now if we could ever get any of it written down... I think I see my next project.
We are bad about it.
Thank you for being in our lives.

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. ~Rudolph Giuliani

It was a success!

2009-08-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Madison's party was a success. Unlike last year where we had a record high day, this year we were worried about rain. Luckily it stayed cloudy and warmed up about the time the party started to a very comfortable temperature. Thank Heavens. We got to play at the park, have some snacks, eat cupcakes and enjoyed time with family and friends. Madison's next adventure; Kindergarten. Wish us luck.

Madison is 5!

2009-08-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Our Little Princess is 5 today. Time has sure flown by. Today we had Chocolate Chip pancakes as per request. Made lots of cupcakes for the party tomorrow. Picked blackberries. Took pictures in the trees. Went to dinner. And now watching some telly. Its been a good day. Keep your fingers crossed for no rain for the party at the park!

Kids Activities

2009-08-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

I love free. Who doesn't? Especially when it is quality things and can be quality family time as well. We have gone to Home Depot on Andreson a few times for their Free Kids clinic. There they have craft kits that the kids get to build, using the tools provided and then get to take it home. They even get their own orange home depot apron with their name and when they complete a project they get a pin to add to the apron. If you are ever interested in this event it is the first Saturday of every month. Show up between 10 and 12 and its in the back corner by the garden tools. If your else where you should check with your local store and see if they have it near you as well.

Madison has loved going to Home Depot since she was little. Its a her and Dad thing. But you know Homer? The cartoon man that is the face of Home Depot. Madison say hi and bye to him every time we are there and she sees the little cardboard cut out. However a couple of weeks, HD was having an anniversary event. Guess who was there? The really Homer. She thought it was the coolest thing ever.

I recently learned that the craft store Michael's has a free kids clinic as well. We are going to have to check that out. They have one this Saturday for those who aren't coming to Maddie's party. You should check it out.

You can't beat free family activities in this economy. I always wish that I could do more with Madison, but can't afford it. I decided this is a great way to share the things that we have found with others. I hope that you check them out and enjoy.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the day that we joined together in love forever. Love is something special. I love, love being married to my Husband. He is the greatest. There is nothing like the love between a wife and her husband. I can't believe just how lucky I am to have found mine, for the rest of my life.

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author Unknown

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker

2009-07-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

We have been a little busy. We went to Jennifer and Brandon's Wedding.

Did I mention that I absolutely love my Husband?

I'm glad that I have such a great friend.

Played with the nephew.

Had Grandpa's 70th birthday party.

I also want to say Happy Birthday to my sister Nikki. She turned 18 on the 16th. Maybe late on here, but I always post every one's birthday.

Have I mentioned it has been really hot here and its getting hotter. I like the warmth and all, but not when its so hot you can't do anything. Ahh summer.

Fourth of July

2009-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

This fourth of July we spent with our cousin Stephanie who was in town visiting from the state of Cali. We haven't seen her in 2 years? Or something close to that. It was a nice warm day so spent it outside. The fun part was watching Stephanie try and get Madison to dance with her doing sparklers out side. It sounded more like she was at the circus. Most likely she didn't know that she was being video taped, but you were :) And I Have to share for Aunt Susy. Enjoy.

Stephanie's Dance

Madison's Dance

A Family Gathers

2009-06-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

On June 13 we had our Stellwagen family reunion/gathering. This year was a little different. It was a few months early. We held it earlier in hopes that Grandpa would still be around and be able to come. He is coming to end on his journey of life on this earth. It was fun. We got to see alot of cousins whom we haven't in years and years. The only down fall, is we all got eaten alive by the mosquitoes! Uggh.

Grandpa George

Granddaughers Felicia and Cassandra

Great Granddaughter Madison and Granddaughter Cassandra

Great Granddaughter Madison and her Great Grandpa George

2009-06-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

A few new favorites from Melissa's wedding

We Don't Raise Slackers in this Family

2009-06-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Madison might only be 4.5 years old, but she can help mow the lawn already. Wearing a dress, with her boots and winter pink jacket. She is helpful. Girls can do it too.

2009-06-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another fun place to go for a hike and picnic is at Country Park. It is located below Moulton Falls. Free and local. Can't beat that. Plus who doesn't love watching the power and beauty of moving water. I know I can't. Love it. Peaceful. A great place to go and just ponder and relax. Next we are going to Moulton Falls for a hike and picnic. Then to sunset falls. Its all exciting. And we get our exercise while at it!

Enjoy

2009-06-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Melissa's wedding. A small peak... I don't have the energy to do more of a post.

The ceremony

The Ramseyer Family

The Cake

Our happy family

Congrat Miss. I love you.

We Have Been Up To:

2009-05-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Playing with our Nephews:

Enjoying the Sun using sprinklers:

Hanging Out With Friends:

Celebrated James' 25th Birthday:

Attended Melissa's Bridal Shower:

Great Grandma Ross with her Great Granddaughter Madison and Great Grandson Landon:

Grateful Friday

2009-05-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for This Man.

James Thomas Stone

Why?

He Rocks My World

Hes A Stud

He loves his wife and daughter

He Supports us in every way possible

He's caring

He makes me laugh

But most importantly today, he's a day older. :D

Happy Birthday Hunny. We Love you

Update

2009-05-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

OK folks. So no new pictures... I have slacked a little. How ever I'm sure in the next two weeks you will be getting a better post with pictures. We have James' 25th birthday on Friday. Melissa's bridal shower on Saturday and then Melissa's wedding on the 30th. I think I can get some.
We haven't been up to a whole lot. Hanging out a home. Fighting colds. Hanging with our friends.
Madison did ride a horse for the first time on Saturday at our friends daughters first birthday. Eventually we will get copy of those pics to... Other then that, life has been life. Busy but nothing to extraordinary. Ehh. More to come later.

Grateful Friday

2009-04-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for Beautiful natural scapes located nearby, that are free as well.

Yesterday, Madison and I went up to Lucia Falls. It was a lot of fun. We were up there enjoying ourselves and hiking for almost 3.5 hours. It is beautiful. We will definitely be going back soon.

We also have traveled to the Woodland Tulip Festival. They are so pretty!

Grateful Friday

2009-04-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for the TV station Qubo. They are all shows that I can put the TV on and not have to worry about the weird messages in and are real kids shows. No pokemon or all the wierd shows out there.I am most definately liking the shows Adventures from the Book of Virtues and The Zula Patrol.

Adventures from the Book of Virtues is a "series uses the book as a starting point for a continuing storyline about two children, Zach and Annie, who befriend a group of talking animals, including Plato, a wise and well-traveled buffalo, who collects great stories from the world's classic literature. Plato tells the children these stories to illustrate themes such as loyalty, courage, and honesty."

"The Zula Patrol, has arrived. Stalwart Captain Bula, brainiac Professor Multo, feisty hot-doggin' space pilot Zeeter, the amazing space pet Gorga, and twin flying explorers Wizzy & Wigg are the lovably wacky alien characters taking kids on a roller coaster fun ride across the Universe - and helping them discover interesting facts about science and astronomy in the process."

Sunshine and Love

2009-04-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

James got a replacement saw the other day, and like all kids, my daughter loves the box. She has moved in. Placing pillows, blankets, her snacks in there. Its been her place. Then last night we come home from my parents and she was exhausted. Walked straight to the box climbed in and went back to sleep. She slept there all night long and would have longer, but we moved her to the couch when James left for work this morning.

Our dog Mac has become baby protective ever since I brought Landon over. He even gets upset for a day or two after having him over, because he doesn't have a baby to protect. Don't believe me. Look at how I found him the other day. He had his head on the babies tummy and was protecting him till he saw me with the camera, but nobody could have the baby.

We went to an Easter egg hunt on Saturday put on by our bank. It was fun. Just Maddie and I. We will be going to another one on this Saturday put on by Alpenrose Dairy farm. James did a job for the owners and we were invited to go. Should be lots of fun!

Have I mentioned the sun has come out! I hope it stays.

Announcing a Proposal

2009-04-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce the proposal of marriage of my sister Melissa to Michael Ramseyer Sr. The wedding is tentatively set for June 20, 2009.

Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown

Grateful Friday

2009-04-03T13:16:00.001-07:00

Today I am grateful for:

Loving Husband

Loyal Friends

Sisters

My parents

Madison