Twas the night before Christmas...

... and all through the Smead house,
the laundry was cycling
and the lysol was doused.

Karter started my early afternoon today by throwing up all over his brother's bed, floor, our hallway, and the bathroom. He wrapped up the night by throwing up all over our couch. He feels crumby, he looks worse then that. My poor buddy is sick for Christmas, he was SO excited about it. Our plans have been moved to next weekend, we rented movies and are going to do our best to make it a great weekend with this kids. I am just praying that whatever bug this is is gone by morning and that the rest of us stay healthy.

a funny thing tonight....

me "are you going to help put out cookies for santa gav?"
gav "why?"
Scott "you have to leave him a treat so he will leave you gifts"
Gav "oh, well can we leave him hotwings so I can eat the cookies instead?"

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

To all my blog friends, my favorite Christmas song ever and my wish for you this holiday season...


Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now

Christmas Cards!

I love our Christmas Card this year!

Check it out!

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!

Tomorrow, Scott and I will attempt to start and finish our Christmas shopping in one day. Phew, I need a nap just thinking about it! Because the whole point of this blog is to document my children's lives, here is a glimpse of what is on the boy's Christmas lists this year...

Karter's List

• a dog (Yea, I don't think so.)
• a panda pillow pet
• a video game(like a leapster or a ds)
• new wii games
• a four wheeler AND a dirt bike (keep in mind there are still training wheels on his pedal bike as we speak)
• A new frog towel (so he doesn't have to share the one we have)

Gavin's List

• a tractor- with only one seat (so he doesn't have to let his brother ride with him)
• a four wheeler- (but a small one because "I'm still little"
• a dog pillow pet
• a kitchen
• more tools
  
  AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST-- What Gav wants more than ANYTHING ELSE

• an "O" in his name (I am STILL laughing about that one)

It cracks me up! Where in the world are we going to find an "O" for Gav's name. He has already made it clear that "Gav'O" and "Gavino" are not options! lol! I'm not sure what store to look for an "O" but he might as well want a Hippopotamus!

Recipe Blog- Best Sugar Cookies EVER!!!

This is the doubled recipe!

I made these this weekend while it was "blizzarding" outside. I have been searching for years for a perfect sugar cookie recipe. I dont like "cakey" sugar cookies, and I dont really like "super crunchy" cookies either. I just wanted a recipe that was... well, perfect. And here it is folks!


1 cup butter, softened
6 oz of cream cheese
2 cups white sugar
2 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder


1.) In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture. Divide dough into two pieces, cover and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

2.) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut in to desired shapes using cookie cutters and place the cookies at least 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3.) Bake for 7 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottoms are lightly browned and cookies are firm. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

A few things that I thought made this even better:

• Instead of rolling the dough on a floured surface, I "floured" my surface with powdered sugar.
• I divided my dough chunks into smaller sections because it made it easier to work with
• There is no reason why you couldnt make a large "log" of the dough, chill it, and then cut slices off to make your flat cookies.
• Watch your time, 7 minutes made chewier cookies while 9 minutes made "crisp" cookies.

Heres the website where I found them!
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/cream-cheese-cut-outs-ii/Detail.aspx

Be Thankful.

Be Thankful
~ Author Unknown ~

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to.

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made the effort.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Karter Quotes today....

Conversation between Karter and Scott tonight

Karter- "I want to go to bed in a pattern. mommy lay with me, daddy lay
with me, its an AB pattern...

scott-"How about mommy, daddy and then you lay by yourself and make
that a pattern"

Karter- "then that would be an ABC pattern.... so No."

and....

"Mommy do you know I am going to have a concert on a really big stage for my christmas program.... do you think you will come to it?"

Last weekend....

Scotts step-grandpa died last week. We attended the funeral in South Dakota over the weekend.

While funerals in general stink, I am really glad we got to go, and it gave our family a little time away with each other.

Its hard to explain death and funerals to small children. I think older people dont remember that. We did our best to explain to the boys about the similarities between this funeral and my grandpas funeral this past summer. Despite our best efforts some things were left unexplained.... until Gav pointed them out. Just a few funny quotes from Gav, my child who sometimes doesnt have a filter.
I few I dont want to forget.....

• • (about the burial) "did they already dig the hole guys?? Because I
    could help, but I forgot my shovel"

  • (still talking about the whole) "I think there would be some good
    rocks for my rock collection in the bottom of that hole, I better go investigate
    that" (yes he uses the word "investigates"

  • "Oh look, there are ghosts on the wall" Talking about the sun shining
    off the water onto the wall in the swimming pool.

  • "oh no the ghost ate daddy" (as scott was standing in front of the
    "ghosts")

Friday!

I am sooooo very thankful that today is Friday!
This weekend's activities include hosting a Tastefully Simple/Norwex/Bonfire, party at our home! I love getting together with all of our friends. There is something so fun about hanging out by the fire, freezing your tail off, relaxing, telling stories, just being together. I love my friends (who doesn't love their friends right???) I love getting them all together. I am lucky that all my little groups of friends get along well as a whole group. My house is a wreck right now tho, so I am a little stressed out about getting it company ready by tomorrow night.

more catch up....

This week, I am thankful for Philippians 4:6. That I can share this verse with a friend who needs it, that this verse pops in my head when I need it..

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what
you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will
experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live

Day 18, I am thankful for 30 days of thankful, its nice to have a reminder of all the little things we should all be thankful for


Day 17, I am thankful for Karter's neurologist, Dr Narawong (and her staff) she has been an amazing gift to our family, with her help we PRASE GOD that we are at 4 and 1/2 years of being seizure free!

Day 16. I am thankful for my boys's teachers.... they are great!

30 days of Thankful catch up!

• On day 11, I am thankful for my Grandpa who was an amazing example of how to love your country. I am also thankful for all of the military members, past and present who sacrifice to keep us safe, and I pray for all their family members at home who hold things together while they are gone.

• Day 12, Thankful for a safe trip to South Dakota and that our kids are good travelers,

• Day 13, Thankful for a safe trip home and that we get to sleep in our own beds tonight.

• Day 14.) I am thankful for a great small group!!!!

• day 15, I am thankful that, as my sign that hangs in my hall says, "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all."

I think Karter has his first crush...

I think Karter has his first crush... I shouldn't have to worry about this girl though, because I am 110% sure that Karter's first crush is on Taylor Swift. (probably a good thing too, we wouldn't want to ever have to have her write a song about my Karter)

CMA's are on tonight, Karter loves music and was dancing and singing to every song he knew (he knew most of them) He fell asleep in the middle of Reba's song... funny, not that many years ago I remember begging my parents to let me stay up late to watch the great Reba, and my child falls asleep in the middle of her song.

Another funny, every time someone gets ready to announce the winner in a category karter crosses his fingers and makes his hands like he is praying and when they say "and the award goes to..." he shouts "TAYLOR SWIFT"

• "Mommy, I think I love Taylor Swift almost like I love you"

• "I really love her hair mommy" (talking about Taylor Swift)

• "I just cant wait till I am 10, so I can drive a car"

• "I wish you could record this so I can listen to Stuck like Blue (glue) over and over and over again"

• "who's that lady?" ("that lady" was Reba--lol)

Thirty Days of Thankful- Day 9, wise little old men.

On a side note, please pray for Scott's step dad(the only father-in-law I know-- Scott's dad died many years ago) James' father past away yesterday evening. Please pray for his family as they make arrangements, his mother, for strength as she mourns the loss of her husband, their safety as they (and we) travel from all over the mid west for the services.

*****

I like to only take one child to the story at a time. There isn't the "chasing" factor that comes into play as when you take 2 children anywhere. With Scott working a million hours these days this task is nearly impossible. I took both boys to the store last night, they were not "walking while holding on to the cart" I must have had my best "mom look" on in the cracker isle because a little old man stopped me to say...

"Hunny, they are boys, and they are healthy boys, that's all that really matters."

So on day nine, I am thankful that my boys are indeed healthy, and that really does matter. And also for little old men who remind me of that. :)

Out of the mouths of dads....

I just heard from my computer this statement....

"No! You dont try to pop your pee bubbles"

Scott at 7:03 tonight

Day 8. Bring Out the Lysol.

Karter has pink eye.
ugh.
So today I am thankful for modern day medicine and insurance to pay for said medicine. That the drops that promise to kill any infection living in Karter's eye still cost us 45 dollars, but that is much better then what they would cost without insurance.

30 Days of Thankful, day 7. Church

We just started a new church.
We love our new church.
We love the people at our new church.

Our family, Scott included, are EXCITED to get to church on Sundays. I am so lucky, blessed, thrilled to have found somewhere as great as where we are going. I feel like God is really speaking to me, to Scott, and to our marriage. We are even enrolled in a small group! I have always wanted to be in a small group. We are joining in the 3rd week of a 6 week series about marriage. I am really excited to see how and where it will stretch us.

Another reason why I totally love our church. Today, I was sitting in church watching a veterans day video clip, and was crying because it really made me remember my grandpa, who was such a proud American. Well when the clip was over, I was trying to dry my eyes so that people wouldn't think I was weird (because the clip wasn't sad and I was crying like a lunatic--sidebar-- I am an emotional roller coaster anyway) and my contact slipped into my eye. I shimmied past all the people in my pew and made my way to the bathroom. Once there I was digging in my eye trying to get my contact that had gone AWOL--PS, have you ever had one slip up high behind your eye? This is what happened, and there was NO fishing it out of there. A lady came out of her stall, washed her hands, looked at me and said "Dear Lord, help her with this" I smiled thinking "Dear Lord, who prays for strangers contacts??" I looked back at the mirror and my contact came down right into place! She smiled at me, and said "thank you Lord." I said it too, a little more humble.
Just another reminder that God helps even with the small stuff.

I missed a few days.

I missed a few days of 30 days of Thankful, I did them on facebook but didnt get a chance to write a blog about them. Scott has worked a million hours this week so I have been single parenting.
these will get you caught up!

• Day 4, is thankful for her 10 minute chats with my friend in the mornings on our way to work.

• Day 5.) I am thankful that it is friday, that my husband is home, and that we have no plans tonight, and that we get to spend time just the 4 of us.

• Day 6, I am thankful for dirty dishes in the sink because it means that we have eaten well!

30 days of Thankful--Oh no, He never lets go.

On day three, of thirty days of Thankful- Today I am thankful for God.
We sang a song in church the other day, Karter heard it, and loves it, and as a result has been singing it ALL the time. I mean everywhere, in the tub, on his bike, in the mirror when he thinks I'm not watching. He loves the song. Its kind of been like a public service announcement at our home. I often have to remind my self to stop... and listen to the words.

Here's the chorus:
Oh no, you never let go,

through the calm and through the storm

oh no you never let go

in every high and every low

oh no you never let go

Lord you never let go of me.

One of my favorite quotes is "Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines" I feel like its a pretty good reality of what people do with their walks with God. I often forget to take time out of my day to thank Him, to praise Him, to spend time with Him. But He is the first one I cry out to when I am in need of something. Its like the friend that everyone has that only calls you when she is going through a rough patch in her life, when she needs you. She is still your friend, and you love her anyway. Only in this case, you/i am that crummy friend. While i dont think that is ideal, I think I am learning the entire way on my walk with God, and so I will keep trying to be much better "friend of God" working on spending him with God in the good, as well as in the bad.

God never lets go. We can be going through some rough stuff in life, but He is still there with us, holding us. And that is what I am thankful for today!

30 days of Thankful- Day 2

Day 2.
I am thankful today on Election day, that even though i am so sick of political ads and even though i miss a "normal" commercial like a kid at fat camp misses cake.... I am thankful that I have the right to vote. Both as a women, and as a US citizen, I dont have to risk my life to vote!

30 days of Thankful! Day 1

If you would like to join 30 Days of Thankful-- Click here! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161566000544265&index=1

Day 1
Its kinda fitting that I would be invited to join this facebook group today. After all, Scott and I were woken up to Karter (who was in our bed) shouting "im dunna frow up" (insert puking noise....here.)
Now, while it is highly possible that he ate way to much Halloween candy yesterday, I wager to guess that he probably has a little bug. I used my first sick day at work to stay home with him.

So what am I thankful for today. I am thankful I have a beautiful home, albeit messy and needing a cleaning lady desperately. Our home is ours, it is an answer to our prayers, it is where we will raise our children. It is where we will have our arguments and make up afterwards. It is where we laugh together, cry together and pray together. It is where our children learn that fairy tales don't make a marriage, the love, and hard work do. It is where they will learn that together as a family, with God we can solve anything. It is where we gather around the table for meals, even though something better is on TV, because in reality, nothing on TV is better.

So today, I am thankful for our home, and that we have a home to "stay home sick" in.

Spiderman has WHAT?!?!

We got the boys their costumes on Thursday.
Karter is going as Luigi. Gav as SPIDERMAN! (not just spiderman but 'PIDERMAN!)
Scott has been working late nights in the feilds, and as a result hasnt been home before bedtime for quite a few days. When he did get home early enough for supper the boys were way excited to show him their costumes!
Because Gav's costume has built in muscles(cute--i know right???) He was super excited to inform his daddy that...

"Dess what daddy, my 'PIDERMAN tostume has BIG MUSCLES... and.. and... and BOOBS!"

Its cold mom!

When I shut off the blow dryer this morning, I heard Karter yelling "MOM!!!! I NEED YOU" I came around the corner to the bathroom and he is standing there doing the "i gotta pee" dance...
me: "stop messing around k and go pee"
K: "i tant mom"
Me "betause, you havent warmed up the seat"

Signs we may cater to our children too much for the Daily Double Please Alex! lol!

Im Big!

Gavin is struggling with where he fits in. Maybe fits in isnt the word to describe it.

His favorite saying these days "But Im Big!"

I was looking in Karters throat for signs of strep after a night of puking.... Gavin says, "Ill look, im big!" He doesnt want to play with any smaller version of what karter is playing with because "Im big" He tried to wash Scotts truck with the windows down because..... you guessed it, "im big"

He is right, he is getting so big!

He had a great day!

He had a great day(if you had any doubts)

First Day of School Pics

Here they are!

Back to school

First Day of School.
Breathe.

We woke up this morning, and took my guy to school.
he did great.
I am sure I will repost this post with pictures and more information later, but i just had to say on the way home, this song came on the radio, it was the first time i heard it, but i think God sent it to me. I think He has been telling me that I need to slow down and start "taking in" things, So often I get overwhelmed with what Im suppose to be feeling, doing, looking like. That I forget to take a minute and take in all the details.

Heres the song!

Blink
Revive
Teach me to number my days
And count every moment before it slips away
Taking all the colors before they fade to gray
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this

It happens in a blink
It happens in a flash
It happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight,
but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life I
t happens in a blink

When it's all said and done
No one remembers how far we have run
The only thing that matters is how we have loved
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this

It happens in a blink
it happens in a flash
it happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life
It happens in a blink

Slow down, slow down
Before today becomes our yesterday
Slow down, slow down
Before you turn around and it's too late

It happens in a blink
it happens in a flash
it happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life It happens in a blink

The post of karter's last night as "not in elementry school"

breathe.
Tonight, I kiss my buddy to sleep as his last night as a preschooler, Tomorrow we get up early and head to school.
We met his teacher tonight, She seems quiet and nice.
She sent home some poem about her "loving my child as much as i do".... I doubt it sister! She hasnt spent the last 5 years holding him when he is sick, worrying about a spot in his brain, kissing his scrapped knees, She hasnt spent quiet time snuggling, she hasnt had to hold him down for blood drawls, she doesnt know he hates katchup. She isnt crying right now, worried if he will make friends, remember what kind of lunch he is taking to school, have enough time to eat said lunch, have an good bus experience. She isnt his mom, theres no way she can love him as much as I do. Someday when she drops off her baby, who isnt so much a baby any more, she will understand. till then, no dice. :)

these are a few of my favorite things....

1.) reading a book when you literally laugh out loud
2.) watching my parents be grandparents.... they are so silly, there is truly a kind of "crazy love" that goes on between them, and the feeling is mutual.
3.) Laying in bed while Scott eats his ice cream and discuss what we would do if we won the lottery-not that we ever play, but still.
4.) Snuggling in bed, talking about the future, with my amazing husband
5.) How successful my garden is this year (my first time)
6.) Working on our house, and making progress and knowing its ours, we will raise our family here, our grandchildren will come to visit us here.
7) Hugs and kisses from 2 of my favorite little boys
8) Watching K swim to the bottom of our pool
9) Listening to Gav say words like "communication, expedition, excavator, and lots more i cant even spell"
10) Knowing my best friends will be popping out babies in a few weeks.

Things are a mess right now...

Please excuse my blog mess right now, im trying to get things "pretty" but dont have much for time or patience.

Happy Birthday Karter!

My buddy is 5 today!(well yesterday actually!)
I just cant believe where the last 5 years has run off too.

We celebrated with a tiny party with his friends Landon B and Landon K.
and cupcakes... yum- cupcakes!

he's in heaven

"Inheritance is something you LEAVE FOR your kids... Legacy is something you LEAVE IN them."A great man died today... but i am glad he left something in me.

Grampa D

July 1st, 2010

they gave me a book....

Today, I went to visit my grandpa in hospice.

Today, I asked stood in the hallway at newton hospice trying to find a book to explain to my kids that papa-d was not just sick, that papa d isn't getting any better, and that papa d was going to heaven.

Today, I asked the hospice lady for a book recommendation--she gave me a nice canvas bag with a book about dying, a coloring book, playdoh, crayons and a beanie baby.

I walked to the elevator and sobbed. I feel like I need my own book, my own canvas bag with playdoh, crayons and a beanie baby(maybe add a margarita). I am so sad...so very very very sad. I don't WANT to explain to my kids that their grandpa, my grandpa, my only grandpa left, is dying. I want to protect them from their little hearts breaking. I want someone to protect my heart from breaking. I want to protect myself from feeling like I have been stabbed in the heart every time they ask for him. He has become part of our daily routine. We see him often, he asked for us today. What am I going to do when he isn't there? What am I, going to say to my kids, who are really still babies? I read the book, in the car, while scott pumped my gas. I have been praying for God's timing in when I should start telling the boys about whats really going on.

Today, I heard my grandma tell the story about when my grandpa and her got married. How they spent countless hours in a pig pin pulling pigs, or helping a cows give birth.

Today, my grandpa asked where is his friend..... He was talking about my grandma. What an amazing testimony to 50 years of marriage, to refer to your wife, as your friend.

and lastly...

Today, My grandpa, asked forgiveness of his sins and asked Jesus into his heart. Yes, My grandpa is going to spend the rest of his days surrounded by the people who love him most, and then the rest of Eternity in Heaven. Praise God!

Grrandpa

my grandpa is ill.
dying actually.

My heart is breaking. My mom's heart is breaking, my family--our hearts are breaking.

My mom's side of my family is close. My cousins and I grew up close. We spent countless summers at each others homes, we gathered at my grandparents house for weiner roasts. Lately, we have been gathering in hospitals and nursing homes, together in waiting rooms we sit, talk, pray and laugh. 2 of us, have families, with small children at home. We joke lately, that we are the heiress's to this "crazy" and we laugh.

The day my grandpa was rushed to the hospital, I found out a few hours later, I drove franticly to dm to be there. As I walked into the ER, I sighed to see all my favorite people standing, waiting. It just felt right, and comforting, looking back now, it still does.

My grandpa continues to hang on, the last few months have been nothing short of a roller coaster. We have gathered in hospital rooms to say our goodbyes- only for him to rally and be up giving us static the next morning. Countless times i have walked out of his nursing home room in tears because I was sure I would be recieving a call that night or the next morning. But today, he still holds on. Today he is being transferred to hospice. Hospice sounds so final doesnt it??? Yesterday, he barely met the qualifications for "dying" Please pray he doesnt have to be there long. That the man, who may possibly be one of the strongest men in the world, doesnt have to hurt much longer.

A song:

In color
Jamey Johnson

I said, Grandpa what’s this picture here
It’s all black and white and ain’t real clear
Is that you there, he said, yeah I was eleven
Times were tough back in thirty-five
That’s me and Uncle Joe just tryin’ to survive
A cotton farm in the Great Depression

And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color

This one here was taken overseas
In the middle of hell in nineteen forty-three
In the winter time you can almost see my breath
That was my tail gunner ole’ Johnny McGee
He was a high school teacher from New Orleans
And he had my back right through the day we left

And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color

A picture’s worth a thousand words
But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color

This one is my favorite one
This is me and grandma in the summer sun
All dressed up the day we said our vows
You can’t tell it here but it was hot that June
That rose was red and her eyes were blue
And just look at that smile I was so proud

That’s the story of my life
Right there in black and white

And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color

A picture’s worth a thousand words
But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color

You should have seen it in color

tables, life,

today i thought.. " i am going to refinish my kitchen table" i bought this table at the goodwill for 13 dollars and after finally finding 4 good chairs that are in good condition(thanks aunt raeann!) I drug the table outside and started to sand it down.... I learned a few good lessons today:

• 1.) ventilation, ventilation, ventilation- the chemical used to take the original finish off is toxic enough to make any future children of mine have 3 eyeballs and gills.

• 2.) patience patience patience-- I spread out the varnish remover, wiped off the varnish remover, sanded, pre stain conditioned, applied stain, removed stain, called my mom to complain that it wasnt absorbing the stain, called the paint shop only to find out i didnt do enough sanding, reapplied remover, resanded re sanded some more and then reapplied the finish... its still not as dark as i want it, i just have to keep applying and reapplying. grrrrr

• 3.) when you have a perticular peice of furnature in mind- save your money and go buy it at homemakers :)

Do you ever just think you are weird???

I do! And for the most part, I am convinced that I am.
I hate getting gas. The whole process is a lot of work for me, there is some inner voice inside me that will not let me take the pump out of my car unless it the dollar amount is an even amount (like 25, 50, 75, or 00) I bite my lip every time i am in someone elses car and they are filling gas and dont round it. I HATE it when the pump "clicks" at .79 and i have to round up to .00 only to go over on the last push to .03, and then Have to work back up to .25. it drives me crazy. i know, i know, im weird.

2 of my best friends are pregnant. I am excited for the day that scott and i start trying to have another baby. I am excited to figure out a cool way to tell everyone, and to pine over baby names until i find the one I love. I am weird when it comes to this too,We almost named Gavin Karsyn, If he was going to be a girl, Karleigh, and then the third baby would be destined to have a name beginning with "kar" we didnt follow through, although, Gav could totally pull of being called "Karsyn"
Karter and Gavin are completly different names. I feel like we could not pick a name for the next baby like Georgia(which i love) because it starts with a G,(same with Klaire) I also feel like ending a name with an "in" or "er" would be too matchy, like (Turner or Aydin-both names i couldnt choose because of friends that have children named those names) So much work for a baby who isnt even for sure going to be here) Keeping with Kelly's Korner name theme today Here are a few names I'm liking right now,
Girls-
Aubreigh
Nataleigh
Turner
Elliott
Ruby
Georgia

Boys-
Lucas
Zayne
Issac
Samuel

Thinking!

I have been sooooo busy these last few weeks! I can wait to share them with you!

Tony

Tony-
I miss you. I am sorry I couldn't come today. I am working at the school, Karter is in school, both boys started their first full week of daycare this week. I had to run home after I picked up K to get Gav from my moms, back to town to pay our property taxes, and run a few more errands. Today was warm and sunny, perfect driving weather, a great day for a birthday.
I have been thinking about you so much lately. I wish you could be here to meet my boys. Karter would have loved you. When I hear him explode in laughter, I think how much fun he would have had laughing at you. You would love Gavin too, you and him could have gotten in so much trouble together. Lacey's Landon is adorable too, he loves to wrestle. I'm sure you could teach him a move or two. I miss you tony. I wish you could meet my husband he would have liked you. Your mom cleans for my grandma every other Friday. I need to do a better job of staying in touch with her. I try to send her pics of the boys and invite them to their birthday party's. I wish we could invite you to our birthday parties, or be attending your kid's birthday parties.
Sometimes I swear I see you, driving in a car, or walking down the street. Sometimes I just pray that I never forget the sound of your voice, or the way your eyebrows always needed plucked. Pictures of you keep showing up at my house lately. In books, in boxes, in bibles. I wonder if you are still here watching us. Taking care of us. I miss you so much. We buried you 6 years ago this month. I still remember that day. The tears and the emptiness. Today is your birthday. I just cant help but wonder, who you would be today.
Love,
Sabrina



Sunny days seem to hurt the most
Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe you're gone

Chorus:

It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
The death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family?
I wonder, what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

Chorus

Today, Today, Today
Today, Today, Today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I'll see you again someday

-Who You'd Be Today

Kenny Chesney

4 years....

Today, 4 years ago. Karter had his last seizure.
Tonight... we celebrate 4 years of being seizure free!

Chicken Enchiladas!

Chicken Enchiladas! makes 10 enchiladas



2 boneless skinless chicken breast poached.



Shred the chicken in a bowl, add:

• 1 carton sour cream (can used fat free or low fat)
• 1/2 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 & 1/2 cans of green chilies
• 1 cap full of Simply Salsa dry mix from tastefully simple OR 1/2 pkg of chicken taco mix
• about 1/4 cup of salsa
• 1 cup of cheese
• 1 heaping tbl of minced garlic
• some onion (i use dried minced onion or just onion powder)

Stir these together until mixed.

In a seperate bowl combine for mixture 2:

• 1/2 carton of sour cream
• 1/2 can of chicken soup
• 1/2 can of chilies
• 1/2 cup of cheese

Grease a large casserole dish

for each tortilla:
Spread refried black beans on the tortilla (or regualar refied beans)
place a scoop of chicken mixture on tortilla and wrap.
Lay seam side down in dish

Cover enchiladas with mixture 2 (and any leftovers of the chicken mixture), top with cheese
bake until bubbleing.

You can layer this recipe like a casserole for a different look!

Happy birthday to my hubby!

Scotts birthday was last night!

The boys picked out a cake at Hyvee, that had a snowmobile on it. Karter wanted the lady to write daddys name on it. When she asked what was his daddy's name, Karter proudly announced DADDY! The lady giggled and swept the cake off for finishing. We also bought scott a grill. Ours was 5 years old and didnt make it through the last wind storm. We went out for supper with my mom and dad to texas roadhouse. Yummo!

Tastfully Simple Guacamole!

2 avacados
Juice of one lg lime,
garlic garlic (to taste)
onion onion (to taste)
Simply salsa mix (about a palm full)
red pepper flake
cilantro (i dont use it)
mash together with potato masher, put pit of avacado back in dish to keep "green"

fixed computer, broken back.

okay so my back isn't broken, but it hurts really bad, i woke up Thursday morning in PAIN! I finally (after much convincing from my dad) called Scott and had him take me to the chiropractor.

After 1 hour and 8 minutes of driving, sitting in the waiting room with a bunch of Amish folk for 2 hours (PS do you know that Amish folk rarely use deodorant?) while my 6ft 7in husband sits on a 12 inch kiddie stool so I could sit in the only chair in the waiting room, reading "No David" to my kids 11 times, saying "no you cant have another drink of water from the machine" 23 times, 7 trips to the bathroom because they drank so much water.... we FINALLY got to see the Dr.

He snapped crackled and popped me back into alignment and told me "No lifting, bending, twisting or stooping" riiiiiiiiight.... he must not have seen my 2 children in the room with me, one of which was trying to stick my car keys in his desk drawer to try to lock it... while the other is studying his chiropractic table trying to figure out exactly which button doc pushed to make it move from vertical back to horizontal.

My new neighbors stopped over, she is a computer whiz and has been fixing my computer. I am living on borrowed time until we get a new one because my hard drive is failing. They also go to the same chiro as we do. After comparing stories about how great he is, she brought over her vibrating chair pad and her "giant vibrator" (for the record, I know I am not yet a grown up because I still giggle every time I hear that word) So today I have done nothing much, beside sit in my chair on the chair pad and rest my back. I am hoping to be better by Monday.
love, b

Karter 4.5

Happy 1/2 birthday Karter!

What are you doing at 4.5?

• You are still a very picky eater, You love pb&j, bologna and cheese, pizza and hotdogs. You hate veggies and anything that mixes more than one food group. You love chinese food.
• You are such a people person, you love watching people and how they interact. You seem to know when people need an extra hug.
• You love preschool. You have lots of friends, and enjoy learning
• Your speech has taken off, everyone told me it would but everyday I am so impressed with where you have come from!
• You love to read. You read me and your dad Green Eggs and Ham from start to finish, You have most of the book memorized.
• You are almost 4 whole years of being siezure free. Praise God!
• You love Jesus, and tell me about it all the time.
• you love babies. you always want to hold them
• 

From Last year when you were 3 and 1/2!

Gav 2.5

You are 2 and 1/2!

• You have tons of questions, you always want to know who what when where and why
• You have quite the temper. I often joke with my friends that you look like a pissed off snapping turtle when you are angry. You yell, shake, and sometimes I swear I even see smoke coming out of your ears. We laugh that you act like jackjack from the movie the Incredibles
• Like the little girl who had a little curl, when you are good, you are VERY VERY good! You are fun to take places because you are interested in things and are very well behaved.
• You still take about an hour nap every day. You go to bed around 8-9pm
• You are totally potty trained. You have been since late summer.
• You cant wait to go to preschool, you love all of karters friends and i think you think they are your friends too
• You have an amazing imagination, you can pretend to be anything and everything and you always have a story to tell.
• You love tools, and pretend to fix anything. This Christmas we got you a power wheels gator and we unplugged the battery so you wouldn't drive it in the house. You figured out how to plug it back in while karter was in it, and he accidentally ran you over.
• You love your chewie. You have quite the entourage for your bedtime company. You have to sleep your chewie (your rocket ship blankie) and Geoffry, and a t rex
• You know most of the names of dinosaurs. Stegosaurus, t rex, teradactyll, triceratops just to name a few.
  

Some pics of when you were 1 and 1/2!

While the laundry cycles...

I am trying today to catch up on the HUGE pile of laundry that I have let go due to a laundry list(lol) of excuses. So I am listening to my mom and setting a timer. I have folded and put away the last load of laundry and I am treating myself to a blog.

First of all, My friend, whos shower I was suppose to throw saturday had her beautiful baby boy that day instead. Everyone is doing well, and I am so happy for her.

Second. The weather is nasty today. I called K into school today because it was an early out (due to weather) and I didnt want to mess with driving in for 2 hours...

Third, My house needs some attention from me. My undecorated christmas tree is still sitting in the middle of my living room and my bedroom floor is carpeted with dirty clothes.

I need to do the boys 1/2birthday posts. I will post them later.

quote from a friends page...

"at the end of the day,

what you choose to focus on,

can either tear you down or keep you going"

I love this song...

I've been listening to a lot of Christian Radio these days. I love that station, even though usually my radio is tuned to country. Lately this song has been on the radio. I found the lyrics to the chorus today.

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say lyrics

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

I feel like I have been looking for something recently. God is really trying to speak to my heart and I am trying to find a way to make more time for him in my life.

waiting....

Today I am waiting. I was suppose to host a baby shower for a close friend today but instead I am waiting. The building is decorated, the food is still frozen in my deep freeze, and it too, is waiting.

Today instead of throwing a baby shower, I was suppose to be holding a hand of a close friend as she has her first child. But her blood pressure is rocket high, the hospital said no visitors and I am at home...waiting.



We have no power at my house, since 11am yesterday, i have been... waiting.



God is really working on me with my waiting, and my worrying. He is showing me that as I wait and worry, I should be praying and waiting to see what HE has in his plan. Because after all, it is His plan, not mine. I can worry and worry and worry and it does no good, I need to trust that God has this. He has everything.



So many people in my life are spending their days waiting. Waiting for a job, waiting for a raise, waiting for love, waiting for a cure for cancer, waiting for clear bloodwork, waiting for a positive pregnancy test. The majority of them are waiting for things far bigger than I have ever had to wait on. Maybe thats what I should do while I wait for my often trivial and insignificant things... maybe I should spend more time in prayer for those who are waiting for those major things. I am blessed, that Scott has a job, and that we found each other, and we have 2 amazing kids that are healthy. God has held my life in his hands and guided me where I need to be.

luv B

http://theredkitchen.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/mexican-monkey-bread-pizza/

i cant wait to try this!

SAHM, among other things.

"Sometimes I look at other people and their lives and everything they've accomplished- And I haven't- And then I look at one of my kids and know that not a single day has been wasted. And what's important are all the days still to come." Sally Fields as Nora from Brothers and Sisters

I stay at home (kinda) with my kids. I am constantly annoyed by the people (most without kids) who assume that by staying at home with the boys, i also nap with the boys, watch tv with the boys and just generally lounge with the boys. I don't. I am trying to do what Scott and I decided was the best thing for "our" family. I understand it just doesn't work for everyone, and that's fine, but don't say things to me like "well then you should just get a job if your kids drive you crazy" guess what!?!? everyones kids drive them crazy, its part of being-- well, kids. I do have a job. Raising my kids is my job, just like a police officer goes to work, or a teacher teaches school. I am a taxi driver, a mediator, a shrink, a cook. I have no real degree, i don't spend my day climbing any corporate ladders, instead, I spend it, wiping butts, and cleaning up miss-aimed pee, and helping my 4 year old get to the next level in mario world, and making completely separate meals for a kid that cries if ketchup touches his plate. Just because I don't necessarily LIKE my kids some days, (i always love them tho)doesn't mean I am going to throw in the towel and send them packing to daycare.

Granted, not all days are as productive as some. And there are some days I would like to send everyone back to bed for the morning and start over. I get back-sassed by my almost3 year old. My almost 5 year old, tells me to "just ignore it" There are days when nothing gets done, because nothing was attempted. But there are other days where nothing gets done, and i tried and tried to get things done. But I am here, sitting with someone with a fever, giving a breathing treatment, holding a whiny toddler because he didn't sleep well the night before, folding laundry, folding more laundry, refolding laundry. I know that I have lots of room for improvement, I am learning to be a housewife, and striving to be a better mom and wife.


"Sometimes I look at other people and their lives and everything they've accomplished- And I haven't- And then I look at one of my kids and know that not a single day has been wasted. And what's important are all the days still to come."

When I watched this episode, I actually got up out of bed and wrote this down and taped it to my fridge. Everyone has their own priorities, and more often then not, I spend time worrying if those should be mine as well, Should i be going to school too? Should I not have more kids so we can buy everything K & G want? And then, I look at my kids, heads spinning around as they scream "ME NOT GROUCHY" with their dirty faces and mismatched clothes (don't worry we didn't go in public that day) and I think that I am right where I am suppose to be.

Blessed...

I am blessed.
I have an amazing husband and 2 beautiful, and healthy kids. Our house is coming together. I have an Amazing God, who shows me everyday how much he loves me, and who teaches me to step out of my comfort zone to help others. Who is showing me that with prayer and faith, things are possible.

Karter and I have been hanging out a lot together. He seems to be changing again. I notice he is taller than he was a month ago. He is talking more and more everyday. Everytime I see him, I thank God. People often comment about how he has a "wise-ness" about him. He can tell when people are having a bad day or need a little extra cuddle. He finds hidden humor in situations that are beyond his years. Whenever we are in the driveup at mcdonalds he insists on putting our change in the bucket. I smile, and I drop in our extra change. Whenever i read a story about a child with cancer, it knocks the air out of my chest. We were so close to that being us. When K was diagnosed with his seizures an early MRI showed a "mass" on his brain. We didnt know, and were faced with so much uncertainty. Looking back, I dont really even remember being relieved that it wasnt cancer because I was so overwhelmed with the concept of seizures. I just have to close my eyes and that feeling of the air being knocked out of my chest, is just as close as it was all those years ago. In about 2 months, we will be celebrating 4 whole years since K's last seizure. Isnt God amazing!?!?!

kellys coffee punch

I am trying this for brookes shower!
http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/03/coffee-punch.html

mints!

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 drops peppermint oil
any color food coloring paste (optional)
Directions
1.In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.
2.Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate

maybe too much nintendo??

"You and me mommy, were like mario and luigi!" -Karter age 4 1/2

Brrr i'm cold.

Its cold here today, this week, this month. Iowa is experienceing record snow totals for the year (its only the 8th day of 2010 mind you) Its cold, like take your breath away, hurt your teeth, makes so crunch cold. I have been trying for 4 days to get something done. Something noticeable. But Im cold and everything is at a frozen standstill. When we first moved here, things were almost always neat and clean. now, the boxes (well the ones we can find) are unpacked and as it turns out, all of our crap moved with us! The boys tipped over a basket of folded socks tuesday, they are still all over my living room! I have tried to clean them up, but they dont stay that way. I try to clean my toliets, but they get dirty faster than I can walk out of the room, it never fails the minute i put the cleaner in the toliet (you know the kind that has to sit for 5-10 minutes) SOMEBODY has to pee. I tell my mom I want one of those irobot rumba vaccums, she just laughs at me. She's right really, a robot sweeper would just get lost under a pile of clothes, or eat a stray sock, or continue to just run back and forth into the power wheels gator we have sitting in our living room until the artic iowa tundra thaws out. Its no use, I will just have to vaccum my own floors, pick up the boys toys, and continue about my day, but right now I really just want to wrap up in my snuggie (yes i have one) and hibernate.

love,
B

Wise words from Mother Theresa

From MckMamas Blog today, thought i would share, I am printing this off to put on my fridge!

love, B

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.


If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, alterior motives;
be kind anyway.



If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
succeed anyway.



If you are honest people may cheat you;
be honest anyway.




What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
build anyway.




If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.




The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.




Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.




You see, in the end, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!

2 cup oreps
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 jar of seedless red raspberry jelly
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions
1.In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs (i use my food processor), 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

2.In a saucepan, melt jelly until runny, then let cool.

3.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Melt Chocolate chips with 1/2 & 1/2 in microwave.

4.In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

5.Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

How you know your a new homeowner

1.) you would much rather go to menards, homedepot, lowes than oldnavy, childrens place, target and kohls.

2.) When you do go to kohls or target, all you are looking for are pieces for your new home.

3.) Spending little amounts of money on things like gas, groceries, etc,

Happy Late anniversary!

4 years and 5 days ago i married this hottie!

So in keeping with my last few top 5 posts, here are the top 5 reasons i love my husband- in no perticular order:

1.) The way he tries to "swallow his dimples" when he is lying or trying to pull one over on me!

2.) He is an amazing dad. He loves the kids and they love him. Watching as they trudge behind him on the way to the shop, or when they are wrestling in bed, or sleeping on the couch, or even playing trucks on the floor makes me swell with pride and love for him (and them)

3.) He is a hard worker. Even though i complain about how much he works, he is a hard worker. Who else would put in 95 hours a week for his family.

4.) He is a good friend. He is always there when people need him and will go out of his way to help someone. No matter where we go, he can make friends. He is easy to get along with, and can fit in anywhere.

5.) He loves me. Like really loves me, even when i am most unloveable. He takes care of me when i am sick, holds me when im cranky and supports me when i feel like i can break at any moment. He really is my rock.

My new years resolutions

Sabrina, This year we are making new years eve resolutions, YOU CAN KEEP!



1.) Start and continue to make our bedroom a "kids free" zone! You are tired of sleeping with lost rescue heroes, and steping on legos when getting up to the go to the bathroom, the kids each have their own room, there is plenty of space for their toys. You have a family room, where you can do family things, so move the family things out of your bedroom and into the family room. To do this, you will need to:

-fix the antenna so the family tv gets all channels, even channel 5.

- get out of bed, first thing in the morning so you arent tempted to lay in there and watch cartoons,

- finish your bedroom, so it looks more adult, and less contruction

-make a no toy policy for your bedroom.



2.) Slowly and when we can afford it, finish our basement



3.) Try to make it to the gym to work out at least once a week, move to twice a week when this becomes an easy task. 1 year goal- 3 times a week! Its time to start taking care of YOU. When you are healthy, you can raise healthy kids, and be a better mom and wife.



4.) Call & email my grandparents more.



5.) Be a better, more patient mother. Remember to have 2 and 4 year old expectations.



4.) Find a church family, I love going to church but need to find somewhere where we feel like we fit in.

5.) learn to sew.