Things I'll Never Get To...

Another blog challenge.... read it here on Scraptown http://www.scraptown.com/iboard/index.php?showtopic=26823&st=0&#entry341109

The topic today is "Things I'll Never Get To..."

Well, first off, I'll never get to have my parents together again. Pretty sad. The split up last July, it's been almost a year. Dad has moved on- lives with his girlfriend and expecting a baby in about 6 weeks. Mom has also moved on, has herself a boyfriend that she is very happy with. I like to see them both happy.... but I really miss having my family together. It was such a stable environment... they were just always there, and always there for us. Now they have their own lives and we don't see them much. I wish I could turn back time and have them together again, but I can't....

Second... I'll never get to.... have a supermodel body. I have been on WW (2nd time) since January... and I've lost about 15 pounds. I still have quite a ways to go to get to my "goal"... but I do realize I'll never have that supermodel body. I have a belly... the great thing about my belly is that I have 3 beautiful children that came out of my belly. I also have little boobs. And other "curves" around my body that I'm not necessarily happy with, but I'm learning to deal with. Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up! But I'm trying to set realistic expectations.

The third and last thing I'll never get to do... is run a marathon! Ha ha! If you know me, you know I would NEVER do this! I cannot run! Let alone run any amount of distance!!

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Today is Monday. No babysitting kids today, so I went to the mall. Bought my little brother a really cute outfit...now let's see if I ever give it to him?? Also bought Colby some soccer shorts...no more playing in jeans!

Tonight we are headed to the local food pantry for a Girl Scout trip. Should be interesting. Can't believe Girl Scouts is winding down... already. Seems like it goes so quick! Everything is winding down. Except sports, they're just starting! No sports today though!

Have a great MONDAY!!

And we're off!

What a busy Saturday we had this week!! All three kids had games-- Will had bowling, Colby had his first soccer game, and Samantha had her first softball game. We also had a Softball parade at 7 am, and I had to go to a Girl Scout training in the afternoon. We were constantly on the go! But everything got done and everyone did great!
Colby's first soccer game was so fun. Ooops- mommy forgot the shorts. But he didn't even notice, so that's good! He wasn't quite sure how to play the game, or what to do with the ball, which made it even more adorable!! He's so cute!!
Sam's softball game was great too. I missed half becuase of my training, and they lost. But she played awesome-- even got a great hit!!
And Will got one of his highest bowling scores yet- 83 :) He keeps getting better and better!!!

My every day

This is such a cute sight. I see this very often!! The 4 little charges, looking out the window. And the greatest part about this sight? I can see where they all are!
Today is Friday. It was a semi-normal day. Got some paperwork/cleaning done....talked to a friend on the phone...sounds like a good day to me!!
Tonight Will has a Cub Scout pack meeting, and Samantha has softball practice. Unless it's been cancel due to the rain, I don't know yet. I do have a back up plan just in case!!
Happy Friday!

Thursday

I jinxed myself this morning. I told everyone I had *nothing* to do tonight and I was going to spend the evening doing paperwork for scouts, and swaps, and all that good stuff.
And then... went to Will's eye doctor appt. at 11 am. The school tested his eyes a few weeks ago and were concerned about his right eye. The doctor on Tuesday re-checked them, and she sent us to the eye doctor. It took two hours... but we found out that Will needs glasses. He is very near sighted. He's also color blind, but we knew that already!
So... of to WalMart we went, to "check out" the glasses. Will foudn very cool Nintendo ones, so we bought them. They won't be in for about a week. I can't wait to see him in them! They looked adorable in the store! And they're not at all "crazy" like I feared... you never know with Will!!
Dinner, of course, was pushed off. Which means the kids are just NOW getting to be, at almost 9 PM. I did get some scouts stuff done before we left, but now I need to work on the swap and watch Grey's Anatomy at the same time!!!
Have a great night! Look for glasses pictures soon!!

It's starting to feel like spring!

April 23 was 85 degrees!! It *so* nice to finally have a hot day!! Got to wear my little tank top and still feel warm! Barb and I took the kids for a nice long 1-hour walk. My shoulder got a bit sunburned...oops. I remembered to put sunblock on the kids but not on me...

After school, we had lots of kids at our house. Desiree was here, and so was Adam. When Art got home he set up the sprinkler... Shea loved that especially! She was so hyper! The boys liked it too. Samantha and Desiree ended up going off and doing their own thing... but Will stayed and got soaked! When they were done, the boys laid on the their towels.. I able to get the picture above of Colby, Will and Adam. Of course they had to be goofy!

And when Shea was tired of the sprinkler, she just sat there chewing her bone. She's such a pretty dog!!

It was great to have a nice sunshine day. How can you have a bad day when the sun is shining?

Oh-- and my daffodills bloomed and so did one tulip! Yeah! I can't wait until my flowers are all up. Most are budding so it's only a matter of time!

Well, today is Tuesday and it's a busy day here. Babysitting... and Will has a dr. appt. It's his "annual, well-child visit". We're hoping for no shots! I cannot remember if they get them at 8 or not?? Too bad his doctor is so far away-- it takes about 40 minutes to get there. I really need to time it right today, because I also have to drop some kids at my sister's before hand.

Tonight my sister and I are taking our mom dress shopping. She is going to a wedding in California with her boyfriend and our Mother's Day gift to her is a new dress. I hope she can find a good one!!

Have a great Tuesday!

Friday! Friday!

Another busy day in my life!! It started off with a doctor's appointment for me. Had to have my annual "exam". Waah. But I'm happy to say it went fine... my new doctor is SO NICE!! Makes me very comfortable, which is great. And then I had to have blood drawn. Anyone who knows me knows that I cry *very easily* and today was no exception. I absolutely hate needles... and I have very tiny veins. Put those together, and I get very upset when I have to have blood taken. Unfortunately, one nurse had to "search around" my one arm and got nothing. That's when the crying started! But luckily another nurse came in and found a vein quickly and painlessly. Cool!!!!
So... had a day to myself. I took a nice long walk with my neighbor. The sun was shining and it felt so good!! Plus I got to talk to an adult, that's always a bonus.
I didn't have much time to myself though because I had to pick the kids up early and bring them all to Samantha's check up. Ten years old. Doc says we should have the "period" talk soon. Man, I hate the thought of my little girl growing up!
Funny thing though... the boys were AWFUL until they found this book that showed pictures of your body, and what it looks like when you break a bone and stuff. They were in awe...we looked at every page... and then came the page of pregnancy. Will was like, "How do they get out of there?" so I pointed and he said "Ew, your butt?" So I said "No, they come out of the vagina"...and I really grossed him out! He was like, "Colby! We came out of mom's vagina!" and they both were a bit weirded out. And all night Colby had more questions. It was actually nice the way it came about and ended. I may have to get them a book on anatomy now!
Rushed Sam back home for a playday at school... and when Art brought her to softball practice, I took the boys to the Y. I did step aerobics. This instructor was tough! I didn't think I'd make it through. But I did! Yippee for me!
And then watched the boys swim for a while...and then back home! Whew!! Just another busy day in our house!!
Now I'm hoping to snuggle with the hubby and watch a back episode of 24. Have a great night!!

Better today...!

How can you not smile looking at these pictures?? Today the three kids had a BALL playing the bathroom sink! Honestly, if I hadn't stopped them they would have "washed their hands" all afternoon!

I love the picture of Avi holding Nick's hand... it is so sweet. And then Nick's smile... how can you not think that is the cutest? He was so happy in the water. He kept saying "more! more!" and wanted me to put soap on his hands, just so he could wash it off. Avi liked being in control of the water, and drinking it. And of course De had to get in on the action too!!

So... met with Will's teacher today. And the principal. And the social worker. And about 5 other people who met and talked about what we will do about Will. Seems he is falling behind, has a really hard time concentrating, can hardly focus most of the time. I'm so worried about him. But he started a homework club this week, which is great because it was such a struggle to get his homework done. He also is going to join a social group... something about feelings. He could use it. And he might start getting reading/comprehension help. He needs that too. All these things!! He is seeing his regular pediatrician next week so we'll see what she says about it, too.

Colby had his first soccer practice today! He loved it!! It was so cool to see him play. He looks so little! And then Samantha had softball... it was warm when it started and then got SO COLD by the time it was over. And then we went to Friendly's for dinner. Not too good for my points... but I've done SO good this week... I'll just have to do extra good tomorrow and hope for the best.

Well, bed is calling my name.

Night!

Isn't it interesting...

How one day you can be so excited...and the next so sad? I have an appointment tomorrow to meet with Will's teacher, and the principal, and the social worker, and whoever else is going to be there. They're thinking he may had ADD and I'm not even really sure what this meeting is about... but I'm so nervous. I'm not really sure what we're going to talk about... or how it is going to go. I really wanted Art to go... but as usual, he has to work and forgot to take it off. I'm literally sick to my stomach over this. I guess I just assumed it would be a priority to him, like it is to me. Maybe I'm just being over emotional because I'm so nervous??? I don't know. Even the thought of playing with my new toy doesn't excite me. It's just been one of those days.... the babysitting kids cried most of the time... was running around to try to get to Girl Scouts on time... two girls' dad was 1/2 hour late to pick them up... then find out Art can't go tomorrow... and I'm not going to the Y like I planned... man... I hate times like this.
I guess I can look at it the other way... that I am perfectly capable of going by myself, and doing whatever needs to be done to get the help Will needs. I CAN do it. Either way, I WILL do it.
Enough belly aching for today.

Happy early birthday to me!!!

I convinced Art to get me a Cricut for my birthday...and my good friend Amy had a raincheck for one at ACMoore for only $139 so we paid her for it and it's MINE!! Of course, I *had* to open it and try it out!!! And I did a layout already! (see above) I cut the title with the Cricut!! I also tried something new... I printed the black and white photos of Colby onto white cardstock and then colored the snow cones in with crayons!! I got the idea from egyptianmommy on Scraptown.com . I love it!
So, aside from playing with my new Cricut today...I babysat, and cleaned... and finished the taxes! Nothing like waiting until the last minute! I didn't do that on purpose, it just ended up that way. But they're on their way to the IRS now so I can breathe!

Tonight seems like the last "nothing going on" day we have for a few days. Soccer, softball, scouts, dr. appts. and a bunch of school activities are coming up between tomorrow and Sunday!! Here we go!
Have a great night!

Monday Chatter

Well...this morning I had to get 2 fillings in my mouth. Ouch. It really hurt! (...and I'm a big baby, which doesn't help). My mouth was numb all day... which made it extremely hard to eat!! I *had* to eat all the chocolate ice cream because it was soft... :*)
Babysat all day... the two girls weren't here for the past 10 days, and you could tell. Boy were they cranky. Ugh.
And after school, took the kids to the YMCA. I did another aerobics class and the kids played in the "prime time" child care. They had fun, but were very upset that we didn't go swimming. I'll keep that in mind next time..!
We played Color and Shape Bingo tonight... Will and Colby both got some good practice. Althought it gets hard for Will, being color blind. He mixes up the brown and the green and sometimes the red. It depends on the shade and the darkness. But we got two games in, made the kids happy and they didn't even realize they were learning at the same time!
Have a great night!

They're coming home today!

Samantha and Will are coming home today! Won't they be surprised to see the snow and ice outside. It was raining when we woke up, it quickly turned to snow... and it's been coming down (heavy) ever since.
I went to Michael's today and bought a Cricut cartidge! Ha ha, I don't even have a Cricut... yet. But I'm pretty sure I've made it quite clear to Art that that's what I'm expecting for my birthday! Let's hope he comes through!
School is supposed to be back on tomorrow... we'll see, with all this weather. I'd certainly enjoy a day with Samantha and Will since I haven't seen them since Tuesday. But Colby really *needs* to go to school.
Better get back to my scrapbooking! HAGD!

Check out this site!

If you go here http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/index.php?referral/15436/ I will get credit!

Fun Day with Colby!

Today it was just me and Colby (no babysitting, and Sam and Will are still in Virginia)... So we had a fun day! Well, we started off at the YMCA
for my power sculpting class that I recently discovered. I was still wicked sore from going on Wednesday, but luckily she worked *different* muscles today. All I have to say about the class is OUCH. Colby got to play in the Prime Time, and he loved it! I can definitely see myself utilizing that feature a lot more in the future!!!

After that, we headed straight to CMOST... which stand for Children's Museum of Science and Technology. We met my friend Heather and her entourage of kids. Damaris is 6... she is the girl in the photo above with Colby. They had a lot of fun together, playing and exploring. It isn't a very big museum (and I'm happy to say, I had free coupons!) but it is fun. Colby's favorite part was the animals. The owl in the picture above is named Otis. They also had lots of fish, turtles, snakes, and some very cool hands-on gadgets. Colby and I even got to be on TV-- well, they had a thing set up where you can be a weather reporter and they play it back on the TV. Colby was too shy so I did all the talking!

After that, a quick stop at the insurance place, a quick run through Big Lots, and then back home with a very tired Colby. Who, by the way, bought a very cool $12 snake at the museum that he is loving.

It was a fun day... so nice to spend with my little guy alone. And so nice to see my friend Heather, who I don't get to see often.

What happened to Spring?

It seemed like spring the other day... a nice sunshine day... we went for a walk... the fresh air was so nice! Then we woke up today to snow. It's been snowing and sleeting all day. It's only sticking a little, but it sure is icy. And cold. And slushy and muddy. Man! What happened to Spring?? Where did the sun go? I really hope my tulips don't die.
Colby had a Fun Day with Grandpa today, so it was just me and Sami and Will for about 4 hours. I was able to finish up my Designer's Challenge for Scraptown (see my gallery at Scraptown.com) and get it uploaded. I'm very happy with the result!
I'm not sure what the plan is for tonight. I'm going to use some leftover ham for dinner. And I'll most definitely watch Grey's Anatomy. But other than that, there are no plans. Can't go outside, and I don't want to drive....
Have a great day! Let's all close our eyes and think *real hard* and hope for Spring to come back SOON!!

Easy Day

This is a family picture that was taken on Easter. Colby, Grandma Lorna, Daddy, Will in front, Grandpa Bill, me leaning on the couch, and Samantha laying on the top.


Today was an easy day. Samantha and Will made it to Virginia!! I've gotten 3 phone calls and 1 email. It was raining in Virginia but stopped when they got there. Yeah!!! They are excited because they get to sleep on bunk beds.
Colby spent the night last night at Amy's... so no Colby here today. I went and did a "Power Sculpting" class at the YMCA. OUCH!!! OMG, it was a workout. But I'm glad I did it, I really need to lose weight and tone up.
I have Nick here and he is sleeping. Braelyn is here too, and we have been playing Disney DVD Bingo... she is so adorable with that game! She gets excited waiting to see which square is called next... and then gets super excited when one of her's is picked! She is the best! Reminds me why I love 3 year olds!!!!
Tonight I really want to bring the puppy for a walk because they're forcasting SNOW tonight. Aww man!!!

Bye bye

Today, my mother and her boyfriend Wally are taking Samantha and Will on a vacation to Virginia. We are busily packing up. They are SO excited!! They've packed the DVD players and DVDs, Gameboys, books, papers, webkinz, pillows, chips, blankies...they're all set!! I've made them promise to write in a notebook everyday to tell me what they've done. And hopefully mom will take pictures!! I will miss my little guys so much-- a week is a long time! On the flipside though, me and Colby will get to spend some special quality time togther :) Not sure what exactly we'll do but we'll do something. I hope Virginia is warm... it just figures that this is a cold spell. Either way, I'm sure they'll find a way to have a blast! I just hope they can get along for a week or else it will drive Grammy and Wally insane (I know this firsthand!).

Bye bye, Samantha and Will... Mommy loves you!!! Have fun!

Happy Monday!

Happy Easter!

I took this picture yesterday of my mother and the kids and I love it!! They look so sweet, and so big, and my mother looks so pretty!

We had a great day yesterday. The Easter Bunny came to our house and left baskets full of toys and candy. He also hid eggs all over the house! We went to church, where the choir sang my favorite songs, which is always nice. And then on to Aunt Terry's where we visited with family. And we also had PASKA bread! Yum yum! And then back home for dinner, I cooked it myself and it was delicious. The inlaws were eat for Easter Dinner, so we took some pictures, too. It was a great day!!!

Now we are looking at a week off of school... but Samantha and Will are going to Virginia with Grammy and Wally from Tuesday until Sunday. I will MISS them... but it will be nice to spend the time with Colby.

Have a great Monday!

The Easter Bunny is on its way!

Hippity, Hoppity Easter's on its way!

I can't believe tonight is Easter Eve! We dyed our eggs last night and they turned out so pretty! We only have one pink egg... and Samantha did it! Although she swears that she was trying to get red because she hates pink!

The house is coming together... The Easter Bunny only comes to clean houses, right? That's what my kids think!

HAPPY EASTER!!

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. It is going to be a busy day here at our house. We have lots of errands to run, and I'm bringing the kids swimming at the Y. Will has Boy Scouts tonight, we need to color eggs, and clean the house because MIL is coming tomorrow.
Yesterday, Little Samantha threw up all over Big Samantha's bed... and then all around the bathroom on her way to the potty. Yuck yuck yuck!! We disinfected the bathroom and are praying that no one gets sick now.
Samantha is excited-- she's saved up enough money to buy her own DS! We're going to pick that up today.
Almost Easter- I can't wait to get pictures of the eggs, the egg hunt, the family time on Sunday... and I'm very eager to eat some paska bread!!!
Happy Good Friday!

Hi, my name is Tracy....

Being the good Girl Scout Leader and volunteer that I am, I agreed to participate in the annual "Phonathon" this year, last night. Last year it was actually fun. This year, it was *anything* but fun. Two hours of calling people, giving the little shpiel (that I messed up almost every time) just to be told NO. In two hours, I got FOUR people to pledge money. I probably called 100. It was very discouraging.... had to eat a bag of M & Ms just to make myself happy.

So, that makes something Scouts-related three times this week. That's GIRL Scouts... Will also has a BOY scout meeting this Friday. That only leaves Thursday, and stupid me signed Samantha up for Firecrackers. I'm thinking we may have to bow out of that, but we'll go to the meeting to see what it is about anyways.

I am wishing to be in a bath tub... "Calgon, take me away"... oh, that would be heaven.

Right now, gotta run... more volunteering! I've got School Banking to go to today!!

Another milestone

Forgot to mention, on Saturday Colby LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH. See the picture... and *please* excuse the yucky nose. I can say that he was sick that day (and he was... had a fever from Thursday-Sunday)... but really, Colby always has a yucky nose for some reason. And I never seem to notice *before* I take the picture.... herm....

He already had a "shark tooth" growing behind it... so it will be interesting to see how quickly it moves up. Colby hated having a loose tooth... he complained that it hurt to eat everything, and he even tried getting out of school because of it!! Ha ha, nice try. He also has one of the top teeth loose, but that one doesn't seem to bother him as much.

Blog Challenge part 2

Here is the layout to go with the blog challenge that Jenny posted on Scraptown.com and also on here blog.

That's me! And those are my 3 most unlucky things.

As for life right now, two kids are still sick. Samantha has an awful cough, had a temp all weekend, and is losing her voice. Colby has had a fever all weekend, coughing, and now has a little diarrhea. Aahh-- life with kids! Thankfully, Will isn't sick. Let's hope he doesn't catch it, this sickness seems to linger.

Samantha has her first softball practice tonight. She won't be able to go, since she's home from school. There's a chance of rain so they just might cancel it anyway. I'm hoping-- I hate when she misses stuff like that. Especially since she really wants to go. She even gave up going to a birthday party to go to softball practice!

And tonight is a Girl Scout Leader meeting. My troop is working on a Service patch, and they are serving refreshments tonight. Should be interesting! The agenda shows that this meeting will be VERY busy... and we don't usually have girls there...! Here's hoping it goes well!

Have a great Monday!