Christmas version - Get to know me

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrap
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Fake
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Right after New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? YES – Yummy!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Annie Mansion
8. Hardest person to buy for? Anthony
9. Easiest person to buy for? Creighton, he is very vocal on what he would like.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Croqueted ear-warmers that looked more like nipple warmers. But, it is the thought that counted.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Day after Thanksgiving...continues 'til Christmas Eve
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? English Toffee
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? Of course Colorado Christmas (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and The Christmas Song...Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, Jack Frost Nipping at your Nose. lalalalalala
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Depends on the year...this year, a star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both, Christmas Eve with my Dad and Christmas Morning, with In-laws
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? So much to do, so little time.
23. What I love most about Christmas? Seeing the magic through the eyes of my kids, their smiles, hope, dreams, and love.

Why I Love Colorado at Christmas

I got this email from Grannie and thought it was fitting.

When it's Christmas in Colorado,
And the gentle breezes blow,
About seventy miles an hour
And its fifty-two below,
You can tell you're in Colorado
'Cause the snow's up to your butt.
You take a breath of Christmas air
And your nostrils both freeze shut.
The weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I'll hang around,
I could never leave Colorado--
My feet are frozen to the ground!

I LOVE Christmas Cards

I absolutely love sending and receiving Christmas cards. Do you?

Wild Wild West (aka Denver Shootings)

Over on my sister's blog, she wrote a post about this past weekends shoots at two places of worship. Now let me say that I don't think anyone should have a gun, except for hunting and varmint control. Yes, I would sing kumbahya dancing in a field of wildflowers in my Utopian society.

There is a comment about maybe the wild wild wild west was a safer place to be. What I wonder is how many innocent people were killed by their recklessness. I am all for drug dealers killing drug dealers and other wastes in society. In fact, I say lets get them together and put them in an arena with as many rounds that they want and let them have a game of "bullet-paintball". Our crowded jail problem solved. But what gets me are the innocent ones who's lives end too soon and their potential lost forever.

As for the crazies who snap...I just shake my head. For the most part, they are younger folks who haven't even been faced with life's true adversities. Okay, there truly are people who have mental problems, however there are many who do not who are being diagnosed. We are so quick to slap a name on undesirable behavior, ask society for lower expectations on their behave, medicate them heavily, and then what? Question to ponder...are we filling these people with their self-doubt and helplessness which leads to this severe hatred for human life? The mental health industry makes me sick... I think as a society we need to buck up and deal with it. Life is not wonderful....if it were, we would not have a need for an idyllic heaven and the promises of God to bribe us through life. And, if you feel you can not make it another day, leave everyone alone, be finished with you and face the consequence as you go before your maker.

2 Santas & An Elf

Winter Fun

In our neighborhood park, there is a nice hill. Snow + hill = Sledding!!! This is how my kids love to spend their winter weekends.

Blessings in Disguise

Thought for today...

How do you know when something is an unanswered prayer or a blessing in disguise or just plain misfortune? Are they all the same, from different prospectives?

The Weather Outside is Frightful

Oh, wait... that was last year. We are having a very mild end of fall, beginning of winter. Last year we had already had about 4 snow storms. This year, only 1 and it was hardly a dusting.

I feel like sing, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

The weather folks have snow scheduled for tonight. We will see!

Worrying

Audrey's teacher has a poster with this saying on it in her classroom and it touches me everytime I read it. So, I thought I would share it with you. I know this time of year makes me worry alot...about money, family, and did I mention money already.

"Worrying today doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's strengths." unknown

Cheers to the holiday season!

Q & A

My sister had this up on her blog. Here are my answers


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Just now, watch Seb play the piano


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING No


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Cheese


5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2 Sons, 1 Daughter


6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? yes


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Who me?


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes


9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No


10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Life


11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No


12. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE STRONG? Yes


13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? My Grandma's homemade vanilla


14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile


15. RED OR PINK? Red


16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I procrastinate


17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandmother


18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jeans and an orange sweater


19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Tuna sandwich


20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My sister on the phone


21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red


22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Clean laundry, snow, my kids


23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister


24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, we go back a long way


25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?


26. HAIR COLOR? Blondish


27. EYE COLOR? Gray


28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sometimes


29. FAVORITE FOOD? Sushi


30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings


31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't remember.


32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Orange


33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter


34. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs


35. FAVORITE DESSERT? Creme Brule


36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? We Need To Talk About Kevin.


37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one.


38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LATE LAST NIGHT? Good Eats


39. FAVORITE SOUND? Silence


40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones


41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany


42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Making people laugh.


43. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Denver, Colorado

My Goblins

Sorry this took so long.

Pumpkin Carving Party

For the past 2 years, I have hosted a Pumpkin Carving Party for the neighborhood kids who are in our acquaintance. We plan it for outside and start praying to the Mother Nature in late July for good weather (at least dry weather). She has not disappointed yet. This year, we had 15 kids and their parents for a total of 35 carvers. Our house sits on a 1/2 acre (doesn't sound much for my rural readers) but this is quite large here in the city. It is the perfect venue for carving tables in the yard (wood set on blocks and covered with plastic). Cider, withes brew and punch in a cauldron on the back porch and a potluck staring Chili and Butternut Squash Soup. The menu concluded with a pumpkin-styled cake and pumpkin pie.

Audrey along with her buddies crafted scary faces with googly eyes and scars. Creighton took on the project as a personal quest. He cut the lid, cleaned the pumpkin, designed and carved the face all on his own. He would not allow any help. His Jack O'lantern is a classic masterpiece. While Carson, hummmmm, he scribbled out a face and then talked someone else into carving it. He was too busy chasing his friends around in the "Jungle" as the kids call the bottom half of the yard.

I have so much fun watching the pumpkins transform into Jack O'lanterns, seeing my community of families turn into my village, and experiencing the last days of autumn as they slip into winter's slumber. I received one of the best compliments of my life from one of the moms who has become a good friend. She said. "You make it look so easy." Thank you, Susan. I love to host this event and I will have it every year until no one wants to come.

The Future...

One of my best friends is an instructor at one of the satellite schools for the University of Minnesota. She has her masters degree in paleoanthropology and has participated in several digs around the world. Since having children she has started teaching at the university level as way to supplement the family income.

During one of our talks, she mentioned to me that she is concerned about the course she is teaching this semester as the mean grade on her last exam was a D. She continues... She tells me about the syllabus, the daily lecture outlines that she gives before each lecture, and the four to five page exam study sheet (which she tells them is all inclusive of the material that will be on the exam) and still the students are at a D level.

What! Basically all the students have to do is show up to class. They don't even need to take notes because she has a lecture outline available and maybe review with an all inclusive study guide before the exam and surely they should be able to get a C. Isn't nine-tenths of life is just showing up.

So as a parent and college graduate, I find this appalling. And I hope all of you do, too. College the last step before entering the "real world" and this how we are prepping our next generation. Now, I really don't want to debate the generation XYZ crap. As part of Gen X, I find all that just a bunch of rubbish. But what I do think is relevant (which might be a generational issue) is that these students have any accountability for their performance and no respect for the accomplishments. Is this upbringing, technology, nature, nurture, blah, blah, blah? I don't know, but it is scary. I know that when I went to university, there wasn't an outline for each lecture. I was expected to attend class and take notes, read the text, and study for exams, PERIOD!

So I advised my friend to stop with all the study aids. Then, she said, my teacher evaluations will drop and I might not get my contract renewed. Here inlays the problem. She is evaluated as a teaching professional by those she is trying to educate, who couldn't care in the least bit whether they learn the material or not or for that matter earn a passing grade. These students will be in the professional workforce with a bachelors degree no less in a few years. Do they think their employer is going to provide them with an outline for their project? This is seriously setting them up for failure.

By the way, isn't college expensive? I wonder who is footing the bill for all this incompetence? Something to think about for all of you who have college funds building for your young ones... The best successes are the those accomplished on your own with accountability, persistence, determination and hard work. With love, these are my parenting values. Hopefully, I am giving my kids the recipe for success (however defined) and happiness.

World Series...Oh Yeah Baby!

I am so ready for this.

GO Rockies! Go Rockies! Go Rockies!

Anonymity

Over on my blog, I get quite a bit of traffic from work colleagues. So I can't really write about this over there.

I'm hoping that not many of them bother to come here given that Steph rarely updates her blog. But the people who I want to read this keep coming back time and time again with an endless hope that she will.

Work in Progress is one of my favourite blogs. I love how Lisa writes and usually I find what she writes interesting. When I've got something to say, I leave a comment.

So, go check out this post and subsequent comments. Pay particularly close attention to the string of comments.

I'm famous - AGAIN!!!!

Let's hope I don't get fired. :-)

Hockey

Don't be fooled. My sister is really a hockey fan. She doesn't care about baseball!

Go Rockies Go!!!!

Can you hear the crack of the bat? We can here in Colorado. Tonight is the start of the Rockies run for the National League Championship Series.

Game 1 - Rockies @ Diamondbacks/ 6:37pm

GO ROCKIES GO!!!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary

Today marks the day Anthony and I said, "I do." And, I would do it all over again. I love you, sweetie! Cheers to our next ten...imagine what they will bring!

I am freezing.

I am cold and I can't seem to get warm. It is in the high 50s. Not too bad, right? But still I am freezing. Why is it that in the summer 72 degrees in the house is hot but in the winter it is cozy even with long pants, a sweater, and socks. Isn't 72 degrees the same no matter the season? I am a mental case , I know. Oh...welcome fall and soon winter.

First Day of Preschool - From YouTube

It is a seriously funny video from the blog I read called Looky Daddy! He is a Stay@Home Dad of three daughters (a 7 year old and twins who are 3) with a wild sense of humor. Heeee heeee!

Out of the Mouth of Babes!

Yesterday, while Audrey attended dance class, Anthony, the boys and I met my friend Shannon and her little boy, Logan at the park. We brought the boy's bikes and they rode around the lake while we walked quickly behind. We instructed the boys to stop at every bench and wait for us to catch up. As we chatted and walked the boys zipped from bench to bench.

The park was quite busy yesterday as it was a lovely day and everyone was taking the opportunity to walk their dogs or just get some exercise in the fresh air. Their was an older and extremely distraught woman walking towards us that was saying, "I don't think your mother would like to hear you saying that!" She continued, "Are you their Mothers?"
"Yes," we replied.
She asked, "Did you know your boys are saying 'Son of a Bitch'?"
"WHAT!" "Which ones," we inquired.
"I don't know. The little one look the same," she replied.
Oh no! BOYSSSSSS!

So we questioned them about who is saying naughty words and who needed vinegar. They were totally perplexed. No one is saying any bad words, Mommy.
Hummmmm!

What the boys were really saying... STOP AT THE BENCH!

R Y Ready 4 Some Football?

Yesterday marked the begin of the 2007-2008 Bronco season. Yeah! I am not a super big fan of football. But, what I do like is Bronco Sunday! Carson has the right idea.


We had a nice and relaxing day. Bronco game at 11am, some other game at 2pm (aka. nap time), chili for dinner and games with the kids in the evening. Oh yeah.....my kind of day. Bring on Fall!

Small World

When Anthony and I moved to Dallas in 1997, we had this unspoken assumption that we wouldn't know anyone there (apart from my mom and my brother) and the probability of us bumping into someone we knew was slim to none. This anonymity was great and lonely at the same time.

In Dallas as a new married couple, we had our Sunday routine (if I wasn't traveling) of a late breakfast, grocery shopping and being lazy the rest of the day. One Sunday, the Bronco game was going to be televised in Dallas, so we hurried off to the store fashioning our most comfy Bronco sweatshirt and hat with our assumed anonymity in tote. As I walked down the middle aisle, I think I see another Bronco shirt. "Strange," I thought, and went along with my shopping. As the other Bronco fan neared, she appear familiar. Wishful thinking right? But yes, I did know her. She went to high school with me at Lakewood and we also cheered together. I had to act! "Carrie," I said. She didn't hear me. "CARRIE!" I said louder. She turns and makes the connection as we both say. "What are you doing in Dallas?" And laughter and shock covered us. We exchanged numbers and were able to get together a couple times a year while we lived in Dallas and would talk about Denver. What we missed. What we were glad to leave behind. And, if and when we thought we would move back. Her husband and she always hosted a "NFL Season Opener" party that we would go to sporting our Bronco fashion. It was always a good time to see them.

After we had the twins, our world went upside down. And we didn't see really anyone and our focus turned to raising three kids, 2 and under, and how in the hell were we going to move back to Denver. Anthony was stressed at work and I was crazy at home. Fun year! We managed, but unfortunately we lost that connection with Carrie and Scott.

Fast-forward to this past Christmas, when to my surprise I get a card from Carrie. It is a picture of her and Scott and their two lovely little boys. But the background of the picture wasn't in Dallas but in Denver. And a little note inscribed on the photo that read, "We followed you back home. Give me a call." It was nice to see how their family had grown. But with the holidays and all the chaos of everyday life, I put the card up and decided to call after Christmas. June rolls around as I am looking through photos and I find Carrie's card. I call immediately. We catch up and she lets me know that they are planning their NFL party for September and would like us to come. Great, great!

As many of you know, I work for a catering company on a independent-contractor basis during the wedding season. In the 3+ years I have been catering, I have only bumped into someone I have known once. This Friday night as I was working the buffet line, there is Carrie and Scott. Saturday is their party. But no, I run into them on Friday night. What are the odds? Are cosmic forces bring us together? It is the craziest! Do I have you all singing It's a Small World yet?

Empty Nest

Okay...not really, but for at least 2.5 hours. Audrey was in her line without us for the first time as we watched from afar. We waited in line with Carson and Creighton as they walked in to class like it was old hat. I cried.

Here is a slideshow of Audrey's first day of 2nd grade and Carson and Creighton in kindergarten.

Back 2 School Night

Here are some pictures from back-2-school night. All three in school...I can't believe it. I am a ball of nerves!

The Night Before The First Day of School - Insomnia

Ever since my school years, I have not be able to sleep the night before school starts. This continues even when I am not the student, but the parent. Why can't I fall asleep?

Since I was the last of five siblings, my mom was not attentive to the particulars of my mundane childhood activities. She had been there and done that. This of course is not mentioned in regret but simply a fact of my upbringing which makes me who I am...independent and slightly odd. I always took the first day of school as a chance to reinvent myself, to right wrongs, be a better student, make new friends or strengthen old relationships, start with a clean slate. Every year I had my back-2-school ritual which included the following. I would ride my bike several times a summer to see if the class list had been posted. I am sure that the ride began with the first month of schools release and the list was never posted before August. It actually took me until adulthood the figured that out. Once the list was revealed, I would examine all the names of my classmates and determine if they would be my friend. I don't ever remember being disappointed with my teacher assignment. Once I figured all this out, I would start asking my mom to buy school supplies. Still today, this is still one of my favorite activities. I just love the way they smell and all the potential they hold. And then the school clothes. Although I received very few school clothes, I always got one outfit for the first day from my maternal grandparents. This would be my most treasured outfit for the year.

The evening before I would be sure to take a bath, set my outfit out, sort my supplies (again) and nestle myself in bed. And then the night would hit and BAMMMMM, I can't sleep. I always had such sleep deprivation that I actually have no memory of any of the my first days back. I would be in a groggy blur all day.

So now as a parent, it continues. My kids seem to be immune. I don't think they have any anxiety at all. Audrey did ask me to paint her nails before bed and then she was out and the boys settled down straight away after hugs and kisses. Me, I am still awake.

Best Blogs

Since my sister is away on holiday, I have taken her advise and are checking out other blogs found on the "Best Blog" site. I found this one written by a Stay@Home Dad and his adventures with his daughters which include identical twin girls and an older one. Check it out if you like to read misadventures of family life and raising twins. Of course I got a big kick out of it.

http://www.lookydaddy.com/weblog/

To Love A Pet

As you are probably aware, our family has two beagles, Tucker (9.5 years old) and Tabbie (almost 8 years old). I can remember so clearly the day we brought Tucker home as we cared for him like a baby, our first born. He was our test-run to see if maybe we were fit to be parents. We adored him and praised his growth. As we tried to start a family which was more difficult than expected. And after 9 months of infertility treatments, we decided to hold off on the baby and that is when Tabbie came to live with us. Much to our delight, the next month we discovered we were expecting Audrey and Carson and Creighton followed 2 years and 3 months later.

So you ask, what does this all have to do with loving your pets? Our once beloved and adored dogs are now aging and frankly, the last priority on our long list of responsibilities. So the last few weeks I have been pondering...What is our moral obligation to our pets? Is it to provide them with a loving home and feed them? Or, is it to provide them with the same care and consideration we would our human companions?

As I was raised, pets were to be outside and outside only. We have departed from that philosophy as both of our dogs are inside pets. They sleep is a nice comfy bed (ours) every night and treated as one of the family. Now for the big moral question...how much medical care should be provide so that they can live a life outside of the typical life span? I worked for a short stint at a veterinary association and developed programs for vet re-certification as well as managed a class for vets who are adding acupuncture to their practice. Yes, you read that correctly, pet acupuncture. The programs I arranged were across the board for veterinary medicine from treating cancer, eye disease, brain dysfunction and so on.

While I was working there I never questioned the why. I couldn't. I stayed focus on developing the best programs for the market. But, I am questioning it now, big time. Why are we doing this? I don't have the answer.

When we returned home from the reunion, Tucker wasn't feeling well and he urinated all over the house during the night, including on me on my bed while I was sleeping. I knew something was wrong. So every time I take our dogs to the vet, I prep myself for the worst case scenario. As we have a growing family that stretches our financial means, it is always an issue of money. To walk into the office is $45 and testing for a diagnosis is even more expensive. And the sad thing is that once they figure out was is wrong, the likelihood of affording treatment is not going to happen. So in my case, we think that Tucker has a urinary tract infection. The other possible problem could be bladder stones. Both are treatable for the right price. Bladder stone would require surgery and the UTI, antibiotics. So we did the test (another $45, thank you) and started him on the antibiotics (another $20, thank you again). We will receive the test results today, which might be inconclusive anyways. We opted not to have blood tests done (for a mere $145) since we know that if bladder stones were discovered we would not do the surgery. If Tucker does not recover with his round of antibiotics, we will have to say our goodbyes.

While at the vets office, l felt awful, like the most unethical scum. How could I not treat something that can be fixed? Don't you love your dog? You must be the most shameful pet owner. This is the most awful feeling. And, yes, I love my dogs, but my priorities are for my children. How are we expected to go into debt for life saving treatments for our pets when they have lived a good life...maybe not a long as possible, but still a good life. Should only the people that can afford medical care own pets? Or, is it adequate to give them a satisfied life with food, shelter, and love for the time they are here?

Hacker Alert

Not really....but my sister has let me have authorship rights to fix the flower pic on the left. Now it is perfect and she will probably revoke my rights after this post!

LaDawn Rules the Blogsphere!

First Day of Summer

Ahhhhh! Summer is here...here at last. We had record high temps yesterday, so it felt more like summer yesterday than today. The clouds kept the temps lower today but not by much.

The kids and I went swimming with my Shannon and her kids, Taylor and Logan. We had a good time splashing around. I am definitely not a sun goddess, but I am enjoying the nice weather. And, a good time was had by all.

Top 5 Things About Summer:

5. Flip-Flops

4. Roasting marshmallows in my chimenea

3. Fresh linens right off the clothesline

2. Family Picnics/Carson Family Reunion

1. Strawberry Shortcake

Ohhh, how I love strawberry shortcake...the way my nanny made it. With old-fashion shortcake (biscuit-like) and sliced strawberries macerated in a little sugar and half-n-half.

Happy Birthday to me!

Today, I am officially one year older. Hopefully I am wiser, more patient, and definitely happier!

1st Grade Play

At the end of the year, Audrey music teacher, Mrs. Axelson has produced class plays for each and every grade. Here are a few pics from Audrey's 1st grade play. Unfortunately, Mrs. Axelson retired this year. And this might be Audrey's first and only performance. I hear that the music teachers organize these plays on their own time and with most of the expense coming from their own pocket. How unfortunate!!!

Audrey's play was "Mice from Outer Space" and the moral of the story was that we all might be different but we all bring value and must learn to live together peacefully. How democratic of them! Audrey did have a speaking line. After the space mice have saved the earth mice from the bad cat, Audrey pleads...."Does this mean we can stay here with you?" After a week of practice, she was right on que and performed it beautifully. My little Drama Queen.

Death Inevitable

I got the notice today from my doctor during my first physical EVER. Yes, I will die....hopefully not for 50+ years but maybe tomorrow. My condition....I am fat! Apparently, being fat causes every ailment known to man or western medical professionals. Did you know that being fat (even slightly) causes heartburn which leads at digestive cancers, shortness for breath, exhaustion, knee and hip pain even though I had an injury in the hip and knee while cheerleading in high school. Hummmmmm....interesting. Treatment....don't be fat. How, you ask? NO CARBS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! Poor carbs...it must feel awful being the enemy of all Americans. Do you think they are companions for the Al-Queda? Maybe they give each other comfort. So what do I take from this. Try to reduce my intake of carbs. Take Prilosect for my fat induce heartburn and calcium to counteract the heartburn meds so I don't have any bone loss. I surely can't have that happen since I am only 4'11" now. Be active and enjoy my life how ever long it will be. Well, I guess, I will have to be fat and happy with a few heath risks.

Daily Note

Addiction--- The computer in general and in voyeuristic fashion, reading blogs. It is the new people watching. It seems that I don't have time to write my own since I am reading everyone else's.

Health Update:
Anthony back to normal.
Carson is now on antibiotics but will remain on the couch for the rest of today.
Tabbie is still hurting, but has made strides to go out in the backyard and get some sun. Hopefully, we will see her feeling much better by the end of the weekend.
Audrey, Creighton and myself seem to be healthy....fingers crossed.

It is a little after noon and still I am unshowered. Anthony, Creighton and Audrey are on a field trip with her class swimming. Carson and I are at home. Going to a play tonight...note to self...take a shower.

You all are asking for more frequent updates...This is the drudgery you get.

Everyone Sick

So the whole family is sick! Anthony and Carson have strep. And, Tabbie, our dog has a strained back. I took Tabbie to the vet yesterday. Since Saturday, she had been really lethargic, can't jump up, and yipping when being picked up. I was really scared for her. The vet did blood work to eliminate the potential of infection and everything came back good. He diagnosed her with a strained back, gave her a shot for pain and pain meds for home and sent us on our way. He said that it will back 7-10 days before she is feeling better and to minimize her activity. This is not a problem since the pain meds knock her out and all she seems to be doing is farting. PEEYOU! YUCK! She looks so sad and I feel so sad for her. Normally, I am cursing her name as she is my shadow and I am constantly tripping over her. However, like Peter Pan, I miss my shadow and wish Wendy would come and make everything better.

Carson and Creighton had a "Graduation" from Pre-school picnic today, however Carson could not attend since he was sick. Creighton was on the fence about going without Carson. However, I was able to persuade him to go and he and I had a lovely picnic with his classmates.

I had to work an event last night so I was tired today. So I laid down for an hour and then took Carson to the doctor (diagnosis - strep throat), then I was off to pick up Audrey from school. It was pissing down rain. It was my turn for carpool to gymnastics so I got Taylor, Logan and Audrey and off we went to gymnastics. Got a coffee from the vending machine at the gym and enjoyed watching Audrey try to do a cartwheel. She has been working on this for 1 year and $500 in gymnastics class fee but she can finally do it. Well, she thinks so and that is what matters. Of you that knew me as a child you know that I came out of the womb cartwheeling so when my daughter can't do it, I struggle. I love her gym though, because they really work the kids out. They stretch for an entire 15 minutes. It keeps her exercising and she enjoys it.

When I got home, Anthony had made Cheese Broccoli soup and Tastee Burgers for dinner and now I am relaxing with my thoughts as I write this. Good night all!

Hair

My mother has had the same hair style for an eternity. She will disagree, but sorry Mom, spikier is not a whole new do. Well, for me it really isn't the same style but more like a hair cycle. I have naturally blond (although I do highlight it some) fine hair, greasy hair. As I child my Nanny had the theory that if we kept cutting it, it would eventually grow. WRONG!!! As I have aged my hair now has a funky little wave to it also. I have a heart shaped face with more than desired chubby checks and, thanks to my dad, a double chin. Now that we have the background, my hair cycle looks like this: I cut it - usually to a chin-length bob or some trendy flippy thing. Then, I have a day where I don't shower right off the bat. Ah OH! What do I do now? Greasy, flat, short hair. If I wear a cap, I look bald. So, I put on earrings. (That is what mom would do.) So then I say to myself, self grow your hair out so you can pull it up. Now the cycle continues. My hair is now in the in-between stage. The worst of all hair stages. Bangs too short to go behind ears, layers that are too long to flip but too short for any other option. It is really hard to resist cutting at this point. So I tough it out to shoulder length when I can finally pull my hair up...but here is the catch. I don't like the way I look with my hair up. And now my hair is too long, fine and most of the time oily to bet be left down. I need professional help!

Mother's Day Fun

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Thank you to Anthony, my most beloved husband, and yes my beautiful children.

I was working on an event until 1 am so in the morning, I was slow to move. But (horns playing - dit, dit, dit, dittttttt) Anthony made my favorite breakfast, Eggs Benedict. Yummmm! Next, the children presented me with their gifts. This year was the first year that all of my kids made their own gift and were able to sign their own name. Sun shining and angels singing!!! That was the best Mother's Day present of all. Anthony and Audrey also decorated a watering can with pictures of all the kids. It is really cute.

In the afternoon, Anthony packed a lunch and with my Mom and her husband Jack, we all went to the park for an afternoon picnic. The weather was perfect and the kids ran out their energy. We returned home to plant some garden items that my mom had given me. Thanks, Mom and Jack.

Finally, off we went to Anthony's parents for BBQ to celebrate Grannie's birthday. It was a relaxing evening with the family. And, like I said the weather was gorgeous. Thank you, Mother Nature.

Too Close to Home

On Saturday around midnight a house five doors west of my mom's house exploded. This is crazy and super scary. Police are still trying to determine what happened. Unfortunately, there was one fatality. Here is a link to the 9News website where my mom is quoted.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=68081

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Yesterday, was a wonderful Colorado spring day. Probably not in the sense most of you imagine with bright sunshine, but with blustery winds, great for kite flying. I went to the dentist in the morning and when I got home, I packed up Carson and Creighton (and Anthony, too) and we went to the neighborhood park and flew our kites. It was chilly and the boys had their coats on but they loved seeing how high their kite would fly. Carson has a Super Grover (Sesame Street) and Creighton has a Transformers kite. The winds were just right and up, up, and up they went. We only had one major malfunction with a tree and Grover lost his tail. The boy flew their kites like pros. I loved their smiles and giggles. This is one of my joys! It was a magical day!

PS. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures.

Death in the Family

I am sad to say that Carson's beloved goldfish, Lucky passed away on Tuesday, April 10th. He died of natural causes at the age of 10 months. He is survived by the Woodhouse Family, and fellow tank mates Tiger and Dark-siden. Burial services were in the back yard which include the humming of Taps and a few loving words. He will be missed everyday until he is replaced. In lieu of flowers, please post a comment on the post with thoughts and prayers.

The manner of discovering his death played out like this:

Creighton: Carson, I think Lucky is dead.

Carson: What?

Creighton: Lucky is dead.

Carson: Maybe he is sleeping?

Creighton: I don't fink so.

Carson: Why?

Creighton: He is not moving a fing and his back is down! He NOT moving a FING!!!

Carson: Oh no...he isn't moving a FING. He is DEAD! Crying, Crying, Crying......

Audrey Back to Old Self

She is back! Running, jumping, going to school and of coarse fighting with her brothers. She can breathing out of her nose in the morning, but the congestion returns by the afternoon. This will hopefully be completely healed in 6 weeks. Her classmates were happy to see her return. They all had made cards for her to get well soon. Thank you again to everyone who helped in her recovery.

Making a Baby

I got this on an eMail from Anthony's Aunt Nana. It is seriously funny!

MAKING A BABY...
There is not one dirty word in it, and it is funny.
The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family.
On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, "Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon."
Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale.
Good morning, Ma'am", he said, "I've come to...''
Oh, no need to explain," Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."
"Have you really?" said the photographer. "Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?"
"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat"
After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"
"Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there."
"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!"
"Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results."
"My, that's a lot!" gasped Mrs. Smith.
"Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be in and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed w ith that."
"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Smith quietly.
The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus," he said.
"Oh my God!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.
"And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with."
"She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith.
"Yes, I'm afraid so I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look."
"Four and five deep?" said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.
"Yes", the photographer replied. "And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally! , when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in."
Mrs. Smith leaned forward. "Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?"
"It's true, Ma'am, yes. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away."
"Tripod?"
"Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long."
Mrs. Smith fainted.........

Carson's Addiction

My son Carson is a pistol. In fact, my Dad gave me a book on raising a strong-willed child when Carson was only about 18 months old. Bad sign! As you can see from his photos, he is a wee-bit of a kid with his daddy's auburn hair, and eyes, in particular, eyelashes to die for. All of this is a disaster...he can flirt his way out of every jam and yes, it even works on me!

Well a few months ago, he has developed a new skill (don't think he will want this on his resume). He is stealing! Had he been born in the Middle East both his hands and possibly his feet would have been cut off by now. It all started when we were doing our cookie sales for Audrey. We were at a school friend's house getting an order and when we got home, we discovered Carson had stuffed his pockets will all kinds of stuff; marbles, puzzle pieces, a plastic bird and some other little items. I took this opportunity to lecture Carson about not taking our friend's things when we go home and returned the items back to the rightful owners the next morning. I quickly chucked this one to him being 4 and not realizing that they were in his pocket and so on. Then the following week he loaded his pockets with matchbox cars at preschool, and I mean loaded, 11 little cars in all. I don't know how he even keep his pants up. After I discovered his thievery, I marched him straight back to his classroom. I thought that would be embarrassing enough to end this behavior. But NO! The next incident, we are having brunch at our friend's, Leah and Adrian and Audrey tells us that Carson has packed his pockets full of marbles...you know the ones that you use in floral arrangement or to decorate candles. UGH!!! So we quickly had him empty his pockets and had him put them back. As a result, Carson is now frisked upon leaving the Herrera's house.

And then it continues, this morning I caught Carson removing all the cash from Audrey wallet (her tooth-fairy money) and stuffed it in his piggy bank. I can't remove the money without breaking his bank. And then, I got a call from my Mom this morning about him taking a skull and crossbones key chain from the thrift store after she said she wouldn't buy it for him.

I am at wits end. I spoke with one of my friends who I get together with weekly for play dates and she said that she just read an article about this very thing in one of her parenting mags. She promises me that it is phase but that it needs to be resolved before it becomes a habit. Okay, so I have tried all the love and logic ways to no avail. I am thinking that I am going make him wear pants that have no pockets. But also, why is he doing this? She says stress or maybe a change in his life. I can't figure out what is so stressful in this 4 year-old and yes, over-privileged life. How will he handle real adversity? Rob Banks! Okay, so that discussion is a whole other blog.

Do you have any stealing wisdom to share? Or any stories of your own?

Audrey Update

This healing process has been long and hard on Audrey. The first few days weren't quite as bad. She was seriously doped up and all was manageable. However, after that everything has been awful. She is really, really, really bored, lethargic, and starving. She hasn't eaten ANYTHING in days. She doesn't want Popsicles, ice cream, or yogurt. We have managed to have her drink some fluids but very minimal. Her ears hurt which the doctor says in displaced pain from the adenoids. She can't breathe out of her nose, so she is mouth breathing with all the sores in her mouth. Her breathe is awful, no ummmm deadly. And to make matters worse, last night she was outside with the boys while they were playing and Creighton threw a rock and it hit Audrey in the hand. As a result, she now has a large cut in her hand that possibly needed stitches, but it looks ok today. Poor Little Sweetpea! Keep her in your thoughts.

PS. Do you know where we can sell a little boy? Just kidding!!!! (Um, maybe)

To Blog or Not to Blog

I am getting some flack from my sister about me not blogging during my job search. I am searching for the job of my dreams and not just a job so this might be a quite lengthy process. I have had an potential opportunity in the past month which has still been unresolved, but more on that another time. As I mentioned in my introduction blog, I have been an event planner since I graduated from college in 1996. I have planned events for local and national associations, corporations and (my favorite) for business-to-business media companies doing tradeshows. I have specialized in adult continuing education or as we know in the biz "conferences".

I was invited to Anaheim to observe a tradeshow and a potential job opportunity with that organization. It is an amazing tradeshow (made the top 200) and we are currently still playing our "game of poker".

As one of my reader mentioned on another blog that I should not worried about blogging because my life is commendable as I am not a heroine addict, child pornographer or all around party animal, however I don't think that is all employers are looking at. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for someone to fit their corporate culture, a birds of a feather flock together theory. And in an industry such as mine, they are looking for young, unmarried, thin, hip, no children...the basic unattached, work 80 hour weeks, partyin' Tom, Dick and Jane. And as you can see from my blog...I am not. But what I am is a tell-it-straight, work hard in the time given, love my family type. All of which, I can communicate in an interview however I cannot if I am given the chance.

I do and do often google my name to see what comes up. All of which is good, especially all my quotes from trade pubs quoting my agenda for a show that was held in 2000. So I guess my concern is not that I don't want potential employers to see that "real" me but that I don't want them to prematurely judge my qualification as an event planner with 3 kids, 2 dogs, 3 fish and a husband.

I love my career path and want to stay with it. This is a challenge since generally it requires a bit of travel and some non-traditional hours. But I love working the floor, helping make people's businesses better, and promoting trends and forward-thinking in any industry. I love to re-invent potential and yes, the traveling perks.

I have also received some "don't you have a family to take care of" comments and therefore that idea that my blogging is somehow a sacrifice to the family. But I come back with a big piss off on that one. Yes, I have a brain and all of it is not going to be used solely on my child rearing. Love them a bunch but I definitely sacrificed enough for them. So, do you think Mr. Bell got this kind of flack when he invented the telephone? You know all those folks wastin' their time on that crazy phone...chattin' up to no good.

Whewwwww!!!! That was a rant!!!!

PS. Any good Poker tips...this job negotiation sucks!

Audrey on the Mend

For those of you who have read my sister's blog, you will know that on Tuesday Audrey had surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids and to have her sinuses cleared. She handled surgery quite well. While in recovery, she would awaken to ask "Did they pull my tonsils out," "I was brave," "Are you proud of me," and then zonk out. She was so brave and we are so proud of her. She is a trooper for sure. The first day, she did vomit a few times but other than that she was is good spirits. Yesterday, she was asking for a ham sandwich of lunch but we managed to talk her into something softer. She did have a bad night last night and experiencing alot of ear pain. The doctor mentioned that this might happen and that is really deferred pain from the adenoids. She is still on kiddy vicodine which makes her dizzy. We are hoping to have her off the vicodine tomorrow and managing pain with just Tylenol.

She is bored. I guess there is only so much TV a child can watch. Grandma Wink brought her a paint by numbers kits which she is working on and Grandma Woodhouse gave her the movies Flushed Away and Happy Feet. Thank you to the Grandmas for making her recovery much more bearable. Her bestest bud Kalen brought over a goodie bag before he left for Florida on Sunday and she just loves all the stuff. Thank you Kalen for your thoughtfulness.

I think she will back to her old self soon and cruising down the street on her bike with her friends. Thank you all of you for your thoughts and prayers!

Worms...Beware!

Carson and Creighton are out and about! Slither, slither, slither!

The brothers have been hunting worms for a week now and today my mom and I were cleaning out a flowerbed and JACKPOT! Tons of worms everywhere! They had a blast.

Hiatus Over!

Okay, so it has been some time since my last post. Sorry! I will explain in more detail. Yes, my sister is right that I did read that some blog experts say to be cautious when blogging during a job search. But that is not entirely the reason for the blog hiatus.

I am sort-of embarrassed to tell you all this (especially my Dad) but I am addicted to my Guitar Hero game for my kids Playstation. We gave our kids a Playstation 2 for Christmas. I envisioned them being totally addicted to it. In reality, they enjoy playing maybe an hour a week. I love this because I don't have to be a control freak mom.

My brother George gave his boys the Guitar Hero game for Christmas. I remember him telling me all about it when he found the coveted game. I rolled my eyes and thought what a waste of time. Well, that was until, one night when the kids and I were over for dinner and my nephews talked me into playing. I was awful...booed off the stage and all. But before long, I got better and they were asking for the game back as I was kicking them away. Thus an addiction was born!!!!!!! And by month's end, Anthony and I were driving all over town looking for this nearly impossible to find game.

What is Guitar Hero you ask? It is a Playstation game that simulates you as an 80's rocker starting your career as a Rock Star. You can pick your character (mine resembles Nicky Stix from Montley Crue) and your guitar (mine is a classic cherry red electric). You start your career in a dive bar venue and work your way up with songs like Shout At the Devil and Message in the Bottle to large-scale stadiums with the crowd cheering or in my chase booing you all the way!

I am truly awful at this game but I love to play it. It uses parts of my brain that I have never used before. I love to laugh at myself. Anthony and I play it together and laugh. Yes, it is a terrible waste of time and yes, I could be doing something more productive.

To Remember

Today marks the day, two years ago, my nanny died. I miss her so much. I think of her everyday and wish she were with me. She was my source for a quick recipe, words of wisdom, to share some news, and to laugh and smile. I am forever changed since that day. My eyes have not seen the same happiness.

Things I remember the most:

Her smell

Her laugh (or giggle)

Green beans with bacon

Popcorn balls

Angelfood Cake on my birthday

Kings in the corner

Playing games

Days spent with her

Selflessness

Kindness

Love of family and tradition

Devotion to God

Her words of impact:

"Nothing ends good or they wouldn't end."

"Mourn a birth and rejoice a death."

So today as hard as it is, I rejoice in your memory, honor and spirit. I love you, Nanny!

Glorious day

Despite the fact that I was up earlier then would have liked helping Audrey author her puppet show book report, today is a GLORIOUS day. You ask why? It is 65 degrees outside. I have all the curtains drawn, the front door open, the window in the kitchen open letting all the beautiful sunshine pour in. The bounce in my step has returned and I have even taken the car to get washed. OHHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHH! Life is good.

Think I will walk to get Audrey from school. Note to self: Wear rubber suit! All that snow makes lots of water, slush, mud, guck, and just plain nasty stuff.

Cough, cough, cough

Carson has had a cold for quite some time. Colds just seem to linger with him and go to his chest. His cough is barky and rough. We have given him cough syrup and a couple breathing treatments to open the airways and to make him more comfortable.



When I picked him up from pre-school, his teacher told me he coughed the entire time. I explained that he is not contagious and the treatment he received before going. I am not sure if she told me this as a "Why would you send this boy to school like this?" or if it was a "By the way." Now I have motherhood guilt..... oh no why am I such a bad mom. He is on his death bed and I sent him to school. Oh well, I thought he was fine to go. He is such a trooper.

Guess What?

It is snowing again!

Dispatches from the Edge

Okay, so I have my book club meeting this week and was in search of a biography. This month every member of the book club picked a different biography to read and present. I chose Anderson Cooper's Dispatches from the Edge. He was on Oprah when the book was released and I was instantly mesmerized by him. (No, not just his debonair looks.) His path in life could have been so different...poor little rich kid living off of a trust fund, etc... But he took his mother's advice, Gloria Vanderbuilt... he chose to "follow his bliss". He is an amazing storyteller and brings so much compassion to events most of us want to forget or even conceptualize. After that Oprah aired I knew I wanted to read this book but it took this book club push to motivate me.

This book is gut-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. Cooper, for what seems like the first time, has emotion about the events he brings to us. His family and their tragedies, careers in reporting, war, disaster, despair and finally heroism suck you in on page one and doesn't let go until the end of the acknowledgments. (Don't think I have ever read the acknowledgements before.)

I found myself trying to remember the wars and events that were just in the past 15 years that Cooper has covered. I am one of those Americans that see the headlines and hear the soundbites but nothing sinks in. In this media circus we have, I wonder, if it is serving the public is it suppose the enlighten? We are just too busy filtering out the unnecessary that sometimes the ones that should impact us just don't. I am not a carnivorous reader, however I do read at least a book a month (As time permits without neglecting my husband and children). I would consider myself well-read. It is not often that I read something that touches me to the core and this one did. If you haven't read Cooper's memoir, pick it up at the library today. You will be saddened, touched and will hopefully look past the soundbites on the nightly news and take notice that these causalities are someone's wife, husband, or child and that the world is forever altered with their departure.

**************************************
Anderson Cooper's CNN Blog http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/

To Catch A Worm

No, this isn't the next Harper novel. But when I asked my son Creighton "What should we do today?" He replied, "Let's catch worms." Hummmm, 2 feet of snow on the ground, I think this will have to wait until spring. From the mouth of babes! I love it!

Out of Service

I am officially out-of-service for today. Take all your inquires, requests, questions, and whatever else and stuff them up your @$$!

Nighty-nighty!

PS. Our phone in back up. Hurray for small miracles. Thank you Anthony!

Blogging

So my sister has deemed me the "World's Worst Blogger" and I say piss off. At least I have started this blog. And really I don't feel that I have much to say. Maybe I need to start some Zoloft or something but I just don't think my life is too interesting.

I do wish it would stop snowing. We have had snow on the ground for 6 weeks now. This is so crazy for Denver. Sure, we get snow in the winter but it will be snowing one day and 60 degrees the next. UGH! I hate this. Our street has at least 6" on solid ice and mountainous ruts that swollow the minivan. The kids are going crazy and running out of indoor activities. Forget sledding......they are so over that too.

I have the worst head cold of my life and feel horrible. Summer...I need summer!

Stock Show Time

Whew! What a day! I went to the Stock Show with Audrey's first grade class. We had a great time. For those of you that don't know about the Stock Show...it is an annual event (101st) at the Denver Colliseum which features everything Western and Cowboy. Both of which first graders love. There were several petting areas, roping lessons, and horses everywhere. We even got to see a rodeo clown show. Audrey is definitely a Cowgirl at heart.

Yesterday, I registered Carson and Creighton for Kindergarten next year. We wanted to wait one more for them to mature academically and socially, however, we are kinda being strong armed into it since Carson gets some language development services through Jeffco. So, I guess they will just enjoy the fun of Kindergarten for two years. This is a long complicated issue which I wish I had the energy to fight, however feel it is a losing battle to fight. I will keep you posted.

Now I am off to gymnastics with Audrey.

Cookie Time!

Hi! My name is Audrey and I am in Brownie Troop 1523. My troop is selling cookies to help us go to camp this summer. My goal is to sell 600 boxes of cookies. Would you like to order a few boxes of cookies? Each box costs $3.25. My mom told me that girl scout cookies don't count as calories because they are helping charity. So for those you on diets...no worries! (For real nutritional information please go to http://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/cookies/nutrition/nutrition.html)

We have 8 different kinds of cookies this year.

All Abouts: Shortbread cookies embossed with special messages on the top that celebrate Girl Scouting and a rich fudge coating on the bottom

Cafe Cookie: Crisp cookies with caramelized brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon spice

Do-Si-Dos: Oatmeal cookies with creamy peanut butter filling

Little Brownies: (Sugar-Free) An explosion of chocolate flavor in a bite-sized package! You won't believe this luscious, chewy treat is sugar-free

Samoas: Vanilla cookies covered with caramel, then topped with coconut and striped with chocolate

Tagalongs: Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with chocolate

Thin Mints: Peppermint chocolate wafers covered with a smooth chocolate coating

Trefoils: Delicate shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth

Tagalongs are definitely my favorite and Mommy loves the Samoas. Daddy should eat the Little Brownies since they are sugar-free but he likes the Cafe Cookies. And who can resist the Thin Mints?

Along with our cookie sales, girl scouts also sponsoring a cookie drive for troops in Iraq called Hometown Heroes (Learn more about Hometown Heroes at http://www.girlscoutsmilehi.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.home&ipageContentCategoryID=692.) Be sure to add a box of cookies to your order to send to our troops.

If you would like to order cookies, please send an email to me at audie.shea@comcast.net.

Thank you for helping me achieve my goal and I will post pictures from camp!

Best wishes from your little Brownie,

Audrey

Childhood Slipping Away

Audrey faced one of life's milestones. Drum roll, please...She lost her first baby tooth. After a month of wiggling and constant prodding, she pulled it out all by herself. She was excited and terrified as she attempted to get it out and so proud of her accomplishment once the tooth finally gave way. Anthony and I watched and beamed as her hard work paid off. She put the tooth carefully in a baggie (I haven't made her tooth-fairy pillow yet!) and placed it carefully under pillow. The Tooth Fairy came and left her $5...my how inflation hurts.

I still remember when she first got that tooth as a baby and how excited we were then. Time marches on and now 6 years later, she is minus one tooth and 19 more to go. This is just one more milestone, under our watch, as her childhood slips away.

Let me introduce myself...

As this is my first post, I will start with a short introduction of all the character I lovingly call my family. First is myself, Stephanie a 32 year old, happily-married, stay-at-home mom (oh, how I hate that term) of 3 children and 2 dogs. I met my husband of 9 years, Anthony, when I was an innocent 15 year old. Those of you who know me will laugh at the innocent part. We have been lovingly devout ever since. Anthony is a technical support engineer for a voice recognition software company. He designs and supports those annoying automated telephone systems...but hey, it pays the bills. We have 3 children who you will learn more about than ever wished in this blog as their health, development and general well-being are my main concern and as a result are in my constant reflection. Audrey is 6 years old and in first grade. Carson and Creighton, my twin boys are four and attend a local preschool. They are wonderful kids with unique little temperaments and a constant challenge to me as their parent and a growth opportunity to me a person. Oh by the way....I almost forgot - my past professional experience. I am a Meeting Planner with experience in developing adult educational events for a B2B media company, a professional association, and an association management company. I loved this career, but know that the demands of my family and the amount of travel and weekend/evening work required will always be at odds.

Hope this is a good starting point.

Oh yes, We also have 2 beagles - Tucker and Tabbie.