my kids

Last Friday I picked Emily up at daycare. When I met her in the hall she pulled on my hand and told me she had something to tell me, but she didn't want anyone else to hear. We got into the car and she told me one of the little boys in her class kissed her for Valentines Day. Yep, you read right, Emily got her first kiss. I promptly asked where he kissed her and who it was. She told me the little boys name and he had kissed her on the cheek. A few days later I went to register her for kindergarten. It's all going too fast. Before I know it she is going to be shaving her legs and wearing makeup. I want her to stay little. I love this age; she still hugs and kisses me, tells me everything, and is so innocent.

On the flip side, at this time Hayden is in a stage only a mother could love. But, when he has done something horrible he always follows it up with, "Mama, your my best friend...aren't you so proud?" How could I not be.

Emily's conversation topics

Emily has been sick since last Friday. Apparently she started with a virus, then progressed to full blown bronchitis and an ear infection. Emily and I have spent a lot of time together, just her and I over the last 5 days. Here are a few of her conversation starters...

"Mama, can you have a skin ache?"

"Mama, I feel like I have bugs buzzing around in my head, do you think bugs are in my brain?"

Mama, what is your favorite animal?" I don't know Emily, whats yours? "Well, a pig of course, and a dog, and a turtle, and a horse, and a ladybug, and a worm, and a cricket, and a snail. Oh yeah, I like Zebras too."

"Mama, I know what Meme (my grandma) needs" What Sis? "She needs one of those Hoverround chairs, and they only cost a penny"

"Mama, I think from now on I am going to only eat things I don't have to chew, like pudding and jello and ice-cream." What about soup? "No, because you have to chew the meat in soup, and you know I don't like meat...or potatoes. Except for sweet potatoes, you can fix them for me and I won't have to chew them."

"Mama, it's not fun to be sick, but I really like staying home with you" Me too Sis.

Grrr...

I want a new kitchen, desperately. Seven years ago when we bought this house we did nothing to the kitchen with the hopes of one day knocking out walls and adding more cabinets. Fast forward 7 years and the kitchen is still stuck in bad 1970's mode. A few of the highlights include lamo floor, lamo counter top, bad bad high gloss cabinets (and not many of them), marigold yellow "plastic" tile back splash, and scalloped wood trim to accent the kitchen window that doesn't open. To top it all off, it's completely walled off from the rest of the house. So, when I am cooking I can't see the kidos trashing the living area.

A few years ago we enclosed our back patio area to hopefully one day make it part of the kitchen/dining room. That's pretty much where I am now, hating my kitchen and dining area because it's so cramped and outdated. It's the eyesore of our house. I would love to have company for dinner, but I feel inadequate because of this area. Christmas really stressed it to me.

After complaining to Hank, he proposed a solution...I have to save the money to renovate the kitchen. Da Da Daaaa...I hate to save money. I am not good at it, I am a really bad spontaneous shopper. But, I hate the kitchen more than I love to shop. So, I am trying to curb my hunger for retail so I can get my kitchen this spring. Wish me luck.

New Year...Time to Catch Up

Welcome 2010...goodbye 2009. I haven't blogged for months; too busy, too caught up in facebook land, too whatever. I don't have a good excuse, I just fell out of love with blogging. But, after catching back up with my favorite pages (Sarah Sez), I decided to update my blog. It's mostly for my family who don't facebook. Anyway...a quick catch up

Our kidos are great, except for the flu and bronchitis. Damn daycare ;)

Hank works all the time. He has been back on regular hours at Coffeen for the past month, but is starting a new outage tomorrow. Sucko! I have a few choice words about the situation that I should keep to myself for fear of sounding petty. He has a job.

I finished my 4th semester at USI, only 3 semesters left of grad school. I am excited to be half way to the end of my "neverending" education, but fear I don't know what the heck I am going to do with it. I thought I had it figured out, only to be blindsided and now completely confused. All I can do is pray God will point me down a path. My biggest fear is I will become what I am working towards, only to realize I just want to be a dialysis nurse.

Our holiday was full of family time and good food. As always, I resolve to shed the 10 pounds I have packed onto my hips. I resolve to have more patience with my kids and Hank. I resolve to save more money and spend less time worrying about things I can't change.

I can only hope 2010 is as low key as 2009.

Prayer request

For everyone who has read my blog over the past couple years, you know I have mentioned from time to time that Hayden doesn't sleep well. What I haven't mentioned is he snores really loud too. It has gotten to the point were he is waking up Emily and I. Because of all this, I decided I needed to take him to see Dr. Smith (ENT) in Effingham. That was last Thursday, and after listening to his symptoms and taking one look in his nose and throat, he scheduled him for surgery. Apparently the sleepless nights, snoring, and even nightmares have been caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnea. So, he hasn't been a difficult child, he just doesn't breath well when he lays down. Talk about feeling like a great mom and nurse!! Anyway, Hayden is scheduled for surgery first thing Monday morning. Tonsils and adenoids out, a good look around while they are in there, and an overnight stay will hopefully get him on the road to recovery and better sleep.

Even though I know this is the BEST thing for him, I am scared out of my mind. So, just asking for a few thoughts and prayers for my very best little man.

Thanks.

My little fighter

A couple weekends ago we were invited by the Farley bunch to go to the river. My kids love the river, it's like Holiday World for them. So, away in the jeep we went. Sarah was kind enough to take a few picture for me.

Hayden sparing with Hank after he had his head dunked in the river. I think he may have a future as as a gladiator. I LOVE this picture. Thanks Sarah.

Emily balancing on a dead tree.

My wonderful, sexy husband. I really love that hat.

For Sale Update

So, I have had many calls concerning my baskets. Here is the update...I started with my small baskets, (mothers day, tree trimming, ect.) and thought I would get rid of all of them. I mean, they were in the basement, hanging on a iron wrack by my hot water heater. Then I started looking in closets and on top of appliances. I found more and more baskets I forgot I had. So, I am looking to sell around 40 baskets! Holy crap, that's a lot of baskets I didn't even realize I had. Also, I have some various holiday items, mostly fall; a few pieces of pottery (Heritage Red); housewares items (country in style) various items of Hayden and Emily's clothes (coats, onsies, summer clothes, infant pieces), a Boppy, wiper warmer, toys, 3 tennis rackets (funny, we don't play), and lots of FREE magazines.

Sale is Friday starting at 5 and Saturday morning. Good luck to all who will be out and about, hope you find some good bargains.

For Sale

I have collected Longaberger baskets since I was in high school, starting my collection with a few of my moms. But, my style has changed in 15 years...so I am selling my collection.

Dates range from late 80's to 2007. There are a l0t of small speciality baskets; cancer baskets, holiday baskets, ect. I have collections including the canister baskets and market baskets.

I am not aiming to make a fortune on them, I don't have time to look up prices and such. Most will be priced between $5-$10 dollars. Most have liners and protectors with them. If your interested, there is a HUGE garage sale at

Sarah Kinkade's

509 Charles St, Saturday August 15th

Mr and Mrs Dylan Hartigan

Ms. Angie and I had the honor and huge responsibility of coordinating Dylan and Heather's wedding last weekend. The entire day was awesome. Heather was beautiful, Dylan was so very happy, and the guests were fortunate enough to see two loving families become one. It was a good day.

Heather before the wedding started. She was so calm...and so very beautiful.



Everyone at the alter. Mason was super cute in his little man tux.



First kiss as husband and wife.

You can see how happy Dylan and Heather are to be together.

It was a beautiful day. I can't say much more.

News

Life was going pretty smooth, or smooth for my standards. A normal routine life. And of course, when life is smooth and routine I have to go and find some chaos to create. I know my mother-in-law wonders why I continue to turn Hank and the kids life's up side down with my dreams and personal goals; all I can say is I am obviously a restless soul, never happy being comfortable in one place.

So, in light of my life revelation I have made yet another job change. To everyone who will read this, may I set the record straight. I love working in Jasper County. I love taking care of residents of our community who have known me my entire life. I have enjoyed the past year and grown as a nurse more than I can even explain. Working with the community in which I live is what made my decision much harder to make. I agonized over which road to travel down more than I can tell you. But, in the end my family trumped everything else.

Pending my background check and drug test ( I don't think I should have a problem ), I will be taking a position at St. Anthony Hospital as an acute hemodialysis nurse. For everyone who knows me well, knows my heart lies with the dialysis community.

Hopefully, I will not see any of my friends and family in my new line of work. But please pray for me and wish me the best.

Jamee

To my friend...

Don't Tell Me...
Don't tell me that you understand, don't tell me that you know,
Don't tell me that I will survive, how I will surely grow.
Don't tell me this is just a test, that I am truly blessed,
That I am chosen for this task, apart from all the rest.
Don't come at me with answers that can only come from me,
Don't tell me how my grief will pass, that I will soon be free.
Don't stand in pious judgment of the bonds I must untie,
Don't tell me how to suffer, don't tell me how to cry.
My life is filled with selfishness, my pain is all I see,
But I need you, I need your love, unconditionally.
Accept me in my ups and downs, I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry, and say,
"My friend, I really do care."

My fishies

Hayden and Nana

Emily on her 19th trip down the slide

Ready to head to McDonalds for Happy Meals. Lots of fun was had by everyone.

On Wednesday Mom, the kids, and I went to Olney's water park. Don't know how many of you have been there, but it's very nice. My only complaint, no concession stand. The kids loved the water slide...Emily mastered the diving board solo. I think we may need to invest in a pool of our own in a few years.

Happy Birthday Meme

Happy Birthday to my Mem today. I know she won't see this, she hasn't ever touched a computer, but if anyone sees her today, tell her to enjoy her 82nd birthday. She is a great joy in my life and my kids lives.

I did it...I really did it

Today, after getting the news I have another nephew...Jackson Robert Baltzell, 4lbs 11oz and 2 months early, I took all ALL of Emily's clothes to Anita Thompsons re-sale shop on the square. If you know me, you know I have had drama with what to do with her outfits. First I thought about E-bay, but it took too much time. Then I tried a garage sale, and even though I made some mad cash, I didn't sell nearly enough to make a dent in the amount. Next, I hauled all the clothes to Once Upon a Child...not a good experience to say the least and I believe I blogged about it.
After all this, the clothes have been sitting in my basement.

Today was the day, I was not turning back. I went in with 5 totes, 2 garbage bags, and a laundry basket full of clothes. I dropped them off and I didn't look back. I hope they go to good homes and are taken care of. I feel personel connections to her Sarah Louise hand smocked dresses and Indigo painted outfits. All her Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Gap, Le Top, Mimi and Maggie...I will let go, just not today.

Last day of school

Emily's first year of school has came and went. I can't tell you how much she has learned in the last 9 months...just to name a few, she now can spell her name, identify all her letters and numbers and is beginning to spell other words and read, knows her phone number, and address. She is like a little sponge! Jamie Sandschafer is outstanding, I can't say enough about her. Now, how am I going to entertain her for the next 3 months?

Emily's last day of school

Emily before Pre-K orientation

Busy May Part 2.

Holly Farley reminded me I had gotten my hair cut this month. With everything else going on, I had actually forgotten. I thought I would include a picture, at her request...

Emily, Hayden, and me on Mother's Day. I love this picture, it shows the difference in my kids personalities.

Its short, but I needed a change and a summer do. I actually had it cut while Hank was in STL for a week. He came home and didn't hardly recognize me. He likes it...or he says he does. It's so much easier, especially in the hospital and now.

Tomorrow is a big day for me, I am getting these dreadful staples removed. For all of you readers who hasn't had staples, they are not pleasant. They get caught on undies and I am pretty sure my skin is starting to grow around them. My only fear is that I will bust open and my precious remaining ovary will fall out ;> Hahaha...lol, can you imagine the luck.

Another busy May

For the past few years May seems to bring big changes in our home. Two years ago Hayden was born, what a wonderful addition he was and continues to be. Last year I got the girls ()(), Hank would agree they are as much of a wonderful addition to the family as Hayden. Also, I graduated last year with my BSN. This year was not not to be left behind. It started out pretty normal, Angie, Heather, Darleen, and I went to a Cardinal Game early in the month. I hadn't been to the ballpark since I was a little girl, I had so much fun. The new stadium is really nice.

Angie, Heather, and I in front of Stadium...GO CARDS!

The beautiful Darleen Calvert

The guy sitting next to me who caught a foul ball.

The Week after the game I went for my annual "appointment" with NP Nicole. She is great by the way, super easy to talk to about anything. I had been having some issues for the past 11 years with endometriosis and she knew my history. Hayden's birth brought no relief, and the last year its gotten worse. After discussing many pros and cons with Nicole, I decided to have a hysterectomy. I know I am 30 and otherwise healthy, but I am also done with the chronic pain and bloatness. I assumed I would be scheduled for a month or 6 weeks later...oh no 10 days. Great, I had Hayden's birthday and my new semester to start within those 10 days, but I accepted the challenge. Obviously, if I am going to be off work for 6 weeks, this is the best time to be off. Plus, if I had too much time to think about my decision, I would have probably changed my mind.

Hayden's birthday was great. He has really gotten into Thomas the Train in the past few months so it was a train theme party. Thanks to my loving brother who doubted me, I even made his cake all by myself. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I think it was pretty good for my first cake. Hank and I gave him his own lawn mower, he loves to be just like Hank and mow the grass. He is growing up so fast...but he is still my baby.

Hayden's birthday cake, made my yours truly

Hayden enjoying his first bite of cake

Wearing the birthday party hats

Hayden's new train conductor hat, scarf, and train whistle!

New lawn mower

Three days after Hayden's birthday I had my surgery. That brings me to now, I am recuperating. I have seen the surgery...I understand the concept of it all...but I didn't realize how much energy it would take from me and how much pain I would be in. I am moving slow and taking lots of naps, but I am also enjoying my time catching up on things...like blogging.

My monthly post

The honeymoon period of FB is winding down, I am beginning to miss my blog. I decided I have time for both, even if it means posting once a month to my blog.

Does anyone ever get asked, "So, what has been going on...what is new in your life", then you realize nothing is. Today is filled with the same routine events as yesterday. The next time I am asked I have decided to spice up my life. It will go like this, "Well So-And-So, as a matter of fact I have decided to leave Hank and the kids to persue my dream in the circus arts.

Happy Birthday Lorene

This weekend the kids and I will be spending time with Hank's grandma Lorene. She is lovely and priceless; and she will be celebrating her 88th birthday. I think, how much has she seen in 88 years. How have things changed and what does she think about our society toaday. I do know she use to put the table legs on Hank's mom and Aunt Shelvy's dresses so they couldn't get lost while she was doing chores. And, she use to hang a chicken leg bone off the counter for her kids to "teeth" on. How about that, why didn't I think of it.

JB

I'm not dead, just addicted

I am addicted to Facebook. My good friend and fellow blogger Sarah introduced me (its her fault) and now I am posting during work. The best part, getting in touch with friends I have lost contact with. I am going to try to keep up with it all, but have to admit I will give up the blog to fb.

My update is pictures of Hank and I at Boilermaker Prom. It was great. We had the best time, if I would have had my kids I would of faught Hank to stay in STL. But, we came home and I am back to the same old same old; work, school, and mom duties. I can't post the majority of the pictures, Hank looks way too drunk ;>