Makin' It Count

What's new?

2011-07-30T17:30:00.002-05:00

it has been such a busy summer around here! i promised that i would post more and here i haven't posted at all! we have had a busy year and i dont know where to start! in january we adopted a new dog from the pound that we named duke. he is a great dog and we love him so much. this summer has been busy with summer camps, vbs, and vacation! brooklyn is now 11 years old and growing up so fast! cooper is 7 and he is still a riot! i cant belive its almost august already! where has the summer gone? we have been enjoying our backyard and time with the kids. i hope everyone is doing well! enjoy the last days of summer! sorry for not being able to capitalize anything.....my blackberry won't let me!!!!

Hello? Is this thing on?

2011-06-16T13:30:00.002-05:00

So after a much needed break at a time in my life when I was re-organizing everything....I am back to blogging. I have missed it and will try to get on here at least once a week!!!

Saying goodbye for now.....

2011-03-11T12:42:00.001-06:00

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile. I have felt the need to simplify my life and so I have decided to abandon my blog and possibly facebook. I will keep checking in with everyone once in awhile but I need to go..........

Yes I'm still here

2010-12-08T14:44:00.005-06:00

I know its been a long time since I have posted on here. Fall was crazy busy and now that the wedding, campaing, soccer, flag corps is over I have breathing room. I will post more pictures to follow in the next days/weeks but here are the pictures from our Vikings game we went to in September. Some dear friends blessed us with their box seat tickets and we got to watch our first NFL game and loved every moment of it!!!!

Craig and Cooper enjoying the view
I love this picture of Brooklyn and I!!!

This was before the game started

On our way to the game. The kids were so excited.

The blowing of the horn so the game can begin

Yes Cooper is totally blushing! The kids with the cheerleaders!

Skol the Viking

Apple orchard time

2010-09-25T09:40:00.002-05:00

Today we are taking the kids to the apple orchard in SF. I will post pics on here!

I know I have been ignoring my blog but I plan to get back at it!!! I miss blogging and documenting all our family happenings on here! I will also have pictures from the Vikings game! We had a blast and had GREAT seats! Have a great weekend everyone!

Are you ready for some football?

2010-09-12T20:07:00.002-05:00

Last week some friends of ours sent me a message over facebook, asking if we would like to use their season tickets to go to the Vikings game next Sunday. I have never been to an NFL game and said YES right away. Today is Craig and I's 12th anniversary and in all the hustle and bustle of throwing a big bridal shower for my sister......we didn't plan anything for our day. So we are using this as our anniversary celebration.

So my friend brings me her tickets and I cannot believe what we are getting!!! 6 tickets, free parking pass, plus they are members of a club so we get to set in the Touchdown Club box. It has cushioned leather chairs, private bathrooms, and get this.......free food the whole game. I'm not just talking hotdogs and chips. There is prime rib, nachos, etc. and we don't pay ANYTHING!!!! I tried to pay our friends for the tickets but they wouldn't take a penny for them. So I told them we would treat them to supper one night.

I know.....I probably owe them supper every night for a YEAR to make up the cost of these tickets!!! I can't thank them enough and we are taking the kids (its a surprise to them!) and a couple of our friends who are big Vikings fans. I will post pictures!

I also will post pictures of Jessie's bridal shower soon for all of you!

Never easy.........

2010-08-29T17:20:00.003-05:00

When I decided to re-name my blog I thought I would always have some interesting stories about how I have decided to make everyday count. Most days I do.........for instance on a spur of the moment type thing we took the kids camping this weekend instead of working on the house. Why? I want my kids to always remember that I put them first and housework second. When I commit to things I commit to them whole-heartedly. When I say I am going to stand by family/friends/whomever that I mean it. So when I have a family member/friend tell me that I am not committed and basically write me off as being committed it hurts.......deeply. I am not going to go into detail but I am going to be honest.....those words shook me to the core and made me do some self checking. Do I do what I say I am going to do.

Most days the answer is yes but on the "no" days I need to work on being committed. Life is so full of the every day routine and I don't want to go through this life just living through the norm. I want to leave this earth knowing that I did everything possible and that those left behind know that I loved them more than words.

The point of this post.........do I really need a point? I feel crappy today because someone dear to me said those words and I sit here wondering "Whats the point." Tomorrow will be better but for today I need to make sure that I always mean what I say and do what I say I will do.

Enjoy.......

2010-08-19T10:49:00.004-05:00

-the last swim in the pool before it closes for the summer
-the last bonfire before it gets too cold out to enjoy one
-the last ice cream cone being eaten while sitting at the park wishing summer would never end
-the last zip around the lake on the boat
-the last trip to the zoo

Most of all......enjoy these last moments of summer and get ready for my favorite season....FALL!!

I will not let the closing of summer bring me down. Yes it goes too fast but we did enjoy every minute of it this year. We love every change of season its just we love some more than others. Yes......winter is not my favorite season but its still part of Gods creation and we must remember to thank Him for everything. Even the blizzards.......I think!

Enjoy your last weeks of summer!!!

Ryan and Chad's Story

2010-08-12T21:21:00.003-05:00

**UPDATE** Those that missed the video, it will be posted to the website in about an hour or so and will replay again in the morning.

A local Fox news station did a story on Ryan and Chad from the beginning to the end. Its hard for me to say that.......still struggling with this and my heart aches for Ryan and Chads families. This story first started out as a story on the live liver transplant and now has become a legacy that will continue to touch others hearts. It airs tonight at 9:00 Denver time. The website is http://www.kdvr.com/ and you will see it under the videos. Its called A Brothers Ultimate Sacrifice. Please share this story with others.......

Hot out?

2010-08-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

This is exactly how I feel lately!!! I'm not complaining though.....I'd rather be hot than cold!!!!

What have I learned this last week?

2010-08-10T13:31:00.002-05:00

Well, this last week has been a mix of emotions.....happy, sad, joyful, tearful, etc. Here are a few life lessons that really stood out to me......

-Life is too short to hold grudges
-Life is not long enough to hold those you love
-Don't sweat the small stuff
-Show your children you love them....telling them is not enough
-Show your spouse you love them.....telling them is not enough
-Take time to stop and smell the roses
-Laundry will always be waiting but your children will not be
-Don't save your good dishes for a special occasion, make every day a special occasion
-There is no such thing as spending too much time with your family
-Hug your grandparents/parents every time you see them
-Take time to get together with family and friends
-Date nights with your spouse are a MUST......it reminds you how much you still love each other without the craziness of day to day life
-Make every day count as though it is your last
-Lastly.....even if you and your spouse/children are in a big fight.....still hug and kiss them before bed, you never know what tomorrow brings

God's will be done.......

2010-08-03T13:04:00.004-05:00

Our dear cousin, Ryan Arnold, went to be with Jesus Tuesday night and we are all still coping with the news. It seems not true but yet the beauty in it all is Ryan saved his brothers life and was rewarded with eternity in Heaven.

So why this heart ache? Why this ache in my gut? My heart aches for his wife, Shannon, and their 3 adorable boys. Their world has been flipped upside down! Those boys now have to deal with life without their dad who loved them so much. Shannon has to deal with raising 3 boys into men without the help of Ryan. I'm just trying to wrap my mind around it all.

Ryan was an incredible man of God, husband, father, son, and brother. God and his family always came first. He had a smile that could light up a room and compassion for people just like his dads. Those that don't know the Arnold family personally cannot begin to understand the love this family has for one another. It doesn't matter if you were born into the family or married into it. Grandma Arnold sees us all the same.......her family.

I was fortunate enough to meet this family in May 1996 and joined them in Sept 1998. Grandma Arnold has become more of a grandparent to me them some of my own grandparents. She loves and worries about her family. Our cousin emailed me a picture yesterday of Ryan and put it so well "We love like no other........" and that is so true. We had our reunion in July and you could feel the togetherness, love, and pain that others were in. We celebrated upcoming adoptions and prayed for healing in those that needed it. Ryan and Chad were on our minds and hearts the whole reunion. Ryan actually got the call while at the reunion that he was a match for Chad and the surgery was a go. I remember asking him right after the call if he was ok. He told me "Its not something I am looking forward to but I would do anything to save my brother." So you did Ryan......you are a hero in my book. We didn't know what the near future was going to hold but we cherished every moment at that cabin in the Black Hills.

Our whole family is hurting, not in a way of devestation because we know that Ryan is in Heaven and he fulfilled his calling on his life. We hurt because we miss him and can't wait to see him again in Heaven. We rejoice at the fact that Chad is doing well and we can't wait to see what the calling on his life is. Fasten your seatbelts.......God is doing something amazing.

Update and more prayer needed!

2010-08-01T20:39:00.003-05:00

I had posted earlier about Ryan and Chad's live liver transplant. The surgery went well and they were both recovering......until this morning. Chad is fine but Ryan went into cardiac arrest and his heart quit beating. They did revive him but he is in critical care right now. Please pray and you can follow along at www.caringbridge.com/visit/ryanandchadarnold Please pray feverently for our family! Thank you!

Please pray!!!!

2010-07-28T22:16:00.002-05:00

Our cousins Ryan and Chad Arnold are undergoing a live liver transplant tomorrow morning at 7:30. Chad has a disease that has caused his liver to be no good anymore. Ryan (his little brother) is a perfect match and will give Chad 60% of his liver. We all know that God has his hand on the situation and that they are being upheld by all our prayers. Please join us in praying for these wonderful Godly men!

Dear Precious Father......I am lifting up two of your children in prayer tonight. I am praying for peace in their minds and their families minds. They know that you are working in and through them in this whole process. I also pray for the surgeon performing the surgery. May the doctor have peace, knowledge, and a steady hand. I pray for the children and spouses of Chad and Ryan. May they have comfort tonight know that one daddy is saving the life of the other daddy and that there will be great healing in their bodies. I pray for Bob and Judy as they await the outcome of their sons' surgeries. Let this be a great testimony to others and just be with them all tonight. I pray that there is not any fear or doubt about the procedure. Just complete peace and tomorrow.....a celebration that the liver is working well in Chad! I also pray for the upcoming weeks that there will be no bumps in the road and it will be smooth sailing in the recovery of these two amazing men. Be with them tonight Lord......let them feel our prayers! AMEN.

Bits of my weekend....

2010-07-20T14:52:00.001-05:00

Ok.....this weekend was the Arnold Reunion in the Black Hills. I have lots of great pictures and thought I could transfer them from my phone right to my blog but its not working. So I am going to get them on my computer (hopefully tonight) and then will post so please come back and see all our happenings!!!

10 years ago my life changed.......

2010-07-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

10 years ago today I went to the hospital a pregnant lady and came out a mom. I went to the hospital not knowing how drastically my life was going to change. I went to the hospital not knowing how much a mother can love a child. THAT ALL CHANGED.

10 years ago today I welcomed into my life a beautiful baby girl with a head full of black hair and letting the world know she had arrived. She came into this world not knowing how much she would mean to those she would meet. Not knowing how her mommy would take a bullet for her.

10 years ago today Craig and I became parents and that baby girl had us both wrapped around her finger. We cried, hugged, and glowed at the fact that we had this perfect baby girl and that she was ours.

10 years ago today the worry set in on how we were going to raise a baby and teach her everything she needs to know. We worried about skinned up knees, broken bones, bruised limbs and broken hearts. We worried about how we would show this beautiful baby just how much we love her.

As Brooklyn Rose turns 10 today I am saddened at the fact that she is on the other side of the state at church camp. Not sad because she is there but because I am not there with her, to celebrate her life and help her in her spiritual walk. I know she is in good hands but I MISS HER!!!! I thank God daily for the blessings He has given me in my children and has trusted me to raise them to be mighty children of God.

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl. Double digits now and all the fun that comes along with that!!!

**I also have to wish Hunter Arnold (our cousin) a Happy 9th Birthday! Yes....he was born on Brooklyns birthday and after her party we had gone to the hospital to see Robb, Teresa, and baby Hunter. He is also at church camp too!!!

A little faith......

2010-07-10T08:52:00.003-05:00

Recently the kids, Craig and I went to the traveling carnival that the kids happen to notice was in town. I say that because we always take different routes when we know the carnival is here in hopes our kids will be oblivious to the fact that childhoood fun is waiting for them while waiting to take all of mom and dads money just for an hour of enjoyment. Yes I am cheap when it comes to these things. So finally by Sunday they talked us into going and we ended up just buying the wristband at $20.00 a piece. Yes I know its not a bad price but seriously........there were 8 rides that weren't little kiddie rides. We were there for 3 HOURS and the kids had a blast. I didn't mind it until the wonderful, friendly, carnival worker allowed my 6 year old to get on the space shot. Yeah......I must remember to mail him a thank you card. So this picture is of Cooper on the space shot and this one dropped them instead of shoot them to the moon and back. Now I would have preferred the moon one......at least gravity would hold Cooper in his seat.

Yes I realize the harness held him but I kept picturing him slipping through there and landing in the local grocery stores parking lot. So they raise them to the top all the while my blood pressure is dropping and *poof* they were to the ground. Cooper loved it and I was happy to have him on solid ground.

It was a dreary day that day so my Blackberry didn't take the best picture. The kids had fun and mom and dad were worn out by the end of the day.

Summer is........

2010-06-29T14:43:00.004-05:00

-Summer is..........working really hard out in the yard catching up on yard work. I now have thistle plants growing in the sandbox because its been too wet lately to get it all weeded. So that is one thing this week I need to get done. We are also doing some landscaping around the house. I get overwhelmed when deciding what kinds of plants to put in our yard because I am a perfectionist. My yard HAS to look perfectly mowed (yes I mow in patterns and never the same twice in a row), the flower beds need to look like I hired someone to come and do them, and I don't like it when the kids leave bike trails in my freshly mowed front yard. I know......I need help.

I love working outside and my house suffers because of it. Thankfully Brooklyn helps out with housework now and she loves getting paid for it. Not sure if this is working out for me in the long run! Really though, she is a great help and I love having her help me out!

-Summer is........Tball time for Cooper. This is his 3rd year playing and he loves it. So far he still plays in the afternoon so I have to juggle my lunch schedule around so I can make it to part of his games. He is getting better and better every year but I'm thinking that soccer is more his style. We shall see.......at least with soccer he is constantly on the move and thats a good thing for him.

-Summer is.........spending time at the lake letting the kids and the dogs splash in the water, get full of sand, and not caring what time it is! We love to pack picnics and go by the lake for hours on end!

-Summer is..........an empty refrigerator (except for the fruit) because we grill out all the time. This means not a lot left over for lunch the next day. We grill year round but not as much in the winter as the summer. I love the smell of burgers on the grill and the sound of kids playing in the yard. We have slowed down a lot this year just so we can enjoy every night!

-Summer is..........time for the Arnold Family Reunion. This year its time to head back out to the cabin in the Black Hills for family time, 4-wheeling fun, and lots of memories. Sounds like MOST of the whole Arnold clan is going to be there and believe me.....there are a lot of us!

-Summer is............camping time! We like to try and go once a month and the kids love going. We mainly go with my family and spend time hiking, bike riding, rock climbing, trail exploring, and all out family fun.

-Summer is...........time at the pool. My kids already have awesome tans from being at the pool almost daily! We have a family pass so we go often to enjoy the water slides and lazy river.

-Summer is..........enjoying the time outside that we waited 6 months of snow, sleet, and dreary weather for. We wait that long for 4 months of nice weather.

-FINALLY SUMMER IS..........time to enjoy family and friends and thank God all year long for the many blessings in my life.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

2010-06-17T09:04:00.003-05:00

I didn't have a picture with Craig and BOTH kids on my computer but here is one with him and Brooklyn last Memorial Day weekend at Storybook Land.

Craig is such a great father to our kids. He loves to wrestle with them, go fishing, go-karting, flying kites, the list goes on and on. The best part is he loves our kids and me whole heartedly. I knew when I met Craig that he would someday be a great father and husband. I just didn't know he would be like a big kid too!!! ;o) He is the best and I couldn't ask for more!!!

Another great man in my life is my dad:

My mom always said what a daddys girl I was and she was right. My dad always gave us guidance, helped with homework, took us places he never got to go and best of all loved us unconditionally. Don't get me wrong, we knew when we had done wrong because not very often did he loose his temper but when he did, we knew we crossed the line. I love these men in my life and can't imagine my life without them!!

Happy Fathers day Craig, dad, and my father-in-law Dave!!! You guys are the best!!!

Weekend recap.....

2010-06-13T20:42:00.004-05:00

So this weekend started out that we had NOTHING planned because our original plans got canceled due to icky weather all weekend. Friday night was nice out so we got the house cleaned and yard work done. The Saturday morning was raining and dreary all day. We basically lounged around the house and did nothing much but we did get some snuggle time in. Then Saturday night we had supper with some friends and watched the UFC fights. I am not a huge fan but Craig is so I go for him. I get into some of the fights but I don't totally understand them either.

Sunday we had a big burger and hotdog feed which was a fundraiser for the kids to go to camp. We had a great time and most everyone that was at church stuck around for the food!!! Its a dreary day again so I think that helped!!! After we got done some other friends wanted us to go to the carnival. Now anyone that knows me....knows I HATE spending money at these things. The wristbands were $20.00 a piece and there weren't many rides. I am a sucker when it comes to my kids and we went anyways. They had a BLAST and since it wasn't 80 degrees and sunshining, there weren't many people at the carnival. The kids got the wristbands and they rode rides for 3 hours!!! Yes......3 hours of spinning and dropping and whirling about! I loved watching them until this ride:

Thats right.....the space shot. This thing goes way up in the air and drops you! Brooklyn was feeling brave and wanted to try it. Once it dropped her, her face said it all. She. Was. Scared. Out. Of. Her. Mind!!!! That is until she got off and wanted to do it again. Now I try not to be too over-protective but this is my baby being lifted up way in the sky. Sorry the picture isn't fantastic but as you can tell, its a icky day here. So she decided to go a 3rd time and guess who else wanted to go:

Yep.....that is Cooper, my baby, my little boy who I thought for sure was too little to go but they said he was tall enough. Before I could argue with him he was on there and buckled in. I told the Carnie worker to double check his lap belt. Yes I know, they see mothers like me all the time and I don't understand Spanish but I knew he was talking about me! I don't care, those are my prize possesions on your ride that fits on the back of a semi!!! Cooper loved it and I'm not sure who was more scared. Me or him!!!! Needless to say after 3 hours we were all ready to head home. We finished the night off by going to DQ with my parents for free Dilly Bars. Thank you Mr. Life Insurance Man! All my hard earned money goes to him and he treats us with Dilly Bars! So for a weekend of not having anything planned we stilled made the most of it!!!! What did you do this weekend?

Love these girls!!!

2010-05-28T10:39:00.002-05:00

Me, Tina (my aunt), my mom, Jessie (my sister)

This picture was taken last Memorial Day weekend. I just wanted to say how much these women mean to me! They are my support system, my friends, my family. They are who I laugh with, cry with, and most of all love so much. I have many amazing women in my life that I call friends but these ladies (wish I had a picture of my mother-in-law with us) are my main support system. They are the ones that never judge me when I am having a horrible parenting moment. Lets face it.....we all have them. They love me even when I am way goofy. I can't imagine not having them. The only other one missing from the picture is my Grandma who went to be with Jesus 8 years ago. We all miss her so much but thankfully we have each other!!!

We are so excited for my sisters wedding as Tina and I are both bridesmaids and we just sit and laugh together. Tina is only 4 years older than me so she is more like a sister than an aunt. We even had babies together (Brooklyn and Tyler are 2 1/2 weeks apart). That was a fun summer, both of us on maternity leave!!! We are all very close and when one hurts, we all hurt. When one is rejoicing, we all celebrate! I don't think I have ever posted about them but wanted all my blogger friends to know....I am who I am because of them.

Love you all so much!!!!

Scare tactics

2010-05-26T15:12:00.004-05:00

So today started out like any other day.....rush in the morning to get ready for work, drop the kids off at daycare/school, fly into work just in time and get busy. I had a pleasant treat this morning......Kristi (remember the one that is crasy busy running for Congress?) dropped off a glass of Heaven....aka Starbucks. I got to talk to her just a couple of minutes, a few hugs, and then she was off!!!!

A little bit later my cell phone rings and my whole morning changed. Its was our daycare provider and she informed me "I'm rushing Cooper to the emergency room, his head is bleeding........" and thats all I heard. I guess she told me he was ok but I didn't hear that. I said I would meet her there and I flew (i'm not exagerrating that part either, ask my co-workers) out the door and seriously went 50 down the highway to the hospital. Im shocked I didn't get pulled over.....I hope there aren't any cops reading this! I get to the hospital and see Cooper with a towel on his head that was soaked in blood. The daycare provider (who is AWESOME!!!) told me that Cooper was in the tunnels and was getting out and stood up too soon. Hit his head and there was blood everywhere. She couldn't tell how bad it was due to all the blood and just took him to the ER right away. We went into the room and the nurse got it all cleaned up and was checking his vitals. The gash was about an inch in length and not very deep thankfully. The doctor said he was ok and that Cooper wouldn't even need stiches but asked if I would rather have it glued shut. I said that I would be more comfortable knowing that dirt and sand can't get in there so they glued his head shut.

Cooper got stickers and was the center of attention when we got back to daycare. Of course he is milking it for all its worth!!! When I was talking to Craig later his exact words were "We are doing good! In 6 years this is the first ER rush trip we have had." Yes we were expecting to know the ER personnel on a first name basis with this kid!!! I am just happy he is ok!!!

Bits of my weekend......

2010-05-17T12:29:00.007-05:00

I am without a camera right now and I forgot to take any pictures with my Blackberry for this weekend. I did find some pictures on the internet to help you get the jist of what my weekend was full of. Friday night we went to the local steak establishment called Cli*ffords and had steak, potatoes, and salad with a great group of friends. I had originally planned on surprising Craig with tickets to Colorado (where he grew up) but since we planned our cruise every extra dollar goes to that! So we spent the evening with our friends celebrating my wonderful husband. I was a little worried about dinner because none of the couples knew each other. The night was a hit and there were many laughs that night. If you ever get to Watertown you must go to Cli*ffords and get a steak because they are so YUMMY!!!

Saturday morning Brooklyn, my aunt Tina (who is a bridesmaid also), and I hoped in my blazer and headed for Sioux Falls. It was a bridesmaid get together day but the bummer was 2 of the 5 bridesmaids couldn't be there. Brooklyn is at that age where she wants to go wherever mom goes. The day started out at:

We had a wonderful lunch and who can turn down the salad and breadsticks. Funny fact about me......one year ago I wouldn't even TOUCH salad and now I crave it!!! We met up with my sister and one of her personal attendants and had a great time visiting. Next it was off to Davids Bridal to try on more bridesmaid dresses. Funny story about that.......we had picked out dresses 3 weeks ago and then my sister changed her mind. She decided she wanted a shorter dress which meant Brooklyn had to go with a differant dress. She was so mad at my sister that her face was red and she had tears in her eyes. She went off to look at dresses and shed a few tears over the deal of losing the dress she absolutely loved!!! Needless to say Jessie changed her mind AGAIN and we were back to long dresses and a very happy Jr. Bridesmaid. Here is the dress and Brooklyns looks just like ours except the dresses are black.....not red!!!! Oh yeah......I'm not quite that skinny either!!!

Sunday was a family day.....as every Sunday is and we went for a nice bike ride in the afternoon. We live not far from the bike trail so its our usual route and the kids love getting out and going for a ride.

Sunday nights are usually spent watching a movie as a family and relaxing before the rush of the next week. Last night Cooper wanted to watch Ava*tar. Now I never really wanted to see this movie but Tina let us borrow it and my son is sold on this movie! So we watched it and I was impressed. Probably not one I would go buy because its a little far fetched for me but I was impressed with the creativity in this movie. All in all I have to say it was good just not on my Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time list. BTW......Top Gun is still at the top!!!

So as you see.....our weekend was full but it was a great way to spend the wonderful weekend!!!! Stay tuned for next weeks addition!!!!

Bits of my weekend.....minus the pictures.....

2010-05-03T14:01:00.003-05:00

I don't have any pictures to show because I forgot to take any but this weekend was full of wedding planning. Friday night the kids had a birthday party so we couldn't leave for Sioux Falls until EARLY Saturday morning but what a full day it was. We went to Davids Bridal so that I could see my sister in her wedding dress and I cried the minute she came out of the dressing room. I will need a whole box of Kleenexs the day of the wedding. Then it was time to find bridesmaid dresses and junior bridesmaid dresses. We had so much fun trying them on and Brooklyn stayed in her dress the WHOLE time. Guess she loves her dress.

After we left Davids Bridal we went to her fiances house to grill for lunch. It was a time to relax and her future in-laws joined us. After lunch we went to another bridal place (I won't mention it) and was not impressed at all. We didn't stay very long. Lets just say we got spoiled at Davids Bridal so we went back there so the mother of the groom could see the dresses.

After that my family went ot Olive Garden for supper to celebrate Craig and my dads birthdays (they are only 10 days apart) and then on to Cold Stone for some fantastic ice cream. It was a nice day to spend with my family and it went by too fast. The wedding will be here before we know it. Time to put down the Twinkies and get on that treadmill!!!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Soccer time!

2010-04-28T10:48:00.003-05:00

Last fall we signed Cooper up for soccer and at the time was wondering if this would be the right sport for him. Lets face it, the kid has a TON of energy! We started out the games and quickly realized that he has a real talent for the sport. He is a fast runner and keeps his eye on the ball. I love soccer nights because it wears him out and he is ready for bed by the time 8:30 rolls around.

We took a break over winter because lets face it, we live in South Dakota and the fields were under 3 feet of snow!!! Last week we started up the games again and I noticed that the team is improving. They are playing really well together except for one thing. Cooper is having a hard time passing the ball to an open player. Yes I realize they are 6 and are doing good if they just keep after the ball. I just feel horrible because I feel the other parents are thinking that he is being a show off and ball hog! We have talked with him about passing the ball and even practiced with him. Yet, when it comes game time he still is just focused on getting that ball to the goal. I am just happy he gets to the right goal! Any helpful suggestions?

Back on my meds......

2010-04-16T14:06:00.002-05:00

I kidding of course. I am not on any sort of medication........yet........but I am getting better! The hard part of what my so-called "friend" said to me is that I am self centered. I have never been a self-centered person. As a matter of fact......I will bend over backwards for ANY of my friends. I am over what was said to me and just asked God to show me what lesson He wanted me to take away from this whole thing. I think the lesson is forgiveness and to treat people the way Jesus would have treated them. When I think back on all the things Jesus went through and was still willing to give his life up for you and me, it blows my mind away! I get my feelings hurt just a little bit and am ready to "write that person off" my friends list. The truth is I am a tender hearted person. Yes.....I would never be good in politics or the armed forces! I know my limitations. I have prayed for my friend and have forgiven him for the words that were spoken and still working on letting things roll off my back. What can I say? I'm still a masterpiece in progress. Thanks Ginger and Sunny for the kind words. They mean more to me than you will ever know!!!!

Are friendships worth it?

2010-04-14T08:41:00.004-05:00

Warning! This post is exposing my guts on how I feel right now......feel free to click to a new blog if you want. It won't hurt my feelings!!! :o)

Have you ever wondered why God brings friends into our lives for only a season? Some seasons last longer than other but nontheless......it only lasts a season. As a young girl growing up....I had a best friend in 3rd grade that had just moved into the house down the block from me. We clicked instantly and did everything together! Every weekend we were spending the night at each others houses and formed a friendship that has stood the test of time. She moved away the following summer and I was heartbroken. We have since then re-connected and although she lives in Arizona now and I haven't seen her since 3rd grade, we still talk. Gotta love facebook.

In high school I had a friend that I hung out with all the time. We became very close friends and even double dated to prom together with our boyfriends. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I was to be one in hers. After she left for college and I stayed here and went to school our friendship quickly started falling apart. I can't explain it but we grew apart and we are no longer friends due to some very hurtful instances. After that friendship it took me a LONG time to open up to any friends. I figured who needs them?

My one friend from high school and I are still very close. She lives in Omaha, NE and we only get to talk every 6 months but when we do talk.....we pick up right where we left off!!! I cherish every moment I get to talk to her.

Later down the road I began to open up to friendships only to find that once I make a mistake the other person is mad at me and refuses to talk to me. This is my dilema.......last night a friend of Craig and I's told me that I am self centered, not there for others, and all around a lousy friend. He told me this only because I deleted him off my facebook for posting rude and stupid comments. Basically him and his brother were making fun of me and now they are mad that I deleted them.

Have you ever asked yourself if friendships are really worth all the headache and heartache they bring? Don't get me wrong....I have some wonderful close friends but we still have our moments when we don't agree and it breaks my heart when that happens. Have you ever asked yourself if its you thats the problem? I have. I have often wondered that and then have asked God to show me if I am not being compassionate, caring, kind, a good listener, there for my friends. I believe those are all important qualities in a friend because lets face it......we all have downfalls and the world is so quick to judge us. We need someone by our side that will stand up for us and fight our battles with us.

Maybe I am just having a bad day too.

SO HAPPY!!!!

2010-04-06T08:28:00.002-05:00

This is a picture from a couple of years ago but I love my sisters face in it! She is such a card! We got great news Saturday night that my sister and her boyfriend are engaged and will be married on Nov. 6th! I am so happy for them and so happy that she found a great guy. Jeremy is someone that I have always felt comfortable around and love to pick on him! Don't worry.....he dishes it right back! So now its time to loose some serious weight and I get to be her Matron of Honor. Brooklyn is going to be a Jr. Bridesmaid which she is just STOKED about, Cooper is a ring bearer, and Craig will be an usher. Lots of planning to do in so little time but its going to be fun!!!

Been awhile......

2010-03-03T20:55:00.003-06:00

Sorry! You would think that since I have internet at home now I would blog a lot more! Things have been crazy busy at the Pendley household! Between work, church, kids, and just plain stuff......I find myself neglecting my blog. I will share more of our happenings in weeks to come!

Peace and quiet

2010-02-16T21:12:00.002-06:00

Do you ever find yourself reflecting on your day after the kids have gone to bed? You know.....that time when you finish dishes, throw in another load of laundry, and put away the rest of the toys. I often think back to the day and reflect on what went wrong, what went right and how I can improve tomorrow.

Today was one of those days. The days that no matter what you do its never the right thing. The days that you know you should have just stayed in bed and pulled the covers over your head. That was me.....imagining that as I am sitting in my office being yelled at by a couple different customers.

I am looking back tonight wondering if I handled every situation the correct way. Was I gracious, understanding, empathetic, helpful. Did I always have a smile on my face and did I do my best to solve the customers complaints.

I sometimes wonder if God ever feels this way. I KNOW he doesn't but then it makes me think back on my attitude. How often have I complained to God when things don't go the way I want them to. How often have I hurled myself at his feet crying for mercy and unconditional love. He never gets tired of helping me with my problems. He is always there for me and loves me in spite of all my flaws! He is always there and never puts his phone on DO NOT DISTURB.

With that in mind......tomorrow is a new day to show someone Gods grace and mercy by me showing them grace and mercy. Whether it be my co-workers or customers.....I will have a smile upon my face and know that I am doing the best that I can.

Joyce Meyer Bible Study

2010-02-09T10:47:00.004-06:00

Starting next Thursday our women's group is going a study on this book and I am way excited!!!! So many times I hear the devil put in my head "You don't belong" or "You're not good enough" or "They invited so and so but not you, you don't have any friends" and I know they are all lies. Seriously though......I get tired of hearing them and close to falling for it.

Growing up I was never a popular person in grade school, I was actually kinda the outcast and way back then I am learning......the devil had a plan for me. He would use those experiences to start to take a stronghold on my life and try to tell me that even today.......I am the outcast. I got my book and study guide last night and started reading right away. Even in the first few pages Joyce managed to step on my toes....in a good way that is and open my eyes to what actually is going on in my head. I'M NOT CRAZY AFTERALL!!!! I will share over the next few weeks what I am learning in this study and how I am applying it to my life. After all.......if I want to go about doing God's work and being a light to others, I am going to have to learn to be transparent in this and humble myself. I'm not afraid to share my story so stay tuned........there will be more to follow!

Where are the good commercials?

2010-02-08T10:23:00.003-06:00

I remember the days of getting all my Superbowl party snacks, plates, napkins, cups ready for our guests in anticipation of the great game. I don't have a favorite team so I always cheer for the underdog.

Pre-game is always fun to watch and I still get teary eyed listening to the National Anthem and seeing the troops stand at attention. I am proud to be an American. Then its time to watch the coin toss and then hurry up and get your chili, chips, crackers and don't for the the can of Diet Coke!

Sweet.......made it just in time for the first set of commercials! What do you mean there is more to the game than the commercials?! I'm kidding but seriously.......I love the commercials. Lately though I have been disappointed in them. What happened to the commercials that you rush during the play of the game to get your 2nd, 3rd, 4th helping of snacks to land in your seat in time to watch the commercials. You know......the kind that you spend a good part of the next day around the water cooler at work talking about them.

I miss the days of the great great commercials and how funny they used to be. I was not impressed in the Go Daddy.com ones......I thought they were retarded and I always hate the car commercials. I don't care to see how they are painted in the factory during Superbowl time. Now you put a monkey or something racing a NASCAR person in them and thats a funny commercial! Just sayin.......

AAAAHHHHHH,...........I miss the days of creative advertising.

Who knew?!

2010-02-04T08:44:00.003-06:00

Who knew that these crazy little guys could entertain 3-6th grade girls for an entire hour and 15 minutes? Let me explain......On Wednesday nights I teach the 3-6th grade girls in our church. I have become very fond of these girls and love hanging out with them. We have badges that we work towards and right now we are learning about puppets. Yes you heard me right. We are learning how puppets can minister to others. How they keep the attention of little kids and you can have a very good little sermon through puppets.

So last night I decided we were going to make sock puppets. The girls went crazy! Its amazing how creative and different they all are. I had everything from super heroes to a dog, a princes and a one eyed something or other. We used socks, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, material and best of all.....the hot glue guns! The other teacher and I did all the gluing of course!! It was so fun to see their creative streaks put to good use. We all had a blast!

At the end of the lesson we are going to put on a puppet show for the preschoolers at the church and the girls are so excited! Have I mentioned lately how much I love and appreciate the kids in our church?

What do you mean more winter?!?!

2010-02-02T14:20:00.002-06:00

Living in the upper midwest......you learn that there are just certain things you have to deal with.

-South Dakota does not have our own NFL team but thankfully the neighboring state has the Vikings!!!

-Living in South Dakota you just know that when you visit somewhere other than the midwest you will be asked "Do you guys still have teepees around there and don't have indoor plumbing yet?" Yep....you hit the nail on the head. We don't have indoor plumbing but we have internet. I hate that question.

-We only get 2 1/2 months of warm weather which we practically stay up 24/7 trying to absorb it all.

Today is Groundhogs Day and as you all know.....they predicted we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Well, living here you just have to accept the fact that we will have winter until MAY. That is when we can actually start enjoying the outdoors without a winter parka on. Don't get me wrong....I am not complaining. I hate those that complain about our winters but stay here. If you hate them that bad....MOVE!!! I personally like the snow. I do! Its when the temperature dips below zero that I start becoming a wimp and put the extra layers on. So all in all......I didn't need whats his name......the groundhog........to tell me there are 6 more weeks. I would rejoice if in 6 weeks we had spring weather but I am facing reality. So while the rest of you start to venture out and enjoy the outdoor in 6 weeks.....I will be in my recliner with 3 layers of clothes on sipping my hot chocolate.

Happy Birthday my sweet little boy......

2010-01-26T13:04:00.002-06:00

6 years ago today I was on my way to the hospital to welcome our final addition to the family. I can't imagine life without this little face. Growing up I never had a brother. Didn't know anything about the boy thing and then our first baby was a girl! I was so excited because I was really good at the girl thing!!! Then on this day 6 years ago a little boy came into my life and stole my heart. His sister and daddy hold a big chunk of it but its amazing how much love you have for each new addition!

I remember thinking when I was pregnant "How am I going to balance all my love between 2 children". Its amazing how much your heart grows with each new addition in your life.

I always find myself reminiscing about the day of my children's births. Cooper was a day past due.....not bad. The only problem was my dr. kept telling me I would never go full term. Cooper had a different plan.....always does. That morning I KNEW I was going into labor but already had a dr. appt that morning so we went to our regular visit and I was having contractions but they were still far apart. Yep.....they walked me right over to the hospital (they are connected) and I got to request the same room that we were in when I welcomed my beautiful baby girl into the world. I was so happy! Cooper came on strong and hard. Determined to get out of there and experience this new world. He still has that determination today only its directed into trying to lift the dog into the tree or breaking his friends glasses for him. The dr barely had time to put on the delivery uniform and here he was......my beautiful little boy that totally stole my heart and the hearts of his sister and daddy.

He had a lot of hair......still does but the nurses had fun slicking his hair to the side. He was a loud baby and still to this day always has something on his mind and is determined to tell you about it. I remember thinking.....oh boy......how do I do the boy thing. Let me tell you.....he has taught me a lot! I now know that it is possible to have your sister dress you in a tutu and shawl and still grow up to hate ballett. I have learned that the dog all of a sudden draws on our walls. Funny thing.....never had a problem until a boy came into the house. I learned that he already can kick my butt in Mario Kart and then still feels the need to smack talk. I am not a gracious loser let me tell you.

All in all.......I can't imagine our family without him. He loves to be wild, crazy, adventurous, outgoing, talkative, and busy but the best part is he will still grab a soft blanket and come snuggle with his mama. I know my days are limited! I love my children and they hold my heart in the palm of their hands for the rest of my life.

Happy Birthday Bubba! I love you more than words can say!!!

Where have all the bloggers gone.......

2010-01-25T16:15:00.003-06:00

A couple of years ago I remember signing online and going straight to my favorites. My favorite bloggers that is. Yes, I had sites that I couldn't wait to visit everyday and see what was new in everyones life. Craig has a hard time understanding this fascination of being a snoopy neighbor only blogger style into lives of people I have never met. You true bloggers know exactly what I mean! Even though I may have never met some of you, I still love seeing what is new.

Well, that is until recently! I don't know if Face*book is the culprit or just lack of motivation to post anymore or just plain too busy.......but most of my blogger friends are gone. I find that they haven't even posted for a couple of months (not naming names but we are related! ;o)) or they have restricted their blogs to invited readers only. Needless to say I am not one of those invited readers. One good friend hasn't even posted for over a year!!!!

Now I know what you all are going to say: "Its their business if they want to post" "You don't have to be so nosy" "People are turning to face*book now" (yeah.....I can't get on face*book at work anymore!) or just plain "No time to post anymore".

These are all fine and ligit reasons but here is my dilema. I love blogging. I have "met" some amazing people blogging but now I need to discover some new blogs. Does anyone have any suggestions on blogs that are fun, clean, family based, and preferrably Christian people? If so can you leave me a comment on where to find these amazing blogs? Thanks for your help!

True friendship?

2010-01-20T09:23:00.002-06:00

If any of you are on my facebook page you will know what this post is all about. My dear 5 year old, Cooper, is full of funny little sayings.....does the craziest things and usually gets a good chuckle out of his mama but not this time. See......his friend from daycare wears glasses. His friend does not like to wear them and decided to ask Cooper to break them for him so he wouldn't have to wear them.

Cooper trying to be a good friend decided to STOMP on the glasses and help his friend. Luckily the friend fessed up that he ASKED Cooper to do this and Cooper admitted doing the favor. So what did Cooper learn in all of this? Some decisions are wise when it comes to friends and the decisions that are not so wise.......well they earn you the chore of cleaning the bunny cage by yourself for 2 weeks. Yes......a stinky lesson indeed.

Boys will be boys is what I keep hearing but I am wondering what this boy thing is going to cost me over the years! ;o)

Weekend recap

2010-01-18T09:17:00.002-06:00

This weekend was a semi-busy but fun weekend. Friday night I was cleaning house and then my friend brought her little girl over for Brooklyn to babysit while they went to the boys basketball game. I forget what its like to have a little one in the house again. It was fun having her there because at bedtime I got to sit and snuggle her. I don't get to do that much anymore!

Saturday morning I had to go to the ice rink to get Brooklyn signed up for the ice show and then we spent a good chunk of the morning shopping and getting groceries. That night we took the kids to watch the Hamlin Chargers take on the Castlewood Warriors. We first watched Craig's cousins oldest daughter (who was a flower girl in our wedding) play. She put up a good fight and had a few battle wounds to prove it! I also got to watch Frazzled Farm Wife's daughter, Courtney, play too!!! The game went into overtime with Castlewood prevailing by 2 points! It was a good game. We then stayed for the boys bball game so we could watch our friends daughter cheer. That game wasn't as exciting and yet Castlewood won again. Cooper fell asleep in the car on the way home!!!

Sunday was the usual.. Church and then we have started doing Sunday dinner with my family. I feel its very important for my kids to be around their grandparents and we love having the time to get together with them. The boys were watching the football game and getting upset with Brooklyn who out of the blue became a Vikings fan. Don't know where that came from as her daddy is a Cowboys fan! It made for an interesting afternoon to say the least. After the game was over we took the kids sledding at St. Ann's hill. The place was packed and only one kid got hurt while we were there. If you have ever seen this hill......you totally understand and are impressed too with the low statistics. Funny thing is this hill has the hospital sitting on top of it. Whomever built the hospital was def. thinking!!!!

It was a great weekend but like all weekends.....it went way too fast!!!

A little of this.......

2009-12-28T13:06:00.002-06:00

This year for Christmas we got the kids a big gift........a really big gift. We got them a Wii and its more like a family gift. The kids were so excited because we have never given them anything like this before!!! South Dakota was hit with a big storm over the holiday so we were snowed in for most of the weekend. It was great though. We had a great time with my family and my sister surprised me too! She had me believing she was stuck in Sioux Falls without any family when really she was at my mom and dad's house. She showed up at church Christmas Eve and I about started crying!!! Everyone came to our house and we had LOTS of food and fun. I love getting together with family on the holidays!!!

Saturday we were supposed to go to Sioux Falls to have Christmas with Craig's family but the interstate was closed so we are going over New Years. Instead we spent a day in our jammies and played the Wii, watched movies, and played games ALL DAY!!! We hadn't left the house since Christmas Eve! It was wonderful spending a day with my family and the kids loved it!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!!!!

--In all the comotion.......I forgot to take any pictures! Thankfully my sister had her camera out!!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

2009-12-16T13:03:00.006-06:00

NAUGHTY...............

or NICE..........

or just plain ADORABLE..........

Merry CHRISTmas from our family to yours...........

May your season be filled with peace, hope, and joy during this wonderful time of year.

Charity:water

2009-12-14T09:11:00.002-06:00

This year the Arnold family is doing something WONDERFUL for Christmas. Our beloved Grandma Arnold is such a giving person. Every year she gives each and every one of us a Christmas present and every year it gets harder and harder to figure out what she would like for Christmas. She loves anything you get her but its still hard to be unique. This year she sent out an email and instead of giving gifts......we are donating money to Charity:water. If you have never heard of this organization they raise money and dig wells for villages in Africa that are not fortunate enough to have clean drinking water. So the Arnold family is all donating and going to dig a well in Ethiopia for a village of 200-400 people that will have a nameplate "donated by the Arnold family" on it. I think its the best idea and I know Grandma will be so proud. If you want to learn more about Charity:water I have set up a link on the side of my blog. This is a great organization and I have watched the videos that shows the water these poor people are drinking. We take clean water for granted everyday and it breaks my heart what some people go through. I thank God everyday for all my blessings.

Christmas Program 2009

2009-12-10T16:28:00.002-06:00

So this weekend is the big Kids' Christmas program at church. The name of it this year is Camel Lot and is going to be wonderful. We have some great actors/actresses, dancers, soloists and the best choir around. These kids are a joy to work with and getting to know them on a more personal level is wonderful. They are no longer so and so's daughter/son. They are some of my favorite kids in town and I love it when I am sitting somewhere and all of a sudden I have 4-5 kids right by my side wanting to hang out with me. It is very trying at times.....managing 40+ kids but its all worth it in the end. I even quit choir for awhile because I have been so busy with the kids. So if you live nearby and don't have plans Saturday night at 7:00......come see Camel Lot. Its going to be a great time!!!!!

p.s.....I won't have time to take pictures so I won't have any to put on here. I'll see if I can get my mom to take pictures for me. Have a great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T10:09:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Have a blessed weekend and remember to give thanks for everything in your life, even the trials. The trials are what makes us stronger!!! Have a great weekend!!!

Why does society take Christ out of Christmas?!

2009-11-20T09:12:00.003-06:00

No I am not jumping the gun and starting to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving. That is one of my biggest pet peeves!!! Although Brooklyn's school decided that it was time to have their Holiday Program....yes HOLIDAY PROGRAM last night at the school. As I sat there watching this program I wanted to get up and shout "What every happened to MERRY CHRISTMAS?! Isn't Christ the reason we celebrate this season? Its bad enough we have the program before we can even give thanks at Thanksgiving but now you take out the ONLY REASON we celebrate this season? I don't recall God sending an ipod touch, or a wii to be born into the manger. I don't remember God sending the perfect holiday decorations or cards to be born in the manger. I do remember God sending His ONLY SON to be born so that later in life he can be hung on the cross to save us from our sins. I do know that applies to EVERYONE that is sitting in this crowded school gym watching the HOLIDAY PROGRAM."

Why have we as Christians allowed those that don't believe in God have such a voice in society that now we are forced to watch Holiday Programs and say Happy Holidays instead of MERRY CHRISTMAS?! Why have we as a society put such an importance on what we are giving/getting for gifts and making sure our houses are perfectly decorated that we get so wrapped up that we don't reflect on the true miracle of the season until Christmas Eve. I am as guilty as anyone else.

I get myself worked up into knots figuring out what I am going to give for gifts and making sure my house is festive that by the time Christmas is here I am exhausted.

First I am giving Thanks for all the blessings in my life on Thanksgiving and then I am going to reflect on the true reason for the season...........A baby born in a manger sent from God up above, the same baby who as a man died for my sins. The same man who I cannot wait to meet when I get to Heaven........

Frustrations.......

2009-11-18T10:57:00.002-06:00

Do you ever have days that no matter how well prepared you were the night before.......the next morning just crashes around you? I am having a day like that and its not fun. Actually.....this whole week has just not been very fun but tomorrow is always another day. This morning though I totally lost my cool and I don't even know why. Cooper lost his hat and gloves AGAIN and its not even December yet. When he told me I totally came un-glued and I hate it when that happens. I yelled at him just for losing his hat and gloves. I was in a hurry, the morning wasn't going right and here my precious little boy just lost his gloves and I over-reacted. I can't imagine how his little heart feels right now and I feel horrible for losing my cool!!! It reminds me of how much I do wrong on a day to day basis and yet God still loves me and never losses his cool with me. He is always there to listen when I need him to and still loves me unconditionally even though I mess up every day. I do know I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to Cooper. I just feel horrible and all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and kiss his adorable cheeks!!!

2009-11-06T10:56:00.002-06:00

Last night was the big night!!! It was the Michael W. Smith concert in Sioux Falls and what a great night it was. He is such an amazing and talented singer! I have listened to his music for years and this was the first time I have ever seen him in person.

Craig and I made a whole date night out of the concert. We left for Sioux Falls around 12:30 yesterday and had lunch with my sister and her boyfriend. We then went back to Jeremys house to play the Wii for a little bit before I had to be to choir practice at 4:30. Let me tell ya......the security around there is tough! Glad I had all my ducks in a row! Once we were all there we were ushered into the arena and there stood MWS. I have to admit. I was a little star struck! Then I realized he is a normal person like you and me, well except he has 21 albums, numerous #1 hits and an amazing band he gets to hang out with everyday.

So we started practice and it was so much fun. The concert started at 7:30 and the opening acts were Meredith Andrews, Phil Stacy (from season 6 American Idol and he has an amazing voice!), and Matt Maher (sp?). Then on came MWS and the whole arena started shouting in glee!!!! He sang 4 or 5 songs before it was time for the choir to come on stage. I was so excited and I will probably never have a chance like that ever again! It was so great and the worship was so intense! It was great to see so many people in once place praising God! We did take a moment of silence at the very beginning of the concert for those in Fort Hood, TX. So sad what happened there. The concert lasted 3 hours but it didn't feel that long. Time passes so quickly when you are worshipping God.

It was a great experience, and AWESOME worship time and I thank God for giving me the chance to experience it. Now today I am dragging a little but it was all worth it. I have tomorrow that I can take a little cat nap. Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

Family pictures

2009-10-28T14:49:00.003-05:00

So last Friday night we had our appointment to take family pictures for the new pictorial directory at church. We were supposed to get them the friday before that but due to the H1N1 visiting our house we had to reschedule. I am one when I have to make an absolute decision I leave it to the last minute. I couldn't decide on what to wear or how I was going to fix my hair.

So the morning of pictures I kind of had an idea as to what we all were going to wear. After work Craig decided he needed new jeans, shirt and a haircut. WHAT?! OK......so guess that leaves me to get the kids home, fed, showers, curl Brooklyns hair and fix Coopers. Small dilema......it wasn't until after work that I realized that Cooper decided to cut his own hair. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! It was too late to get his hair cut and I didn't know what else to do. When I asked him what happened he told me that it just keeps falling off. Yeah.....that happens when you cut it with a scissor. So....I didn't panic too much and just combed his hair to the side. You can see it in the picture but it looks okay. I will post a picture as soon as I can. They really did turn out I just always stress over them too much!!!

We made it!

2009-10-22T08:39:00.001-05:00

Well, we made it through the H1N1 with no problem. Took us almost a week to feel better but the kids are back to normal with the smiles and fighting. My counter doesn't look like a pharmacy counter anymore and I am back at work. Its amazing how one little illness can knock a household out for a few days. I did go around and start sanitizing like crazy afterwards. I am just hoping that nasty little bug doesn't visit our house again. So.....back to normal day to day routines. That is if you call my life normal......sometimes life is too busy. It was nice to have some days at home. I was just wishing it was under different circumstances!!! I am praying for all those that are effected with this flu!!!!

2009-10-16T13:52:00.002-05:00

See these two adorable faces? Well the last week the smiles have been missing. The laughing, the games, everything has been missing? What stole the happiness from our house? Its a dreaded thing called H1N1. It hit our house this week and it took everything! It started out Wednesday morning. Brooklyn woke up running a high fever, head hurt, coughing, and body aches. I called the clinic and they told me that they are no longer testing but she has all the symptoms of H1N1. Great. The only thing that I could treat her with was Tylenol and Motrin. Her fever finally broke Wed night around 9:00. The next morning she got up and her fever was back at 101.2 which was better than the 102.4 from the previous day. So we spent another day at home and finally yesterday afternoon she was fever free and back to her normal self. We kept her home from school today just to be on the safe side. I stayed home from work this morning and was just dropping Brooklyn off at my moms when my phone rang.......

It was our daycare and now Cooper had all the same symptoms. So here we are hanging out at home again and I put my nurses hat back on. Right now he is laying on the couch in the family room while I work on the computer and he is just a limp noodle. The bad thing is I wanted to snuggle him but he won't snuggle. Guess those days are over! So.....its going to be a weekend of no plans for me and the kids.

I am sending Craig out of the house tomorrow. Its opening pheasant weekend here in South Dakota which is practically a HOLIDAY around here. He is going hunting with my dad and poor Cooper was going to go until he got sick. There will be other weekends for him in the future to go. Have a great weekend everyone!

Major meltdown and lots of DRAMA....

2009-10-08T20:03:00.002-05:00

This little boy is something else.....let me tell you. Yesterday we were on our way to school and he asked me "Mom, if there is a piece of paper that I REALLY don't want you to see.....do I still have to show you?" Me with my curiosity spiked at this point told him yes. I was thinking he got in trouble at school and got a note sent home but here the paper was about the flu shot.

So last night I got a phone call from his teacher. She began to explain to me that there was an episode with Cooper at school yesterday. Great. I guess he wasn't following directions and got upset with his teacher. So she took him out in the hallway to talk to him and he DARTED OUT THE DOOR!! Luckily the principal was outside talking to one of the custodians and so Mr. D took Cooper to talk to him. Cooper told him that everyone was picking on him and he was going to run away to home to go to sleep.

Craig and I had a good talk with him and explained what could have happened to him. He won't do that again.

Needless to say.....its 8:15 and BOTH my kids are in bed. They were needing the extra sleep tonight and mommy needed the extra quiet time.

Come on already!

2009-10-06T08:56:00.002-05:00

So it has been raining almost EVERY DAY since last Monday! Seriously......the only break we had was Saturday (which it rained that morning) and Sunday (which was still cloudy and cold). I am one that loves the sunshine. I don't care if I have to water my lawn all summer just to keep it from burning to a crisp.....I love the sun!!!! I feel like lately we live in Seattle or somewhere it rains a lot! London maybe?

Anyways........I always try to find a positive in a negative. So I figure since we are in a recession....I can use the rain to help me save some money. Here are my ways of going green!

-Instead of turning the water in the house on to clean laundry/dishes/bodies we are going to lather up with soap and stand outside to rinse off. Thank goodness we put up that privacy fence.

-No need to run to the carwash anymore.......I have my own super wash right in my driveway. It has it down pours more often than not.

-Don't have to water the lawn or animals. The rain is taking care of that.

-For Halloween we will just put rain jackets on an duck feet cause lets face it.......we are going to be paddling down main street in a boat here soon anyways. We can just say we are a family of ducks migrating south. No need for expensive costumes.

-Finally.....with the whole boat thing. I can save on gas because we will now being floating through town in our paddle boat.

There are my ideas on going green!

Way excited!!

2009-10-05T13:52:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we will FINALLY have internet at our house. I am waiting for all the gasps. Yes I know, we are way beind the times but really we never missed not having internet. The only times I missed it is when I want to post pictures to my blog and when worked BLOCKED facebook! Yep. I about had a meltdown! So.....as of tomorrow we will be hooked up to the world wide web finally!!!!

I feel like a traitor......

2009-10-02T08:38:00.001-05:00

I am an avid Starbucks fan. I will admit it. I like to go there all too often and my husband flips out when he realizes just how much I spend in one month on my favorite Lattes. Its really bad now that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back! Anyways........recently just across the parking lot a competitor moved in. Since my lovely Starbucks is clear out by the interstate I decided to give Carribou Coffee a chance. I mean, seriously......its so darn handy to make a run across the parking lot to get coffee for everyone in the office.

I gave Carribou a fair chance but I have found that I am a true Starbucks lover. I even turned down getting a latte this morning because I already made my run before work out to Starbucks. I just wish they were so much closer!

So tell me.........have you tried both places? What is your opinion?

5 Word Meme

2009-09-28T16:20:00.003-05:00

So I typically don't buy into doing these but this one seemed fun. I was given 5 words by Ginger and need to describe how they work in my life so here they are.........

Work: I have worked in the general public since I was about 15 years old. My very first job was a bus person for Godfathers. I was very proud of this job as it was my first and even thought I looked cool in the stupid hat and apron. Very young and immature at the time. My next job was working as a hostess for Bonanza which was a job I LOVED!!! I had a great boss and the co-workers and customers were awesome. I loved visiting with the people and making sure they were taken care of. I left Bonanza to be a cashier at a local grocery store which was a nice change of pace. Still get to help the customer but didn't smell like the resturaunt when I got off work. Then I was hired to work at Norwest Bank while I went to school. I started there my senior year in high school and worked there until Brooklyn had turned 1. Things changed when Wells Fargo came in and I didn't like it. I then went to work for Verifications and totally hated it. I got in trouble for talking too much (not on the phone) and only stayed there for 3 months. It felt like an eternity. I was then hired at Dacotah Bank and will be here 8 years in January. The thing with working in the public and growing up in this town for as long as I have is you get to know a lot of people. Craig HATES going shopping with me because I always run into someone I know.

Play: This is a funny one. When I get time my family and I have a blast during play time. We love to go sledding, wrestle, go horseback riding, bike riding, and just hanging out as a family.

Children: I have two wonderful kids that I just love. Brooklyn is 9 and a typical tween. That is what they call this age group. Not sure I am ready for this but I am enjoying the changes. She is very responsible, loves the Jonas Brothers, and wants to star in the next High School Musical movie. She loves to sing, do art, dance, and have girl time which I love. She is at the age where you can sit and have a great conversation and learn more about the person she is becoming. Although I miss the baby days with my first baby.....I am enjoying this new adventure with her. Cooper is my very energetic, loveable 5 year old. He is all boy and still takes time to give his mama a kiss each time he sees me. He loves the Transformers, just learned how to ride his bike without training wheels, and is always up to gravity defying stunts in the backyard. He loves to work with daddy in the garage and even has his own tools and toolbelt. He is a bundle of fun and even though its trying at times (I never had a brother) this boy stuff is pretty fun.

Food: oiy where do I begin with this?! I love food and the size of me proves it. ;o) My favorite dessert is brownies. I absolutely love brownies!!! I love italian and mexican food also. Olive Garden and Johnny Carrinos are two of my favorite places to eat. I love to cook soups, casseroles and such in the winter time. Every year, the weekend before Christmas my family and I get together to do all of our holiday baking. Its a great time to spend together and the kids have a blast helping with the easier recipes.

Travel: this is one thing we don't do a lot of but I want to do more of in the future. The last big trip Craig and I ever took was on our honeymoon when we went to Jamaica. It was a great time and we got to see lots of cool things. After 2 years of marriage we had a surprise package and then never had the money to travel to far away places until now. We are planning a trip to Florida in about a year and a half. Why so long? We want Cooper to be old enough to remember it and walk the WHOLE time BY HIMSELF!!! The kids are way excited and so are we. We have taken the traditional trip to the Black Hills for the Arnold Family Reunion and we went with my family too. Otherwise our general travel is to see family or to go camping.

So there you have it. A glimpse into the life of Nickernoodle and her gang. If you want to participate and have me send you 5 words.....let me know in the comment section.

A new resolution

2009-09-28T08:59:00.003-05:00

So after a summer of crazy busy schedules.....I have decided that I am going to start saying NO a lot more. Our summer was jam packed with things to do that weren't even on my priority list.....which consists of my family only. That priority list was put on the back burner and I never want another summer like that again. So what does this mean? No more committing to things that I don't HAVE to be at.......more time on the bike trails with my kids. No more helping others out and not spending time with my family.......more campfires in the backyard. Don't get me wrong....I love helping others just not at the expense of my family time. With working full time and trying to get my Monavie business going......I don't have time to commit to much more than that. I just realize how little I was with my family and it hurts.....it hurts my heart. So......I am making my New Years resolution a little early.......my family comes first and everything elses will have to wait.

So excited!!!

2009-09-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

So last night at choir our director had an important announcement. Michael W. Smith is going to be in concert on Nov. 5th in Sioux Falls but thats not the best part. He asked for 10 people from our choir to come and sing with others from different choirs in his concert!!! I couldn't pass this up, its a once in a lifetime chance to go!!! So some of us from our choir will be going to not only have a chance to listen to a talented performer but to also get to sing with him on stage! I am totally stoked and Craig is going with me to listen to the concert. Its going to be so much fun!

I need help.......

2009-09-15T16:09:00.002-05:00

No.....not the kind you are thinking! I am looking for a laptop to use for my new business and for personal reasons too. I am very computer illiterate so I am not sure what is better. Mac or PC? If a PC which kind? What bells and whistles can't I live without and what don't I need. How much memory and what programs should I be looking for. Any help with this would be appreciated.

Happy Anniversary

2009-09-11T15:09:00.004-05:00

11 years ago tomorrow.......I said "I do" and have never regretted it for one moment. Tomorrow is our anniversary and I always look back to that day and think about everything that took place. We had a BEAUTIFUL wedding and a great reception and dance followed by a wonderful honeymoon. I can't believe its been 11 years already but I love this man and he loves me. What more could a girl want? Happy Anniversary Craig. I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you forever..........

Mr. Cooper the Chef

2009-09-10T10:37:00.001-05:00

The other day I called home to ask Craig a quick question before I got off work (he gets off at 3:00) and in the background this is what I heard:

Cooper: "Brooklyn.....you want a peanut butter sandwich?"

Brooklyn: "No thanks"

Cooper: "But I would be a good cook on it!"

BWAHAHAHAHAHA.........he was making them a snack before his soccer game and his specialty is peanut butter sandwiches. I love being a mom!!!!

School picture day

2009-09-04T11:12:00.002-05:00

Do you remember as a kid how exciting school picture day was? For me it was stressful. I was always worried about what outfit my mom was going to pick out for me to wear that would haunt me for the rest of my life. She always loved those courdoroy pants, sweat vests, and long sleeved dress shirts. Yes in the '80s those were popular but I HATED them! There was one outfit I can remember and the vest was white with purple teddy bears on it. Even the pants were purple. Yeah, pretty sure they got the idea of Barney the Dinosaur from my outfit.

Anyways......today is picture day for the kids at school and as I am getting them ready I totally heard my mom when I was talking. Smile pretty, don't eat ketchup today, don't use those little combs they hand out until AFTER your picture. Yep.......every last word I sounded just like my mom.

I am always nervous to open that packet up too when they bring them home. Did they smile pretty? What is their hair going to look like? Do they have anything on their face? Lets face it.....I don't want to hand out pictures where Cooper has half his lunch all over his shirt. Yes I am weird about dirty clothes but I don't want all my family and friends wondering if I ever give the kids baths or showers!

So I got the kids all ready, got their envelope with the hefty fee for pictures put in their backpacks and sent them on their way praying for a successful photo shoot! I got word later from Coopers daycare that he asked them if they knew why he looked so cute today.......he replied it was picture day and that is why he is so cute. Must be picture day everyday in my world because both my kids are so cute to me everyday of the year!!!

Hope all you other moms have successful picture days in your households too!!!!

Its the most wonderful time.....of the year.

2009-09-03T15:05:00.003-05:00

No I am not talking about Christmas......although it is glorious! I am talking about my favorite season. A season where I need just my good comfy jeans and trusty sweatshirt to keep me warm on a brisk walk. A walk that entails seeing beautiful scenery and crunching of leaves under each step I take. Where a bonfire feels the best in the evening and there are plenty of smores to share. A season full of spiced scents, warm apple pies, and beautiful colors everywhere you look.

I have always loved fall. I love going to the apple orchard and picking fresh, crisp apples to make apples pies like Grandma Arnold does. I love going to the pumpkin patch to watch the kids pick out the best pumpkin for them. I love going to football games and marching in the parade. I love watching my kids have a leaf fight even after I just piled them up to be put in the garbage can.

There is nothing about this season I hate. Its the next season that leaves a bad taste in my mouth but thankfully Christmas is in the middle of it so I can't complain.

Crazy little tidbit about me.....

2009-09-02T15:22:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen how many Hot Tamales (the candy) you can eat before needing to take a drink of water? Just curious if I am the only weird one out there!

A new look

2009-09-01T14:56:00.001-05:00

So I tried designing my own blog background. What do you all think? Not bad for the first time!!!

A new beginning

2009-08-27T10:42:00.002-05:00

Cooper recently started kindergarten and I found myself sad but yet happy for him. He has grown up so much in the last year and is ready to be a big boy. What does being a big boy all entail? Let me show you from Cooper's perspective:

--Brushing your own teeth if all you do is really eat the toothpaste

--Dressing yourself and pretending its taking a long time when really all you are doing is dancing around in your underwear for a few minutes

--Taking care of feeding and watering the dogs when really you are squirting them with the garden hose and throwing their food on the ground seeing if they can catch any of it.

--Making your bed when really you are quickly trying to hide all the crumbs from last nights cookies you snuck into your room and ate long after you should have been asleep.

--Showing how well you can climb on the monkey bars when really you are showing off for a girl, miss one and fall and land on your elbow. Resulting in your arm being in a sling for the weekend.

--Helping set the table when really you are plotting the best way to tick your sister off by setting daddys' place setting right next to you when really it was your sisters turn to sit by him. (not sure of the reason for arguing between the two of them on this one!!)

--Showing how well you play by yourself in the backyard when really you are hoping that mom doesn't come out of the house and catch you trying to hoist the dog up into a tree with a jump rope you tied around her waist. (yes I caught him doing this)

--The very best part of being a big boy is hearing mom tell you that she still loves you when you don't know if she realizes all the things you do behind her back or if she realizes it and still can't resist your big brown eyes!!!

All alone.....

2009-08-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

This weekend the kids are going to spend the WHOLE weekend with Craig's parents. Craig is going to meet them in Brookings for supper and then the kids will go home with his parents. So what are we going to do this weekend? We are going to organize the basement, go to Craig's company picnic, have a date night Saturday night, and relax around the house on Sunday. Its alos a weekend where we don't have much of anything going on (rare for the way the summer has been) and can just enjoy each others company again.

Its so easy to loose your connection with your spouse when you are running kids here and there, busy schedules, house projects, and just over all busyness. I can't wait to have some time to just hang out with Craig again. I have forgotten what that is like!!!

The kids are SUPER EXCITED to go! My in-laws are wonderful people and have been planning things to do since the beginning of July! They are so cute! I'm glad the kids have grandparents that love to hang out with them. I never really had that growing up. So I am blessed to have both sides that love to have the kids. Plus it gives Craig and I a nice break! I will miss the kids but I know they are in good hands and will be having a blast!

A thing of the past?

2009-08-03T16:00:00.003-05:00

You know what never ceases to amaze me? Fads. Yes.....I am a victim of multiple fads. From the 80's I loved Michael Jackson and was jealous of my aunt who had a red leather coat and sequined glove, to the wild crazy hair. The 90's were full of rolled up jeans, wavy hair with BIG bangs that you curled under and then ratted the snot out of them. I was always trying to fit in and still find myself doing the same thing. Lets face it......we don't want to see ourselves on the show "What Not to Wear" now do we?

So where am I going with this post? Good question. Do any of you find that blogging is becoming just a fad that is starting to fade out? I find many blogs that I used to read that haven't been updated since November of last year and I know I have been guilty of not posting very often. A part of me is thinking about closing down my blog and printing all my posts and putting them in a book. Yet, I hate to shut something down that I enjoyed for so long. I am just finding it too hard to find time to post and upload pictures. I will let you all of you(if anyone is even still reading this) know what I decide before I just shut it down.

Leaving........

2009-07-24T09:24:00.003-05:00

Its that time of year again......CHURCH CAMP!!!! I love the kids of our church and we are getting ready to venture out on Monday morning for church camp. Its going to be a week of singing, dancing, praising God, zip lines, swimming, eatin smores, campfires, games, camp food, and over all good fun and bonding with the kids of our church. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! I will try to take many pictures and post while I am there.

BTW.......does anyone know how to post from your blackberry? I have it set up I just don't know how to do it!!!

Tasting party at the Event Center!!!!

2009-07-23T11:23:00.004-05:00

Its another MonaVie tasting party at the Event Center!!!! I know I have talked about this amazing product before and now you can come try it with no obligation and no cost to come to this event. It will be Saturday, July 25th at 6:45 in the Prairie Room at the Watertown Event Center. Everyone is welcome to come and try this. PLUS.....all you Vikings fans.......we have Taylor Mehlhaff (rookie kicker for the Vikings) giving the presentation!!!!! Come and learn about how to improve your health and meet an NFL player. I know Taylor personally and he loves to take pictures with everyone and share his passion for MonaVie. If you have questions on how to get there or questions on the product, leave me a comment I will respond!!!! Hope to see some of you there!!!!

Oh how I love thee........

2009-07-14T09:18:00.002-05:00

On this day nine years ago I went to the hospital as a woman and left as a mom. My beautiful little baby girl is now 9 years old and I am trying to figure out where the time went. My Brooklyn is growing up and has really matured this last year. She is such a big help and I love her more than words can say. I can't believe how much my life changed that day but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!! Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet Brooklyn. I love you very much!

Happy Birthday and Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T16:24:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and SAFE 4th of July!!! We have the Arnold Family reunion tonight.......parade and fireworks tomorrow......and my moms birthday party on Sunday.

Speaking of which......

I want to wish my mom a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Her actual birthday is on the 4th and I didn't want to miss wishing her a wonderful day! Although I won't get to spend much time with her tomorrow we are spending the whole day together on Sunday! Love you so much mom!

Remembering a legend......

2009-06-26T09:16:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOXG8wtxx_w

I was a HUGE Michael Jackson fan back in the day.........before he was a little weird. I can't believe the news that he has died. I know he didn't live a life that was always right but he was still a human being. His life was full of controversy and scandal but I hope we can all remember today the man behind the music. Some of the greatest songs of all time came from him. Thriller, Bad, Billie Jean to name a few. I pray for peace for his family in these days of sorrow and I pray that this man is in a better place now. RIP Michael Jackson.

Have you ever had a day like this?

2009-06-25T08:51:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had a day that you are upset or mad about something but you can't pinpoint what it is? I had a day like that yesterday. I just felt like something was out of the norm but I didn't know what I was so mad about. That upset me even more! Its one thing to be mad at a certain circumstance but when you don't know why you are mad, that's a horrible feeling!

The day at work was nothing out of the norm. Same ol' stuff just a different day! I could just tell that something was bothering me. Then when I got home, I was supposed to be on a conference call and couldn't get on it. So I ordered pizza so it could be delivered right after Craig and the kids got home from swimming lessons. As we were sitting there eating our pizza......I looked over at Craig and totally bit his head off for chewing too loud! He looked at me like I was losing my mind!

Then when we went to church last night, something was still bugging me. After church I helped serve bars and cookies and was talking to my dear friend, Kristi, about it. She started laughing and said she had the same kind of day 3 days ago! So then we both start laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes! We decided after that to go to McDonald's to get some ice cream and cheer each other up. She had her oldest daughter with and I had Brooklyn with me. We sat at McDonald's until 10:45 having ice cream, sharing stories, and lots of laughter. I wonder what the poor workers at McD's thought of us but we didn't care. We were having too much fun!

I never did figure out what was bothering me but I thank God for the awesome people he has put in my life that with just a simple gesture of going for ice cream, can pick me up out of my funk and put me back on solid ground. :o)

2009-06-19T14:46:00.003-05:00

Every year when Father's Day rolls around I always take a look back at the past year and smile. Its been a year full of tents in the living room, wrestling matches, finger painting, making bird houses, camping, swimming, snowmobiling, sledding, snuggle time, cook outs, football in the backyard, kite flying, going on the slide with the kids, helping mom around the house, gardening, and most of all loving on the family. I am talking about my wonderful husband, Craig. To me he is the most amazing dad. He always takes time out for the kids and me. His family always comes first and I adore him for that.

Craig is wonderful for doing the fun stuff in life that kids love to do. The favorite is when he makes a tent in the living room in the middle of January because the kids want to go camping. He is also great because he takes the time out to truly listen to the kids.

Another reason my husband is so wonderful is that he has a true heart for the kids of our church. I have watched him grow the past year in our children's ministries and he loves those kids! I am lucky to have such a wonderful Godly man in my life.

I also want to pay tribute to my Dad. My dad has always been there for me to listen, offer a helping hand, and most of all a shoulder to cry on. He is a gentle but firm man. I always knew when I had done wrong but always knew he still loved me. I can't say enough about my dad. He loves my children and Craig just the same. He makes a wonderful grandpa always taking time to hang out with my kids.

I also have to pay tribute to my father in law, Dave. I don't know if he still reads this blog but I don't tell him enough how much I love him! I couldn't ask for better inlaws! They have always welcomed me into their home from day 1 and made me feel like part of the family. Dave loves it when we come to Sioux Falls. He loves hanging out with the kids and usually has a project in mind for them to work on. Last time they mad a birdhouse out of branches from a tree.

I thank God daily for the great men in my life that I have been blessed with. I love them all! Happy Father's Day Craig, Dad, and Dave!!!

VBS.......so far

2009-06-11T08:41:00.005-05:00

This week has been a crazy busy week! VBS (vacation bible school) started on Sunday night and we had almost DOUBLE the kids on the first night this year then what we had last year!!! Even last year we set record numbers! The theme this year is Mega Sports Camp and the preschoolers are Crocidile Dock. We start the night out by playing messy games (and they are VERY MESSY!) and then do some awesome dance worship. I am on the dance team and get to watch all these kids praising God and having a blast! Its awesome to see the whole sanctuary swaying in the same direction you are going cuz they are dancing right along with you! Then after that we split up into our groups. We have soccer, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, volleyball. The kids get to learn the sport and learn about God at the same time. Its awesome!!!! The preschoolers get to go see a video and puppet show, crafts, snack, playground time, and lesson! It goes by so fast! Tonight is the last night and we are have a SLIME TANK ready for messy games. Yep, you heard me right........we are sliming the kids tonight followed by worship, awards and a watermelon feed. It blesses my heart watching these kids get excited about Jesus. Some of them don't get that at home. I love working with these kids and we have some awesome volunteers that make this all possible. We also have a SUPER FANTASTIC children's pastor that has a true heart for the kids and it shows. She does a wonderful job and I don't think enough people tell her that. So Kristi........thank you so much for all you do for my kids and the kids of the church! You have an amazing heart and attitude toward kids and we are blessed to have you for our children's pastor. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Here we are playing messy games!!! Such fun!
My Lily Pad class and I hearing our Bible lesson from Miss Cindy

Time flies

2009-06-01T13:39:00.002-05:00

I can't believe another school year is over already! It seems like we were just strapping on the new backpacks and here we are in summer again!! I love the summer with playing at the beach, swinging in the yard, bonfires and roasting marshmallows but most of all, time to spend outside with my family! I am just having a hard time grasping that next year both kids will be in school. Brooklyn will be a 4th grader already and Cooper starts kindergarten. It just goes by so quickly!!!

Pure joy

2009-05-20T08:50:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to our friends house to see their baby ducks. The kids had a blast and both of the ducks love curling up on Brooklyn's belly to take a nap. I loved this picture that my friends took.....you can see the pure joy on the kids' faces!

Happy Birthday to the man I love!!!!

2009-05-12T09:10:00.004-05:00

Today is Craig's birthday and I couldn't have asked God for a better husband and father to my children. Craig is a very patient, compassionate, giving person. He hardly has a temper and loves all of us very much!!! He loves to hang out with his family, having campfires in the backyard, making smores, tents in the living room and best of all he is a Godly man. Happy Birthday Craig!!!! The kids and I love you SOOOOOOO Much!!!!

Monavie

2009-05-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

What is Monavie you may ask? Its a fruit drink made up of 19 different fruits with the "crown jewel" berry being the acai berry. Monavie gives you all your fruits and veggie servings in just 4 oz. of the juice per day. There are studies that have been done on this little super fruit and its full of antioxidants which is good for your body. I recently learned about this drink and have begun taking it. There are 3 different kinds.....Original, Active, and Pulse. They all have the same ingredients except that Active has fatty acids and glucosamine in it and Pulse targets a healthy heart. I have heard many testimonies from friends who have been drinking this and feel much better!

This Friday we are having a tasting party and Taylor Mehlhaff (kicker for the Vikings) is going to be here to talk about the benefits of Monavie. If anyone is interested in this......let me know! I am way excited for Friday and for the benefits I will feel from taking Monavie.

Prayers needed.......

2009-04-14T09:15:00.002-05:00

Where do I begin? When Craig and I were fairly new parents (Brooklyn was 1) we decided we were going to seek our dream of living in the country. We moved 15 miles from town and not only found our acreage but also our second family. Their names are Roger and Jan Mohr. In the country, in South Dakota, in the middle of the winter your neighbors are all you have. We spent a lot of time with the Mohrs and Brooklyn even called Roger......Papa Mohr. It always brought a HUGE smile to his face. They would come over to swim in our pool during the summer, we had BBQ's together, even had a hi-tech search party of cell phone usage when my horse disappeared. Like I said.....they became our second family and when we decided to move back to town.....it was so hard to tell them.

Today I write this with a heavy heart. See the Mohrs had 3 children, Jacey (who was the best babysitter!!), Lance, and Riley. On April 11th Lance and Riley got into a horrible car accident and Lance did not survive. Riley was driving and for some reason crossed the center line. He is in the hospital here in town in the CCU and had to be in surgery all Sat night. He will recover physically but emotionally I worry about him. He is the sweetest boy and we always joked that he loved Brooklyn because he would always watch out for her. Riley does have a Caring Bridge site. If you go to www.caringbridge.com and under visit site type rileymohr......you can read the updates. Please pray for this family as they have a long road of physical and emotional healing ahead of them.

Thank you to all my friends out there in bloggerville.....I know what mighty people of prayer you are!!!!

Ice Show 2009

2009-04-07T14:07:00.005-05:00

This last weekend we had the ice show and what a busy weekend it was. We had dress rehearsal Friday night and then 2 shows on Saturday and 1 on Sunday. The kids were all tired afterwards but they all did a good job! We had a lot of family come and watch Brooklyn and I skate and this year Annie (Craig's cousins' daughter) was in it also!!! Annie and Brooklyn were inseperable and they had a great time. Its always fun doing the ice show but I love Sunday night when we CRASH at home and do nothing all night!!! This years them was Jukebox Magic so it was all songs from the 50's and some from the 60's!! Great music and fun costumes!!!

Annie and Brooklyn (they are only 3 months apart in age)

Brooklyn skating (sorry for the blur, I was using my phone to take these!)

Weekend recap......

2009-03-09T08:44:00.004-05:00

This weekend was very nice just hanging out with my family. We don't get very many weekends to do this without having to be somewhere so I took full advantage of it. Friday night we took the kids to Mr. T's for supper and then went to get Cooper a new pair of tennis shoes. I am a Nike fan so that is what he got and calls them his "Super Fast Shoes". Yep......wonder if Nike would endorse that saying in their next ad. After we left the mall we went to Menards to get a few supplies. See......we are SLOWLY finishing our basement so that its not such a huge expense all at once. We have an older home that I love but the basement was never finished "properly". I suppose if the previous owners want to throw up some dark paneling for walls and call it finished......welp......then it was finished. To me a finished basement includes sheetrock, nice carpet and INSULATION. Come on people......we live in South Dakota! Concrete walls and floors in basements should not be considered when we have January and February to get through. Anyways.......there is a pole in the smack dab middle of the family room that I just hate because its in the way. So we were off to Menards to get some beams to hold the floors above us up without this stupid pole. I know the picture is small because I took it with my phone but this is the family room before the removal of the pole and finished walls. I will show you the finished product in a couple of weeks when we are finished!
While Craig was working on the pole and the beams......the kids and I were painting........suncatchers that is. Do you remember doing this as a kid? I found them at Walmart and thought it would be a fun snowy day project so here are the kids painting. Again......sorry for the small picture but my camera isn't cooperating with me so I had to use my phone. We had fun painting them and they are so easy to clean up! Yes.......I put my phone down all day and ignored facebook. It was hard but I did it!!! Instead I got some quality face time with my kids. We also watched movies and played games and stayed in jammies for most of the day.
Saturday afternoon Brooklyn had practice at church for a dance she is going to be in next Sunday but that was the only thing we had to go and do. Sunday was spent watching movies and just relaxing. It was a great weekend and I can't wait to have another free weekend to repeat this one!!!

2009-03-04T08:45:00.002-06:00

See these faces? They are my adorable children that I love so dearly!!! Lately life has gotten so busy that I have hardly spent any time with them. So.......this weekend is devoted to my family and no one else!!! We are going to play games, watch movies, do crafts, and maybe even go sledding at St. Ann's hill. We are going to make meals together and just catch up on lost time. I am SO looking forward to this weekend!!!!!

Snow.....and more snow

2009-02-27T10:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday South Dakota was hit with yet ANOTHER snow storm! We received about 4+ inches in Watertown and it made for a dreary day. I am so ready for spring and not having to layer the kids in multiple articles of clothing every day. This picture is Craig snowblowing when we got home from work and you can see just how deep it really was! Spring.....please come soon so this mom can keep her sanity! Plus I want to start wearing some of my new spring clothes I have purchased!!!

Transformers

2009-02-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

I bought this movie for Craig for Valentine's Day. To my surprise.....Cooper LOVES this movie. He watched it 3 times this weekend......twice with us and once at my mom and dads. The movie started and he starts rattling off all the Transformers names......"That's Bumble Bee mom"......"That's Optimist Prime"......."That's Megatron". So I looked at him and asked if he has seen the movie before. "Nope" was his exact word. Where did he learn all this from. The other little boys at school. It is a good movie and I didn't see anything wrong with letting him watch it. Now all of a sudden he is flying around the house like some of the Transformers. Wait......he did that before but now I can identify the character!!!! Gotta love having boys!!!!

A new toy for mommy.....

2009-02-16T10:11:00.001-06:00

Yes.....I am like a kid on Christmas Day with this thing.

I love, love, love it!!!!

Mine is a red color but I couldn't find a picture of it on the web.

Sick little boy.....

2009-02-10T10:25:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I got a phone call from the school that Cooper was running a high fever and had body aches. So I hurried up and left work to go get my little man. I felt so bad for him and wished I could take the sickness away. He was running a high fever, had body aches and a sore throat. I just had to take a picture of him when I was getting some chicken noodle soup ready for him last night. Doesn't he look miserable? I am happy to say he is much better today and even went to school. I called the school a little bit ago and they said he was in gym running around so I think we are on the road to recovery!!!!

Trouble sleeping.........

2009-02-05T08:29:00.002-06:00

For the past year I have had weeks on top of weeks that I just can't sleep very well. I have a hard time shutting my brain off at night and the more I think about it the longer I am staring at the clock watching the hours rush by and morning drawing closer. I have tried everything from praying, reading, listening to music, taking a hot shower, even watching a movie hoping I would get tired but none of them seem to work anymore. Am I the only one that struggles with this? I had mentioned it to my doctor once and he started diagnosing me with depression and anxiety and wanted to put me on "happy pills". Well, I tried them and they made me nauseous and even more anxious so I stopped taking them right away. Does anyone have any suggestions other than sleeping pills? Those things scare me.

A glimpse into the future

2009-01-20T13:11:00.003-06:00

Cooper will turn 5 on Monday and we are going to have his party on the 31st. Here is a glimpse into what he will look like on that day. Here he was eating frosting from the Christmas cookies. That boy has a sweet tooth like his mama. I will post pictures from the party later!!!!

How frustrating......

2009-01-14T08:42:00.003-06:00

So Craig started a new job at the beginning of December as the warehouse/installation manager at our local office supply store. He absolutely LOVES his job and is so happy to be there. The other day he came home and said that he has to go to Michigan the end of this month. MICHIGAN?! As in where my blogging buddy Ginger lives and Mari, Terri, and Cheri?! Get this, he is flying right into the same town where Ginger lives. UGH!!!! So I checked at work to see if maybe I could get it off if I found a good deal on a plane ticket......no such luck. Two girls in the same dept. as me are going to be gone that same week!!!! AAAGGGGHHHH!!!!! I am so bummed and I was chatting with Ginger on the phone and she was bummed too. So close to meeting Ginger but its not going to happen this time! Oh.....and Craig has to go to a town not far from where he is flying in to train and its the same town that Ginger's husband works in. Maybe next time Ginger.........or we always have Chicago!!!!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T08:57:00.002-06:00

I know we sure did!!!!

**more pictures to come!!!!

Kids' Christmas Program 2008

2008-12-16T09:24:00.006-06:00

Saturday night the kids had their Christmas programs at church. First was the 3-6 year olds program. No matter how much you try to plan ahead, there is always something with this age group. Luckily we didn't have any little girls pulling up their dresses. We did have a solo dance, Cooper took off his shoes center stage, and the little bunny's mom had to hop across the stage with her. It was all so cute and I love these kids. Here are some of the faces I talked about in a previous post:

The 3-6 year olds
Cooper is the first shepherd on the left (yes, that is me directing traffic)

Mary and Joseph (Cooper is right behind them in the blue)

Then it was time for the older kids program. They all did such a good job and it was a very cute program. Brooklyn was one of the stars. She did really good and remembered all her lines. More faces that I just love:

Brooklyn is the 3rd from the left

After the program it was starting to snow a little bit. We decided to drive around with my parents to look at some Christmas lights. Then it was time to go home and get to bed.

Santa came......

2008-12-09T10:16:00.003-06:00

The other night after I knew the kids were tucked away in their beds and sound asleep, Craig and I decided to get their presents wrapped and under the tree before they would discover my hiding place. It was nice being able to enjoy the wrapping part and Craig and I visited the whole time and enjoyed the time we had just the two of us. The next morning Cooper got up and was so excited because he thought Santa came and was ready to open the gifts. I wish I would have taken a picture of his face because he was not thrilled at all when he found out there would be a few more weeks before he could open them. Poor kids.......Christmas can't come fast enough for them and I wish I had a couple extra weeks just to get everything ready!!!!

2008-12-08T16:20:00.001-06:00

Its snowing out........I'm so excited.......yeah.....

2008-12-05T14:27:00.001-06:00

Love hate relationship.....

2008-12-05T09:24:00.003-06:00

LOVE--the excitement in the air of Christmas and children anticipating what will be under the tree waiting for them Christmas morning.

HATE--the rude shoppers, packed parking lots, slammed shopping carts into my vehicle because people are in such a hurry to find a bargain.

LOVE--the smell of cookies baking, the laughter in the kitchen, watching my kids making sugar cookies and sharing a tradition with my mom of baking together every year.

HATE--the added pounds that magically appear on my rear and hips from these wonderful treats.

LOVE--the look of all the Christmas decorations, the soft glow of the lights on the tree

HATE--the tacky decorating of some that think they have to COVER their house with lights that aren't even coordinated.

LOVE--the real reason for the season. God sent his wonderful son to us. What a wonderful present and I am thankful He is in my heart.

HATE--that people try and take the real reason out of this season by using the phrase Happy Holidays or XMAS.

I pray that we all take time to reflect on the real reason we celebrate Christmas and not just get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Sharing my heart.......

2008-11-24T12:54:00.000-06:00

Bare with me here but this is weighing heavily on my heart today.

I have been listening to the news coverage on the 8 year old that killed his father and another man in his home. This kind of news just breaks my heart. As a society we have failed this young boy. I don't know what his home life is like or anything but I am just think as a society we have placed into our children's hands games, videos, music, etc. that teaches them these kind of acts are okay.

I look at the kids in my community. Most of them have parents that love them and take good care of them. There are also some that are just a paycheck to their parents. To this group of kids, my heart goes out to them. I want to find a way to show them that there are people willing to speak into their lives kind, encouraging, and loving words. To build them up instead of break them down.

I recently discovered that my true gifting is compassion and mostly for kids. I look at the future leaders of this country and want to instill into them a rock solid ground built on faith. I want them to know that I truly care about them and what they are passionate about.

I can't begin to explain my feelings for these kids but everytime I think about them, tears well up in my eyes. A child should never have to worry about if mommy and daddy are going to be in a good mood that night. They should never have to worry about when their next hug or kiss from their parents will be. They should be able to be kids and just that.

I have truly found my spot in our church and its kids ministries. That is one way I can have an impact on these kids' lives and give them a sense of hope. The faith of a child is great and I love their take on things. I love the way their faces light up when dancing and singing with them. I love their face when they answer a question whether its right or wrong. I love their face when they know that they are safe and that you truly care about them.

I love their faces...........

A new love in my life.....

2008-11-12T08:44:00.002-06:00

I have found a new love that I hang out with quite a bit.............

FACEBOOK!!!!!

I love this program because I can get connected with new friends, old friends, high school classmates, family, and even my blogger friends!!!! I find myself spending way more time on there than I should but its addicting!!!! So, I may not be updating this blog as much but you can find me in facebook lurking around!!!!

Another one bites the dust......

2008-11-06T08:59:00.002-06:00

Yep, Susan Lucci is the next one booted off DWTS. It was obvious that she wasn't doing very well during the group Cha-cha. I felt she weighed everyone else down. Now it will be tough to tell who will go home next. I still haven't decided who my favorites are. I like Brooke but Derrik drives me insane. I also like Lance and Lacey but he needs to build some confidence. Time will tell.

2008-11-03T14:59:00.003-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I surprised Brooklyn and took her to see High School Musical 3. I have to say it was a good movie and I even enjoyed it. We own the other two and I'm sure once its on video, we will be adding this one to our library too!!! If you haven't seen it or have kids that loved the first two, def. take them to see the third one. I loved all the dance routines and the music. It was fun to just have girl time with Brooklyn. We don't get it very often so when we do get a chance to sneak away, its well worth the wait. Craig took Cooper hunting while we were at the movies. Cooper soaked up every minute and loves hunting. He was sound asleep by 8:00 last night. I think we will have to do that more often!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T09:22:00.003-05:00

In light of the economy.......I couldn't help posting this picture!!! I thought it was kinda funny but yet sad. Have a great Halloween, we are going to our church tonight for fall fun!