The Gilbert Family

Happy Birthday, Grandad!!!!

2010-06-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time.......starting Summer2010

2010-06-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

patiently waiting

Trevor in game 2. He has hit all pitches thrown to him!

My big boy!

It's been awhile since I have posted on the blog. I promise that now with some more free time I will be able to put more pictures up and keep everyone posted on the boys. The duo are now 4 1/2 and are full of wonder. They talk nonstop and their laughter is infectious! They finished the first year of preschool at Headstart and it was a productive year. Both boys have IEPs for developmental delays in language and comprehension. They will be attending an intense pre Kindergarten class next fall in readiness for Kindergarten. We are excitied as this will be an enhanced program with Headstart.

Trevor finished his year out with all A's and a B. He is so smart. He is going to Summer school right now. He also began Baseball this year and is loving it. He was able to reduce his IEP and is now 90% mainstream. His 3rd grade teachers said they have him "hooked up" for 4th grade. We are so grateful for Mrs Horton and Mrs evans and the continued love and support they give Trevor. He has truely thrived again this year. We are so proud of him.

That is all for now. I promise to do a better job keeping this up for Summer.

Connor (above) Logan (below)

At the Lake

4th birthday quiet home celebration

2010-01-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, where has 4 years gone? Sometimes it seemed as if it would take forever to get here, but now that they are 4, it went very fast. I see them grow and mature everyday. Thinking of where they came from makes me appreciate how much I have enjoyed their new accomplisments and tasks.

Connor

Trevor help his brothers blow out their candles.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T15:20:00.001-08:00

The boys went with daddy up to the mall to Trick or Treat. The mall is so nice because it is indoors and much safer. Then they came to see me at my work where I was dressed up.

Fall fun and exploring...

2009-10-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Connor examining the mineral rocks which are in ABUNDANCE all over our property. After it rains, the hillsides sparkle.
Trees are just majestic

BRotherly Love

OK, so be it in bad humor or what, I was scrolling thru these pics and I saw this and there is Logan just eating a leaf and Connor has this "look" on his face. So funny.

they are so cute together

bath time and fun, clean boys.....

2009-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Connor

Logan

Connor and Logan

A day out with the rednecks......Mud Bash 2009

2009-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Click on this to enlarge.....the "panty dropper" may we all aspire to have a black pickup with this spray-painted on it.....

We promised Trev for his birthday we would go see Bigfoot who would be making an appearance at the Mud Bash. We set out on out adventure to find Bigfoot and ended up brushing shoulders with the redneckians of Missouri. For those that dont know, a redneck, hillwhomp, dirtball, trailer trash, or inbred is also known in Missouri as a Hoosier. As insulting as this is, it makes me more proud to wear my Indiana Hoosier shirts, LOL. Anywhoo, we found bigfoot, and the day ensued.......

redneck po-po

Nothing says fun like drunk rednecks fighting and even more drunk rednecks watching with beer in hand.......

Gotta love the self- labeling.....

going thru the mud bog

The boys in front of bigfoot

Trev and Connor

'nuff said!

2009-09-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Me fighting a fire this past Sunday....

2009-09-24T12:45:00.001-07:00

Most of you know I am on the Fire Department where I live. It is volunteer, but a wonderful feeling to be able to give back. This past Sunday was the second fire in a week we were called to assist on. It was a rural property, a double wide mobile home on a basement. Needless to say, this only took 15 minutes to be completely engulfed in flames. The cause was electrical. It was a total loss and luckily the family got out in time. I am the short one on the hose in the pictures below.

AS you see, in about an hours time there was nothing left. It was completely under control in about 60 minutes.

more pics from practice tonight....

2009-09-14T20:51:00.001-07:00

Look at him blocking that big kid!

I love this action shot of him.

Trevor getting those knees up high.

A word about the duo....

2009-09-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

The boys were fortunate enough to be accepted into Headstart this year. Being that they are 3, means they are locked for the 2 years prior to kindergarten. Some people think that because this is a government funded program it means poor kids in a nasty facility. This is quite the contrary here in Missouri. For one, Missouri's education is wonderful. Did you kow that we dont pay a dime for thier education. Nor do we for Trevors. There is no such thing as "book fees' here. Each child buys a stash of supplies from a supply list at the begining of the year and that is all we pay. So technically we pay about $25 for supplies and they provide the education. It is all tax-supported, which is where taxes should be going (in my opinion).
The boys school is very small. ther eare only 40 kids accepted and there are 2 classrooms. Each class has a primary teacher and and assistant and there is also a floating assistant. They have been separated to facilitate thier own personalities. I love this. The first day Logan cried, but the last week, Connor has been the one to cry when we drop him off. Besides all the wonderful things happening, each boy will have thier own education plan. The teachers meet with us 6 times a year, which includes 2 home visits, to keep us up to speed on thier progress. They also provide assessments and services in speech. The school also is working on potty training. We no longer use diapers, we use pull ups and underwear. (BTW: If anyone wants to send a support package to help out, we could use character undies in 2T/3T as incentives). They also are required to brush their teeth at school twice and hand-washing is a must. The boys are coming home exhausted by their new schedule. They go to school from about 8am- 3:30pm. Another thing I like is that there are 3, 4, and 5 year-olds all combined in the class. The older kids mentor the younger ones. The boys are adjusting well and I am so proud of them.

Connor putting his back pack in his cubby.
John walking Logan to his class first.

Punt and Pass a Thon 9-12-09

2009-09-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

To raise money for the organization, they have a punt and pass-a-thon. Trev didn't have time to raise a lot of money, but he participated and got his jerseyHe is on the Cardinals team. He will be # 54. According to his coach, that is a great # to have. The Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher is #54. Trevor is thriving in football so far and is excited to participate. It helps that he has many friends from school in it. The organization is great. All boys get to play in every game and on offense and defense. Also, every player gets a trophy at the end of the season. This has been so good so far for his confidence and self-esteem. We are so proud of him.

He is doing very well in school. Being in football has been an incentive to get his homework done right away and keeps him motivated. Not only that, but he is worn out at night which is good for him. Funny thing is, we found we dont need to medicate him for football. We gave him his pill for the competition and he had no energy and was like a zombie there. Now we know he uses up all of that energy just playing football. He is also learnign self-control when he is off his meds, telling us he will "keep it together" and he has! I could not be more proud. I hope he really likes football and continues to thrive. WE are in a HIGHLY supportive football area. The whole town is big into football and highschool is a HUGE thing. Plus, right now, an NFL first round draft pick and a MIZZOU starter are former Bonne Terre boys who also were Jr Raiders just like Trev.

Trevor threw the ball 21 mph. Not too shabby for a rookie!

LOL, for this competition, I told him to pretend it was Logan and Connor he was dragging.

Look at that arm!!!!!! And Check out spiral! I see a future rocket man!

Trevor starting Football

2009-09-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Gearing up for practice. Trevor has really found he enjoys football so much. Not only that, some of his really good friends are in football too, so that keeps him interested. He is doing very well. He has a good pass too! Watch out football fans, here is an up-and-coming sportsman!

My boys get bigger every day.

2009-08-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

As Summer closes, the boys will all be in school. Logan and Connor start Headstart preschool on Thursday. They will be separated in different classrooms. This is the first time they will be apart from each other for such long periods of time. I believe Connor will do well with the transition, but I worry about Logan. He is such a lover that not having his brother around might be a bit scary.

They both had to go and get 3 shots today and are now caught up. They had missed a few early doses due to beign in the NICU, so we are caught up now. They are growing so quickly. We are now wearing some 3T's. Mostly in shirts, but we just bought some 3T pants which have to be cuffed for now. I think we may have reached 35 lbs!! They also got new shoes. WE bought them size 10!!! They have huge feet. So does Trevor.

Trev is adjusting well to third grade. Thank goodness. I will post more later, but wanted to share some pics of them and give a school update.

Love to all!

Logan, Trevor, Connor

Connor

Logan Connor

Logan

So handsome and almost 9!

mom and her clippers make 3 very cute boys!

2009-08-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

2009-08-20T19:36:00.001-07:00

2009-08-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

2009-08-20T19:33:00.001-07:00

2009-08-20T19:32:00.001-07:00

Elephant Rocks State Park

2009-07-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

WE went here yesterday for a day trip. It is in the Ozarks, just about an hour south of us in Belleville, MO. This park is created by a bunch of boulders which formed form liquid magma several hundreds of years ago. The boulders are pink granite. Granite used to be mined in the park, but now the quarry is water-filled. This is a child's heaven for running, climbing, jumping, ect. There is a path that goes around the park, so hiking is great too. We took a picnic lunch to eat. What a great day for fun. When the economy is as it is, for the price of gas the boys went to this amazing playground of elephant rocks. The slideshow appears in the post below!

2009-07-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

Updates and such

2009-07-19T05:53:00.001-07:00

Hello All. We have been having such a busy Summer. I am in summer school and Trevor started out with summer school as well, which was pretty much like a 3 week summer camp with lots of fun learning. He was able to have that at his new school, so it wont seem so foreign to him for the new year. He is growing up so fast.
We had Jodi and Harris out to kick off our Summer and it was so nice having our friends here. We went up to the Zoo in St Louis and were able to steal away to the mall and attend our first summer festival. Then Trev and i headed to Michigan to celebrate so many wonderful things happening. First Emma graduated from high school, then Bob and Michelle are getting married, and Katers graduated from Northwestern. So many things to be happy and thankful for!
After that, Trevor went to stay with Nanny for 2 whole weeks!!! He got to spend lots of time with Hayden and Simon and was able to see Paka and Grandma, Grandma Jan, Suzanne, Jake, Lauren, and Kor and Tom and we cant forget Grandad.
I have been in school taking English Comp 2. Doing well and hoping for another A. So Far, so good. Please note, my writings here are of NO REFLECTION of my writings for school which are edited about 8000 times, LOL. This is my casual outlet and I could give a rip if I misspell or typo. Capiche? None the less, school i s out in 3 weeks and then we have Pittsburg to look forward to. The boys are staying with Suzanne and the kids for those nights while we go. I am so thnakful for that!!!
Thankfully, everyone is well right now. I had a quick bout of Strep Throat, but antibiotics knocked that out of the park!
Oh, and Trevor grew again, another 2 inches! We will have to do some serious shopping this fall as the duo have outgrown last years pants and tops and went right for 3T!!! Trevor has outgrown all of his pants as well. It makes my head spin how fast they grow nad right before my eyes!!!
More updates to come. Cheers!

from 6-15-09. Pictures John took of the boys at Bonne Terre Park.

2009-06-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

"look what I found"

I love the look on his face here.

Here let me "help" you.

I love this picture.

"cool"

Farmington Country Days

2009-06-07T15:08:00.001-07:00

Jodi and Harris came to see us this weekend. It was so much fun. We started our weekend off by a trip to the Mills mall and then to the Farmington Country Days festival. The kids got to ride rides, and we got to ride. It was so much fun. Then Saturday, we went to the St Louis Zoo. Today we went to the beach at the Lake and swam. I cant believe 3 days went by so fast, but we are so happy our friends could come and stay with us. I miss my buddy already. The duo said "where Harris?"

fun with the hose Logan (Connor as too crabby)

2009-06-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sing it right!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Quick Update

2009-05-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know we are all fine. We had quite a flash flood and lost a lot of stuff, mostly sentimental stuff. The main computer was on the ground and so we lost that as well as the cable modem and everything else that gives us internet access. I am posting from school this week anad hopwe to be back up at home later in the week. I have finals this week and am looking forward to 3 weeks off and my friend Jodi coming to visit with Harris.
This household is so ready for summer. We cant wait.

That is all this week. For now, we can be reached on the cell phones. (the home phone was through the cable). I will post when I can until then. Love to all.

a visit to the firehouse

2009-05-02T14:57:00.001-07:00

Most know I joined the fire department here in Terre Du Lac, MO. I really enjoy it. so far I have learned how to pump on all of the trucks and to engineer a scene. I train Wednesday nights at fire meetings. I haven't been to a fire yet, but have made several medical calls with the EMS. I love that I am able to give back to the community and utilize my nursing skills beyond my job. The boys love it. We recently went to the firehouse to look at the trucks. The boys didnt like the siren though, LOL. They also think my gear is pretty cool too.

random pictures

2009-05-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Logan

Connor

Trev-so serious

Logan enjoing some cocoa

I just love the eyes

Last weekend at the beach.....

2009-05-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Connor

Logan

My duo

My 3 men!

Last weekend was so nice and warm. It was great to go splash in the lake and enjoy the outdoors. WE plan on spending quite a bit of time here this summer.

I'ts been a long time. I will try to catch up....

2009-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Trev is doing well in school. His last report card was 2 A's and 4 B's. He is doing great. He is finally adjusting at this new school, but the differences between the two schools are quite evident. Hanna Woods was so much smaller and he was really thriving there. This school is HUGE, housing only up to 2nd grade. The individualiation isnt there. He is doing OK nonetheless. For right now, we will go with the public school for next year as the IEP is what helps him the most, but we will see how it goes.
He is taking summer school for 2 weeks after school. It will be great for him- like summer day camp. Get this, It is all free. He gets the bus in the a.m. like usual, eats breakfast and lunch there and after the 2 weeks is up, if he had perfect attendance, he gets a $75 gift card to Walmart. How cool. I will post more pictures tomorrow. I just loved this one of Trevor so much.

celebrating the big 35

2009-03-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

This year to celebrate the big 35, Our friends Mike and Amy and their kids came out to visit and we had a great cookout and bonfire. It was lots of fun and reminded me of Jellystone life. We enjoyed the fire a lot. It was noce sharing the great outdoors with friends for my birthday.

Connor getting ready for s'mores
Our fire that had lots of color in it. for some reason, the vines that were chopped up previously made the neatest colors.

Our fire pit in the back yard.

Mike making some serious s'mores.

The duo have a big boy room!

2009-03-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

For now, their peapods will be the crib tents. This at least keeps them secured at night so I dotn worry about them running around and getting into crap. I stil have a few more things to do, but was so happy with how it turned out. This was my first venture into doing a mural and i am sure Korrie would blow me away. I wish she could have been here to help me out.

I kinda liek my little dalmation.

The beds are fabulous and so so sturdy. they are made by Kidcraft. I figured, I ma not having any more children, so I pulled the trigger and ordered these beds for them. I figure they should last until they are about 6. My duo is on the small fry side anyway. The boys fell in love with the beds instantly (though I dont blame them). I have more to do. I have a shelf to hang that will house their turn-out gear (fire hat and jackets). I also have 50 ft of real firehose that my friend gave to me to use in the room. i wnat to do it as a border. It is very heavy though with brass nozzels, so we will see. I also want to paint a flower box in front of the firehouse and a firehydrant and flag pole with american flag on it. But I am bushed. I worked on this all week.

enjoying nice weather

2009-03-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

It has been warm here on a few days (but then t will get just as cold). We were able to do a nature hike in our font yard and go to the Terre du Lac park.

Since i have been on spring break, I have been busy- big surprise. On Monday, I ended up with Trev in the ER for him not being able to pee and he was hysterical because it hurt so bad. Turns out he has a urinary tract infection. They gave him some antibiotics and we were on our way. The first few days were hard for him to get his pee going and I had to hold his hand, but he is much better now. poor little man.

I have been diligently working away at the duo's room. I am so excited to have it done and I am so proud of my very own mural ability.

For now i must get some sleep. more pictures and posts to come....

Connor- this is why kids swing....

Logan

Connor

Logan left, connor right

Connor

Logan

Quick update

2009-03-01T19:52:00.001-08:00

Routines

Routines are hard. However, we have managed now to keep routine for a month with this family. It isnt always easy, but when the kids know what is expected, it is easier. Trevor is keeping up with his school routine. He is making friends. School is kicking my butt, but spring break is next week on March 9 and i will so enjoy the time off from school to work on the boys rooms. The duo will have a mural painted by moi, and Trevor will have a dino painted by moi if time allows. John will likely be working on getting the family room functional. So we have a lot on our plates.

Now, for the me saga.... My nerve damage is likely permanent. The Dr showed me on a new xray where the nerve is severed from where the wisdom tooth was. The numbness is localized now to the left lower jaw. All the teeth, gums, cheek and lip are numb. It makes for very difficult chewing and eating is just plain not enjoyable now. Think of what is feels like when you are numbed for a cavity filling, but it never goes away. That is it. I have to be careful when I brush that i am not causing my gums to bleed and I have to be careful when i eat that I do not chew my cheek or lip (things I have done numerous times already). I still have bone pain in the jaw. He said 4 weeks for that to start easing. Sometimes it is intense and I get migraines too from it. The pain goes into my temples on both sides. It really just totally sucks.

The duo

Ahhhhh, the duo. They are talking so much. The biggest phrase out of thier mouths is "Me do it". I wish I had a quarter for each time they say this and I would be a millionaire by the end of the week. From dressing, to getting in their booster seats to doing up the carseat belts, it is "me do it!". Independence has hit for sure.

That is all for us now. We are enjoying living in the new house. It is quite nice. Can't believe a month has gone by already.

More house pictures

2009-02-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

The lower level family room. When we first moved in, it was a cememnt slab with dirt and leaves and dead bugs on the floor. The theme is movies. We will have the big screen TV down here and the surround sound. We still have to paint the walls and add curtain valances and some moulding on the floor, but you can get the jist here
I hung more pictures in the kitchen. This si a good view of the french doors during the day.

The crap I have been through....

2009-02-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

OK, so Ihad my 4 wisdom teeth removed on Saturday the 14th. They were impacted in the bone and settled at a 45 degree angle as my jaw was too small to accomodate them. 4 months ago I had to have my very back 2 molars extracted because my wisdom teeth had damaged them, causing them to crack and break below the gum line. Well I thought that was painful.....

I remember the DR placing the IV in to put me to sleep, but I have a very spotty memory of what happened in the 36 hours after. All I know is I woke up looking like this.

I was grossly swollen and so so sore and bleeding and the Dr had cut my lip! I had no feeling in my entire left side of my face- like I had a stroke and talking was difficult. I could barely open my mouth to eat any pureed food. I was sick to my stomach. I thought it was the antibiotic, but now I believe it was the anesthesia that made me sick and I am going to try to resume the antibiotic for preventative purposes. I do not need or want an infection.

Fast forward to today. I am looking better. The anti-inflamatories have helped with the swelling and nerve compression, but i still am considerably numb on the left side. My cheek is stiff still and difficult to smile. I also have a hard lump along my jawbone. Not sure if it is a hematoma or what, but it better go away.

I still resemble someone with Bells Palsy or something of the like. I was able to eat more and get my mouth open wider. One of my sutures popped too. It is frustrating. I didnt know I would be so numb with nerve damage. The Dr did say my roots were resting right next to the nerve and this was a risk.

So this is the crap I have been dealing with.

Mom went home today. I already miss her. We did very well with upholding some of the routines she helped us to establish with the boys and I do feel that as it becomes the absolute norm ( it has only been 2 weeks) and they fully know what is expected, things will only go smoother. We were so lucky to have her here to help us move and unpack and clean as much as she did. I feel so good that she got to see our lovely new house and new furniture and feel our giddy hapiness with us.

Miss you mom. I am sure Jay is glad to have you back home. The boys still knock on my office door and say "where Nanny?" (sniff, sniff).

Some pics of the new house.

2009-02-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

Now keeping in mind that we want to do some painting too, this is how it will have to be until we have time off in summer. this is the kitchen and upstairs living room. I love the openess and flow of the house. I was able to hang some pictures, but have more to hang, but you can get a glimpse at the new dining set and couch and loveseat upstairs in th eliving room. There is a new couch downstairs in the family room, but that room is still being put together, so when it is done, I will post pics. That room will have our big TV and surround sound and will be the movie watching room.

Kitchen
Kitchen from the hall (Logan looking cute)

Logan my cleaner (Nanny bought the boys some hand brooms to help clean) and the new dining set. It is black and dark cherry and we love the bench idea as is tucks away nicely. The french doors open up to our deck on the back.

Kitchen view from the dining table. I love the built-in pantry which is as deep as the fridge is. You can see how the fireplace is a corner one and wraps around into the living room. The nice thing is that the boys are able to watch their morning Noggin and have breakfast at the same time.

The barren living room. It is in great need of some pictures on the wall. Eventually I will corner mount the Flat screen TV to eliminate the stand. The window in the wall looks down into the foyer.

Living room view from the bay window.

I am loving this house a lot. The space we have is amazing. Some of my kitchen cupboards only have 1 or 2 items in them from havign lots of space. I am used to creatively cramming stuff into place, so this is a treat.

It has been interesting giving the boys the run of the house. It's been 2 weeks and they have been a handful. But they are learning quickly how things work and the structure is benefitting them well. Mom has been a godsend and helping with consistency. Connor does well with the potty training and Logan just wants to play. It is annoying. Connor is much more astute at everything and is sooo sooo smart. Logan is coy and manipulative. He will take something he wants and sneak it back to his room and lock the door. (stinker)

I am recovering OK. the surgery was rough. I have amnesia of the whole day, except I remember sobbing all the way home in pain. From there I went to sleep in bed and aside from mom and John waking me to give me meds and ice packs, the next thing I knew was it was Sunday afternoon. I am still quite swollen, though not as bad and I am now getting some of the nerve feeling back in my cheeks. It was numb and frozen as if I had had a stroke. It is hard to talk and smiling is out- that hurts a lot. As feeling comes back my mouth or lips twitch uncontrolably. I drool when I talk-how embarrassing. I have pretty much stuck to pureed food or liquids. I have lots of sutures that are supposed to dissolve on thier own. I am planning on returning to work tomrrow. I figure I should be OK, even if i do look funny.

Trevor started at his new school today and seems to like it. He will have a long day. He catches the bus at 6:40ish and gets to school at 7am and has breakfast. Then he gets home at about 3:40 ish. He had lots of good things to say about the school, so that is a good thing.

That is all for now. It is late. Will post more later.

Ahhhhhh, almost settled.

2009-02-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

The move went seamless. It was great. We have our wonderful friends, Mike and Amy and their family to thank. They gave so much of their time ot help us out. Slowly we are putting boxes away. We couldnt have asked for better moving weather. Despie the fact that it snowed 6.5 inches of snow just days before our move, it managed to make it over 50 both days and melt the snow away. It was clear as can be that Saturday night.
So the duo have taken well to their newfound freedom of the whole house. There are no restrictions here, jsut a lot of diligence. Mom has been such a huge help in helping us get things put away. Her help has been invaluable. She has had her eyes fully opened to the busy lifestyle we lead here. I am excited that the new furniture will arrive on Friday the 13th. I cant wait to see it in my house. It will be so nice to have new stuff to use.
I am having surgery on the 14th. They are taking out my 4 wisdom teeth which have become inpacted in the bone. They will have to remove bone to get them out and then suture me up. I am really nervous about the surgery. I told them to make sure I was fully knocked out. I think I will need several Xanax to ge there and thru the door. Luckily mom is here to help out with the boys and let me lay lifeless for a couple of days.
A new happening in the news is the boys (mostly Connor) using the potty. Connor has been communicating the need to use the potty and has pooped and peed on the potty.YAY!!!!Logan is still a bit behind in this respect, but has peed in the potty. Trev will be registered for school tomorrow. Hoping for a smooth transition for him there.
That is all for now. Will soon post pictures once the new funiture is in place. We are loving the new life out here. I still am baffled by how much less I fill my tank and how much more time I have at home with the boys.
That is all for now. Post more later!

3 days and counting....

2009-01-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

3 days until the move. We are still frantically getting things loaded in boxes. Last night we got a dusting of snow and ice. It was expected to be much worse, but it turned out to just be enough to make the grass white and the roads are all clear. This needs to be gone by the weekend. It seems like evedrytime we move we are stuck with inclement weather.
I will post new pictures when I get us settled!

Clebrating the 3rd birthday via webcam with Nanny and Grandad

2009-01-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

The boys get sung to by Nanny and Grandad on the web cam.

Updates galore

The duo are now 3!!!!! I cannot believe it. When I look back at their very early arrival and how small they were, it is amazing to see how far they have come. In fact, the other day, I was looking at Logan and thought, "Logan, you are looking beefy". He has always been the "skinny" twin. So I decided to strip them both down and weigh them. Connor was 29.6lb and Logan was 29.4 lb. This is the closest they have been in weight since they were in the NICU. They are doing wonderful. Speech improves daily, especially for Connor who is a little parrot on everything. He has finally been forming some intelligible sentences and communicting well. I think he may be mastering trickery too. The other day, they both had cookies, well Connor wanted another one, so he looked at me and said "Conner wants another cookie" I said "he does?" acting all coy. He points to Logan and says "yeah, Connor" and started giggling. It was funny because he recognizes he has a twin brother:)

Of course they are still up to their same old tricks. Stripping, climbing,ect. The move will be interesting as we do not plan to restrict them from any part of the house in order to work on potty learning. They are very ready, we just need to master it now. They pee in the potty very well, and Logan has went poo once, but we havent been able to be consistent.

The duo watch as Grandad sings

We didnt do much for the birthday this year as we are living amongst chaos right now (and I know Jessica can fully understand my pain) with boxes everywhere.

Today I get the keys to the new house and slowly this week will begin moving a carload of boxes a day until Saturday's big move day.
Moving is exciting. We bought new furniture- but it will take 3-4 weeks to come in. We bought from Ashley- new couch and loveseat for the upstairs living room and a new couch for the downstairs family room and a very nice new dining table set. The nice thing is they will deliver it to us and move it all in , so no lifiting for us!!! It was time. Our stuff is aweful!. In the future, a new bed for us. The boys will have a new room theme-firetrucks- or as the duo call them "roo roos" I am excited. their stuff comes on Wednesday and I cant wait to get their room in order.
I am absolutely in love with the new house and community. I cant wait to walk around the lake everyday and finally get those bikes out and put to good use!!!
That is all for now. I hope it wont be too long before another update, but with moving it might be crazy. I will send out new address cards soon.
Love to you all!!!!

Logan rocks the Air guitar to Guns and Roses!

2009-01-19T16:38:00.001-08:00

OH the woes of a busy busy life....

2009-01-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well, as you all know, we are moving very soon. As I look around, I am screaming EEK! at how much needs to still be packed. We are moving in just over 2 weeks and it is coming up quickly. To top it off, I am having ot get Trevor situated into a new school too. Speaking of school, John and I both started back to school. for Spring semester. I am taking a whopping 16 hours (yes I know I am a glutton for punishment. Yes I know I am going to kill myself this semester with moving, but I am a strong woman and can do this!!!!!!!) I still have yet to schedule my wisdom teeth surgery which is looking like the middle of Feb. If I schedule it the Friday before Predisents day, I wont miss but one day of school and will have time to recoup since we have no school on that Monday.

UGH, Mom is coming to stay for a couple of weeks to help us move. God love her. I need her sooooooo bad.

So forgive my scatty brain as a lot is transpiring in the next few weeks. I love you all, please forgive me for missing any birthday greetings and stuff. I feel like a bad aunt, cousin, daughter, sister, for missing so much. I think about you all constantly and things will settle down soon. I hope to post something of the twins 3rd birthday. We dont plan on a big hoorah, probably just a family dinner out to do something fun.

Love to you all,
Blitzed in the new year!

Heading home-but not before stopping by Grandma jan and grandpa Bob's house in Roann,IN

2009-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa
After, we drove down in Bob's truck to visit with the cows. This one is a bull named Edwin.

Seening that Edwin was getting all of the attention, the Heifers came down to visit too. This is Connor looking at all of the cows.

The old covered bridge in RoAnne. This is the longest one in Indiana.

Bob, escorting us to all of the Roann scenery

Trevor

The old mill

Bob and Grandma's home Arrowhead Acres.

After we got back, we went out for a nice meal in Wabash before we set out on a long ride home. What a wonderful trip home it was for us to see so many family and friends (not to mention I did get to see my friend jodi and her little darlings too). We were fortunate and blessed with great weather.

After Korrie's the fun doesnt stop......Nanny's House!!!

2009-01-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

The festivities continued as we headed over to Nanny's house for more presents and fun. This year, we got the grandparents webcams so they could keep up with us and we can talk face to face. This will be very special especially when it comes to birthdays and special times. Nanny is hoping to be able to read stories to the boys soon. This is going to be so neat for them so we dont feel so far away.

As crazy as it seems, one of my favorite gifts was this percussion set from Nanny (I know, I should be shaking my head in disbelief). They are real bongos and tambourines and other percussion instuments. The boys took to them instnatly when they learned they could make noise. Another absolute favorite was a very neat drum from Aunt Di and Katy. I am very protective of this drum andit is only used properly under supervision. I am excited to expose my boys to music and rythym. We hope to purchase a piano for our new home and to start Trevor in Piano lessons. We already have quite a bit of instuments to choose from: trombone, trumpet, accordian, drums... hoping one is something the boys will want to explore. I am excited to have a "music center" in our new home. Also, when we watch the music show on TV, we can play along with our instuments.

It is rare that we get to see family friends when we are home, but we were so lucky that judy and Jessica stopped by to see the boys and we were ableto give Olivia her Christmas present. Logan and Connor took instantly to Olivia, running up to give her a big hug- and she was more than happy to give back. So cute!!

A tradition we started back at my Nanny's house, when she still lived in Fort Wayne, was doing English Christmas crackers. Nanny saved a couple for us to do, and here the boys are in their hats.

Logan

making music

Connor

Group shot with Nanny and Grandad

Thank you for all of our great gifts Nanny and Grandad!!!

The day after Christmas- Korrie's house

2009-01-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

With all of the festivities of Christmas, Korrie and Tom were nice enough to host a wonderful brunch the next day at their house for us. Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike stayed in town to see us. It was a wonderful time. I was so excited to get to eat a custom "tomlette" as I call Toms DELICIOUS omlets. They are a work of art and love.....

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!! This man can cook!

The 5 Cousins!!! "Nanny's Five"

Kor, Mom and I

Aunt Sue, Kor, Mom and I.

The Wilhelm Family

Did I mention Logan likes heels??? I have to laugh, because it is usually a daughter that takes to high heels and everyone says how cute it is. But little Logan is no stranger to the heels- the higher the better. LOL. I just love him to pieces.

Simon and MO MO

Korrie rocking out to Guitar Hero

Christmas at Mom and Dad's house on Christmas Day

2009-01-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

We made it home Christmas Day. We were packed and ready to go, so we no sooner opened our Santa gifts and we got dressed and headed home for the holidays. WE arrived just in time for Christmas at Grandma and Paka's house.

14 kids! YIKES!

Laren is looking so grown up.

Suz and I
Kor and I

It was very nice having Lorna here for the holiday. I miss her and wish I could have spent more time with her.

Mom and Dad

Wade and Jake

Alanna

Lauren and Logan (and Logan sporting Grandma's heels, LOL)

The Yosts

Christmas morning.....

2009-01-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

Santa brought lots of goods for the boys

Trevor got his D Rex. He was soooo happy!!

It was a sea of wrapping paper and presents

p.s. nothing says Christmas morning like duct tape on the jammies....

So we are moving......

2009-01-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

I know this is backward, and I should be posting pictures of Christmas, but was too excited to wait. We are hoping to move in the middle of Feb, if all goes as planned. It will be so nice living closer to work and to school. School will only be 15 minutes away, as opposed to 1 1/2 hours away!!!! Plus we are saving $$$ on gas too!

Here is a link to the community we will be moving to.
http://www.terredulac.com/
Click on the pictures to view them larger.....

Thoroughly, utterly angry and disgusted!

2008-12-16T23:45:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to the mall tonight to see Santa. This was our second attempt as the first attempt when Korrie was here, they wouldnt let us take pictures with my camera. Same deal tonight at yet a different mall. They said the only pictures are the ones you purchase. WEll, I am sorry, but i am not paying a minimum of $20 for some crappy photos of my kids with Santa. That was the cheapest package with only 2 5x7 pictures. Last year, it was free to do. What the hell??? I told them it was pathetic. Sitting on Santas lap used to be free and you were always alowed to take your own photos. I am so irritated. WE are goign to try a couple of other venues to attempt Santa pictures, but gee, maybe it will be a thing of the past. This crappy commercialization is really pathetic, just my humble opinion.

I couldnt resist playing around with this....

2008-12-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

Korrie, Hayden and Simon visit St Louis and the arch

2008-12-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Korrie and the boys arrived on Thursday afternoon. That night I had to work. Korrie made a huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and off I went. They had a quiet night at home. Friday, we went to The Mills mall and had an adventurous day of shopping and playing. I bought Hayden and Simon their own hermit crabs, "little pete" and "firework", for Christmas. They are so excited about them.

Saturday, we headed downtown so Hayden could touch the Arch. It was very cold and windy down there. We walked around for a bit, but then decided it was too cold and we headed for a mall for a lite dinner and a bit of shopping. Then we dropped of the duo and went back downtown to City Museum for some serious play. We had a blast there and all 3 boys enjoyed exploring the place.

They left this morning. We miss them already!

"my sista"

The boys with the Arch

Trevor and I down on the river front.

Best
Cousins!

So excited!!!

2008-12-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

At this very moment, as I type this, my sister Korrie is driving here!!! She brings with her Hayden and Simon! WE are all beside ourselves with excitement!!! I cannot wait to have her here. Check back as we will be posting lots of pictures!!!

Holiday decorating :sigh:

2008-11-29T08:54:00.001-08:00

So in order to protect my precious ornaments and tree, I set up in the dining area of our kitchen. It isnt what I would ideally like, but it will work. It does make for a pleasant eating environment. I just dont trust the duo. We will put up a small litle tree with the ornaments we made earlier out in the living room on a table. They can look at that. That one will go in the window.

Not looking so alike?????

2008-11-27T14:26:00.001-08:00

I was so surprised. They look alike so much, but then this picture, they look so different. Connor is thicker and about a pound bigger. Logan is on the left.

Our dinner- I didn't do too bad for my first try

2008-11-27T14:10:00.001-08:00

New Traditions....

2008-11-26T16:31:00.001-08:00

New traditions are hard. This year, I was kind of given the short end by having to work both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. This prevents me from coming home timely for the holidays. At least we will head home Christmas day to see family and have a couple of days to feel the warmth of family.

This year, I am attempting my own try at making a Thanksgiving meal. We will miss Dad's fabulous juicy bird, Mom Karen's wonderful salad, and Mom Deb's corn dish and green bean caserole. It will be so hard to not have the aroma of the Thanksgiving holiday amongst family.

New traditions start. I promised Trevor a True Thanksgiving meal complete with pumpkin pie. So tonight I scour the web, trying to find the best way to cook this bird that sits frozen on my counter (God help us all). We will have the staples, corn, stuffing, mashed potoatos and gravy, green beans and pumpkin and caramel apple pie for dessert. it will likely be way more food than our little family of 5 can eat, but that is the beauty of Turkey sandwiches for the next few days:)

:sigh:

I am sad. Sad, because I often question whether it was the best decision to take my boys so far from their family. But am I not teaching them the importance of closeness amongst your immediate family?

I miss everyone. We all do. But this, like many more to come, is a new tradition.

Finally, I can say I met my first goal....52lbs gone!

2008-11-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here is me, weighing in at 198 very unhealthy pounds, last year at Christmas. These pictures were the inspiration behind my quest to lose weight and better myself. I was in a size 18-20

Tonight we saw jason Mraz in concert. I bought this t-shirt and when it came, it was skin tight. I thought, Man! I am going to have to lose more weight to fit it for the concert. As you see here, I was able to even layer it. Here I am weighing in at 146lbs. I am now in a size 10 (some 8's). I am not done yet. I have another 15 to lose before i am comfortably in my ideal weight range, but for now, I am on cloud 9!
I actually have a butt and a defined waist. It has been since 1996 since i weigh what i do. I think I am going to cry.......

Me showing off my O Lover T. This was the best concerrt i have seen -tops-ever!!!

Can you believe it???

2008-11-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is almost here?????????

So Trevor and I are making ornaments that will be on our little tree this year. The big tree is going in the kitchen where it can be viewed safely by us (with supervision), LOL.

Out-takes for our Chrismas card pictures

2008-11-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Now that I am feeling better, I decided to post a few pictures of the boys that came from our shoot in Kirkwood, MO. I wasnt pleased because I had to use available light as it was nearing dusk and was cloudy. A lot of the pictures blurred, but i was able to catch a nice one of the 3 of them to use for our cards (you will have to wait for that!!!). Our cards this year are being made by Sugar and Spice designs. Her name is Laura. You can look at her site to the left. She makes wonderful cards and announcements and is a Work at Home mom of twin girls. She is very easy to communicate with and will custom make your cards to look just the way you want them to look.

I am healing well, but now the duo have colds. Hopefully they will get better before the holidays.

Down for the count.....

2008-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

I ended up having oral surgery to remove my 2 furthest back top molars. I had a nice infection going on in my jaw thanks to my impacted wisdom teeth. They broke my molars below the gum line causing old fillings to fall out and then my teeth to crack. There is an infection in the sac surrounding the top upper left wisdom tooth and they are imbedded at at a 45 degree angle. I am on antibiotics for another week and then back to the dentist to check the progress of the infection. Today is the first day I have felt somewhat better.
In January, Mom is going to come out and stay with me while i have my 4 wisdom teeth removed. I will be put to sleep for this surgery. I wish I had for this past one as the shots were painful.
That is all for now. I am resisting the urge ot post pictures we did for our Christmas cards. some were really cute. some were blurry becasue the lighting was low and the duo is too fast for a slow shutter, LOL. I might post a few.....

An all-too-quick visit with Nanny and Grandad...

2008-11-09T19:22:00.001-08:00

Nanny and Grandad arrived last night about 6 pm and we jetted over to the hotel for some fun in the pool. I, for one, am a huge fan of the hot tub. Sorry for the quality of the photos, but I used my phone to take these since I forgot my camera.

We had a nice day. Nanny treated all 3 boys to haircuts at the mall. Now all three look ready to get those fall pictures I have been meaning to get to. Next week, for sure!

Then, we went to Toys R Us so the boys could look at stuff that interested them for Christmas. Trevor picked out what he liked and the boys picked out a coupel things they liked and nanny was happy to have that quest out of the way. They did quite well and I know Nanny is very happy with their choices.

Next, we took a long drive. I drove mom down to De Soto and showed her the nursing home which I work at. Then I drove her down where I go to school and last drove her to the town we are hoping to move to in February called Farmington. It is a wonderful little town. Has all of the small-town charm with larger town amenities. I showed her the private school I am hoping to enroll Trevor and the duo in (for preschool).

It was a short visit. I will miss them, but will see them in a few short weeks for the holiday. Can't wait till then.

Check out my favorite spaces to the left....

2008-11-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

These ladies are also moms of twins who are making a living with their own amazing talents and passions. They have wondeful products and are worth the time to view the sites for Christmas ideas. Laura will be doing my Christmas cards this year once we get our fall pictures taken (soon we hope).
These ladies I have knows for a couple of years are very dedicated to their businesses and successes. Pass them on and spread the word!

uh-oh.........bwoke......

2008-11-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

That dreaded day has come. The day I knew would eventually come that I knew I was fully defeated by the duo. Last night, they managed to tip over my curio cabinet. They suffered no injuries. John ended up with a few minor cuts from cleaning. It was a good thing I was at work, because I think child abuse would have been a factor. I know, I know, it is all material and you cant take it with you when you're gone. The fact is, those were (and I say were) my priceless, irreplaceable memories. sure, I can buy and replace a few pieces, but not the china Grandnan had (2 pieces shattered). Thankfully the rest was salvaged and one piece I super-glued back, but will never be the same. One piece that meant the world to me was a little precious moments figurine that Jor and Alanna brought to me in 1995 of 3 little bunnies that were gathered around a birthday cake. Jor was just a little tiny thing, and Alanna a baby, and they said that was us celebrating my birthday. I cried when I saw it crumbled into 6 pieces. I was able to super-glue the whole thing back together. Proof that our family bonds are so strong. Many pieces were lost, and many were unscathed- go figure.

A word to you all with small ones, if it means something to you, lock it up until they are old enough not to touch and may the words "uh-oh....bwoke" not be spoken in your houses.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I wore a costume (gulp) and one i didnt have to hide in:) We went to Chesterfield mall since it is safe and there is always perfect weather. WE had fun. The duo tired of walking earlier than I anticipated. They insisted on eating every piece of candy as they recieved it and couldnt grasp throwing it in the bag. It was fun. The duo go A LOT of attention, even having a few people stop to pose with them and have pictures taken. Two girls who were asian went nuts over the two of them in their get-up. Check out Trevor's muscles......

Diana and the girls gave us a wonderful fall visit.

2008-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

City Museum has got to be the COOLEST place on earth. If i ever move away, I would desire to come back to St Louis just for city museum. It is the neatest playground. For kids and adults. The weather was perfect. Just a good chill in the air and warm family to be with.

My Trev and I.
me and my big sis!

The giant ball pit- rock on!!!!!

This sisters pic really cracks me up.

Jordan and I.

They are just beautiful. It breaks my heart when they leave, everytime. I know the next time I see them they will be that much more grown up.

All of us!!! this turned out to be such a wonderful picture of all of us. I love my family.

Trevor's 8th birthday

2008-10-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

We had our friends meet us to surprise Trevor. We went to The Incredible Pizza Co for dinner and some fun. We then went to Powder Valley for a night time nature hike via flashlight.

Theis Farm-Pumpkinland Creve Cour,MO

2008-10-11T18:00:00.001-07:00

Theis Farm and Market, Creve Cour, MO

It was a wonderfully warm October day. This weekend, I was off, so we headed over to the pumpkin farm. It was something like our Hilger's back home.
There were lots of yummy produce items to buy and some yummy homemade treats. My favorite was getting some apple cider- however later we realized that letting the duo drink this had a lovely effect on their hind-end production. Poor Logan had diarrhea.
There was a large pirate ship made out of hay. They boys liked dressing up and looking for buried treasure.
We did a hayride pulled by a large tractor. They told us all about how the produce is grown. Trevor liked seeing the broccoli and how it looks quite different than the frozen veggie package in the freezer.

The boys enjoyed riding the mini versions of tractors. Then we went into the great corn maze. Trevor picked out his prize pumpkin. He said "mine is perfect". I agreed.
We came home after a busy day and baked pizza's and made spice cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. It made a great ending to a great day.

Gotta love being (almost) 8

2008-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

It isnt hard to see that Trevor is flourishing in reading and writing at school. His IEP has helped immensely and already we are notincing the benefits of having such a plan. So this morning, I open up the pantry to find that trevor has taken to labeling his "goods". This made me laugh out loud, so of course I had to take a picture. He amazes me daily as his reading has totally taken off. He even told me the other day that he wanted to "concentrate on my spelling so I can be the smartest kid." He is absolutely loving his school year and is having so much fun learning. Some things we can't even spell in front of him anymore since he knows what we are talking about. YIKES!

six flags st louis fright fest 08

2008-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

We love having season passes so we can go experience the fun of Fright Fest for Halloween. WE went with the Zlatarich family and had so much fun riding the rollercoasters in the cool dark air.

Me and Abby Z
The ferris wheel was made up like a jack o lantern.

Upcoming events

2008-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

We have the date set for Trevor's official IEP meeting. It is Tuesday, October 7th. His plan will be official and he will be enrolled in the special education. The school is so wonderful. His "special" skill classes are so fun for him. They have already been working with him and have already helped him in the most amazing ways. He learned to tie his shoes recently (yes!) a task that was gruelling to get him to try. He loves school and looks forward to going to school everyday. He thinks he is more special because he gets to go to his skill classes and other kids do not. His reading is flourishing and seems like soon he will be caught up. He came to me yesterday and said:
"Mom, what is one million minus 999,980?" I said "Let me think about it." He blurted out "It's 20, but Mrs Bright said she wasn't impressed because she knew all along I knew the answer." He was beaming from ear to ear. He is so smart.
I can't believe my little boy is going to be 8 years old. Very soon. I am so happy he is getting the supports he needs and that he is doing so well.

Another cute creation

2008-09-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog!!!!

2008-09-18T08:32:00.001-07:00

I started a new blog in order to show off some of the other pictures I take, and to show off those I take of other people.
www.photolocopix.blogspot.com
This way I can keep our blog to just being about our family and family news.

Trevor update

2008-09-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

We had a meeting at school last Thursday to discuss his education plan. Trevor will qualify for services at school through special education. He scored as having difficulty with "executive function" which means planing and executing his work. He will learn how to maximize the skills he does have. The testing revealed that they are able to rule out pervasive development disorder (autism) as a diagnosis. This is such a huge relief. He has really come a long way this year!!! For those who dont know, Trevor is VERY intelligent. He scored on his IQ test between very high average and superior in math. He is so good with numbers and science. WE know his brain has challenges, so now he will get his IEP and we will be able to fully help him maximize his skills. I knew he was good with numbers, just didnt know he was that good. He is self-teaching himself multiplication. And this week, for the first time, he initiated doing his own homework without prompting. I am so proud of him and so happy that we have a wonderful school district to work with us in helping Trevor achieve his educational goals. hopefully afer this year, he will be ahead in many areas. (proud mama!)

OK, so thislittlecreation gets me in tears everytime I see it...

2008-09-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Some pix of the duo at kirkwood park Kirkwood, MO

2008-09-09T13:57:00.001-07:00

Logan

Logan Connor

Connor

It was a wonderfully crisp cool day and a great opportunity for a walk at the park. We went to Kirkwood Park in Kirkwood, MO. The boys enjoyed running freely, making duck noises, collecting sticks and playing in the sand table on the playground. I have been needing to add some updated pictures of the duo, and today gave me a great day to get that opportunity. They look so grown up here. Funny since they are still only 26 and 27 lbs and stand just to the middle of my thigh. They are so tiny for their age, but i am enjoying their smallness.

So...... how does your 7 year old open a can of carrots???

2008-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

I guess when a craving hits, you will do what you have to to get into the can. Now putting aside the thought that he could seriously have been cut up by this, I have to say I admire his determination and innovation.

For Nanny and Grandad

2008-09-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Trevor had to draw his favorite things that connect him to his personality. Top right is Bear-Bear. Below is his family, bottom left is a grilled cheese sandwhich, and top left is his drawing of "IN" and the state of Indiana and the fabulous drawing of Nanny and Grandad's golf cart with him riding on the back. Mom, I guess you can say his bonding time with you this summer made VERY lasting impressions. Thank you for making his summer so special. (choking back tears).

So what is the duo up to lately??? Peek here and see....

2008-09-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

The first video is at six flags. Do you think they enjoyed it??? They had the whole line laughing as they giggled and screamed the whole time. The other videos, you will notice that Logan has mastered the word "NO" and uses it frequently. (No comments about the duct tape...I am still open to suggestion if you can figure out how to keep their clothes on or figure out how to stop them from conspiring to undress each other.) In the last video, watch as he is jibber-jabbering in his own little language and his facial expressions- so cute!

Happy Birthday,John.

2008-09-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Logan

To celebrate John's birthday and to do something fun since we couldnt get home, we went to Six Flags (gotta love that season pass!). It was very very not and humid, but we managed to have some fun anyway. Trevor is becoming quite the roller coaster kid and is getting braver at each turn. I am proud of him. He makes for a great riding partner.
Connor
Logan is on my lap in both of these pictures.
John and I.
Happy Birthday, honey.

my weight update- please celebrate this milestone with me!

2008-08-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I weighed myself last night, and I weighed in at 150lbs. This is huge for me. I am officially down 48 lbs. Yesterday I went clearance shopping at Kohls and bought a cute little denim skort. It is a size 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so elated to try on the 10 it was too big. now for most things I am still a 10 in, but 12's are now behind me. I am astounded at this journey. It was started in January when I saw pictures of me at Christmas, and now to see I weigh less than even before Trevor was born. In fact I weigh less than I did at Suzanne and Wade's first wedding in 1997. I have 20 lbs to go to get to my ideal body weight, and I know I can do it and I know it will stay off as this has been a lifestyle transformation for me. I am so excited.

John has also joined me on my quest for a healthier life. He has lost 36 lbs to date. It is possible to do this with diligence, diet and exercise. I am proof of it!

Trevor experiences Tennis

2008-08-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

For his first real time, we went to the park to play tennis. We met our friends and thier family there (Mike and Amy) He loved it! He is so energized about new things and this really sparked an interest with him. He has a great serve when he puts his mind to it. After 2 hours of playing, he cried when it was time to go home. Wanted to share a few pics of him enjoying tennis.

Trevor is now a 2nd grader

2008-08-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, a new school year has started already. Trevor is now in the second grade at Hanna Woods. He has a great new teacher, Mrs Bright, who already seems like she is going to be a wonderful support to him this school year. Immediately she noticed Trevor's football jersey as her husband is from Manchester, England. How neat. Trevor has a great class size of 17. It is hard to believe that in just2 short months, my oldest will be an 8 year old. Where does the time go?

My very handsome boy....

2008-08-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Grand Haven, Michigan, where we went for a weekend of fun to help Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. I am in awe at how old he appears.

fun with the girls at six flags

2008-08-03T19:05:00.001-07:00

Abby, who watches the boys for us, came with us to six flags so she could go with Jor and 'lana to the Vanessa Hudgens concert. We had lots of fun, and lots of roller-coaster therapy.

Jordan and Alanna love their ice cream!

Growing up so fast....

2008-08-03T18:27:00.001-07:00

I have to say I feel like the luckiest aunt alive to have such beautiful and wonderful nieces. They are so smart, funny, and such a joy to be around. I am blessed. They visited with Diana and we had so much fun shopping and playing. Today was their last day and they each picked out an outfit from their new clothes to wear for pictures. We headed off to the park to take some great new pictures. Seeing these, I am speechless. They are so grown up and so beautiful. I am proud to be their aunt.

Diana and the girls visit!

2008-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

More pictures to come, but I had to share this one of the girls!!!!

Cute pictures of the duo

2008-07-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

We are learning so many new things. This week, we learned how to get past the duct tape on our sleepers to unzip and still strip anyway. Yes, we are so proud. We also learned how to unlock the front door and get outside. We are now tall enough and smart enough to do this. We are also learnign to say new words by the minute. The speech is suddenly flourishing. Seems like we are making up for lost time. The words are music to my ears. One thing that Jodi is very good at is signs from what she learned with working with Harris's speech therapist. Jodi used signs with the boys and they picked them up quickly and would mimick her. So now I am trying to do the baby signs with them. Thank goodness for internet resources.

Visiting with Jodi...

2008-07-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

First of all, it was so wonderful to have Jodi here for 3 days. I am so happy she could make it here for a mini vacation. She left Dana and Harris with Brian and escaped for some Jodi time. We had a very nice visit. On Tuesday night she and I hit the mall for a wee bit of shopping. Wednesday we had a nice visit in the historic town of St Charles, which is nestled right on the Missouri river. You can see how flooded it is inthe picture below. The town is so cute and I came away with quite a few neat photos.

Trailhead microbrewery in St Charles. Looks like this was an old mill. I loved the mill wheel on the side of the building.
They also had this fabulous little English store with lots and lots of authentic food and merchandise from England. I was so excited. I went in there and I bought some Cadbury Flakes and Smarties for the kids and great England decals.
Picture of the buildings in the old town.

On Thursday, we drove down to my work so Jodi could see the ozarks and where I work. That night was the most fabulous night. We got dolled up and headed out for a nice dinner and then went to see John Mayerand Colbie Calliat in concert at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater. It was a terrific concert. Also discovered anew artist I am loving named Brett Dennen,who opened before Colbie. His music is great. If you like folky Van Morrison meets Jack Johnson, you will like him.

I was sad to see Jodi go. We don't get to visit enough. Usually my visits home are a whirlwind and I am lucky to breeze by for an hour.
I am so glad she came for a couple of days.

The duo are OK.

2008-06-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

We recovered well from the Friday incidence. Hopefully all will stay good. They dont remember a thing from it and that is good.

The kids left yesterday with Sue. She came to St Louis to get them. She also took Trevor back to Indiana so he could spend the week with Nanny up at Jellystone. He will also get to see Hayden and Simon as well.

My new job is going well. I really really like it and would like to move down there when our lease is up here. There is a college there I am looking into to complete my RN and hopefully wont have a waiting list either. The ozark mountains are so pretty down there. I can't get enough after living in flat Indiana for so long. I just love looking out and seeing trees for ever.

Weight update: I am down 43 lbs now. Now that I have a tan, I am not looking so shabby these days and have worn my swimsuit more this year than I have in the last 8. I may have even turned a head or two. I still have about 20lbs to lose to get where I really want to be. I need to exercise more, but lounging next to the pool is so fulfilling, LOL.

This picture is me this past weekend. A bunch of Moms from my mmessage board came to STLouis to meet up and we had a great time. I was a bit too excited to have a night out with some girlfriends, and I may have had a tad too much, but had a blast, nonetheless.

Our first ambulance ride with lights and sirens!

2008-06-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the poor quality, but these were taken with my cell phone camera.

Poor swollen Connor after shots and breathing treatments.

John was eating a mix of nuts we bought that was cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Well, they have never had them and wanted to try them. Well they loved them, but the nuts didnt love back. within a half hour or so, their eyes began to swell and lips were swelling and they were both wheezing and coughing and became lethargic. I called the pediatrician to see if I could give a mega dose of benadryl and she said to call 911 immediately. They got here in 3 minutes. Both Connor's eyes were swollen shut, and he took it the hardest. His oxygen saturation was only 69% and his heart rate was 189 before the epinephrine, benadryl shot and steroids. WE took off in the ambulance- me with Logan, and the other paramedic had Connor. John needed to stay with Jake, Trevor and Lauren. (Jake and Trevor theought he fire truck and amulance were cool.) They did pretty well and slept the first hour. Then the steroids kicked in. They were wound up soooo bad. It was crazy!

Logi after shots and breathing treatments

My poor duo

An hour after steroids and they were bouncing off the walls. The ER was entertained by them....I was not.

We are home now and they are whooped on the Benadryl- but are extra snuggly. We now have to carry an Epi pen for each of them where ever we go. YIKES!

Lauren and Jake are staying with us!!!

2008-06-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

So Sue and Wade could go and get married in Jamiaca, I brough Lauren and Jake to St Louis for some fun. I have missed them and it has been so wonderful having them here.

Transportation Museum. We got to walk on and touch real big trains!!!

The pool at the apartment complex.

Six flags was a blast. Lauren and Jake got thier pictures with so many characters it was too many to post.
Villans, watch out! They all got superhero capes!

We went to the Science Center today for some hands-on learning. We had lots of fun here. I love the picture of Jake playing with the tornado exhibit. He was fascinated by it.

We are having so much fun with them here. Tomorrow- er, today (I need to get to bed) we are going to a small water park in Farmington, MO with my friend and her 3 children. Thursday we are hoping for the zoo and Friday maybe Manchester pool. They have both been so well-behaved and Jake is loving playing with his big cousin Trevor. They play for hours together and (almost) never argue. Jake is such a sweetie. Lauren is a huge help to both John and I. She helps with the babies and never complains- in fact, she is always taking them off our hands. Tonight Lauren and I had girly fun and painted our finger and toe nails so we are pool-ready tomorrow.

Will post more pictures of the water park tomorrow!

Weekly update...

2008-06-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so you have to admit I have been much better at this lately....
Summer is fully upon us now- so is the aweful humidity. That said, it is time to go to the pool and brave a swimsuit. That will be on the agenda for next week. We have lots of exploring to do. Lauren and Jake are coming to stay with us for a week and a half. We are looking forward to having them here. WE have lots planned, including another trip to Six Flags for some more fun. We also want to get over to the aquatic center to go on the slides. I can't wait.
I really like my new job. It is so different than Scenic where I am currently still employed. Pisses me off that I have wasted a whole year working in that dump when something was clearly better out there and pays more too. Plus, it is so organized, I dont have to wear all white (like I did at the other place). I will try to take some pictures this weekend of my old crew. They are hard workers and I will miss them. I will still see them, but sporadically.
The duo are saying new things this week. A new word is "mine!", spoken with true toddler attitude. 'here you go", "ball", "no", mind you that their speech is quite delayed. As of late, it is flourishing much better and they are enunciating better too. Logan told John off the other day in his own language. He was red hot angry at him for picking up his toys and I laughed my butt off. No one knew what he was saying except Logan. I wish I had gotten video of that. All I know is that he meant business and he meant what he said.
Another bad thing is the hitting. They hit each other constantly. Following the toddler rules...if they think it should be theirs, it is theirs and they will hit for it. We are working on time outs for that.
That is all for us right now. More updates to come......

Fun in the aftermath of a storm......

2008-06-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Many a day, I sit stressed out at the amount of attention and work it takes to raise 3 very active boys. But then there are moments, like today, where the duo is upstairs asleep and after an intense storm the sun comes out, and the world becomes a 7 year-old's paradise. Nothing is more innocent than splashing around in the "river" created by a heavy downpour. Love the lazy summer days!

my long and pleasant drive to work...

2008-06-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

The drive to my new job is a bit longer than my other job, but it is by far a more beautiful route. I go on a very non-busy highway that goes through the rolling hills and cliffs. It is perfect to put on a good CD like Jason Mraz's new one and sing. Very peaceful and serene. Coming from the very flat Indiana landscape, these hills are breathtaking for me.

In the morning when I leave, there is fog resting in the hills and valley's. It is very beautiful.

Fun in the midst if busy-ness.

2008-06-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

Went to six flags today to have some summer fun. It was almost 90 and very humid. Boy, summer sure decided to pounce right on us!!! I braved a sleeveless top and exposed my girly parts for the first time in years. Now I need a good tan.

Because change is always happening....

2008-05-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

I showed up for my orientation on Thursday for part-time and they offered me full-time already. So I accepted. I will now have insurance for everyone, which will be nice and I really think I am going to like being there. I can already tell from being there for orientation I am in a whole new league. It iwll be nice to have a change. I will stay on at my other job on an as-needed basis, but getting thru the next 2 weeks will be difficult working both places full time. I can do it tho. I am a determined woman!

Fun with the web cam

2008-05-28T17:01:00.001-07:00

What fun a web cam is. Trevor and i were being so silly. I am trying to get Nanny talked into a webcam so that she can talk with the boys weekly. This summer we will hopefully set something up.

The news keeps getting better!

2008-05-27T20:53:00.001-07:00

I am officially down 40.5 lbs!!!! I weighed in at 157.5. Holy crap. I am so on cloud 9!

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

OK! What a good week this has started off to be!!! I am so excited. I got hired at a new job today. I will be working for a new facility starting out part time and as soon as full time opens, it will be mine. I start Thursday. I will be making what i made when I worked for Columbus in Fort Wayne- so a hefty raise and this job offers bonus incentives and health insurance even for part-time.

Just had to share my news. For now I will continue to work at my current facility on the weekends and my part time during the week.

YAY!!!!!!!