Grin and Barrett

A Boy and his dog.....

2010-04-22T11:57:00.006-05:00

The boy, being my 20 year old son. The dog, being a Golden Retriever whom thinks he is little.

Buddy, the Golden has to be everywhere Josh is.....Literally!

Josh has beed working 3rd shift since Monday, and Buddy is soooo lost without "his boy" at night. Buddy will pace the floor and sit by the big windows for him to get home.

As I went down the stairs this morning to do some laundry, this is what I found....

A boy and his dog

Where does the time go?

2010-04-21T13:25:00.003-05:00

Where does the time go? Time goes so fast that in a blink of an eye it's gone.... (POOF!)

Christmas has come and gone as well as Easter and we are in the middle of spring. Thank goodness! The picture above is one of my favorite of all time. Just recently taken at Easter of the best three guys ever! My dad, Josh and George. I just love them all so.

George started back to school to finish up to get his degree in business.

Lauren has been going to gymnastic competitions left and right, and is doing wonderful! She just recently picked up her first pair of glasses. The glasses make her look so much older. She absolutely loves them and so does everyone else at school. Which was a big worry for me.

Josh, is still working at Smith Dairy and enjoys going to work. He plans on going back to college soon. (input happy dance)

Which ends with me.... Nothing new going on with me, but I am fine with that! I am just enjoying spending time with my friends and family.

So, what is going on in your world?

Believe

2009-12-17T08:31:00.008-05:00

I truly believe.....Believe that we should always want to give to others before and after Christmas. We all have something to give. Be it money, time or even hugs.

My Wish..............I Wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas!

Jen

I am back.......

2009-12-10T08:46:00.004-05:00

I am back......... Back from the long absence of blogging that is.

I have great information to share. If you don't already follow her, you should be. What a great blog! Jennifer McKinney is giving away a HP touch screen computer on Christmas Eve.

http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com

Hope you all are having a wonderful day and have a Wonderful Christmas!

Josh is going to Disney!

2009-09-09T07:58:00.002-05:00

I just LOVE this picture!! He is so stinkin' handsome.

I really LOVE that Josh is able to go to Disney with us!

Lauren's new bike

2009-09-04T13:00:00.003-05:00

This month has really made George and I realize how Lauren is changing. Not only has she started 4th grade, but she is physically growing up.

She mentally and physically grew out of her little pink bike. We noticed a couple months ago that her knees looked like they were up to the handle bars. So off we went, looking for a new (not little girl looking) bike. Do you know how many different bikes there are out there? Let me tell you, Lauren and I visited many stores. Of course we did, that's what Lauren and I love to do....SHOP!

Well, after all those stores, discussions and a visit to the local Orrville Bike shop, we decided on this bike. Lauren had the final say on which color to get.

The helmet was a hand me down from Josh....... :)

Happy Biking!!!!!

26 days and counting

2009-08-31T12:15:00.003-05:00

26 days and counting..........I am not sure if Lauren and I can wait that long to get to Disney.

Lauren is just as excited about her first plane ride as she is her first time at Disney.

School

2009-08-27T08:42:00.003-05:00

Lauren was looking forward to finding out her teacher for the year, but was slightly dissappointed when she didn't get who she wanted. Lauren was still excited with who she has.

Her first day of school went well. Of course being the overachiever that she is, the night before she was worried about the grades that she may get this year. Who's child is this?

The first day came and went. I am sure it went fast for her, but I found myself constantly looking at the clock to see when she'd be home. I miss my little girl when she's gone.

Stellan in the hospital Again...

2009-07-27T08:38:00.002-05:00

Pray, pray for this little one. Stellan is in the hospital again fighting for his life. His poor little heart is beating at about 228, as you can see in the picture. Please pray for God to lay his healing hand on Stellan and give the Doctors and Nurses the wisdom to help him.

Jen

My heart is filled with sadness......

2009-07-21T12:04:00.002-05:00

Today I learned that a young man that my son went to school with passed away. At 20 his parents have to bury one of their sons. I just can't imagine the pain they are going through. Please put this family in your prayers.

On the Mend...........

2009-07-07T07:09:00.002-05:00

Good Morning..............

No pictures today, but just an update.

I am on the mend after having my ankle surgery last Wednesday. I am able to walk around but limited stairs. Thanks again to my wonderful husband, who is doing dinners and cleaning and laundry, I am sooooo fortunate to have George.

Today is going to be a good day.........I get to see the kid's. I miss them so much when they aren't here.

Also, can anyone believe that it's July already? Where has the time gone? Before you know it school will be starting soon. :( But we aren't going to think like that today...... The weather has been so beautiful... cooler temps. and sun, can't beat that!

Hopefully soon I will post some pictures, but we are in the middle of trading computers around at the house. We just bought a computer, so the "old Main computer" will go to the scrapbook area, just waiting for George to put in the card for the internet.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoyed the fourth.... We sure did, we were able to spend it with wonderful friends.....Ann, Jeff, Chris, Todd all the kiddo's...... GOOD TIMES!

Stellan needs our prayers

2009-06-19T05:57:00.003-05:00

Prayers are a need right now, for sweet little Stellan. I've posted before about his situation. Stellan in recent days has had continuous problems with SVT, and his mommy can't seem to help his heart get out of that serious rhythm along with medication. Stellan is now in the PICU. The problem is, that Stellan's body has gotten used to the medication that he is on and he is on the highest dosage allowed. The doctor's would like to see Stellan 40 lbs, (around 4) so they can do his needed surgery, but if everything fails on trying to get Stellan in a normal rhythm for a long period of time, they will have no choice on doing the surgery.

If you could please pray for this little guy and hi family.......

Strawberry Picking

2009-06-16T08:13:00.005-05:00

Monday afternoon, Lauren and I were able to go to Maurer Farm's to pick fresh strawberries. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. I just enjoy having these special times with Lauren, and even though we could have easily went to the store to buy them, the time we spent together is priceless.

Stop to enjoy the flowers (part II)

2009-06-05T08:12:00.003-05:00

It looks like Sparky was paying attention when I updated my blog yesterday. He too, stopped to smell the flowers. And....................

Appreciate them. Awww isn't he the cutest?

You just have to stop and enjoy the flowers.....

2009-06-04T10:05:00.003-05:00

I have to tell ya...... Summer is my favorite time of the year. Birds are singing, children are playing and the flowers are out. I have to admit, I do not have a green thumb, that is why I have so many Hosta's. As I get older and not the wiser, hehehe, in flowers that is....... I am trying to keep my flowers alive. I am very proud to say, my Gerber Daisies are still alive after about 3 weeks or so. I LOVE Gerber Daisies..... MY FAVORITE! I am not sure what I am doing right, but I will try to keep on doing it.

I hope those of you that visit my blog, will stop, not only to smell the flowers, but to actually appreciate them.

Jennifer

It's been forever and a day......

2009-05-19T09:05:00.004-05:00

It has been forever and a day, since I last blogged. I just haven't been feeling "IT". Not feeling good and my ankle still bothering me, just has had be down. But, I have come the conclusion that I need to get over this and move on. So, thank you for coming back!

I will try, to keep up with my blog. (hahaha)

So, what has been going on? Hmmm, let me think. :)

Josh took his girlfriend, Jenna to her Prom. He started working 3rd shift and loves it. I'm not quite sure if Buddy "our Golden Retriever" loves it. He is Josh's shadow, and is not sure what to do with himself during the night.

Lauren has signed up for Tumbling Team for the fall. She is soooo excited. She is anxious about school being over. Six more school days. I can guarantee that the first day of summer vacation, she'll say "I miss school". Lauren is planning on being busy this summer with a reading program at the college, gymnastic's team, girls in action, swimming, swimming and more swimming.

George is still in school. He'll be taking 3 classes this summer, then 4 in the fall/winter session. Then 2 classes after that to have his Associates in Business. He'll go to Malone for about 14 months after that for his degree. I just feel for George, he works so hard both at work and school.

Please keep my mom in your prayers. She is having her knee replaced today. She had some minor difficulties last time with medication and blood pressure, so hopefully they know what to expect this time and take precautions.

Oh, and another thing. My blog friend is starting her own Scrapbooking business, I am so excited for her. So keep her in your prayers and please visit her to see how it's going. http://scrappincecile.blogspot.com/ I also have a blog friend who has her own business on-line, she makes beautiful tearbears and items for scrapbooking. I have some in my scrapbook. LOVE EM!

http://missymadeit.blogspot.com/

If you are looking for any Stampin Up' items visit my RLF (real life friend) at her blog http://free2bstampin.blogspot.com/, if you are local, she has wonderful classes.

And..... I also have a RLF that sells Creative Memories. She holds monthly crops, so again, if you are local..... fun, fun, fun. Cdreher@zoominternet.net.

I have one more thing...... I have to just brag about my RLF's. My 40th birthday was on the 7th. They came over in the morning with Mocha's and coffee cake and surprised me. I just love them to pieces. I am sooooo blessed to have them in my life. I am just one lucky gal.

Well, I think I've told you everything up to now. So, hopefully my next blog entry won't be so overwhelming. hehehehe

Have a wonderful day.

Jen

Pray for Stellan

2009-03-27T11:56:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Stellan...he has been in the hospital with some very serious heart issues for the past few days, and it seems to be getting worse. You may know Stellan's Story, but if not, I encourage you to read about this little miracle. He desperately needs another miracle to survive, so please, if you have some time, pray for Stellan and his medical team, as well as his family.

Yet another Wednesday.....

2009-03-18T12:46:00.003-05:00

Look what was delivered to my door..... :) And it did put a smile on my face. Josh was even willing to give it a test drive too! It only weighs 12 lbs., but it also has such a great suction that it pulls itself. Gotta love that!

George, Josh and Lauren have decided to play tennis. George is an old pro. He played in high school is quite good at it. With the wonderful weather that we have had, they went to the courts last night and plan on it tonight. Me..... I stunk at it in my 20's and haven't really tried since.

Josh started his new job.... he LOVES it! He comes home with so much to talk about. It is so cute, he pulls up in his car just smiling :) I think life is finally good for him now. SIGH..... Thank goodness.... as a mom, that is all you really want for your children. To be happy and safe.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Jen

Hump Day

2009-03-11T13:15:00.004-05:00

It's Wednesday, only two more days till the weekend. In my world, weekends are for grocery shopping and cleaning, so.....hmmmm am I really ready for the weekend? I don't know.

I do know, allot of good things are going on in the Barrett house! Josh is singing his song..... I gotta job..I gotta job..I gotta job..hey...hey..hey..hey..hey! (he has a job at Dairy Queen) He decided that he wasn't quite ready for the college thing right now, so he was looking for an "adult job". He is now a happy employee of "THE DAIRY", its a local dairy manufacturer in town.

I bought a new sweeper. The new Hoover Platinum..... It is on its way here. I can't wait. I never thought in a million years that I would ever get excited about a vacuum. Yep, just mark that up as to another sign of getting older. hehehe
Speaking of getting excited about the little things in life, my fridge is fixed. The dispenser has been broken for about a month, and it just took me about 3 weeks to call a repair man. Don't ask me why? I have no answer. When you are used to the little luxuries in life and you don't have them, MAN do you miss them. It's working again....... HAPPY DAYS! Okay, it doesn't take much to make me happy, right?

Oh, can't leave George out. As I type is studying for midterms. He was able to get our main computer up and running again after a virus hit us, with the help of very nice friend, Thanks Todd! We apprieciate the help...

Lauren is taking swimming lessons at the YMCA, so she won't drown this summer. HA! She is progressing great, she just needed that extra help, and now she is ready to get her "license" for the pool so she can go in the deep end.

Our Zoe girl, is doing wonderfuly after surgery. We were a little worried due to her immune disorder, going into this, but it needed to be done.

Well, that's whats going on in the Barrett house. Crazy, but... it's all good right now. :) I'll keep it that way!

Have a wonderful day!

Jen

Great news

2009-03-04T18:56:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of blogging. There has been so much abnormal craziness around here.

I am going to apologize ahead of time, I am going to let go....... I am going to let it flow.....

But I just want to shout from the roof tops! There were some medical test that I needed done that had some questionable issues. But after a long agonizing wait, results are NORMAL!

I just want to thank you all for caring and for the many prayers. I love you guys!

Boy does that kind of stuff put everything else into perspective? Gets you thinking all kinds of CRAZY! :)

I think the last time I prayed that hard was when George was in for heart problems, my dad went into have heart surgery and when Lauren was a day old and stopped breathing. Why, why do we wait until its something sooo serious to pray like that? Is it just me? I try not to pray for myself, because I feel that I am being greedy. Is that silly? I have no problem with praying for others. And I feel since I have gotten diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and deal with my pain on a daily basis, that I am more in touch with God. I felt so guilty about that for such a long time.

Prayer........ It is a powerful thing. God is wonderful. And I am sooooo blessed!

Jen

Happy Belated Birthday Joshy

2009-02-20T09:45:00.004-05:00

YEP..... I am officially the worse blogger-mom out there. I haven't blogged about Josh's Birthday. He turned 19 back on the 11th. EEK! I shall do 10 hail Mary's. Is that enough? Maybe I should do more since I'm not Catholic. I am Lutheran, very, very close to Catholic. Anywho....

Well Josh did turn 19 and I am still old!

I can't believe it's been 19 years. Where has the time gone? From this tiny little guy that I carried home from the hospital to this wonderful, caring adult. We are so proud of you.

Here are some memories...Unfortunately back in the day we had to get our pictures developed, so most of his pictures are not on disc. Those will come soon. Allot of digging. :)

Okay, I have to explain this one...... He was wearing the 3D glasses Lauren had gotten from Hannah Montana. What a goober...... But this is my guy.

The Sleepover

2009-02-03T13:15:00.004-05:00

GIRLS~GIRLS~GIRLS~GIRLS~GIRLS~GIRLS~GIRLS

What else can you say when you have 7 girls over for a sleepover. :)

George in the past, has made some of the kids cakes for their birthdays. For example Dora's Backpack or a present cake. This year, Lauren wanted her dad to make her cake again. While shopping, I ran across this wonderful cupcake book. Guess what it had in it. Sleepover cupcakes. Here they are...... Are they the cutest? George always does a great job.

We had a blast with the girls. We planned several games and activities. And of course Josh and George entertained. The big hit of the sleepover was Truth or Dare (rated g). I had the girls doing tons of crazy things. Poor Makenna, ended up getting all the horrible ones. She had to do piggys on all the girls toes. EWWW! Here in the picture, she had to be rolled up in toliet paper.

Lauren had to act like she was under water ~ what an easy dare.....
We made Josh pick a dare, He had to dance to Hannah Montanna
Then the girls joined in

They made picture Frames and painted their nails
Here is Kailey, with several marshmellows in her mouth. Yet another dare...... They decided to play it again after they woke up.... which was about 6:45 a.m.

They were the best girls ever! And for the first girl sleepover party that we've had, it went great. I would do again, but let me recoup. ;o)

Lauren's Birthday

2009-02-03T11:52:00.003-05:00

My sweet "little" Lauren isn't little anymore. My peanut turned 9 last Thursday. As I look at these pictures, it just doesn't seem like it's been that long. I can still remember your baby smell and your soft little hands.

The whole week that we were at the hospital, there was an outbreak of the flu, so Josh was not allowed to see Lauren until we were home. The last picture is of Josh holding his little sister for the very first time.

Happy Birthday sweetie, Daddy, Josh and I love you very much!

Missy & Cecile

2009-01-29T15:45:00.002-05:00

http://greatmindsthinkalikepaperpiecings.blogspot.com/

Check out what Cecile and Missy have been up to..... They are just so creative. And check back often, they are always making something new. Go take a peek, I dare ya! :)

Sleepover Pillow Card

2009-01-22T05:13:00.004-05:00

Here are the pillow invitations that I made for Laurens Sleepover party.
They were so simple. I would say the hardest part was the ribbon.

My little baby will be turning 9 next Thursday. That makes me soooo sad. But, next Friday, there will be a total of 7 girls in my house. EEK! Thank goodness George is taking off work. :) I have some idea of what we are going to do, but I know when it comes down to it, I am going to be flying by the seat of my pants. hehehe

Weather days off

2009-01-22T04:57:00.002-05:00

Okay, I really must explain the next two pictures...... But if you have boys, you'll understand.

The day before these pictures, Josh was sick with the flu, he had been sleeping ALL day and night. So he was primed and ready to go the next day. Miss Jenna was over with homemade soup in hand, well long story short, Josh HAD to be his rotten self. And I had my camera.

As we at lunch, Miss Jenna told us about making it snow. She gave us instructions and we were right on that! How cool! You can only do it when the temperature is below -0. But, you fill a normal sized coffee cup 1/2 full of water. Place it in the microwave for about 2 1/2 - 3 minutes and go directly outside and throw the water away from you into the air.

In the photo below, I wasn't happy with just the cup of water, and after doing some chores around the house and thinking how cool it was, I thought of a better idea. I took a squirt bottle and filled it with the hot water and used a hot mitt. That allowed just the right amount of water to come out for the snow to form. COOL TRICK!

The FirePlace

2009-01-15T06:14:00.002-05:00

HELP!!!!!!!

Calling all decorators or call your friends who are decorators. Or maybe just call the doctor! My Fireplace needs a makeover...... We have live in our 100 year old house for a little over 11 years and this fireplace has been our stumbling block. George recently painted our living room for the third time since we've lived here. (LOVE my color) But it comes to that big stark white pain in the middle of the room. What to do with it..... Please tell me you have ideas, because we don't. Here is what we would have to work with...... hands, sand paper and basic man tools, paint. I am not an elaborate kind of girl and my theme I am for is a tuscan/very slight country, (I am in the middle of changing my decorating theme over.... but that cost mulah.....

So, Please help me..... I all the ideas you have.

Snow

2009-01-13T11:25:00.008-05:00

Snow~Snow~Snow~ Snow~Snow~Snow~and more Snow............

This is what is out side my back door looking at my deck. :( This blog is for the girls that follow my blog, that don't live in the lovely state of OHIO. I know, you wish you were here to enjoy this beautiful cold weather. hehehe It's just that I am so jealous that you live in warmer areas. But I should be thankful for this, because come tomorrow its going to be down-right frigid. BRRRR! Well fellow bloggers that live in warmer climated areas, send some sunshine my way!

Have a Snowy/great day!

Jen

Out with old ~ In with the new

2009-01-06T15:03:00.002-05:00

Out with the old ~ In with the new

Sorry, I don't have any pictures today, just my thoughts.....

Last year was one year I probably won't forget. Josh graduated high school and started College. Mom, Dad and I had surgeries. George, Josh and Lauren stayed pretty healthy.
Thank goodness for family and friends and the sweet kiddo's that I watch, that kept me sane last year.

This year, my goal is to get healthier and to try to stay on top of this Fibromyalgia. I am going to kick its BUTT! I am tired of being tired and tired of being in pain. Another goal is to try to get back to being more organized. George, Josh and Lauren, sorry in advance, but this will probably affect you allot. Also, I want to be a better friend. I just feel like I have not been there 110%. I need to be a better friend.

Lastly, this has weighed heavily on me......... So, this is what I am going to try to live by "Try to make a difference"
I want to make a difference, be it big or small.

Bring on 2009!

Jen

Give a way

2008-12-27T17:37:00.003-05:00

Okay all my scrapbooking friends, you may want to check out this site..... LIFE AS LOU

http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/2008/12/20/christmas-mini-album-pages-6-7-plus-150-give-a-way/

She is having a big give-a-way...... I just had to let you in on it!

A Wii Fit Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T11:53:00.004-05:00

As a special treat, since we were laying low Christmas Eve, except church, George and I decided to give "our" gift to the kids on Christmas Eve this year. We also were trying to use it to our advantage for our sleep sake as well. Long story short, Lauren woke us up last year at 4:00 in the morning for Christmas. Being the wonderful dad that George is, he couldn't tell her to go back to bed, so we all drug (and I do me drug) our sorry behinds out of bed for a cute little 7 year old. That included our son who was 17, without to much complaint. It's amazing that Lauren has us all wrapped around her little finger. And to think, I was trying to make that a short story... hehehe

Back to the picture....here they are unwrapping the Wii fit.

We all are having a blast with this Wii fit. I highly recommend it. It is great fun for everyone. Here is George, trying to Hoola Hoop, at this moment he is trying to catch hoops.

I thought I would include a picture of my sorry little tree this year. It is truly our Charlie Brown tree. Our schedules this year didn't give us time to go chop one down, so we had to opt for a cut tree on a lot. I guess every tree needs a home, right? This will be one that we'll remember in years to come.

Here we are all dressed up and ready to go to church on Christmas Eve. We had to take it front of the fireplace this year. We would have overpowered the tree. (hehehehe) We had a wonderful Christmas, and my true wish is that we all could have this feeling all year round. Christmas brings joy and sorrow. Joy ~ being with the ones you love Sorrow ~ missing the ones you love

Please be careful as you travel and as you celebrate the new year.

God Bless!

Jennifer

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:06:00.003-05:00

George, Josh, Lauren and I, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T12:56:00.006-05:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We were able to go to my mom's, which is a couple blocks away from us, for Thanksgiving. Family...... What would we do with out them? George took the "man" camera with us.... but guess what, I forgot to put the memory back into it, after downloading the last batch of pictures. OOPS! But luckily, dad just bought a new camera and was willing to try it out. :)

Isn't this the cutest little turkey ever? (okay, I don't get out much) But, these were sitting at our places for dinner. My dad, yes- for those of you who know my dad, you did see that right, my dad made these Thanksgiving morning for everyone.

This is my sister Lisa, and my nephew Aaron.

This is my Grandma Morgan

This is my wonderful mom............. (hug)

On Saturday, we went to Columbus to visit with George's side of the family. We celebrated Ali's 16th and Ryan's 13th birthdays. We also celebrated Christmas. We did have the memory back in the "man" camera by then. :)

I guess I should elaborate a little more about the "man" camera. I call our Sony SLR the "man" camera just because its so big and bulky. My Cannon Power Shot is the "Blonde" camera, because I know how to use it. (hahahaha)

Now That everyone understands what the heck I am talking about, (sorta)....We have pictures.....

Jenna won "Musical Tiara"
YUMMY!

Ali....with Ava, her sweet sixteen birthday present

Ryan, 13 already? uh-oh
Lauren was so excited when she opened up presents

Josh got the BIG L, from Jenna, hehehehe

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

2008-11-26T10:42:00.011-05:00

It has been a very ~ very busy week here in the Barrett house. Thank goodness I am not having Thanksgiving here, not that I would mind.

George was so sweet and decided to take down the border and re-paint the dining room...... in two days. LOVE IT!
Now I have to decorate. :)

Mr. Reid just couldn't get enough of George, he was at the gate quite often. Now he knows how to open it! George is going out to get a latch today. :)

If you look on Buddy's nose and under his eye, you will notice paint. He decided to get nosey and sniff around......

Those Golden Retriever's!

Lauren and dad decided over the weekend that one day this week, they would get up and go out to breakfast before school. Just a special treat for Lauren, since George has been put on a different shift and she doesn't see him for just a little bit on Thursday morning and then Saturday. It also just to be the morning that the tooth fairy came to visit. We have been waiting and waiting for that tooth to come out..... FINALLY!

We are so very thankful for all of our family and friends. We would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Small Fryday

2008-11-23T08:35:00.006-05:00

It's Small Fryday!!!

No, really it is Sunday, don't run to your calendar. I have been meaning to tell you all about this awesome blog that I have been visiting faithfully and this gives me the perfect time to do so. Not only am I letting you know about this wonderful site, I in turn, am learning a new thing in posting. YEAH!

The Blog is MckMiracle at http://www.mycharmingkids.net and I have a button on the side of my blog,if you would like to pop over to take a visit. I totally encourage you to do so. But be ready to be touched. Their story is amazing, from the beginning to now. They have 4 beautiful children and an awesome miracle to tell everyone about. The MckFamily has an awesome faith and are down to earth, everyday people, who love to share their life of a house of 6.

Remember when your mom asked you to try to eat something new, you might like it.......I am asking you to try it.........you might just like it. I am sure you will.

Thank you for listening.... I truly love this blog, and just wanted to share it with you.

I hope everyone is have an awesome weekend.

2008-11-22T08:18:00.006-05:00

I've been blogging for A short time now, guess who got their first award... Thanks to my friend Rachel at Pretty in Pink. Thanks so much for thinking of me. Do I really deserve such an award with all those other awesome blogs out there. Hey, but I will accept it. Does this mean I get to go buy a special outfit for it? :)

So, here are the rules to receiving this award:

1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.

2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.

3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.

Instructions:On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well.To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget.Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.

My Five Favorite Addictions

1.My Family..... Yes we are a family of four, I am not counting myself. But I have 3 dogs. So, I am guessing that the two little small dogs can count as one. I just love my family to pieces. They are the reason why I get up in the morning. They are for sure my peanutbutter to my jelly. :)

2. Photo's ~ I just love taking pictures. I think that is my new interest. Beyond the everyday pictures, I catch my self carrying my camera in my purse now. Taking pictures of anything and everything.

3. Stamping/Scrapbooking...... I haven't been able to do the scrapbook thing lately, but I still am addicted to it. I have a room to call my very own. It seems like every time I go in there it gets smaller and smaller, because I have added to it.

4. I am truly addicted to blogging. ~ Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am addicted to blogging...... YES! I said it...... I just love interacting with other people. There are so many interesting people out in this world, that I would never be able to meet if didn't blog.

5. A bargin..... I love to shop! But man oh man, bring on the bargin! Totally addicted to the bargin. If its out there, I will sniff it out. hehehe

I am passing this award on to 5 fabulous blogging people I have met or know.

(they are in no particular order)

1. Cecile- http://scrappincecile.blogspot.com/

2. Rena - http://teamwright.blogspot.com/

3.Missy - http://missymadeit.blogspot.com/

4. Ann - http://freetobestampin.blogspot.com/

5. Chris - http://thedreherworld.blogspot.com/

Can't get a puzzle done without these animals bugging me!

2008-11-13T12:33:00.004-05:00

Miss Lauren decided one day during the weekend to put a puzzle together in front of the t.v. As you can see, that didn't go so well. As soon as the table went down on the floor, Mia was THERE! Then of course if your on the floor, you are fair game for Buddy. Notice the paws on Laurens legs? Lauren didn't have a chance to get that puzzle done.

Maybe next time, Lauren.

Lauren's bus admirer

2008-11-13T08:12:00.003-05:00

This is just so funny~ I just had to share it. Back in August, Lauren found out this boy around the corner from us, liked her. The way she found out was, he kept trying to kiss her on the bus. So, when I asked her if he said anything to her, she said yes........ She replied........he said he loves me......AND MOM, HE'S A SECOND GRADER! The funny thing was..... I just happened to have a camera in my hand that day and was snapping shots as she came walking in the door telling me all this.... PRICELESS!

So, the update to the bus admirer story......as of this morning..............................
He isn't trying to kiss Lauren any more, since I told her that she needed to kindly tell him to PLEASE stop. But he is giving her the "I love you" sign, and calling her "TOOTS" all the time. I am cracking up! Because if you knew who this boy was. It is all funny to me.... I am sure in a few years I will not feel this way.

Halloween

2008-11-11T09:12:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am posting about Halloween. Halloween was officially 11 days ago..... boy am I late or what! As you have noticed, not up to posting lately..... not feeling myself. Working on getting better, though.... sloooooooow process. :(

We actually had trick or treat on Halloween night here in town. We invited some special friends over (and I do mean special (wink, wink)) hehehe. And we all went out and begged for candy. Then came back to our house for a little fun. Josh had to work, but was able to join in, right at the tail end when the kids started bobbing for apples.

I just love that my friends and I all have kids the same age and they all can grow up together. Just think, in like 20 years they'll look back at the things they did together........ (Should I break out in song????? MEMORIES, like the.......) your lucky, I can't remember all the words.

Also, has anyone been to the malls this past weekend? George, Lauren and I went this weekend and about lost it..... There he was .... SANTA sitting right in the middle of the mall, waiting for all the kiddos to sit on his lap. I just couldn't believe that he was there already. I am posting about Halloween and which was 11 days ago and Santa is at the mall..... doesn't seem right. But then again, I am listening to Christmas music and putting up Christmas trees in my house and buying presents. I guess I am rushing Christmas too.. But I just love that feeling. I just wish it was like that all year round. :)

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday. Oh, and just to let you know, Christmas is 44 days away. hehehehe

Bowling Green Visit

2008-11-10T10:17:00.008-05:00

A couple weeks ago we loaded up the family for a visit to BOWLING GREEN.

We were quite impressed with their small/large college. Josh has also decided to change his direction also. He is thinking computers now. Which is totally fine with George and I. We were wondering why he wasn't thinking that at the beginning.... but we are only parents, you know? I decided to take my "blonde" camera with me so it wouldn't be so obvious that I was toting around this HONKING big camera on campus. But when we were taking the tour, I was to into it, to even think about it. So, as you can see, Josh was having a little fun before we made it there. Corn fields all the way there and back.

On the way back home it got a little crazy................... Just check out the pictures.

Poor George, he was sooo tired, he had worked that night and got home about 15 minutes before we left. But we couldn't leave him out of the fun too. :) hehehe

Tag

2008-10-30T13:23:00.009-05:00

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED!

This is what I have to do.......

1. Go to your pictures
2. Upload the 4th picture of the 4th folder
3. Post it
4. Tag 4 of my friends ( Okay, I am just saying in advance.... SORRY!)

This was back in April of 2005. Lauren has always loved being in front of the camera. WOW~ that was three 1/2 years ago. Where does the time go? It's hard to believe that at 8 Lauren knows what she wants in life. Is that really possible? She has said for over a year now, that she is going to New York for Fashion, after she graduates high school. She does have this certain drive. She loves gymnastics..........She LOVES life! I just love to watch life through her eyes. It's awesome.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN...........

Tag~ your it!

1. Ann
2. Rachel
3. Janeen
4. Chris

So, it's not that hard.... It actually makes you blog. :)
Come on- you can do it. I know you can!

Thanks, Cecile......

Smucker's Hot Ice Cool Sounds

2008-10-19T09:04:00.011-05:00

Last night we had a great time at Smucker's Hot Ice Cool Sounds. Peter Cetera and The Cleveland Pops Orchestra were there. The music was wonderful and and the skaters were fabulous. Our seats, four rows up and right in the middle. It will air on Christmas day on NBC.

Anyhow...... I can say this was a night to remember.... We had VIP passes and were able to go to the after party to meet the skaters. Lauren was able to get all the signatures and photos except two that didn't stay. She was in heaven, but I have to admit, so was I. I think one moving time of the night was when Peter Cetera sang a couple of songs that George and I had in our wedding. To have such beautiful and graceful skaters right in front of you performing, WOW......

The Great Pumpkin

2008-10-14T08:17:00.002-05:00

This looks like the perfect pumpkin... it's already been carved!
Milking a wooden cow looks pretty fun! I am sure it's easier then the real one and cleaner too!
HMMM~~~~ I saw Lauren doing this, she said it was fun........... don't listen to a 8 year old!
The corn maze was fun too! Nothing but corn and sky!
Thanks Jenna and Josh for taking me to get my perfect pumpkin this year. You two are the best!

While I was away at Ann's on Saturday, "playing". Jenna and Josh took Lauren back to Ramseyer's to do some activities and to find pumpkins. Though I would have loved to have gone and done this as a family thing, this was a perfect opportunity for the older "kids" to take Lauren out and do their own thing. It was their idea. So off they went. But of course, I told them to take the camera. Not to many pictures came back, but I did get some.

Lauren just loves Jenna to death, and Josh, well lets just say, nothing is better than her big brother in her eyes.

So, as I write this with tears in my eyes, knowing that my little Josh will be going away to college in about 10 months or so. I am happy for the path that he is taking. Glad that its in Ohio and not in another state. THANK GOODNESS! But I grasp onto every single moment that I can get now with him, and with Josh and Lauren together, because I know that it will be difficult when he goes away. Thanks for letting me ramble on. I guess its weighing heavily on my mind since we are going on a visit to Bowling Green in a couple weeks.

Hugs to you all! Have a sunshiny day :o)

Can you smell it?

2008-10-13T09:00:00.003-05:00

No pictures for today...... I went to the store on Saturday and played for a few hours at Ann's. We made neat scrapbook pages and a card and bucket. Then I came home and did some laundry. Sunday....... Lauren and I tackled her room and re-arranged it dusted and swept and cleaned her closet. I then tackled the bathroom and clean out the cabinets and drawers in there too! We wiped everything down with Murphy's oil soap. Organized and coming soon..... Labeling! Oh, then I tackled one of my closets. OOOOOHHHH~ It was sooooo scary! But I did it! Threw out some shoes and re-organized them by seasons. hehehe (too funny, isn't it) To bad you can't smell things on the computer, but I am sure that Bill Gates has something up his sleeve. But my upstairs smells clean!

My next project is my stamp/scrapbook room..... THAT WILL TAKE FOREVER!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Give everyone a big HUG!

Okay~ here it goes

2008-10-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

Alright, I did it already!!!!! If you follow this blog, you would notice I don't have any pictures of myself on it. I had to dig deep for this. I know this was at graduation. But in the past 10 months there are only about 3 or 4 pictures of me. Reason being, I am usually taking the pictures and I HATE having my picture taken, and I also take horrible pictures. I also spend more time on the computer than my hubby, so all the bad pictures (meaning all of them) I delete. HA!

Well here it is...... You got to see my foot first, now here's the rest. hehehe Have a great day!

Pictures from the past

2008-10-07T08:44:00.003-05:00

No new pictures to post. But I have been going back and looking through some old ones. Wow! As Lauren would say "GOOD TIMES". Yep, they are all "good times"!

Well, Josh is looking at possibly changing direction in schools. Instead of transferring to OSU, he would like to transfer to a different school that is smaller. We are currently looking at Bowling Green. We are going up, over, down, I guess I am not sure, where, to visit in two weeks. As a mom, I am okay with a smaller school, but I am sure that will all change when it time for him to leave. Josh also has a good friend that goes to Bowling Green, so, hopefully he can help fill us in.

I was down with the flu for a couple of days last week. Boy, was I down! Luckily, knock on wood, everyone else in the house has stayed pretty healthy. Not much else going on here, just getting ready for colder weather. BRRRR ~~~~ I do not like cold weather! But I do like a hot cocoa!!! oh yeah!

Everyone, have a fabulous day, and hug your kids and your hubbys!

Evening at the Farm

2008-09-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was PTO night for the school at a local farm. They have two big mazes and tons of things for the kids to do, right down to potato slinging. Lauren had no problem finding things to do. We had a hard time keeping up with her. George took allot of great pictures, it was hard to choose from them all.

My little Cheerleader

2008-09-28T18:33:00.003-05:00

Lauren was in Cheerleading camp this past week. Friday they cheered with the high school cheerleaders at the game. But, Lauren really got into it, as you can see in the last picture. We enjoyed watching all the younger girls cheer and ran into alot of people that we haven't seen in a while. We didn't stay the whole game, just till half time. But of course the Red Rider's Won. WOO-HOO!!!!

College bound

2008-09-24T08:51:00.004-05:00

It happened. He grew up. Off to college Josh went this morning. Granted he is still at home, but its that he isn't my baby anymore. Oh, where did the time go. Can we just reverse time?

He was so "pumped" (his word) last night. As we talked last night, he is ready for the school work , and can't wait to get started on it. I am sure that will soon change. I am so glad to see the excitement.

I am just so proud of him..... he is working toward his dream, How awesome!

"My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to"

I love you Josh

Update on Student Council

2008-09-23T11:13:00.002-05:00

Well, I thought I would update my blog for all my fellow bloggers. Lauren did not get on Student Council.

We thought she would find out on Thursday, but they voted and let the students know on Friday. Lauren came home on Friday, she was fine, but she said that when they announced who received the most votes, she almost cried.

I guess this was a life lesson. That you don't always get what you want. Though as parents, its hard to watch. But life continues. And for an 8 year old she is "so past it". She is onto Cheerleading camp this week, and cheering at the high school game on Friday. I am sure next week will bring something new as well.

All I can say is.........KIDS................. Gotta love them! :o)

Student Council???

2008-09-18T08:43:00.002-05:00

Today is going to be long for me. Lauren decided a couple weeks ago that she wanted to be on Student Council in her school. She had to prepare a speech and then all her classmates have to vote. She wrote the speech herself with a little tweaking from Mom, Dad and Josh. She practiced on all of us. And this morning went over it about a dozen times. Oh, if I could just be invisible and hold her hand while she was doing it. She didn't seem nervous at all, but the thought of her wanting something so badly and possibly not getting it, just makes me nervous for her. I am just so proud of my baby. I guess I will have to wait an see at 4:00 when she gets off the bus to see what happened. UGH ~ What a long day this will be!

He's my sweetie

2008-09-17T08:36:00.004-05:00

I figured it was way past time to blog about my sweetie. George and I celebrated our 21st anniversary last month. We are childhood sweethearts and we married the same year I graduated from school. I can honestly tell you, I cannot imagine being with anyone else. He is my bestfriend, hubby and my everything. I know its gooshy, but I mean it. No, I didn't do anything wrong, I am not trying to make up for anything I did. Oh, wait, maybe I am..... It's kinda been a rough week. Lets see, I broke the utility sink, then jarred the dryer vent hose loose, so it was blowing inside the house. So.....he pulled out the washer to get to the dryer, (the hose wasn't loose there) but, he didn't realise that the water pipe thing didn't go back into the pipe. So, when I went to do laundry, all that water went all over the carpet in Josh's bedroom next door. (Ruining two large boxes of older baseball cards and possibly a tv/dvd) Well, George fixed the dryer vent. :o) Oh, but I didn't tell you, About two weeks ago he thought he tore his rotator cuff. So, he is doing this all in pain, plus shop vaccumming up the water out of the carpet. That was all Sunday. Along with putting up with me and my ankle and abscessed tooth that was nearly killing me.

My dear husband is a saint!!!!!! He works so hard at work, and truly cares about the company and the people that are there. They are constantly on his mind. (I love that about him, he is so caring) George is very involved with the kids functions. Be it school, or sports. He puts up with me on a daily basis. He also puts up with my endless lists that I create. I haven't been a very pleasant person to be around for quite some time, and he still loves me. WOW! I am sooooo lucky! I love him sooo much. And just saying those words just don't seem like enough, for all that he has done. But I just had to write down a little of what I felt this morning. Because I just needed to tell the world about my wonderful husband.

2008-09-16T08:15:00.006-05:00

SCRAPPIN CECILE

Iv'e Been Tagged
I was tagged by my Blog friend Cecile ~ to answer these questions..I have never done anything like this on my blog, so here it goes:

1. Where was I ten years ago? I was working as a title researcher at a Title Company nearby. Loved the job, not all the people I worked with. We were trying to get pregnant, but not quite successful......with our sweet little Lauren. Josh was only 8.... (Those were the days) and we were in the house that we are currently in now.

2. What was on my to do list today? Watch kiddos. Take care of my sick Lauren. Go to the dentist and hopefully get rid of this aweful, horrible toothache. And finally go to my Mother Study Club Meeting. Oh, and probably fix dinner and do laundry sometime in between all that.

3.What would I do if I were a billionaire? Buy a different house in Orrville, pay off my mom and dads house and Georges mom and all the sister and brothers houses of course. Pay for Josh and Lauren's education. Give to several charities and probably not stress so much about money. I would take Lauren to Disney land, and take us all to somewhere special. But I would try to live life simple.

4. Five places that I have lived? Springfield, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, West Virginia, Orrville, Ohio,

5. Bad habits: STRESS, I stress to much over every little thing. It will actually keep me up at nights, over the craziest things. (I am sure I have more, George would be able to tell you about those.) hehehe

Pick 5 people to tag- 1. Ann 2. Janeen 3. Chris 4. Rachel H. 5. Rena

Hope everyone is having a great day!

A Few Weeks Ago

2008-09-09T08:41:00.002-05:00

George and I decided to treat the kids to a overnight stay at Maui Sands. They were so helpful during my down time with my ankle. I wish I could have given them more than a Maui Sands overnight stay. But they seemed to have enjoyed it. I heard about it through Rena, so we were able to go up at the same time. The kids played together quite a bit. Thanks Rena for the info. It was great fun! Hopefully next time I can enjoy the water.

Very Late Entry

2008-09-08T16:43:00.004-05:00

Yes, this another late entry. But, better late than never......right? The whole ankle thing has thrown me for a loop! I am trying to get back into the swing of things, but my ankle doesn't want to go as fast as I do. :o)

The first three pictures are of Lauren at Open house, the day before school started. She was able to meet her teacher and see her classroom. The last picture is the first day of school. It makes me sad and proud, at the same time to see my little girl growing up. She is such a sweet and caring young lady. But mind you, she does have her days. (Don't we all)

Lauren's favorite subject is reading and second favorite is math. She is in gymnastics and wants to play basketball. She has a goal already to live in New York and go to college for fashion. OH-BOY- I better start saving more money!

I will post sooner...... Thanks for stopping by.

Yet another new cast

2008-08-06T12:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, this has to be the last cast. There is nothing else to go to. Of course, with me, nothing is simple. The plan was to have one cast all through this whole process, but that didn't pan out. I have had 4, yes 4.......... casts in 4 weeks. Swelling was the issue at hand. Well, here is my final and beautiful cast (do you note the sarcasm here?).... the only bummer is, I miss all my kiddo's signatures and drawings on it. They really brightened my days.

Again, I have been so blessed with wonderful friends, that have swept me away from my four walls and taken me to their homes for dinner or to coffee. Friends that came over and brought smoothies and cookies and dinners and special treats and conversation. And cards..... AWW it has been so wonderful!! I have a wonderful husband that has taken care of everything. A awesome daughter and son that has bent over backward to make sure I haven't lifted a finger (or a foot) . Lauren has learned a lot of new chores around the house in short period of time. And she loves it! She loves running the sweeper and wants to be in charge of taking out the trash. (EWW!) (YUCK!) Luckily Josh stepped in and said she was still a little to young to do it.

I am anxious to get back to my normal, and to get rid of this thing on my foot!

Getting Ears Pierced

2008-07-27T14:40:00.003-05:00

Today, George and I decided to suprise Lauren with a trip to the Mall to get her ears pierced. Lauren has been such a big help, along with everyone else in the house, with taking care of me and the chores. But for an 8 year old, its a little bit harder to understand. Lauren has been fine with it all!

Lauren for the longest time didn't want to have her ears pierced. Then just last week, decided she did. So.....this was our trip today.

My Kiddo's

2008-07-26T13:52:00.002-05:00

I haven't been able to take any pictures lately, so I have been going through some older pictures and I thought you would get a kick out of these. I had taken a few shots of the kids for a perfect picture for fathers day to frame, and here are a couple funny shots...... The bottom picture, Lauren couldn't stop laughing at Josh, she had tears in her eyes! Boy do I wish they could stop growing up. But I know there are many more memories to make as they are doing so.

For all of you, this wonderful sunny Saturday..... Have a great day, and make some wonderful memories!

My new Cast

2008-07-21T00:39:00.002-05:00

I wish I could be excited about the "new" in "My new Cast", but to be honest with you, I am DONE with all of this cast/crutches stuff. I am bored..... there is nothing that I can do on crutches including take care of myself. My ankle is still swelling and I have to put it up all the time (hmmm, more sitting around). I miss my kiddo's, they haven't been here since my surgery and its been so quiet. Sorry, as you can tell, I am feeling a bit low. I am very lucky and greatful for all that I have, but excuse my word, because this is the only word that really describes how I feel, this all SUCKS!

But, on a different note, I do want to thank all of my wonderful, wonderful friends that have come to our rescue and have made meals. We have eaten sooooo good. I actually think I have gained weight. EEK!

Well, I guess the only good news is that I have one week down and 5 weeks more to go in a cast. But, on August 6th, I can put my shoe on and walk on my cast. I am counting down those days!!!!!!

Well, I think I have vented enough..... I hope everyone had a great weekend... Have a wonderful week.

Surgery

2008-07-10T01:49:00.002-05:00

I've made it!

I am still alive and I still have all my limbs. hehehe

Surgery was 1 1/2 long and everything went as planned. We got back home around 2:45. I have to say, things are going quite well. Even though its 2:52 in the morning, I am not up due to pain. The pain is very very tolerable with medicine.

I really wanted to say thank you for all your e-mails and calls....I am the luckiest person, I have such a wonderful life with awesome family and friends. I just don't know how I got this lucky. I am truely blessed. George and I love to be on the giving end. I have had a hard time being on the recieving end. I feel like there has been alot of that lately. So, thank you all for all that you have done and for the prayers and the thoughts. I really appreciate it. I wish I could hug you all right now. But I will get to that soon!

Jen

Stamping/Scrapbooking Corner

2008-07-08T14:07:00.002-05:00

Well I finally did it! I cleaned and organized my corner. It was way past due! With my upcoming ankle surgery and alot of down time.. I need something to do......HMMM..... what can I do? AHHHH!! Scrapbook and make cards..... YEAH!!! So hopefully this is where I plan to hang out for a while. Thats okay, Send me to the corner!

Graduation Party

2008-07-08T07:41:00.003-05:00

Three weeks later....hehehe But better late, then never. I sat down to post pictures of Josh's party, then started thinking.... are all these people really going to appreciate me posting their picture on the internet. So, I decided, that I had better not. So, here are a few pictures of pre-party. We had a wonderful time and the weather held out for us. Josh of course was excited for the party to start.

It's Thursday~ Already?

2008-06-26T22:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry, no pictures tonight. I will try to get to it on Sunday. But don't hold your breath. hehehe

I am still recouping from Josh's graduation party that we held here at the house last Saturday. It went well, but for those of you who are planning on doing this..... I don't recommend it! EEK! What was I thinking. But when you have friends like I do, anything is possible! I have great friends. No, make that WONDERFUL friends. (Group Hug)

Okay, I could go on about my friends, and I did, but I backed it out, because I was going to make this short and sweet, and.....hmmmm it's not ending that way. :o)

On top of the graduation last weekend, and since we cleaned the garage out, I decided this week that I was going to put a garage sale together..... So tomorrow morning "bright and early" the garage will be open for business, at least for two days. (you can tell I am having a blonde moment, I stuck this whole paragraph in, for what reason?.....)

One last note.... for all my bloggers out there, could you please say a little prayer for my dad, he'll be going in for back surgery on Tuesday.

New life .........

2008-06-05T15:24:00.003-05:00

Lauren and I had been watching a momma robin sitting on a nest in a small tree in our front yard. Since school has let out we have forgotten to check on the nest until today. I went to gather the trash cans, looked up, there were two little faces looking back at me. I just had to run and get the camera. Of course by the time I could get the shot there was only one. Is this a cute picture or what?

Babies, you just have to love them.......unless they are spiders or snakes :o)

Graduation

2008-05-26T09:14:00.007-05:00

Josh is officially finished with high school.................... Even though mom (being me) wanted him to stay small forever, he had to grow up. (I don't know why) It was a very bittersweet day for me. We are so very proud of you, Josh.

YIPEE!!!!

2008-05-16T08:41:00.002-05:00

We received great news from Lauren's doctor. They got all of the bad cells. Oh what a relief. WHEW! We told Lauren last night and her comment was, "good, I don't have to back a third time!" I am thankful for that too!

ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While at the school today, I noticed that there was a calendar counting down the days until summer........... 15 days...........

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!

15 days until my son graduates.........................
15 days until my daughter is home for the summer............
15 days until I lose it........................................................

My Tough Girl

2008-05-09T14:15:00.002-05:00

Lauren is a tough little girl. She had a procedure called an excision done to remove a medium sized mole on her back. With some tears, tight gripping of daddys hand and novacain..... they removed (hopefully) the whole mole and the area that contained all the abnormal cells. She is such a brave little girl. The stiches come out on Monday, and Lauren will be able to get back to gymnastics in about two weeks.

Prom 2008

2008-05-09T14:03:00.003-05:00

Josh's Prom Night - May 3, 2008

LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE

2008-04-14T12:39:00.004-05:00

Okay fellow bloggers...... learn from my mistake :o(

I hope you all are backing up your pictures that you are downloading onto your computer. You probably know where I am going with this. I didn't. I am here as a friendly reminder to do so....... DON'T FORGET TO BACKUP YOUR PICTURES!!!! DO NOT PUT IT OFF! :o)

If you don't know how to do it..... find out how!

GEORGE IS OVER THE HILL

2008-04-14T12:22:00.003-05:00

Better Late then never............

George celebrated his 40th birthday in March. Between the kids, his family and our friends, he celebrated for 3 weeks. hehehehe

What a life................

Feels like 61 degrees out

2008-03-03T14:13:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it! Its March 3rd and it feels like its 61 degrees outside. Also, we have another weather advisory out for tonight and tomorrow for rain, freezing rain or snow. They are not sure what it's going to be. I think they covered it all though, don't you?

Anyhow, I thought I would get some fresh air in the house and open a couple of windows. Mia found her favorite spot......... Hope you all enjoy your day!

Perfect timing?

2008-02-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

Snow day/Sick day......... UGH!

How many more days of snow can we have? Is anyone else out there tire of this white stuff? JUST GIVE ME SOME SUN.....PLEASE!

Well, for those of you who are not Orrvillian's, this is what our current weather is. School is out and the weather people (have to be politically correct) say we are to get more snow.

As you can see in the bottom picture, Lauren is sick. She came home from a friends house yesterday with a fever. So, we are not sure to count the snow day as a blessing or not, since we didn't have to call her off of school.

For those of you who love the snow... ENJOY!

The forgotten Zoe

2008-02-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

George brought to my attention that I have forgotten to put Zoe onto our Blog. How could I have done such a thing? Poor ZOE!!!!! She has been a member of our family for 6 years, and I forgot her. So Josh and I rushed to take a bunch of photo's of her, but she isn't the easiest dog to photograph. Well, for those of you who haven't met her in person, I introduce you to ZOE.........

CAT NAP

2008-02-20T09:28:00.003-05:00

The life of Mia...

Not a care in the world. With three dogs in the house and numerous kids in and out, nothing seems to phase her. Maybe we could learn a little from Mia, not to sweat the small stuff and TAKE MORE NAPS!

Happy Birthday 18th Birthday Josh

2008-02-18T13:06:00.003-05:00

Better late, then never................. Happy 18th Josh! We celebrated with a day off of school. (YIPEE!) And then another........ Josh had celebrated with his friends the friday before.

I am not speaking for George, but I don't want Josh to be 18, but I know we can't hold him back. Josh is a great person, and I am so greatful of that.

Picking Lauren up from school

2008-02-06T21:54:00.000-05:00

Sparky loves to go bye~bye.......................

So, here we are in front of Lauren's school, just patiently waiting for the bell to ring.. Yorkies are the BEST! You can't tell that I am a little bias, can you? I know a couple of my "Golden lovers" are probably cursing me out right now.....I still love you too, Buddy :o)

Happy Birthday Lauren

2008-02-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Happy 8th Birthday Lauren!!!!!!

8 years old.... where has the time gone.............

We had a great party at the ice skating rink...... Thank you all for celebrating! We love you all.

FRIENDS

2008-01-31T07:52:00.001-05:00

Buddy and Mia...... Here is a glimps of them just hanging out in the back room. Its just amazing at how big Buddy is, he is still sooooo gentle. The kids just adore him.

How the Heck?

2008-01-31T07:46:00.001-05:00

Does this dog bed look small to you???? It is! This is Sparky's bed. (weighing in at a whooping 9 lbs.) Buddy on the other hand, weighs 83. The big question is, how did he manage to get all of his body onto this bed? We love him..... Sparky might think differently, though. :o)

2008-01-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

ITS TOO COLD!

This is a picture from a couple of weeks ago of our humble abode. But, I would rather have the snow then the cold. It is currently 19 deg. Thank goodness for fuzzy slippers and yorkies! (don't ask, I am having a moment!)

Is anyone up for a sunny trip?

2008-01-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

Rock Band, anyone?

This has been Josh's hang out...... I hardly ever see him come out of the hole (the basement).

Occasionally they'll come out of the "hole" to grab something to eat. But don't hold your breath.

Yep, I am getting old

2008-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello fellow bloggers!

It has been a loooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggg time. :o) But my friend Rachel encourages me to get back on the horse again. So, here I am.

As the new year approached our household, so did the list of all the upcoming events that will be happening here. Lauren will be turning 8 in 10 days and Josh will be turning 18 in 23 days. EEK! I am going to be a mom of an 18 year old. Where has the time gone? It seems it was like yesterday that we were feeding ducks at the park and watching him play t-ball. Can I have those times back, please?????????? I just sit here sometimes in disbelief that Josh will be going to college soon.

Josh has been hanging around the house alot lately, since he is the only one that has "ROCK BAND" for the 360. And Guitar Hero. So, his friends will come over and hang out and "rock it" down in the basement for hours and hours and hours. hehehe I love it! I love knowing that the kids are comfortable at our house and are welcome here, and I love the fact that I know that they are just hanging out playing games instead of getting into trouble. That is fine by me.
Oh, and the rock band thing, Lauren will sometimes go down and join them on the microphone, so they can get more points. Okay, how many moms can say that there are 3 to 4 teenagers playing games, and want their friends 8 year old sister playing with them. Yep, life is good!

Lauren is still doing her gymnastics thang. She is currently working on her round-off whip. Her main goal is to do cheerleading........

I hope everyone is well...........

Open House/First Day of School

2007-09-05T11:14:00.000-05:00

Here are my kiddo's..... Going off to school. Its so sad to say that Josh is now a Senior. Where has the time gone.

Lauren was so excited to meet her teacher for the first time, and was ready for the first day. I am not to sure about Josh. At least he smiled for the camera.

Charleston, SC

2007-09-05T10:59:00.000-05:00

The resort we stayed at was beautiful. Here we are sitting in front of our Hotel. The picture of the pier was taken from our room.

If anyone is looking for a great place to go on vacation. I highly recommend Charleston. There is alot of things to do, no matter what the age. We took a carriage ride through town and saw all the historical sites. Wow, how amazing.

August 9th storm

2007-09-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

This is the storm front that we were able to miss. We left our house and minutes later, the sirens were going off. We were heading to South Carolina.

Mia

2007-06-24T19:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the family, Mia!!!

Here she is.................. We brought our newest member of our family home, yesterday.
Lauren picked out her name. Anyone want to guess where she got the name from?
Princess Diaries, her favorite movie. Of course, Mia has a pink glittery collar, but she has to grow a little more. Lauren picked that out too!

She has been a joy to watch. Mia is very outgoing as well. She nuzzled up to Sparky right away. And follows us every where. If we leave the room, she cries for us. What a little sweety! Zoe is very curious about this little girl. I think they will soon be playing together. As far as Buddy goes, he is a 87 pound knuckle head. We will have to watch him very carefully so he doesn't crush her. EEK!

She found one of my baskets and loves to sleep in it. Hopefully she will opt for her kitty condo soon.

Great Wolf Lodge

2007-06-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

We were able to all have time away for a little fun. We loaded up the truck and went up to the Lake. We spent 3 days at the Great Wolf Lodge. I think George and I had as much fun as the kids. I have to admit.... Getting up and going into the water at 9:00 in the morning was a bit much for me, but Lauren was not going to miss out on any fun. Josh was the only smart one, he slept in. :o)

Spring Gymnastics Show

2007-06-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

2007-06-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

Beginning of this month, Lauren was in a Spring Show for gymnastics. All of Heather's Studio performed. All the girls did a wonderful job!

Last Day of School

2007-06-01T06:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the last day of school. YIPEE!!!!!!

Josh and Lauren could not wait. Staying up late and sleeping in, is what they have in mind. But to mom, it means getting organized and cleaning up this house. But most importantly being with my two kiddos. I LOVE spending time with them.

What A Great Guy!

2007-06-01T06:38:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, instead of Josh picking Lauren up at school in the car, Josh and Buddy walked there to get Lauren. Lauren has been asking Josh since the beginning of school if they could walk sometime. She never complained the whole way and had a big smile when she came home. Lauren just loves Josh so much! I think Josh feels the same too........ though he might not want to admit it all the time.

I know I have said it quite a few times, but, George and I are truly blessed with our two wonderful kids!

Memorial Day

2007-05-29T18:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we spent the day with family. Grandpa decided it was time for Lauren to try a hand at fishing. Though, she didn't catch a fish, she did a great job at casting. Lauren is standing next to me as I type, and she says the worms were "YUCKY". She said it was fun!

Lauren wants to thank Grandpa for taking her fishing and can't wait till the next time.

Also, thanks Lisa for picking such a wonderful spot for the picnic!

Lauren's Pet Day

2007-05-24T06:45:00.001-05:00

For Lauren's Pet Day, she decided she wanted her dad to bring Buddy. George and Lauren said that Buddy was nervous at first, but once all the kids started petting him, he was okay. When I picked Lauren up from school, she told me that she was so excited to see Dad that when he left with Buddy, she started to get tears in her eyes.....

I think she is like her Mommy in so many ways, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I definitely love her Dad too!

The kids are counting down to the last day of school. Five days counting today.

YIPEE!

Citizen of the Year

2007-05-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

May 15th, The Rotary Club surprised my dad with "Citizen of the Year". We all took the day off to attended the lunch. George said a few words and Lauren wrote her own speach. When it came time to say it, she said "NO WAY"! So George said it for her. Josh took wonderful pictures of the event. We are all so pround of Dad! We love him sooooooo much!

Deck Time

2007-05-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

George built this deck last spring and was able to stain it recently. We love to sit out there and watch the kids and the dogs. On the weekends if its nice, you can find us out there with a fire in the pit and playing cards. As you can tell, the little puppies love it too!

I can't whistle anymore!

2007-05-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

Lauren finally did it! She pulled out her teeth. This big space will not allow her to whistle. :o( But she was really excited to see what the tooth fairy left. We were discussing what we thought the tooth fairy looked like and how she gets to all the homes that need to be visited. I really don't think she cared, as long as she visited our house.

Bounce-Bounce-Bounce

2007-04-23T06:33:00.000-05:00

We spent a big portion of the day on Sunday outside. It was a beautiful day! Josh and Natalie hung out and watched a horror movie and played video games. George and Lauren washed the truck and then decided to go jump. BOUNCE~BOUNCE~BOUNCE~

Relaxing morning, Oh Yeah!

2007-04-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

I believe there is someone else in this house that loves Sparky as much as me. Sparky knows it too. Lauren decided while I was doing some laundry to cuddle up on the couch with Sparky and watch some music videos. Sparky told me later on, that he was hoping that she would have changed the channel to Animal Planet to catch a glimps of some CHICKS! (hehehe)

Lauren and I were over to visit Grandma and Grandpa yesterday, and found out the Blondie and Coco are sick. As of last night Coco seemed to be doing better, but Blondie was still sick. Dog-gone-it! We are all hoping that the puppy sisters, or grandpuppies or ???? are doing better today. (sorry, I am in rare form today!)

Its also Earth Day today, so go out and do some earthy things. Lauren and I are going to Orr Park today with my Mother Study Club to clean up trash. It is going to be a beautiful day today. SO ENJOY YOUR DAY!

April 21, 2007

2007-04-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

Today, I decided to make pancakes for everyone, and Lauren just had to get her baking set out. Of course, in this house, you just can't be normal, we have to be CRAZY! But we like it that way. If you don't know us by now, we are all about having fun.

Sorry for the lack of posts. Don't think that I don't like to take photo's, because I think my two are photogenic. But, on the other hand, they are not little ones anymore. :o( I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. We were able to go hear my dad preach on Easter Sunday and enjoy family. It really doesn't get any better than that!