Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Crazy Nightmarish People, Feeling Thankful I don't work Retail

Scratching my head while in line at Toys R Us wondering what people think it's going to be like shopping only 4 days before Christmas. I always repair myself knowing fully well that a line is going to be the place I spend most my time while Christmas Shopping.

With a smile on my face I ask the person at check out how their day is going. 90% of the time I end up apologizing for the stupid person who just happened to be in front of us for yelling or being rude to them. Remind them that the Holidays are almost over and people will go back to their normal rudeness in just a matter of days.

Then you have the wonderful, kind hearted and just plain sweet people you meet while trying to find that perfect barbie. You know the kind of people you wish that you could just shrink, stuff in your pocket to take home. I like to call these people GRANDPARENTS. I'm not saying that all of them are sweet, easy going and bring along their patients. But for the most part they are having a fun time finding last minute gifts for their lovable grand babies.

With only 3 sleeps left until Christmas I do have to say that I am way a head of the game as far as shopping goes. I'm just about done... last minute stalking stuffer's and the normal socks and undies to pick up for the kiddo's. This is the first year in I don't know how long that My mother and I were the only ones from this house out shopping. Last year Chloe in her PJ's joined us for the madness knowing that she wouldn't remember the things we picked up for her.

I'm beyond thankful I was able to walk out the door last night leaving my stuffed up, temper tantrum throwing children at home. You would think that yesterday wouldn't have been as bad as it was. Seeing that my children cant seem to stop worrying about if they made it onto Santa's nice list.

It's been weeks and weeks of threats from the big kids to each other about calling 1-800-Santa to let him know that they have been naughty. It was so bad the other night that I was forced to let them know that I was about to call Santa myself so he could put them both on the "LIST".

On a serious note for my readers....
There is a list that I would love for you to put our family on if you wouldn't mind.
Our family received some not so great news last week. While I'm not going to go into detail on here because of the sensitivity of the issue. Please keep our family in your prayers over the next few months. My aunt went in a few weeks ago to have something very simple and routine taking care of that ended up being much more serious than that. So if you wouldn't mind keeping her, and her family in your prayers that would be wonderful.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Dear Jim Bob, Michelle and Family

Your family is in our Prayers and thoughts.

We love you even though we don't really know you, but we feel as though we do.

Our family just wish you all the very best and hope for the very best for you all.

While I know that there are many more families out there like us feeling the same way we do right now.

From many many many miles away we are giving each and every one of you a GREAT BIG HUG.

If there was any other way right now that we could help you other than prayer we would be there with BELLS on.

Just know that we are praying for you and loving you all from way over here in Washington. May all your prayers be answered and the love that we all have for you guys be felt.

Blessings,
Scott, Taylor, Avery, Isabella, and Chloe


Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Cheating Tiger, Hidden Mistress

Once upon a time I dreamed of being the wife of the great Tiger Woods. Mistress
Every detail of our wedding covered by Oprah in a week long special.
A picture of us together after he won the PGA tour.
Us together holding my baby bump on the cover of people.

Many Many Years ago this was a dream of mine. I'm just glad that I some how managed to pull my head out of the clouds. Then I met Mr. Montana!

While I don't see meeting Oprah in my near future or making it on the cover of people anytime soon. I am SO thankful that my dream of being Mrs. Wood never came true.

A part of me feels bad for him and his wife. I know he did it to himself, but I'm sure that his wife doesn't like the fact that their life's issues is making it on the cover of every magazine and having a TMZ report every night.

Dear Mr. Woods,

While I'm thankful that our lives only cross paths in the check out line at my local shopping establishment. I do hope that for your child's sake you pull yourself together.

I do have to say that I don't blame your wife for anything said or done. If it were me I would be taking MY Taylor Made to your.... Well I would be taking it to anything I could find.

~Your once Future Wife


Dear Mrs. Woods,

What are you doing? RUN RUN RUN milk him for everything he has and get the heck out of there. Is it really worth it?

~Taylor Made


Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, November 27, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

Wedding of the Year!
2030


This is my 3 year old Chloe' with her Husband Andre' who is also 3.
This picture was taken 6 days after our wedding on a trip to get pizza.
With our wedding still fresh in their little minds.
Both Andre' and Chloe' went on to tell me about their wedding, Children and What their lives together was going to be like.
They are going to have a small wedding with just family. Sounds nice right?
Well with just family it would be anything, but small.
So you have an idea...
Andre' (Chloe's Husband ) is my nephew. His mother is my best friend of 15 years. I think of her children as my own. My best friend is like the sister I never had.
Now that I have pointed that out.
Really any close friends are family to both of us. So more than likely YOU ( yes you )
are going to be invited to this small, just family wedding. I'm sure you will fall into the category of aunt, uncle, brother, sister, mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, or really any other family name you can think of.
Okay moving on to set the tone of the wedding.
Andre' will be wearing his suit. The one he still has yet to take off from my wedding. Chloe' will be wearing her wedding dress from the wedding. I wonder if they have figured out that a size 2T isn't going to fit in 20 years?
There will be tons of flowers put together by Grandma Faith, Uncle Mike and Uncle Darren.
Grandma Faith is family by blood. Uncle Mike and Uncle Darren are her best friends.
Do you have any idea how BIG this SMALL wedding is going to be?
They are going to be married by Andre's Daddy. Both Andra and I have yet to be given a job at this point. I'm guessing they will just ask for our credit cards. Candid Carrie and all the Foto Finish Friday Fans will be reporting on the Wedding of the Year.
Bookmark it, Stick this in your fave cause your going to need it. You know in 20 years!
Now that we have a billion and one of our closest family members at the wedding. Andre' and Chloe' will now freak out everyone who is there because Andre' just knows that both Chloe' and He will have matching GUNS.
Needless to say he was a bit excited about the new gun he had just picked up from the fair. And like every other 3 year old in the world. You must include your favorite toys in your wedding!
Your invited to the wedding of the year in 2030
Details coming soon!
Until Next Time,
Just the Mother of the Bride

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Who is Ready?

To risk your life to save some money this holiday season?

Here I sit on Thanksgiving EVE thinking about how many people out there are going to be taking a nap, or maybe just going to bed early. To wake up in time to stand in line to take advantage of those great black Friday sales?

Last year a few people died either by being stomped to death or being shot by a crazed black Friday shopper.

For me it's simple I'll wait like I always do and shop just days before Christmas. For one because I'm just not that organized for two that's how I like to roll. For the most part I'm easy going and I don't get all worked up over little things. I mean I have had my moments, but it's fun to watch people in their crazy Christmas freak outs. I almost live for it...

By the time we are done standing in lines at Toys R Us, Target and where ever else we ended up needing to shop that day. I promise myself every year that I will NEVER EVER wait until the last minute.

As always here I am again not even really thinking about what Santa will be bringing. For me it's simple the kids tell me what they want and I try to make it happen. If I cant find everything they want whatever ends up being under the tree always seems to make them happy. Well all but one year all Avery wanted was a crane truck. I spent MONTHS searching for one and it turns out that not a single store had them, people weren't making them. That was 3 years ago and NOW that he no longer is into cars and trucks they are all over the place.

Figures....

So whats your plan for Black Friday? Our family spends the Friday after Thanksgiving cutting down our Christmas Tree and decorating for Santa.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

GIVE AWAY!!!!!


GIVE AWAY
#1

In the spirit of the Holidays
with the thought of where most of us spend our time this time of year.

NO NOT AT THE MALL

The other place
In the Kitchen!
And what does one need while cooking in the kitchen?
I'll wait why you think.



YES!!
An Apron!

style and colors may vary

Made by yours truly!
Now if you are anything like me you already have an apron that you love and cant stand not having on while cooking.


So it isn't for you!
It's for a special little one in your life!


So here's the way it's going to work.
With the ending of Jon & Kate plus 8
I have a little idea...
To enter you need to leave a comment.
Then return to your blog and write an entry about....
Drum ROLL PLEASE!
The day in the life of your own reality show!
You need to name your show
and please in great fun detail write about a single day with you staring in your own show!
What would you be doing?
What fun would you be having?
Anything CRAZY that would be going on...
Somewhere in your post you must mention my blog and somehow tie me into your reality show. Remember to post my blog link as well.
If you don't happen to have a blog no worries. Email it to me.
One last thing Don't FORGET to become a follower!
The best entry WINS. Not only will I be reading them all, but I will have my mother help me choose the best.

Start Date is TODAY November 24th and the contest will end Tuesday December 1st at Midnight. The winner will be announced by Friday December 4th.


So what are you waiting for!

GET TO WRITING!


Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Where Did They Get That From?

I have been a bit surprised by the words that have been coming out of my children's mouths as of late. I mean all children have cute sweet things to say all the time. Then you are thrown a curve ball.

A few weeks ago...
Mr. Montana gets home from the store.
Bella decided to go into the kitchen to see what goodies we didn't need, but he got anyway.

"What in the Hell were you doing at the store Dad"

I'm laughing to the point of not even being able to say anything to this wonderful comment.
I get the death look from Scott who is busy trying to pick his jaw up from the ground.

"First Bella I went to the store to pick up a few things, Second we do not say Hell "

I'm still laughing uncontrollably and still getting the look of death from Scott who informs me that my laughing doesn't help when he is trying to tell our 5 year old that Hell isn't a word we say.

"Okay Dad, but what in the HELL where you doing at the store"

I was forced to get up and walk away laughing so hard I knew a trip to the ladies room was in order.



So I have a now 3 year old who has been a bit late with talking we have been trying really hard to get her to say new words.

Spoon would be a "poon"
Fork sounds like the F BOMB
and then the newest we have been working on is her last name.
Once again it sounds just like the F BOMB with an ER on the end.


My Sweet Baby boy who at 7 knows for the most part right from wrong and things he should say, and the things he really shouldn't say.
While frustrated with Chloe for pulling apart his fort he worked so hard on. Really I'm the one who put it together, but for some reason he feels like he did it all himself.

"Dammit MOM Chloe pulled my fort apart"
followed by
"I mean, MOM Chloe pulled apart my damn fort"
then corrected before I had a chance to say anything
"MOM can you please come fix my fort Chloe took it down again"

I have longed for the day my son was able to read. For a long time I never and I mean NEVER thought that day would come. I questioned us homeschooling thinking I had screwed him up FOREVER. Anyway my baby boy is reading like a crazy man... Well as long as he can sound it out.
Anyway....

I was on the phone the other day with a friend who's son we had to stop spelling around a LONG time ago. I felt I was safe to spell because her son couldn't hear me. RIGHT... WRONG so WRONG.

"I'm going to sell the new puppy. He S-H-I-T in the house again"

Avery was sitting next to me watching a movie, but yet he must have been listening to everything I was saying.

" SH made the SSHH sound, IT spells it "

I tell my friend to hang on and listen for a second as this point I just know my spelling days are over.

"SSHH IT.... Sh i T.... SHIT! BELLA MOM JUST SPELLED A BAD WORD!"

Great so not only does my son know a curse word he can now spell one too.


Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Monday, November 23, 2009

I have a Confession ( Give Away info inside )

While I have spent months away from blogging. Something that I still hold so close to my heart.
I was always a myspace girl, I couldn't even think about checking out facebook. I'm not sure why or what the real reason was. Until one day someone told me about the facebook applications.

So I did what every other normal person would do. I was forced to check them out, I couldn't handle not knowing what I was missing.

I signed up and it was down hill from there.

I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night to harvest crops on my farm. Run to the computer moments before I knew my food was about to spoil just to be able to serve food to my fellow cafe world people. So I could make more coins and expand my cafe. But the true problem really is Farm Town. I cant STOP... I buy land, I plant crops , I hire people to harvest the crops.

Why you ask?

To make more coins to buy more land and pant more crops.

So here today I'm saying it for the first time.

I Taylor am a Farmaholic.

I know I know... I need help. If any of you out there know of a place I can get the help that is needed please please I need to know.

Now if I could only figure out how to keep real plants alive maybe one day I could think about having a real farm. A place to plant real crops, a place to hire real people to harvest for me.

Wishful thinking I know.

Moving onto something a bit more fun.

I will be giving something away. I'm open to idea's as to what, but I have a good idea how I will be picking the special winner.

Come back Saturday to find out what will be given away and to find out how YOU can be the winner!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Thinking about a Give Away

Since I was MIA for some time. I'm about 99.9% sure I lost most if not all of my readers that aren't family.

So I'm thinking about doing a give away to get things going again.

What do you think?
Any ideas of a good give away?

So if there are any of you left out there that would like to see something FUN and WONDERFUL given away please leave me a comment!

Until Next Time,
Just THINKING

Seriously

I'm going to play a little game I like to call seriously.
So you walk into a smoke shop and you try to buy a "tobacco pipe". When the clerk asks you for ID. You pull out your High School ASB card? Then wonder why she wont sell it to you.
Seriously you don't look a day over 15 and if you were really old enough you would have known that your ASB card wasn't going to work.
Your in the super market along with your young children. I'm guessing this is your big shopping day. Since you were there FOREVER.
Your youngest child is screaming at the top of her lungs and having the biggest temper tantrum I have ever seen a child have. You continue Shopping and your child continues freaking out.
How on earth did I end up in line next to you? Seriously couldn't you have just left and came back in the store once the fit was over?
Listening to your child isn't the way I wanted to spend my Friday night at the store.
While hunting down a dress for my maid of honor to wear to the wedding. Our first stop was with only with 4 out of 6 children. We weren't being helped then once we found something and told them we were going to be right back after we picked up the other two kiddo's from school.
We got a look of death, followed by "OH GREAT, and your going to have ALL the children when you come back"
And you seriously wonder why we decided to shop else where?
Jon and Kate series finally is on tonight. Who seriously cares to listen to them carry on about where life has taken them and listen to then talk so poorly about each other?
Seriously it should have ended a LONG time ago.
Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, November 20, 2009

Done, Check and Almost There

Wedding is done and over with!
Thank goodness cause it was starting to make me crazy.
I'm a planner and when planning was out of my hands in placed in the loving hands of someone else. I thought about taking up drinking.

Now that we are at the End of November we have a good bit of school work for the year under our belts. While my children have no idea that in "Real School" kids get to take days and weeks at a time off for Holidays and other countless things. That is something we will not be doing... NO I'm not going to force my children to get their school work done on Thanksgiving or make them finishes all their Math before they can open whatever Santa decides to bring them for Christmas.
Even though we do our school work almost daily. I'm still searching for a better system than we are using now. I feel like every morning I run around like a Chicken with it's head cut off. Getting everyone set up for morning School work. Then just as I get them set up turn around to get things together for the next lesson they are done before I have even had a chance to take a sip of my coffee.

Oh how I envy in Duggars for having a smooth rolling homeschooling experience. Maybe by the time Avery is 10 or so we will have a good system in place.

"Hair Pulling"

If I could only get everyone moving today. That includes myself...
Our List of things to do today:
School Work
Clean
Shop for Chloe's 3rd Birthday Party
Clean some more
Get ready for Chloe's Party
Clean
Laundry
School Work
More Laundry
School Work
Shower's for everyone
Make Dinner
Eat Lunch as some point
Buy Ear plugs ( My kids are far to loud today )
Give the pups a bath

and really the list could go on forever.

So this weekend I need to get together a list for Thanksgiving and we are hosting like we do every year.
Get the house ready or at least ready enough so I don't want to die when I have a house full of people tomorrow.

I wish I could just hire a team of people to do all of this for me!
If that were only possible.

Don't even get me started on Christmas. Every year I promise myself I will be done with all my shopping by the end of October. Well it's the end of November and I haven't even thought about it yet.

"More Hair Pulling"

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Foto Finish Friday!

Dancing to I Do is the only way to go.
Who wants to be serious?
This is what happens when you get a group of people together & mix with beer, wine, and hard liquor!
I think this picture speaks for it self

I think my Husband is one happy guy that this day is NOW over.



I'm Back!
&
Married
&
Giving you my word I'll be blogging daily!



PROMISE!
Don't forget to visit Candid Carrie for other great Foto Finsh Friday participants!
Until Next Time
Just MOM


Monday, August 10, 2009

Busy Busy Busy

So it's been Months since I posted last. Things have been crazy around here.

We are all moved and settled in for the most part. Avery has turned 7 and thinks hes an Adult now. My sweet sweet Bella is now 5 and well she was born thinking she was older and way more sophisticated than us all.

I survived 3 days in the wilderness well if you count camping at a camp ground with hot showers and indoor bathroom's the wilderness. I know I do....

Chloe is busy being 2 getting into everything and causing as much trouble as she can.

Between the endless laundry and mounds of school work our family has some really, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, really... BIG NEWS.

After almost 8 years and 3 babies later. MR. MONTANA and I TAYLOR ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!

October 17th, 2009

We will be getting married here at our home in Orting with our close family and friends by our sides.

Well I'm off to the store....

Until Next Time,
Bridezilla

Monday, June 1, 2009

June 1, 2009

Today our family officially became squatters. Who would have thought that would ever happen?

Today I will be meeting with our agent and will be viewing god knows how many more homes. The goal is to be out of here within the next 2 weeks, lets just hope it happens. I don't think I would be very good at being homeless... A good friend did tell me if you stack two fridge boxes it becomes a two story home. Lets just hope that we can set up camp next to someone who is offering free WiFi.

On a different note today marks 16 days until my sweet baby girl turns 5, and 39 days until I'm the mother of a 7 year old.

I'm not sure where the years have gone....

I promise once life gets back to normal I will regain my addiction to blogging. Until then just hang in there please don't forget about us. I promise we wont be gone forever!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Thursday, May 21, 2009

10 days and NO House

So the home I posted about we lost.

I haven't been blogging because we have been busy house hunting.

We have 10 days left in this home with no place to go.

I will be back to blogging once things have gotten back to normal around here.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

It's Official!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are HOMEOWNERS!!!!!

We spent hours yesterday signing all our papers and I am happy to say that Scott and I are the proud owners of our very first HOUSE!!!!

Avery picked his room and just had the have the one with the two extra windows and the girls picked the room right across the hall from us. They spent the evening talking about what color they wanted their rooms painted.

Last night was the first night I truly slept since our housing nightmare started.

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!!!!!

Now I get to start packing......
At least this is the last time for a really really really long time!

Until Next Time,
Rockin' HOMEOWNER

Monday, April 13, 2009

Doing Everything BUT....

Packing like I should be.
So I sent my weekend doing just about everything, but packing. If you know me you shouldn't surprised... Really!

Saturday was spent net surfing , napping and a bit of egg coloring

Sunday we went to church, came home put our ham in the oven then ran over to see the new house! Then we came home and decided to give our sweet pup a full mani and pedi complete with hot pink nail polish!

Needless to say Daisy isn't all that happy with me, but her nails have never looked better!
Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, April 10, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

So the number one reason for my lack of posting for the last month or so. Is because we have been shopping....

House Shopping that is!!! So check out the new writing place for Blankets!






























For some reason I couldn't post the picture of the living room. So here it is!
4 Bedroom 2.50 bath 3 car Garage HUGE back yard 2000SF of Swecker Family living!
Until Next Time,
Just MOM
PS.. Dont forget to skip right over to Candid Carrie for other Foto Finish Friday Fun and hey while your at it play along!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Crap...

I'm not sure what happened, but it's been over a month since I last posted.

We have been crazy busy over here and even though I think about blogging almost everyday it just never seems to happen. There has been a ton going on in my life the past month, that truly having a free minute to write has well not be an option.

The kids have been keeping me busy with school work and the YMCA. Scott and I have been running around like Chickens with our heads cut off trying to find a new home to live in. I love my job and I'm so lucky to be able to care for two of the sweetest little boys ever!

I promise that I will somehow regain my addiction to blogging and I wont stay away as long. Life will soon be back to normal once we move until then if you are a frequent Blanket visitor please bear with me. Don't leave please check back I will be back into full blogging mode again very very soon.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, March 6, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

For the last few months anytime I ask Chloe to smile for a picture this is what I get.

Bad Hair Day? Nope this is just normal after going down the slide!
Ever Wonder what to do with the box that is always in your way when your eating at Red Robin?

Step 1: Open it

Step 2: Place it on your head!
Don't forget to check out Candid Carrie to play along in Foto Finish Friday
Until Next Time,
Just MOM


Thursday, March 5, 2009

Busy as a Bee

Gosh I cant believe that it's been 8 long days since I posted last.

I remember a time when blogging was like coffee I had to have every morning. Truth be told I have not lost my urge to blog, but teaching my sweet babies has been at the top of the list this week.

We are swimming in a sea of Wonderful Sonlight books and are knee deep into the first part of The Boxcar Children.
Yesterday I had every intention of blogging after reading Chapter 2 of the book thinking that the big kids would need a break before starting on the next part of our lesson. More than 2 hours later we were just starting on Handwriting. We finished Chapter 2 and I started to close the book to start asking them some questions. I never got a chance to open my mouth...

"What are you doing! Can we read a little bit more? Please, Please, Please"

And that is just what we did we are now almost half way through the book. More than two weeks ahead and my children are remembering EVERYTHING we have read.

Yesterday was a great day in Homeschooling! My children spent all day in their School Informs and couldn't help, but want more. This is when I knew our family had made the right choice to teach our children at home. I couldn't imagine not being around to witness their excitement when they love something they are learning!

I promise tomorrow I'll post for Foto Finish Friday (amy) just for you.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

PS. For those who are wondering what our Schools uniform is PJ's all day!!!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Sick x 4

Everyone here in the BB&B house have been super super sick for the past going on almost 2 weeks. That would be the main reason for my lack of blogging . I wonder if I can use that for the reasons why I haven't done much of anything for the past two weeks.

While I was hoping to have something fun to blog about today other than being sick. The sound of my son running and jumping around my bedroom after asking him I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY DIFFERENT times to STOP. Has well taken every ounce of creativeness out of my body for the day.

I'm thinking he might be on eBay by the end of the day today. Either that or my TV and Wii will be on eBay. This boy of mine was up at 2 am playing the Wii.... So I thought that he was full of it when he told us that he has been getting up in the middle of the night to play the Wii. I guess not!

Mr.Montana was up at 4am today to get ready for work. Avery was on the couch bag of chips in hand playing Video Games. Mr. Montana decided to check how old he had been on the darn thing thinking he just got up when he heard him in the shower.... HECK NO NOT MY SON at 4am he had already been on the Wii for 2 hours and 11 minutes. Needless to say he is crazy tired today and hasn't been allowed to play the Wii at all since then.

Should I let you tell him that our new shipment of Sonlight will be here on Saturday or do I have too? He is not going to be a happy guy when he will have school work to do before he even gets to say the word Wii.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

PS.... Okay not everyone has been sick here. Bella out of all of us is the only one who didnt get the two different spells of the flu and this great cold we all have at the moment.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Our World

Sometimes I just don't get the world we live in.

Our health care system SUCKS.

After reading and listening to everything that has been going on with the octuplet mom and everything our family has been through with Chloe. From trying to get Chloe health Care coverage and watching someone being handed some without question is killing me. This woman knew the risks with having more than one child there were health risks. So why does that not count for something?

I'm young our family has ZERO history of health problems nor did we have any idea that Heart Problems would be in our Child's future. So why was Chloe turned down for Medical?

I have decided to write a letter.... The list of who I'm sending it to keeps growing by the minute. Until I get a response back I will be sending it daily to not only our President, but also to Olympia because I'm sorry things need to change and FAST.

At this point I'm not asking for help for us.... But for the health help of other children born to parents and families like ours who had no idea. Families who have worked hard, every day of their adult lives to provide for their families without the aid of government help to maybe get a little help when it comes to babies and children who truly need it.

Until Next Time,
Just the Rant of this MOM

Monday, February 16, 2009

Yesterday

While I was getting ready to sit down and write a lovely post on how it has been 366days since Chloe was last in the Hospital.

Ever since the birth of Chloe our youngest Valentine's day has gone from flowers, Chocolate, and sweet cards to....

Glue like boogers, Flem filled coughs and the art of throwing up all over mom being mastered without getting an ounce on herself.

While this is the first year we have all been together for Valentines day since Chloe was born. I cant say that this is the first year that she hasn't been sick for it. Her very first V-day was spent at Children's Hospital with RSV. It was a very long 6 days of booger sucking and never sleeping because nurses were in and out all night long. Forget any romantic gestures of any kind I was lucky to spend more than 10 minutes on the phone with Mr. Montana before my sweet baby was being bothered for the nine hundredth time that day.

Her Second V-day was spent at Children's yet again this time for 8 long days with Phenomia. It felt a bit like a deja vu' we had all the same nurses and doctors. We were in the same room where I wasn't even allowed to leave. Everyone dressed up as if Chloe was infected with some rare disease. I thought we were moments away from being sealed into a room where things were passed through a little room where they could be decontaminated before entering or exiting the room. Mr. Montana did stop by with a normal meal for both Chloe and myself on V-day, but we were lucky we even got that. He had to hurry before the big kids were out of School.

This year was the first year spent at home in the last 2 years, but last night while at Dinner Chloe was sitting so sweetly, giving me lovin's and could care less about the candy she had just got from Grandma. I guess this should have been my first clue that there was something wrong. Moments later I was covered in my sweet baby girls Chocolate Milk and popcorn that she had eaten early in the day. I felt so bad for everyone sitting around us trying to have a nice dinner. The poor guy that was waiting on us wasn't sure what to say or do. I don't think I have ever said "Sorry" so many times in my life.

Who knows maybe next year we will all be healthy!!!!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, February 13, 2009

CHD Awareness Week Feb-7-14 ( Foto Finish Friday)


Chloe's first Picture 11/22/2006

Chloe Today 02/13/2009

So today for my Foto Finish Friday it isn't going to be my traditional post. This is something that is very important to our family as well as friends. Something that will touch every American in the United States at some point in time in your life.

I can promise you that at some point you have stood in line next to someone at the bank, or the mall. Really anywhere for that matter that has a Congenital Heart Defect.

Our special Children with even more special hearts are born every day. They come from all backgrounds in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Today is the second to the last day of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Tomorrow is Valentines Days a day that is celebrated by all. Our house we celebrate the fact that our baby who was born with a very special heart. She is one of the lucky ones who to this day has not had any problems who's heart remains special and full of holes. So many lives are lost each and every day babies just like Chloe with Special hearts.

Take a moment and pray for all our special babies and their special hearts today and tomorrow on this national heart day.
Don't forget to check out Candid Carrie for other Foto Finish Friday participants!
Until Next Time,
Heart MOM
PS. Here is an article I found on CHD Awareness please check it out!


(Philadelphia, PA) - Valentine's Day and hearts are eternally linked. A group of dedicated parents, patients, family members and friends, along with doctors, nurses and social workers are hoping an annual "heart" holiday will help them raise awareness about the most common birth defect in the United States–congenital heart defects.
State and local government officials will proclaim Feb. 7-14, 2009 as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week."
Jeanne Imperati of Connecticut, herself the mother of a child with a congenital heart defect, in 1999 conceived the idea for an annual awareness day to reduce childhood deaths, and increase funding to support congenital heart defect related causes and cures.
An estimated one in every 100 children born in the United States each year have a malformed heart, making it the most common birth defect. "Few people realize more babies are born with congenital heart defects – approximately 40,000 – than with Spina Bifida, Down's syndrome and hearing loss. Yet, heart defects are sometimes overlooked and not routinely diagnosed in newborns."
"An untold number of children and young adults are put at risk each year due to a lack of early screening for heart defects and childhood onset heart disease," said Mona Barmash of Philadelphia, Penn., the founder of the Congenital Heart Information Network (CHIN), which sponsors the national awareness day.
C.H.I.N. (tchin.org) was launched in 1996 as an international non-profit organization that provides reliable information, support services and resources to families of children with congenital and acquired heart disease, adults with congenital heart defects, and the professionals who work with them. The all-volunteer member-supported organization publishes http://www.tchin.org/, which receives thousands of visitors from throughout the world every day.
"Valentine's Day is the perfect time to bring families, health professionals, and local organizations together, and to draw attention to the needs of the congenital heart community," said Barmash, who is the mother of a young adult with complex CHD. "For parents and families of kids and adults with heart defects, February 14th means hope and remembrance.
Local coordinators nationwide are planning activities in recognition of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week 2009. For more information on what's happening visit http://tchin.org/aware/index.htm, or call (215) 627-4034.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Busy, but not Forever

Okay I know I have been neglecting BB & B the past few weeks. I feel as though I should be put on restriction or something for not blogging daily. While my mind has been full and well when that happens normally I blog, but with the addition of two other children lets face it.....

I don't have time....

I have been dying to blog about the Nadya Suleman Family since the moment I heard about it. I do have to say that once I heard about them my first reply was WOW.

Now that has changed 110%.

Who am I to say who should or shouldn't have children, or about the amount of Children one should have. I can tell you this now if it were up to me and if my check book could handle it I would have a million children. Lets face it having children is expensive! I have 3 and it isn't easy. If I added even one more to the mix it would kill us and Mr. Montana works his butt off for us and it isn't easy. With the thought of adding 11 more to our little family would break the bank and I would need to be committed.

Okay Okay.... You will need to wait for my Blog about Nadya and her 14 children. My two extra kids will be here any minute and I think a Lego BOMB just went off in Avery's room and I'm starving and I only have a single cup of coffee in me.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

PS I will post later either tonight or first thing tomorrow!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Oops

Last night while I was laying in bed and for some reason it hit me.

It's Sunday two days ago it was Friday and I forgot to post my Foto Finish Friday.

I'm not sure why it took that long for me to remember. It's not like we did anything on Friday.....

Oh wait that's right we spent the evening with friends of ours who just got a PIG. YES A REAL LIVE PIG!!!!

I guess it doesn't really give me a huge reason not to have posted anything Friday. Since we didn't leave the house until after 4.

Saturday was spent in bed with Miss Chloe who was running a super high temp. I was lucky that she passed out for a good chunk of time at about 2 so I could shower. I was worried that by telling someone that it doesn't look like Chloe is going to be spending her 3rd V-day in the Hospital. Funny how the next day she ended up sick.

She is back to her normal Chloe self so I'm thinking its safe to say that Chloe will be spending her 3rd but 1st V-day at home!!!!!!

Even though Children's makes every "holiday" fun. There is nothing better than being at home and being healthy!!!!

So from now until Feb. 15th I will be placing my child in a bubble and chanting "She will not get sick! She will not get sick" Over and over again.

I think it just might work.... Sorry to all the wonderful nurses and staff at Seattle Children's Hospital while we miss you like mad we will not be making any trips for extended "spa" treatments in 2009.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

1-800-ABC-DEFG


Hooked on Phonics Worked for ME!


So when I was younger I always made fun of the Hooked on Phonics commercials. Why I'm not too sure maybe because deep down I'm sure it would have offered a bit of help to my horrid spelling and the reasons why I hated to read aloud in class.


I'm not saying that I couldn't read, but I lacked the confidence that's for sure. In 4th grade I remember reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Still do this day would have to be one of my favorite books ever. Everyone was given a copy of this wonderful book along with a list of who was reading aloud and when. OMG I wish every teacher would have done this. My last name starts with an R and since the list was in alphabetical order by last name I knew I had a few days before I needed to fake being sick so I wouldn't have to read.


To bad this plan backfired on me big time. When my day to read rolled around I did stay home with flu like symptoms that were gone by dinner time that evening. I went to school the next day thinking that I had just pulled off the greatest plan in the whole world. Our days always started with Journal writing then it was time for reading. Everyone helped move desks and we settled in for at least an hour of reading one of the best books ever. Me being me I never fully listen to anyone or anything so when I looked up from my book wondering when they were going to start reading when....


Yes everyone was looking at me! Mrs. 4th grade Teacher looks at me and replies with Taylor please take it from the top of page 56, yes I even remember the page number. So here I am freaked out because everyone was looking at me and waiting on ME! My plan really did SUCK and I guess I missed her talking about the fact that if you miss a day no worries you will be able to read when your back!


How could I have missed that I'm guessing that I wasn't listening then either. I did in fact read, I'm sure I lost everyone after about two words. I hated reading aloud, I felt like everyone was always laughing inside. I would have to ask what words were and would even have trouble saying them. I had to even sound things out and WOW that day I wanted to crawl into a hole and die.


After my pages were read I really felt sick. That was the day that I forced myself to start reading more and truly work on reading aloud. Still to this day it isn't my most fav thing to do, but I am able to do it without a problem.


I love reading and everything that has to do with books. Maybe its one of the reasons Mr. Montana and I decided on using Sonlight Curriculum nothing like having a literature based curriculum for a book junkie mom to teach.


So that brings me to today. Avery has always had a hard time with learning his letters and well that makes it hard to learn and know the sounds they make. So I googled Hooked on Phonics and well I just HOPE it works for him. If it doesn't man I'm at a loss... I'm sure I will pull something else out of my homeschooling mom hat, but for now that is all I have.


Number the Stars is one of the greatest books ever. I think it's one that everyone should read, no matter how old you are. It is no longer on Public School's reading lists because it has to do with religion. In a way that is another reason why we as a family have decided to homeschool our children. The idea of being able to teach what we truly believe our children should learn about. There are so many things that today's children are missing out on. So much History that they will never know about, things that have made us who we are today.


Okay so that is Taylor's tip for the day... Head on down to your local bookstore or Library and pick up a copy of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry today! I recommend buying a copy because I can promise you that you will want to read it over and over again.


Until Next Time,

Just MOM

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Lookout Duggar Family Cause Here I Come!

So I'm not even close to having 18 children, but I did manage 5 Children today. Nor do I ever think that I could be able to pull my stuff together to run a house of 20 people. You wouldn't need to force me into that padded room. I would have no problem checking myself in.

I got up before my alarm even went off today. Kissed Mr. Montana goodbye had a cup of coffee and showered before my kiddo's were even up!

Starting at 7am I had a 5 week old, a 2 year old, a 3 year old, a 4 year old and a 6 year old. Everyone ate breakfast before 8am, we even got School work done today before lunch time.

Our easy going and very productive morning ended with Lunch at noon. Followed by all 5 children taking naps. OMG I Taylor got Chloe to sleep within minutes along with a newborn and 3 other children! Shouldn't there be someone handing out gold star stickers to a certain someone who ROCKS today?

Okay so in a perfect world all children would have slept in their beds. In this house that never happens, so this shouldn't be a shock to anyone. My afternoon break consisted of me holding a baby and my baby for 2 hours while they slept.

Not to bad for a first day, but that is only half of my day really.

Somehow between everyone getting up from naps and the writing of this blog. I managed to cook dinner from scratch, give all 3 of my children a bath, clean the kitchen and have time to blog. My house looks like it did before the day even started....

How that even happened I have no idea with kids running around playing all day long somehow it remained picked up. And yes I have looked on the second floor and no it doesn't look like the notorious Swecker Family Bomb has gone off.

I do have to say while it is very nice to have a new baby in the house and tons of kids running around. I must say at the end of the day my 3 kiddo's are just the right amount of noise in this house. Plus I'm getting my baby fix only two days a week, I'm getting paid for it, I get to send the baby home at the end of the day, plus I get to sleep all night long!!!!

Until Next Time,
One Rockin MOM

Monday, February 2, 2009

A Long List of Things

that needed to get done today and so far I can only check 3 things off that list of mine.



* Hole Punch all Answer Keys - DONE

* Label all answer key subjects and nicely organize them in folder - They are all placed in the folder but who needs to organize anyway?

*Wash every one's sheets - I'll get to it tomorrow

*Do a few loads of laundry - I'll do it later

*Wash the baby carrier in preparation for tomorrow - DONE

*Clean Kitchen - DONE

*Finish Making Felt board -

*Have the Kids clean their rooms - Wishful Thinking I know!

*Try to get Chloe to nap in her big girl bed! - I'm living in a dream world.

* Blog 3 times in one day so I have a reason for not getting anything finished on my list - DONE


Sweet by finishing this blog I have done 4 things!!!! Man I rock....

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

P.S. OMG I'm starting a new job tomorrow, I'm kinda starting to freak out. At least I'm not being forced to leave the house to work. Don't worry I'm sure I'll blog tomorrow.

Sisterly Lessons

Do you ever feel like you spend all day just repeating yourself?

Second runner up to the word "No" would have to be "Monkey See, Monkey Do"

Chloe is into EVERYTHING and feels that she should be able to do everything that the big kids do. She doesn't understand that just because they can do things, that it is either unsafe or just something that a 2 year old really shouldn't be doing in the first place.

Avery and Bella get their own cups if they need a drink of water or something of that sort. They are able to climb onto the counter not that I'm happy about it, but 99.9% of the time they do this when I'm not in the room. Chloe being little anyway and plus onto of that she is just a tiny two year old as well. She has become very resourceful in figuring out ways to do everything they do.

Pushing random pieces of furniture into the kitchen to be able to climb onto the counter. I remind the kids of the "Monkey see, Monkey do" far to often. All I ask is that they do something that Chloe shouldn't even think of doing to make sure she isn't in the room.

Bella took things into her own hands today and decided to teach Chloe a thing or two.

I walked in on this conversation that my 4 year old was having with my 2 year old.

" Chloe just because you see Brother and I doing something, doesn't really mean you need to do it. We cant always make sure you are out of the room when we want to do something. Sometimes a girl just needs a drink of water."

Chloe replies with "K" and then starts to get up.

"Chloe, we are not finished talking yet. Please sit down so we can talk about this."

She sits again....

"Now Chloe we are going to learn something new today. It is called Monkey See, Monkey DON'T do. This means that you will not try to do everything that Brother and I do. You can watch, but you are not allowed to copy us. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

"Yes BaBa" Chloe replies

"Good you can do play now, but remember Monkey see, Monkey DON'T do"

Chloe gets up goes over to the table and starts pushing a chair into the kitchen and then attempts to climb onto the counter.

"Chloe you just don't listen do you? We just got done talking about this. Then you just go and do it again. What are we going to do with you? Do you need a timeout?

Chloe removes herself from the chair pushes back to the table. Looks at Bella and blows her a kiss and then asks for a hug.

"Good girl Chloe! You listened to your big sister! Good thing too because one day I'll be a grown up before you and I wouldn't want to take your toys away for not listening to me"

Miss Bella never once did remove her hands from her hips nor did she ever stop tapping her toe while they had their little talk.

I wonder who is going to wear the pants in her family? Until she has one of her own I guess Mr. Montana and I will try to be the ones wearing them here. I'll let you know if it works....

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

I Like Trouble!

So I should have seen it coming....
After Bella decided to flip me the bird at only a few weeks old that she and I would be having this conversation.

"Look MOM! I have a bag of baby fish"

I turn around to see what she is talking about. Bella had taken the little bag her chips were in and poured water in it. The fish were the crumbs.

While I thought that it was very inventive and loved how she uses her imagination. We were in the car driving from Everett back home to Puyallup. All I could think about was the mess that was going to be in the backseat and how I just washed her car seat and I was going to be forced to do it again.

The next thing I hear is the sound of her squishing the bag.

"Bella please don't do that to the bag, your going to pop the bag and your going to make a HUGE mess"

"Okay Mom"

Just Moments later I hear it again.

"Bella do it again your going to be in Trouble"

Bella replies with
" I like Trouble! Can I be in Trouble now?"

Both Mr. Montana and I are trying to keep a poker face while we ask her to put down the bag of fish before it gets everywhere. We both were forced to silence our laughs and hide our faces.

Where do kids get this stuff?

I think Miss Bella's new name is Trouble.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Saturday, January 31, 2009

My Biggest Fear

For some reason I worry that one day one of my children will be on a date, or even worse meeting their future In-laws sitting down for a nice meal....

When it happens.....

Chewing with their mouth open, and deciding that whatever they want to talk about cant wait until they swallow.

I guess I don't have to worry about them making it to meet the In-Laws if they have sat down to dinner with the boyfriend or girlfriend before hand. I sure as heck wouldn't have taken a boy home that couldn't chew with his mouth closed or wait to talk until the food he just shoved into his mouth was gone.

I know for a fact that my children will never do this. I think from the moment they were born I have been reminding them to chew with their mouth closed and telling them that whatever they need to say can wait until they are done chewing.

Last night after deciding that cooking wasn't in the future for the evening. We decided to go out for dinner. Not that we were eating at some 5 star restaurant or anything, but still there is nothing worse than what I'm about to tell you.

The restaurant was filled with older people who looked at us like we were crazy for bring our children in. My kids were laughing and having fun. I'm sure they were a bit excited to be out of the house for the first time in a few days.

The people who were sitting at the table that I just happened to be facing left. Sweet one table down only 9 billion more to go until we have cleared a place out with our children who are just having way to much fun.

So here comes a family of 4.... Two adult and two children, and by children I mean the youngest had to have been around 11 or so and then a teenage boy. We had just ordered, when I felt like I was being watched. This is something I hate more than anything... I really cant stand it when we are out to eat and people watch me eat. That's when I always seem to spill something down my shirt or do something just as lame and embarrassing.

The family of 4 were handed their plates just moments after we got ours. I had just sat down after getting the kids settled and their food cut. When my entire meal was a total loss....

The teenage boy sat right across from me. There was no way to avoid looking at their table. There was this huge space between my husband and my daughter I couldn't help but look. As I took a bite of my pancakes when....

He took a bite of his salad, chewed it up while having his mouth open the whole time. Just when I thought that he was going to swallow and go in for the next bite he SPIT THE WHOLE BITE OUT THAT WAS IN HIS MOUTH ONTO THE SAME PLATE HE WAS EATING OUT OF.
HIS MOTHER SAW THE WHOLE THING AND SAID NOTHING, NOT A DARN THING.
He did this with the whole salad, fries and his Burger.

I have to say that I don't remember the last time I was so grossed out over something. If it would have been my kid doing that. They would have been asked to leave the table and told they could wait in the car until we were done. What is wrong with people?

I wanted to walk over to the mother and fill her in on a little secret. If she doesn't teach her child some manners he will live at home FOREVER.

Well it would never get to that point with my children because even at 6,4 and 2 they wouldn't do it now.

I couldn't help, but share this lovely dinner outing with all of you. I really wish I would have cooked last night....

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, January 30, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

I took this picture of my sweet Bella, who was only a few weeks old at the time. I had placed her in Avery's Chair so she could watch us while we were playing in his room.
When I picked the pictures up from Costco the man who handed me the pictures. Laughed and said what a great photo of your daughter. I replied with Thank You so much. While I sat there flipping through the photo's I noticed what he was talking about.

Here I thought that I was taking this super sweet photo of my baby girl sitting in her big brothers chair. I cant believe I never noticed her finger.

Bella is now 4 years old. I cant get over how fast they grow up. Lets just hope she doesn't repeat what she is doing in this picture ever!

Don't forget to head on over to Candid Carrie for more Foto Finish Friday Fun!
Until Next Time,
Just MOM




Thursday, January 29, 2009

I Still Love Them

My post the other day about Jon and Kate well I was jealous.

Not that I would care to have a home that big, but with 8 kids you would need too.

I love the fact that they are raising the kiddo's together. I love the fact that we are able to watch the kids grown.

I have no idea how she does it. When my oldest was born I labeled everything, I was beyond organized then our family of 3 became a family of 4 and it all went right out the window.
Now that there are 5 of us I'm lucky if I get to shower and everyone gets dressed everyday.

I'm dying to know how she was able to get her children to eat veggies this is a daily struggle of mine. Miss Chloe loves peas and everyone will eat carrots with ranch, but that is when it stops.

To tell you the truth I couldn't put up with camera's in my face all the time along with that raising 8 children and running a house. Not sure I would even be willing to sign up for that.

I love Jon and Kate I love the kids who not only do I know by name, but so do my kids. Mady, Cara, Hannah, Lex, Leah, Aaden, Joel, and Collen are a part of normal conversation in this house. My children often pretend that they are the Gosselin bunch.

Sorry people for my moment of temporary insanity. And Thank you Gosselins for allowing us into your homes and allows us to feel as if we are a part of your family. Watching your 8 wonderful children grow.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Paper Problems

I'm not talking about Newspaper, or Construction paper, Notebook paper or even Printer Paper.

I'm talking about Toilet Paper...

Now I know I'm not the only one with children who is faced with this problem. For as long as my children have been able to move on their own. The paper in the bathroom has been something they have always headed for.

I have two children who are potty trained and one who is not. The two who use the potty seem to have two very different problems when it comes to TP.

Here are a few of my daily conversations with them. Yes they take place daily so I am able to recite them in my sleep.

"Bella why have you changed your clothes again?"
" Well mom my pants got wet, and since I had to change my pants the shirt I had on didn't match anymore. So I had to change it too."
"How did your pants get wet?"
"I'm not sure, but I think I might have forgotten to wipe after I went potty"
"AGAIN!"
"I was just really really busy mom and I just forgot. It's okay mom really it is. I don't like to wipe so I didn't really forget. Sorry MOM"

So I kindly remind her to wipe that everyone wipes and so should she. Bella agrees the next time she uses the potty she will "TRY" to remember.

Now moving on to the second paper problem we have. While I have one child who feels there is no need to use TP. I have one who likes to use a whole roll per bathroom visit.

Now I know you think I'm kidding, but I'm not. I feel like a plumber, who is always dealing with a clogged toilet. This happens at least once a day, its never in the same bathroom so I feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off when this next thing happens.

Now I never know about the clogged potty until....

Bella without fail always finds the potty that is now without TP on the roll since its all in the toilet.

"MOM I'm DONE"
Once I track the yelling, screaming child down and walk into the room. I am greeted with "MOM there isn't any TP"

Once the paper is found and I flush the potty.... 9 times out of 10 this is when I am alerted to the clogged toilet. You would think that I would learn that an empty TP roll = huge bathroom mess in 2.2 seconds.

OH NO I don't think I will ever learn that one...

Normally I say something like "Why does he need to use so much paper?" when Miss Bella is always close enough to hear replies with "Everyone should wipe right? So does that mean you cant use as much as you need?"

I walk away hoping not to repeat the same thing tomorrow and well it always happens.
I wonder what it is going to be like when all 3 are using the potty. Time to stalk up on TP,Plungers, and gloves.
Now if I could only get her to stop changing her clothes every 5 minutes even when they arent wet it would sure save me time on laundry.

Until Next Time,
Plumber MOM


PS. I wish I could get my hands on this! Then all my TP problems would be solved!


Why....



I have always been a fan of Jon and Kate Plus 8.


Until last night...


I know that this will only last a day or two, maybe a week at the most.


I'm not sure how I didn't see it before or figure it out for that matter. I have been known to be a bit slow when it comes to catching onto things. This time it didn't take a few minutes it took a few years.


I started to Question when they spent time in Hawaii. The BIG question being....


How much does TLC pay them?


I never see Jon leaving for work anymore, and Kate is a stay at home mom. You would have to be with 8 kids, but how can they live without Jon working.


They spent what two weeks in N.C. in a huge beach house where there was a private pool and they had a full time nanny to help with the kids. All the kids had private swimming lessons daily, and well my list could go on.


Now I knew that they were looking for a new house. I had no idea how much HOUSE they were looking for.


Jon and Kate's new bedroom is the size of my whole first floor. And I have a little feeling that my entire house could fit into their first floor. They have their own pool and TONS and I mean TONS of acreage.


I would give my teeth to have the acreage, but having a huge house like that means a ton of cleaning. Well you know my views on that....


I guess my issue is how does someone afford at least a million dollar home? When you have a stay at home mom and a dad who is never seen working anymore. I'm sorry, but JON is always always home and 10 people to feed.


My plan for this year is to get knocked up with 6 babies and get my own TV show. My plan for next year is to buy a huge house and pay people to clean it for me!


I'm dying to know how much they are getting from TLC. Plus what happens when people stop watching them, and the show is canceled?


Until Next Time,

Just MOM






Friday, January 23, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

Chloe Elizabeth Taking Over Mom's Job!



Dont forget to check out Candid Carrie's Foto Finish Friday!

http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/

Until Next Time,

Just Chloe

"Future Blogger in the Making"

Indescribable Feeling

Last night the kiddo's and I went to the store to get a few items for dinner.
After we were done shopping we returned to the car I loaded the kids in first.
Then I unloaded our shopping cart, closed the door then walked not even 5 feet over to the cart return.

I opened my car door and started to sit when my son....

"MOM those People just took Chloe"

It took less than a second for me to turn my head to see that she was in the car.

The feelings that I had the very second Avery said what he had are Indescribable. My heart sank into to my toes, I felt sick and ready to cry.

For that split second I felt so many feelings at once I cant even put it into words.

I don't think my son has ever been in so much trouble. We have had problems with what he likes to call " just teasing" his teasing had turned from simple little things to just out right lying.

I don't know if it is just a six year old thing or what. I have some work ahead of me that's for sure.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Tears to one's eye

By JENNA and BARBARA BUSH

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by -- the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and "Smiley", greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

-- Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

-- If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

-- If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for "Smiley."

-- And, a note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

-- Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

-- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

-- In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren't sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book 'Ana's Story' and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book 'Read All About It.'

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

Hi My Name is Taylor

and I'm addicted to....

Caffeine in any form, Shoes, Handbags, Chocolate, Sewing, Shopping, and playing the Wii.

I have been sober for.... Okay never.

I have had my Caffeine addiction for a good 10 years. Shoes for as long as I can remember. The handbag addiction started when I was 5 sitting in the mall having a nice temper tantrum when I pulled my two bottom teeth out. Blood pouring everywhere I was still screaming people were looking at my mother as if she was beating me.

All of this over darn Valentine cards.

Chocolate is my weakness always has been and I'm sure always will be. I have worked in a Chocolate Shop and I'm thinking I should own one. Maybe that isn't a good idea I wouldn't have a chance to sell any because I would be eating the product. I would end up being the size of a house and would never be able to leave.

Sewing is one of the newer addictions and well I don't think it will be stopping anytime soon.

Shopping well I'm a girl who loves to accessorize. This also feeds the handbag and shoe addiction.

The Wii is the devil and whoever decided that we needed to have one should be placed in a padded room for thinking it was okay for us to have one in the house.

While non of my addictions have stopped I do have to say I have been able to alter them a bit to allow time and money for other addictions.

I feed my caffeine addiction at home no longer paying almost 5 bucks a cup at Starbucks. This allows for me to buy fabric to feed the sewing addiction. As for the Handbag and Shoe problem I only buy knock offs you know the good ones so I am able to have more and not feel guilty when only paying $50-$100 each when the alternative would require me to take out a nice size bank loan. Right now I'm sporting a $10 super cute old navy bag while wearing my mom clogs that only cost me okay $150. They allow me to appear taller without being forced to risk breaking an ankle in heels.

Since leaving the Chocolate shop it has been sold, ran into the ground and is no longer in business. So I have had to depend on Peanut Butter cups and KitKats over the years. My pallet missing Fremont Gold Cups that had the most perfect balance of White Chocolate and Peanut Butter that I have attempted many times to recreate.

As for the Wii it's still too new for me to be able to find an alternate option.

I should be shipped off, placed in a padded room subject to hours of shock therapy.

Or...

I could get a JOB.

I like the first option better!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Donald R Capstick

Class of 1930 Horseshoe Altoona High School. Donald R Capstick pictured bottom left.
On October 21, 1910 you became a Son and a Brother.
Shortly after High School you met your one and only love. And you waited...
Once Margie turned 18 you became a Husband and a Father to Donald Capstick Jr.
You survived World War II and became a Hero.
You retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.
On December 28, 1959 you became a Grandfather for the first time to Faith Wynn Capstick. Less than 2 years later you welcomed your second Granddaughter Robin Amy Capstick on November 2, 1961. They spent Summers with you filled with swimming trips and great vacation stories.
September 14, 1983 you became my Hero!
This was the day you became a Great Grandfather my Great Grandfather.
The 12 short years that we spent together were some of the best years. Great memories were created some that I will never forget.
I remember it like it was yesterday. Mom and I would come to visit you in Spokane from Seattle arriving many hours past my bedtime. You would greet us at the door with the smell of coffee for mom. While she unloaded the car you treated me to a maple bar and a root beer float.
Before going to bed I checked out the fridge that was always filled with my favorite foods that you had picked up just for me. You always took a trip to the commissary the morning before we arrived.
Mornings were filled with shredded wheat cereal with a sliced banana sprinkled with a bit of sugar. We played Go Fish for hours and for some reason you always knew I would need the calculator with a fresh roll of paper.
On one trip to your house you gave Mom and Amy brand new cars. You were worried I would feel left out so you took an early morning trip to the PX and picked me up a pink and white bike with a super cool banana seat. You always knew just what I wanted as if I had picked it out myself. You watched for hours as I rode my new bike in your driveway.
I loved visits to your house during the spring. Snap Dragon's lined your house I couldn't help, but pick them. We watched the birds eat from the front window of your house you always had fresh bread crumbs for them. On one of our Spring visits you took me out to the PX with you. I feel in love with a jacket I didn't even have to ask. You pulled it off the rack and we took it home. The next morning I woke up to the same Jacket in every color they had. You had snuck back out to the PX before we woke up.
Don't get me wrong it wasn't the things you would buy for me it was always the thought behind it. Like the time I had this one pair of shoes you found the same ones on base and knowing how much I loved them. You figured that I needed them in the next two sizes.
You always held the car door open for me anywhere we went. You talked of my black eyes that looked just like Margie's. One day while watching cartoons you walked into the room to catch me twirling my hair just like she did. You always told me that I reminded you of her and how much she would have loved me.
Mom, Amy and Myself moved you closer to us in Seattle. Figured that you needed to be closer to family. I was so grateful of the years I got to spend countless days with you. Not just weekends here and there. Go Fish was still played almost daily you always had maple bars and you showed me how to make the perfect root beer float.
You spent 84 years on this earth. Your passing was sudden and not expected, you waited for us girls to say goodbye. I held your hand and told you how much I loved you. I cried and kissed you one last time. You passed away on September 24, 1994 you were laid to rest next to your one and only love. You gave me one of the greatest gifts ever. I will never forget our trip to Washington DC. A city so beautiful and filled with so much history. I know I complained the day of your funeral. I'm sure you understand dresses were never my thing. Plus it was the hottest September in years I was wearing heels without tights and feet hurt. I jumped every time the guns went off during your 21 gun salute. My heart felt as though it was torn into pieces when I was handed the flag. Until that moment it didn't seem real....
You were the most amazing man I had ever met...
I often wish that you could have lived to meet my babies. They would have loved you. You would have loved them. I tell them stories about their Great Great Grandfather and show them photos. They don't really understand, but one day I hope they will tell their children about you.
I live for the day we can venture back to Washington DC show them the sights and bring them to your resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. Don't worry we will all wear pants and good waking shoes.
Thank You for the wonderful years we spent together, the memories created, and the stories you shared.
I love you and miss you, but I know you are watching over us.
With All My Love,
Taylor