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

Monday, January 19, 2009

Politics Set Aside for a Moment

If you are a democrat or Republican it doesn't matter....

How Super Cool would it be to live in the White House?

I would be like a kid in a candy store.

Washington DC is one of the coolest places I have ever been.

My oldest cant wait for tomorrow "Hey Mom, did you know that tomorrow the new President starts his new job?"
While pouring a cup of coffee "I know Aves"
"Mom wouldn't it be cool if it was your job to run the whole country?"

Then before I could answer he went back to playing the Wii.

I guess Mr. Aves has been listening to everything we have been talking about!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Once Upon a Time

I wanted to go on a Cruise. Now I don't think there is enough money in the world to pay me to step foot on one.

I don't want to end up in the headlines. Mom of 3 missing from Cruise Ship last seen....

Then it will be left up to Mr. Montana to find a picture of me so the FBI and whom ever else can post it all over the new,web and papers. No thank you I will be staying on dry land.

Maybe I will sit down with everyone and point out what pictures would be okay to use if I were to ever go missing. The last thing I want is to have some horrid photo of me all over the news. I'm sure people wouldn't think twice about trying to find me. If I was some crazy messed up haired lady with no make up on giving one of my hurry up, and take the darn photo smiles.

Now as far as flying to a Vacation destination anytime soon. I think I will take a rain check as well.

If flying the first day planes were up in the air after September 11 dealing with everything I dealt with that day. Nothing like having an FBI agent wish you a Happy 18Th Birthday. I guess I should have known before asking the question I did. " How did you know it was my birthday?" he followed with " Miss Rucker we know everything about everyone on this flight." It was at that point I proceeded to freak out and think if going all the way to LA for a tattoo on my 18Th birthday was really worth it. We were grounded for many hours and yes I was one of the few people who got back on the plane. It's not like I had another option... I guess I could have walked all the way to LA from San Jose Airport.

Stinks that it was my 18Th birthday and not the big 21. It was free Happy Hour for the rest of that flight. I don't think they would have checked my ID, but I wasn't taking any chances after hearing "Miss Rucker we know everything about everyone on this flight" NO THANK YOU.
Before arriving at LAX airport I was put through the torture of having everyone sing Happy Birthday to me over the intercom on the flight, was given a barf bag filled with fun goodies that I have saved to this day minus the peanuts those were gone in 2.2 seconds.

If that didn't stop me from flying the recent crash landing in the Hudson sure did. Even though everyone is okay I'm not taking any chances.

I'm not sure how I got onto this tangent today. From Cruise Ships to Flying....
Maybe its time to get my day started?

Stay tuned who knows maybe one day I will go into detail on my wonderful September 14th 2001 flight from H E double hockey sticks.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, January 16, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

I had big plans for this weeks Foto Finish Friday. As always life got busy and well yesterday turned out to be a bit lame.

Alright so yesterday's plan turned into me taking a almost 4 hour nap with the kids. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to drink coffee at almost 9 at night before Greys started. If I wasn't awake enough after the nap the coffee sure did it's job. The job I wish it would do in the morning.

After walking for over an hour with Daisy the Amazing pup and Angel I tossed and turned all night long. I should have rolled myself out of bed and worked on the blog that I was planning on posting today, but every time I thought about getting up. I figured it would only be moments before I drifted off to la la land.

So you will have to wait another week for the super cool plan of the blog I was brewing in my head. Here are a few of my favorite photos from over the years. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them!
All of the photos were taken while we were on Vacation in Mr. Montana's Hometown of Bozeman.
The first picture is of Bella and Avery. Avery was having a blast dressing up and well as you can tell Bella had no desire to play along. I won Mom of the year forcing her to wear the outfit anyway and snapping a photo of her screaming.
Above: My sweet baby boy on his first horseback riding adventure. Below: Bella petting a Donkey
Here are the photos from Avery very first Motorcycle ride with Grandpa.

Bella beating up her brother while waiting for old faithful. Don't you love how everyone is looking at the kids.
"Look Mom I caught a Fish"
Avery on Grandpa's Excavator
Miss Chloe eating Yogurt. Miss Chloe spent a ton of time in the high chair eating over the two weeks we were there. I think the main reason being that Nanna's bird always had to share with her. Chloe was amazed by the talking bird who ate everything she did.


Miss Bella petting a cow.

Bella's first time riding a horse.
This is my all time FAVORITE photo I have ever taken! This was the last photo I took while at Yellowstone. I wish I could tell you where we were, but by the end of that day everything was a blur.

I hope you enjoyed our families vacation photos. See ya next week for Foto Finish Friday.

If you want to see more blogger's Favorite photos head on over to Candid Carrie and Check them out! http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/

Thanks for Stopping by!

Until Next Time,

Just MOM

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Plan

Mop Floors

Vacuum

Clean Kitchen

Eat Lunch

Force All Children to NAP ( so I can play the Wii )

Blog at some point

Do Laundry all day (Cause I'm just that Cool)

Maybe attack Clothes Mountain

Go for a walk 12 hours from now in the cold while suffering from hypothermia for the second night in a row!

So that's my plan!
Anyone care to join me in my cleaning adventure?

It's already 11:30 I'm sure I'm not going to get everything done but at least its a plan right?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

OMG I ROCK!!!

I gave the shower a good scrub down today. I showered myself then I went into a cleaning rampage! Maybe cleaning the shower really does sets the tone for the day...

After the shower I moved onto sweeping the bathroom floors with every intention of moping the floors. I never did get to that, but I cleaned my room. That included making the bed, sweeping the floors and forcing my children to remove every single last toy they had in our room. I even washed Daisy's dog bed's.

Then I told the big kids that if they helped me pick up the family room and put all their toys away we could hit the park after naps. I only had to threaten with tossing toys in the trash a few times!

OMG I cleaned almost the whole first floor of my house. If only there were a few more hours in my day I would have been able to get to the kids rooms, playroom and my sewing room.

The sewing room was clean until the moment I was in the shower cleaning it. When Bella and Chloe decided to do a little sewing. In other words there is fabric tossed all over the place.

Who knows maybe one day I will get my whole house cleaned at once.

Mr. Montana was surprised on how much I got done today. To think its almost 9pm now and I'm not even close to being ready for bed. I think there might be some Wii playing in my future tonight!!!!

Until Next Time,
One Rockin' MOM

Why?

I had a lap in judgment yesterday, maybe it was because I thought that Mr. Montana was going to be home at some point in time last night. Figured that since he is the first one up that it wasn't something I would have to worry about.

Yesterday I decided to give our ultra stinky dog a bath. I truly cant stand giving my sweet 100 pound baby a bath. Daisy is worlds best dog who turns into a living statue as soon as she hears the word bath.

Our shower was in need of a bath as well so I figured before I gave it the scrub down that I should scrub the dog. Minutes ago I went up pulled a towel out of Clothes Mountain along with a pair of pants and a shirt for myself. Walked into my bathroom then I remembered.

I never got around to scrubbing my shower yesterday after giving Daisy a bath.

I'm guessing that Mr. Montana's reply for this would be... Maybe you should have cleaned the bathroom last night after the kids were in bed instead of playing the Wii into the Wee Hours.

I'm not sure if the whole forgetting that I needed to do it will work. Since I do need to walk past the shower to get to the closet to put on my Pj's. Really I did forget! It slipped my mind it really truly did.

Why do I do this to myself? Now I get to spend the next I don't know how long cleaning a shower before I can clean myself. For a person who feels that Cleaning is overrated what a way to start a morning. Maybe cleaning a shower will set the tone for the day. You know like when you make your bed it supposedly set the tone. Maybe I will end up cleaning like a crazy person and Mr. Montana will be forced to walk back outside after he gets home to check if he is at the right house.

A girl can dream right?

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I'm Torn

Okay first off I would like to start this by saying I was a true fan of Sex in the City. After watching countless re-runs On Demand I was forced to find something else to entertain myself during the late evening hours once the kiddo's were in bed.

At first I got hooked on Big Love and well I couldn't get enough. It even sent me into a bit of research on the whole plural marriage thing too. Not because Mr. Montana will be looking for a second wife anytime soon, but because I really had no clue how many families live like that.... I'm still speechless on that subject.

Then I moved onto Tell Me You Love Me also on HBO On Demand. I loved the show, but I guess I was the only one. It was canceled after the first season....I'm still dying to know if Hugo and Jamie ended up getting married. I want to know if Katie and David were able to connect again on a "Husband & Wife" level. I really hope that Carolyn and Palek were able to save their marriage.

Moving on....

Then Mr. Montana and I got into Weeds a few seasons late, but were able to catch up with everything Thanks to HBO On Demand. No there are no future plans for owning a maternity shop with a tunnel running to Mexico yet. Then one day I was checking out a few of the other series on Showtime when I came across The L Word....

If you haven't heard of Google it! It's the best show ever and I'm tellin' ya for a woman who is married to a man and has 3 children. Shane is HOT!!!!
Now this is why I am torn... I am 110% in love with both Big Love and The L Word. Big Love makes its season premiere Sunday on HBO at 9pm. While at the very same time, but on Showtime The L Word premiers its finial season AT THE SAME TIME.

This is when I wish I had a DVR or a Tivo.

Maybe I will just go out and buy a new pair of shoes and the shoes will help me decide what show to watch.

Oh I hope they will be On demand. I might be forced to go to bed and not watch either so then I'm not turning my back on one while watching the other.

I think HBO and Showtime HATE ME... Its a big conspiracy against ME Taylor Frickin Frances!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Monday, January 12, 2009

HELP!!!!

OMG I have spent the last, Oh I have no idea how long trying to make my blog Cute.

I have no idea what I am doing nor do I have any idea how to do what I want. I feel like pulling my hair out and screaming at the top of my lungs.

Now that my little tantrum is over I'm going to do something productive like wash a load of clothes. So I can at least say I did that much today before I tell Mr. Montana that I need to attend some sort of blog layout 101 class just to make my blog feel special.

Then Mr. Montana will look at me like I have lost my mind. I will insist that it is not me who has blog envy, but truly it's Blanket Bears and Binkies who is truly unhappy with her appearance.

Please note that if you visit here and I haven't posted anything in days, weeks, months or years. Its because I have been officially committed for the above comment.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

PS. If you know anyone who can help me with making this blog cute. Please leave a comment. Don't worry I'm not really crazy I just feel like it sometimes.

Q & A

Since I'm super bad at getting back to people when they ask questions. I figured that I would have a little Q & A.


*The First one is from Candid Carrie http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/

She is dying to know what happened to Oscar's Tail.
Mr. Oscar was born without a tail. The funny part about it is that my mother took one of Oscar's litter mates. Who looks just like Oscar, but who I feel has an extra long tail so I'm sticking with the story that my Mother's cat stole Oscars at some point during the 65 days the mother cat was pregnant.


* Here are a few question's from Bevy

No my life does not lack entertainment that's for sure. It's non stop from the moment everyone gets up until we go to bed.

This year our Christmas Tree was huge! This was our first Christmas in our very first home and I set out wanting to have the most prefect Christmas tree to fill the space I have had planned for it since the day we first came out to see the house. We have cathedral ceilings in the great room, so it had to be Huge or at least that is what was stuck in my head. It didn't end up being as tall as I had planned, but where it lacked in height it made up for in fullness. It was just under 8 feet tall and weighed in at 130 pounds.

Now to answer your baby questions... Avery was born a month early and was still big. I ended up finding another Doctor when I was pregnant with my second and when I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes with Bella my doctor came to the conclusion that I must have developed it after I was tested for it when I was pregnant with my first. Miss Bella was delivered 2 weeks early due to her size I cant even think about how much bigger she would have been if I would have gone another 2 weeks. My 10 pounder might have been more like an 11 pounder or more!

I think we are done having Children unless we loose our minds for a minute and think that one more would be fun. Our youngest Miss Chloe was born with 3 congenital Heart Defects we try to keep this in mind every time we even "think" about adding just one more to the mix. There is an 80% chance of having another child with heart problems. Chloe was very lucky in the fact that if you were to choose what heart problems to have she picked them just right. After watching her struggle for over a year I'm not sure we could one put another child through that nor do I think we could stand watching it again.

* Congenital Heart Defects FACTS

For those of you who know me personally I have made you sit through this countless amounts of times. For those of you who have stumbled on my blog I am now going to put you through the same thing. Only because before Chloe was born I had no idea that Congenital Heart Defects affect more children than Childhood Cancer. In fact if you don't know anyone right now that has either had a child born with a CHD or know someone who knows someone you WILL.

*How many babies are born with CHD?
Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a CHD. That equates to 1 out of 125 babies born with a heart defect.
It is the #1 birth defect with more occurrences than Spinal Bifida, Down syndrome or hearing loss yet many are not aware of this condition.

*How many kinds of CHD are there?
There are approximately 35 different types of congenital heart defects.
- Chloe was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, and one unknown defect.

*How are congenital heart defects treated?
Today, most heart defects can be corrected or helped with surgery, medicine, or devices, such as artificial valves and pacemakers. In the last 25 years, advances in treatment of heart defects have enabled half a million U.S. children with significant heart defects to survive into adulthood.

*Is there a prenatal test for CHD?
An echocardiagram can accurately detect many heart defects. This test needs to be performed by a specialized doctor and not an obstetrician. Some heart defects can be detected through routine ultrasound.

*What causes congenital heart defect?
In most cases, scientists do not know the cause but feel both environmental and genetic factors appear to play a role.A few of the environmental factors that increase the risk are drinking alcohol and cocaine usage. Some maternal medical conditions increase the risk of fetal CHD. The most common is diabetes but not all forms will increase the risk. Women with PKU are also at risk are recommended to follow a special diet prior to pregnancy. Some studies suggest that not enough of B vitamin folic acid is taking before and during pregnancy. Some medications if taken during pregnancy increase the risk of CHD in the baby. These include isotretinoin, lithium and some anti-seizure medication. Source: March of Dimes.
Anyone with one of the risk factors mentioned above should discuss this with your OB and request a fetal echocardiogram to screen for a heart defect in the baby.If you know of someone with the above risk factors planning to have a baby, please share this information with them.



*A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)- is a hole in the ventricular septum - the muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles, or main pumping chambers, of the heart.This opening allows the movement, or "shunting," of blood between the ventricles. Most commonly, oxygenated blood from the left ventricle enters the right ventricle because there is greater pressure in the left ventricle and the resistance in the lungs is significantly lower than in the body tissues. This is known as a "left to right shunt."Ventricular septal defects are the most common forms of congenital heart disease, accounting for 21% of all cases. They may be single or multiple and may occur in different parts of the ventricular septum.Small holes usually close spontaneously in the first year or two of life. Large holes almost always require surgical closure in the first year of life. VSDs may be present with other heart defects (For example, Tetralogy of Fallot.)

A Ductus Arteriosus- is a minor vessel, sometimes persisting from the fetal structure of the heart in a newborn baby, which connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery (PA in diagram).It is termed a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) when it is open, allowing blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary artery. After the PDA closes, the resulting fiber-like structure is known as a ligamentum arteriosum.

Since Chloe was born I have met Countless people who either have CHD's or Children with CHD's. I even met 2 other mom's where Bella danced who's Children were born with a CHD. Those are only out of the 2 classes who's parents I saw every week. One of my Dearest friends her youngest Daughter was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect and a Atrail Septal Defect. When I met Tracy she was pregnant with her youngest and she had never heard of CHD's before she met us.

If you would like more information or have any questions about Congenital Heart Defects please feel free to either leave me a comment or send me an email. I am more than Happy to either point you in the right direction for info or to answer your questions myself.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, January 9, 2009

Foto Finish Friday

I have been dying to share this photo since before Christmas. So its a bit late for a Christmas photo, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.


Yes this is our Kitten Oscar at the top of our Christmas Tree where he spent most of December. I am happy to report he only managed to break 3 ornaments! He would start at the bottom of the tree and work his way up and around the tree. Treating it like a spiral staircase.

Before I tell you this next thing I will should let you in on a little secret. I'm crazy and well I don't get out much these days. So I'm guessing this is why I couldn't wait.

To see what Mr. Oscar was going to do once the tree entered our House the day after Thanksgiving. I remember when my Childhood cat and his first Christmas with us. My Mother and I came home from School and work I believe that I was about 5 years old. We found that our Christmas Tree had fallen and to our surprise our Kitten was sitting in the middle of the tree looking at us with the look of "Look What I Did!" He seemed to be so proud of himself.

Since the day our sweet Oscar became a part of our family. First off he looks just like the Cat I had growing up minus the tail, only because Mr. Oscar doesn't have one. I really truly couldn't wait for Christmas to see what he would think of the Tree.

I should make a point of getting out more often. I'm thinking most people would be upset about the fact their kitten spent a whole month climbing their Christmas Tree, but oh no not me I loved watching almost every minute of it!

Until Next Time,

Just MOM

PS. Dont Forget to Stroll on over to Candid Carrie She is by Far one of my Favorite Blogs to Read! http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 8, 2009

At Least I Can Laugh About It Now


Weeks before she was born I spent hours with Mr. Montana painting her room the perfect shade of pale green. That matched the green that was in her bedding. I washed all of her clothes and placed them in her dresser and hung all of her dresses in her closet.

Funny this is most of what we had for her she would never get the chance to wear. My oldest was born almost a month early weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce. This should have been a clue.

The night before Miss Isabella was born I packed our bag for the Hospital I remember that I was really worried that her oh so very cute going home outfit wasn't going to fit. I thought that it was going to be too big.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Miss Isabella joined us on June 16, 2004 shortly after 1pm weighing in at 10 pounds 2 ounces. Everyone who had been in the room including my Doctor waited for her to be weighed. Once the results were in Dr. Russell replied with I knew you could do it. Thank Goodness she wasn't any bigger than that or we would have had a huge problem.

Bella only got stuck for a second when I had 3 nurses pushing on my belly from all sides. Once Bella was here they searched for size 1 diapers and a bigger shirt for her to wear.

Everyone who came into the room couldn't stop commenting on her size. She didn't even fit in the sink for her first bath it was more of a wash and hold under the running water to rinse. Here I thought she was so small. I couldn't have been more wrong.

By the time we were ready to leave the next day I was tired of the "Oh My I need both hands to pick her up" and the "How much did she weigh comments" I was more than ready to go home. It took Mr. Montana and I a few minutes before Bella got her picture taken to make sure her outfit looked like it fit. I wasn't able to snap the crotch of her shirt and the pants we were forced to make low riders to cover her legs.

We had to make one stop before we could take our new baby home. We needed Diapers...

Yes I did have a huge supply of newborn diapers, but there was no way we were going to be able to use them.

While in babies r us making our way to diapers. I'm in Baby Heaven when I asked a woman how old her baby was. 3 months was the reply this baby was so small and little. Then she asked me how old Bella was. When I replied with almost 24 hours old, the look I got from this woman was priceless. I wish I could have taken a picture for all to see....

Bella was HUGE I know this now thank GOD she isn't anymore. You wouldn't know by looking at her now.

That was the day I took my new baby who was the Size of a 6 month old home. A day I have a feeling I will never ever forget.
Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Blog Envy

I am still somewhat new to the whole world of blogging, but there are a few blogs that I do follow on a somewhat regular basis. All I have to say is that today I am suffering from Blog Envy....

Its been years since I was this envious of people. Shortly after my sweet Bella was born I started suffering from Stroller envy. While I was pushing around the stroller that was top of the line the BMW of strollers when my son was born. Well it was no longer that BMW of Strollers, but was now the ford focus of strollers. The plan was to save money and the stroller did it's job so there was no need for a new one. I couldn't help, but drool when someone with the newest and greatest stroller walked by. I was lucky enough to be able to upgrade when Chloe was born only because the other one had been used and I had a feeling if I placed my sweet baby in it that the darn thing would just fall apart...

So I got a bit side tracked there for a minute. Oh yeah Blog envy......

Yes I have a myspace and I have managed to make it cute and fun I have added tunes and well I am able to check my mail without a problem. Now as for my blog I'm lucky I was able to make everything Pink and Black without totally messing things up.

I'm jealous 125% jealous of every ones super cute blogs. Everyone has great graphics and fun colors and well I'm feeling like mine doesn't belong. I have no idea how to make it fun or cute nor can I pay some of these people who are asking an arm and a leg to do so. Sorry cute blog makers I am not able to sell you my first born. While there are days its all I can do not to sell him and the other children on EBay.

I guess I will be suffering from Blog envy until I get up the guts to try to make it cute myself. I guess you will know if I have attempted because one day you will come to check out the blog and well there wont be one here. I can almost promise you that if I do it myself I will end up deleting EVERYTHING.

I know I'm just that Good!

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

I GOT IT!

So tell me do you have the answer to this question....

1.) How do you get 3 hunks of man meat to pull in front of your house in a HUGE truck?

2.) Do you know how to get all 3 of them to listen to every word you are saying?

3.) How about getting them to move as fast as they can doing whatever it takes to get the job done?

4.)Last do you know how to get at least one of them to climb into your window?

Any ideas?

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*
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1.) You dial 911 and they send the fire department.

2.)Because they are trying to keep you calm. So these men do what every man should do... LISTEN!

3.) You have food in the oven on 400 and a pan on the stove on high.

4.) Your locked out of your house with a 2 year old and a newborn inside food on the stove and in the oven and its been over an hour that you have been talking to your 2 year old and trying to get them to unlock the door.

That was my day yesterday... Thank goodness this didn't happen to me. This is by far one of my biggest fears.

Maybe if I would have used something else besides sporks to dig that tunnel from my house to Angels we would have had a way in. I haven't for some reason been able to get past the hardwood floors with the darn sporks. In fact at the first attempt to dig the darn thing keeps breaking not even making a dint in the floor.

Until Next Time,
Just MOM

Friday, January 2, 2009

denim dilemma


I have a huge problem a Denim Dilemma.

You would think that I would be more than happy to report that the weight I have lost in the past months. Maybe I be more than happy to say that I am now able to wear all the lovely clothes I have been dying to wear for years now.

Not So Much

So now I get to spend the next few weeks dealing with pants that are far to huge to avoid a constant case of butt crack. When before I just had to make sure that the shirt I had on didn't accent the oh so lovely Muffin top.

A few weeks ago I attempted to fold myself into my pre-baby super cute pants I wore in High School that I wasn't ever able to get rid of. Knowing that one day I would be sporting a super hot body again. Tonight I decided to try to force my hips and back end into them again. I am happy to say that I was able to get them on and wear them for a few minutes away before the pain started. Now I wish that I wouldn't have been so anti stretch jeans pre-children or I'm sure they would have fit.

While I was putting the kids clothes away I had another idea. Why cant they just put adjustable waste bands in Adults pants then my super fat jeans would still fit. I know I know I could just wear a belt, but I have never been a belt girl. The idea of a belt just makes me think about how much harder it would be to make a quick bathroom trip a few minutes longer. Right now I'm lucky if while out in public I get a chance to get into the stall unbutton my pants go to the bathroom and have a chance to pull my pants up before Bella or Chloe open the door. A belt would cause HUGE problems I'm sure. My Children would be running all over the bathroom touching EVERYTHING all the while I'm trying to tighten a belt.

So for now I will deal with wearing sweat pants that need to be rolled down a billion times just so they will stay up while I try to do a few things around the house. If I am forced to leave I will put on a pair of my huge pants along with a warning sign on my back letting people know....

DO NOT LOOK DOWN POSSIBLE CRACK SHOWING.



Until Next Time,
Just MOM