Teacher, mother, wife, daughter... and more

December 2009

2009-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Ok... so this all started the beginning of November. I had such horrible ear pain. I took myself to the nearest Walgreens Clinic. Found that I had a bulging ear infection. Gave me antibiotics and was on my way... three weeks later, I went back since the pain was back. This time it was an infection in the ear canal (swimmers ear)... funny, I don't go swimming, no hot tubs, no baths, and I don't even like standing under the shower - I hate water in my ears.

Anyways... on to today... now in my right ear, I'm having massive pain. I already have a call in to my doctor. I figure I'll go in next week and get a referral to an ENT. I've never had an ear infection until now... what is going on? ARGH!

On to positive things... here is our family Christmas picture...

December 2009

2009-12-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Ok... so right now I am an absolutely HORRIBLE blogger... I can't believe I haven't posted in such a long time... I have been reading everyone else's blog but haven't had much time to respond or to post myself. Things are so hectic - with three kids, teaching, and running a house... leaves no time for anything else.

Anyways... we have been pushing the limits this past week with safety issue. Tuesday morning, I had the HVAC people come by just to do routine maintenance on our heating units. He came and got me about 45 minutes later - said "minor problem, your builder never sealed the gas pipe that goes to your upstairs heating unit so it's been leaking gas for two years." I just about freaked. We have a carbon monoxide detector and it has never registered anything. He said he had the stuff to fix it and would do so for me. About ten minutes later, he comes back downstairs and says, "Ok, problem #2. I can't turn off the gas to fix the problem. Your builder put the shut off valve on the wrong pipe." I guess he could tell by the look on my face that I had no idea what to do next. He tried to calm me down and gave me step by step instructions. So I called the builder. Amazingly, they had a plumber here by 1 o'clock. Guess they realized the severity of the issue... Plumber fixed it (or so we thought). That night when the unit came on, we had a horribly high pitched squealing sound coming from the unit. I called the builder back on Wednesday afternoon and he rescheduled the plumber to come back out and worked around our schedule. He got him here Friday afternoon and fixed that problem... so far so good.

On my way home from school on Friday, I came to a stop at an intersection but heard a very loud grinding sound coming from the back right wheel well... omg... brakes... but the back brakes are fairly new... anyways... Chad took it for me to Brakes Plus. They put it on the rack... ended up that the right back brake pad broke in half. He said sometimes it happens but my brake springs were corroding so that might have added to it. My front brakes (which we knew would have to be replaced this month) were starting to wear into the red warning line so we had the back and front brakes replaced and the back springs and the windshield wipes and they threw in an oil change. Tough for the holiday season when presents need to be purchased but at least I don't have any car payments...

Sick Child...

2009-08-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well... three weeks into school and I'm taking my first sick day. Jon woke up in the middle of the night with a headache and he was warm everywhere... temp only read 99 but he sure felt warmer than that. You could tell by his demeaner that he just didn't feel well. So I called in for a substitute at school. We drove down and dropped off Matt at school and Chris at daycare and then headed back home. He has been on the couch all day so far. He even fell asleep for a bit. I'm trying to get him to drink and eat something.

He just keeps complaining of a headache. Maybe his body is really trying to fight off this cold... not sure...

Weird Week...

2009-08-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Okay... I am so glad today is almost over. We did not have any A/C in school today - not good for a 100+ day here in Phoenix - plus with 30 sweaty sixth grade bodies in the room, it got quite warm.

Well, the week started off great with my 13th wedding anniversary to my wonderful husband, Chad. Check out his latest post which was a poem he wrote me as a present.

Hope tomorrow is better than today. We have plans to paint our master bedroom and master bath. I'll post pics of the family Chad did while we were on vacation.

Back to school...

2009-08-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we have survived the first couple days of school... boys are now officially kindergarteners. They are so excited each and every day - tomorrow they are choosing to eat the school's lunch - pizza!

I'm making a new school year resolution - post more often - I want to get my readers back... I seemed to have lost most of you.

TT4N... (ta ta for now)

Juls

Vacation Pics...

2009-08-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Vacation pics as promised...

1st one as from my mother's camp... Jim took the boys fishing for the first time... and the twins were successful. Chris, however, has his first story of the fish that got away... lol

This one is of my father and stepmom down at the beach on a very windy day...

My stepdad knows the deputy chief of the fire department in Erie. Therefore, he set up a private tour of the fire station downtown... it was awesome.

My brother has been working the last couple of years on a garden railroad... the boys absolutely love spending time out there...

My best friends, Heather who now lives in New York City, and Beth, who lives north of Philadelhia, both happened to be in Erie the same time I was. We spent one of the mornings together at the zoo and then out to lunch. This is a picture of the three of us with our kids...

Then the best for last... we had a very good time at my brother's wedding.

VACATION OVER...

2009-07-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I arrived back in Phoenix late last night. I don't have any pictures yet since they are loaded on Chad's computer and he's still in Erie. He will be leaving tonight via the train.

It is so good to be home... three weeks is a long time to be away but it was so worth it. We did so many things while in Pennsylvania. And the wedding was just beautiful. My brother didn't look nervous at all. Plus the twins were super great as ring bearers...they did a super job.

Well, now that you know I'm okay and back online, check back for pictures!

July Update

2009-07-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

OMG... summer is half over already... where has the time gone? I have been able to tackle so many projects so far this summer:

1. sanded and repainted the outdoor furniture

2. cleaned out and organized Matt & Jon's room

3. cleaned out and organized Chris's room

4. shampooed the family room carpets

5. kept up with daily chores

6. even started painting the family room (Chad will finish this project this weekend)

Well, I leave tomorrow for Pennsylvania. Chad won't be traveling with us - he can't get three weeks off from work at one time. Here are a couple pictures from the past couple of weeks.

The last picture is taken from the 4th of July picnic we had at our house. My twin boys are holding one year old twin girls.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...

2009-06-17T15:46:00.001-07:00

Ok... so my birthday was yesterday... I was awoken by three little bundles of joy waiting to give me homemade cards (my husband helped the boys and they had an arts n crafts time together). Shortly after breakfast, we headed to the gym and I treated myself to water aerobics. Then we ate lunch at the cafe at the gym. After naptime, we had to run to Sam's Club for some things... on the way home, we pass by a Starbucks. I asked the monkeys behind me, "Anyone want to stop at Starbucks?" OMG... you should have heard how loud they said YES!

So I treated myself and the boys to some Starbucks drinks. We were the only customer there so we had 100% of the attention of the three employees... or I should say the boys had their attention.

Here is pic of just how cute the boys have become...

Chad bought me a digital video camera for my birthday. So here is my first attempt at posting a video...

Walking update...

2009-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I've been trying to increase my cardio since I'm now on summer vacation. But you know how life always seems to try to get in the way. I really want to get closets organized this summer and I'm working on repainting the table and chairs outside.

Anyways... boys and I went for a walk this morning:
1.4 miles
29:30

Not a great time... but when you think about it, I was pushing a 30 lb child in the jogging stroller. We took for stop breaks to drink water... we also stopped to watch the pretty butterfly... we stopped and then tiptoed following behind a jackrabbit... then we saw and talked to a quail family. The time wasn't bad at all then... all things considered.

Last week we took a really long walk...
1.89 miles
39:00

We went mile one in under twenty minutes... but then the sun came out from behind the clouds and really started heating things up. We also had a couple hummingbirds that we circling the plants around us so of course we had to stop and admire. Matt really wanted one to land on him so he could carry it home...

MAY UPDATE

2009-05-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

I know... I know... I seem to be getting worse not better about blogging. Now that I'm on summer break, I had high hopes of getting everything all clean and organized and keeping better updates on the blog. So far I have been failing. At least I got out this morning for a walk with the boys - have to keep up with the cardio. I have lost ten pounds so far and looking forward to more melting away.

Last weekend, we took our first of many family road trips. Friends of ours live down in Tucson, so we decided to go and visit. There is an ostrich farm near their house so we decided to check it out. We were able to feed the ostrich, deer, donkeys, and lorikeets. Then we climbed up into a monster truck and went baahaaing through the desert... even found a spot to go ostrich fishing...

Sick Child...

2009-05-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I have an unplanned day off today. A week and a half ago, Jon had a 102 degree fever so I kept him home (we had the flu going around school, strep throat, mono plus all the scary stuff of the swine flu). Anyways, nothing ever came of it but I think I did the right thing.

Well, Matt woke up this morning and you could tell by looking at him that he didn't feel good. I took him temp and he was up over 102. So I called in a sub and have stayed home to help him fight this. I'm hoping he gets over it quickly like Jon did.

Matt stretching w/ daddy........ Chris focusing on a puzzle

Chris on the slip n slide........................................ Matt on the slip n slide

Chris following right behind Jon

April 2009

2009-04-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ok... life is so full of surprises... and clean ups... and laundry... and mops... and bathrooms needing cleaning... and tests to grade. I just don't seem to have enough time anymore. There are days that I'm not sure how I do things. There are so many things that have happened and I'm not even sure what I've posted on and what I haven't. So here is my list:

1) Chris turned two! We had a little party for him and he absolutely loved all the attention.

2) Matt tripped Jon, which wasn't a big deal. However, Jon landed teeth first into the glass coffee table. Both front teeth were bleeding and the one was pushed back from the other one. I took him to the dentist the next morning and we took x-rays. It moved somewhat back into place on its own so the dentist wanted to wait. Well, a week later the tooth was turning grey - he wouldn't use it to eat with or even to talk with. So I took him back to the dentist and we took x-rays again. What happened was the ligament that attachs the tooth to the bone broke and his tooth was moving up in the gum causing all this discomfort (it was pretty evident on the x-ray since there was a shadow around the tooth). So they decided to pull the tooth. We are watching the other one to see if it will have to be pulled but it looks to be fine now that the one is gone.

3) We attended the Safety Days at the Swapmeet again this year. The boys love to see all the firetrucks and ambulances and garbage trucks and police cars and police motorcycles, etc.

4) Last but definitely not least - we signed the boys up for soccer. They just love having their own jersey with their own number.

Here is a recap of how the games have gone so far:

#1 Lost 2-1 (Matt scored)

#2 Won (Jon scored)

#3 Game cancelled due to rain

#4 Won 7-0 (Jon scored twice and Matt scored twice)

#5 Won 2-1 (Matt scored)

#6 Tie 1-1

We have two more games to play in the season then we will decide what's next.

TEACHING JOB

2009-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Economic Crisis - those two words scare a lot of people these days. I know people all over have been feeling the crunch for some time. Teachers, on the other hand, are only just now feeling the pinch. Since our funds come from a year ahead, we are just now feeling the pinch of crunch time.

Our district has been straight forward with us since day one. They originially gave us a worst case scenerio -
* going to half day kindergarten
* losing teachers
* losing counselors/ health aides
* losing computer classes
* pay portion for health insurance
* etc.

Each update from the state alleviates some of our district's pressure. A board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening since they have to approve of teacher contracts before they are handed out - they will be delivered April 15th since we have 30 days to sign and return.

They have decided that all day kindergarten will be funded whether the state funds it or not. They have also decided that computer classes will not be offered next year - teachers can sign out use of the computer lab and still take their class in. They have also decided against having teachers pay a portion of their health insurance - some were causing a stink about this since admin people receive family insurance at no cost.

I do know of several teachers who will not be receiving contracts next year - either first, second, or third year teacher - the district says they chose them based on performance but I'm not too sure about that. I know of three first year teachers keeping their job and two third year losing theirs.

I just keep thinking and praying that things start to turn around soon. God help us all!

Baseball!!!

2009-03-21T08:25:00.001-07:00

DIAMONDBACK FAN FEST!
FEBRUARY 7, 2009

We took the boys to Chase Field for this free event. There were a lot of people and the lines were long so we didn't do much. We took the Burr boys with us and they had fun. It was really weird being responsible for five kids instead of three. I felt like I was constantly counting heads. The little ones were afriad of all the people so they stayed real close to us. They did get to do a couple of things - one being an obstacle course against each other. We also stopped at the Team Shop and the boys now have their own baseball hats.

100TH POST!

2009-03-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Ok... I haven't fallen off the planet... although sometimes it seems so. Life with three boys has been absolutely wild. I had good intentions on posting more often, yet something came up or I was just addicted too much to facebook.

In the past month, Christopher turned TWO! We had his wellness check at the doctor. We are still watching his right ear as it is still slightly red from the last ear infection in January. If it doesn't clear up, we will have to go to an ear, nose, throat doctor. Been there before as both the twins had tubes (they both failed their hearing tests). Chris is just over thirty pounds (75th percentile) and over three feet tall (95th percentile). He has a ton more words lately (I'll post later all the words he is currently saying). He absolutely loves to follow his older brothers. Whatever they are doing, he wants to as well. Which can be good but also bad.

Other things that have been happening this month:

1. Matt and Jon have joined their first sports team - soccer. They had their first practice this past week - the team choose their name - the Monkeys. It is ironic since this is what I have always called them anyways. We won't have our first game for a couple weeks.

2. About three weeks ago, I was on the webcam talking to my mom with Chris on my lap, when I heard a clank and then scream. It was the type of scream that you knew someone was hurt. I put Chris down and went running. Matt decided to trip Jon and he landed teeth first into the glass coffee table. His two front teeth were pushed slightly back and bleeding. We got him calmed down and the bleeding stopped. I spoke to the oncall dentist as well as a neighbor who is a nurse. I ended up taking Jon to the dentist the next morning and they did x-rays. The root seemed to be fine so it was now just a waiting game. This past Monday, I took Jon back in since he complained of it hurting. The one tooth was starting to discolor and I had concerns. He wasn't eating with it or talking normally anymore (he wouldn't let his tongue touch the back of the front teeth). Anyways... the dentist decided to pull the one that was causing the pain. So we had our first visit from the tooth fairy.

Lots more has happened but I'll save that for the next post! Enjoy!

UPDATE!

2009-03-04T19:46:00.001-08:00

Hi all bloggers... hope you haven't forgotten about me. I've been so busy with school and just life in general. I promise to do an updated post within the next day or two. My grades are due on Friday so I'll be pretty busy till then... please stay tuned!

Interview Questions

2009-02-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Stacy gave me my five interview questions. So here goes:

1. What do love most about being a mommy of those adorable boys?
I love when they give me hugs and I don't even have to ask for them. I love when they help each other. I love that they are very respectful and show the value of things like I've taught them. I love when I hear my words coming right back to me ("I know, mom. You've said it a 150 times.")

2. What do you look forward to 2009?
I look forward to continuing on my exercise regime. My goal is to fit into ALL size 16's and maybe some 14's. I'm looking forward to the twins starting kindergarten in the fall. I'm looking forward to this recession to come to an end.

3. How did you and Chad meet?
It was fall 1989. I was going to see my boyfriend at the nearby basketball court. We tried to set his friend Chad up with my best friend, Heather. However, it didn't end that way. Chad ended up liking me so Joe got dumped and Heather and I weren't friends for about three years. Chad and I dated for two months before he dumped me. We were still friends and would go out occasionally. But junior year of college, I called him; we went out and have been together ever since. Heather and I started talking again our senior year of high school. She ended up being my maid-of-honor.

4. Which is more important, respect of your children or your parents?
That is a tough question. Since my children are so young, I'm struggling with still listening to my parents. However, as my children grow older, I would say their respect is more important. Children have a tendency to listen to their parents if they respect them.

5. What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is to not be there for my children - to have my life taken from me early. I fear raising my children alone. I fear not being able to provide for my children's needs.

To play along: 1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." 2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions). 3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

REFLECTION ON PAST EXPERIENCE

2009-01-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

A fellow blogger just had their baby - baby #3 - and it got me thinking. I remember the whole ordial with having the twins. I remember working the whole day then having my doctor's appointment only to be sent immediately to the hospital due to very high quanity of protein in my urine (off the charts) and high blood pressure. I remember having an emergency c-section at 8:00 that evening. I remember the scary feeling of what was happening. I remember not hearing Matt cry until Jon was already out and crying. I remember Matt turning blue in daddy's arms and being wisked away. I remember myself in the recovery room while daddy was following the boys and me not knowing what was going on. I was fine so I wanted him to be with them. That next 24 hours was hell (excuse my language). I was in one room, Jon was in transition, and Matt was in NICU.

However, I remember having Chris - we picked the date and the time. It just felt so much more relaxed. Was it because I knew what to expect? or because I knew when to expect it? Chris came out crying, and had no issues with breathing. I was the one with issues from the anesthesia.

Two totally different experiences - totally different feelings - totally different results.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well... it is finally New Year's Eve. It seems like 2008 went by in a flash. When I think of all that happened this year, I'm amazed that I lived through - with only a few gray hairs.

January started with my sixth grade class trip to Lake Pleasant. With Christopher just under a year old, I was worried how daddy would handle all three boys by himself for three days. Luckily mom and my brother came out that week and were able to help. February was celebration time - Christopher's 1st birthday. I love to look back and see all that he can do now that he couldn't do a year ago. May was when we had the boys tested for early entry kindergarten. Their birthday is two days past the cut-off. After we looked at how well or not so well they did, Chad and I decided it would be better if they waited a year. I didn't want them to be the youngest and have to struggle so through school. September was special in that Matthew and Jonathon turned five. October was special since all three boys dressed as super heroes. Matt and Jon loved to get candy and Chris just loved to knock on people's doors. December was filled with saving Christmas ornaments from Chris's destruction and presents galore.

The rest of the year was filled with celebrations, time outs, hair pulling, hitting, hugging, cursing, helping, loving, etc. Here's to a joyous and healthy 2009!

My goals for 2009:

1. Since I already down a dress size, my first goal is to get down one more to a 14!

2. Secondly, try to spend more quality time with the boys - teaching them useful thing

3. I know there are lots more things but I want to set realistic goals... not just goals to make it through each day without murdering someone or something.

Here I am in my size 16's! Woohoo!

OFFICIALLY BREAK TIME!

2008-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Finally... Christmas break is here... never thought I'd make it this far. I'm supposed to be relaxing but seem more tense and stressed now than I did last week before grades were due. argh... Several things to take care of tomorrow and get off my plate then I can focus on enjoying my boys these next two weeks. I have some things I would like to work on over break - number one being the boys' scrapbooks.

Here are some pics I took this morning of the boys in front of the tree...

10 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the countdown has begun. The boys are so excited - not just about receiving presents, not just the fact that they will be staying home for three weeks, but also because it will be Jesus's birthday. Especially Jon, he is so excited that he gets to help Jesus celebrate his birthday. I have the manger set up on my side glass table - it was a set that I made many years ago. I always wanted a set that the baby Jesus was a separate piece so that I could create a special family tradition on Christmas eve. The boys have loved this tradition so far in that they help put the baby in the manger and we say a special family prayer.

Anyways, I bought an advent countdown at Crackerbarrel today... I know it's late but the boys are still enjoying the daily chocolate. I had totally forgotten about this until I saw it today.

Chad and I took the day off today so that we could get some shopping done. We actually picked up most of our Christmas presents. Hope the holidays are being nice to everyone else. I'll keep the countdown going... till then... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

specialmommyteacher

2008-12-08T20:18:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

DECEMBER 2008

2008-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

I know I made a promise to post more often but again life got in the way. Let's see since Thanksgiving day, we have totally cleaned out the garage - Chad took a ton of stuff over to Goodwill to donate. We will the garbage can and recycle can with stuff. Then we had to clean and organize in the office since of course stuff came in...

The house is now decorated and I will be posted some pics this week of that.

Chris is now in a toddler bed as you see here. The very first night was rough but after that he has done a great job. I have kept the same bedtime routine so he knows what to expect and doesn't try to just follow me out of the room (he did that the second night, but I nipped that right away).

We went to Walmart today and the boys had their picture taken with Santa. He was over a half an hour late arriving... so mom and dad were getting annoyed. Up until today, boys kept saying they were still thinking about what to ask Santa for Christmas. Well today they finally decided... we'll see if Santa can fullfill their dream... lol.

We also set up the camera and tripod and took some family pics today. They were too bad. Didn't really my face was having a reaction today - guess my rosacea is acting up. But overall, the pic looks good.

Well, off to bed. I lost two pounds this week so that is great news!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow bloggers. My family and I will be spending a quiet day here at home. We already did the big turkey dinner on Sunday when my husband's brother and kids and girlfriends and boyfriends could come over. They left on Monday for California so we had to do it early. Which is perfectly fine with me since we can now enjoy a nice long weekend as a family.
I am thankful for my husband and my three beautiful little boys. I'm thankful for Chad being such a wonderful father. I'm thankful for the Lord helping me become a wonderful mother. I'm thankful for the gorgeous house that God has provided for us. I'm thankful for both my husband and I having recession-free jobs (me a teacher and him in accounting). I'm thankful for having such a wonderful mother who raised me to be the person I am today. I'm thankful for a mother whom is now my best friend. I'm thankful for having such wonderful friends (Eric and Lori) whom are always there when we need them, and vice versa. I'm thankful for being healthy and starting to make the right choices to be good looking again.

I'm thankful for having common sense - when it seems most of today's children don't. I'm thankful for having God in my life and walking every step with me. I'm thankful for living in a neighborhood where the neighbors care about each other and their property. I'm thankful for having three boys who, for the most part, are very well behaved. I'm thankful for having three great teachers as part of my team who value each other's opinion. I'm thankful for having a husband and family who love me for who I am.

I have already been pulling more Christmas decorations out of the garage this morning - since it is only twenty eight days away. I'm only pulling in a little at a time so that I don't feel overwhelmed and I can place things as I do it. I never liked how we did it in the past and pull all the bins and everything in the house first, then decorated. Always felt like a disaster area until we were done.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and is thankful for everything they have.

GRANDMA JEAN

2008-11-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

Today marks one year since my grandmother has passed away. Last November, Jean Genshiemer suffered from a brief but painful illness of MRSA. She was hospitalized immediately as they were unsure of the origin of her pain. Antibiotics were tired but unsuccessful. The illness was at a point where medicine could not help her. Our only option was to make her comfortable.

My grandmother was very important to me. My grandmother was the type of person who always wanted to keep her mind in shape. Every Sunday's newspaper has a crossword puzzle which she would work on. She finished each puzzle almost every time.

I remember growing up, every time I visited her house, she had cookies inside a container in the microwave. I remember once a week, my grandma would thoroughly clean the house - this included wiping down the couch and chairs.

I liked spending the night at their house when I was little. However, when I did this, there was a rocking chair in the sewing room (where the guest bed was) and it had a scary looking face on the top of the chair. I always made them move the chair out of the room while I slept.

I remember a time when I was about ten years old that my brother and I traveled to Niagara Falls with my grandparents. We went up the tower and we started to get into the elevator but not everyone was ready so we decided to wait until the next one came around. However, my brother still got on and the doors started to close. My grandmother reached into the elevator because she didn't want Brian to get stuck in there all by himself. Then later as we were walking down the sidewalk, I was holding her hand and she turned her ankle and started to fall (the grass area next to us was a decline), but I kept hold of her hand and wouldn't let her fall down the hill. She would always say that I saved her that day.

As a teenager growing up, my grandparents lived less than a block away. During this time, as most teenagers do, I had many an argument with my parents. It was nice having my grandmother so close. There were many evenings I went to her house and she helped me talk through things.

I am so grateful that she met all three of her great grandchildren before she passed away. I am so glad that my mother helped them travel out to see me in Arizona several years ago.

SICK BABY...

2008-11-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today started as any normal day... we woke up, got ready, came downstairs and grabbed our morning snack. Christopher wanted the same thing the boys were having. He ate his pop tart and then we put on our shoes and walked to the car. Arrived at day care, Chris and the boys instantly went in and started playing. I drove to school and as the bell rang, the phone rang as well. It was day care. After breakfast this morning, Chris threw up five times. I called the office and asked for a substitute as soon as they could.

By the time I arrived at day care, Chris was sleeping on the floor. I brought him home and he just lounged on the couch till he finally fell back to sleep. Even when he woke up an hour later, he was still very lethargic. Didn't want to eat, but he at least drank some water. He wanted to cuddle with me some more. Then it was a couple turnaround... he got up, grabbed crackers out of the pantry - ate and wanted to play with me.

I finally was able to put him down for a nap about 2:30. It is now after 4 and he is still sleeping. I hate to wake him up but I am going to have to since I still after to pick up the other boys from day care... Oh well... I'll keep you posted.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

2008-11-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

I started the day off thinking of all the men and women whom have fought for our country - specifically my grandfather. Grampa Herbie fought during WWII and shared many a story with us. He passed away in March 2002. I know that he watches over us every day but I still really miss him. I sometimes regret the fact that we waited to have our children and him not being alive to meet them. But deep down I know that he's met them. When the twins were born, Matthew had issues with breathing so he stayed in the NICU. When I was released from the hospital, I went down to tell Matthew that I would be back to see him and their was a rocking chair next to him. I had this really strong feeling that Grampa Herbie was sitting there taking care of my baby - the scariest part of that feeling is Matt's full name is Matthew Herbert. When my mother came to stay with me and the new babies, she stopped by the hospital, as it was on the way home. By the time she arrived at the house, she was in tears since she had that same feeling.

My grandfather was the type of man whom put everyone and everything before him. He loved to sit on the front porch and wave to everyone that passed. My grandfather is someone I look up to and want to live my life to the fullest - just like he did. To this entry I devote to my grandfather - Herbert Ferdinand Genshiemer. I love you!

HAPPY MONDAY!

2008-11-10T04:44:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone. Just wanted to check in to wish you all a happy week. I have tomorrow off from school so I am planning on attending water aerobics at the gym... :-)

I've been thinking about you all and am going to make a greater effort to keep you updated on things. My fitness has been going well. Pounds really haven't been coming off but I am seeing difference in my butt line in my abs and my pants are fitting better (I can actually fit into that size 16 again).

Boys have been doing well. I still wish Chris's two year molars would start popping through. There are times he is so cranky. We have had the start of the language explosion this week. Day care placed him in the two year room and it has had great affects. Just in the last week, I've heard him counting to five, and say some new words - daddy, cookie, co (cold), and ba (bad). All the different sounds that he has been mimicking are becoming more pronounced.

More later...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the gym... took the water aerobics class today. Felt really good. I have my trainer scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully next week will be back to normal and I can in my workouts again. Here is a pic from last night!

Then this was from this morning... all three reading their Leap Frog games together!

TRAINING UPDATE...

2008-10-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry so long between posts... life has been busy. I wanted to post my workouts for the past week...

Sunday 10/19 one hour w/ trainer - circuit training

Tuesday 10/21 cross country team - walk

Thursday 10/23 walk around neighborhood with Lori

Friday 10/24 cross country team - walk along trail

Saturday 10/25 water aerobics at Lifetime Fitness

Sunday 10/26 one hour w/ trainer - however cancelled so worked out with hubby

I was pretty sore after Sunday so I rested on Monday. Then Tuesday afternoon, I had a parent meeting that ran late so I missed cross country practice. I am planning on doing the treadmill tonight.

I am starting to get that feeling of being overwhelmed again. Last weekend was really busy so I didn't get the laundry done or all my usual cleaning. So this week I feel behind. I also have grades that I haven't corrected from last week. With Friday being Halloween, I wanted to have the boys make little candy holders for their teachers... haven't done that yet... will try to get some of it done tonight. I came home today and while I was eating, I was also standing doing the dishes. The boys helped me by emptying the dishwasher and now I've loaded it again.

At daycare today, the teachers talked to me about Chris's behavior. Apparently he has been hitting other children so they are going to be putting him into the two year room. But while I was standing there waiting to leave, two other little kids were pushing Jon around. So I made sure I brought that up that apparently it isn't just Chris. So we'll see how it goes tomorrow.

I have to share a pic I took of Chris hugging Jon... it was so cute... it started as just a hug but Jon ended up falling over... LOL!

SORE!

2008-10-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my first one hour with the personal trainer on Tuesday. I was REALLY sore yesterday afternoon and it was difficult walking up the stairs - as by last night I was close to tears. Today, it is an overall soreness. It is actually a little easier getting into the seated position as I'm not wincing in pain - especially when you have to use the restroom - ouch! I have my second visit with the personal trainer tomorrow so hopefully I won't be as sore after that. I am fully aware that in the beginning I will have soreness. But my muscles haven't been trained like that in a long time. I had a personal trainer about six years ago, then I found out we were pregnant so I decreased my workouts. Then the morning sickness began and I stopped completely. Until recently, I just haven't had the time to really focus on my fitness.

I have reached an ultimate low with myself. I guess I reached it a while ago but just didn't want to admit it. Ever since I started walking again, I have felt so much better about myself. My clothes are already fitting differently. I know that I can't expect immediate results. It took me a long time to get to where I was, it will take a while to get to my final goal. So I will be setting small goals for myself. My first goal is lose ten pounds (the amount of weight I still have on from Christopher's pregnancy). Then I will work on the next ten (which is the amount I gained from the twins' pregnancy - I actually gained twenty during the first six months but I lost ten right after they were born).

FREE ASSESSMENT

2008-10-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I had my free assessment at the gym yesterday. Some numbers I was already aware of but some aren't bad at all...

I stepped on the scale and of course it read 213 with my height of 5' 6", that gives me a BMI of 34.4 which is in the obese class I. I had already known that.

Cardiovascular - Max VO2 number is 31.2 which is in the fair range. I knew I had troubles as that is one of my goals. The higher I can increase this number, the more calories I will burn - bye bye fat!

Bicep Strength is 53 which is in the average range - thanks to three boys that like to be picked up!

Sit and Reach - tests my flexibility - number is 13.8 which is in the fair range. I had always considered myself flexible but this number proves otherwise. She said most people are actually in the poor range (which Chad is also in... he he he).

Body Composition - 48.3 which is very high... I'll get that down as I increase my cardiovascular and lose some fatty tissue.

Overall Fitness - 40 which is the borderline for fair and average... not bad for just getting back to exercising.

I have a free one hour session with the personal trainer on Tuesday afternoon. She will give me some tips and show me some things to do. I'm also going to look at the aerobic programs they have.

FALL!

2008-10-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! It was only 74 here yesterday... amazing. The heat actually came on last night since the temp is currently 48 outside. Supposed to be in the 70s again today but then it is going to go back to the normal temp around 90 by midweek. So I guess in a one week period of time, we will go from air conditioning, to heat, back to air conditioning again. LOL!

This week did not start very well. I was on my way to school on Monday when I had a red warning light in my van telling me I had low brake fluid. As my hubby will atest, I fear brake trouble. So I called him trying to convince him to switch cars with me. But he didn't. I made it to school and called the Pontiac service dept. I ended up taking it to them right after school. Within forty five minutes, they had an estimate and a list of things that were wrong. My back brake pads needed replaced. There was a leak of brake fluid into the back cylinders so they were damaged. Plus they found a leak of transmission fluid in the front left axle. So a thousand dollars later, my van is fixed again. I had to leave it over night so luckily Chad was able to leave work early on Monday afternoon to come pick us up. Chad took the boys to school on Tuesday and I received a ride from one of my fellow teachers.

Today, I'm off to the gym. I receive a free assessment from the personal trainers with my membership so we'll see what they say!

IS IT FALL FINALLY?

2008-10-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? We have had the windows open ALL day long... it is just beautiful today. It was cloudy and actually had a few sprinkles. I just hope that the temp stays below one hundred after this system passes.

I could only participate with the cross country team once this week as I suffered again from illness - this time it was the stomach flu... yuck! Luckily no vomitting was involved.

I wanted to share some pictures from recent...

Christopher joined daddy on the floor to stretch...

Christopher studying his magnets intently... it was the first day for his new behavior chart.

The table is set for fall! Those are my new dishes!

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

2008-09-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

OK... to those that have been around with me for a while will remember what I did last year. Well, I did it again this year. I have joined the cross country team. One of my team members is actually the coach so I just bring up the rear. Today we did about 1.8 miles around north lake, however, the hardest part was the temperature - was over 100 degrees today. ARGH! Will summer ever end?

On another note... we had a great weekend with my father who came to visit for a couple days. Boys conned him into taking them to the toy store so that he could buy them another Thomas Train.

Jonathon & Matthew are FIVE YEARS OLD!

2008-09-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Wow! In just a short amount of time, we have grown so much. Our birthday was actually on September 2nd, but we have been so busy to post. Gramma and Papa, Uncle Brian and Bridget came over Labor Day weekend to help us celebrate. We took them to the splash park and the zoo. Last weekend, we went up to Uncle Scott and Melissa's house for dinner. Then yesterday we had our birthday party with friends. There were sixteen additional kids at our house. We had a blast. It was a ball theme and we had games that we played. We even went into the backyard for a ball hunt, then we threw them at each other.

We are becoming so independent. Every morning, we dress ourselves and even pick out our own clothes. Then we brush our teeth and make our beds. We have even mastered the idea of taking a shower, but still working on rinsing the soap out of our own hair. We are learning the difference between left and right and can even count up to twenty, sometimes more but we usually skip numbers after that.

We are learning the rules of games and love to play outside. Our favorite sports are soccer, basketball, hockey, tag, and even duck-duck-goose.

Our vocabulary has grown immensely. Most of the time we are very polite and well behaved. We like to yell at each other and others when someone else does something wrong, even mom or dad.

Look at the number of kids...

Next years Kindergarten class!

Jon & Matt w/ Gramma and Papa

Jon, Uncle Brian, Chris, Gramma, Papa, Bridget, Matthew, and myself on the floor

CHRISTOPHER IS EIGHTEEN MONTHS OLD!

2008-08-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! My half birthday was actually yesterday but I wanted to wait till I got back from the doctor today. Currently I weigh 28 pounds and am 2'10" tall. I am in the 95th percentile for height and 75th for weight. Doctor said everything physically looked good. However, she is slightly concerned with my lack of vocabulary. I don't say much but I understand alot of what you say. I do say some words... mama, mah (more), ah d (all done), ya ya ya, da (dog), ball, go go go (usually when we are having a car race), dada (sometimes), and oh boy (my favorite)... I love to wave goodbye and my favorite is blowing kisses - I love to help mommy do it too by taking my hand to her mouth.

I love to climb on everything - especially the couch and slide off the arm. I am even getting better with climbing the stairs, however, it takes so much time to come down them that I have found if I sit at the top and cry, someone will come and get me.

I absolutely love french fries. If we are having these with dinner, mommy has to make sure I eat something else before they even come into sight because then I won't eat anything else but. Forks and spoons are still bothersome to me - I'd rather use my fingers. But cups are cool, unless I'm done, then I just dump out the rest. Mommy took the bedtime bottle away from me last week but I don't seem to mind. Sippie cups are a lot of work so I just chew on the top so then they just spill everywhere.

Books, books... I love books. Usually I'm really good with them. I love looking at all the pictures and colors. I even have some that make sounds. I love blocks - building and destroying! I love trains and cars and trucks - just like my brothers.

Well... it's past my bedtime. I promise to check in soon. Bye!

HAPPY 12TH ANNIVERSARY!

2008-08-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

August 10, 1996 - the day we said "I do"... can't believe that was twelve years ago. Well my wonderful husband wrote me a poem. I thought I'd share it with you all...

The Light of You

The light of your eyes,
Drives out all the darkness,
Illuminating my life,
Is your overwhelming tenderness

The light of your smile,
Brings me joy so profound,
To know I’m so loved,
With laughter’s beautiful sound

The light of your touch,
Always brings me to my knees,
Seeking your loving caress,
As summer does a cool breeze

The light of your heart,
Shows what God allows to be,
The purity of his love,
By bringing together you and me

The light of your soul,
Drives the shadows away,
You are the everlasting beacon,
That I follow every single day

My love for you shall never surrender,
For you are the light of my life.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

2008-08-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been doing a lot of writing and a lot thinking. This next month, we will reach some milestones - Chris will be 18 months and Matt and Jon will be turning 5. I wanted to write down all that has happened to change our lives forever... so here is part of the story!

Where do I begin… how about January 3, 2003, the day I knew we have just made a baby (little did we know). I started to feel signs of pregnancy about two weeks later – nauseous, soreness. I called my doctor to set up an appointment the end of January. I received the referral and started with my OB. When we heard the heartbeat, I asked if they heard an echo at all. They did not; they insisted there was only one. I was skeptical since there were twins in my family (almost every generation in my fathers and every third in my mothers and I was it). Things were going well so far. Spring break changed all that. On Wednesday morning, I started vomiting and it became continuous. By Friday morning, my OB called in a prescription for me. The medicine helped! I would have to continue this medicine throughout the pregnancy.

I had my first ultrasound scheduled for the beginning of May. Chad met me at the office and we went in together. Instantly, the technician had this look on her face and stated, “Do you see what I see?” We became very worried at this point; we couldn’t tell what she was looking at. You need to be trained in order to figure anything out on those computers. Finally, after probing from us, she said, “there’s one; and there’s another…” And paused… both Chad and I got really worried that she was going to find more. We both yelled “stop!” She laughed, but she wanted to make sure she didn’t see anything else. She excused herself for just a minute. We were the last appointment of the day and she needed to call her ride to let them know she’d be late. Twins take up twice as much time since there are two babies to look over. Everything looked great. My mom called during the appointment but we wouldn’t give her any details. Chad kept laughing and I just cried. I didn’t know what else to do. We were just in so much shock.

That summer was busy with planning and preparing. I flew home to Pennsylvania to see my family, as I did every summer. Both sides scheduled baby showers. I shipped most of the stuff home (whatever wouldn’t fit in the suitcases). Some family members actually sent the items here which helped me a lot. During the flight, I made one of the flight attendants very nervous. The boys kept kicking me and of course since I was carrying twins, I was already big. I was prepared though; I had a signed note from my doctor stating my week and that I was safe to travel.

I remember taking the prenatal classes. There was another woman there who was also expecting twins. Anytime we laid on the floor to do our breathing exercises, she would have contractions, but they would stop if she laid on her side. Well, I started doing the same thing. Anytime I laid on my back, I would have the Braxton hicks.

Beginning of August, I started back to teaching and that was when the swelling started. I know I made the head of maintenance very nervous. Phoenix started to have a gasoline shortage because of a pipeline break. People would stand in line for two or more hours just to fill their tank. Both Chad and I made sure that ours never went below halfway, just in case. I remember standing at a gas pump at Safeway, after having been in line for half an hour, and several people kept looking over at me; guess some of them were a little nervous at the sight of a nine month pregnant person rubbing her stomach while pumping gasoline. Anytime we had a staff meeting, my principal insisted each time that I had an extra chair and my feet up. Guess that shows that I made more people nervous.

5 YEAR BIRTHDAY PICS!

2008-07-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I took the boys over to Picture Me Photography located in Walmart. They usually do a great job as we've been having them do our Christmas pics for the past couple of years. However, this time, the boys seemed to be fighting us and making wierd faces or looking away as they would smile. These are the pics that we got that didn't look too bad...

Matt & Jon Jonathon

Matthew Matthew, Jonathon, & Christopher

Jon & Matt Jonathon

Matthew

LIVING ROOM REMODEL

2008-07-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

We have been in the new house for a year now. We had our one year walk thru and only had some minor things that needed changed. We strongly believe that you need to live in a place for a while to see how you want things decorated. Each place we have lived in, it seems we focus on different colors. When we first got married, we lived in a townhouse in Erie, PA, and we decorated things in teal. When we moved to Phoenix, AZ, we started in an apartment and just kept the same furniture and decorations. When we built our first house, the color started to slowly change to a soft green (more sagelike). Teal just didn't seem to fit. Now that we have built our dream home, the green just doesn't seem to fit. I still add some things with sage green in as accents but the focus is shades of brown. Our master bedroom is half painted in a chocolate brown (didn't want to paint the whole room that color so only focused on one wall).

Anyways, we finally found the perfect color for the living room/dining room. Since this is the first room you see when you walk in the door, I wanted this room done and to feel nice and welcoming warm. I think we succeeded. I also wanted to beat Chad and adding pics before he did (Musings from the Desert).

MISSING IN ACTION AGAIN...

2008-07-22T08:57:00.001-07:00

Sorry to have seemed to have disappeared on you. I have working on a writing piece. I am putting into words some of my thoughts and feelings about having kids and the experience that I have gone through. Plus having to deal with three boys each day doesn't leave me much time to do that...
I wanted to share a couple of pictures that I have taken recently...

SNAIL HUNT

2008-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Goin on a snail hunt... going on a snail hunt...
I'm not afraid... I'm not afriad...
I've got my spoon... I've got my spoon...
and I've got my bag... and I've got my bag...

uh oh... there's more!

Anyone who's been to camp when they were a kid know this song - I just changed the lyrics from a lion hunt. Somehow a lone little snail hitched a ride on something into our fish tank. And those of you who know anything about little snails - they multiply faster than rabbits.

We now have at least a hundred in the tank. Anyway, I have a thought of genious... there's no way to get rid of the snails without killing the fish (with bleach), but I thought what about just start scooping them out. I got a little sandwich baggie so that I could seal the top and a spoon, and just started having fun.

Now it's kind of like the movie Toy Story when all the toys watch the claw and hope they get picked... well, each time I get near the tank, there are a bunch more snails that have meandered their way to the top... watch out boys, here comes the spoon!

TOP TEN REASONS I LOVE HAVING TWINS!

2008-07-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

I stole this from a moms of multiples board that I frequent... but I wanted to save it for later use in the boys' scrapbook...

10. Whenever I have a rough day, I take the boys out and hear, “I don’t know how you do it.”
9. I rarely feel bad about my parenting because there’s usually one happy (control) kid.
8. My husband and I never have to share “the” kid. With two, we get as much kid time as we want.
7. If I can’t decide between two cute outfits, I buy them both.
6. Taking care of one kid feels ridiculously easy.
5. Most behavior (not showering, forgetting to call someone) can be explained by, “I have twins!”
4. “Can you change that poopy diaper? I’m busy with the other kid.”
3. Double the hugs, kisses, and laughter.
Tied for first: Baby A (Matt) and Baby B (Jon)!

Fun in the Sun!

2008-07-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

You can tell by the pics that all three had a lot of fun... the middle pic shows all three boys playing in one of the sprinklers (Kimmy, Eric's daughter, is right next to them). We have been there three times in the past two weeks. Boys keep asking when we are going back...

Only problem is Matthew seems to be allergic to this sunscreen as well. I've had him take a shower after the last two times - if he sweats after we get home, then he will develop the rash on his face and neck... going to ask the dr @ their five year checkup.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend!

BUSY WEEK

2008-06-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ok... so it has been a very busy week. Last weekend my mother came out to visit. I just love it when she comes out. We always seem to get projects done that I can't otherwise with three little ones under foot. We didn't get everything done that I wanted to... but there's always next time.

Anyways... it has taken me four days to write this post... life keeps getting in the way... a spoiled little one won't let me sit down for more than ten minutes without wanting to be right with me. He's playing trucks with his older brothers now, so I'm taking advantage.

Last Monday was my 34th birthday and I got to spend it with my family (mom was still here and Chad got off of work for the day)! I also went to the dentist this past weekend so they could redo a filling which was cracked and chipped. Thank goodness I did as it was all decayed on the inside. It has been very sensitive to cold things which sucks right now as I need iced drinks and ice cream to help keep me cool with the 114 degree temps!

Oh well... Chad helped set me up with bloglines.com so now I can keep track of other blogs and hope to have more time posting on here. Boys and I have been taking several morning walks a week... trying to keep that up as well...

DANCING MACHINE!

2008-06-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I was groovin to the 80's music channel while I was cleaning this afternoon. Well, Chris woke up from his nap and decided to dance with me... I was having so much fun dancing with him. He was so cute!

TWINS OR TRIPLETS?

2008-06-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ok... I'm not pregnant... nor will I ever be again... what I simply mean is do I already have twins, or do I have triplets (yet different ages)? Matt and Jon always do things together. But now I have this third little one who follows in their footsteps - wants to do EVERYTHING his brothers are doing. If they are playing with cars, he wants some. If they are playing trains, he has to play too. If they are sitting on my lap, he will come over, push them off and sit there instead. A long time ago, when the twins were little, Jon used to do this face that became known as "Grandma face" - just because he started to do it when she was around and the title just stuck. Well, low and behold, Chris started to do this face as well. I happened to capture a picture of all three doing the face...

EXERCISE

2008-05-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well... school is finally out. Now I can focus on myself and my family. The boys have been tagging along with me on my walks. They use their scooters and I become caddy with the water bottles.

Last night I went for a walk with Lori (Eric's wife). It was really nice to walk and not have to stop for a water break. We went 1.37 miles in 26 minutes - so really good pace. We waited till Christopher went to bed - that way it was a beautiful temperature.

We just ate breakfast, so as soon as it settles, we will be walk-bound again.

Just had to add something about the boys - one of the blogs I follow also has identical twin boys whom also are named Matt and Jon. She was talking about the interaction of twins and how they are becoming each other's best friend. So she got me thinking: I just love to watch the twin interaction. It's amazing the bond they have - not only because they shared a womb for nine months, not only because they share DNA, but because they are brothers and love each other. There will be times that they will do everything in their power to annoy the other one, but there will be plenty of times when they will be the shoulder the other one will need.

EXERCISE?

2008-05-10T20:05:00.001-07:00

Ok... so it wasn't your typical routine of anything... the day started with me having to park in the farthest parking lot from school - but then I had to get a gray cart from the school to empty all the snack bar stuff for the dance (which included water, soda, chips, candy, etc.). So this cart was filled... and did I mention I had to park the farthest away from school? So, I started the day off with getting my heart rate up. After school, we cleaned up the gym since aftercare left it a complete disaster and then we decorated it. The kids wanted a celebrity look alike theme... I went as the SAYBANATOR (as each group of kids seems to nickname me - not exactly sure why).

Anyways, I spent two hours on Friday evening, with about 65 sixth and seventh graders dancing the night away...

65 junior high kids,
music loud enough to pierce an ear drum,
enough energy to light Chase Field,
an evening away from the kids... priceless!

BACK TO EXERCISING!

2008-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok... I think I have reached an all time low... I hate the look of myself... can't stand seeing myself in pictures... can't understand why anyone wants to be around someone who doesn't care for themself... the problem is, I know I feel this way, yet everytime I think about doing something to change it - I totally crash and want to eat something with the most number of calories... I seem to always have an excuse for everything!

So I happened to say something to Chad again, and he reminded me to log everything - ON HERE! So I am... I put the boys to bed, after a massive temper tantrum from Matt - and came downstairs... I did ten minutes on the treadmill... I know ten minutes isn't anything, but it's a start. I haven't done anything in so long, I have to start somewhere. I set it at 2mph and kept it that way the whole ten minutes...

I figure if I log it here, hopefully this will keep me accountable... I just need moral support... Thx...

FUN AT THE PARK!

2008-05-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, last weekend I took the boys over to the big park... they all had a blast! Here's proof... oh and by the way, check out the bravest little one following in his brother's footsteps...

FUN IN THE SUN!

2008-04-26T16:40:00.001-07:00

As you can tell, Chris wasn't really interested in the water falling on his head. He liked it when he was in control and only getting his hands wet... but it was a reprieve from the heat today!

BLAH!

2008-04-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I've got the bug now... didn't sleep well last night... woke up this morning w/ 101 temp... I hope once I get better then my family will stay healthy... enough with this stupid flu bug... geesh!

FULL MOON!

2008-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

When the boys and I headed upstairs this evening to get ready for bed, I noticed something shining in the back windows... what a beautiful sight it was! I know pictures just don't do it justice but I had to share (I put my big zoom lens on to try to capture the details)...

Update on Life...

2008-04-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I have been missing in action for a little while... but wanted to let everyone know that I am doing ok. Things just have been crazy busy around here lately. First of all, I was on Spring Break for two weeks in March and did a lot of decorating with my mom while she was here... then it was Easter... then things got crazy again when I returned to school... last week my in-laws came for a visit and they will actually be here through Thursday... plus this week at school is AIMs testing... things won't actually calm down now till the end of May which means end of the school year! Boys are going for kindergarten testing on May 15th so hopefully their scores will be in the range so they can start in the fall...

Here are some picture updates of what's been going on:

MY FIRST EASTER EGG HUNT

SAYBAN FAMILY IN PHOENIX REUNION
(Cousin Jon Sayban, Grandpa Ed Sayban, Matt & Chris & Jon Sayban, Chad Sayban, Uncle Jon Sayban, and Scott Sayban)

MY NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
(I would climb up the stairs all by myself and then slide down... weeee!)

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE!

2008-03-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Chris is learning to self-feed... can't you tell? Everyone has a pic like this at some point in time. He was eating macaroni & cheese and had it ALL over his face... boy was he a mess...

Anyways... I kind of slacked off this last week as far as exercising... It was the last week before spring break and I was a little stressed. But we went on a family walk yesterday:

DISTANCE - 1.38 mi
TIME - 25:18
AVG PACE - 18:17/ mi
MAX SPEED - 4.6 mph

I think those are some awesome stats... what is amazing is the fact that the boys rode their bikes the whole way - and still had more energy to burn. Why can't adults be like that?

UPDATE!

2008-03-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ok... I have actually tried to sit down and post twice this week but life got in the way. I started out just like my plan - Sunday w/ dance cardio, Monday w/ treadmill... Tuesday I was very tired and decided to throw in an extra rest day - trying to keep myself healthy since Chad has been real sick... anyways - Wednesday I modified the schedule and went for a family walk (boys were on their three wheel bikes and I pushed Chris in the stroller which meant I was able to walk fast. Then Thursday came and I felt like crap - FLO came to visit... Friday wasn't much better but we went for another family walk today and daddy joined us this time.

We had a great day too... we started out with going to the Goodyear Safety Fair. Boys got to sit inside a fire truck and an ambulance and a street sweeper... plus we were able to see Ronald McDonald, the Oreo man, crash test dummy and motorcycle cops again. Last year one of the cycles lost control around a turn and fell over sideways - which totally made the boys day (they actually were talking about it again today) so we were interested to see if something else would happen. Guess what - it did! They were showing off and one stopped, then the next one but the third didn't and crashed into the middle one and broke his tail light... boy was that the finishing touch... here are some pics:

SCHEDULE

2008-02-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Ok... with this whole weight loss thing - I have been so overwhelmed. I would feel like I would never see the end and would then gorge on something since I felt like I could never succeed. I know... not the right thing to do. But I think I've figured out something that will help me. Instead of a weight goal of losing five pounds, I need to take it smaller than that. I need to take it a week at a time. So after tears this afternoon and talking to Chad about it, he suggested setting up a schedule of what I would like to do each evening. Sounds good - so here's a shot at success:

SUNDAY - Denise Austin Cardio Dance & Sculpt
MONDAY - Treadmill
TUESDAY - Pilates Crunch
WEDNESDAY - Treadmill
THURSDAY - Denise Austin Kickboxing
FRIDAY - REST
SATURDAY - Gilad

I will keep track of what I accomplish and will post again, hopefully with a success story.

CHRISTOPHER JAMES SAYBAN IS ONE YEAR OLD!

2008-02-13T16:48:00.001-08:00

CHRISTOPHER JAMES SAYBAN IS ONE YEAR OLD!

Wow... how time flies... Today is my special day. I woke up this morning and was allowed to open up a present. I wasn't sure what to do with the paper on the outside and was kind of afraid when the package started making fire truck sounds. But with my brothers' help, I was able to get it out and play. I see more presents on the table but I have to wait till dinner to open those.
Hmmm... one year already. It's amazing all the things I can do now - I can walk. I can squat. I'm trying to run. I babble constantly. I'm learning to feed myself. I love to eat the things my brothers' are eating. I love to play with cars, trucks, and trains. I follow my brothers everywhere. I can stand. I can hit. I can bite. I know my name. I know what I'm not supposed to do, but do it anyways. I'm learning to climb the stairs, but not sure how to get down. I love to wrestle.

My family is getting ready for a big party on Saturday. I can't wait - all these people are going to come to my house to see me.

Up till last week, I had four teeth on the bottom and only two on top. Within the last two days, my other top two teeth have both popped through and one of my molars on the bottom is really close to breaking the skin. I have had a hard time with nights but my mommy has been taking care of me.

There was a period of one week where my Grandma Marilyn and Uncle Brian were here to help as mommy had to go away on a class field trip. It was so nice to see them and to actually play on the floor with them. I am used to seeing them on the computer but not actually being able to touch them.

PEACE AND QUIET!

2008-02-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Ok... I better post... before my husband has a hissy fit... j/k... I have now convinced him that he should be my trainer. He has been helping me with exercising during the week. I have been mixing it up with walking and weights.

I actually took time for myself this afternoon and went for a walk while the boys were napping. It felt so good to be outside in this beautiful weather - but more importantly - by MYSELF! Wow... what a concept. It was so nice to enjoy the quiet neighborhood (with the occasional dog barking).

Planning is underway for the big ONE YEAR BASH! We are combining it with an open house - can't wait to show off the house!

TINKERING...

2008-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

TINKERING... that is what my husband says... so I guess I'll do some "tinkering" as well. I have officially hired him as my trainer. I have been asking him for a while to help me with a fitness regime but we both have slacked on our duties. This time he made sure that I would not get mad at him if he were to get strick with me. He was strict the first couple of days then slacked again, but I made sure tonight I did my crunches and more ab work after I put the boys to bed. That is pretty much the only time I have to exercise. The hardest part is going back downstairs, putting back on my shoes, and hopping on the treadmill. But I HAVE to... I am not happy with myself - I don't need to look the way I do. And the only way to change that is to exercise and lose the excess fat. I just need to be diligent... so here goes!

CHRISTOPHER IS ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!

2008-01-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

GUESS WHO... me again. It has been such a wonderful month with lots of things going on. First and most important was Santa! He came to my house... and boy did he think we were good boys this year. I had so much fun pulling the bows off all the presents. Then I started to get interested in finding out what was inside. I got one of these musical tables. I think my brothers actually play it more than I do... but I like to play it with them.

I have this crawling thing figured out and get along real fast so far, but I want to do what everyone else is doing. So on Saturday, December 29th, I started walking - sideways - but it was still movement on my feet. I like it so much that I continue to try and today I walk more than I crawl. I like to walk circles around the island in the kitchen. Makes mommy and daddy dizzy, but boy is it fun. Now that I can walk, my brothers are trying to do more things with me. I love to try to do everything that they do. Jon and Matt were drying the dishes this morning so when they were done, I grabbed the towels to help too.

Mommy is including a picture of me with my new "smile". You can see my two top teeth. Mommy asked Santa for my two front teeth and I got them both over the holidays! Now I'm up to six teeth.

Well... preparations are underway for a big ONE YEAR BASH! I'm so excited. Mommy tells me that I get to eat cake. I wonder what this tastes like. I really like cheerios, Kix, crackers, even Macaroni and cheese. I love to try to eat whatever is on my brothers' plates. It's fun to try new things. Well... I have lego towers to destroy... till next month!

2007 IN REVIEW

2007-12-31T13:34:00.000-08:00

WOW... WHAT A YEAR!

JANUARY 2007

* 8months pregnant - feeling the little monkey doing somersalts in there

* not allowed to go on Desert Survival because we would have been over an hour away from the hospital (it is our 6th grade class field trip)

FEBRUARY 2007

* stopped working a couple days before the scheduled delivery

* birth of our 3rd child - Christopher

* my mom came out to help me take care of the boys for two weeks

* husband starting running again

MARCH 2007

* life is so much different with three children than it was with two

APRIL 2007

* my brother, Brian, and his girlfriend, Bridget, fly out here to be godparents to baby Christopher; my parents came out as well to help celebrate

* celebrated Easter with my family; colored eggs with the boys and played Easter games

* my husband finished his "first" triathlon

* returned to work the end of April - couldn't stay away any longer

MAY 2007

* thankfully I did lesson plans and had everything printed up - makes the last month that much easier

* finished the school year before Memorial Day

JUNE 2007

* had to take a summer class, SEI - luckily it was held on our school campus

* decided to walk through the neighborhood we were interested in moving to

* the house was priced so well, we signed the deal the next day - THEN we put our house up on the market

* hard to pack with three little kids under foot

* closing was scheduled for the day before I left on vacation (which had already been bought and paid for well before this)

JULY 2007

* paid for an airline ticket for my brother to fly home with me to help us move

* watched our best friends, Eric and Lori, complete their 1st triathlon

AUGUST 2007

* started back to school

SEPTEMBER 2007

* had a really hard time getting used to working full time and being a mommy of three

* did a one mile fun run as a family

* celebrated the boys' 4th birthday

OCTOBER 2007

* 1st Halloween in the new house - celebrated with neighborhood party beforehand

NOVEMBER 2007

* had Thanksgiving dinner w/ friends

* lost my Grandmother to MRSA (skin infection)

* traveled to PA with Chris to celebrate her life

* husband tripped over gate at bottom of stairs and has not been able to run

DECEMBER 2007

* enjoyed our 1st Christmas as a family of 5

* enjoyed decorating the new house

* relaxed and took in all the joys of the holidays

* helped my husband "mend" after his 24 hr race

WOW - HERE'S TO A NEW YEAR WITH NEW EXPERIENCES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed this special day. I surely did... it all started last night with going to church with my family. There were so many people there that we had to stand. We said a special prayer over the manger as we placed baby Jesus in it. We then put out cookies and milk for Santa. We lit all the candles in the windows to welcome Jesus.

This morning, my brothers were so excited (Jon was up at 4:30). When we came downstairs, there were presents EVERYWHERE! I loved taking the bows off everyone's present. I didn't figure out the wrapping paper stuff until much later.

We all took turns and opened a present at a time. Then said thank you to each and everyone in the room - especially SANTA! I just love all the new toys I got - I especially love the ones that my brothers got. They are so cool! They like my toys too so I guess we'll share.

Well, I'm exhausted. I had a pretty exciting day. Mommy and daddy says the year is almost over and we are planning a small party. I'll let you know all about that one later.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love, Christopher

CHRISTOPHER IS TEN MONTHS OLD!

2007-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'M BACK... getting close to this big party everyone keeps talking about... Well, I've had a pretty exciting month. I now have four teeth - all on the bottom. Mommy keeps saying that she sees something on top but nothing has come through... maybe they don't actually exist. I have almost perfected this standing thing and I'm getting braver in that I "lean" onto one leg before I fall down. I see everyone else up on their feet and I want to do the same.

I love all the lights and decorations. I haven't bothered the tree or the train because there is this big fence in the way. But when my brothers are playing the train, I stand along the fence thinking of a plan to get in. I'll figure it out someday.

Speaking of getting in... I love cabinets... anything that opens and closes. Mommy, Daddy, even my brothers tell me NO when I get into something I shouldn't. So when I open a cabinet, I look around to see who is watching me. But the other night I wanted in so badly that I opened the door and instantly grabbed the plate that was sitting there, however, it was too heavy and I dropped it... bye bye platter! oops! Then I turn around and see mommy looking over me and I gave her the sad puppy eyes that said I was sorry. She fell for it but I also got moved into another room.

I actually took a plane ride back to Pennsylvania. Mommy and I had to go say goodbye to my Great Grandmother - she was a wonderful woman whom I glad I had a chance to meet. She'll never be forgotten since she's an angel now and I see them everywhere. I was such a good boy in church since the angels were all watching me. They are everywhere! Even on the plane ride home, mommy and I saw clues that let us know they were there with us every step of the way. But I had a chance to spend some time with my Grandma, Papa, Uncle Brian and Aunt Bridget. There was snow outside and I couldn't do anything about it. I had to stay inside because my mommy said so. I was a little sick and wheezing - boy I'm getting sick of this asthma thing already.

Well... I have stuff to destroy... till next month!

Love, Chris

CHRISTOPHER IS NINE MONTHS OLD!

2007-11-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

IT'S ME AGAIN! I know this is a day late but I have had a really busy month. I have perfected this crawling thing. I move really fast from one side of the house to the other. I have been pulling myself up on EVERYTHING! I see everyone else standing and am trying to figure out how to do it on my own. I am even working on this walking thing too... but I have to have something to hold on to. LOOK OUT WORLD HERE I COME!

We went as a family to the Wildlife World Zoo. The animals didn't interest me as much as what my brothers were doing. I love to watch them and try to do things just like them.

Their toys just fascinate me. I try to investigate everything that they have played with. There are certain things though that they won't let me know. Guess they've talked to mommy because she won't let me touch everything either. But I get her back - her refrigerator will never be clean for long periods of time. She cleaned the front of it yesterday and I came right up behind her and put my handprints all over it again. :-)

Oh and Halloween was so exciting. I loved going around the neighborhood with the boys. But I got tired of just riding in the stroller so I got cranky and wanted to be held. This way I walked up to all front doors with Jon and Matt... till I fell asleep in Daddy's arms...

I even had my first haircut. I was always being called a girl when we would go places. I guess people just assumed since I have two older brothers. I just don't understand it... I always wear boy clothes and trust me... I act all boy!

Anyways... here are some pics of me and all I'm getting into... till next month! Chris :-)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2007-11-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

Sorry this is late... check out the cuteness!

CHRISTOPHER IS EIGHT MONTHS OLD!

2007-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Wow... look at me... I can move! I love to chase my brothers around the house. I really want to play with the toys they have but sometimes they run away. I don't understand why I can't do what they are doing. They keep going up these things that mommy tries to keep me away from (I think they call them stairs). I have managed to climb one but then couldn't figure out how to get down. I tried to help mommy in the kitchen the other night and managed to climb up to help her but she wouldn't let me help. I was trying to get to where she was but she was laughing so hard and then pulled me off the door - this is where mommy was putting the dirty dishes.

I love to play with the scale on the floor in mommy and daddy's bathroom. It says I'm over twenty-four pounds already. I'm wearing 18mth outfits and continue to grow. I still only have two teeth on the bottom - the top ones are struggling to come through and boy do they hurt.

CHECK OUT WHAT CHRIS IS DOING!

2007-10-11T21:41:00.001-07:00

OCTOBER ALREADY!

2007-10-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is October already... boy does time fly. Grades were due this past Friday which means end of the 1st quarter. Chris hasn't been sleeping that well since he was fighting a cold this past week and I think he top gums are bothering him, but no tooth yet. Anyways... when he doesn't sleep, I don't sleep. Which now means that my body is fighting the cold. Jon and Matt have been helping me decorate for Halloween and it looks good. We have to keep in mind what is close to baby range since Chris is now crawling and very curious about everything. Here are some cute pics we took this morning:

NEW BACKYARD!

2007-10-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE SOME PICTURES OF OUR NEW BACKYARD...

EXERCISING!

2007-09-23T13:09:00.001-07:00

Well... I went and joined the school's cross country team... actually my cohort is the coach and I decided to help her. I bring up the rear by walking but at least I'm out there. I have gone out twice this past week and we went about 1.6 miles each time. The distance will start to increase as they prepare for their meet. The kids are excited I'm out there with them and they cheer me on. Since I'm the last one off the course, on Thursday a couple of them backtracked and walked me in... it was so funny. Different muscles have been sore but it's getting better. My goal is to go all three times this week.

In regards to the house, the blinds were installed this past week and the landscaping should be done in a couple of days. We are going to get some work done in the garage today and hope to be able to park the cars in there soon. We can dream can't we!

CHRISTOPHER IS SEVEN MONTHS OLD!

2007-09-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone... it's me again. I have gotten so much stronger. I am so fascinated with my brothers' toys so I push myself forward in order to grab them. This morning I was sitting on the floor watching them play with their Thomas train set. I watched as the trains traveled around the tracks and I wanted in on the action. I reached out and grabbed them and yanked them off their rails - my brothers thought this was hysterical so I kept doing it.

I like this moving stuff though - I am constantly moving - either rolling around or on my knees trying to go forward, even though most of the time I go backwards. I am really trying to focus on going forwards and will even go up on my toes into a push-up. I will reach my arms up high when mommy or daddy pass by - trying to get them to carry me around for a while.

I went to the doctor's office on Tuesday for another round of shots - boy do those hurt. I usually get a fever afterwards and have been absolutely miserable for the last two days. I finally feel better today and no fever. I weigh 23 pounds - which is in the 95th percentile - and am 29 inches long - which is over the 95th percentile. What the doctor told my mommy was that I am just a really big boy. She also made a prediction that I will be crawling within the month - I could have told her that! My lungs also sounded clear so we are not sure yet if I will have asthma like my brothers. But I found it interesting when I had to do the breathing treatments two weeks ago. Oh well... hope things will stay good.

VENTING NEEDED...

2007-09-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone... I have been so busy with school work then house work and still trying to unpack. We can't get a single car in the 3 car garage yet... but we will get there. I would rather have the garage a mess then the house. The landscapers started yesterday and the blinds should be installed the end of this week. The temperatures are starting to come down (even though it's still low 100s during the day); the temps at night and in the morn are getting better. The family is scheduled for a one mile fun run on Sunday. I'm starting slow but need to at least set some goals... with me going back to teaching, taking care of the boys, and trying to keep the house clean pretty much eats up all my time. I also have parent teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday so I won't be home till late... hubby gets to do dinner this time. I took today off to take LO to the dr for his 6mth appt (even though he'll be 7mth on Thurs). He now weighs 22 pounds and is 29 inches long (over 95th percentile for both areas)... guess you could say I get a weight workout in every day... LOL...

PAPERS ALL SIGNED!

2007-08-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Ok... I'm doing a real quick update before Chad does... we went to Chicago Title today and signed all the papers... the buyers are signing tomorrow and everything will be finalized by Wednesday. YEA! I can't believe it's finally over. It started to feel a bit weird today that the other house will soon not be ours anymore. So many memories... I know - memories are things that are always with you but still - material things help keep those memories alive. Anyways... life will be so much better in our new house with many memories that will happen here... we can finally start to enjoy it now that money worries and double mortgages will be behind us. :-)

WOW... Time flies!

2007-08-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

First of all... I can't believe I've been back to school for over two weeks now... Second of all... this whole house buying thing started over two months ago... WOW... third of all... the boys are going to be turning four in two weeks. Now that is amazing... amazing in the fact that we survived this long and also that they survived this long... just kidding.

We have been going through everything - times two - potty training was a great success and very few issues. Now we are in the "why" stage and it seems they ask why on the silliest questions. I always used to say I would never answer their question with "cuz I said so" but after a while, when you don't know what else to say, it just slips out. "I don't know" also seems to be a recurring answer. But they sure are curious about a lot of stuff... the question that always seem to be asked is "Mommy, where is that truck going?" or "Mommy, why doesn't that truck have a trailor or why does he have two trailers?"

Anyways... the scale has gone back down from the weight I gained over vacation but I really need to focus on training again... oh boy, now I'm using hubby's words... argh! I just wish the heat would come down a bit so I could walk and explore my new neighborhood.

2007-08-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

CHRISTOPHER IS SIX MONTHS OLD!
Guess what... it's birthday time again... we have had such an exciting month. I am now halfway to my first birthday and mommy is already talking about a party. That sounds great! We have been planning my brothers' party and they keep talking about this Spider person - sounds pretty scary to me.

I was pretty cranky about two weeks ago... well this sharp thing in my mouth finally appeared. Mommy seemed pretty happy. Then wouldn't you know it, another one appeared less than a week later. Now, watch out world... I HAVE TEETH and I'm not afraid to use them.

My brothers are pretty cool and think I am getting to that fun stage. I like to play with them and try to give them big kisses. They think it is so funny when I grab their hair. But for some reason, they get mad when I try to grab their toys. Wonder why they won't share with me?

I love food... especially applesauce, bananas, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. I definitely do not like green beans - yuck! Mommy bought me some biter bisquits and I just chomp chomp away at them... mommy takes it away when I start biting pieces off.

Well, Gramma and Papa are coming out again for Matt and Jon's fourth birthday. I am so close to crawling - except I keep going the wrong way - BACKWARDS... can't figure out how to go forwards yet. I love to roll and Daddy is amazed at how far I can go. Well... bedtime for me... so will update you all next month.

SCHOOL STARTED!

2007-08-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well... it has been a very busy week... teachers started back to school last Monday and we welcomed the new class into our classrooms on Thursday. I am really focusing on starting the year off organized and feel I have done a really good job of it in my classroom so far. My other focus is being proactive... that is the main goal... I always seem to have some issue come up each year so this year I'm trying to stay ahead of things. The sixth grade team has been working together for two years now so we have a good idea of what works. We are really good about working together and have a great discipline plan that is the same in all three classrooms (since we switch classes). My Social Studies curriculum was new last year so I didn't have too much time with trying "new" things. This year I will change it a bit since there is so much more I have to cover. I would like to try to make ancient civilizations a bit more fun and interesting to all students.

Lots of professional goals but I still have my personal goals... KEEP GETTING IN SHAPE! I at least lost almost all the weight I gained back from vacation. The cleaning and repainting at the old house really helped me sweat it out. Getting back to work has been a struggle but once things settle down, I want to fit some exercising back into the schedule. Thanks for all the support!

NEW HOUSE PICTURES

2007-07-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

JUST A FEW PICS OF THE DOWNSTAIRS SO YOU CAN SEE THE NEW CASA!!! WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE UPSTAIRS AND PUTTING STUFF AWAY...

RAINING... IN PHOENIX?

2007-07-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Just had to post these... it has been raining hard for 45 MINUTES now... finally started to calm down to a drizzle... but still going...

NEW HOUSE

2007-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well... short blurb here for everyone... I have been very busy this week with cleaning out the old house. I have now emptied everything from inside the house. I spent one day cleaning and scrubbing the floors, inside all the kitchen cabinets, the refrigerator, and even the stove. Next time I'm there, I'll finish vacuuming the upstairs and the stairs and wipe the floors again. Then I need to focus on cleaning out the garage.... almost done... the end is in sight. We are having an open house next weekend so wanted to make sure the house itself was perfect. Got all the paint out of the garage today and had Chad touch up the inside - that way it is in pretty good shape when people walk through it. Come to find out that two different people actually saw it this week so at least there is interest... it only takes one person... just need to find that person!

Will post pics of the new house as soon as I take them...

CHRISTOPHER IS FIVE MONTHS OLD!

2007-07-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!! Sorry this is two days late... but I have had an exciting birthday! We just came back from our trip to Erie - my first plane ride! I slept the whole way there and was awake for most of it coming back (only cranky for about ten minutes). We went to this place mommy called Waldameer and my brothers rode some rides. I was content with staying in the stroller with my grandma. We also went to the zoo - there was this big orangutan that moved over to get a closer look at me and we had a staring contest. We had a couple picnics in which I met a lot of people. We also had lots of fun going to the park, down to the neighborhood beach, and just hanging around. I rode the swings for the first time and loved the wind blowing in my face.

However, when I got back home - my home changed... my mommy tells me that we have a new home. My grandma and Uncle Brian came back with us and helped us move all our stuff to the new house. I really enjoying "talking" to my uncle... he talks back. We have a contest to see who can be the loudest - I usually win! My brothers have even gotten into the action and I love to laugh back at them.

The last couple of weeks I have become stronger. I can really hold my head up. I can roll from my back to my tummy but then get stuck and don't know what to do. I love playing with toys and I love to jump in my jumperoo. I would rather eat baby food than drink from a bottle but mommy says I still have to drink for a while - guess I should listen since mommies are always right. Well... talk to you all next month...

I KNOW I'VE BEEN MIA...

2007-06-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry... it seems like I disappeared for a week. I have been so busy packing and trying to get ready. I finished my college course last Thurs... Fri afternoon I was going to take the boys to the library. So we got ready, went outside, and got in the van only to get out a minute later. I started it and heard loud squealing and then smoke... scared the bejeezus out of me. I grabbed my neighbor who works in a garage and he looked under the hood. He saw oil all over and even a puddle on the driveway... looks like the A/C compressor... so called the dealership and couldn't fit me in til Mon... got it in there and it was definitely the compressor - $1600 - OUCH! Can't go without it!

Took Chris to the doc yesterday for his 4 month appt - currently weighs 19 pounds and is 26 1/4 inches long. Got shots three times in the legs... so running a little warm today. But other than that, everything looks good!

Had our new home orientation today... and my mom comes on Fri!!!

CHRISTOPHER IS FOUR MONTHS OLD!

2007-06-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Wow... time flies... it's birthday time again for me! I can do so many things now. I just love to listen to what my daddy says... I don't understand alot of it, but I laugh anyways. I was cranky this past weekend and my mommy finally figured out why - my first tooth is trying to pop through... not quite there yet but soon. I love to chew on everything. If you get your finger in range of my hands, I will grab it and try to chew on it. I also drool over everything and my big brothers think that is so gross. Anyways, I love to sit up and try to do so all the time. Even my big brother, Jon, tries to hold me up so I can see. Mommy and Daddy started giving me this stuff on a spoon... I wasn't too sure at first but the second time I got it, I really liked it. I hope more of this stuff comes soon. I go to the doctor next Wednesday for more shots but I'm not scared as my Mommy and big brothers will be there with me. My grandma comes next Friday... then we are all going to get on the big silver thing and go back to her house. There I will get to meet my other Grandma Dee and Papa Ed and Grampa Barry and Gramma Karen plus many more people. Uncle Brian keeps telling me about his train... maybe since I'm little, he'll let me ride it... I promise not to break it!

Oh one more thing... if you talk to me, I'll talk back. My Mommy puts this thing near my ear and I can hear people talking on it so I start talking back. I am a real loud noise making machine. Blowing bubbles has also become my specialty...

One thing I don't understand is why Mommy keeps taking stuff out of the cabinets and closets and putting them in boxes... they keep telling me we won't live here anymore. Then they took me to our new house and I just loved my big bedroom. There are five of them... and lots of space with lots of rooms to explore. We will get to move in once we come back from visiting everyone in Erie. Well, I need to go take another little nap so I have energy to play with my family before bedtime... ta ta for now!

RUNNING!

2007-06-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone... just so you didn't think I dropped the whole thing already... we've been pretty busy with getting the house cleaned up and organized and now trying to pack everything up... I only have two weeks to get packed up... anyways, that's a story that I'll tell at a later date...

Christopher has been doing absolutely awesome... almost sleeping through the night. I went to bed around 9:30 last night and the first time I woke up from hearing a noise was 4:30!!! Both Jon and Matt slept all night and even Chris did... He was up and ready for food at 4:30... so I fed him... told Chad to hold down the fort... got dressed and went for a walk/run. The total time was about 19 minutes. I walked for 5 then ran for 1 1/2 minutes. I wanted to go longer but after a minute and a half I couldn't do anymore. So I listened to my body and walked it off for 2 minutes... then ran again for 1 1/2 and walked for a couple... the I tried one more run period but could only manage and 1 1/4 minutes... my legs were like rubber when I got home... but when you think about it - I ran for almost six minutes... the longest I've run in a long time... maybe my lifetime... my legs are sore tonight so going to bed now that I've finished my homework...

Minor Absence...

2007-06-10T20:30:00.001-07:00

Hi all... sorry I seemed to disappear for a short period... we kinda had an interesting yet productive weekend... it actually all started a week ago. Chad decided we needed to take a drive so we drove around and ended up in a new neighborhood about six miles from here (a neighborhood we haven't been in since last summer when Chad fell in love with a house there). Anyways... we saw they were still building houses and the models weren't open yet but had flyers outside the door... grabbed one and did some long hard talking together. We decided we were going to wait a year or two then we would be in a better situation (the house cost was over $400k... Again, anyways... on Friday, my friend and I went out to lunch and we started talking about houses... I mentioned this house and she said she loved going through models and I asked if I cared if we did that... fine, let's go... we went and absolutely loved the inside. On the way out the door I asked the sales woman what kind of incentives she had going on right now. They had a spec home (the one we were looking at) just down the street with over $80k in incentives... I called Chad even before I got home... WOW... too good to pass up... he left work right away to go see it... our realtor friend met us there... and we signed the paperwork yesterday morning... the hard part was getting this house show ready in two days... we are about 80% done... so we did a lot of moving and cleaning this weekend. I can no longer park in the garage as it is full of excess furniture since we want our house to look as big as we can... Well... the moment you have all been waiting for...

I included pics of the outside front, the view of the front room with the spindle staircase and my dream kitchen... the house has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, living room, family room, spacious laundry, kitchen with island and full walk-in pantry, massive backyard (massive in phoenix terms). We took the boys with us on Saturday and they are very excited about this new house... they kept asking all weekend long "why we not going to our favorite house?" Backyard is empty right now but we are already making the plans of what to do... going to learn from our mistakes with the landscaping in our current house. I am so excited... just really nervous about selling this house. We've lived here for nine years and it was our first house... so I have a right to be emotional...

RUNNING!

2007-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

YEAH! I just finished on the treadmill. I didn't do it last night because I suddenly had a horrible stomach ache and headache. Anyways... onto today!

It felt absolutely awesome. I had a goal of 20 minutes in mind... I met that goal... but while doing it, I made another goal - start RUNNING! And guess what I did... just that... I ran in intervals with 3mph walking in between to calm the heartrate a bit. I ran for a total of 4 minutes in that 20 min period. Included in that 20 min is the warm-up and cool-down. The totals were just over a mile... 37.4 fat calories burned... 119 calories burned... YEAH!

I stretched when I was done and will probably be doing more stretching throughout the day. Towards the end I really felt it around my knees. Now that I am sitting here, I can feel tightness in my lower back (which has caused me problems lately).

But I still can't believe I did it! WEIGHT LOSS - HERE I COME!!!

Memorial Day Video

2007-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

My aunt just forwarded this video to me. Apparently it was put together by a fifteen year old. It is a pretty amazing video... one you need to see which is why I am posting the link here!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0

2007-05-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

YEA! Massage day is coming... I am scheduled for a one hour massage Saturday morning... and hubby gets the kids ALL TO HIMSELF!!! I can't wait... my back is not used to holding a sixteen+ pound baby all day long.

Today was wierd... every two and a half hours, Chris wanted to eat... but then he'd only eat half and kept pushing it away. Took me almost an hour each time to get him to eat... but he's so happy... he kept talking all day long... in between naps that is.

I finally have some inspiration to get myself into shape... my husband who is so diligent about getting workouts in... Lisa's blog who shows me that you can lose weight after a baby... and seeing pics of myself at my current weight - YUCK! I started working out yesterday during naptime... however, I didn't get very far before a little one comes into the room, "Mommy, what ya doing?" So he sat on the couch while I did the workout... My back is a little sore today but I am still going to get on the treadmill tonight...

SUMMER TIME!

2007-05-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well, now that school is out... we can enjoy family and the outdoors... We filled the little pool today and took the boys out. Luckily is was overcast so we didn't need sunscreen - we weren't out long anyways as it is still really hot.

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

2007-05-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER... SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER! The song fits perfectly right now and that's how I feel. I feel so exhausted yet so excited that I don't have to go back to work on Tuesday. This year's class totally wore me out. I had so many "interesting" things happen to me this year - I don't know if I could take anymore.

I have next week off then I am taking a class through the community college - one I need for my recertification.

Besides that... I am really going to focus on exercising this summer. Javamom has really inspired me... if she can challenge her physical therapist, then there is hope for me... Thanks Javamom...

CHRISTOPHER IS THREE MONTHS OLD!

2007-05-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, today I have another birthday! Which means another month has gone by. I absolutely love the stuff they give me in that bottle. I ask for more evry chance I get. Mommy started putting cereal in my bottle at night time. Boy that stuff makes me feel full... and I get some good sleep after that. But this last week, I decided it wasn't enough and started waking up every two to three hours at night again - just so I could eat more.

I went to the doctor on Thursday just for a weight follow-up - I'm already up to sixteen pounds... I no longer fit into 3-6 month outfits... they are too short. Not only do I weigh more, but I am getting so long. Not sure how much longer I will be able to fit in my car seat as well. But mommy wants me facing backwards for as long as can - since that is the safest. Mommy went back to this thing called work so I started going to school - same as my big brothers. I do okay there since I know my big brothers are just down the hallway from me.

Just about everything makes me smile - and Mommy has actually heard a giggle or two out of me. I'll talk to anything that will listen. My big brothers are always around and try to help when they can. They love to play with my toys - almost as much as I do! I am gaining control of these arms and actually can grab at my toys - as well as Mommy and Daddy's shirts, necklaces, arm hair... anything I can physically get my fingers around. :-)

Back to work...

2007-05-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I have now finished two weeks of work... things were great last week. I was really frustrated the last couple of days. Alot of students have missing work and it's driving me nuts... how can they not care? I just don't understand... I was scared to death to bring home anything less than a C... and even more afraid of the teacher calling my mom to tell her I didn't do my homework.

Anyways... Christopher is doing awesome. Most of the time he only gets up once a night. We usually feed him around eight o'clock at night and he sleeps anywhere from six to eight hours before the next feeding. We are so lucky. Day care told me the only time he cries is when he is hungry... you would think that would be all the time since he already weighs over sixteen pounds (according to the scale upstairs).

BACK TO SCHOOL...

2007-04-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well... I just finished my first week back to school from maternity leave. It felt good to be back. Kids weren't bad at all... I had heard about issues of disrespect and not listening but I was very impressed. It was as if I hadn't left at all... I slipped right back into things and kids seemed to remember what my expectations were. I can't believe we only have twenty days of school left. My main focus this year has been organization and I have done a whole lot better than what I have done in the past. I make sure that my desk is neat and tidy when I leave each afternoon. The beginning of this week I had stuff I had to go through from what was left behind from the substitute but I think I have taken care of all that.

Today, however, was a different story... I had a lot of housework to catch up on and not much time to relax. Matt and Jon were very rambunctious... Jon was in time out several times today. By the end of the day I was really on edge. They were being just typical three year olds but whatever they were doing, they were doing it very loudly and seemed to be following me wherever I went. Nap time was also a shortened period as they were up by 2:30 (after only laying down at 1).

The only time they were good this afternoon was when they were finger painting and also when we went out to dinner at Chili's... hopefully tomorrow will be better...

Just another day...

2007-04-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

My weekend started out great... Saturday we spent lots of time as a family... then it all changed. Saturday night, around 1 am, I woke up visciously ill... food poisoning... yuck... finally stopped getting sick around 5am but all day Sunday I was exhausted and had no energy whatsoever. Chris really enjoyed just laying around with mommy all day.

Monday morning I woke up a new woman... I felt awesome... like nothing ever happened... except I was starving. We ate breakfast then we all piled in the car to take Christopher to his doctor's appointment. The appt was with our favorite - Dr. Spiekerman - haven't seen him in a while. Boys were very excited to see him... and lost control. Dr was very impressed with how well Chris holds his head up. He now weighs 14 pounds 7.5 ounces and is 23 1/4 inches long. I had started Chris on cereal in his bottle for the last feeding of the night and the Dr told me to continue to do so. He is big enough to go longer periods during the night. YEA!

Today is the last day the boys are staying home with me. So we started the day off by going to McDonald's for breakfast then shopping at Walmart. Tomorrow they will go to daycare and I will drop the van off at the garage to have the intake manifest replaced. They are getting me a rental car. Then I have my massage at 11:30. I start back to school full time on Monday... hopefully things will go okay... I am a little worried since they have been out of control for the substitute and very disrespectful. I am hoping that they won't do that to me... they keep telling all the other teachers how badly they want me back... so maybe they'll be good... just have to wait and see!!!

CHRISTOPHER IS TWO MONTHS OLD!

2007-04-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Wow... I have another birthday already... and this past month was much different than the first. I am so full of smiles - especially when people are talking to me. These big things on the ceiling really fascinate me - especially when they are going round and round. I just talk and talk to the fan, to my bunny, to anyone or anything that will listen. I am also really gaining control of this head. I hold it up straight and am able to look all around. My mommy loves to put me on my tummy, but I usually just lay there and talk to her. She keeps trying to show me how to roll over - I haven't figured it out yet so I just let her do it for me.

My brothers love to sing to me and give me lots of kisses - I usually try to bite their nose. Jon and I came up with this game where I pat his head and I just laugh. My legs are so strong - I try to stand up when someone holds me. At my last doctor appointment I weighed 12 pounds 7.5 ounces and was 23 inches long - that was several weeks ago... I have another appointment on Monday and my brothers keep telling me that these shots don't hurt. I'm sure they will take care of me. My legs are so long I am already wearing 6-9 month sleepers.

My mommy and daddy took me to a train park. My brothers had a great time. I enjoyed riding on the little train but slept the rest of the time. I enjoy being outside - the warmth usually puts me right to sleep - until I get hungry again.

I celebrated my first Easter and it was so much fun watching my brothers color eggs and play all sorts of Easter games. I even had some family come out - Gramma, Papa, Uncle Brian, and Bridget. They all oohed and awed all over me - it was great. The day after Easter we went to church again and the priest poured water over my head and now they call me Uncle a godfather... he is so special. I really hated to see all of them go.

Christopher's Baptism

2007-04-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Monday morning was a special day for little Christopher. We attended eight o'clock mass and right after, Deacon Shaw performed the baptism. Christopher started crying when we went up to the baptismal but stopped as Deacon Shaw poured the water over his head. He had this look on his face like "Ooh... a bath!"

My brother, Brian, is his godfather and Brian's girlfriend, Bridget, is his godmother. They are an absolutely perfect couple - two people who you can just tell love each other from the inside out.

Typical Tuesday

2007-03-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

I know, the picture is sideways... but I can't figure out how to flip it. Look at that face... he is such a happy baby.

Tomorrow is the day we go for our first checkup and shots... don't know how he will be the rest of the day. Some babies get cranky - the boys were very lethargic the rest of the day... so we'll see...

Ok I went to Wal-mart on Sunday and had alone time - been a while since I've done that. I had such good luck there - I found all the Easter Bunny goodies that I had been looking for. I found white shirts for the boys - can't imagine how hard that was to find. However, this is what I came home to find - two little boys, shirtless, with sunglasses, playing outside. They inform me that daddy "threw" their shirts away. Come to find out he placed them in the laundry basket downstairs. Funny how little ones interpret things.