Tuesday, December 30, 2008

why do I live here?

Today I found myself wondering why I live here in Iowa. I mean I hate the heat and humidity and the summers here are horrible. I hate the cold and I sit here as the wind is blowing with 45mph gusts freezing in my own house wearing a hoodie and SOCKS (I hate socks) and covered up with a blanket. I mean seriously why does anyone live here. My alleriges are terrible anymore and the three days a year it is between extremes to open your windows all I do is sneeze so we still have to close up shop.

Today since stupid me has neglected our pantry and stomachs for well over 2 weeks I had to venture out to grocery shop. I was behind a snow plow on the polk city road and he must have accidently hit the button to release the blade because down it went and hit a block of ice snow and then proceeded to swerve all over the road and I so thought he was going to tip. It was scary. He pulls over and I go past thankful to get away from the overworked this season snow plower who obviously needs to learn to watch what the heck he is doing. We then get to Walmart and somehow spend THREE hours in there and walk out with $200 of groceries. We bundle up Ellie and I put my hood up on my hoodie, I did not bring in my wither coat since it was 35 at least and a winter coat would have jsut been too much. that in itself shows how stupid it is here in Iowa if we think we no longer need winter attire when we think 3 degrees above freezing is nice. We step out and I cannot even control the stinking cart. It was so windy and so bitter cold that just unloading groceries into the van was enough to take my breath away. We had to sit for almost fivwe minutes for me to get my breath back. The whole time I was asking myself why we live here. It really is not the place for us.

And now under my blanket in my house I reflect why I truly stay miserable in this place called Iowa. The Number 1 reason is my family. I have lived in one town my ENTIRE life and it would be so hard to leave. 99% of my family lives here in Iowa and at least 80% of them in my same small town. Although sometimes it would be nice to get away from it all, I would miss being able to walk to my sisters house, drive to see my mom, and miss out on all the family functions. I know as long as we stay here I have 20 people waiting in line to babysit, all of whom I can trust. If I ever need anything they are right there to swoop in to help, and I would miss them

I CANNOT imagine Ellie and the new baby not growing up to be a Madrid Tiger. I mean is there really any other school I would want my child going to? Could I honestly cheer for a different mascot? and we all know I do not colors that are not Black and Orange, plus what would I do with the 7 hoodies that proclaim my high school? It may seem stupid to some but I still am proud to have been a part of that and pride goes a long way.

And lastly another reason I am here and more than likely will always be is Iowa. After visiting many areas of this great nation I have come to realize that although I have to livein extreme hot and humid or cold and snowy, the people here are worth it. People just are friendly. Our crime rate is low, my children can ride their bikes without me worrying, it is safe to play outside, or up the street. And unlike California (sorry Cindy) our seasons change, the leaves change color, we have snow days, and mostly there is snow on Christmas. Although it is frustrating at times, there really is no place like home.

Monday, December 8, 2008

elf yourself fun!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/hGJrWZGXmPmIhyQdArwP
Merry Christmas!
thought I would share our exciting news!

I am due July 19 two days after Ellies second birthday. I am just praying they dont share a birthday!

We feel so blessed and are so excited to watch Ellie become a great big sister!

Monday, November 17, 2008

singing time

This is our latest. Barney has rubbed off on both of us and all we ever do is sing! LOL Excuse the HORRIBLE voice you hear singing, who knows who let that crazy person sing, but Ellie loves the actions and cant get enough!

Notice her lips moving but nothing coming out. she wants to sing so bad, but just cant quite get the words, besides hooray! It cracks me up. No matter where we are and there is music on the lips move. Enjoy

Friday, October 31, 2008

Big girl bed




Well Ellie's crib was recalled so we decided to borrow a toddler bed from Sadie and see if she will sleep in it so we dont have to buy a new crib til we have another baby (if we are ever blessed again). Well we took down her old bed tonight and set up her room for the new bed. she liked being able to get on and off it. Well at first when it was time to lay down she cried and got up. we let her play 10 minutes longer and then she was crabby so I laid her down and she was out. However the night is still young. We will see how she does all night and what she does in the morning.

Trick or Treat



Last night was Madrid's trick or treat and Ellie had a blast! She usually is so snooty to new people and even people she nows. She runs the show on who she will look at and who will look at her. Well we found the key to her heart...CANDY! All you have to do is offer her a piece of candy and you are in. She was not shy towards anyone. It was so funny. My dad who she has always been leary of, gave her a sack of goodies and bam instant bess friend! LOL She gave him kisses and ran around his house having fun with Sadie's boys. It is great she is coming out of her shell! She was tired when she got back and we all slept in til 8 am! It was wonderful.

Night Eyes

Last Sunday we went to Night Eyes at the Blank Park Zoo. Although it was so windy we had a great time! Ellie loved dressing up in her costume and even met a carebear friend in the bounce room.








and this was just too irressistable to not get! what a cute little butt!






Tuesday, October 14, 2008

To Remember Our Angel


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Tommorrow is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. I encourage all to light a candle tomorrow at 7 pm in memory of all those who have loved and lost a baby. There is not a day goes by that I do not think of the baby that we never got to meet. I often wonder if it was a girl or boy, who it would have looked like, and what a great friend a sibling would have been for Ellie. It hurts me to know that Ellie was not meant to be the oldest yet that is what she will always be known to be. Still after three plus years the pain is there. Yet I know and appreciate so much what I have with Ellie. I found this poem last year and only another who has lost can understand the full impact.


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A Different Child poem
by Pandora MacMillian

People noticeThere's a special glow around you.
You growSurrounded by love,Never doubting you are wanted;Only look at the pride and joyIn your mother and father's eyes.
And if sometimesBetween the smilesThere's a trace of tears,One dayYou'll understand.
You'll understandThere was once another childA different childWho was in their hopes and dreams.
That child will never outgrow the baby clothesThat child will never keep them up at nightIn fact, that child will never be any trouble at all.
Except sometimes, in a silent moment,When mother and father miss so muchThat different child.
May hope and love wrap you warmlyAnd may you learn the lesson foreverHow infinitely preciousHow infinitely fragileIs this life on earth.
One day, as a young man or womanYou may see another mother's tearsAnother father's silent griefThen you, and you aloneWill understandAnd offer the greatest comfort.
When all hope seems lost,You will tell themWith great compassion,"I know how you feel.I'm only hereBecause my mother tried again."



Please tomorrow remember me and all the other moms out there who have lost. My special intentions for tomorrow are:

*Our Angel~May 10, 2005 @7 weeks

*My Niece Charlotte Jo~born sleeping on May 18, 2007

*My cousin Dawn Renee~born sleeping in 1976

*My cousin Baby Devine~ early pregnancy loss 2007

*All the moms on my babyzones boards who have lost

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Pumpkin Patch


finally got time to upload our picks from our trip to the pumpkin patch. Last year Ellie hated posing with the pumpkins, but this year she was fine beign with them but would rather play with the sticks.

After searching and searching we found a good pumpkin. Ellie begged to differ on our choice. She thought this green one was much better!

We went with the Bergs and Thomas happily chose one, it was 33lbs!! It weighed more than he does!

I love how they always walk together. Lets just say they better get married becasue we have oodles and oodles of pics of them growing up together. One of Thomas first clear words was Ellie (so cute!) so I think taht is a sign!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

We miss Blue



Just remembering my doggie Blue who died a year ago today.


I miss you Blue!


Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Thankful

Inspired by my cousin Sandy I also decided to share what I am thankful for in this rough world we are living in right now.
1) My husband who loves me and tells me that everyday
2) My daughter whose hugs and kisses make the days seem brighter
3) The rest of my extended family
4) For having the freedom to be able to celebrate my faith
5) A house we to live in and a car to drive
6) The great opportunity to get to stay home with Ellie
7) Having enough money to get by, not a lot extra but enough which is more than a lot of people right now
8) Jayce finally using the potty almost all the time!
9) My friends who do have kids and understand the worries of being a mom
10) My friends who do not have families of their own yet that they do not forget me

Monday, September 29, 2008

cRaZy week




Let me just say going from having two kids that are one and two every day to three kids that age is very different. I exhausted the word NO last week. Our friend's babysitter had a family member die so Thomas hung out with us for the week. Jayce really insisted on showing off for him and constantly was pushing limits. But overall it went great. They all napped (shorter than usual) but they napped. They for the most part got along. We played outside and they stayed on the deck! NO escapees, which is always good. I also found a few new settings on my camera and so I had to try those out. Well I am off to a much calmer week. thank goodness!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

We walk to remember...





Our angel Charlotte Jo. On Sunday we walked in Ames at the Walk to Remember. It was put on by the Compassionate friends which is a group of people who have lost children at any age. Annie made a new shirt for us and they turned out great. there will be another walk at Mercy in October.



Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Playing Dress Up



Yesterday I decided to dress Ellie inher tutu that Sandy made her for her birthdya. Jayce wanted to wear it to, but I figured I would break out the Blues Clues costume for him to try on. They had fun and I promised we could do it again sometime!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Fun Weekend

Madrid celebrated its 125th birthday at the annual Labor Day celebration. We enjoyed in the festivites throughout the weekend and Ellie has never slept so good. So much fressh air and dancing makes a tired girl!

Friday night was Madrid's first football game. Of course we had to go cheer on the Tigers and Louie & Toby. Of course we had to dress Ellie up in Tiger gear. She looked so cute! We won 60-0! Louie and Toby both had a great game. Louie had 89 yards and three touchdowns and ONLY played the first half!


Saturday we entered Ellie in the cutest baby contest, although she did not win. We think she looked adorable as always! The also judged on personality and Ellie is a mommy's girl and buried her head in my leg. Oh well we know she is cute!


Sunday we watched Devin and Cayden in the KC punt pass and kick competition (devin won the gold medal for his grade level) we went back late that night and listened to the band and watched fireworks. Ellie of course loved the music and gave us some good excercise as we chased her around and around!


Today we went to the parade. She LOVED it! She never was scared of the loud sirens or anythings. She waved to the people int he parade and we ended up with a ton of candy. She opened three suckers when we were not looking and ate them. What a little stinker!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Pee on the Potty!

Today Ellie decided she wanted to go potty when I was. She started to pull at her diaper and sit so I took it off and sat her down. She IMMEDIATELY went! It was so cute I had to run for the camera! 1st pic was taken lasst night when she just sat. The second one was from today. she was looking at her accomplishment!

We (I) am NOT pushing it but if she wants to sit I will put her on. Hopefully she will continue to be easy and by the time she hits 2 No more diapers!!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Have not posted in awhile. We have been battling diarreha with Ellie for over 2 weeks. She is now better. She had an infection in her colon due to the antibiotic she takes for her kidneys. One thing after another! Well we are better and we are drinking milk again with success!
The past two days have been exciting for us. Jayce is potty training and is now interested mroe in going in the big potty (toilet) over the potty chair so when we go in to potty ellie has decided she wants to sitr on the little potty. After a few days of just letting her sit I decided to take her diaper of and let her try it. To our suprise She went! I know it was a fluke and all but still bery excting! She now trys taking her diaper off everytime we go in the bathroom to sit on the potty. I am just going to follow her lead and let her do it. I wasnt planning on even introducing the potty til January but if she is interested we are going for it!
The other thing she did was growl like a tiger. Jayce and I were growling like tigers a feww days ago and Ellie thought it was so funny! the next day I asked Jayce what a tiger says and Ellie growled! It was just so cute and she does it consistently. I caught a video of it today. Of course when I get teh camera out she does not look at me. IT still is cute though!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Mowing with Daddy

Ellie hates loud noises. You even show her the vacuum and she starts bawling. She chases me around the livingroom pulling at my pants crying the ENTIRE time I vacuum. If the tv is too loud she cries. She jsut absolutely hates loud noises. Well Jess was mowing the other day and I brought her outside to ride with him a time or two around the yard. Everyone has pictures of their baby on a mower and I figured that was the day! I go outside not knowing what to expect and tada she LOVED it. She could care less that it was loud and obnoxious! She sat on with her dad and even tried driving but did not like the vibration of the wheel. So cute!


Wednesday, August 6, 2008

great advice!


I got this in an email and thought it was a great reminder! This is my inspiration!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.


When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be


When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'


I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT ..


Each of us -parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend - influences the life of a child.


How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

the boys in Ellie's life







Ellie is surrounded by boys who just love her! All of Sadie's boys just love her (and she loves them equally as much) Jayce and her really are best friends. It is really neat to see the look on both of their faces when they see each other. How lucky are we to have such great boys in our life.




The other day we went over to our future "in laws" The Bergs and Ellie saw Thomas laying on the couch and went running (well as close as she can get to running yet) and said Tee Tee. I really think she was saying Thomas in her own way. It was really cute and it was so much fun watching them play so well together. They really love each other! (Good thing since they have an arranged marriage!)