CYA 2008, HELLO 2009!

It's 10pm and I'm ready to go to bed. I would love to write about the past year and all it has brought. But, I barely can remember much, it has gone by so fast. I briefly was thinking of possible New Year resolutions, and I have decided to try to blog more. This way I won't have to re-live the past year by memory. The older I get, the less I remember. So, I figure this is an attainable resolution. Yay for me!
As for our New Year's Eve celebration; it started with the Jayhawks winning the Insight Bowl! Michael, Kobe, and I played some cards and ate high-calorie snacks while Caden went over to the Shadoin's to hang out. Kobe ended up over there around 8.30pm since his cousins called and his dad was also there. I figured out our financial plan for 2009 while Michael watched TV. If we are able to stick to our plan, the snowball plan, we should be debt free in like 43mos. WOW! If only it were that easy, right?
Wishing all a great 2009!

Christmas has past.

Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas has past. The sounds of Rock Band flow through the house. Snow is falling outside, and the aroma of sweatiness is all around. Brandon and Jordan are over to spend some time with the boys. They spent the night and Caden and Jordan were still up close to 6am. They were all alive and jamming at 11am. I'm sure it will hit them sometime late this afternoon. My cousins are here from Indianapolis and are heading back on Monday.
Michael is entertaining himself today by tearing down a house near our church. We are in the beginning stages of a large renovation and Michael got the bid to remove the house. Yesterday it was 65 degrees outside and today it is snowing and around 30. Michael and his dad are doing the job, and should get done today.
Received a couple of videos of Mia eating for the 1st time and celebrating her 1st Christmas. She opened her gift from Nana & Papa Waller. It was a Cabbage Patch baby! So adorable, that Mia.
I'm debating getting a CP baby for myself and I can pretend it's Mia. Yeah, I'm a mess w/o her.
Trying to clean a little and do laundry. But, who am I kidding. Cleaning and laundry never ends around here. I need to bake some more, I was invited to a cookie party tonight. I guess it depends on the weather, if I go or not.
Gonna start on Kobe's 750 piece puzzle of the NYC skyline. It's like 3 feet long.
Peace.

For Unto you is born this day, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord

Santa hasn't arrived. It's midnight and we are finally getting kids to bed. We celebrated with my family tonight. The boys also went and had Christmas with their dad and family. Michael picked up the girls and we all are together this early Christmas morn.

Kobe was sick early last week, then I was hit hard over the weekend. Michael is still re-cooperating, and now Valerie is feeling icky.

The kids are anxious, and we let the boys unwrap a gift early. Rock Band entertained us all this afternoon. Our band name: Nerda!

I am sad that my brother and his family are so far away. I know he is missing family, and now that they are in California, they don't even have close friends to be with during the holidays. I wish we could all be together, but thankfully we are healthy and happy this Christmas.

Out of the mouth of babes...

So, I'm in the kitchen baking Caden's birthday cake. Caden is at the table doing homework. Kobe is in the front room watching tv, when he yells, "Mom, what is natural male inhancement?". Yep. Welcome to my world.

This weather is depressing, kinda like getting a detention

Caden's game was postponed even though it really didn't do much around here. It was a very depressing day with mist and fog. We traveled to Halstead to watch Valerie play against Jessica. Both did great. We ate at the restaurant in Halstead with Michael's parents, Zach, and all the kids. It was a pretty good eat.

I was able to wrap some gifts, and get most of my letters mailed. Yay for me! I need to get a few more stamps to finish up. I think I sent a total of 120 letters this year.

Today is a laundry day. I was going to run to Maize for some shopping, but Michael is going to Wichita on Sat. so he will do it for me. He is taking Sara in to order her letter jacket. (Christmas gift from us).

Caden is serving an after school, 2-hour detention tonight. I don't remember ever getting a detention in HS, but it has been 16 yrs. His detention was for missing a mandatory meeting about his interim course over spring break. The punishment is a little over the top, but he should probably be more responsible. After all, he is almost 15 (in 3 days).

Kobe has a game Saturday, and then no more basketball till next year! It will be a nice break.

Laundry, wrapping, mailing, and partying are on my to-do list for the rest of the day. Better get busy!

One Week Before...

So Christmas is 1 week away from today. I'm feeling better about it, however, I haven't wrapped one, single gift. So, my goal for today and tomorrow, is to mail my Christmas letters, and wrap gifts. I am waiting on some address clarifications before I can print my labels, and I am procrastinating the gift wrapping idea. I really hate to wrap presents.
The weatherman calls for freezing rain today. Hasn't done much yet. Caden is supposed to play in Hoisington tonight. It's like 2 hours from Haven. I have a feeling if we get any winter weather, we won't be headed anywhere.
Tomorrow evening is my office Christmas party. Actually, we just have dinner at a restaurant and give Dr. his gift. This year we got him a basket containing wine glasses etched with the KSU powercat, some Christmas wine, a monogrammed cork screw, and various yummy accents. He gives us our gifts as well. Us girls always go out to lunch and exchange gifts. We will probably do that after the new year. Oh, and we are eating at Marcella's tonight. A somewhat new, Italian restaurant in Hutchinson. YUM!

Winter is here

So the weatherman says, "tonight a trace of snow, with no accumulation". Then I wake to 5 inches of the white stuff piled up and still coming down. It didn't stop till 3pm. Geez. Winter is here.
I also awoke to what I thought was a healthy child, until I was ready to walk out the door. He calls me on my phone and says he is sick. Except not the throwing up kind of sick. He manages to miss another day of school, due to the fact that he has difficulty making it to the bathroom on time. Poor guy. I hope no one else gets it.
Caden's games for tonight was postponed, as was most other area basketball. This of course means that he dressed up for NOTHING! And, that I ironed for NOTHING! He did look nice, though.
I came home today, made dinner, took a shower, helped Kobe a little with his AWANA, and was in bed by 7.15pm. Actually napped a little. Haven't done that in like forever. It's 9.30 now, and I'm wide awake. Nice.
Weather forecast. No snow till Thursday night. I guess we'll see about that.

Joy to the World

Tonight was Caden's Christmas vocal concert. I thought it was nicely done, and only lasted an hour. Of course, Michael slept throughout most of it. Caden is in chorale, but the middle school sang, as well as the Wildcat singers.
My mom was able to make it even though she is swamped at work. Packages need delivering. Oh, and did I mention it was about 5 degrees out today. I'm pretty sure people have no idea how hard she works as a courier for Fed Ex.
Snow is in the forecast for tonight. I hope it doesn't last. Not a big fan.
Ball games tomorrow eve. Go cats!

"Mom, I don't feel so good"

So, these were the 5 words I hear, just before my child pukes in our church parking lot. This was after I had just had a conversation with a friend, who is a nurse, about how they have been swamped with sick, vomiting children. GREAT! Kobe is still suffering with a headache, and tummy ache, but hasn't vomited again. Pretty sure he won't be going to school tomorrow.
Michael and I did manage to run into Wichita and finish up Christmas shopping. Caden hung out with his sickly brother. It is sooo cold outside. The temperature reading in our van said 19 degrees, but I heard the windchill was -11. It started to snow/sleet on our way home.
Caden turns 15 on the 22nd. I cannot describe how fast his life has gone, and before my very own eyes. It's quite frustrating because I feel like time is going by faster now that he is older. I feel him slipping away into adulthood, and there isn't much I can do about it. Enjoy the time we have, I say.

Today was long

Today was long. Had to get to Target in Maize by 9am to get some items I was holding. Kobe had an 11am game in Sedgewick, then we went back into Wichita to do some shopping. Needless to say, we spent about 7 hours out and about.
The mall was crowded, and we barely found a parking spot at New Market Square in Maize. I even saw 2 cars fighting over a space...nice! Thankfully I had Kobe with me and not Caden. Kobe likes to shop. Caden would have been complaining after about 30 mins.
I got some shopping accomplished, but Michael and I might venture out again tomorrow after church. I need to go without kids, so they can at least open one thing they don't already know about.
Kobe and I ate @ Players and watched KU suck it up. At least the food was good. Now that I'm home, we are gonna watch a movie. I made a giant PB cookie(too lazy tonight), to satisfy Michael's urge for something sweet, and am ready to relax.

Caden's permitted to drive

Well, it's official. Caden has his learner's permit. He passed driver's ed last summer but really had no desire to drive. Until now. His friends are all getting licensed, and he is ready. Hard to believe it, but he is 14. Where does all the time go?

The countdown to Christmas is on. I feel a little anxious with shopping left to do. The kids are not as helpful with ideas as much now that they are older. This used to be easy, because they wanted everything. Now they want cold, hard cash, or very expensive electronics. So much for being creative, or a surprise.

We have a busy weekend. Caden has his first basketball game to officiate tomorrow. He is reffing the 3rd graders. Kobe plays at 11am in Sedgewick. I think we will also make a trip to Wichita to do some shopping. I would LOVE to get it all done. We celebrate with Michael's family on the 21st.

Old Blog from Xanga dated Feb 07 to April 08

Saturday, April 12, 2008

• So what did I tell you? I am still feeling the effects of last weeks historical game. KU is #1! Wow, and what a game to end on. Mario is amazing. This game gave me a perfect example for my children, who were oh so sad with 10.8 sec to go. I, actually trying to talk myself thru the situation, told them to not loose faith, and to not give up on the hawks. This is what happens when you have heart, and faith. No regrets, just keep going, trying, pushing to the end. Yes, sometimes it doesn't end the way we would like, but many times it does. KU deserves this title, as they are the best "team" out there. There were plenty of other great teams with 1 or 2 standout players, but we had 7+ great players, which constitutes at great "team". We are the champions, who kept fighting to the end. Hallelujah, yipee, woof woof, ROCK CHALK, yeah...WE DID IT.

  Let's just hope it's not another 20 yrs before we do it again...

  
  

Friday, March 28, 2008

• KU plays tonight. Yes, this is it. This is my life. It (my life) basically stops this time of year. It's madness I say. This is potentially a very important time, as I may look back in the future and remember this time, the year it all fell into place. I can recall being the 8th grade the last time KU won the National Championship. I was only 13, but oh the impact. I admit, I did have a slight crush on Danny Manning, but KU has always been my team, well, except for a period in my youth when I liked the color purple so much, it clouded my judgement and had me rooting for the Wildcats, (and Mitch Richmond...another crush). I'm getting off the subject and getting depressed. Anyway, seriously, this is it. The Jayhawks have what it takes to be #1. You name it they got it. Talent-check, skill-check, speed-check, heart-check, knowledge-check, and they are soooo good this year. I mean, can anyone deny their ability, their depth? Didn't think so. So, as I prepare to see another great game tonight, I ask you all to be ready to watch it all happen. Besides, Caden is in 8th grade this year, it's time.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

• Well I'm not surprised, it's been 2 mos since my last blog. Things are slowing down around here. The fundraising for Caden's trip to DC/NYC is coming to an end. We had our silent auction last weekend, and after much planning, preparation, and stress, it's finally over. My son was auctioned off for 2 hours of service...ha. That should be interesting. Anyway, not much to say today. All I can think about is Spring Break in a week. Kobe and I are headed to Houston to visit my brother and his wife. Caden is going to TX with a friend. Kobe has the countdown posted on the fridge, as well as a "to-do" list. Michael has to work, and he hopes to finish Caden's remodeled room soon. It will be fun for Kobe and I to spend some alone time. We might even take in a Rockets game. School is almost out, so I'm off!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

My brother and his wife made it down this weekend. Even though their stay is short, we are spending as much time as possible with them. The boys plan to stay the night tonight, and we are headed to Wichita tomorrow. They are leaving early Tues. am, and then its back to normal life around here.

This is the time of year for New Year's Resolutions and the most popular around here is too lose weight. My brother and Caden have made an agreement to try to drop the pounds by June 1, 08. I imagine we will all give it a go at our house, and see how long it will last. We vow to try to eat better, drink less soda, and increase our activity. I'm thinking that if I continue to blog weekly, I might be able to encourage myself to stick with it. So, another year down the drain, and another one to go by oh so fast. So, here goes. Bring it 2008.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

• Today was the day everyone had been waiting for all year. Christmas came and is almost gone, and our family has experienced lots of emotions today. Excitement, curiousity, patience, happiness, sadness(we miss Steve), stress, compassion, anger(yes, it did occur), and fullfillment all describe our day today. The kids were surprised and satisfied, and my family was here to share the day with each other. Many came from out of state, but unfortunately my brother was unable to make it home from TX. The boys showed him their gifts on the webcam, and that will have to do for now. Aside from all the craziness and excitement, we did pause to remember the Christ child who was born long ago. My uncle read the story of the birth of Christ from the Bible, and we reflected on all we have to be thankful for. God is good. We hope the new year brings us all continued health and happiness.

  
  

Friday, May 11, 2007

• The rain has stopped for now. Now if only I could get out of this town without touring the countyside. Flooding rivers make me crazy. However, my prayers go out to those affected by the tornados this past week. I can't even imagine what they must be going through. Everyone, enjoy your stuff, cuz mother nature doens't discriminate. Later...

Friday, April 20, 2007

This is the last weekend before I need to have my kitchen completely painted. I actually painted it a couple of weeks ago to discover that I can not possibly live with walls the color of baby poo in my kitchen. So, after spending more money to get tinted primer and new paint, I have yet to actually do the work. Procrastination is my specialty. You should have seen me in my prime... Plus, all other business around here won't just stop so I can accomplish this task. Caden has a track meet today, Kobe has soccer practice. They both have softball practice tomorrow, and thank goodness, Michael and I are escaping to dinner with some friends tomorrow night. Sunday is church, a make-up soccer game, and there's always laundry to do... oh and did I mention I have a kitchen to paint? I guess all's well that ends well. Our family is healthy, and that's all that matters! Have a great weekend.

Monday, April 09, 2007

• We had a wonderful Easter weekend. Church services went well. We had special music and video presentations along with the message. I believe between the 2 services we had around 750 people. Sunday lunch with my parents and grandparents was delicious (thanx mama). Decided to paint my kitchen (not sure what I was thinking)... Visited my grandmother at the nursing home. She is 89 and so precious. The boys are adored by all of the residents every time we go. Had Michael's girls from Thurs to Sat. They all decorated eggs and went to the hunt in Haven. With the weather being down right cold, and (I can't believe I'm saying this), snow...we were stuck indoors most of the time. Amazingly, I still have a head full of hair! lol

• Saturday, March 31, 2007

  Final Four time!!! Sad for the Jayhawks, but we all watch no matter what. I'm thinking Georgetown. My bracket has seen better days since Duke, North Carolina, and Kansas all went down. However, I did pick Ohio St. Kobe is winning our family contest. He already has his restuarant picked out. (the winner decides)

  It has been raining FOREVER lately. I love the rain, although some sunshine would be nice. Easter is next weekend, and it's always great to see the sun...Hope everyone has a great Easter. It's a wonderful time of year.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Tomorrow is the big day! Caden will be tonsil and adenoid free as of 8am! He is not too excited, just anxious to get it over with. It is his spring break and I have the entire week off at his service. Anyway, just figured I would try posting the more major events of our lives, since it is too difficult to keep up with this every day. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Wow! Happy March everyone! (everyone being the 2 people who actually know this site exists)

Friday, February 23, 2007

Yes, its me again. Can I just say I LOVE THIS WEATHER!!! Apart from the wind, it is gorgeous out.

Why am I here, you ask? Not sure. My friends seem to be interested in whats going on, so I will aim to please.

Not much time right now, however. Need to get to the school to pick up the Kobester. I think I will walk.

Have a great weekend friends.....