Yes, we are crazy... but a happy crazy

Laney has a boyfriend

2012-01-23T22:53:00.001-06:00

They make beautiful music together

And if these 2 get married, their kids would be WAY too beautiful.

Double Digits!!

2012-01-23T21:51:00.000-06:00

Dear Sunshine,

Today you hit the double digits!! How quickly time flies my sweet girl. I still remember the day when you were born. 5 weeks early and 6 pounds even, you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

People always tell me how sweet you are and how kind you are. You kind of just came that way. Our conversations are starting to turn into real people conversations. You ask me deeper questions, more important questions. Questions that have harder answers. Sometimes I can't give you the answers, but I will always try to be honest with you.

Life is going to continue to get more complicated for you. Finding friends that are keepers, figuring out your math homework and trying to decide what sports/hobbies/instruments you should pursue.

But never stop smiling. Life is worth enjoying. Even the hard parts.

Thank you for being a fabulous big sister. Probably the best ever. You can be in the middle of a fight with me, and Ms. Laney will toddle up to you and you will smile and giggle with her.

We always say "FAMILY FIRST" in this house, and you try so hard to live it. I know it's not always easy, but thank you for trying. You are a great example to your siblings and to me.

So if I could I would slow down time, hold you tighter, laugh harder, and keep you forever.

Thank you for being my first masterpiece.

Mom

3 Kids and their teeth

2011-11-08T22:16:00.000-06:00

So all 3 of my kids lost teeth on the same day. And since our life basically revolves around teeth, I thought it would be smart to take these pics of my monsters.

Here is Tommy's missing tooth. He was really excited to finally get that tooth out.

Kelly pulled out her own tooth and Paige had to have hers wiggled out.

Hopefully they will like going to the dentist more then I do.

Paige was a little teary eyed, because her tooth didn't come out as easily.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:34:00.002-05:00

Here are all of the monsters and the neighbor monsters! Kelly is a sailor girl, but her hat fell off. I'm just impressed that they are all looking. I should get a star on my forehead for achieving this miracle.

So Paige reaalllly wanted to be a vampire. But mean mom (that would be me) told her NO. She expressed her sadness to her good friend Brandon and his mom about her Halloween dilemna. His mom called me the Halloween grinch and before I knew it Brandon was at the door with an early birthday present for Paige... yep you guessed it. It was a vampire costume. So it is only fitting that we took their adorable picture together. (Just don't tell them that we plan on showing this picture at their wedding in 15 year years).

Here is our annual picture in front of the tree. I love the little cheesy face that Our froggy is making.

Little Known Fact: That Dragon and Froggy costume has been through all of the kids. The Dragon started out as a present to Kelly from a friend (oddly enough because she wanted it and I wouldn't get it for her. Huh? I'm seeing a trend here). And all of the kids on down have worn it.

What a good sport Poppy was. It wasn't easy following Ms. Laney around. She thinks she is one of the big kids.

And off they go! One house down only 4500 more to go. Actually they made it about an hour and then they all broke down. Kelly wanted to go hand out candy, Paige wanted to go home. Tommy said his feet were no longer working. Preston stopped accepting candy from houses.

In fact one women tried to put candy in his bag and Preston stopped her and said, "No I am done trick-or-treating".

So we went home. I survived another Halloween.

Preston's Finally 4! (although he thinks he's 40)

2011-10-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Baptism

2011-10-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks before Paige's baptism, my friend Amy Rahm took Paige out and got some amazing pictures of my girl. They totally captured her spirit.

Love this girl and her twirly-ness.

Look at that sweet face

And of course one of Paige being Paige!

Here is my sweet thing on the day of the baptism

Had to get a family pic in!

Adam all ready to go.

This is right outside of the font.

We had fabulous friends and family come. It's always great to have them around.

Paige was over the moon about Crazy Uncle Willy and Sarah coming

Paige smiling with Nonnie and Poppy.

And of course we can't forget Grampy!!

Paigemonster

2011-10-24T16:55:00.003-05:00

Dear Paigemonster,

Today you turn 8. Time sure flies when you are having fun, and I must say that life with you is fun. You are a joy in our house. You are kind and you share and you are a peacemaker among your siblings. You are the first to volunteer to help and all you really want to do is please me. And I hope you realize that you do. I am more than pleased with you. Just watching you giggle and laugh makes me happy.

I remember when you were a baby and you would cry ALL.THE.TIME. Then you turned 2 and you were just difficult. Luckily you were adorable, because you were a pain. You were picky and whiney and always wanted to have your way. But somewhere over the past 4 or 5 years you turned into a heavenly child. I can always count on you to pull through for me. If I'm having a hard day, I know that you will be my rock.

You deserve the world my dear and I hope that you always know how much I adore you. I love how you snuggle and how you have to give me 50 hugs a night before bed. I love how you jump onto my side of the bed when you have nightmares and hold me all night long. I love how you say you aren't girly and hate the color pink, but when we do your hair all pretty you sneak peaks in the mirror and smile.

Who wouldn't love this beauty?

Little known fact: She was the first Monster. She was such a little devil that I called her Paigemonster and the name just sort of spread to all the other children. Before I knew it I had a house full of monsters, but it all came from her. She started it all. So happy birthday my little Paigemonster. My blue-eyed beauty.

Love,

Mom.

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

The Wehrmeister Posse Goes to school...

Tommy enters First

Paige goes to Second

& Ms. Kelly has started fourth.

They are so excited, I think it's going to be another great year in the Wehrmeister household.

Swimmers??

2011-07-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

I know right? These awesome swimmers look like they are on their way to the Olympics. Well don't let their matching team swimsuits and fierce faces fool you. My kids are NOT professional swimmers, not even close. My swimming motto is "MY kids swim, to make your kids look good". And it's true.

I hope in the process of making them swim, I am teaching them that they don't have to be number 1 at everything they do. Sometimes their is nothing wrong with a participation ribbon.

Here is Tommy all ready to go. Too bad he doesn't want to actually get in the water. I had to bribe him to race. But I will say that by the end of the year he was able to swim the full length without stopping and without looking like he was about to drown. He's my stud.

Here is my Kelly. In the back in the pink. She practices everyday without complaining.

Then there is Paige. I don't really know what to do with her. She just does it for the social part. She loves chatting and laughing with her friends, and doesn't really like when it is interupted with the whole swimming a race thing.

Last Day of school

2011-05-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

So it's kind of funny that for the first day of school we go through so much trouble to make the monsters look great. I curl hair, carefully pick out clothes, get out to the bus stop early.

But then the school year just kind of happens and before you know it it's the last day of school again.

Tommy survived Kindergarten

Paige loved First Grade

and Kelly learned a ton in Third.

So on the last day of school, they woke up late, through on clothes and let me snap a quick pick as they ran out to the school bus... with their breakfast in hand.

Kelly was still the fabulous student that she always is. Math is difficult for her, but she pushes through. Learning her mulitplication tables took a lot out of her, but because she put so much time into it, I think it made the success even sweeter.

Paige is Paige. She loved her teacher and loved having some good friends in her class. Her reading improved and she loved going to school everyday. Paige makes my life flow easily.

Tommy made it to First Grade! Tommy's kindergarten year was an amazing learning experience for both of us. This was the first time I felt like I had to step up and fight for my child in the school. I knew going in that this would be a difficult year, but I really feel like I am a better parent after it.

Thank you Tommy for being you.

My Circus @ The Circus

2011-03-19T16:21:00.011-05:00

So I know you sit at home at night and think. "Wow that Jen has it all. She is drop dead gorgeous, has a hot husband and my goodness could her kids get any cuter" "Could she be any more perfect?"

Well before Friday the answer could have been yes... I wasn't perfect. You see I had never taken my family to the CIRCUS!! But never fear, I saw the error of my ways and I have repented for my sins. We went, we saw, we conquered the Circus.

It was fabulous. The best part was the price of the tickets. I got them for $6.00 each. All of the other shows and times were $30.00 a ticket, but lucky me found the one time that was super cheap.

CHEESE!! Look at this super cute family. Thank heavens for my sister or I wouldn't have been in any of the pictures. The clowns were great. Kind and not overly clowny. Here are the monsters getting ready to ride an elephant. I think I was just as excited as they were. I took about 50 pics of them up on that Elephant.

Paige was excited to sit in the front. Kelly sat in the back and I made sure that Preston sat in front of her, just in case he suddenly decided to jump.

This was as close as I got to getting all 4 to look at me at the same time. Preston didn't cooperate, but at least Ellie the Elephant did.

So I paid more for them to ride this elephant than I did for my tickets. But It was worth it in the end. I mean they got a whole 1.5 minutes on an elephant. Can you get any cooler?

See I really did take like 50 pics of this.

I loved that Laney wasn't scared of the Clown. She just thought that he was the coolest thing. I think he reminds her of her mother...

After the elephants we went for the face painting. Kelly sat like a statue.

Same with Paige she was so excited to look like a tiger.

Now this poor clown deserves a raise. I think he wanted some duct tape for my son. Tommy was all over the place. There was no sitting still for this boy, not at the circus.

Paige was in Heaven. She was a sparkly tiger. She was the first one done, so she got a photo shoot with another clown.

I told them to make their best clown face, so the clown turned them all around... because HE was the best clown face! HAHA (well I thought it was funny)

Here they are with their faces all painted. Quite cute if you ask me. If you are wondering where Preston is, he opted out of the face painting (didn't ask why).

So once the show started this is what they looked like. They oohhed and ahhed. I was in heaven, besides the fact that I was holding a very tired Laney.

Here we are right before it started. I had to get a pic of Mel just for proof that she came with us.

Our seats were great too. Especially for 6 bucks each.

I think that's our Ellie. (No that is not her real name, I just took the liberty of naming her)

And of course our experience ended with a BANG! They shot this poor guy across the arena. Don't worry He was just fine. So that is our Friday. It is always great to do things as a family. I love watching the kids experience these things for the first time. These are the magical moments. The ones that get me through the throw up, potty accidents, fighting, sleepless nights, and just crappy days.

We all need some magical moments occasionally to remind us why we brought these monsters into the world.

Wehrmeister Girls take Chicago!

2011-03-18T22:55:00.011-05:00

At the beginning of March I went on my first girls weekend!! (with my daughters). We did bring along the Nonnie, because she's always up for a good time. We drove out to Chicago to meet up with some good friends of ours. The Binns Girls (and James)

So on Friday morning, Kelly, Paige, Laney, Nonnie and I loaded up the Suburban and started on our drive. Besides Ms. Laneybird losing her lunch at the first rest stop, the drive went smoothly. There is nothing like singing along to Summer Magic (the Disney Movie) with my little girl monsters.

There was one stop before the hotel and that was IKEA. Adam says I'm good at spending a lot of money on nothing there. In past trips I have come back with $75.00 worth of odds and ends that don't really do much so I made an effort not to by the small stuff. Instead I went for a dresser! Hey what good is a Suburban if you aren't going to use it.

Well I will say that our trip to American Girl was magical. The girls were in heaven. Kelly was happy because she had her BFF Lindsay with her, and Paige just had those stars in her eyes that you usually only see on Christmas. She mentioned that this was more fun than Disney World.

We went for the whole American Girl experience. So we helped open the store at 8am by having Kelly and Lindsay go to a "How to Do your Doll's Hair" class. Then they got the dolls ears pierced, then we wondered the 2 levels of pure girl fun. Around 11 we went to our American Girl Lunch. The other Jen on the trip had arranged for them to celebrate all 3 of their birthday's. So they made the girls a cake, and had presents for them. Even the dolls had Birthday hats. It was probably their best unbirthday ever!

We finally checked out with all our American Girl Doll bling in the afternoon and walked back to our hotel. I had an American Girl Doll hangover, but besides that the weekend was amazing.

I missed my boys, but I really wish I could have videotaped their weekend. From what I got out of my 5 year old boy their was a bunch of movies, wii, eating out and plants vs zombies. (sounds like they were really living it up)

This is the Hair Class. Hopefully Samantha's hair will benefit from this.

There was some bed jumping that went on...

And some sister bonding.

Then there was some more bed jumping, and some synchronized bed jumping. Nonnie brought the bag of fun! Which included coloring books, snacks and a brand new game to play.

This is about the time when we perfected the bed jumping.

Kelly modeling her new matching pajamas and her doll holder. Paige's doll has a new yoga outfit for all those complicated yoga moves that Kit does.

Here they are bringing out the birthday cake. They also sang to the girls. They thought it was funny since it wasn't really their birthday.

And what cake wouldn't be complete without blowing out the candles.

All cake is cut and served along with ice cream in an adorable glass cone.

The un Birthday girls!

All the dolls got their own seats too.

Kelly and Samantha.

Laneybird didn't bring along her doll. Hers is locked up in the box until she turns 7.

Paige and Kit.

Kelly and Linds, they were so happy to see each other. Kelly has missed her so much and has been looking forward to this weekend for a long time.

Kelly learning how to correctly take care of doll hair. There are more rules than I knew. Maybe she will be a doll hairdresser when she grows up.

Those oranges are made out of jello. neat huh?

Happy Birthday my Monsters.

2011-01-23T22:31:00.007-06:00

This little baby monster turned 1! Boy do I love that monster. Actually my oldest and youngest monsters had birthdays this month. So it was quite busy. Also, everyone and their Mother (really and me) was sick this month. So we ended up combining birthday celebrations just so we could fit them all in.

Okay is she not a super cute birthday girl? She didn't get to wear her birthday outfit on her actual birthday, because she was throwing up and I didn't want her to ruin it. Her and Preston were the first ones to get the stomach bug and it was awful. Laney (my baby who loves to sleep) would sleep while she threw up. I went into her room to find her fast asleep and she kept opening her mouth just a little to throw up. (I know gross, but come on how sad and pathetic is that?)

Here is Birthday girl number 2 with her Poppy. She has him trained. Whenever he tries to sit down she does this pathetic little whine and he immediatley jumps up. It also makes him her favorite. Here is my beautiful Birthday Girl #1. She is amazing and beautiful. This year for her birthday we did a makeover day of sorts. I took her and 2 of her friends to the local beauty school where they got their hair and nails done.

Then we went and they each got cupcakes, after that we went to the mall where they did this trampoline bungee jumping type thing, which they loved. And we finished it off where they each got to buy some accessories from Claires and a T-shirt from another store.

It was a good time for them and for me. Kelly looked beautiful. And she had a blast with her friends. Here is Kelly's present from her Grampy. It is beautiful. She is so blessed to have a present like this that she can keep forever.

Both of my Birthday Girls!

Here was Kelly's birthday present from us. She was so excited to have a matching dress to go with her new American girl Doll.

So this isn't the picture I meant to upload, but It shows Kelly's birthday morning. What you are not seeing is that Adam and I were really sick. We had finally gotten the throw-ups as well. I remember taking this picture thinking that we had to get through this for Kelly. I did not want to ruin her birthday with my sickness.

After this picture Nonnie and Poppy came over and told Adam and I to go to bed that they would watch the monsters. So we went to bed and slept till 2pm.

Here is Kelly after her hair and nails. She is such a doll. I love my little 9 year old.

I think she likes it!

She picked the nice classy colors of blue and silver. She had high class written all over her hands.

So Happy birthday to my beautiful girls. I adore you and am excited to see what this upcoming year has for us. Kelly, thank you for making me a mom and Delaney thank you for making me a better mom. I love having you girls in my life. You are my life. I have learned so much from both of you and have seen myself grow over the past 9 years of being a mother. Delaney, when you came into my life I thought I had it all covered as far as being a mom goes. You quickly taught me that I still have a long ways to go. But as long as I have my monsters in my life I am happy to learn anything that you want me to. Kelly, you are growing into a beautiful young lady. You are a kind and loving sister. The other monsters are so blessed to have you in their life.

So thank you monsters and Happy Birthday!!

Huh? Preston

2011-01-05T23:56:00.011-06:00

So Adam called me downstairs to see cutie-patootie Preston, who had climbed into bed with his sister. Adam couldn't stop laughing, but I didn't catch onto why until I took a closer look.

(sweet kids, kinda like them)

That's when I saw what was so funny!

That would be my Preston. We sure do love this firecracker. He is like a whirling tornado and a love muffin all rolled into one. He will probably be the smartest person to ever walk the earth, but I'm not going to tell him, because I don't want him to get a big head (although our kids already have nice sized noggins)

Here is Preston trying to suck the icing through a "decorative straw" on his pink lemonade cupcake. This kid was persistent though.

SUCCESS!!! Some how that little monster got that straw to work. (Sure took him awhile.)

Here is Preston with his daily Gogurt. Everyday we hear him push the squeaky chair on the tile over to the fridge. Then he climbs on up and gets his gogurt. Usually there is no mess. This time there was one big push and an explosion. Here he is in all his glory.

He cried for a little bit (especially when I broke out the camera.)

This is where he likes to hide and eat his snacks.

Oh how I love that face. He is full of energy and love. He lights up my life and drives me crazy all within a matter of minutes. I love this stage that he's at, but it's a hard one as well. I love how they think they are bigger than they are, and they say adult phrases with their itty bitty voices.

I can't wait to see the great things that this boy will do someday. But until that day I guess I will continue to clean up his messes.

National Family Bowling Day

2010-12-12T12:45:00.000-06:00

1st Snowman of the Season

2010-12-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

The kids have a snowday!! We love snow days around here. The kid monsters worked for a long time on building this snowman. Paige in particular could live outside during the winter.

Tommy and those blue eyes. Gotta love them.

They are so proud of their snowman.

I think they are about ready to come back inside! Good little monsters.

Deck the Tree

2010-11-30T12:33:00.000-06:00

Daddy/Daughter Dance-alicious

2010-11-21T00:51:00.000-06:00

I love the Girl Scouts Father/Daughter Dance. The girls have a blast, and the Father's try to dance with their little girls. Adam learned last year, that the older one (ms. kelly) cared more about running around and dancing with her friends then actually dancing with her dad.

Here are some of the monsters in my troop. They are a blast to work with. They are all very strong girls with big personalities. But in a good way.

Ahhh. Who is that hottie behind the mask!?!? Oh it's just me.

Each of the girls got to choose a mask to go home with. They also got a goodie bag full of little things that they will treasure for 15 minutes.

I am so glad that Paige still adores her daddy. She made sure to dance with him alot and pay attention to him.

Hooray! Finally got a picture with Kelly and her dad. Gotta love that girlmonster.

What a great dip. Daddy is such an awesome dancer. He should probably teach classes.

Oh Happy Day!

2010-11-20T12:14:00.000-06:00

Disneyworld-alicious

2010-10-27T22:56:00.008-05:00

So this month we went to "The happiest place on Earth". It was quite fabulous. I was deprived as a child and didn't have much love in my home, so I have no memories of being hugged by Mickey or celebrating my birthday with Tigger. I digress.

So here we go on the Magical Disney Express

(that's an actual bus you ride from the airport)

This is the view from our balcony. There were zebras and wildebeast, giraffes, ostrich, antelope and the list goes on.

The kids loved eating breakfast on the balcony and watching the animals.

The kids saw this same parade 3 times, but they loved it each time. It's quite magical. That was my favorite part of Disneyworld. The Magic. Everyone is a prince or princess. The only thing that I wished they had was a "Napping Castle" for all the little princes to sleep when the Clock strikes noonish. Maybe someday.

Here are the monsters outside the Lego store in Downtown Disney. I told them to give me their best monster face. So this was probably the scariest part of the trip. This is where Tommy got lost. He was playing at the Lego table and thought that we had left so he ran out of the store (with his legos in hand). It took us at least 15 minutes to find him.

Eventually someone in security walked up to Adam. Tommy had told security that his Dad was wearing an orange shirt. I am so glad that Tommy finally learned his colors.

Most would call these fabulous streamers trash, but not our girl. She kept them for a couple of days, until we finally convinced her to let them go.

We got to meet Donald. Poppy does a fantastical Donald voice, so we thought we'd let him meet him too. This picture is called "Disney Magic". All of the children walked away winning a prize at Disney's overpriced carnival games at the Animal Kingdom.

AHH!!! Mickey. Adam was at his conference during these pics. This is one of my favorite Disney pics. Their was a play going on about Dreams coming true, and the kids just loved it. All of them.

We met the whole Cinderella family at a Character dinner one night. The Step-sisters were hilarious. Except that she smiles like me.

First stop: buy the kids some crazy hats for them to wear all week long.

I felt like the best mom in the world when we went into a store and said "Pick out a hat!" It was almost like Christmas... but with a mickey hat.

Paige always says that Jasmine is her favorite. But I'm convinced that it's because she gets to wear clothes that I won't let Paige wear. Yep I'm pretty sure of it.

Laney came on the trip too. (In case you forgot)

So on our last day at Magic Kingdom we let the monsters get their faces painted. The girls lasted all day, but the boys... were boys.

She looks quite lovely.

So the boys started out as pirates and as they started sweating and wiping their faces they looked more like Pirates of the Caribbean. Tommy would only get in this picture, because it was with a boy. He was over the whole princess thing.

Here is the wishing well. After we had them make a wish we started leaving. Tommy looked at me and said "It didn't work, I'm not a dragon"

Our last ride of the trip. Snow White's Scary Adventure. This was our second time on it. The first time, Kelly through a fit about not wanting to go because it's called her "scary" adventure.

We got to Celebrate Preston's birthday with the gang from the 100 acre woods (for all of you less knowledgeable folk that means the Winnie the Pooh characters)

Tigger came over to sing Happy Birthday with Preston. What a memorable 3rd birthday. Too bad he won't remember it.

The food here was fabulous. I loved the buffets because then we didn't have to entertain the children while we waited for food.

Adam got his picture taken with his favorite princess ever. When he was younger Little Mermaid was his favorite Disney film. Well at least Ariel's singing. Too bad he married a women who sounds more like Scuttle.

We also got to eat dinner with the Princesses. You can see Tommy's excitement in his face.

My mother bought the birthday hat to use at all of the family birthdays. In this pic you can see how Preston's face painting has transformed into looking a little pound puppy-ish So this is the way Preston ended his birthday. What a way to ride. We had a great time, but we came back exhausted. I've decided that my kids would be great cruise children. Every few hours they wanted to go back to the hotel and go swimming. So I'm thinking they would love being on a cruise. That will be our next endeavor, but first I will need a while to recover from all that Magicalness.

Missing Her Friend

2010-10-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

A group of us met at the cemetary to celebrate Caroline Hemming. We brought flowers and then went out to dinner together. While we were there we got to see the bench that Crystal and Billy got for Hailey. Delaney loved it. Crystal took this picture of my sweet Laney. It looks like she is having a quite moment thinking about her friend.

I miss your friend too Laney. Hailey you sure are loved.

Lingo gets blessed

2010-08-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

Oh what do you do in the Summertime??

2010-07-25T14:57:00.009-05:00

So I can tell you that the answer to that question is NOT Blog. I'm sorry to all of my faithful followers (all 2.5 of you) I have not been blogging because well... I don't want to. I could say that it's because I'm "too busy" but in all honesty I still find time to watch Real Housewives of New York so I can't really say that I'm too busy.

What I have been doing this Summer is some pretty fantastical stuff. Probably my favorite part of the Summer has been that my girls were on a swim team. Not just any swim team, MY swim team. The one I used to swim for when I was just a wee tator tot. (No I was not round back then I was just refering to the size of a tator tot).

It started off with a whole lot of prayer. See you have to be able to swim half of a length to be on the swim team and Paige... well she could swim about 2 feet and she knows the universal sign for "Pull me up I'm Drowning".

So I told Paige she would get to go to Swim team for just one week ( I couldn't guarantee that they would actually keep her.) BUT THEY DID!!! (See kiddos prayer works)

So for the months of June and July the girls have been going every morning to practice. They've actually become pretty decent swimmers. That's when they decide to use their arms. A few weeks ago Paige told me that she had discovered that she swims FASTEST when she doesn't use her arms. I of course told her very nicely that she was crazy and that she has to use her arms in the swim meets... Well for her last meet she decided to show off her real skillz.

They shoot off the gun and she goes! Then we realize she's not using her arms. I think that was the first time I have ever heard a coach yell "USE YOUR ARMS" she did the whole length without her arms and NO it was not her fastest time.

So in honor of a fabulous summer filled with swimming here are a few pics

So Here is my newest swimmer... I think she's pretty adorable. Yes I am a mean mother and yes that is a swim cap on her head (and goggles) and NO she did not cry at all. She's used to this kind of abuse, I mean have you seen the bows I put this girl in.

Here is Kelly after she swam in a meet. Pretty darn cute if you ask me.

And then there was Paige. She was able to cut 2 minutes off of her backstroke, and she can now make it all the way across the pool. I would probably say that her favorite part has been the socializing.

When "Aunt Favorite" babysits

2010-07-17T21:53:00.005-05:00

So my sister Michelle brought baby Jonny Lingo to town for her 10year highschool reunion. She didn't think it would be the wisest thing to take him with her to the actual "Celebration" (If that's what you want to call reunions.). So she left baby Lingo with me and Nonnie. Since This is the first baby any of my sisters have had I've never really been called any fun nicknames. So I've come up with my own. Aunt Favorite.

Well I didn't want Lingo's experience to be Boring. I mean when you give yourself a nickname like Aunt Favorite you have to live up to all the hype. So I came up with a very busy schedule for us. It went something like this:

First I fed him the good stuff. I'm sure there was Diet Pepsi in there. I mean all he's had is "milk" so far. I mean I am Aunt Favorite.

Next I taught him how to read. Yeah I am that good. I knew that the only real chance he had at being edjumacated was by me. Then I had him read it to Delaney. Just so he could work on his fluency with the words.

What you can't see here is that he is learning how to tie knots in this picture. All boy scouts have to learn this skill so I thought there is no time like the present. I really want him to be an Eagle scout someday and I know that I can't really count on his parents to teach him anything (I mean really they left him with me)

We also played hide and seek, but I am having trouble finding that picture. When I do though you will see how smart Lingo is. I mean he found the perfect place to hide.

We had a blast though. I love having another little nephew. Who dresses so well too. I mean where did he get all of his clothes from?

July 17th 2000

2010-07-17T17:53:00.002-05:00

Ten years ago I met my hotty with a body. He was just as handsome then, and I was a smokin catch. I am so happy that I went to FHE that night. I saw him, I claimed him, I dated him then I married him. I love you Adam. Thanks for falling for me just as hard as I fell for you. Love, ME

Utah Bow Size Disorder (UBSD)

2010-05-14T13:07:00.006-05:00

So we all kind of know that the size of girls baby bows is a little out of control. Especially in one state.... Utah. We've all seen it. The first time we see it we think "That mom's crazy". Then the next time we see it we think "Well maybe it's helping the baby with neck strength, and her core muscles".

And we continue to lose our own good judgement. Before we know it we are asking "Where did you get that bow", then we are suddenly wanting to learn how to make those ridiculously large bows. At the peak of this we begin to buy the bows from Etsy shops all over. Then one morning we wake up to find that we have about 50 lbs worth of bows.

I call this disease UBSD. Utah Bow Size Disorder. And I too have fallen into this trap. BUT since I am all about keeping up with the newest and greatest trends, I have started my own. It's now not about size, it's about quantity. Laney will be the hippest girl on the block. And yes the first time you look at this picture you will think "Is it safe for Jennifer to be parenting". But before you know it you will be wanting to know how I came up with such a brilliant plan.

It does take awhile to get the bows on just right. This will help teach your child patience and good head control.

She may not lovee it at first, but this helps teach our daughters that Beauty is #1. And as you can see, they eventually love the look. Ahh yes Delaney, your bows will take you far in life. I can see it now!

Aprilness in May

2010-05-03T01:16:00.005-05:00

Dearest Blog,

So sorry that I didn't keep up with you in April... It seems that I've been kinda busy. So in case you were wondering what we've been up to.

Kelly: Still being the best big sister around. Although she does this whiney thing in a high pitched voice that seems very unnatural. It is followed with her waving her arms above her head and saying something like "Why Me!"... then she normally storms off to her room (where I have sent her). I will try to videotape it someday. I'm sure I could use it for blackmail at a later point in her life.

On the upside, even when she is in the middle of a tantrum if she sees her 2 year old brother she stops and takes care of him. Hey at least she's got her priorities.

Paige: Paige recently recieved a hand-me-down red polo. When she saw it she was overjoyed! She said "Wow mom! You got me a SPY SHIRT!!" Huh? What is this girl talking about. Anywho. She changes into it often after school and then goes on spy missions around the house. I really hope she doesn't scare off potential friends.

She has also lost half-a-dozen teeth , and the toothfairy and her are BFF. She is still chasing butterflies and her idea of "moving fast" involves dancing and skipping and wondering across a room. She's quite a character.

Tommy: Tommy adores his newborn sister. I see brother and sisterly love on a daily basis, but NOTHING like this. He sits and stares at her, talks and goos at her. He has this obsession with holding her hand whenever he is near. He glows when she is in the room.

Preston: We are just counting down the days till he is no longer 2.

So Delaney.

2010-04-01T12:46:00.003-05:00

So Delaney... We've decided to take away all of your hair bows.

APRIL FOOLS!!

Why not?

2010-03-28T22:38:00.005-05:00

So while we were in fabulous Kansas City, we did alot of playing with friends! On Friday we met the Burnesons for lunch outside the crown center, by the fountains. Paige couldn't keep her eyes off of the fountains, she was dying to run through them.

Emily and I finally decided, hey why not?

Here is Ms Emily explaining to Paige, that they have to wait for the water to go down to run across the fountain area.

Here is Paigemonster doing it her way!... as usual

I think I have my hand up trying to tell the water to stay down. You know, one of those "talk to the hand" moments

The boys were so good about following directions they ran in a nice single file line.

Okay, is Kelly not beautiful even running through water? Look at these nice patient children waiting for the water to go down.

SUPER FAST Daniel!

Love these monsters

So tiptoeing through the fountains went well. I did not fall and break my leg again. The only fall was Dallin and it just left him a little wet.

So then we sloshed our wet feet and bodies back to our hotel room where Emily used a hairdryer to dry all the monsters off.

Note to Parents out there: Let your children run through the fountain. Water Dries... it really does.

Room Service?

2010-03-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

When I first told the monsters that we were going to be staying in a hotel, Paigemonster got really excited and said "DO WE GET ROOM SERVICE?!?!" (Apparently she has watched the movie Eloise too many times)

I told her no way jose!

But she won. yep she sure did. We found that the hyatt had a kids menu, so one morning we decided to get that girl some room service!

They loved the little table and immediatley put on their napkins. Kelly hates jelly, but as soon as she saw the mini containers she made herself a strawberry toast sandwich.

Room service was a success. I loved watching the kids get a kick out of these little things. (But NO they can't have it again)

I was really tempted to put Laney on the table as the meal, but decided that my mother might hurt me.

She Can Be Taught!

2010-03-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

So I've been MIA since this baby monster came, and I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

You see my lovely little munchkin is many things

She Has a great temperament
She sleeps ALL the time
Is absolutely beautiful
Has great fashion sense
Loves to be cuddled

But the one problem she had was that she didn't know how to breastfeed. Yeah, I'm sure some of you are skeptical or rolling your eyes saying "Jen probably hasn't tried..." But I can safely say that we have tried EVERYTHING, I mean everything. There has been many many tears shed, but I can now say that after 7 weeks, my beautiful baby girl has finally caught on. She can be taught!

After she was born, she wouldn't latch. I mean as in no suction no attaching nadda. She started out at 8lbs 6 Oz's, and by day 10 she was down to 7 pounds even. I only know her weight because we ended up back in the hospital while they ran some tests on the little Jaundice monster. While she was admitted I had a lactation specialist come and meet with us.

This sweet lady had no help to offer us, just support. She said don't give up. Well, because she wouldn't attach and try, my milk supply was about gone. I was barely pumping an ounce total and I didn't want to supplement, so I cried. Crying helps everyone.

So to make a 7 week long story shorter here is what we did:

- We met with 3 lactation consultants

-Pumped every 2 hours throughout the night (even though my sweet baby slept like a rock)

-Started taking herbal supplements to help with the milk supply issue.

-Syringe fed the monster, First with my finger to help her with tongue placement

-tried nipple shield to help with the latch (Which was a joke for us. this girl didn't get the latch idea)

-We were told that she had a weak suck and swallow, so we took her to an Occupational Therapist (AND NO I'm not Joking!)

- They started me on a prescription of Reglan to help my milk supply.

-I have had countless friends come and try to help, you name it, I've tried it.

But today I don't care anymore. That's in the past. She finally got it. She really did. She still struggles in the morning when she's tired, but I haven't had to pump in 3 days and I feel like a free women. It still takes her FOREVER to eat, but I'm not in a hurry, I'm just happy she's breastfeeding.

I thought I would quit after week one, I was tempted to quit after week 3. But we made it. I really don't know how we made it.

Actually I do know how I made it. Persistence and love.

I was persistent and my mother loves me so much she came over daily to help me handle it all.

I had to attempt to feed Laney, then pump, then feed Laney... Every 2 hours. I don't know how I would have remained sane if it weren't for my mother. She helped with Preston chasing, diaper changing, Laney feeding, Tommy taxi driving, and constant Cheerleader. She understood how important this was to me and because of that she dropped her whole life to support me in mine.

A mother's love is amazing. And the funny part is, the whole time that she was dedicating her life to me, she would tell ME how proud she was of my determination. Crazy I know. My mother drops the world for me, then says that she's proud of me?? They don't make many women like her.

So at 2 in the morning when I would get up just to pump, the only thing that kept me going was Galaxy Quest.

NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER!!

(yeah I know you were probably thinking it was some uplifting scripture)

Where have I been??

2010-03-22T11:52:00.003-05:00

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing, make up the bed,Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,

Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo

Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?

Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and BLOGGING can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

No Words

2010-03-14T21:53:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday on March 6th, my family was lucky enough to get to be at the blessing of a beautiful baby girl. Hailey Hunter.

This sweet baby girl went to be with our Father in Heaven and join her Grandmother on Saturday March 13th .

Crystal and Billy have been amazing examples of strength. I've always known Crystal was strong, even when we were younger she was the strong one and I was the weepy emotional one. But I can say that watching her is a personal testimony builder. My heart is full.

"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help fom both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike-- and they will-- you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed."-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

At Hailey's Blessing

Dear Baby Girl Monster

2010-02-23T22:20:00.005-06:00

Dear Baby Girl Monster,

Please stop growing. 1.5 ounces a day is just too much... We love you little. (Don't worry we will love you big too) It's so fun to watch all of your monster siblings squeeze you. Our new house rule is:

DON'T SQUEEZE TOO HARD

You are soft and squishy and cuddly, just the way we like little ones like you.

So stop getting bigger.

I love that you sleep all the time... sooo not like Preston.

I love that your fingers are almost as long as mine (not really, but kinda)

I love that you sound like your purring when you sleep, and I love watching you sleep.

I love watching you be loved by everyone. If we had a popularity contest in our house right now, you would win by a landslide.

Sometimes I think that they love you more. But then I remember that no one can ever love you as much as me.

DadMonster and I really made a masterpiece. You are quite splendid and we adore you.

Laney last night. She's the perfect little Wehrmeister.

Look at this face. And she is already getting cheeks.

Jeannette Mahaffey took this picture for Kelly's baptism. It's already a favorite. It will be shown at their weddings and their graduations and to all of their boyfriends. It will be hung on my wall, in my scrapbook and made into flyers that I can post in the neighborhood.

Well I'm glad that you 2 are getting some sleep.

Does she even stand a chance?

2010-02-10T19:41:00.006-06:00

Laney is loved... very loved. Probably more loved than any other monster that has ever existed. I just think she would be happy if some of this "love" didn't come from her adoring brothers.

The girls love her, but in a very normal "oh she's our cute little sister" way. The boys on the other hand... are boys. Tommy thinks she's "soft", so he insists on pushing on her nose every time he walks past her. If it isn't her nose, than it is her toe, or he just likes to rub his head against hers. (Yeah, I know he's strange. But he loves her)

Adam: Why do you always touch her?

Tommy: Because I love her and she's beautiful? (Then he grabs and shakes her foot)

Preston on the other hand either wants to be her best friend or doesn't remember that she exists. When he holds her, he just smiles and stares and hugs. He really adores her, but luckily he doesn't try to touch her all the time like Tommy.

Can I just say that I love this craziness. I love the way the kids step up to the plate in helping, and the way they look at their baby sister. I love that they want to help and that they think she is about the most precious thing ever. They look at her, like I look at her.

Trust me, I know this phase won't last long for them, but I'm going TO EMBRACE IT WHILE I CAN.

I like the delusional world I live in.

Not Every Day

2010-02-07T13:55:00.003-06:00

It's not everyday that you get to watch your oldest daughter get baptized and your youngest daughter get blessed.

I know that post pregnant Jen should have been over emotional and weepy during this afternoon of beautifulness, but I wasn't. I was just Happy. Not a weepy mess, not a blubbering disaster, I just sat there and soaked up the happiness of my eternal family.

It was one of those moments where you look all around at what's going on, and think "I must have done something right". I have 5 beautiful children who I think are amazing and I am married to a great piece of eye candy (and he's kind too, but you all know I married him for his eternal hotness).

We were visited by some of our favorite people in the world, and for those who didn't make the drive from Iowa, Kansas City, South County, Ballwin or from West Virginia (no one drove from WV, I did ask one friend too, but she said no)

Here are a couple of pictures from yesterday, Kelly spent the rest of the day saying " I haven't made any bad choices yet, so I'm still doing good"

And Delaney spent the whole day and night sleeping, cause that's all she does. And we do love her for it.

Before my beauty was baptized, although I just realized I didn't take an after picture with her in her other dress. I totally stuffed myself into clothes for the baptism. You probably weren't expecting that to be the caption on this picture, but it's the truth.

Here is our first family picture, now this picture does make me a little emotional and weepy.

Beautiful Baby

2010-01-20T19:30:00.004-06:00

Delaney Leigh Wehrmeister

January 19th 9:35AM

8lbs 8 ounces, 21 inches

She is beautiful and fabulous and mine.

Things went well with delivery. I was concerned since this was my 5th C-section, but the Dr. said I didn't have too much scar tissue and things everything looked good. I wish I could have been sedated during the epidural, but I'm pretty sure they don't do that.

Recovery is going well, Adam took a couple afternoons off and he starts back on his regular schedule on Monday.

So really there isn't anything else to report. We are doing well right now, but I'm sure we will be going into survival mode in the next week or so. Once we are crazy I'm sure there will be more entertaining things to report.

Our house is a very very very fine house

2010-01-08T21:19:00.005-06:00

Last May Adam and I bought a "fixer upper", days after moving in I took a pregnancy test that told us that baby monster 5 was on it's way.

I've promised "updates", but pregnancy (meaning cranky pregnant lady) have delayed those updates.

So with the upcoming arrival of baby monster, Adam and I have been finishing some projects, and starting others. My to do list grows each day, and I'm sure Adam wants to pull more of his hair out each day. BUT he is still putting up with me (which is a good thing.)

So I'll get to the point. Here are a few pictures of our house. Just a sneak peak, not the whole she-bang, don't get your hopes up that more will come soon. I'm not making any promises.

So obviously these are pics of the same rooms, just different views. I love how it's come together. It's the kitchen I always dreamed that I would never have. The fireplace is not finished yet, so don't look too close at that yet, but we are getting there.

Besides the brass front on the fireplace the only thing that is still the same in this house is the garbage disposal.

From one precious angel to Five amazing Monsters

2010-01-07T23:08:00.007-06:00

So I was sitting here reflecting (also known as trying to sleep), about what I needed to get done before we bring this next monster home and I realized how much I have changed since I was pregnant with Kelly. First Baby: I always knew EXACTLY how far along I was 6 weeks 4 days, 30 weeks 2 days.

Fifth Monster: I can tell you EXACTLY when this child is being evicted, but have no idea the number of "weeks" pregnant I am.

First Baby: We rented a Doppler thing so I could hear the baby's heartbeat whenever I wanted.

Fifth Monster: The only Doppler I hear about now is the one that has to do with the weather.

First Baby: I thought I was tired.

Fifth Monster: I realized that tired isn't being pregnant. Tired is being pregnant while you are holding your daughters hair as she throws up because she has the stomach flu, which wouldn't be so bad if you didn't just get over having the stomach bug and had to take care of your 4 year old in the middle of the night while you both were throwing up at the same time. And I didn't even mention that the 2 year old had it the night before. But no I'm not complaining... really I'm not. I think I was probably crying at the time but that was a month ago so I'm totally over it (can't you tell)

First Baby: I honestly thought I might be able to go back to work part time.

Fifth Monster: I realized I couldn't. I couldn't leave these monsters with anyone, because no one would love them as much as me.

First Baby: I was SO excited for her to be born, and so not wanting to be pregnant.

Fifth Monster: Yes, I am excited to meet her, but I know she is much easier inside my tummy and am very content waiting my 11 days 12 hours and 14 minutes that I have left.

First Baby: I loved when we went down to the weekly visits!

Fifth Baby: Last time I went the Dr. said "See you in 2 weeks" and I said " Can I make that 3?". (Which he was fine with)

Oh, but we all know that there are things that don't change. Like the moment they show you your monster for the first time. It's an indescribable feeling. I know this, because I tried to explain it to a friend and I couldn't describe it (which is the definition for indescribable.)

I also love the feeling of holding your newborn baby while they sleep. You are their whole world at that moment. They need you, just as much as you need them.

The hormonal pregnant outbursts. I wish I was a well-behaved pregnant women, but I'm not. I'm a cranky miserable women who hates the world and 97.8 % of the population while I'm pregnant. I have little sympathy for people and I think most people are just stupid. Don't worry I am a normal human again once the baby is out.... well I have so far.

Snow day for the Monsters

2010-01-07T19:28:00.005-06:00

Yesterday Paige came home from school and said, "Mr. Salt said that if we want a snow day we have to wear our pajamas inside out and take an ice cube and flush it down the toilet."

Paige, being the obedient student that she is did all of the above and this morning she was richly rewarded!!

There is nothing like a snow day. I love them. I love the magic of them just like when I was little. It almost feels like a gift from above. Like Heavenly Father is saying "Slow Down everyone, take a look at what you have". So that is what we did.

Adam's morning patients were cancelled so he went to go get donuts for the family, then he took the 3 oldest monsters outside for the rest of the morning. We tried to get Preston out there too, but apparently he is "too good" for his snowsuit.

So I got a kick out of dressing Tommy. He would just put on whatever I told him. So I put his sister's swim goggles on him and I thought I was super funny. Plus I did think it would help him stay out there in the wind.

Here is his after shot. His hands are snow covered, but when I took his goggles of he was nice and warm underneath. So note to self: If I'm ever in a blizzard, I'll take my swim gear.

Paigemonster is my biggest snow angel. She is a trooper. I was just lucky to get socks on the girl before she ran out the door. Kelly went out in 3 layers of clothes, 2 of socks and 2 sets of gloves . Paige through on some clothes and ran out the door. I did get gloves and a hat on her, but she she didn't come back in all morning. Kelly would come and get dry gloves whenever hers got wet. Since Missouri isn't known for our mountains, Adam built the monsters a hill to "sled" down. Adam would have stayed out there all day with Paige, but I finally bribed them to come in with hot cocoa. The Aftermath.

Then they got to choose which flavor Hot Cocoa they wanted.

Tommy looks like it's naptime. but no. Yes, even Preston gets hot cocoa.

This is the only picture I could catch of Kelly. I tried to get a few outside, but they didn't turn out.

Because Adam rocks my world! Happy Anniversary.

2009-12-29T11:50:00.013-06:00

We all know how I feel about Adam. I think I make it perfectly clear on a regular basis. I don't think anyone could ever accuse me of not expressing my love for the father of the monsters.

I talk to him throughout the day, he calls me inbetween patients and I call him when the monsters either do something really cute or really upsetting. He gets me through the day.

So Happy Anniversary to the man who scrubs my pans and changes my laundry. Here are some pictures of our past nine years.

2000- The first time I met this hunk-o-love.

2003-Adam graduated BYU and thought that he wanted to be a Chemical Engineer...

2003- We welcomed our beautiful little PaigeMonster. By this point Adam was miserable in Grad School, he hated it and it didn't like him too much either.

2004-

2005- Here we are in St. Louis having baby monster Tommy. 3 weeks later we received a phone call from UMKC that told us that we were off the waitlist for Dental School and we drove across the state one week later.

2006- Adam and I sail away from the monsters for our first monsterless vacation. It was fabulous. There is nothing like a week long vacation with your best friend.

2007- Jenn and Adam compete in a pie eating contest, and we both walk away happy losers.

2008- Our first (and last) public performance of Riverdance. I would say that we were naturals, but that would be a lie.

2008- Just a candid moment between the 2 of us.

2009- Never been a sexier couple and there never will be.

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-27T22:30:00.001-06:00

Is a cleaning lady!

Here is an idea for a Christmas Present for me

2009-12-25T23:15:00.004-06:00

How about everyone who looks fat and ugly pregnant post some pregnancy pics. I mean come on everyone. All I ever see are the pretty little things who look "bloated" I want the real deal.

You know what I mean, the "I haven't showered or brushed my hair and am still in my pajamas and probably won't be getting out of them, because that would mean more laundry and I can't breathe when I do the laundry anyway" pictures.

I don't expect everyone to look as whale-ish as me pregnant, but come on. Pretty people stink.

Today someone looked at me and said "Are you sure you are going to make it another month?" hmmmm...

Merry Christmas, I know you've missed me

2009-12-24T22:30:00.005-06:00

My Christmas Present to you is an entry on my blog! Yes, you should feel so lucky.

Obviously we are busy, but I think that's a lame EXCUSE!! We've been busy these last 7 weeks since I posted, but not busier then usual.

I'm going to bed, because tomorrow is Christmas and we know how early that day starts.

So here are some pics to make you all feel warm and fuzzy.

We had cookie of the day for about a week, where we made a different cookie each day. Adam really liked this.

Here we are painting Christmas Ornaments. The kids loved it, and Preston did fine until he tried to eat the paint. Then he said he was done.

Paige was really excited to put out Santa's cookies and milk. She couldn't decide between milk and Hot Chocolate, but eventually went for the milk.

They went to bed great too. No crying or saying they wanted to stay up. They gave kisses and went to sleep. I checked on them a little past 8 and they were fast asleep. Miracle of Miracles.

Here we are all. I love this time of year and I love all the monsters in the picture with me. I have been blessed with beautiful and kind children and a husband who thinks that I am hot even when I am the size of a whale. These people are the reason that I get up in the morning. There is no gift that I could receive that would mean more to me than these faces.

Practicing Reverence

2009-11-01T13:34:00.007-06:00

Today I was home with asthmatic Kelly, and it seems as though I missed the real excitement.

Adam said that Tommy's teacher came and asked him if he could come and get Tommy and 2 of his friends out of the boys bathroom. When he went in there he found that they hadn't even used the bathroom yet, they were just playing.

Then his teacher (The Saint), took them all back to class... for awhile. Eventually 2 of these boys ended up back with their parents (one of those was our Tommy). Adam warned Tommy that Mommy wasn't going to be happy with him.

So here is Tommy practicing being reverent. He had to sit and practice for 20 minutes. I told him that if it happens again, it will be longer.

Yes, I know how miserable he looks. But he did sit there, not speak and keep his arms folded. Adam kept reminding him that reverence begins with quietly sitting.

I told him that being reverence wasn't about being miserable, so he had to put his pouty lip away. This is his attempt at "enjoying" reverence.

Reason 3,501 Why Adam rocks.

2009-10-30T22:10:00.004-05:00

Adam: Ohhh that women is too skinny.

Jenn: (Good, we don't like skinny in this house!)

Okay, now off topic. Here are a couple of pics of my husband, being a caveman... Well a 21st century caveman.

When we bought the house, we couldn't get the gas fireplace to work. Adam/sexy caveman worked a couple of hours on it, and VOILA we have FIRE!!!

So of course the kids insisted on turning off the lights, getting a flashlight and having Daddy read them stories. Quite cute.

When Tommy learned to speak

2009-10-21T17:20:00.005-05:00

Anyone who has spent time with our family knows that we have been worried about Tommy's speech since he was a baby monster.

He just didn't care about anything. He didn't cry in his crib, because he didn't care that he was there. He didn't sit up for a long time, cause he didn't want to see anything. Time out didn't work, because he was content doing nothing. And He didn't speak, because he didn't have anything to say.

Well he speaks now, and we love it. Nothing makes me happier than listening to his constant talking. It's nice to hear a voice come from that beautiful face.

So here is what he has been saying lately:

Daddy: Wow Tommy, that's a nice bruise you have on your cheek.

Tommy: Why thank you.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tommy: Daddy, Do pickles come from frogs?

Daddy: No, Tommy they don't.

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Tommy: Where does Preston come from?

Daddy: Frogs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tommy: (Hands Nonnie a little grape)

Nonnie: (Eats it)

Tommy: NO!!! Now it won't grow up to be a big grape.

The day the children ran away... and the school counselor called.

2009-10-20T17:04:00.004-05:00

2 weekends ago PaigeMonster and her partner in crime Tommy decided to run-away. They have wanted to for a couple of days, but it had been raining so I told them they had to wait.

Saturday rolls around and it was a beautiful (and a little chilly) day. Paige asked Adam if they could run-away and told him they would be back for lunch.

Dad said it was fine, but that they had to stay in the driveway.

They took sleeping bags, pillows, umbrellas, clothes (even pullups for the nighttime), coloring books, and of course backpacks full of STUFF.

After they came in for lunch, they put their PJ's on and went back out to finish their Runaway day. I have to say it was a great day for me too. It's so much easier to get things accomplished in the house when the monsters are outside of the house.

So these pics are adorable and the monsters had a blast.

On Monday it was rainy, so the kids "Ran Away" to Tommy's room.

Tuesday Morning came around and it was also rainy, Paige was off to school, but before she left she asked if she could run-away. I told her it was too cold and rainy, so she would have to runaway to the sunroom today... no problem (I thought)

11 AM rolls around and the phone rang, it was Paige's counselor. Apparently Paige went in to her teacher and told him that she was running away, but not to worry because she would be back in November...

I tried not to laugh (It took alot). When Monster came home, we had a little chat.

I didn't realize that a great imagination, would end up in a phone call from the school. Lesson Learned.

Just another Sunday.

2009-10-11T23:26:00.003-05:00

Nothing exciting here, just another Sunday. The kids wanted to use the camera, so I let them take a couple of pictures.

Acutally I took this one. I just looked at her and couldn't believe how big she is getting. So I had to grab my camera, before I wake up tomorrow and find her grown, married with a family. It always amazes me how fast they grown up. Please make her stop.

Tommy took this priceless picture. I mean I am quite grateful that he left out my other 3 stomachs and part of my bad hair day, but hey I kind of like it. Here is Kelly's work of art. I was actually pleasantly surprised. I did crop it down some, but I was very happy to have a picture with me and my boys. I am not in many pictures, so this was a nice change.

Tommy the frog. No story, just Tommy

MiniMonster turns 2

2009-10-11T23:07:00.002-05:00

Who Could not just Love this Face??

We just love our little monster! Tomorrow he turns 2 and I made some cupcakes tonight to celebrate.

He's a smart little guy and the more words he says, the happier we get. He blabbers in his own little language mixed with real words here and there.

He loves playing with his brother and sisters, and doesn't realize that he's not the same age or size as they are. He sleeps great through the night (Wish I could say the same for his older brother), and can give great mean looks just like his oldest sister.

Here is Daddy and Preston decorating his cupcake. Preston was being very careful and picking up one sprinkle at a time and placing it on his cupcake.

This was my favorite part, because he even knew the right time to blow out the candles. Without being told.

January 19th

2009-10-01T19:45:00.002-05:00

So I went to see my fabulous Dr. today and this is the day we decided on. January 19th is when Grand Finale will be joining our mad house.

As long as everything goes smoothly with the delivery and baby is healthy, we will be coming home from the hospital on Kelly's birthday! (Jan. 23rd).

Baby Monster looked good at the check up.I got to see her in 3-D and it was pretty neat. She still looks a little alien-esque, but it was fun. They also gave me my pre-registration package from the hospital. I'm just so happy to be having this monster back in St. Louis, with the Dr. that I love in the hospital that I love the most.

Tommy Boy doesn't exactly understand how this whole baby thing works.

The other day he asked: "Soo the baby is cut out of your tummy?"

Mommy: "Yep, the Dr. gets the baby out of mommy's tummy and then sew mommy up."

Tommy: "That's going to be gross, the baby is going to be covered in all the food in your tummy"

Daddy: "Yep, the baby comes out looking gross, but not from the food"

No Bake Cookies

2009-09-29T22:56:00.003-05:00

It's 11:00 at night and the only thing I can think about is no bake cookies. I can't sleep, I just want chocolate, but there is no room in the inn. All of it has been eaten or not bought, I haven't decided what happened to it yet. I know there are twizzlers, but I don't want twizzlers. I want something chocolatey, but not plain solid chocolate. Oh the troubled life I lead... hmmm maybe I should go get a shake from Steak N' Shake. Yep.... Adam's sleeping, maybe he won't notice that I'm gone.

Okay well, I guess I'm going to Steak N' Shake, thank you for helping me make these hard choices.

Just a few minutes

2009-09-19T14:57:00.004-05:00

Kelly just got on the scale and said "60 pounds, I weigh a whole minute!".

I like that girl's way of thinking. If ever asked what I weigh, It would be nice to say "Just a few minutes".

What have I become...

2009-09-17T13:11:00.004-05:00

Today I was talking to a friend and she was telling me all of her ideas and "crafts" that she has been up to. It was at this moment that I realized that this pregnancy has sucked the creativeness out of my body.

I am now content with empty walls, unpacked boxes and just a rather blahness in my design around my house. This goes against everything I believe in, yet I refuse to fight it. I'm just plain and boring for now. I don't have any fight in me. I don't have those design ideas pouring out of me like I used to. Maybe just maybe someday I will be me again. But for now if my friends from KC come to visit my house, don't expect anything other than ordinary. And don't expect me to have a "craft" project out. I haven't been making curtains, or burp clothes or blankets. I haven't been hanging photos or hot gluing anything. Nothing has been done and I fear that side of my brain will soon forget how to function.

Now that I'm done venting, I have a few OLD pics to post. I just found these on my SD card. These are from the townhomes back in April or May. Shortly before we moved. Made me smile.

Ms Paige Monster goin for a ride. (Please don't look at her hair, she was going for the whole "I just took a ride in a tornad0" look.

My cover shot for Babes & Bikes.

Don't know what he's doing, but he sure thinks he's funny.

Tommy and Daddy

Someone was too shy to get on the bike...

IT'S A....

2009-09-10T19:47:00.006-05:00

GIRL!!!!!

To say that I'm excited, would be a very true statement. The girls wanted a girl and Tommy wanted a boy. Paige wants to name her Paige, but that doesn't really surprise any of us.

Everything looked good on the ultrasound, which was a big relief to us. My mom thought it was a boy, so she looked a little down when I said girl (BUT, I'm sure she will deny this).

Pregnancy: The 9 month disease.

2009-09-04T15:39:00.003-05:00

I actually think this post should be entitled:

Birth control- It's a good thing.

So, I like to consider myself a somewhat normal person, when under normal circumstances. I mean I know that I'm "crazy" but like the title says, it's usually a "happy crazy". But then I get pregnant and all common sense and sanity leaves my body, and in comes the real crazies. The kind where you know that your husband is secretly praying at night for the aliens to come back and return his "real wife", and if the aliens can't return her, then TAKE HIM AWAY from who ever is living in her body.

Oh yes, I have my normal moments, I can carry on about a 10 minute conversation, before you realize that I'm a little bonkers. And to be perfectly honest, when I'm pregnant I dislike about 85% of the population, so if you DO get a 10 minute conversation out of me, you should consider yourself a very lucky person (kinda like winning the lottery).

My housekeeping, dancing ability and parental skills are all deeply affected by this whole pregnancy thing. I happen to be 5'4 (the tallest female in my family) so when I bend over I can't breathe. Doing laundry is like a constant "hold your breathe" contest and picking something off the floor... well you just don't do that. My dancing ability is, well kinda not there right now. And parenting... seems way off. You know you are "sick" when you see your child drop a piece of food and just think "Maybe they are saving it for later". Oh well it only lasts 9 months.

Don't you worry about me though, my little cream puffs.

At least I KNOW that this behaviour is not normal, and I know that the END definitely justifies this journey. I just hope my husband and darling monsters realize that it's worth it in the long run.

Because at the end of one of these monster days, where you laugh, then cry, and occasionally scream you climb into bed and get a little Kick in the side from your "partner in crime" and you do know that it is all worth it. This crazy crappy time gives you the biggest pot of gold you could ever ask for or dream of.

You get one of these:

So in the meantime, I do apologize to all those that I offend, criticize, and roll my eyes at.

Try not to take it personally, it's just the baby talking.

Why I will NOT be making my blog Private.

2009-08-23T21:16:00.003-05:00

So last night I cried, for probably 2 hours. I didn't just cry a little... it was a big cry. The kind where your face hurts and your eyes are puffy and your nose won't stop running. And you wake up with a crying hangover. I was reading a blog, a blog of someone who I have never met, never bumped into and probably never will. But her life brought me to my knees.

You see she lost her husband to Lupus. She is a beautiful 2o something girl, with an adorable little boy.

I ended up on her blog and I couldn't stop reading. I read about her husband's death and then I went to the archives and read about his fight, their life, their love and all that they have been through. And I cried through it all. I bawled like she was my best friend, and when I was done I prayed for her and her darling son.

When it was all said and done and I was lying in bed, I thought in my little brain of mine "That is why blog is not going private". You see I need all the prayers I can get. I don't care who you are, if you want to pray for me go right ahead. I might not be going through what this beautiful women is, but when I have my hard days and blog about them, I'll take any prayers that I can get in my direction.

Am I making the right choice for my family? For now the answer is yes. I am no dummy, I know that there are bad people in this world. I know there are people out there that steal pictures, leave comments and are just plain crazy. I know that 7 people have ended up on my blog by googling "I hate sonic", 6 of you are actually looking for my friend "kiera", and one of you wants to know "what happened to pollyanna paralyzed." I also know I've read blogs of people I have never met, and their words have affected me.

Do I believe that my words have an impact on people NO, but I am not going to be a hypocrite. I'm not going to say, you can't look at my life, but I'm going to hop around and read yours.

I strongly believe that everyone is just looking out for their family and doing what they feel is right, many of my favorite people have come out and said they were going private, so I thought I would come along and say why I'm not.

In the mean time, if you have a few moments and lots of tears and prayers to spare take a look at this darling family: http://www.kamandjami.blogspot.com/

Slipping through my fingers.

2009-08-17T08:09:00.003-05:00

This is not my favorite day of the year. It is not my 2nd favorite either. Today is the day that the school system takes my child... now children. I really do enjoy my time with them, and really didn't want them to go. Kelly was ready though. She's become a pro at this, and even though it is a new school with new people, she was ready to leave me. She was excited. Paige on the other hand, says the things you want to hear from your child (when you don't want them to leave you). Paige cried, she didn't want to leave. Actually she didn't even want to wake up. She didn't want to ride the bus, and she didn't want to stay in her class. Why you might wonder?? Because she loves me. Because she knows that I needed to hear that. I know that it will be a constant battle to get her to school, but in 13 years when I'm driving her to college I will appreciate all of the times I got to hear her say "Mommy, I don't want to leave you."

So this morning went okay... could have gone better, but we made it through. Kelly asked me to curl her hair. And I did. Paige didn't want to go, she even missed the bus. But I drove the little monster to school, walked her to her classroom and left my little girl.

My Hotness

2009-08-02T11:55:00.004-05:00

Could life get any better??

It could if you were married to this hotness

Dearest Hotty with a Body,

Thanks for everything. Thank you for dealing with a cranky sick pregnant women. Thank you for doing the dishes, and the laundry and the taking care of a cranky sick pregnant lady. I would like to believe that someday I will make it up to you, but we both know that that probably won't happen. By the time I'm feeling up to returning the favor, you will have one-uped me again... somehow with something. And no, I don't care that our friends that are reading this are probably gaging and puking, because now they know how I feel.

But, really thanks for turning me into the spoiled brat that I am. I love you for it. For everything. Thank you for being a goof ball and making me laugh. Thank you for not being upset that I was tooo sick to throw you some out of this world 30th party, I still feel bad about that. And thank you for our babies... all 4.3333 of them.

In my dream world...

2009-07-31T21:48:00.002-05:00

In my dream world, when I say "Hey everyone it's Naptime!!", the children would cheer and run for their beds. ALL OF THEM. Everyone would say, "Thanks mom for letting us take a nap."

Then we would all sleep, including me of course. But that's just in my dream world. It's back to reality for me.

Dear St. Louis

2009-07-26T20:44:00.005-05:00

Dear St. Louis,

I might just stay... if your lucky.

It's already been 2 months (but it feels like 6). I still don't like most humans (that's one of those side effects of growing a baby in your tummy), but we have started interviewing for friends.

Our first interview went well, we liked their kids (they had girls to play with my girls and that gave them BONUS points) and we enjoyed their company. They don't seem super odd (just odd enough to hang out with us).

We do have some more openings for "friend interviews" if anyone is interested they should fill out an application and it will be "reviewed" (so basically if I don't get back to you it's just a nice way of saying we don't want any)

The house is still coming along, the waterproofing is done, and the rooms are worked on right now, BUT the carpet was backordered so it won't be in till the middle of August. (Totally stinky, but what do you do!)

If anyone has the sudden urge to unpack something, please come my way, because we sure have a bunch still to unpack. I don't think we will be done anytime soon. Actually I'm just waiting 5 months or so till the "nesting" sets in, and then suddenly I will get all the boxes unpacked in like 2 hours. I always find it amazing what you can do that last month of pregnancy when preparing for your baby monster.

For all of you wondering if this is STILL the Grande Finale, the answer is yes.

Also, we find out next month what we are having. And we have decided that we will find out and then not tell anyone. It's a different kind of surprise. I always like to know how the book is going to end, so this way I'll still get to know how this one is going to come out, but YOU will be surprised. (I know, I have such great ideas sometimes... i even surprise myself)

So overall we are enjoying St. Louis. We love being around family, and we can tell that at some point in the future there is hope that we will find friends.

But really, there are some questions you should ask yourself before applying to be our friend:

1.) Do you mind naked 4 year old boys? My son has been know to come out of the bathroom with no pants on. Is this something that we encourage? No. But it is our reality and it comes with being part of the Wehrmeister entourage.

2.) Do you mind random singing of show tunes? This would be a Jen disorder. Any word at any moment could have her singing. Once again, this is not something we encourage.

3.) Do you mind going to the dentist. Because you see everytime you come to our house you are in fact going to the Dentist. And although that does go against everything I believe in, if I can adjust I think our friends should be able to.

4.) Do you mind "Making yourself at Home" this is my nice way of saying "I'm not going to help you, so if you want it you get it." I am normally much more hospitable, but this whole growing baby, feel like crap thing is getting to me right now.

5.) Oh and then there are those that love Activities. I am normally one of those, but right now our biggest activity is napping. So if you want me to go rock climbing you should wait till next July to apply for this friendship, because come December I will be the size of a boulder, so I don't need to be climbing one.

I'm sure there are many other reasons why people should not apply to be our friend, but I am too lazy to write out anymore.

Also, next entry I will add pictures, NOT pics of my house yet, but still pics.

Things I have forgotten to mention:

2009-07-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

So the reason for my lackage of blogage would be the whole growing baby in the tummy issue. The TV and internet make me nauseous, so that makes visits to my blog and other blogs very short. (It's not cause I'm facebooking Aby, that makes me sick too). So there are many things I have forgotten to mention, not because I don't think you don't care about every little detail of my life, but because I get sick just thinking of typing (and yes, I feel crap-a-delic right now in case you were wondering).

So here is what my faithful followers have missed (don't cry, maybe I'll make it up to you later... probably not.)

Adam turned 30. We had a fabulous party that involved fireworks (oh wait shoot that was just the 4th of July celebration. I hate when I mix those things up). No we actually went out to lunch with our Burneson's who drove all the way from KC for the lunch (dedication is key to being my friend).

The kids are still in day camp. They love it. OTHER people are taking them to the pool, so that makes me thrilled. I don't feel like going to the pool, because I'm sure I'd find something there to make me nauseous there. (I'm sure a downer huh?)

Adam is my work slave... and yes I wish I was joking. I think those donkey's in Mexico get more breaks then Adam. He works, and then does so much around the house, because his wife is too busy feeling like a dead tomato and growing a baby in her tummy too get much accomplished. If he stays with me through this pregnancy, he's going to deserve a raise when the kid comes.

We now have an additional nickname for Grand Finale. We also call baby "Tiebreaker" The girls want a girl and the boys want a boy. I had a dream that it was a boy and that I cried. Because all future votes of "Do you want to go fishing or to the mall?" had been decided with one sonogram. Rather depressing huh? It's okay I'll just name the boy Jenna so at least I'll feel better about it.

Tommy TURNS 4 TOMORROW! This seems to be the never ending birthday though. We had a party at the Magic House on Saturday, then today we celebrated his (and my brother in law Josh's) birthday at my parents, and then tomorrow we go to Gram's for a continuous celebration of the Tommy that we all love.

Well, before I get sick I'm going to sign out. I don't feel like my posts are as amusing as usual these days, and I apologize for my blahness, but hopefully once I feel better I will find all things humorous once more.

Signing out now.

Dr. Pepper

2009-07-12T17:18:00.002-05:00

One time I was in a car accident. I was a wreck and crying and called up my sweet husband to come and pick me up. He showed up... with a Dr. Pepper. He thought it would help me feel better, and he was so right.

Reason 475 why I love Adam.

Magical Goody Bags.

2009-07-10T20:41:00.005-05:00

There is something magical about taking dollar store items and putting them in a Goody Bag for a birthday party. I don't understand it yet, but someday when I have figured it out I'll let you know.

I was sitting on the bed organizing the goody bags for Tommy's party tomorrow when the kids came in and were super excited. (I was wondering if they saw the same items I did). Tommy picked up a plastic frog and said "Did you buy this?" When I said yes, He Cheered. Like raise your arms in the air cheer. Kelly the 7 1/2 year old saw the same cheapy items and asked "Do I get a goody bag too?" I'm still thinking who would want one of these.

Next, Tommy sat on the bed next to me and very carefully handed me a fruit snack package for each bag. Just an ordinary fruit snack package, but tonight it meant so much more. To him these were the specially chosen fruit snacks that were carefully prepared for his goody bags, and he couldn't be more grateful. He was glowing.

Just before the kids came in, I was sitting there complaining to Adam about how I didn't like getting the bags ready, it's just one of those things that you have to do.

But obviously I was the one missing out on the special experience I could have been having. I really do enjoy these little monsters of mine.

Dear Kansas City,

2009-07-01T19:19:00.003-05:00

Dear Kansas City,

I hear that you are desperately missing us. That you can't sleep at night and that mobs and mobs of people are chanting our name.

I've heard rumors of a Hunger strike until we return. I've also been told that counselors are on 24 hour Standby to listen to you cry about your longing for our family.

Well, Kansas City... we miss you too.

Kelly Misses: Edge Gymnastics, English Landing, Sophie, The Down Park, The up Park, sleepovers with the Burnesons, Sis. Fitzsimmons, Red Lobster

Paige Misses: Capri, Eli, Ms. Mary, Capri, Sophie, Belen, The Down Park, Briann, Sis. Berrey and Dave, Kendra, Did I mention Capri?

Tommy Misses: EVERYTHING, Garrison, neighborhood friends, riding bikes everyday, all the parks, Dave, Dallin, play dates, Briann and Emma, Rome, Josh and Josh's house.

Preston: hmmm... I got nuthin.

I was on the computer tonight and I found some pictures of our last days there. So I thought I'd share.

Us and our Berrey's. We love these guys! They are the kind of friends anyone would love. They help you at a moments notice, they stay up late to just hang out, they are fun to be around and they live 2 doors down (which made our late nights easy).

Tommy's Too Cool impression.

Our last Sunday at Church.

On the street where I live...d see my beautiful friends. If you are wondering how they are all so beautiful and skinny, it's because they don't eat. Trust me, I've watched them for years, and they never eat. Which leaves me more food to consume at our get-togethers, (and yes I do consume) so hopefully I can find some ugly people to be friends with in STL.

This is Adam and Dave doing their Zombie impressions. Please don't ask me, I really don't understand them.

And I guess if you were lucky enough to read through this whole entry, I should let you know that we are having another baby. This one's nickname is Grand Finale.

Little Known Fact

2009-06-27T23:52:00.004-05:00

One thing that I love about Adam is that if he hears a song that he likes, he just starts singing it. It could be an old favorite or one he's never heard before. He just starts belting it out.

What makes this more fun for me, is that he usually doesn't know the words to the song. So it kinda just sounds like muffled humming with words thrown in here and there. He tries to repeat the words after the singer sings them, but it doesn't always work out the best for him. I mean I get a good laugh out of it, so I guess that's all that really matters.

Just another reason why you have to love Adam.

Just a Quick Update

2009-06-16T11:44:00.003-05:00

So I'm sure my friends want me to post, so I will... but it's going to be a quick one

This week I learned that cell phones can't swim. And that my cell phone doesn't want me to have any friends so AFTER it went swimming in a lake it decided to stop working...

If you are my friend, please send me your phone number, because yours have been lost at sea.

Adam is doing well at work, no more power outages during root canals.

I still have NO friends, BUT I still enjoy talking to myself, so I'm not bored yet.

Tommy still misses his friends. He cries for them often. It makes me sad... not sad enough to move back, but still sad.

I've picked out a back splash for my kitchen HOORAY!!

My children are loud

I think that's it for now.

Over and Out

So the day could have gone better

2009-06-02T22:24:00.002-05:00

So I really didn't think the day would be this bad:

The day was going fine until suddenly our pretty sun disappeared and a huge fast quick storm descended upon my house. (Imagine Winnie the Pooh singing "I'm just a little black rain cloud").

So yes, it starts pouring down rain and then the winds come and then the thunder and lightning. THEN the electricity goes out.

I go outside to see if I can see any down lines or what's going on. Well I walk in the back and something bites or stings me. My arm felt like someone just shocked it, the pain was awful. I try to shake it off, but by the time I get back to the house my arm starts swelling and is breaking out all around the area of attack.

I continue to try to shake it off, because I suddenly realize that it sounds like it's RAINING in my kitchen... hmmm. not a good sound to hear.

The kids are fighting over the 2 flashlights that we have, apparently they didn't think it was fair that I took the big one when I came inside.

I go into the kitchen and sure enough it's raining from one of the lights in the kitchen, (Don't worry since the electricity was out there was no electrical explosions.

Well a girl's gott know when to call it quits, so I call my dad he comes over, takes a look at my arm and says we have to go because it doesn't look good. Well, just as we were pulling out of the neighborhood MY ADAM shows up! HOORAY! It seems the electricity went out at his work (what a great first day.) Apparently he was in the middle of a root canal when the electricity went out.

So actually the whole day wasn't a complete disaster, it was just that everything went horrid for about 30 minutes.

Don't worry though everything worked out

Our electicity just came back on!
Adam's electicity is still out, so hopefully it will be back in the morning.
The roof is fine, it was through a vent that we need to put flashing on
Benedryl and Ibprofen helped with the swelling and pain

Let's hope for Sun tomorrow folks.

It's already been 2 minutes.

2009-06-02T09:54:00.005-05:00

Dear Adam,

I hope you have a fabulous day at work. I miss you already. It's nice knowing you are right down the street, but I'd prefer if you were right down the hallway.

I've really enjoyed our 3 week "vacation" together. I'm sure you are just happy to be out of our "work in progress" for a few hours each day. I really do appreciate all the work you've done on our house.

Actually I appreciate all the work you've done for the past 29 years. Thank you for not being a wimp, thank you for being a hard worker.

Oh and thank you for being HOT! I could just thank you for being a nice guy, but I think most people can be nice. It takes a special man to be a Hot Tamale!

So after this post, I will have to go and parent my children by myself. I'm going to miss saying "Go ask your Dad", or "Dad, loves changing your diaper" or "Dad would love to take you to to the swimming pool"

So I'm sure I have taken advantage of your time home with me, but it's because I knew this day was coming. The day you would have to go work in the real world. You can't go to school forever... (well I'm sure you could, but I'm not recommending it for you)

Well, I love you baby. Have a fabulous day sitting there... thinking about me... and know that I'm missing you and your help and your hotness!

Love Jerkface.

Doc and Lucy gave the monsters these scrubs. They love them! One side says their name and the other side says, "My dad's a dentist."

I'm just excited that the other side doesn't say "My dad's still a student!" Ahhh... I can't believe he's finally finished.

Adam and his friends. We will miss them (I will miss their wives. ) It's been nice having such a great support system of friends to lean on through this. Everyone goes through it together, and they were all there to help each other.

The first picture is of Adam and Kelly at his dental graduation. The one below it is Adam and Kelly at his BYU Graduation.

Aren't we a sorry sight.

Naptime

2009-05-31T20:57:00.004-05:00

So we just dropped the kids off at my mother's house. Adam was going to work more on the house. He sat down and fell asleep. Poor guy has been going constantly. The house is really coming along, and once the counter tops are in, I might even post a picture for all you curious people out there.

Updates on the rest of life:

found a gym for my kids to take gymnastics

The kids love the neighborhood pool, and I am soooo excited to hear them ask if they can go on a daily basis all summer long.

Preston hasn't broken anything... yet.

The kids start summer school in a week

Tommy told us that he goes to fireman school in the middle of the night and that they let him carry the hose (I am glad because before he told me that he was going to school in the middle of the night, but he said that he had a problem with missing his bus...)

Adam starts work on Tuesday. He received his license number last week and is ready to go.

I will miss him, I really like him and enjoy his company and corny jokes and odd sense of humor. These past few weeks have been fun working together on house projects.

Preston is officially for sale. The only stipulation is that I want him back in about 6-8 months when he says more words and makes less of a mess.

The kids are semi-adjusting. All 3 of them burst into tears occasionally missing someone. Whether it is a teacher or a friend or a friend's house.

I have done remarkably well at living a lie. I still don't believe that I live here and keep waiting to get back to my friends.

I really need to start branching out and trying to meet people, but honestly I don't have a desire to right now. I don't know what my problem is. Normally I love meeting new people. I'm not feeling the love yet, hopefully someone will be able to put up with my constant sarcasm and agree to be seen with me...

And for all of you Kansas Cityites, if you are wondering if I miss you... the answer would be yes. I'm staying strong for the kids though and trying not to think about it. I miss my girls nights, and book club (bachelorette). I miss my special friends that always showed up at the right moment. I miss opening my door and seeing MY naked child on the other side. I miss the girls that I could call on and count on. I know I will find some here, but I think of myself as pretty picky and I sure did have an amazing group of friends.

So yes, life has gone on. But I'm fighting it every step of the way. Love you guys and miss you (except for the ones I didn't like. I probably don't miss you as much... hopefully they didn't read my blog though)

(joking of course, some of you will believe everything you read)

The difference between School and Graduate

2009-05-31T20:47:00.003-05:00

So one of my favorite things about Adam finishing school is the great comments we get.

Like: "Now that he's a Dentist, you guys will have money!"

Or there is: "Now that he's done with school, you guys can start living your lives!"

and then there is: "You must be so excited that he is done with school"

Okay so I totally love and agree with the last comment, yes I am excited that he is done with school, I am even more excited that he found a career that he really loves and is good at.

Now here is the update on the rest of them. For those of you who don't know, Dental school is super duper expensive, and also he hasn't started working yet. So right now. No work = No paycheck. (It's funny how these things work). And the best part is, that when we do start getting a paycheck we get to give an amazingly large portion of it to student loans!! YAHOO!!

Don't get me wrong, in this economy, I am just happy that Adam has a job, and I am happy that there were banks willing to lend him money. (I wish there would have been a bank willing to GIVE him money, but ya can't win them all).

And as far as the "Start living your life" comment that I got, I can only think, "Huh?" I mean what have I been doing for the past 28 1/2 years. I thought I was living, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe I've just been pretending?

What I'm not good at.

2009-05-28T22:02:00.003-05:00

Just a list to remind me that I'm not perfect:

I hate waking up in the morning. I am not a morning person, I am tired and crabby and if you ever want to ask me for a "favor" don't do it before 10AM or the answer will be a no or a disgruntled yes.

I yell at my children. I'm not saying that I beat them down or that I am constantly screaming at them, but I see some parents that just point and say "no no" and I think " Hmmm... I would like to have a video camera in there home"

My feet are ugly. Achilles had his heel, I have my feet. They are troll feet. Ugly little fat feet with bent toe nails. I could never be Cinderella, not because of the height or weight difference, just because I would never wear glass slippers that you could see my feet through.

I don't make the bed. If I ever give you a "house tour" and my bed is made, you should know that I made it just for you.

I can't sing. Not even a little, most of the time I don't even pretend anymore. At church I will open the book, but that's the extent.

Namesake

2009-05-27T11:39:00.005-05:00

Kelly: I'm named after my Great Grandmother.

(She's talking about her middle name Anne)

Paige: I'm named after paper!

(Hmmm... wonder where she came up with that one.)

If I win an Oscar

2009-05-25T21:57:00.002-05:00

So if I ever win an Oscar, I would like to have a poem to read as my speech. Some cute little poem that rhymes (cause that's the kind I like). I'd thank my family and I'd probably do some little dance too. Maybe the running man, probably RiverDance.

I don't think I'd cry (because that's expected) and I'd probably make some insane promise (Like Oprah does) and promise everyone viewing the program a free ham from Honey Baked Ham as long as they were at the store at Midnight. (I just think it would be fun to see a long line outside Honey Baked Ham in the middle of the night)

Oh and Update on the House:

countertops in 3 weeks
carpet is great (it's Kelly's favorite part)
Fireplace mantel next week
Bookcase tomorrow
circular saw out of living room... maybe never, it's starting to grow on me.
Basement waterproofing June 15th ish
Bedrooms in basement come after the basement waterproofing
Carpet in Basement comes after the bedrooms are fixed
paint in the basement comes sometime in between now and carpet

and all of the boxes might never be done, but that's okay.

This is just a test...

2009-05-24T22:47:00.002-05:00

So today at church someone asked us if we had an Emergancy plan. I didn't think I did BUT If I would of just flashed back a couple of hours I might of seen things differently.

******FLASHBACK NOISES********

So this morning my husband wakes up and looks at the clock and says "Jen, it's already 7:45". We have 9am church now that we've moved, so that meant exactly 45 minutes to get 4 children awake, fed, dressed, hair fixed, attatched in the car and leaving the house around 8:30.

Oh and I forgot that I hadn't unpacked ANY of my church clothes (maybe it was a sign I should have just rolled over in bed, instead of getting up.)

So anyone that knows me, knows that the only thing I hate more than Email Forwards, and the sound of popsicles and ice is BEING LATE. I HATE BEING LATE. I don't like when others are late, (and yes if you are late often I am judging you, I know it's wrong and I'm not supposed to, but I'm also suppose to be honest, so I'm going to stick with honesty right now and work on the judging part later)

When I think I'm going to be late, I get into panic mode that involves angermanagment issues and lots of bad feelings spewing from my body.( I'm not too good at being late, I should probably go to therapy.)

BUT this morning I Succeded, even when faced with the likleyhood of being late, I kept my cool and went into combat mode. Adam got the children fed (even if it was dry cereal they were eating out of a baggy), I located all missing church clothes and started getting the monsters dressed. We let Tommy sleep until 8:20 and then we threw some clothes on him, told him not to wet himself and sprayed water all over his hair to keep it from standing up. I forgot to put on make-up, and eat breakfast, but at least I kept my cool and we were all in the car by 8:35.

I felt on top of the world. I was quite impressed by our moves. I was not going to be late, our first day at our new Ward. We pulled up to the building and we noticed that there were only 3 cars on this side of the parking lot. We thought hmmm everyone is on the other side. Adam parked and I grabbed Larry, Moe, and Curly and started to go inside, while Adam got Preston out of the car.

Once I was inside... I looked at the clock. APPARENTLY we don't know how to tell time. We weren't there 10 minutes early. We were there an HOUR and 10 minutes early.

We walked back to the car and just laughed. It was funny. And luckily since I didn't freak out with my anger issues, I could laugh too.

Lessons Learned:

Adam and I need to learn to tell time
If there was ever a major emergency, I could have all of my children dressed, fed and ready to evacuate within 45 minutes.

Dentite

2009-05-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

After 4 longish years we were so happy to have the chance to watch My hot Dr. Husband graduate.

Really time has gone fast. Sometimes I thought this day would never come, but it has. After 8 1/2 years of marriage Adam is finally done with school! I think I hear the angels singing in Heaven right now.

He sure is wonderful. That medal around his neck is because he was in the top of his class. Not only did he finish Dental School with 4 kids, he finished near the very top. I would expect nothing less of him.

Kelly got a little weepy. I think she realizes how big a deal this is, but doesn't totally get it. We move a week after graduation so that doesn't give her much time to say her good byes

Look at that Goofy Grin!

I need to get the lighting fixed on this picture.These guys have been through alot together. A whole lot of studying, worrying, and teeth pulling. They have made this experience much more enjoyable (for Adam, I prefer their wives)

Paige couldn't wait for him to be done, She ran right on up to him.

Here is Adam with his new staff. A month from now he will be working at his Dad's practice with these fine women.

Doc was just glowing. It must be a wonderful thing to have your child love the same things that you love.

All of these people drove out from St. Louis, just to see Adam.

Adam and his best friend. Marcus is a riot. And my favorite thing about him is his wife Miriam, who happens to be my best friend. We have spent countless hours with these 2 and they are like family. It will be very wierd not having them right across the street. Tommy will be devastated to say goodbye to Garrison.

Here is a better pic of the guys. Gotta love all of them.

So thank you Adam for being smart. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for bringing me along on this crazy ride. You are so worth it all. I love you more.

Denial

2009-05-17T22:04:00.003-05:00

So I've been neglecting my blog lately and it is not because I have nothing exciting to post. It's because I'm on a vacation that I like to call Denial. When you are in this lovely place you don't post on your blog, because then you might have to "Feel Something" and I'm not in the mood to get all weepy and be unproductive.

So here is the deal. We move on Wednesday night. Wednesday night we pull out of Kansas City for our trek across the great state of Missouri. After we are settled, then I will post. I will post stories that will make you pee your pants, I will post sappy stories that will make you want to puke. And most likely, I will finally be living in reality so I might be a little sentimental and sad as well. BUT for now, I will continue denying that change is taking place.

BFF's FOREVER

2009-05-02T19:28:00.005-05:00

So when I think about leaving Kansas City, I get a little wet in the eyes. Not because of the friends I'm leaving. No, I know they will survive without me. I'll visit Kendra in Alien Country. Once Lizzie realizes that nobody lives in West Virginia, she is destined to move to STL. Emily has Verizon so she is in-network so no worries there. And my sweet Mir will not be too far in Potosi.

So for me, I'm okay. I'm going to make it. I just hate watching my kids get upset. That's the part I hate. When we moved here, the monsters were too little to really get it, and even when they were confused we could tell them that we were moving back in 4 years.

But now, I've got nothing for them. They are leaving their friends and it stinks. Oh I know I'll get the comments "They will find new friends", "Oh they are young and resilient" and "Blah blah blah". Well I get that. I agree, but for the moment it is sad. And that is where I am at. I am in the moment.

So in particular it is thinking of Tommy and his BFF that make me sad. They have known each other since they were born and are hilarious together. They spend many of their waking hours together, and for Tommy life revolves around Garrison. How awesome that he has a best friend that lives right across the street.

The boys just love watching the trash man come. I think this was the highlight of the day. This is also the moment that I realized that neither one of these boys are going to remember what they had. They are 3, I know that I don't have any memories from when I was 3 so I doubt that they will.

So this is obviously Tommy and his BFF. Life isn't going to get any better than this for Tommy, poor boy has probably peaked at age 3. I mean pretty soon, I'm going to make him learn his colors and alphabet and the world is all downhill from there.

This pic is probably my favorite, because it is a classic. This is day to day life for these 2 boys. They have ridden this stretch of sidewalk countless times and it never gets old. Back and forth. Sometimes they chase each other, sometimes they race. They are always up for a good game of CRASH and if me or Mir look away for a second, their favorite game is go down the hill as fast as they can (because they know when they are caught they have to go inside... but sometimes they are willing to take the punishment for a good ride down the hill).

Addictions

2009-04-19T21:36:00.005-05:00

I think Easter brings out the best in... some of us. There are those that spend this time of year thinking about the "true" meaning of Easter, and then there are Wehrmeisters.

Don't get me wrong I do my fair share of talking to the monsters about Jesus and how he died for us, but sometimes it's on the way down the candy section looking for Russell Stovers Milk Chocolate Marshmellow Easter Eggs.

My girls seem to handle the Easter season okay, but the boys seem to have a problem worse then mine. I've always known that Tommy's sweet tooth was stronger than his conscience.

One morning (when he was 2) I found him asleep on top of a pile of chocolate. It was melted chocolate and it was all over his pajamas and face and hands. In the middle of the night he had climbed on top of the Fridge and taken all of the chocolate up to his room and then he tried ONE bite of each item.

Preston isn't as stealth yet. If he sees candy, he just does this high pitch scream (kinda like the national service broadcast system, that if it were an actual emergancy would be followed by information).

It's pretty effective, if he can't get something from a sibling, he usually has me begging for someone to give him something just to get the noice to stop. Yep, he's already getting good at manipulation.

This year we did a really good job of hiding all of the candy so that they weren't able to eat it ahead of time. The only problem is that we hid it in Adam's tummy. He has been stressed about boards so at night he would take the candy up stairs and eat it. Usually all of it.

This year we went out to St. Louis for Easter. We actually went out Wednesday night and stayed till Sunday afternoon. Adam got more work done on the house and by the time we left the painter (not Adam) had primed the bedrooms. We've also ordered the carpet and we now have a ceiling in the kitchen. He was able to escape from the house work just long enough to have an Easter Egg hunt with Gram (no pictures here, but just close your eyes and imagine 4 monsters running around outside of a house looking for candy)

We stayed with Nonnie and Poppy and it was wonderful. Easter was great, they woke up on Easter Morning and were so happy to find their baskets. I've attached photos of them in their "true state" no bows or brushed hair. Just the monsters eating candy at 6:30 AM (every child's dream come true)

Oh and yes we did discuss the real reason for Easter. Although, in our house we try to make Jesus a regular topic, not just one that we talk about when Holidays come around

Paigeisms

2009-04-12T22:44:00.005-05:00

Paige Monster's brain has been in overdrive lately. She keeps me laughing.

Paige: Mom, I have on a black Christmas tree shirt, and maybe blue leggings

Me: Paige your clothes don't match... and it's not Christmas

Paige: Maybe Blue goes with black

Me: Please go try again.

(Just so you know, Maybe Blue is actually Navy blue. Paige just thinks it's called maybe blue)

***********************************************

Paige: I miss my favorite Thermometer!

Me: Your favorite what?

Paige: I am on a new bus and now I don't have my favorite Thermometer. She was so nice. She was my favorite.

(Thermometer is another word for Monitor or themonitor. Her school bus has a bus driver and a bus monitor and she had to switch buses and her favorite monitor is now gone... poor Paige)

*************************************************

Paige: Mom, Connor used to be in my class and then he just floated away.

Me: (gives miss monster a funny look)

Paige: No really Mom, he was in my class one day and left the room and never came back. He must have floated away.

BYU BALLROOM DANCERS

2009-04-07T08:17:00.003-05:00

At the end of April the BYU Ballroom Dancers are coming to Kansas City. I am super duper excited. I bought tickets for Adam, me and the 2 girl monsters. I am so excited!!

But all of my St. Louis friends should not worry! They are coming to you too. And now I am jealous, because the tickets are even cheaper for you!

They will be in St. Louis Friday May 1st @ 7:30.

The tickets are only $10.00!

Here is a link: http://alumni.byu.edu/NewsAndEvents/eventsnew/index.cfm?event=viewEvent&eventID=3048

I don't know if they are doing the same numbers that they are here in Kansas City, but if they are it'll be great!

It's also such a fun little date to take your girls (or boys) on.

So go now and buy some tickets.

My daughter the musical

2009-04-07T08:11:00.002-05:00

Paige is sitting at the gym after Gymnastics practice. Next thing I hear is Paige singing "Do- a deer- a female deer". (You guys know the song it's from Sound of Music).

So she get's through the song once and starts over. This time though, the lady sitting across from her joins in. Then another women comes and sings. By the end we have a table full of adults singing along with my 5 year old.

She was pretty cute. (And yes of course I joined in. She's mine I have to support the insanity)

Townhome Meeting

2009-04-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

Last night we had a townhome meeting.

I called 3 people to remind them.

All 3 people came, and won door prizes. I won

nothing. Hmmm... I should have asked for a cut.

German Shepherds

2009-04-06T13:07:00.002-05:00

So Adam wants a German Shepherd. That's the only kind he wants. I have come up with lots of better ideas (like a maltese, yorkshire terrier... you know the cute ones), but he wants this one.

So here is what I know:

1.) They shed alot.

2.) They get big

3.) They get bigger than a yorkshire terrier.

So here is where my fabulous friends (or strangers) come in. I would like you to tell me everything bad and good that you know about German Shepherds.

I'm not looking for info on other breeds JUST GERMAN SHEPHERDS.

Next Month

2009-04-04T22:31:00.002-05:00

Since it is April, I can now say that I am moving "next month".

Adam graduates in 35 days.

I am busy pretending to pack.

I get out the boxes and then leave them there... empty... because I'm afraid to pack something that we might be using in the next 6 1/2 weeks. Because that's all we have left here folks is 6. 5 weeks. That's nothing. That's no time. So maybe I should just start really packing.

I'd like to say something exciting, but honestly I've got nothing to give. I haven't bought a new SD card, so I have no pics of my kiddos to show you. So nuthin. I've got nuthin.

I can tell you that I hate construction on houses. (Mine or other peoples)

I could also tell you that in my ideal world we would use no money. Only stickers. Any kind of sticker!

But someday this will all be just a distant memory. And I will be saying things like "remember when Adam was in Dental School".

4 Years Ago

2009-03-29T01:26:00.005-05:00

We lived in St. Louis

We had 2 Beautiful Girl Monsters, and had recently found out that we were adding on a Boy.

Adam was waitlisted at UMKC. We thought we would have to wait one more year to start Dental School.

Adam was assisting in his Dad's office.

Kelly was only 3 and Paige was 18 months.

I was 24 and Adam was 25.

We lived in our "Dream House" it had everything that we wanted and needed. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and a huge fenced in backyard.

Don't you think that time goes by super quick?

Dear Dad,

2009-03-24T20:24:00.003-05:00

Dear Dad, We love you! Thanks for all your help this week. Thanks for loving my babies. Thanks for putting up with me. I love you. I know job hunting stinks, but remember:

The Economy Sucks... NOT you.

I hope you realize what a valuable asset you would be to any company. You are fabulous

Still Doing

2009-03-17T00:46:00.003-05:00

The House is coming along. Adam has a "to-do" list with about 75 items on it. I have ONE. But still I would trade with him in a heartbeat. What is my one, you ask?

WALLPAPER REMOVAL

Obviously this is just another test of my patience. One that I am failing... as usual. I have learned several things this week.

1. I need therapy

2. I need Anger Management classes

3. I need more percocet

4. I need A LOT of therapy

Actually, I am controlling my anger. I'm just in denial about how STUPID wall paper is. My one little job STINKS. I HATE IT. Wall paper? Who even invented wall paper.

Wall paper is like a life size scrap book. Who would ever think, "Hmmmm maybe I should take a whole lot of paper and GLUE IT TO MY WALL!" Are people crazy?

I know some of you are sitting there thinking... "She can't be talking to me, my wall paper is cute".

Well guess what IT ISN'T. NO WALL PAPER IS CUTE. And the people that tell you that it is, are just trying to be super nice to you so that one day when you realize that you want it down, you WON'T call them.

On a positive note, I finished ONE wall today. Yes you read that write ONE WALL (and it was only a half wall)

Oh and before you leave your "sweet" little comments saying: "Have you tried...." or "It comes down easily with ..." DON'T

Just know that I have tried many things... including drinking (joking of course)

Actually though if you do want to VOLUNTEER TO COME AND HELP ME I will not turn you down. In fact you might see tears of joy from me. So If you are in the area PLEASE HEAR MY CRY FOR HELP!!

P.S. Yes, I HAVE ALREADY TRIED USING A STEAMER!

I am a Dreamer

2009-03-15T21:52:00.002-05:00

I am a dreamer. He is a Doer. This is why we work. This is our "secret to success". I have visions of Grandeur. I see things that don't exist and my Visions are always bigger then my abilities.

But not Adam. He is a doer. He just does. He does it all and doesn't stop. He packs homes, cleans carpets, does dishes, fixes teeth, knocks down walls, builds up homes, plays trains with his sons and then passes out by 10pm.

I dream of refinished furniture, he does it.

I dream of painted walls, he paints them.

Sometimes I think about how productive I would be if I was a Dreamer AND a DO-er. After I think about it I usually take a nap. It's exhausting to even think about being Adam. No wonder he is asleep already.

p.s. I will post pictures of the house eventually. Just not yet. For now it is still our secret home. (or at least that's what my friend calls it.)

It's a Jungle out There!

2009-03-11T23:02:00.006-05:00

Superstar! So I have spent the last 3 weeks being the nice humble mother that has been quietly excited for her daughter's first play ever.

Background: When Kelly did dance, we would have to push her onto the stage.

So when she came home to tell me that she got one of the leads in her 1st grade play, my first reaction was fear. I was wondering if she knew what she was getting herself into. Then she showed me all her lines and told me that the performance was in less than a month (was not excited about that part).

So last night was her Grand Performance. She was beautiful and more talented then I ever expected. I couldn't stop smiling and at the end I tried my best to hold back my excitement. When the mother's would come up and tell me that she did well, I just smiled and said "Thank You"

On the inside I wanted to SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!

So, if you are wondering why I am putting my friends through reading this entry that is OBVIOUSLY just an "Ode to Kelly" it is only for one reason. I plan on printing this out and saving it. Someday I want Kelly to read through this and when she get's to this post she will know how proud I was of her. How I sat there glowing. How when she spotted me in the crowd and wiggled her nose at me... I giggled. I loved it.

She will know that when we were practicing over and over, I kept worrying that it would be a Dance Recital all over again. As we were practicing, I was having total Flashbacks of a unconsolable little girl who would not let me leave the dressing room. She has grown so much. There was not an ounce of "stage fright" in that little girl.

Hopefully she will always know that I am proud of her, but there are some nights that stick out in my mind more. This would be one of them. So without further ado Here is Kelly, starring as Stripes the Zebra on a quest for the Key to Happiness.

Oh and Gram we missed you. We are ordering a video so that you can eat some popcorn and enjoy a private viewing of your Superstar Grandaughter.

King Leo isn't happy, he sends Stripes and Spots on a search for the key to happiness.

After meeting the Cheetahs, Monkeys, and Hyenas they have finally found the key to happiness. It is "stopping to smell the roses"

The most FAN-TABULOUS Teacher ever. He really knows each of his students. He was just as proud of her as I was.

TA-DA!! Not scared at all. even a little bit.

What we've been up to.

2009-03-07T23:37:00.004-06:00

We have a lot going on right now, so it's time for an update!

We have found a house. Actually strike that. A house found us. Yes, it is as strange as it sounds. I have been "house hunting" for about 2 years. I have looked religiously at all of the houses on the market for the past 2 years. I can tell you what areas sell quickly, what time of year is busier, which houses have dropped the most. I know EVERY house in the 20 mile radius that we have been looking. The funny part is, is that now I find out that all of that was a waste of my time. I mean it kept me hopeful that eventually we would be in a home, but in the end it had NOTHING to do with how we found our house. I've repeated the story countless times, but I'll post it for everyone else.

I am a Troop Leader for Kelly's Daisy Troop. The other leader's name is Elizabeth. She is great to work with and we became fast friends. Her husband (Jim) was raised in St. Louis, and his parent's have stayed in St. Louis. Jim's father passed away 1 1/2 years ago. His mother had been very sick and they moved her to a nursing home in Kansas City. She passed away this past December.

When I met Jim for the first time, I mentioned that we were moving back to St. Louis in May, and he joked around about having a house for us.

Well in the end it really wasn't a joke. He did have a house for us. The house needs some love, but it is perfect for us. It is a 2200 sq ft ranch, with a finished basement. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on the main floor and 2 bedrooms and 1 bath downstairs. It also has a sunroom.

It is less then a mile from Adam's office and 1.3 miles from my mother's house. Adam can get to work with 1 stop light. It also has a neighborhood pool and pond.

So I think that's about it. I'll post pictures after Spring Break. We are suppose to close next week and then we are going to start doing some work on it during spring break.

It hasn't been easy, we are quite stressed, but I am trying to stay focused. Keep our eye on the prize. We know that this house won't be our dream house when we move in, we don't expect it to be. We just know it's the right place for us. We know it is where we are suppose to be.

My only regret is all the time I have spent looking for the "right house". Then again, who could have predicted this one.

Trust me, I know the hard work is just beginning. I am not delusional. I do not believe that since Adam is graduating, that all things will suddenly be sunflowers and daffodils. I know it is hard and will continue to be that way for sometime. I also know that we take each trial as it comes and deal with it.

So, now that I have typed out the story HOPEFULLY I won't have to repeat it 40 zillion times.

It's late, and I just realized that it's Daylight saving, so I'm going to bed.

Colds, parental visits, and yodeling

2009-02-18T08:24:00.002-06:00

The title makes my post sound more interesting then it actually is. I have a cold. I cruddy one. My face feels like one GIANT pimple that is going to burst. (Basically a lot of pressure) I am still on the "getting worse" end of it and not the "maybe the world isn't coming to an end" part. Hopefully soon my cold will return to Alaska and all will be right in the world. Until then, I apoligize for the negative attitude.

The monsters didn't have school Monday or Tuesday. With my "visitor" the cold, that would have been a not good thing. Extra children around when you can't breathe through your nose is not really a happy thought for me. BUT I had VISITORS!!! YEAH for me!

My father had President's day off (Well and all the other days still, because he is still job hunting) So they decided to come and visit for a couple days. They got in Sunday night, and mom came right on in with a casserole. She drove across the state of Missouri with a casserole just for my family. (She's fabulous, I already know this.)

They left me on Tuesday afternoon, and we were all so sad to see them leave. (especially since I can't breathe through my nose.)

I've decided that maybe I could yodel. This has nothing to do with anything, but really I think my voice changes pitch (if that's the right word for what my voice does) alot so maybe yodeling would be for me. Or there is always pig calling. I know that you need a lot of "vocal range" for that one too... Just something for me to look into.

Too Many

2009-02-16T02:56:00.003-06:00

I'm rebelling. I think there are too many blog posts about Valentine's Day. Not that I don't love being loved, but I've read enough mushy gushy stuff about everyone's spouses to make me gag for a whole year. So yes, tonight I am rebelling. Instead of a post on Valentines I am going to write about... Firetrucks.

Yesterday I pointed to a letter and asked Tommy which letter it was. His response "Firetruck".

Yep, I've got a real Einstein on my hands. I'm starting to get concerned.

Before Noon...

2009-02-12T21:28:00.004-06:00

Today I had one of those mornings. 5 years ago a morning like I had today would of had me selling my children online (either separately or in a buy one get one free sort of deal)

My morning:

Tommy comes down with his full of pee pull-up. He went into the potty and I asked him to put his pull up by the front door. He THREW it across the room which actually wouldn't have been a problem except that I bought DEFECTIVE pulllups. All of the insides went flying all over my carpet, I mean everywhere. I had a PEE carpet.

A couple hours later Tommy comes running up the stairs and into the potty. 2 minutes later he comes out and says "Sorry Mommy" I assumed that he had wet his pull-up and I put him in timeout and gave him another pull-up.

Then I went to get Preston a sippy cup ,he starts walking to the living room with his full sippy and drops in on my living room carpet, which wouldn't be a problem except the lid pops off and I have a WHOLE cup of milk soaking into my floor. I start cleaning it up and then suddenly have to go to the bathroom REALLY bad. I RUN into the bathroom and slip and fall in a huge puddle of PEE!!!

Apparently Tommy didn't wet his pull-up (it was sitting there dry) He just couldn't get to the potty AT ALL.

I've calmed down since. I am doing much better now. There was more that happened but this was the worst part. Luckily Adam got home a short time later so that I could go to Paige's Valentine's party. When I got back from her party he had used our neat Carpet cleaner on the living room, so hopefully it will be milk and pee free for a day or so.

New Quote of the Day

2009-02-12T10:16:00.002-06:00

So I was reading my sweet friend's blog. She just had her first little monster and at the end of her post she wrote:

"I never really liked my nose, until I saw it on my daughter."

Okay so that totally made my eyes leaky... just a little.

Quote of the Day

2009-02-11T21:30:00.003-06:00

If you don't stick to your values when they're being tested, they're not values, they're hobbies.

I like this one. It's not a Jennifer original, but it will do until I can come up with some incredibly witty yet thoughtful comment.

Question of the Day

2009-02-06T01:18:00.003-06:00

Does everyone's voice sound good in their head? I know when I sing, I think I sound AMAZING, luckily I have listened to recordings so I know the truth... I stink (Like super bad, close your ears, where is the dying duck bad)

So once again What does your voice sound like in your head? And for people who really can sing, are you disappointed when you hear your voice played back, or does it sound as good as it did in you head. I hope that makes sense. (but we all know I rarely do)

OH and inmates feel free to answer.

Question of the Day

2009-02-04T08:44:00.002-06:00

Do you think people in Prison read blogs? I know that in some of the movies, they have access to the internet (but that could just be the movies, I'm not a prison expert so I really don't know). I'd really like to know?

Hello out there?? Do I have any inmates reading my blog?

It's a new Post!! You must be excited

2009-01-28T08:36:00.006-06:00

I am just writing a post to let everyone know that there is nothing super duperly exciting going on right now. Hmmm... Let me think of anything interesting.

I have decided to go against the majority. My New Year's resolution is to GAIN WEIGHT! No, I am not pregnant (not even a little). I have just decided to do what comes naturally and that would be eat. Usually any resolutions would not stick, but I see some real promise in this new one of mine.

My Super Amazing father has been let go. Apparently they call it RIFed (Reduction in Force) I don't care what you call it. It stinks. Like super stinks. Normally I would have to try to stop myself from eating my sorrows away, but luckily with my New New Year's resolution it encourages me to eat. So Here's a dozen cupcakes for you Dad, I love you!

Kelly turned 7. That will be a whole post by itself after her Super Fabulous Birthday Party.

Adam only has 3.5 months until he Graduates. Time seems to be flying by. A year ago I remember helping my friend look at houses. Now next week I get to go out to St. Louis and look at a particular house.

I have decided that God created the Winter season to test our patience. He was thinking "Jennifer, let me lock you in a house with your 4 beautiful monsters and make it too cold to go outside, if you still have your sanity when the Sun comes out, then you will be the CHAMPION of the WORLD!" The only problem with this idea is the assumption that I had my sanity going into this journey of Motherhood.

I do remain sain with the help of my weekly "Book Club". Actually, I am lying right now. It isn't a book club.... It is a "Bachelor Club" every Monday at 8pm we watch the show together. We discuss the Women, the weather, the ultimate plot of the show. It kinda seems like a book club, and it makes us sound smarter if we call it a book club.

Also everyone is invited to our Monday night extravaganzas. We have ample seating and the more the merrier.

So I'm hoping everything is going well for all of my friends. It seems to be like a slow time of year for the blogging world... or maybe just for me. Well maybe next monday I will take pictures of my Book Club and post them.

Lazy

2009-01-13T15:01:00.004-06:00

Today I am being lazy. I have dishes in the sink, food on the floor, laundry to fold, laundry to start, TONS of toys to clean up, and absolutely no desire to do any of it.

On a happier note. We have a NEW TOILET upstairs!!! Yeah for us!!

On a not happy note. Preston put something down our old toilet, and Mr. Fix-it (Adam) broke the toilet, which is why we needed a new toilet in the first place.

Do not worry though, Mr. Fix-it AND the baby survived (barely).

So yesterday I did alot of cleaning with pinesol and bleach. AND I still had time to watch the Bachelor, now that was a productive day!