Ok, so no pics yet, but here's a note. Things have been crazy around here. After a very cold, but great Spring Break we were eyeball deep in taxes. Mike and are (well, he would say its all me) are terrible procrastinators and finally got them done and sent on April 15th. Since then, we've been playing catch up on all that was avoided while we were doing taxes!! I had a weekend full of shows, and we're hoping that as of today, life is resuming to whatever "normal" is around here. So, my top two priorities this week are getting ready for our annual Post-Wide Spring yard Sale next Saturday and updating this blog with all the pictures you can handle!!!! I'm hoping my computer will cooperate, as I've been having an awful time with it the past week or two. I keep thinking I should take it to the computer doctor before it dies. Keep your fingers crossed! Mike has one too, so for the most part, if I lost anything, it wouldn't be the end of the world. That is with the exception of all of my Pampered Chef programs and contacts. Now that, would be very, very bad.
Have a wonderful Sunday, and a great week ahead!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ALIVE!!
Yes, we are alive!! Since my sister and mother have been on me for weeks to update this blog, I thought I better finally write a note. One of these days I'll get around to posting pics, there are alot of them, but for now, you'll have to be satisfied with just a note........We're all doing well, but nothing particularly exciting going on. There are currently no practices, games, or school activities. YEAH!! We are enjoying spring, but wishing it would just stay spring, and not keep reverting to winter!!
We are getting ready to head to Branson for a few days, as the boys are on Spring Break next week. We'll pray for great weather! Hopefully, before we take off, I can get some pics on here, but if not, I promise I'll do it after we return next Tuesday.
Take care!
We are getting ready to head to Branson for a few days, as the boys are on Spring Break next week. We'll pray for great weather! Hopefully, before we take off, I can get some pics on here, but if not, I promise I'll do it after we return next Tuesday.
Take care!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Happy Birthday, Colton!
Colton's 14th birthday was last Tuesday, and on Thursday, he had a pizza and bowling party. It was fun for us to plan a party for him, as I've never been able to celebrate his birthday in person, and Mike hasn't been able to since Colton was two. We had a lot of fun, and I think Colton and his friends had a great time.Colton wanted a snowboarding themed cake, and once again, as she did for Ty and Tucker, our neighbor, Heidi, outdid herself!!!! The cake was so cool!!!
Family Fun!
The Army treated us to a wonderful family retreat in Kansas City at the Coco Key Water Resort. Workers from the childcare center on post went along and had programs for the kids all weekend while the parents were in couples seminars, and also on Saturday night so that we could have a date night. They also provided passes for the waterpark, so we were able to do that on Saturday and Sunday. We had a fabulous time! It was a great break from the norm, and we were able to spend some great quality time with one another, as well as with some great friends! Tucker even got to go to a movie theatre without mom and dad and with $5 in his pocket. He thought he was very big stuff! 
Kansas Day
January 29 was Kansas' official birthday, and Tucker's school had a huge celebration all week, ending with an awesome tribute to Kansas history on the 30th. The entire gym was filled with pioneer children's games, candlemaking, soapmaking, wood carving, leather punching, corn husk doll making, rope making, and so much more! There were also tables about civil war history, buffaloes, mountain men, and old weapons. Outside there was a blacksmith and several farm animals. The kids had a blast all day! I had fun too, as I volunteered for the day and hung out with the mountain men. One of the guys, "Cowboy Rob" actually has a western movie set a couple towns away where they shoot western movies. He has been in several movies. Tucker thought that it was pretty cool that the guy mommy was helping had been in the movies! So did Mommy!!
Here are a few shots from the day..........
The kids were encouraged to dress the theme of Kansas Frontier Days. What do you think of our little cowboy? He was quite a hit!
Rope Making
Mountain Men
HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, TUCKER!
It's so hard to believe that Tucker is 6 already. Time really does fly. He ordered up a dinosaur cake quite some time ago, and was thrilled with the result!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A day at the spa......
We had to go back to the doctor Tuesday morning because Ty's toe was looking pretty ferocious. He definitely had an infection and the dr. ordered up an antibiotic and foot baths every four hours. She suggested 15 minutes, but with a 2 year old, settle for however long I could get him to sit. Well, Ty evidently likes being pampered, and after over 30 minutes, I finally had to take the bowl of water away! Thats my guy!! It amazing what a good episode of Scooby Doo can do for the attention span! Now, if that darn toenail would just come off already!!!
Making cookies......
Getting ready to make cookies last night to take to school for the big 6th birthday today!!!Where's my tooth?
Tucker lost his first official tooth on Monday. I say "official" because as some of you may or may not know, he had one pulled when he was 3 1/2 from an unfortunate bull riding accident in the bathtub! This one, however, was that of a normal kindergartener losing a tooth. Its been loose for awhile, so since it was Tucker's turn for snacks at school this week, we took apples on Monday. Just a bite or two in, and the tooth came out! He was very excited, but didn't want to put it under his pillow on Monday night. He wanted to wait until last night so he could wake up on his birthday with money from the tooth fairy! Pretty smart little guy!! Now if only that one floating in the middle by itself would come out!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Worst Mom
Ok, I am now officially the most horrible mother in the world. Tucker's very first wrestling tournament was today. We had to get up at 5:30am to be at the Youth Center by 6:45, and headed to the tournament an hour away. All the kids had to be weighed in by 8:00. At about 7:30, Tucker came in our room, and said, "Mommy, are we late?"
WE OVERSLEPT!!!!!!!!! I double and triple checked the alarm before I went to sleep, so I know I set it. But, it was off this morning. Apparently, at some point I turned it off and don't remember. I could not possibly feel more horrible. We explained to him that there was no way we could make it in time, and he was heart broken. He only cried for a few minutes, and told me he forgave me and wasn't mad at me, but boy did my heart ache for him. He was looking sooooo forward to this. To make matters even worse, Mike is one of the assistant coaches.
So, today is Tucker's day. Whatever he wants--its his!!! Please make me feel better with your own bad parent stories!!!!
WE OVERSLEPT!!!!!!!!! I double and triple checked the alarm before I went to sleep, so I know I set it. But, it was off this morning. Apparently, at some point I turned it off and don't remember. I could not possibly feel more horrible. We explained to him that there was no way we could make it in time, and he was heart broken. He only cried for a few minutes, and told me he forgave me and wasn't mad at me, but boy did my heart ache for him. He was looking sooooo forward to this. To make matters even worse, Mike is one of the assistant coaches.
So, today is Tucker's day. Whatever he wants--its his!!! Please make me feel better with your own bad parent stories!!!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ok, I finally bit the bullet tonight and got on Facebook. I've been avoiding it for a long time because I figured it would be a big waste of time. Boy was I right! I've just spent the last FOUR hours goofing around on there! Am I crazy or what?! And I planned on going to bed early tonight........Sadly, it was pretty fun catching up on people and what they're up to. Feel kinda like a voyeur though!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Good day, despite the obvious........
Well, its official, our country has made history, and I'm glad that our children got see something historic at school that they will remember forever. I, however, kept my TV tuned to Little Einsteins with Ty yesterday! "History" was never my favorite subject. It is what it is, and we just pray that Mike's new boss will prove us wrong and make decisions based on the best needs of the regular people of the country, and not just based on political parties and DC big wigs. Time will tell..........
On a more personal note, the Pearce's had a great day today. Ty's x-rays are normal-no breaks. YAY!! He does, however, have one ugly toe. The doctor lanced it underneath the nail so now it is draining and he was instantly feeling and walking better. Its pretty gross though. We can look forward to his nail falling off and waiting several weeks to months for it to grow back. Doesn't that sound fun?!?! Ty was a trooper and never made a peep. He actually looked at his book and peeked at the doctor with a "watchya doin'?" look. It was really quite amazing. What a big boy!
Tucker went with Mike and I to riding lessons tonight, and although he was very nervous, he did get back on Bella the Bucking Horse and walked around with Dad leading him. We were very proud. He was very brave and did a great job. Bella is actually the nicest, calmest horse in the barn. It was very rare that she would do what she did, so we're fairly confident that she'll behave in the future.
The best part of the day was when Mike told us that he got an email from Branch (that's the people who decide his next assignment, for those of you who speak civilian). It was his Request for Orders that say WE'RE STAYING!! Official orders will come in a few months, but we're not concerned that it will change. The news gets even better--we get to stay for two more years!!! We feel so blessed and cannot tell you how excited we are.
We also got report cards today--things looked pretty good for both boys. No one is grounded or kicked out, so thats exciting! Seriously though, they both are doing very well.
Yes indeedy, a good day here. Hope all is well with you and yours!!
On a more personal note, the Pearce's had a great day today. Ty's x-rays are normal-no breaks. YAY!! He does, however, have one ugly toe. The doctor lanced it underneath the nail so now it is draining and he was instantly feeling and walking better. Its pretty gross though. We can look forward to his nail falling off and waiting several weeks to months for it to grow back. Doesn't that sound fun?!?! Ty was a trooper and never made a peep. He actually looked at his book and peeked at the doctor with a "watchya doin'?" look. It was really quite amazing. What a big boy!
Tucker went with Mike and I to riding lessons tonight, and although he was very nervous, he did get back on Bella the Bucking Horse and walked around with Dad leading him. We were very proud. He was very brave and did a great job. Bella is actually the nicest, calmest horse in the barn. It was very rare that she would do what she did, so we're fairly confident that she'll behave in the future.
The best part of the day was when Mike told us that he got an email from Branch (that's the people who decide his next assignment, for those of you who speak civilian). It was his Request for Orders that say WE'RE STAYING!! Official orders will come in a few months, but we're not concerned that it will change. The news gets even better--we get to stay for two more years!!! We feel so blessed and cannot tell you how excited we are.
We also got report cards today--things looked pretty good for both boys. No one is grounded or kicked out, so thats exciting! Seriously though, they both are doing very well.
Yes indeedy, a good day here. Hope all is well with you and yours!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
here's to a better week......
Well, last week got even more eventful after I posted on Tuesday. Colton went back to school after lunch on Wednesday and once again, I scrubbed the house thinking everyone was cured. Then, Thursday morning, right as we were ready to leave for school, the diarrhea hit Tucker. Poor thing. So, needless to say, he was home again on Thursday. He was not a very happy camper because he felt just fine and was pretty mad to be missing school again. He was fine later in the day, and went to school on Friday. Mike and I managed to escape the funk this time around.
My parents came for a weekend visit on Friday. We had a really nice weekend and the kids had a great time. We went to the T-Rex Cafe on Saturday and had a little early birthday celebration for Tucker. He had a great time digging for dino bones, mining for gold, and making a "Build-A Dino" named Speedy. Mike and I forgot our camera, so as soon as I can get some pictures from Caitlyn or Mom, I'll post them!!
On Sunday, we went to Tucker's horseback riding lesson, which proved to be quite the exciting day. It has been so cold here that most of last week's lessons were cancelled and the horses hadn't been ridden very much. Because of that, the kid's horses were all a little jittery, but seemingly okay. I was warming another one up, the one I normally ride, and she was particularly cranky. One thing led to another, and Tucker and another little boy got bucked off. I was at the other end of the arena, and couldn't do much. I ended up getting down, only to get caught in the stirrup and hung up. It was quite the predicament when one of the loose horses was coming toward me, but one of the guys was able to get to me and help me get free, and all was well.
It was difficult getting Tucker to get back on, but after a whole lot of coaxing, we managed to get him to sit for a couple of minutes. He is willing to get back on tomorrow and MAYBE walk, but he says NO trotting!!! We'll have to see how this all plays out. It was quite the sequence of events, and we're both a bit sore, but all turned out okay, and no one was hurt.
Oh yeah, remember when I said that Mike and I escaped being sick? Well, Mike ended up in bed all day Sunday. He never got sick, so I don't think he had exactly what the kids had, but he had something nonetheless.
So, the rest of the weekend went well, and we took Grammy and Grandpa to the airport yesterday morning. Caitlyn went home, and Mike and I caught an afternoon movie while Colton watched the boys. It was a really nice day.
Last night, while getting ready for dinner, Ty was getting some spoons out of the drawer to play with and pulled the drawer out too far. It landed on his toe, and this is the result........
My parents came for a weekend visit on Friday. We had a really nice weekend and the kids had a great time. We went to the T-Rex Cafe on Saturday and had a little early birthday celebration for Tucker. He had a great time digging for dino bones, mining for gold, and making a "Build-A Dino" named Speedy. Mike and I forgot our camera, so as soon as I can get some pictures from Caitlyn or Mom, I'll post them!!
On Sunday, we went to Tucker's horseback riding lesson, which proved to be quite the exciting day. It has been so cold here that most of last week's lessons were cancelled and the horses hadn't been ridden very much. Because of that, the kid's horses were all a little jittery, but seemingly okay. I was warming another one up, the one I normally ride, and she was particularly cranky. One thing led to another, and Tucker and another little boy got bucked off. I was at the other end of the arena, and couldn't do much. I ended up getting down, only to get caught in the stirrup and hung up. It was quite the predicament when one of the loose horses was coming toward me, but one of the guys was able to get to me and help me get free, and all was well.
It was difficult getting Tucker to get back on, but after a whole lot of coaxing, we managed to get him to sit for a couple of minutes. He is willing to get back on tomorrow and MAYBE walk, but he says NO trotting!!! We'll have to see how this all plays out. It was quite the sequence of events, and we're both a bit sore, but all turned out okay, and no one was hurt.
Oh yeah, remember when I said that Mike and I escaped being sick? Well, Mike ended up in bed all day Sunday. He never got sick, so I don't think he had exactly what the kids had, but he had something nonetheless.
So, the rest of the weekend went well, and we took Grammy and Grandpa to the airport yesterday morning. Caitlyn went home, and Mike and I caught an afternoon movie while Colton watched the boys. It was a really nice day.
Last night, while getting ready for dinner, Ty was getting some spoons out of the drawer to play with and pulled the drawer out too far. It landed on his toe, and this is the result........
So, here's to a better week ahead............
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
yuck
The "yuck" has infested our house. It started with Ty's very nasty diapers on Sunday morning, then moved onto Caitlyn and Tucker, who both spent the majority of Sunday night heaving into the porcelain bowl. They both stayed home from school yesterday and have slept, slept, slept. Tucker was back to himself last night and went to school today. Caitlyn's mom said she is still home today, but has almost 24 hours of uneventfulness under her belt. I've been feeding everyone pretty bland stuff just in case. Sure enough, Colton's school nurse called just an hour into school today, so he's in bed now too. 4 down, 2 to go. At least if Mike and I get sick, the kids will already be about over it. Needless to say, we're keeping Lysol and Clorox in business and I've done a WHOLE lot of laundry!!!
The joys of flu season!!
The joys of flu season!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
The Price of Children
I've seen this on email many, many times, but received it again today and thought it worth posting. On bad days with the kids, this is a great one to read as a reminder of just how precious they, and our time with them, are.
This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect! spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!
Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren !!!!!!! It's the best investment you'll make!
This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect! spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!
Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren !!!!!!! It's the best investment you'll make!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Countdown to 2009
We spent the first part of our New Year's Eve at the ranch, complete with DJ, live music, and lots of food and dancing. Here are a few cute pics....By the time we reached our final destination, and where we were at midnight, the pics were not nearly as good of the very tired boys. Thus, these are what you get!
Here Comes Santa Claus
This is what we found on Christmas morning........
The picture does not do the barn its justice. The thing is huge and the little guys love it!!!!
Take note of the awesome letter to Santa
Our annual family picture in front of the tree is normally taken on Christmas Eve when we're all dressed up for church. Ty, however, was so sound asleep that he was snoring when we got home. So, this is us SO lovely in the morning!
So sweet!
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