Twinkle Twinkle We Won

I am so excited !!! Abigail won a local contest at Strack and Vantil's grocery store with her Twinkle Twinkle video. We won the new Flip HD. I can hardly wait until it arrives. Look out youtube, here we come :) !!

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The CAT

Well the test results are in and it's cats and dogs that Abigail is allergic to. Poor kid will never be able to have a dog or a cat. I think I figured out why she started having such a bad reaction this winter. See my mom has a cat, and in the winter months the cat stays inside the house, plus our vacuum broke and I wasn't able to vacuum like I usually do every day. Now that the weather is breaking, the cat is going out more, and we got a new vac :). Since then Abby is doing better, plus I am finding that plain old Benadryl is working better than the prescription allergy medicine.

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Allergies

Little Miss Abigail has been having a terrible time with allergies. Poor kid, we can't figure out what it is that is causing so much itching and terrible red patches all over her arms and legs. Once I have her off allergy medicine for a week, we are having a blood test performed to see what is triggering her reactions. I know she is not going to be happy about having her blood drawn, but I really hope we can figure out what is happening. She looks so pitiful with puffy red lips, red watery eyes and spots all over her. They gave me an epi pen, just in case she gets into what ever it is and has a severe reaction. I am hoping that we never have to face that scenario.

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It's me again !

Well it's me again, this time with a new do ! Hope all is well with everyone. It's pretty much the same ole grind here, homework, house cleaning, facebook :) and all the good stuff.

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I did it

I did it. I have now officially completed my last scheduled course for school. My ppt presentation was graded, and I received an almost perfect score. I am so excited. Since I have extra time left over this semester I picked up another course. I started college mathematics a couple days ago, and I should have enough time to finish it before the semester's end.

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Drifting

I am not sure how much the human psyche can handle. I am mentally and physically exhausted. The worst part is, I don't see it getting any better. I feel like running away, or curling up and hiding in a closet somewhere. I long to go home. I want to sit in a room alone where it is quiet and think, or not think, just do nothing at all, just listen to the peace inside it. The truth of the matter is, that is not possible. I have no home, or at least no home of my own.

It is hard sometimes, and I realize I should be thankful for a warm bed, food and shelter. I think I wouldn't feel so bad if there were more peace that surrounded me. It seems those I interact with do not realize that words can hurt, and their pain can linger for quite sometime. I'm sure everyone will think me selfish for complaining, and maybe I am, I am ashamed, but sometimes I get lost in the want, the want to feel like somebody, the want to be wanted by someone.

I know God has a plan for me. Maybe I am being tested on faithfulness. Maybe God is saving something really special for me, and wants me to be able to appreciate it. I know that when the time is right, and someday all is right around me I will know, appreciate it, and be thankful for it. I am thankful now for all that I have. Life, children, health is a gift that I do realize I am in possession of. I guess sometimes we all drift in the waters of self pity, in which I have taken part in this evening. Tomorrow I wish and will wake up in the ocean of hope, determination and love. For now I am just going to drift awhile.

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Long long day

I spent half of last night, and almost all day working on my ppt presentation for Literature. I finished it and turned it in just a little while ago. I am praying it is accepted, because that means I am finished with my last scheduled course!!

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ER visits abound

Hopefully tonight will be peaceful and no trips to the emergency room. Yesterday I had to take Daniel. He was fine at home, then suddenly grabbed his ear and began screaming. This went on for almost an hour when I finally decided to take him in. I wasn't sure if it was an earache, bug bite or if he had stuck something into it. The poor little guy was sobbing uncontrollably and wouldn't let go of his ear. Once we got to the ER he continued to scream and cry for almost 2 hours. Of course just before they took us back, he stopped and said it was all better, it didn't hurt anymore. I then had to explain why I had this little boy in the ER, as he sang Thomas the Train songs through the emergency room ;). Thank goodness the Doc didn't think I was over reacting or even crazy. He said that the tube in his ear could have been blocked and then spontaneously cleared. That would explain the sudden pain and then relief. His ear was red inside and he does have an ear infection. Since the incident he has been back to his singing, running, car racing and train driving self. I'm glad he isn't in anymore pain.

The night before last we had to take Paige to the ER. Her and her boyfriend were goofing around and she hit her arm on Abby's play stove. Nothing was broke and just bruised a little. They put her in a sling and splint for her wrist, which she twisted when she hit the play set.

I am hoping the rest of the week will be nice and quiet with no emergent episodes.

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One more class down

I passed, I did it. I took my Literature test and I am so happy that it is over. OMG by far my least favorite subject, which is quite odd since I love to read, go figure.

When the morning of the test arrived it was awful. I woke up with a terrible stomach ache and instantly knew I was getting sick like everyone else in the house had been. I must admit I prayed and begged all the way to the test center that God would please help me get through it. I did only by the grace of God make it. I completed the test in record time. There was 4 hours allotted for the test, I did it in 72 minutes. The last 15 questions I guessed. Yes I didn't even read the questions, I just clicked on a letter. I figured it was better to guess and hurry, than to end up vomiting on the keyboard. Yes I know that is gross, but trust me, I was really really sick. I didn't check to see if I passed the test until around midnight that night. I was so ill I didn't care. I ended up with a score of 72. It might be the lowest score I have ever received, but when you take into account I guessed and hurried, I am happy I passed !!! Now onto the next course.

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Daniel's 3rd Birthday

Okay, so I am a bit late in posting about Daniel's birthday. Yes it was Oct. 22nd, but I have been a busy with school and everything else going. Rest assured a good time was had by all, and Daniel was thrilled with his Thomas the Train cake. He now says he is a " Big Boy". Wow they grow up so fast, I have no idea where the time goes.

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Tomorrow : Test Day

Tomorrow I take my test for Literature 1. Hopefully all will go well, and that class will soon be behind me. Now off to study. Hopefully tomorrow's post will read, " I passed" :).

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I'm still here

I'm still here :). I didn't realize it has been so long since I posted something to my blog. It seems the days are flying by in a whirlwind of task, chores, homework and more. There is always something to do, and never an end to it all. I finished my second class about a month ago at WGU, and getting ready to test for my third course next week. Now to start and finish 4 papers for the last class I have scheduled this semester. I was really hoping to squeeze in one more course before it is all over. Only time will tell if I will be able to do that.

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WGU

College so far so good, but of course it has only been 4 days since I started :). I have in reality completed a lot in just 4 days. I finished my intro course, tomorrow I set my official schedule, and today I started my first real course. I took the pre assessment test and much to my surprised passed with an 87%. I'm pretty happy with that since I haven't even opened a book yet! It was for health, nutrition and fitness. Now I have to decided if I want to just go ahead and try to test out, or go thru and study the course. The test out score is a 3.0. I am thinking I still want to review the course. I'd like to get closer to 100% and I'd feel more comfortable. Tomorrow I talk to my mentor and will discuss it then. I am sooooo excited, I really want to do well. I am happy though, in 4 days I have already added 2 more credits toward my degree.

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I'm so excited and nervous

I am so excited and nervous at the same time. The clock is ticking, and school starts Oct. 1st. Go figure the day before my 42nd birthday! My friend is also starting the same day for teaching too. It's great having a friend going through the same thing that I am too. We can support and motivate each other. She promised to laugh and cry with me! I said add drink here and there and you got a deal. While in all reality, I have about one cocktail every couple of years lol..

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Abigail loved Lowes

Abigail loved going to Lowes. She built her puppy, and couldn't believe that she got to use a "real hammer, not a pretend one". In a couple weeks we get to build a fire engine, she can hardly wait!

Free kids building program at Lowes for Sept. 2010

The program is national!

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My New Frugal Family Life Blog

I hope everyone will join me on my new blog, Frugal Family Life. I will be posting free samples, deals, free things to do, recipes and much much more. I will be keeping this blog, just adding a separate one for frugal living. I am now writing on Examiner.com as the NWI Frugal Family Examiner, and created a blog to go along with my new title. I am very excited, and hope to see all of you on the new blog. Again, I am keeping this blog too, just adding an additional blog to my venue.


http://livingafrugalfamilylife.blogspot.com/

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October 1st

I completed my assessment test and did my intake interview for college. Now I am waiting for my transcripts to be reviewed and my final package to be put together. I will begin school Oct. 1st, one day before my 42nd birthday. Wow, I can't believe I am turning 42 and starting school again. This my last shot. I am going to give it all I got, and pray it all works out.

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College here we go again

Since I took Spring off I have been wanting to go back to college this fall. I found a great place, WGU Indiana. I have applied, sent my transcripts and now I just have to pass an entrance exam. It's great because I can do all of it online, except for the last year. They have a main school WGU, and now Indiana just took them as a state school. They run all year round, 6 month semesters one after another and non profit. You also can work at your own pace and take as many courses as you want for a flat fee. Very very reasonable rates. I don't know if I will get through it all, but I think it is worth a try. I really wanted to go back before, but I didn't have sitters for the little ones. I am entering their education program. I will end up with a bachelors and be able to teach K-8th. Wish me luck, pray for me, send positive thoughts my way, I need all the help I can get :). Here is to a new adventure. You never know how things will turn out, but at least I can say I tried.

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One Year

Well, its been one year now that I have been living with my mom and sister. While I am very thankful to have a roof over my head, food and a place to sleep, I am feeling a bit sadden and a bit depressed lately. I was so hoping we would have our own place by now, but I guess its not in the cards so to speak. I really don't see any way we will be moving out anytime soon. Hubby is still working on commission and personally my feelings about commission aren't pleasurable. I won't chat about it here, because it has been a great source of discussion at home, and I am tired of "talking" aka arguing about it.

I had thought at 41 years old I would be settled, have a home and car by now. Maybe I am going through mid-life crisis, because all I can think of is that time is flying by and I haven't reached my goal of independence. How crazy is it to be my age and still feel like bum, mooching off my family. Once the little ones are in school I will be in a better position to work outside the home. Right now daycare would cost more than what I would make working. Writing has helped some with money, but trying to get out 10 articles a week has proved to be a daunting task. Time... it seems I have no time to write. Late evening when I have free time, I am too tired to make a sentence sound even readable. My brain lags, my thoughts aren't clear and I end up not putting down one word. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and get something finished.

Well I guess enough griping today. Putting my chin up again, taking a deep breath and charging forward. Someday... someday things just have to work out. I do know one thing, I won't quit trying, no matter how many times I keep stumbling and falling down, I am getting up. Granted as I am getting older, it takes me a little longer to jump to me feet :), but none the less, I will stand.

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Happy 4th Birthday Abigail

Abigail turned 4 years old on Aug. 12th. Oh my where does the time go? They grow up so fast, it seems like only yesterday I held her as a baby in my arms.

She requested peirogies for her b-day, her fav food. It happens to be Daniel's fav too. I was amazed that Abby ate 6 and Daniel ate 8. As you can see in the pics they enjoyed the meal :). She is also a Tinker Bell fan, so this year the little fairy sat upon the b-day cake.

While she started the day at the hospital for an EKG and an Echo, the end of her special was exciting for her . Play dough, barbies and fairies were the theme for the rest of the night. She loved all of her presents and "swims" her pet fish from Paige, was a hit. Watching her fish, putting on Tinker Bell make up from Molly made for a great evening of fun.

BTW- Her test all came back normal! :)

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School Supply Shopping

What an exhausting day! Why is it when you go shopping for school supplies there is always that one item that every store is out of?

Nothing like braving 90's degree weather in a hot truck and a grumpy 3-year old. I'm just happy its all over with, well except for the elusive steno pad. Guess we will just wait until the Dollar General gets more in stock.

At least I have a new topic for my Examiner.com writing. School supplies, where to find them cheap this week :). Pretty cool to write about what you do everyday.

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New writing gig and added fun

I have a new writing channel on Examiner.com. I am now the official NWI Frugal Family Examiner. I am pretty excited because I get to write on thrifty crafts, recipes, and entertainment. Today I posted a pretty simple article about painting lucky wish rocks. It's pretty simple but the kids love it. The kids are happy now too, because all the kids crafts they get to test out first hand. It makes for a lot of fun! Nothing better than adding a job that adds extra fun for the kids :).

Link for my article below.
Painting lucky wish rocks: Crafts for kids

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Bubble Fun

What is it that is so intriguing about bubbles? Kids love them, and I must admit that I like them too. An empty box, a ball, bubbles, blocks, simple crayons and paper keep my kids playing for hours. Here are some pics of Daniel and Abigail enjoying a beautiful day with bubbles.

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Back to Sweeping and Winning

After a year long break I am firing up the robo form and getting back to sweeping. I figured it was time to start winning again. So far in 3 weeks I have won 3 prizes. First off was a subscription to Newsweek, (great for Paige's gov/econ class this fall), a spiritual book which is always nice, and a spiritual book examining the Narnia series.

I wonder what's coming up next. That is the greatest thing about sweeping, you never know what the next win will be! Checking the mail just got exciting again! I will keep you posted when I win the "BIG" one. As they say, " You have to be in it, to win it."

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Getting Back to Nature

It appears that the days are flying by at the speed of sound. Often I have the feeling that life is rushing by and I am missing it. It is hard sometimes to " Stop and smell the roses". I believe many of us get caught up in the housework, yard work and all the chores that need to be finished we forget about flowers, trees, birds and the sky. All the beautiful things that nature has created for us to see, smell, feel and hear are soon forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I believe it is when we are at are weakest, tired of the daily chores and worn out from the stressors of life, that it is in fact the time when we need to get back to nature. We need to feel the grass beneath our bare feet, the warm summer breeze against our skin, and admire the beauty of the song birds that sing for us. Some how it replenishes our soul when we connect with nature and the life force found within it.

I am going to take the time out today to walk in the grass, smell the flowers and listen to the sounds of the wind bustling through the trees. I want to take in all in, replenish my soul, and feel the warmth of the sun that sustains us.

While the days will still seem to fly by and life will still be hard, I will be comforted by the fact that miracles surround me.

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More Prom Pics

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Paige's Prom

OMG, what a week it has been. Shopping here, shopping there, looking for the perfect shoes, bracelet, and necklace. I think we did it! Of course we had just one minor flaw when Daniel ate the perfect rhinestone bracelet yesterday. Luckily we found one similar :), at the last moment.

The lady that did her hair and makeup today was wonderful. We told her Paige wanted it to look 1940's and she nailed it, pin-curls and all. I think Paige looks like a 1940's movie star.

I am posting one pic we got off a camera phone, and will be posting more tomorrow, when I get the camera back from Paige ;).

After prom all 16 of them are taking a huge limo downtown to a fondue place. I am sure Paige is in 7th heaven as I am writing this now. I have never seen her smile so much in my life. I whispered in her ear as she was getting in the limo, " Your beautiful my Princess Paige." When she was little I always called her that. She smiled and said, " oh mom" and off they went. I was able to wait until I got home to cry :). I just couldn't believe how beautiful and happy my baby girl was.

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Fame

Paige performed in Fame this weekend, and did a wonderful job. She was Miss Bell and played her beautifully. To hear her sing is breath taking for me. I am so proud of her, and I never see her happy than when she is on stage. Tonight after Fame she had to do a quick change, and is off to her call back for Rent.

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All Better Now :)

Well seems as things are back to normal. I'm feeling much better, and took my last dose of steroids. My neck still hurts just a little bit, but it is tolerable. The Doc said I was doing better Friday, and said the reaction is similar to a lupus attack. Looks like I'm back on track, so time to tackle all the housework that got left behind when I wasn't feeling good :).

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Thank God for the hives

What a horrific weekend I had. Saturday I felt like I was going croak. My bones and joints started hurting so bad I could barely walk. I have never felt pain like that before. Taking care of the kids Saturday was soooo hard. Then I broke out in hives that night, and figured out it had to be the antibiotic I was allergic too. Of course I hate going to the ER, so I decided to self treat with benadryl and a breathing treatment, because I was having a hard time breathing. Sunday I just basically passed out for the day. I couldn't do anything. Just standing or trying to walk made it feel like my knees and bones were breaking. I waited until Monday to get into the Dr. It is a good thing I went. The minute I walked in the door they shot me with a huge mega dose of steroids. I think me gasping, and unable to lift my knees to step on the scale was a tip off, that something was wrong. The steroid cleared the breathing right away, but it took another day for the bone pain to finally ease up. Apparently I had a rare and dangerous reaction. The Dr. said it was a good thing that I broke out in hives, because it made me know to stop taking the pills. It also helped that I took the breathing treatment and the benadryl. If I had taken that night time dose and went to bed I might have stopped breathing in my sleep, and no one would have ever known. So thank God I broke out in hives. I know it had to be God watching over me, and I am very grateful. I am still taking steroids, and Friday I go back to the Dr. for a check up. But I am feeling much better, and I am sure everything will be fine.

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Colitis Strikes Again

What I thought was going to be a perfect day, turned into a not to good one. Here I am noticing the cool breeze, the beautiful colors of spring popping up and blooming everywhere. I am thinking to myself, how wonderful it is to see it all come alive and brighten up everything, after such a gloomy winter. Suddenly out of no where,,, bam... it happens. The colitis monster rears it's ugly head, and I am doubled over in pain. I call the Dr. and he sends me straight to the ER. I spend the entire morning and afternoon there. Not exactly my idea of a wonderful day. After all the test, IV's and meds, I am happy to say I am feeling much better. Hopefully the antibiotics will help out and I will be good as new in a few days.

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Bifocals OMG am I that old now!

I never thought the day would come that I needed bifocals. I finally gave in and got them, when I realized my arm wasn't long enough anymore to hold my books far enough away to be able to read. I really don't think I will ever get used to them, but they are great for reading. As far as wearing them everyday for plain seeing, probably not going to happen. The line drives me too nuts.

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Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

I think all the kids had fun hunting eggs this morning. Abby was up at the crack of dawn proclaiming it was Easter. We had our own little sleep over last night. Me, Dan and all the kids slept in the same room, so Abby had a lot of people to rouse out of bed. She was more than happy to adhere to that chore. I must admit it is difficult for anyone not hear her wonderful, precious, extremely loud voice! When Daniel spotted the first egg he went nuts! Screaming and yelling, "eggs". He couldn't wait to hunt them all down. He was grabbing hand over fist every egg insight. Abby was delighted to seek out the ever so elusive Easter eggs too. Even the big kids joined in, and found eggs scattered and hidden everywhere. Now it's getting late, dinner is over and the kids are full of ham and candy, I am hoping they will tire out early. After such a long day I would love to have a quiet evening, with them all tucked quietly away in bed.

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Molly's Science Fair IUN

Well my little scientist took 2nd place in her category at the IUN science fair. I am very proud of her. It was her first time at Indiana University Northwest competing. She ended up with 1st place at her school, honorable mention at school corporate and then 2nd in category at IUN. She is already working on ideas for next year :).

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The Strike is Over

I'm sure all of you have experienced the wish to go on strike. I'd like to stand with a picket sign that reads: No More Dishes, No More Messes, No More Laundry, and NO MORE CLEANING THE BATHROOM. I don't think those household chores would be so bad if it wasn't one step forward and 10 steps back. I pick up the toys, put them in the toy basket and in 10 seconds .. poof.. out they tumble by the little hands of my 2 and 3 year old. It is almost pointless to pick up! Don't get me started on laundry. Why do my older girls believe they need a towel for their hair, one for the floor, and one for their body. That is 6 towels a day between the both of them. 42 towels a week if you think of it that way. No wonder I go through so much laundry soap. For all of you who use the graduation system with towels.. I commend you. (clap clap). You know where they graduate from body to floor etc. My girls don't get that system yet, No matter how hard I try to explain it to them. I always end up finding a pile of wet towels piled in a corner of their room, or on the bathroom floor. The last couple of day I decided I was going to strike. I'm not killing myself cleaning stuff over and over again. I left messes. Then after a couple of days, my obsessive compulsive self set in and I spent all day cleaning and picking up everything. I even organized a closet. Go figure ! So all in all I guess my strike is over, I gave in. :)

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Abigail and Daniel

We had these pics taken at the mall. Abby was so excited because she got to hold an umbrella. I have no idea how they even achieved a pic of Daniel. He only sat still for a second. He was so busy that I heard the lady tell the other women to, "just forget about him, the ones we have are fine." lol.. He was a bit rambunctious. They made the mistake of giving him a baseball to hold. He yelled, "Ball", and off it went flying into the camera equipment. Of course that was after he took a bite out of the fake apple prop. I guess they figured he wouldn't eat the baseball.

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Heart Break

About a year and a half ago I lost a piece of something very special to me. It was a piece of the mother I had once known. Her stroke was like a thief in the night that robbed part of her memory, speech, and reasoning. In a flash part of her was lost forever. Now each sub sequential day I stand by and watch while bits and pieces are vanishing before my eyes. Her once beautiful smiles have turned to images of confusion, defeat, and an emptiness that is heartbreaking. Her eyes, which once were bright, are filled with tears of sorrow, misunderstandings, and frustration. Almost every word I speak to her is taken as a personal attack. She believes I am angry with her, dislike her and do not love her. I do not speak and I’m uncaring. I can hardly take the torture and heartbreak my words seem to induce. I am at a loss. I pray that somewhere in her mind she knows I love her, and I am so sorry. I am sorry I can’t make you understand I love you, I miss you, and you are my world. I am terrified you will leave this world and the last thoughts you have of me are I don’t love you. I pray to God to clear your mind, if only for a little while so you will know we all love you.

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Blogging

Blogging, hum a great way to express your thoughts, what's going on, and everything else in between. I know I haven't been doing much of it lately, but I've been in the deep thought and soul searching stage. Every time I start to post something I end up with a blank page, guess it's blank like the current state of my mind. No matter how many things, ideas and thoughts run through my head, I always end up back where I began, an empty slate.

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Science Fair 1st Place

My little Miss Molly the scientist! Her quest has finally been fulfilled. She won 1st place at the science fair! I thought she did an awesome job! She extracted DNA from several different kinds of fruits. The judges said they didn't even know that was possible! Now she gets to go to corporate and compete. She is so excited and full of smiles. I am so very proud of her!

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Feeling Better

Everyone seems to be better. Abigail so far has avoided the whole thing. Daniel is still getting sick to his stomach here and there, but seems happy and is running around. At least today he only got sick once. Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to eat a little better, and keep it down.

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Stomach Flu Strikes Again

Well it hit Paige. Now she has it. So far Abigail has been the only one spared from the terrible bug. I am really praying she doesn't get it. Daniel is doing much better, back to his cute little self running around the house. Molly is better, just feeling sluggish and very tired. Paige is still in the early stages and hopefully by tomorrow will feel a little bit better. Here is to hoping Abby, me, mom and Trudy don't fall victim to the virus going around.

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Abigail & Daniel

Pictures of the kids before went out for a fun day yesterday.

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Good Day & Bad Day

Yesterday started off great. Me, Daniel and Abby went to build a bear, rode a merry go round and the kids got to dress up and take a picture. It was the first time in a long time they have been out of the house. Abby was so sweet, she got a coupon for a free bear, and decided to give it to Daniel so he could have one too. She got one for her last birthday, so she wanted to share. We had a a lot of fun, and I have to say I welcomed the time out of the house. The bad part was later that evening. Daniel got really sick, then within a few minutes Molly got sick. They both were sick as dogs all night. We didn't know which kid to run to first. This morning they are still not well. Both are running fevers and finally fell asleep a bit ago. I'm hoping they sleep for a little while so they can rest. They aren't able to eat, so I am hoping I can just keep fluids down them, so they don't get dehydrated. Hopefully it won't last long, and they feel better soon.

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OMG

Okay, I am a facebook fan, yes I am addicted. While I love facebook OMG, it really does punch you in the gut sometimes. I mean geeze, is there anyone from my past that didn't end up beautiful, rich and successful. Am I the only Failure out there. Okay I know what your all thinking, that is just my ego talking. The truth... yes it is my ego.. lol... I guess I am still in the before phase of my before and after pic and life story. lol... LIFE,, funny how it happens sometimes :).

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Insomnia

Here we go again. That sleepless word Insomnia! I figured since I am up at 340 am I might as well make a blog post. I really hope this not sleeping thing doesn't go on forever. I suppose at some point a person has to sleep. So someday I might just do that. I imagine it is just stress, and my roaming mind that keeps me from slumber. It always seems that something is going on. If it is not one thing, then it is another. I have to admit life is never boring. Sometimes I think I would be happy with just a simple, no drama day. Nothing to worry about, nothing to stress about, and nothing to be done. Ah.. but than that would be too easy. No one ever said life was easy. I do believe we are meant to learn life lessons, and even if we can't figure them out sometimes, there is always a "moral to the story", so to speak.

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Christmas Pics 2009

Unfortunately my camera batteries went dead after just a couple pics at Christmas :(. But I did manage to get these before it died.

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How do you do that ?

Okay everyone is always asking me how I get free stuff and great deals . Here is one of my favorites. All you have to do is click the pic below and join, then next time you search something,,, go there and search. Sometimes you hit a swag buck and they add up. I traded mine in at Christmas and got 25 dollars off amazon. :). I still have enough swags to trade in for another 25 dollar gift code to amazon too :). You can choose the store you want your gift certificate to :). I just picked amazon.

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Divorce

D-I-V-O-R-C-E, is never a good word. No it is not me getting divorced, but my sister. After 20 years together and 18 years of marriage, that ugly word blind sided her. It breaks my heart to see her so heart broken. She has always been more than a sister to me, she has been my friend.

She is beautiful, strong and smart, even though she doesn't realize that yet. Eventually after sometime she will stand strong. It just takes time, wounds need time to heal and regenerate. I have no doubt she will recover and be the master of her destiny.

While I could dedicate an an entire blog to how angry, saddened, and just plain ticked off I am at her husband, I won't do that. The details are neither here nor there, and no one needs dragged through the mud. It is not my style, nor do I find anything good comes out of bashing a person. Hate-tread only breads negativity, and who needs more of that in this world. I hope he finds what he is looking for, and someday has some remorse.

It's a New Year, and New Beginnings ! Hopefully The New Year will bring happiness, love, and prosperity to everyone. We will put behind the past, and concentrate on the here and now, and hope for a better future.

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I did It !!

The fall semester is finally over, I survived, I did it. I have never been so relieved in life. The torture, deadlines and pure stress is over. I ended up with an A in Argumentative and Persuasion Writing, an A in Life Span Psychology, and ... drum roll...... a B in Anatomy and Physiology. Normally I would be devastated by a B, but let me tell you I am thankful, grateful, and ecstatic for that number 2 letter in the alphabet. 80% of the people fail that course online, but thank God I was not one of them. Yes my ego was a bit dented since it caused my GPA to drop from a 4.0 to a 3.75, but hey Life is Good ! I did it!

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Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I had a lovely day. It was thrilling to watch the kids open their presents, and watch the excitement on their faces. Daniel tore through every present with pure determination. He couldn't contain his eagerness. With each one he would oooo and squeal with joy. He even shivered and shook with a few. Abigail was on the hunt. She could hardly wait to see if Santa brought her the skateboard scooter her heart so desired. Of course Santa came through and full-filled her dream. There has been scooter riding through out the house every since. She also received a baby doll that her and Daniel have been taking great care of. They are often seen pushing her in the stroller, giving her a bottle and singing to her. I even heard Abigail tell Daniel, " I will be the mommy and you be the daddy." They are like to peas in a pod. Of course Abby is a bit bossy telling him what to do most of the time, and dragging him by the hand everywhere. The older girls received the present to end all presents from my sister Trudy. A laptop, yes a computer for each of them. I swear I thought they were going to faint when they opened them up. I still can't figure out how they received such a gift. Of course I had that fleeting thought of ... Oh, Now I have something I can ground them from when they misbehave. I know, I'm a terrible mother lol. But hey, sometimes you need all the leverage you can get. I also mistakenly bought Paige a Flip camcorder. The child has been torturing me every since. I am just praying the video of me hula hooping on the Wii Fit, in my PJ's don't end up on u tube somewhere. Molly has been on her Wii Fit non-stop. Now instead of TV we all get to watch Molly jump around the living room. A very good time was had by all. It was a Christmas to go down in the books as fun, excitement and filled with laughter all.

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My Day in the ER

Well after 3 days of being doubled over in pain, I finally went to the ER. I guess it is a good thing I went, but I am dreading the bill. Honestly I am keeping my chin up, but geeze I do wish I'd get a break once in awhile. I swear it is always one thing after another. I have diverticulitis and colitis, they gave me two rounds of antibiotics in the ER and sent me home with some more. I'm hoping the pain will go away in a few days, it hurts every time I move around. I have to be better by next week because I have finals. Life sure is an adventure isn't is ? :)

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Halloween at Our House

I LOVE Halloween. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I just love all the spooks and specters. My DVR during Halloween is working overtime taping all the ghost shows for the season. This year Paige went to party with her friends, Molly trick or treated with her buddies, and Dan and I took the babies out for treats. Daniel was more preoccupied with peering in people's houses, trying to see if they had a dog, than he was with getting candy. By no means though does that mean he didn't love all the sweets in his bag. Abigail thought it was great. She couldn't wait to run to the next house to see what candy would be placed in her bag next. At the end they did get tired and we had to carry both back home. They spent nearly 2 hours knocking on each door. That was a lot of walking for those poor little legs. I took pics of the kids, but this year Molly evaded the pics. She took off with her friends before I snapped one. By the time she got home she had her costume off. Next year I will just have to be faster than her. I thought Paige looked awesome. She did a great job doing her make up. Abigail loved being a witch and Daniel would have did anything NOT to wear his costume. :).

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