In the Peak...

Hello everyone :) I know... I'm slacking again but had a busy fun weekend! Its flippin' frigid out today, like really cold when I walked this afternoon ... I so want to get a inside weight system very soon and start doing weights. It looked nice out this am when I got up so thought... I'll go walking, WOW was it COLD!!!! Now I sit here in the coldest room in the house, the widow's peak and post a blog, does that make sense? This will be the 1st time I actually sat up here alone, its very peaceful and I love the veiw that surrounds me.

So to update everyone on my life events... since I posted last, Mitchel returned home safely from Gordiville on Sunday. He seemed to really enjoy the show and took some really good photos of what I saw. Little Blade seems to be adjusting well to the "all day" Preschool, he is exhausted when I pick him up thou... he is definately not a morning person like his dad, but within a few weeks I hope we can get him into a routine and going to bed at a 'normal hour'. For Issac, he is just so full of life and is just so so carefree, he is still having a few homework issues at school but its getting better. He is a lot like me when I was a child... wow did I just admit that??

Back to my weekend, well... Friday I spent the day with Blade, we ran to DBQ. for a few things and were back home early in the day. I got a few things done here and then spent most of the afternoon just reading books and hanging out with Blade. Later in the evening, Jer and I packed up some things to take to the Club 528 to help Tammy get things ready for her mom's 50th surprise birthday party, Jer came home with Blade while I was helping Tammy decorate, then he later joined us for a few drinks and cheese fries, then Jer and I were off to Houlihans for "our nite" away since it was the only available time for the weekend to go.
Now to Saturday, WOW this day just flew by... I got up early to walk and finish cleaning things up here before I took off to DBQ with my mom to do some errands, then we got back and mom helped me put some salads together for the birthday party. Issac and Blade went to the farm for the day and Jer went into DBQ. for his conference calls he had going on.
About 5pm Jer and I went to Tammy's store to convince her mom we wanted to all go for quick drinks and a bite to eat... this was the sceme for getting Janice to her party... the party turned out wonderful! Did Janice really know of the events... well yes and no... she suspected but just didn't know the "time frame" as she states. We had to leave the party before it ended since we had the annual Tigges party to attend - it was a GREAT night. I had a few in me and I shouldn't of... but it was a hell of a day and just figured why not... I know lame excuse!! I felt bad leaving the mess with Tammy and her family but we could not miss the Tigges' party, we've gone every year since we have known them and they are such dear friends to us! It was a "tame" party this year, it was a GREAT time!! Thanks guys!!!! I enjoyed viewing the photos they took of our party from the weekend before... and all I have to say is "OH MY"!!!!! and please keep those tucked away :) We got home rather late like 2am... and I had to be up early for the following day.
So here I am to Sunday, got up kinda early and got my things packed and got the kids things ready since I was going to be leaving for Madison with Tammy and Janice for "market" and was going to be gone until Monday evening. I wasn't sure I wanted to go since Jer was leaving this week to CA until Friday, but now I am glad I went. We antique'd on the way up, I got a few things on the way. So on Monday we went to "market", I always enjoyed this part when I had my store so it was great to go with Tammy and help her get things for her store. It was kinda a let down thou... lots of 'crafty' items, which I felt like I was at a craft show ... it wasn't that great of a show but Tammy did get some cool new things. It was little trip, I realized though this was the first time in years that I left Jer and the boys behind at home over night and went on my own, I don't go on little trips on my own without the kids nor Jer. I did get homesick like mid afternoon on Monday, it was just a little weird that Jer was at home with kids rather than me, but it was good time and glad I went.

So this week... my goal is to eat really good this week, and exercise a lot! Just trying to stay focused on the whole weight loss thing! Last week I got down 5lbs... didn't weigh myself since I got back from the trip yet and almost scared too... cuz I slipped and had french fries from MCD's yesterday :( but I did good with having only 1 pop a day and still doing good with that one !!!!
Jer takes off for CA tomorrow and gets back late Friday night, hope the week goes fast. Also looks like the bricking in the basement may start tomorrow :) My computer got sent off to Apple today... MISS IT LOTS!!!!! Billy, just order yours!!!!! Or did you?

If any of you are in town! Stop in at Cranberry Hollow!!!!! Tammy has all of her Valentines decor up, and the L.O.V.E. I cut out for her looks fricken adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Abby, make sure you stop, its SO SO SO SO SO cute!!!!!

I should really start the swimming this week... Mel, would you be able to go Thursday?

Until I blog again, stay warm its frigid out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Little Boy...

Hi again :)
Wow 2 days in a row for blogging... promise this one won't be so winded' and long.

Today was Blade's 1st full day of Preschool, instead of going 1/2 days on Tues/Thrusday, he will go all day. He is offically a BIG boy now and mighty proud too... he did shed a few tears today when I took him but I think he was a little tired yet and had new faces in his "familiar room". When I went to pick him up he was so excited to see me, he came RUNNING like a mad man, it was SO darn cute!!!!!

Yes, I was lost without him today, felt kinda lonely... couldn't really concentrate on doing anything either, so I shot this day to hell and did absolutely nothing, well I did a load of laundry but seriously did nothing all day :( when trust me! ... there was plenty I could have done... since you know that the laundry never ends here... and I can always be cleaning too! Oh darn I guess saving all of that for tomorrow I guess.

Mitchel was off today to go with my dad and my uncle to Gordeville for the tractor pull weekend, he was so excited to go. Got him all packed up and we went for breakfast with my dad before they were off for the weekend, he will get back sometime on Sunday. He was SO excited to go! Issac and Blade will both be lost puppies without their big brother, Blade already said "school is over... where is Mitchel" like 5x since we got home from school. Just too cute!

So not much happened today - hung out with Tammy and had lunch and was a BIG bum! I did not exercise today either :( that was bad bad!! But I did get 2 walks in yesterday and went on treadmill for 30 mins... so I will be back at it strong again tomorrow, my goal is every other day in the 1st month... so I don't get burnt out, cuz there is NO more wishy washy excuses!!

Mel, when we walking? Will I swim? I hope to... I loved it last year and just need to "make the time" and do it! and looks like if this goes well with Blade going to Preschool, its possible! Time will tell me very soon!

Weekend looks busy, we have a birthday party to attend as well as the Tigges' annual party! all in one night... tomorrow night I have to help Tammy for a bit then hope to go do something FUN, but no drinking will be involved what so ever!!!!

When will it snow??? Jeepers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringing into 2007...

Wow I haven't posted since last year :( Sorry Friends!!!!! and Mel... sorry you were going thru "withdrawl"... maybe this blog will make up for lost time :) ... or not...

Ok so backing up... Christmas was awesome! I was just so happy to be here in our home! its all I really wanted this year for Christmas... but I seriously have to admit I started getting stresssed out the week of Christmas simply because Jer and I had absolutely nothing for the kids yet... and I like being 'prepared' way before a week before... and we had a few other little gifts to get too for our friends... which speaking... MEL I have a gift here for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and well I was intoxicated when I saw you last! Maybe you will like and maybe you wont... in due time I will know, right?
Anyhow... so what did I get for Christmas? I got my house, my kids, and my wonderful hubby :) I just love them all so very much, they are MY LIFE!!!! I had all my family and friends nearby and that is more to me than anything!! Having really good friends these days are hard to get, so I am VERY grateful for the friends I have!!!
My kids made out like bandits for Christmas! Why is it when we were kids... our parents didn't go overboard like we seem to do today? But I will tell you this... my parents make up for it now, its insane... our kids got so much from them! as well as Jer and I did too, very appreciative but sometimes just crazy!!! Who else feels this way?
So after Christmas passed by... it was a happy day but yet a sad day too... just feel like I go go go and rush to get things ready for HO HO HO and then its all over in a matter of 20 mins or less... but it was FUN seeing the boys react to all their gifts, Blade was REALLY FUN this year!!!! and Issac got a "video camera" and he has been making crazy videos of the boys and us... he is such a "card". Mitchel sure is growing up on us... his big item this year was getting a paint ball gun, so needless today say he was thirlled too but now our shed has "orange dots".

So time passes and I am on a mission to get this house prepared as much as I can for the NEW YEARS EVE party that we are hosting... run run run again! but I will say this... I should of had a party WAY before now, this house was the best I've felt about it since we've been here... its just I felt like I was living in "constant disaster zone" with constant dust and mess everywhere I looked :( so as soon as the attic was carpeted in the "storage areas" I should of been moving stuff up there but I didn't :( because I was waiting for doors to be finished but... got tired of waiting and hauled a bunch of misc. stuff I had in totes to our "storage area", so WOW the blue room was a complete different feel... no more totes and just junk sitting around, Lis was on a mission!!!! There was no "crap sitting around, I was tired of the electrical, trim, random tools spread among our house, it was TIME!!!!! I spent a good solid week cleaning this place top to bottom, and had great help from several friends - thank you all for helping us!!!

So now I believe we are to the point where I talk about the party... WOW I have to say I am a terrible hostess!!!! WOW!!! I was completely disappointed in my actions, but I guess the idea of having the party all week got the best of me, I worked like a dog all week and was completely a nutshell all week... I was probably a BITCH from hell if you would ask Jer :( Its just I wanted things to be right, I wanted 'less of the undone' sitting around, and so it looked presentable and less hazardous, because believe me we had crap everywhere!!!

So anyhow, for those who did come to the party, it meant so much to me to have you here!!! to share our "1st offical" party with you all, it was a wonderful night, even though "drunken Lis" came out of her shell once again and was out cold by 2AM... or something like that, heck... I dont even know :( A huge thanks to those gals who got me in bed - if I think right... it was Jenn, Mel, and "Ma, Janice" ... and Jenn I hear you were feeling damn good... how the heck did you help me??? WOW!!! and for you Mel... I heard you were feeling damn good by the time you left. Ah shit... just sucks... I should of paced myself better and been more responsible! but I also knew this would be my last night of "being tanked Lis" because my drinkin' days are going to be over for the next several months... time to get into shape!!!!

I hope all of our family and friends had a great time at the party, it meant alot to us that you could all make the night special for Jer and I, it will never be forgotten!! OH... Thanks to all of you who made sure Jer had a great time too... he was hurtin' the next day for someone who did some "research on drinking 101"... and suffered major hangover!!!!!! WOW and I thought I was in bad shape... he had me beat once again :(

So have you all made your new years resolution? Whats "instore" for 2007 for you? Make some goals? Ok so here I sit and will spill some more out... (sorry this blog is getting WAY LONG!!!!!)

My 2007 will bring me lots of "JOY"!!!!!!! HAPPINESS, and maybe some snow?? I just want a little to make it winter, now... onto the jist of it all... 2007 will be bringing a THINNER LIS, I hope to loose between 50-60lbs. YES I am that FAT!!!!!! I want no pitty, I just want lots of support!!!! I want to be my ideal weight like by tomorrow... but realistically by July is what I set my goal for... No I am not doing the WW thing again either... doing it purely on my own!!!! Training and more training!!!!! and building up my own will power!! It will be mighty tough since we "eat out alot due to having no kitchen... but we did get a GEORGE FOREMAN for Christmas so that is GOOD!!!! This week I have been good so far... lost probably 5lbs in water already... so its a start.
My other HUGE goal I want to accomplish this year is the Marathon I wanted to do in 2006 by the ocean in San Fran. Yep I want to speed walk either the 1/2 or full marathon, date is in Sept... which is tricky since Jer's brother Brad's wedding falls in that month... but if it works out that is HUGE for me!!!! Its REALLY something I want to do for me!!! I need to build up self esteem and confidence and be motivated, I need to do this! Mel or Jenn, want to join me??? Ever since Brad and Julie ran their marathon in Lake Tahoe... its just something so powerful to watch and the feeling is still with me when I look at those two, its just such a feeling that I can't even explain it.

Ok so I blabbed enough... but I sincerely wish all of you the best in 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You all deserve good in 2007, live each day to the fullest!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace within :)

LIFE...

Hi out there...
Today was just one of those "blah" days! A day full of laundry, cleaning and misc things. Life just seems to never slow down here at the Miller household, its crazy!! Today was an early out day for the boys so they hit the slopes with their dad for the afternoon, Blade and I stayed behind at home and got some things done... yep he was upset again that he didn't get to go, felt really bad for him because he just can't understand fully why he "can't go" and Jer of course tells him "he's not big enought yet" and Blade just refuses to acknowledge that fact... but anyhow he survived the day with his mom... but one of these times he will get to go with them and YES I will have the house to myself or a day to myself.

Today I realized something... Blade and I spend a lot of time together lately - not sure if its a good or bad thing yet... I'd like to think its good but he is getting WAY dependent on me ... and is that good or bad? I love to be at home with him. Since now that we are in the house he probably has only gone to the daycare a total of 3 days in the last several months and I dont think I can periodically send him anymore since he doesn't like it now and is SUCH a "home body". He was going to his grandma's once a week but well... that didn't work out like we wanted it too since grandma's schedule seems to be 'too busy'... so whatever, but I think I need to make a little change in the week... he has to go somewhere besides preschool 2 half - days a week to get out of the house... its good for him and its good for me. However if it gets "set in stone" that he can go 2 FULL days of Preschool next semester that would be good :) but when the boys are gone during the day and then gone at night to Sundown that is hard on this little guy... he really misses them so hope we make it thru the winter season :)

This weather isn't it amazing? Got all your outside jobs done? I am thinking tomorrow while Blade is at school I am going to try my damnest to get our "WT" yard cleaned up, its really been bothering me, not to mention the dumpy wagon we have parked on the driveway... now if that ain't a beautiful thing... but hopefully this weekend we can get that dumped.
Hrm... what else is new... well we offically have floor boards now laid at the bottom of the steps :) YEAH!!! no more freaky floor like Blade would say :) ... the mudroom floor was started today and hopefully will be finished up by Monday.
When will we tackle putting the lockers in? I would like to say 'soon' but time will tell... first we would have to make a path to get to it and then clean around them since all our stuff is in storage there.

Hows the shopping going? Done yet? I'm not but sure wish I was!!!! I have all the "hard ones" left to do as well as going with Jer to get the our boys done. I am getting to the point of "stressing" out about it and I shouldn't be but you know how that goes... it'll be fine I just have to keep telling myself that, right?

Well I better close - want to get some gifts wrapped yet and well the laundy still sits in the basket yelling for me... and its LATE... so wishing you all a great rest of the week - Sing a Christmas carol :)

time flies...

Well its been a LONG time since I last posted... sorry about that :(

So to update all of you on my life events... last week well I would not want to 'relive' that week... WOW sick kid upon sick kids... YEP they all got it... whatever it was... FLU bug or virus... then it hit me HARD on Wednesday evening and most of Thursday. My whole body ached! I would of rather had another child I think!!!! it was AWFUL!!!!! but it was here and then it passed but I still kinda feel icky :( from time to time yet. Jer was in Boston from Sunday to Wed., that was a change for us since we are so used to having him here more... and I was sure glad he was home!!!

So what else happened last week... Jer was gone, boys were sick, and then the weekend picked up for all the 'crappy' parts of the week.

Friday, I helped at Cranberry most of the day since it was a "LADIES DAY OUT" day. This year the stores changed it up a bit and went to a "Ladies DAY" rather than a "Ladies EVENING", it was kinda a disappointment for me since I knew what to expect from the previous years... but it was a nice flow all day so it was an "ok" day I think for Tammy, but my personal feeling I think they should of kept it an "evening shopping night" for the ladies. But wow! never a dull moment when you are with Tammy and Janice - I sure enjoyed the day hanging out with them, I love to get caught up in "purse world" with Janice and ha, well on Friday she of course surprised Tammy and I both with a new CUTE purse! Brown "alligator" pattern purse, its sure is cute and who would of guessed it was from Walmart? NOT me!!
So I worked until about 730ish then Jer came down to the store, we all bs'd for a bit and then Jer and I were off to DBQ to Houlihans for our little fix for the week. Its something I look forward to each week - just being with Jer and having a nice supper and just so happens that Houlihans "is the place"... We did a few errands then we were off for home for the night, short night but it was nice.

So now we are to Saturday... a full day! Started out with me waking up pretty early, I wanted to sleep in but I couldn't... so then I did a few things around the house and had to go run a few quick errands, then we met Jenn and Dustin here at the house for awhile- wanted to show Dustin whats been happening on house, it was hard to show him but yet I was THRILLED to see him!!!! He looks good, just hope things all work out and he can come back in Jan. to do a few things for us, he is such a GOOD GUY!!!! and just want the best for him and everyone in his life :) So then after that we were off to the McLees Christmas for the afternoon. I always enjoy this Christmas and seeing all the family, the picture thing is annoying but oh well thats life... I am just sure I will never ever do that to my kids! So we bailed pretty early on the Christmas party today... but the boys REALLY wanted to get to Sundown so Jer agreed to take them for the afternoon since they didn't get there during the week due to both boys being sick and his traveling so off they were for the day and little Blade was a little sad since he wasn't able to go but... cheered him up by going to visit Grandpa and Grandma Steffen, so then he was ok... so we were off to visit my parents and help them get their Christmas tree up, pretty neat this year my parents did a 6.5ft all white tree with colored lights and 100% John Deere ornaments, lights, all the trimmings of John Deere :) Blade was in heaven!!! He just couldn't stop looking at it, it was pretty cute. So after I helped them do a few things I was off to going back home to get some stuff done and of course Blade didn't want to home so Grandma caved in and let him stay and brought him home later on.

Now for the BIGGEST event of the weekend! The true HIGHLIGHT of my week!!!! WOW!!!!! I just get speechless when I think about it :) Jer's cousin Kim and her husband Bear got tickets to see Martina McBride's Christmas concert in CR and had two open seats... and she was so kind to call us and ask us to go, I was absolutely thrilled!!!!!! As you can see in the pictures she was talking to a boy right in front of us... it was just a moment I will never ever forget! The seats were amazing, we probably were 10ft from her at one point... when we made a little trip to the bathroom :) and it just was INCREDIBLE!!! Yes, it was her Christmas concert but she did sing two of her songs " In My Daughter's Eyes" and her newest release song... the name? gosh I can't think of it right now but when she sang it I had tears in my eyes... WOW no other preformer can sing like she can, its 110% amazing!!!! Martina means like ALOT in my life, she was there for me when I lost 50+ lbs four years ago, she was there for me when the dream of the shop began to become real, I listened to her all the time when we put the store together from bottom up, this lady is a true inspiration in my life!!! Just LOVE her!!!! So this was just SO SO touching to see her the way I did before my eyes talking to this little boy and having it be SO real... do I wish that was me in the picture? Sure I do but I would of just been SO SO more speechless! But I can tell you after seeing her preform the way she did again... since I have seen her preform 2x's before but had the "nosebleed seats" and was very far away from her and never this close... it was INCREDIBLE!!! She gave me the inspiration and motivation back for the upcoming new year to loose weight and get fit again!!! I am shooting to do that 'speedwalk 1/2 marathon sometime this year... but lots of training has to happen. I needed to see her, she is truely a idol in my life!!!!!! Enjoying life is what she is all about and I would like to think I am that way too but I need to stress less and just live life more, its too short!!!!!
So lets see... Sunday we did not much of anything! We all slept in... and had breakfast again in our "make shift" kitchen but it sure was YUMMY!!! Then Jer and the big boys went to sundown for a few hours while Blade and I went into DBQ to get a few more Christmas gifts bought, a few more gifts off my list :) I am getting closer and closer to being done... but I love it!!! I love this time of year and this year I have been really enjoying it more... weird but I have been :)

So I blogged enough... WOW look how long this is... sorry if it got carried away!

"FROSTY THE SNOWMAN"... IS ALIVE:)

Well this is one BIG thing I wanted to accomplish today and I finished it up after I located some lights... thank goodness Tammy had some because I could not find any anywhere!!! No Walmart didn't even have clear white stranded white lights!!! Well the Anamosa Walmart didn't! I was SO mad!!!! Anyhow here is the live "Frosty tree". He turned out better than I thought he would so yes I am pretty happy with him.

So there is sickness in our house :( Mitchel has been in bed all day, the only time he got up was to go to the bathroom - the poor kid can't keep anything down, I just feel helpless when my kids are sick! He proabably will be home again tomorrow but we will see how the night goes. For Blade I think he is back to being Blade :) all perky and happy!

I got some more gifts wrapped tonight and feeling pretty good about what I have done so far, we mainly have our kids left to do and a few good friends but other than that we should be done soon - YEAH!!!! and that is always a great feeling!!!

Tomorrow I am CLEANING all day - going NO WHERE except to get my hubby at the airport and taking the kids to school! Today I played with the tree and wrapped gifts most of the day... pretty lazy today :( and hung out in Mitchel's room with him and Blade after I did a few things.

Plans for New Years yet???? Hope not!!!! We want to host the party this year... yes our house is undone but life will go on into 2007 and what better way to spend it??? in our house filled with friends!!!! Hope all of you can make it!!!! Get your babysitters if you haven't already :)

Until I blog again! stay warm!!!!

Funny but Scary night...

Oh my what a weekend...

Friday night we had... "Naught Christmas night", It was the first year that my family decided to do a "Chinese Christmas with "gag" gifts...so it was... each person was to come up with a gift ... girl gift and a guy gift to exchange... OH my what a HOOT!!!!
I hate to brag but I would say Jer and I won the "BEST" gifts...

"female" gift was a blow up penis, the most UGLY old lady night gown, depends, slippers, and "Superman" thong undies... in a BIG ass "Victoria Secrets" bag with a nice $10.00 gift card.... It was FLIPPIN hilarious!!! I should of taken a picture of it but wasn't thinking :( this had a note with it too but can't remember it right now...

"male gift was a "screwdriver, screws, rubber glove, vaseline, "small pecker condoms", "flavored" condoms- all of this in a toolbox in a "DO IT BEST" lumberyard bag... then it had a note with it saying they had to read this tune aloud...
Happy Holidays to you, Happy Holidays to you, hope these tools will help you with your screw... if not Mr. Happy will do.
Happy Holidays to you... in a Victoria Secrets bag we had "Happy the Hampster" ... WOW it was fricken hilarious!!! because the whole night I wanted my brother inlaw Greg to get the gift and WOW... when it stopped he had to open it... but then it was passed around again... but the look on his face was completely PRICELESS!!!!

So now for the pictures of Jer that I have posted... SORRY JER!!! but I had too... Jer had a REALLY REALLY GOOD TIME :) Friday evening, although he proably should of paced his drinking a litte more... he got completely drunk within 3 hours or less on a whole bottle of "Saphire". Yes, Jer got drunk!!! I've seen him drunk on his 30th birthday.. but that was mild compared to this... and I have seen him "tipsy" but not drunk like this... the poor guy got sick on top of it! I was never so scared in my life after we realized at 9:30ish he had drank the whole bottle... I thought "oh my god he's going to have alcohol posioning" and I kept saying that... I was feeling good but I sobered off quickly, I was completely freaking out!!! so unlike Jer but it was good for him too and I was happy he had a great time!!! So about 10ish he got sick and it probably was a good thing because I was really starting to worry ALOT at that point!!!! My sister and brother inlaw were pretty persistant on us just staying the night at their house but I did not want to do that since we only live across town... so I called Jer's brother Kevin, and friends Jason and Billy to see if they could help me get him home... well we made it home after a hour of Jer laying on my sisters kitchen floor - but I just wanted to get him home. Thanks to all of you who helped me get him here safely!!!! After we were home he was ok, I didn't sleep worth a crap because I was worried he'd get sick or would need something... then about 4am he got up and bathed and I finally crashed.... slept until 8:30ish and realized he was not next to me... I freaked!!!! Here he was downstairs in the COLD COLD new room sleeping on the couch with just Mitchel's coat over him as a blanket... he stayed downstairs because he said he wasn't ok... so I helped him get up and brought him back upstairs.... GHAD I was flippin out when I woke up and he wasn't there though!!!!!

So the day of Saturday... Jer was not up to par at all! He was in bed... well most of the day. I did some laundry in the am, got kids lunch and then my sister wanted to do some shopping in CR and wanted to know if I wanted to go with... so I made sure the kids were settled with lunch and Jer was ok with me being gone for the day... and was off to shopping with my sister for the day, it was SO cold out!!!! I got back about 5ish and Jer said he wasn't up for doing much, so we ran into DBQ to get some supper and the supplies we now needed for Happy the Hampster... then we were off to home... home by 11pm.

Today another day we just bummed... but we did make a meal in our house today! Yep we bought a small griddle and made breakfast this am, eggs and bacon, toast, oj... and enjoyed it!!!! Did absolutely nothing really besides the laundry usual.
I got to watch my OC today... very good show last week... About 4ish took Jer to the airport- he's gone to Boston until Tuesday evening. On my way home from DBQ Mitchel called and said he was "sick", and just threw up... then later on tonight Blade threw up... sickness in the house... ICK!!! trying to get Blade to sleep now so best close.

Wish all of you readers a good week!!

Snowman...

So here is the "start" of the tree that the boys have been wanting to do... as well as me...
have to get the "white" stranded lights" and I messed up and didn't pay attention to that... and then decorate it :) I worked on the head tonight and going to cut a scarf and mittens for it yet tonight... Blade thinks its pretty funny.
Tomorrow I will go hunt some branches down for "Frosty" and do some snow effects on him :)

This will be one of two trees I will have up now... hope to get one more up yet. Yes changed my mind... just want it to feel morel like Christmas here for all of us since we have waited over two years to get here.

FREEZIN'

BRRRRRRR... I think winter is here... maybe I wished for it too soon! but I do have to say its better than rain rain rain!

So whats new friends? Not a whole lot here in Lis's world. I got a lot of misc. crap done today... like wash bed sheets, wrapped some gifts, did some cleaning...

Too cute this am... Blade woke up like early today which we are talking like 9am - yes this is early for him, he usually sleeps in until like 10-1030ish just depending on the day before if he got a nap or not.... but anyhow - he woke up and was roaring to go to school - just wanted to go so bad - it was SO SO darn cute! He wanted to get dressed and be on his way and he was worried about being "late".

After I got Blade off to school. I ran some errands in town here and then met up with my friend Tammy and ran to Anamosa.
Tammy wanted me to see this new store over there called "GATHERINGS". WOW super cute!!!!!! There was a TON of things I fell in love with over there!!!! So now I think I am adding 'gift certificates" to that store to my Christmas list FOR SURE :) So many unique antique peices that are just unreal - LUV'IN it!!!! I was truely impressed!!!! Now I have my mind stuck on a cupboard that I think would look awesome in our basement, took all the measurements for it and I am pretty sure it would work perfectly in one of the two spots I am thinking... just think its an AWESOME peice!!!!! So I have to do some more thinking and pondering on it and convince Jer "its" the peice for the basement :)

So tonight after I got back... was off to DBQ to do a few things... mainly wanted to get my nails redone... but they couldn't get me in... so made an appt. for tomm. am. Tomorrow night my family is having an "adult xmas party" with well supposed to be "funny gag gifts" so this should be QUITE interesting!!! I'm looking forward to it actually, 1st time for everything. I am just hoping my dad or mom gets my "sleezy" gift... cuz I will BUST a gut laughing!!!!

PRETTY BORING BLOG but trying to keep it back to a daily thing... cuz I've been slackin' lately :I

Have a great weekend!!!

CRAZY OR WHAT?

Wow isn't this weather crazy? I sure think so... I am SO SO tired of the rain... its cold and icky... come 'on its almost December... where is the snow? Not that I like snow but its better than rain.

Whats new? Hrm... In the last few days I got LOTS accomplished, I cleaned our main floor and got it MORE organized instead of crap just shoved somewhere - WOW was that a JOB!!!! but a HUGE accomplishment. I have a TON more to do thou... now I need to do my "normal" cleaning on the 2nd floor (bedroom level) tomm. and I do want to get some xmas trees and decor up on the main floor yet... so plenty to finish up this week... and all the LAUNDRY I dont ever get a break from... why is this job never ending? Geesh!!!

Lets see... today besides cleaning I volunteer at school for awhile for a gal - I did enjoy it but all I have to say... there is reasons why that is not my profession :) I would go INSANE!!! but it was a nice change. So after that I came home for awhile to clean some more... then it was time to get Mitchel and Blade early from school since Mitchel had a orthodonist appt. at 3:30ish.
After the appt. we flew back home and I got more done tonight- YEAH!!!

So lets back up to over the weekend... How was your Thanksgiving? Very good here... ate plenty! We went to my parents for lunch and mom had all the fixin's and plus some! She could of fed an army I swear! She had her homemade biscuits and that is something I look forward to every year... and I dive for the center ones :) and her apple pie :) Im really not a turkey or ham eater nor much of potatoes... so I stick to the bread, corn and pie... crazy I know but its me... So after dinner we got some pictures for mom - this is picture is going to be my parents Christmas card (all their grandchildren) isn't it cute? Blade is not looking at all by thats typical in Blade's world.

Friday the evil day of shopping for the year... WOW!!! I think this year was the craziest I've ever seen! Women fighting at Target, it was completely INSANE!!! wow over nothing but getting a damn tv... now thats just crazy!!! I like to shop the day after Thanksgiving but its not all about getting "deals"... if I get it ... great and if I don't... oh darn! Why are some people just so greedy like that?? Drives me batty!!
So did I get alot accomplished? Yes and no... got all our neices and nephews done, I got a ROOMBA :) the only TRUE thing I was after that day for myself!!! and I got the boys started as well as some other people so I happy with that but I have TONS to do yet. As far as the boys go thou... I have no real set ideas for any one of them... Blade just keeps saying he wants "toys, John Deere toys" so I find that entertaining :)
Friday night Jer and I went for supper with some of my family at Houlihans, it was nice! I was completely exhausted by 10 thou... hate getting older!!!
Saturday... I helped Ms. Tammy at the store for a few hours in the afternoon while the boys went to the farm for the day and Jer worked with jerry for a bit. I did some cleaning off and on that day. Later in the evening we just chilled and went to Red Robin for supper and called it a night.
Sunday - complete family day - it was a FUN day for all of us! We all slept in until 10ish, then we were off to see the DBQ Thunderbirds hockey game, its been SO LONG since I have done that, besides freezn' my ass off it was SO SO fun!!! Then we took the kids to a special supper at Houlihans. But it was a completely a carefree day and I loved it!!!! Great job planning Jer!!!
So lets see what else is new? We have now a granite floor in our entry way :) I absolutely LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!! Its just amazing!!!!
its a special addition to our house, just makes it feel more complete. Within a few weeks we should have the orginal hardwood floors laid which will be exciting. Yes... still no kitchen and the way it looks that date has not been "offically determined" we are just up in "limbo" for that one right now but as I have been told.... "good things come to those who wait" so its worth waitng for, right? Its just I am looking forward to baking and cooking again - yes I said that!!!!! I want to learn how!!!!
I will close for now and hope to blog tomorrow... I am going to see my new little baby tomorrow, Trenten James :) I can't wait since I saw pictures of him last night!!!!!! He's SO SO cute, just hope the weather cooperates!!!!!!

Hope you are all well... please can it stop raining already????

HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg To AlL

Will write tomorrow - just crazy weekend and trying to catch up...

This is the tree Blade is SO SO proud of :) Its "his" tree. Yes, we stranded all the popcorn garland :) ... 5+ hours but it was a HUGE touch to our tree to make it personal for our first Christmas here :) Tomorrow I am going to make a "snowman tree"... hope it turns out cute ...

A weekend of shopping...

Well here I sit on this great am... in my bedroom... suffering from a slight hangover - thanks to the Paskers :) WOW I have not drank that much of a mix of drinks in a LONG time in a short peirod of time! We sure enjoyed last night it was a great change~ a group of "couple friends" got together at the Pasker's and had a "game night" with a yummy supper, it was very nice - Thanks Mel!!

Yesterday wow... what did I do? Hrm... not a whole lot of anything - I tried to pick up around here which is a non stopping, I just wish we could get the dust under control- that would be HUGE!!! that should happen soon I hope since Jesse is going to work on plaining the floor boards this week. We may have a kitchen before Christmas... if the guy gets back to us soon... that would jsut be FRICK'N awesome!! You don't realize how much you depend on one until you don't have one.

So Friday I had a AWESOME day - got some shopping done with Tammy and Janice - what a freakin' hoot of a day that was!! So many laughs - they are just fun to hang out with... they actually enjoy shopping!! We went antiquing and then did some real shopping - it was just a carefree day. Got back mid evening so I was off with my hubby to grab a bite to eat and we called it an early night - swear its age!!

So today... my sister Madonna called wanted to know if I wanted to go shopping so we were off to CR to meet up with Mom and Dad - we helped them get some shopping done for the grandkids as well as picking a few things out for ourselves... as crazy as that sounds. I enjoyed it since I really don't get to shop with mom and dad - so it was fun! I didn't personally buy hardly anything - I was just along for the ride. Jer and the boys spent the day out at the farm - Issac got to ride his 120 and he took Blade on a 4 wheeler ride, that little boy LOVES the farm!!! He could be the farmer of the family yet...

So here is the last tid bit... Christmas is going to be here in less than a month before I know it... and Holy Sh*t I have a TON to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It really bothers me that I have only a few gifts bought and I am by this point 1/2 done... but it'll be ok - just keep thinking I have no stress with the store this year and that gives me a little peace.

Thanksgiving week... ICK I hate turkey, ham and all the traditional crap... except the pumpkin pie :) So I hope this will be a good week to tune up and start getting on track!! Im going to kill myself walking this week if I have to!!

So until I blog again - hope all of you are well!

Happiness...

Happiness... its the word of the day? Are you happy? I am happy and content with life... it has its flaky points but overall I am very happy with the life I have, some other people in my life should just WAKE up and be happy!!! Life is too damn short! A clost friend of mine made me see the light today :) Thanks!!! Just can't dwell on the bad... I have so much going on but it shouldn't weigh me down... and now I am just going to smile thru it all, thats the way life should be, right?

So today I did LOTS of thinking pertaining to our bar area in the basement - I am getting really excited about it - just hope it comes together like my visions for it!
Lots has happened here at our house since I last posted... the entry way is no longer concrete and a crappy floor... it was prepared for the granite and some of the orginal hardwood floor was layed, the carpet is completely installed in the attic now, it looks GREAT!!! The widows peak is going to get the floor layed tomorrow - YEAH!!!

Christmas ... WOW around the corner it comes... but I am looking forward to it this year... no worries with the shop, no worries with Jer traveling. I can completely enjoy it this year with my kids and Jer without not have to stress about truely nothing... and when I am going to get the shopping done or anything - WOW that just feels good to just think about it. I have not a clue to what my kids want this year :( Will I put up a tree for Christmas? I'm thinking yes but just in the attic... and maybe in the boys rooms... but we'll see how much Christmas I can find before I decide that factor.

So what else is new... well I have offically set a GOAL for the year of 2007 hands down!!! I want to loose approximately 65-70lbs and get in shape again! No excuses or failure this time! I AM STICKING TO IT!!!! I also want to try and speed walk a 1/2 marathon in the year of 2007, I've got big shoes to fill but its HIGH time!!!! My weakest link is... giving up pop! and I am going to make that happen!!!!!!!!! I've been pretty good this week... 1-2 pops a day, its a start but I would like to get it to 1 or none - another HUGE goal!!!!!!

Stress... well one of my close friends asked me this week what my blood pressure was this week... HOW funny!!!!! That is what she said to me after seeing my house the way it is... but seriously it doesn't bother me as much anymore... I'm just happy to be here!!

Ok so I best close... be happy - life is too damn' short!!! Sing a tune it makes you happy :)

HO Hum... 32...

Weekends... why do they seem to go so fast? Can't believe how times flies as you creep to old age...

So anyhow, its been awhile since I last posted... so backing up a few days... Friday our boys did not have school, so I did not get much accomplished at all, but I sure enjoyed the time with the boys. WOW what did you think of the snow that fell on Friday? ICK... I'm not a snow person - but the boys sure were excited!! I like it when it looks pretty but don't care for the ice nor the cold :) Strange I know... but tis me... So lets see... Friday night... Ms. Molly came to stay with the boys and I met Jer in DBQ after he was done working for the day - we went to see a movie, we saw "THE GUARDIAN", it was VERY VERY good!!! (I recommend it to any of you reading this). Then we were off to get some supper at Red Robin then called it a night - night ended early since Ms. Molly was going to the Iowa game on Sat.

So for Saturday... not much happened during the day, the boys went to the farm to spend time wth grandma and grandpa Miller, they were out there into the evening until Molly could come... so needless to say I didnt' see them much today:( but Jer and I accomplished quite a bit while they were gone, he worked some and I got caught up on some cleaning and laundry... then in the afternoon Jer and I spent quite a bit of time "re planning" the basement...

YES "replanning"... we decided to move the "theater room into the new addition basement, we now are putting the bar area in the center basement, and for the front 1/2 we are going to put the pool table in that room and basically it will be the "teenage" hangout when that time comes :) ... well thats what we hope... we put a lot of thought into the basement this weekend and we keep pondering on it but time is ticking so we think we will have a "definate" plan this week with an AWESOME artist friend of ours :) so we can show our contractor exactly what we are picturing for the space.

So here we are now to Sat. evening - Jer had told me earlier in the week he wanted to get a group of people together and go out to celebrate my birthday - so we did just that... we all met up at Houlihans for some supper, I had a LONG ISLAND ICE TEA... whoa I was feeling mighty sugary when I was done with that... but it was good!! I thank all of you who could come enjoy the evening with me - it meant more than you will ever know!! I missed several of my dear friends like Abby but she is just a new mommy so there is another time I can catch up with her :) and for the others I will catch up with you later I'm sure of it. The gifts were so sweet!!! but not necessary at all!! So after supper we all hit the road for music at Courtside - LIVIN' LARGE (one of my all time favorite bands) was playing... so I very much enjoyed it!!! Its been a LONG LONG time since I danced nor drank that much... but it was a GREAt time, I hope all of you who were there enjoyed it too.

Sunday, well I slept in... didn't really have a hang over but I felt a little funny when I woke up.,, but no headache so that was a good sigh. We were up and at it... and off to Sundown to get all the boy's ski passes for the winter season, and dropped off their snowboards to get waxed and ready as well. My boys are sure growing up fast!!! Issac just got new snowboard boots last year and well... they are too small this year... same for Mitchel, but hopefully Issac can wear Mitchel's this year - time will tell. After all the "winter business" we had to do... I did a little shopping with Mitchel for some new shoes while Jer went to get a coffee with Issac n Blade... Issac was so THRILLED to go get hot chocolate at Miguels, it was pretty cute. So after our little errand run we all got back together and were off to "Movie Sunday" (a routine of ours) ... we like to take the boys to movies on Sundays, its seems like its one of the better days to do something like this, so what did we see? "FLUSHED AWAY". its so so FUNNY!!!!! any child or adult would like it :) YES another movie I would tell you to go see!!!

So whats new here on the new homefront?? Well lets see... main bath is all tiled- YEAH!!! I really really luv how it turned out!!
The attic, the carpet was layed on the main living area... waiting to get the steps done- hope that will be done someday this week. Jesse started to frame out the basement late last week and I'm sure he will continue to make process there.
We absolutely LUV how the attic came together!! its truely amazing!! Possibly going to be getting our granite flooring put in next week... YEAH!!!!! Still no REAL kitchen... but we are getting by and doing our best.

So anyhow I best close... I am dying... just really tired today, its the 32 ... ghad I feel old...

Birthday here and gone...

Hello Friends :)

Another birthday has passed in my life - it sure was a great day! I thank all of you who remembered me on my day and sent me your wishes, all the cards and gifts were truely amazing! WOW I have such a great circle of friends and that means so much to me more than anything!!!

A huge thanks to Jer - thank you for spending the day with me!!!! You are amazing!!!!! It was just one of those "carefree days" and I truely enjoyed it, I think I enjoyed the sleeping in part the most until my cell phone stated to ring consistantly... ha ha.

The boys did an awesome job picking out great gifts from Cranberry Hollow- thanks Tammy for helping them!!! They enjoyed it... it was quite cute when they gave me their gifts. It was also nice to have a "room" close to complete so we could hang out as a family - that was pretty COOL!!!! it was really all I needed for my birthday since its been so long since we did that together. The attic is truely an amazing room, I really like how its come together.

Other BIG news for our family... Jer and I have a NEW NEICE :) Brad and Julie had a little girl and joins her sister Samantha. They named her, Olivia Rose? I don't know the middle name for sure since I didn't get that detail... but I did see her tonight! WOW she is a precious little thing and it was FUN buying pink :) Think she has the Miller nose... time will tell for sure but she sure is a doll like her bigger sister :) Here is a picture of the happy family who has a little one coming home this weekend!!!
I am SO happy for them!!!

No real big plans for the weekend... I'm not sure if its going to work out to go as a group for my birthday or not... time will tell that. Until I blog again... enjoy this Indian Summer we are having... its beautiul!!!!!

Nice... Attic...

Here I sit... on our new futon in the attic... YEP... carpet got laid today but they will need to come back... to finish up steps but for the main part its done, its AMAZING!!! I absolutely love how its come together... now I just need to a few finishing touches in due time, Jer put up the REAL lights tonight, that made a HUGE difference too, they are pretty bright so may put a dimmer on them to tone it down in the evenings...

What else... well we now have access to thru our basement to the new side... YEAH!!!! but WOW our house smelled like gas.. due to the chainsaw that was used, but its a HUGE job done!!! looks so different, its probably the biggest job that had to be done yet. I think our contractor Jesse... enjoyed playing with that job :)

Also today the boys got out of school early due to Parent/Teachers Conferences tonight ~ Yes, i forgot to pick them up right at 1ish so they were 1/2 home before I realized it... whoops :( Tonight was the big night... conferences... for the most part the boys are doing ok - its the usual with our kids, they could apply themselves more but they choose not too... their teachers feel frustrated because they believe that they are capable of so much more. So needless to say things are going to change around here right after school... the reading is going to be SO MUCH more enforced!!! especially with Mitchel! Issac did meet his AR goal - YEAH!!!!!! but he needs to focus more on math and organization!!!

Not much else is new... pretty lame blog, sorry! but its late and just wanted to post something quickly.

Enjoy the day, its supposed to be nice out!!

Cranberry Days...

Wow what a weekend!! HOLY COW!!!! I worked at Cranberry Hollow on Friday and Saturday - brought the good 'ol memories of chaotic and business back... wow those were the days!!! It was completely insanely busy both days - but very very good days for Tammy! I am so that she ROCKSTAR'D the weekend!!! Lots of little questions... if I missed the shop... and I can honestly say I do but I don't... I actually enjoyed this weekend - I got to be involved but it wasn't my place so that was NICE :) and I actually got to get around to other stores and do some shopping that I would of never have done in years past... So that was very nice!

Since I last posted... whats happened? Well I worked a few days at Cranberry Hollow, Jer was in Boston from Wednesday evening until Friday evening... GLAD he is home!! I can handle the short trips... but got very spoiled by having him home so much lately that I don't want to share him... ha ha!!

The boys :) well... my gosh Mitchel is completely growing up into a little adult - becoming more responsible! He got another weekend of paintballing in this weekend, its his newest hobby and seems to really enjoy it! Issac... well he got into a little trouble last week - missing assignments:( so needless to say he was grounded over the weekend... but he has to learn the hard way sometimes... For little Blade... he loves to be here in the house, infact he likes to hide from mommy... and then I have to try to find him... he is such a tease! He loves loves to talk to Janet ( a lady who works here on all of our finishing (painting, staining, etc.) and just funny to listen to him talk to her... the other day she got the "monster" out of the attic for Blade... since his older brothers convinced him that there was a monster in the attic...

This weekend we also attended Trivia Night ~ we invited our some of friends to attend the event with us, THANK YOU all for coming with us, we hope you enjoyed the night!! I was completely tired with Tammy and Jan after a long day of "polite -ness" and chaos so I drank a lot to keep me awake... probably TOO much drinking! I got a little goofy :(

Not much else is new this way... I turn the BIG 32 this week... YIKES!!!!! Just scary getting older... my bones ache just thinking about it, but overall I am in pretty good health and I have a wonderful family and a great circle of friends to keep me in tack and I am grateful for that!! Am I partyin' this weekend? HRM... not sure yet... but I would like to think something in that nature will happen.

Until I blog again... hope there are readers out there yet... let me know who's reading... its open to anyone to comment (yes Mel... I liked your idea so much I snagged it too)

The Famous Clown ... Mitch ...

Couldn't post this all in one blog... so here is a close up of "clown Mitch"

Halloween 2006 Customes

Well... a day late here posting this blog... but here is a picture of my gobblins for Halloween this year :)

Mitchel was a "scary clown/farmer...

Issac was "a kids dirty laundry" character... it was a hoot!!! check out his wig :)

Blade was "Superman" with the dark hair and all (YEP we colored his hair black and confused many people) His "S" on his chest light'd up... so he was THRILLED about showing that off too.

What a FUN night for the boys!!! I always enjoyed Halloween but this year for once I actually enjoyed alot this year without the worries with gettting the shop ready for "Christmas Open House" ... it was a HUGE relief but yet kinda bittersweet too... yep I miss the store ALOT but its so nice to have REAL time for my boys and my hubby!!!! Won't be giving that up for a LONG time - life's too short!

Wow birthday month... age creeping in on me... best get to bed!! I'm beat today

PICTURE UPDATE

Here is the new little boy in my life :) Welcome Trenton!!!!!