Blood Pressure....

Hello Friends...
Yes, its been quite some time since I last posted... what can I say besides I'm sorry friends! I'm a slacker maybe? No its just been super crazy!!

So to update you all on the current events of the Millers :) Jer had his boss (from Switzerland) and a co-worker (from Texas) come to Iowa last week. So that was eventful :) My hubby was home but he wasn't... if you know what I mean?

As far as the boys are... they are NEEDY this summer... want want and want, jeesh somedays I'm ready to ship them back to school. Blade has been a true pill the last few days ... MOODY Blade, he needs to sleep more instead of getting up early to get outside to play otherwise he needs to do the nap thing again :) Can you tell I am a bit stressed with my kids lately??? They are truely wonderful kids and love of my life but somedays WOW!!!

Ok so Monday I had my routine physical ... and well they checked my blood pressure. Usually its LOW ... it was kinda on the HIGH side... freaked me out so I just need to chill a little bit and accept things the way they are going with life in general and the usual house crap... just want my life to be NORMAL again!

Yes LIS LIS is stressed OUT!!! It will get better soon, right?

Typical week at the Millers lately, just really wanting to get things done at the house as soon as possible, I am seriously to my MAX level with it all - just want it to speed up so I can have my house. Getting tired of constant decisions and planning and bodies... I'm still waiting for my countertops! The guy we are dealing with is a COMPLETE IDIOT!!!! Giving me the complete run around, ARGH! Just tired of all the drama that goes on that gets things accomplished at our house.

So weekend was here and it passed us by again. Mitchel went on his annual summer trip with his grandpa to Tomah. He had a great time. Issac and Blade joined a birthday party for Mitchel T. in DBQ Sat. afternoon and spent the night with the Tigges, they had a great time. Thank you Ron and Jenn!!!! It meant more than you will ever know!!!!! Saturday am Jer and Issac were off to paint ball in Bankston for a 'part' of his brother's bachelor party, they had a good time. Saturday evening Jer was at Randy's party at Miller Flats... he was hurting on Sunday :)

Saturday was a busy day for me as well :) what other way would it be for Lis??? SERIOUSLY? I helped Tammy in the morning, rushed home to do some laundry and a few things before it was time to take Blade to the bday party, then I was off to a friend's wedding til about 530ish then I rushed home to get changed for the night to go to my 'future sister in-laws' bachelorette party. The evening was interesting... details in person :) Biggest pet peeve of mine is "unorganization" and well I felt like this night fell into that category. I know I know don't pass judgement but just irritated me a little... judgement was passed on me that evening and pissed me off!... so here is the story ...

Ok so for the night ending I stopped drinking like at 12ish something... and probably only had 4-5 drinks (diet pepsi and amaretto and one beer) total for the night and did not get back to my vehicle until 2ish ... and I was completely FINE and together and was able to drive. For some to question me about not being able to drive myself home was offensively taken, I mean seriously! I am 32, a mom of 3 boys and to question my capability... was WRONG! And for the matter that I am TOTALLY against drinking and driving! I wouldn't of drove home if I thought I had too much!!!! ARGH! People just should not pass judgement on me when they weren't doing to good themselves... ya know?

Anyhow enough bitching about my life stories! Hope this finds you all well! I'm off to a new me starting tomorrow! Joining a weight loss group in town... I've gotta do something since I hate how I look :( Things will be ok just need to let go sometimes. Thanks for all your concerns of my whereabouts since I haven't posted in like FOREVER! I know pictures... but for some reason I can't get them to post :( techincally difficulties...need my hubby's help :)

Have a great weekend since I won't blog before that again ;)

Its finally here :)

Hi Everyone ~

My (well our) kitchen is finally here, real cupboards! We waited 9 very long months for it to get here and well its here! YAY!!!!
We had a few minor problems with it but its all better now that its day 3 of kitchen building ... and well its BEAUTIFUL if I must say myself, its exactly what I was 'visioning' but its not complete just yet. Billy finished wiring tonite so the appliances come in tomorrow and then hopefully the templating of our granite will be done on Friday. I also found the refrigerator today finally... just too many options I was looking for ... so this is all GOOD! We will have to wait for that to get in, but piece by piece it will be done soon and it will be great! Just have to keep thinking the positive thoughts and not dwell on the negative... Its just I wanted one thing to go absolutely right with no problems for once... well that was shot to hell :( but its ok.

Ok busy week here as you can see with the kitchen coming in and making little decisions, I just don't like the 'pressure' of making the 'final' decision without Jer being here. Wish we could of planned his trip for this week a little better is all.
I got a LOT of things done this week, stayed up most of Monday night just doing laundry and cleaning out my closet... think I did like 8 loads and then the next day washed all the beds, good jobs done! I got 2 out of 3 boys closets accomplished today and will finish up the last one tomorrow... Never ending here! I hate messy closets and messy rooms... cracking down on my boys to keep things picked up this summer, I just feel like they can pitch in and help everyday this summer do a few things before they go out to play... mean mom I know but responsibility is so important for them to learn more of for everyday living.

Today was the boys last day of school. They could not wait to be done! So now they are 'free' as Issac would say for 12 weeks. It will go so fast so we need to start planning our summer out soon! Not really sure what we will do but hope to do a lot of small trips with them. This afternoon I had to run into DBQ. so we all went in and got the two older boys some shorts and shirts for the summer. WOW they are growing up into their own person FAST!!! Mitchel is getting just as picky as Issac is.
Which is just as bad as me :( Yep they got that trait from me!!! Mitchel really wanted a few new pairs of 'jean shorts' ... well no where had them seriously! Must be out for this season...

Well its close to 10pm and I want to finish up what I started today... organizing the attic cubbies, and I am only at 1/2 way point so I best get movin'...


Hope you are all well, if you are out this weekend... stop in the Millers if we are home to see our newest creation!

Oh My Goodness...

Hello World,
I haven't posted in like FOREVER! Geesh! I apologize to all my readers... just been super crazy! I will fill you in all the latest events.

Backing up to last week... Lets see on Sunday evening we had a grill out at our house with some friends and sat around the fire.
It was a laid back evening and it was great seeing you all again! Mel, you are a riot... when you are feeling good :) Monday, we took the kids to the movie, Shrek 111, it was ok, nothing great but Blade did like it. The boys were back to school on Tuesday... they were dragging in the am, just didn't want to get up and get going, it is SO time for school to be done! This week was Blade's last week of school, and they will have a school picnic on upcoming Tuesday, then he is done. The older boys last day is on Wednesday. YEAH!

Last week was a productive week for Lis Lis :) I helped our finishing lady, Janet sand all the trim work in the foyer, mudroom, and area by staircase. We got it all done and now its ready to be stained and varnished. I'm not sure that will get done this week since Janet has a painting job lined up for this week so I will wait for her to come back and we will do it then... I just don't feel comfortable doing it alone yet. Although, my housekeeping didn't get stayed on top of this week so I am really really far behind on the laundry and well the dusting issue again! Hope to get it all done tonight!... yep I am staying up late tonight and getting most of it done since its driving me nuts!

We had a busy busy weekend this weekend. WOW! Friday I dont remember what I did during the day besides help Janet.
Friday evening we had Blade's preschool program/graduation. It was SO adorable! We were cracking up laughing at Blade because he was just being so cute up on stage, as well as the other little kids. I can't believe how well they did for it lasting two hours. I thank all of our family and friends who could make it, it meant a lot to us. After Blade's program we took the boys home and got the settled for the evening and Jer and I were off to Houli's and a movie, the part of the weekend I look forward to the most! We were rushed though since the movie was starting at 9:50... and we left at 9ish and were going to eat yet, but we did it! We saw the movie "KNOCKED UP", absolutely hilarious!!!! I loved it!!!!! I recommend it to you all to pay the $ and go see it in the theater, you will laugh the entire movie :) Thank you Jer for taking me to the movie... I didn't think it was out yet...

Ok now to Saturday... well it was a day full of 'bridal showers' for Lis Lis... ICK! Seriously the whole day! 1st shower was for Tina, Jer's brother's fiance' beginning at 10am. I went with Julie (my other future sister inlaw ) and my nieces to both showers so spending time with them was really nice. I just felt really uncomfortable at this shower and totally felt out of the loop... which is sad when this is family. Oh well! The shower was over close to 12:30 so Julie and I packed up the girls and headed to the next shower, which was Jer's cousin's finance', again the typical shower, good food, and games but it seemed like it lasted forever... so this shower was over close to 4:00. Yep a whole day at showers! Jer was gone for the day too he went with his dad and brothers to get fitted for tuxes and then they went golfing, he got back about 5ish. Blade spent the day at Grandma Steffen's house, Mitchel went tractor pulling, and Issac was off bike riding with Quinton.

Saturday evening, we had told Tammy a while ago that we would go to the Canton Rodeo with her and her boyfriend. So we left for that about 6:00. WOW was that a different night but it was good fun! It was raining but then it would stop, then rain again but we did get to watch some of the rodeo. Jer was drinking BEER ... yeh BEER! He started drinking the beer while he was golfing and then drank more beer later in the evening, crazy but funny :) since he doesn't like beer it was weird seeing him drink it, ya know? OK so I was feeling it rather quickly since I didn't eat a whole lot throughout the day... yep about 4 beers got me:( buzzed... and then well I was drunk :( oh man oh man!!! So drunk I agreed to get on a bull riding thing with Tammy, the biggest waste of $10.00 ever! I knew I couldn't do it and well I was right, I was off in less than a minute, pathetic I know!! oh well a memory for memory lane later on in life :)

Now today... well I had shower to attend, this was a baby shower for Jeremie's cousin, then we had Mitchel's soccer game at 3pm. Then we were off to a graduation party for Jer's cousin, and during the party I took off and drove Jer to the airport and went back to the party for awhile so the kids could play and I could visit for a bit. A full day of running and not getting anything done at home again :( so when the boys and I got home tonight we started clearing out our 'make shift' kitchen... and preparing for the REAL one to come in tomorrow :) YEAH!!!!! Doug (our cabinet maker) called today and said he would be here tomorrow to start installing it... not sure how the process works or when it will be completely done but its FINALLY happening starting tomorrow :) YEAH!!!

Lots going to happen this week at house, kitchen being installed is HUGE! We've been without a kitchen for almost 9 months! and we are very much looking forward to this! I am pretty sure Dustin is going to trim out the dining room this week since he was waiting for the kitchen to come in. Our upcoming weekend looks busy too... housewarming party and graduation party to attend. Our weekends for the summer are pretty much booked with something going on each weekend... CRAZY but thats life!

Anyhow I am going to close for now and get my butt moving! I want to accomplish a lot tonight and its already 11:30.

Hope you are all well!

Howdy

Hello out there :)

Today I should be doing a zillion things! Geesh I never get caught up I swear :( Oh well life goes on right?

Its been incredible weather, just loving it. Blade and I have been getting out of the house as much as possible lately.
I am just to the point where I can't sit around this house and have a million things thrown at me... I just want it done :)
Last week there was a the big drama with the doors... geesh! Why can't things just come done? REALLY? But I think its all ok now.
Our contractor, Dustin was helping our kitchen contractor... Doug with building the cabinets last week. Doug hurt his back badly a few weeks ago, so he was laid up for awhile. I'm thinking at this point... maybe I'm not meant to have a kitchen... is it just cursed? God I hope not!!! So anyhow the update on that is... Dustin told me today things are going well with it and we should have it here by June 5th... so time will tell to be sure. I hope it all goes to plan and will be here by the time kids get out of school for the summer.

Lets see what else? Main floor is going well. Addition is well on its way to getting completed, so I am very happy about that.
Basement should be next on the agenda. Completion date inside house??? well shooting for July 1st.

This damn old/new house is being very costly! and well I... will never ever do 'the building of a home' again! EVER!!! Its killing me! I know I should not be complaining at all but just want it to be done soon! I just have no motivation to do anything but organize and reorganize... anymore I do anything to leave for the day while construction is going on since its driving me nuts. Positive thinking!!!!! I know!!!

Anyhow, boys are great. Blade is growing so much and just loves to be at home :) he is such a 'home body' but he loves to be outside every chance he can get and doesn't understand he has to tell mommy where he's going :( we are working hard on that one! Last night he was in a time out for awhile... hoping that will work. Issac was grounded over the weekend... he has been 'hiding' homework and not doing it :( YEP he got in BIG trouble! Mitchel is back to soccer practice and gearing up for summer soccer and swim team. Jer is off to NY this week, he will return home tomorrow :) YEAH!!!

Oh what else is going on? Jeremie's brother Eric graduates from High School this Sunday, which is hard to believe!!! I remember when he was 5! When Jer and I were dating we used to take him a lot of places with us... those were the days.

This weekend, we are planning a cook out together with some friends... hopefully weather permitting! So if it is nice weather on Sunday, I hope all of our friends will come over for a bite and some drinks and share a fire with us later on.

Until I post again... hope you are all well

Crazy week!

Trip here and gone and back to reality of home...

Lots going on this week at our house. Jer is off to Boston until Thursday evening. It will be a LONG week without him!
Mitchel will be going back to soccer practice this week now that track is over. Issac and Blade are just staying busy playing outside, they love to be outdoors when its nice like it has been.

House updates: We are getting the front door finished this week as well as the inside of the other two exterior doors.
The front door is literally scaring me at this point! It looks ORANGE!!! So I am going to have a BIG discussion with the lady tomorrow to change it... its bad! The other two doors look good, thank god! Update in the addition, Dustin got all the beams up on the ceiling, they look AWESOME! He also started putting the frames around windows. Next week... we may have flooring in there :) maybe ... Lets see what else... oh the steps, the risers and baseboard got painted a "wrought iron" black color while were were gone over the weekend, I love how it turned out, and this week we painted words on the risers... LOOKS good!
We also have green LAWN... YEAH!!! it grew a lot while we were gone for the weekend. Jer's office is on the beginning... they got the walls done last week. And lastly... I finally got my central vac put in - YEAH!!!!
So much process this week but still LOTS to do yet.

We have a playdate with Mel, Gary and Brendan on Wednesday. Blade is very much looking forward to that!!! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and nothing will come up at the house that I need to be here for... geesh!

Well I better post this before I rewrite it since now it's Thursday... oh well! I will post again soon!!

Golden Anniversary

I got lots of emails and cards wishing Jer and I a great day on our 11th Anniversary. I just wanted to thank you all for remembering us on our special day!

We had a wonderful weekend get away for our Anniversary. As most of you know we were off to Chicago, we had an ABSOLUTE wonderful time. We didn't a whole lot of shopping but we did do some, we did a LOT of eating... holy crap!! We spent a lot of time just walking through Chicago, and then Saturday night we adventured out more and went to see a band called
"Mike and Joe", they were playing at JOE'S bar. COOL place and it was VERY FUN!!!! We attempted to try and go see the musical
"WICKED" but couldn't get any tickets :( so next time we go to Chicago we hope to see it and maybe with the boys.

It was just so nice to get away with my hubby for 4 days, and had him mostly to myself with the exception of a few conference calls but overall no phones ringing, no saws going, no kids screaming, nothing! It was just a nice peaceful and relaxing time.

Hard to believe 11 years have come and gone already, where does time go, really? Jer and I have had a great 11 years together with each other and I look very much forward to the years to come together. We've been through a lot together and truely made us the couple we are today. He is my sole mate for life and love him very much!!!

We did a lot of talking about renewing our vows over the weekend, and I think we are going to do it! WHEN? Not sure of an exact date, but I do know this... it will be on a island somewhere! and I hope ALL of our friends can join us!!!! I am thinking we will concentrate hard on getting our home completed this year, and then see what comes our way :)

I'm working on getting our Wedding Album 'redone' since it was in storage... and we had a water leak :( and it got damaged a lot, I did get a hold of the photographer and he is going to release the negatives to me since its been 10+ years now... so I am happy about that. Lots of memories from that special day and I just want to get the pictures back in a album for us.
I was sad to look at it current condition but I know deep in my heart that day is deep within me.

So today, I tell all my friends who are married... tell your spouse you love them today! For all my friends seeking love... keep looking your love is out there! Love is a wonderful thing!!!

Tuesday Tuesday

Here we are on Tuesday... fairly nice day out, thought it was going to rain but it didn't :( I want it to just 'rain' and nothing else like no storms or anything just rain to water the lawn of ours :)

I hope this finds all my readers doing well... I know I know I haven't posted in awhile again but I will update you on all the current events of the life of mine and my family.

Had a good field trip with Mitchel on Friday. His class went to see the Capital and Living History Farms. It was interesting, and I think all the kids enjoyed it. Mitchel is very lucky to have such a nice class, they really all seem to get along well for the most part. It was a long and dreaded bus ride to and back but it was worth it at the end... but I always knew I still wasn't fond of riding buses... We got back about 8:45pm and Jer wanted to go get something to eat yet... so him and I were off to DBQ for some supper and MItchel had a band trip the next day and needed a sack lunch and a few other things from Wal Mart so off we were... just a quick trip in to Taco Bell and Wal Mart and we were home. Blade spent the day at daycare. He enjoys the 'occasional' visits to the daycare.

Lets see Saturday, was a busy day for me! Jer informed me that Dustin was possibly going to start in the addition this week so I needed to clear it out. WHAT A JOB that was!!!! It was disgustingly dusty. I spent most of the day cleaning all of our paperwork and misc things we had stored out there. I was finally done about 6:00 and I was HAPPY!!!!! A job that was well needed to be done and it felt good having it done but jeesh was it dusty!!!!! I'm not a huge fan of saw dust :( Also on Saturday we met with Jer's cousin about putting a sidewalk in front... sounds like that could happen in like 3 weeks or so... well I am hoping :)

Saturday evening Jer and I were off to our 'weekly' Houlihans visit. While we were there... Tammy called us up and informed us they (Her date and friends) were going to Shakers in LaMotte. Yeh, Shakers (the strip club). So now I can honestly say I have been to one and well it was DISGUSTING! Don't care to ever do that again!!! When we arrived to the club... Tammy was outside waiting for us since she needed beverages :) From the moment I saw her I knew she was toasted... it was hilarious since I'm usually the drunken one but well not tonight... my dear friend Tammy was drunk! Roles reversed for the evening and I was laughing my ass off at her... jeesh! Anyhow all in good fun I was glad to see her let go a little since she's had a rough last few years of just general life crap... and everyone deserves to have fun with life. Mel, strip clubs are just nasty... and well wish you could of joined us but believe me you didn't miss anything!!!

Sunday I slept in a little ... YEAH! Then did somethings around here that I wanted to finish up while we were waiting for MItchel to come home from paintballing, but finally we decided that we were going to figure out what movies were in and do our "movie Sunday". We were off to see my "boyfriend" Superman :) #3. It was pretty good but I thought 1 and 2 were way better!! a little disappointing but it was overall good.

Then there is yesterday and today... Yesterday I stayed at home all day and did odd things around the house that need to be done yet. Last night the boys had a music concert and we went and enjoyed that. They did a nice job. Today Blade had PreSchool and it was the 1st time I left the house to go do something for myself in weeks! I went and got my nails done :) Went to VIP Nails again... and I will be going back, just like it better there. I was going to get a Pedicure but they were super busy and I didn't want to wait since I had a TON of errands I wanted to run and be home by 3ish. Tonight Mitchel had a track meet, the boys did awesome tonight... we may have gotten 1st overall... but we won't know until tomorrow.

House updates... Jer's office was started on yesterday, putting walls up, etc. I am not a part of this construction zone at all which is ok... no decisions for me to make :) Today Dustin started on the 'rafters' we are putting up in our 'family room' (addition). It looks cool already! This week the kitchen floor will be sealed and the paneling will be getting stained.
So much is going on here and it feels really great!

Friday is our "GOLDEN" anniversary... the 11th day and the 11th year :) So is that offically our 'golden' day... like a birthday would be? Maybe not but we are calling it that... We are going to take off sometime on Thursday after the kids get off to school and possibly head to Galena for the day, spend the night somewhere either in DBQ or Galena so Jer can play hockey in the evening... I am going to go drink :) while they play if anyone (girls!!!) want to join me or go kill time at mall or something.
Friday we are going to head into Chicago for the weekend. Not really sure on any definate plans but we know our destination. Possibly go see the broadway "WICKED", and return home sometime on Sunday. Our boys are going to spend time with both sets of grandparents while we are gone. I am very much looking forward to a weekend of no running with the boys and just relaxing with my husband :) Hard to believe where time has gone but life only gets better the older we get, right?

I best close and get a few more things done before I crash for the evening. I hope you are all well!!

TOTAL CHAOS

Hello all~

Geepers where does time go anymore??? I won't even begin to apologize for slacking off because well I just can't!
Its been total chaos here this week as well as some of last week.

We finally got our lawn seeded :) YES finally! I am now considered the 'water girl' and there is no joking about it. Its an all day process starting at 7am and ending about 7:30-8pm watering our HUGE ass lawn. We only have one outside spicket on this house... why? I dunno! but I am working on Jer to get another one which I hope can happen this week yet. The huge problem I run into is its not staying wet... because I have to go from one side of the house (am) to the other side of house (mid afternoon/pm) and the first 1/2 is dry already :( completely annoying but today was a better day at it... this is day 3 of watering and more watering. I just hope at the end of day 15 I can see something sprout, and we get just a little help from mother nature... not like a HUGE down pour but a nice settle rain occasionally to help the process.

Mitchel has been a busy little beaver helping me water the grass as well as putting in LOTS of flowers. I had a TON of coupons for Sunset Nursery from years back (from our other house) that I came across awhile ago when I was cleaning... so I took him and Blade over to the nursery yesterday and again today to use them up... we got a lot of flowers for little $$ since I had like $150 in 'flower dollars' as Mitchel calls them :) I only ended up putting $35.00 with the coupons, this was including some plants for the garden we put in too with the help of my dad. Mitchel truly has the green thumb in this family. He absolutely loves planting things and reading about how grass grows and how flowers should be planted, etc. He knew exactly what he was buying and what he wanted to when we got back home with all these flowers and plants. I didn't let him plant any flowers up by the house since I am not sure whats all going to happen with sidewalks, garage, etc. So he just got to plant them by the garages and along the fence line in the backyard. He planted some big planters for up by the house though... like almost too many but thats ok, it looks cheery :) and very nice.

Yes we have a garden put down below the house.... sweet corn, potatoes, carrots, green beans, onions, tomatoes, and I don't know what else. This is Mitchel's thing :) as well as my dad's. I do want my mom to teach me how to can tomatoes this year thou, that is the biggest reason why I pushed the garden :) but Mitchel has been really a great help outside, and he LOVES it!!
So if you come to our house make sure you notice his flowers because he is SO SO proud of them all. It was really cute too because he wanted to have it all done before Jer got home tonight so he was still working on it at 8:30 tonight.

Oh, lets see what else is new. This week was full of chaos for Jer too... a bunch of work stuff going on, some good, some bad. Just hope it gets better for him, its been a tough week this week for him :( I know he made the right decision and the decision was not easy by any means but he did what he felt was right. Jer, just know I am VERY PROUD of you!!!!!!

Other house news? Dustin will be finishing up the trim peices on the paneling surrounding the staircase and then maybe banister will go on, I am not sure what he will go to next. Many thoughts of changing paint colors but think I am just going to touch up the paint and go with it for now... just want to get closer to the finish line now, not sure how much more I can take living without a kitchen and constant mess. I will be just a happy camper when the main level is complete as well as the fnishing pieces to the attic. Its all worth the wait because Dustin's talent goes way beyond! We are just so happy with everything he has completed and look forward to the next. Possibly going to get a sidewalk in soon... well I am hopeful :) Hope Jer can talk to a few people this weekend and make the decision factor on that.

I am SO ready for school to be OUT. Kids are getting cranky and anxious... think they have like 25 or so days left. Issac is very much ready for it to be over. Mitchel has a field trip on Friday and I am going to go along with them. He also has a band trip on Saturday... not sure if I am going on that one yet or not since I haven't heard anything yet.

Blade's been a little stinker this week... its getting older and he is really testing me lately. Yesterday we were outside and he ran off to play with the little neighbor boy... he's never ever done that before and he was out of my site before I turned around and I was flippin out since I couldn't find him, since I thought he went back into the house but he didn't... he wandered off to the neighbors. ARGH!!! Then today he thought he would help Mitchel water flowers.... oh did he ever water them, he drowned them :( Boys will be boys I guess.

Well, I best hit the hay... am will be here before I know it. Hope you are all well

No title...

Hi everyone :)

Terrible at posting! I really try to do it everyday BUT well no excuses!

Whats been going on at our house? Well... hasn't the weather been awesome with the exception of a few rainy days... but still its better than snow and cold.

Update on the boys ~ well, Blade is loving this weather, he gets outside every chance he can, even sneaks out on me sometimes which is scary! He has this fascination with rocks and loves the words "awesome" and "beeutiful" (that is how he says it). The little stinker doesn't like to get up in the mornings yet when its time to go to school... but when you pick him up he always says now "I had an awesome day". It is SO cute!!! I feel bad since he has no swing set nor sandbox here to play on or really any cement to ride his bikes on, but with his little imagination he finds things to do. I hope to have all these things this summer for him to play on so he can keep busy outside :) hint... jer :)

Lets see... Issac. He recently got his haircut and well is having an 'issue' with it. The hair stylist cut off most of his long curly parts away from his face, well so he could SEE again. He absolutely hates it! I think it looks cute when its styled like she showed him how to do it... but the back well could of been just trimmed... but his hair does grow fast so he sould be fine in a few weeks... I hope! He is my child that really really cares about how he looks, its cute but well sometimes annoying :(

Mitchel has been good! He started track meets last week. For his first meet he got (2) 4th place and (1) 6th place. On his second track meet running all different events he got 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. So we were very proud of him for doing so well with his first year with track, I wasn't sure if he liked the fact that he went out at first but now well... he really likes it. He had a home soccer game on Sunday and he played amazing, they did loose but the wind got the best of them again :(
He also had a his 'first offical' Jr. High all nighter on Friday evening at school. His teacher and a group of parents had the kids from 6pm - 6am at a school lock-in for the evening, they went to Happy Joes for supper and then did a bunch of different activites in the gym. He had a great time at the at too :) Hard to believe my oldest son is growing up so quickly and developing into a little man.

For Jer ~ well its never a dull moment for him, he has A LOT OF work issues going on right now, and his stress level has to be like a 'steaming pot overflowing'. The traveling has slowed down for awhile, he was home all of last week and all of this
week :) YEAH!!! but he is always on the go since there is no office for him here to work in yet - hopefully soon that can happen.

Then there is me... well I've been BUSY none the less. I finally did get the boys closets cleaned out last week, and then I got behind on laundry... argh! The upstairs is a total fricken mess as I write this... I should be cleaning!!!! BUT well I took a tumble down our stairs yesterday :( YEP from our first flight of stairs to the bottom to the landing spot, scared the living daylights out of me!!!! Hurt my arm, wrist, and elbow pretty bad as well as the right side of my body... back, hip, and shoulder. I have a quite the bruise on my elbow and cut my hand a little. My back was killing me last night but today my arm and elbow hurt pretty bad to the point it should probably be looked at BUT I will survive, just taking it easy today BUT I should be doing a TON of things... makes me so mad that I hurt... my feet somehow got out of under me and well down I went like a tumbleweed, rushing doesn't get you anywhere... proved that point this yesterday!
On Monday I took a bunch of things to the Dyersville Antique Mall for our booth. WOW when I got there it was like almost completely empty - good! Its been a good thing for me, keeps me doing what I love to do :) I had a good first month up there and hope this month will pay off as well. I think that if we can keep ahead of it and keep putting new items in we will have returning clients. Thats my hope anyway :)

House update : Yard was to be seeded this week... but it rained Sunday night so then it was too wet yesterday, they attempted to try today... still too wet. So as soon as it dries up some they will come back... hopefully it will stop raining and dry up this week! PLEASE GOD... can you help us with this...

I saw my 'kitchen' in pieces yesterday :) Doug has all the frames cut out and most of the pieces for the drawers already to go.
Waiting for parts to come in, and he has a few more pieces to cut yet. If every thing goes to plan... it will be 4 weeks from yesterday that our kitchen will be starting to get installed - YEAH!!!!!! I love the wood we choose for it! Jenn T. I hope you are ready to go shopping with me soon... and your hubby and you are ready to cook in our kitchen in about a month :) ITS A DATE, remember??

So what else is happening? We got our floor boards back from the place that was drying them and cutting them for us. Memories of the pine trees that used to surround our house will be in our house :) cool huh?
Dustin is currently working on the panels that will surround our staircase, WOW... that is ALOT of work for him! Yesterday we got to see what the panels will look like, he is amazing at what he does! the panels are being made out of the same wood that our kitchen cabinets will be made of. Its exciting to see it all come together :)

So anyhow thats all I got for you right now... I wish I could post some pictures for you... but everytime I try... it doesn't work:(
I need someone more 'techy' to look at it for me... maybe I can get Ms. Jenn T. to help me... I can't figure out what I am doing wrong!!!!

I hope all my readers are well! MISS YOU GUYS!!!!

Wii

The Miller household now has a Wii in the house. Many thanks to Jenn Tigges for the outlook :) Otherwise we would still be waiting to get one. So Thank you Jenn!!! It was a great surprise to Jer and the boys late Thursday night since Jer was out of town and the kids had to wait to play it until their dad got home. The kids have not been out of the house all weekend since Friday evening, just busy busy playing and enjoying it. Its ALOT of fun, I even enjoy playing it :) I suggest to all of you to come to the Miller pad and join us to play.

So lets see... on Friday I was sick from the time I got up about 7:30 til about 5:30. Not a good day for Lis:( Not sure exactly what I had but if I were to guess I think it was food poison. I was sick to my stomach and had a really bad headache. I hung out in the attic the entire day with Blade. He was such a good boy and helper to his mommy by just being content with watching tv with mommy. When the older boy home from school they were great, they watched Blade while I could take a nap and when I did wake up my stomach was better but my head was a hurting a little yet. However I felt bad Jer flew into CR the night before so his car was in DBQ and I couldn't take him to get it, so he did ask Dustin to run him in. It was very nice of him to do that:)
So later on in the evening my wonderful hubby was great and got me out of the house for awhile, off to Houlihans for supper
and then we came home to be with the boys. Nice short and sweet little outing but it was nice.

Saturday Jer and I joined the fitness gym in Monticello, just purchased the punch card package for now until we know how much we are going to use it. I loved it! I felt really good when I walked out of the place too. So Jer and I made a promise to each other. This was OFFICALLY the last weekend we are eating bad - no more going off the deep end and giving in either. I did though have a pretty good week until the weekend :( so this will be a BIG change for us but we know we both have to do this and loose the lbs. I hope to be my goal weight by July. We hope to workout everyday this week so hope it all works out in our favor. Saturday during the day Jer had a meeting and I went to visit Tammy for awhile, and well the kids were in the attic playing the Wii. Later on in the evening it was our last 'bad' supper so we choose to try out Pepper Sprouts. Oh my was it YUMMY!!!! Mel, you would like their Alfredo:) We came back to town and got the boys supper and settled in for the evening before we met some friends at the Bent Rim for Karaoke, well we didn't stay long because no one showed up and it completely sucked so we were off to Monticello to the Eagle's Club. WOW what a nice place!! We had a great time, met up with Leslie and Lisa, and Tammy and her date were with us as well. The band was AWESOME, I would love to see them again soon.

Sunday, we didn't do much we went out to Jer's parents farm and went on a Four Wheeler ride and let the kids play outside. Issac rode his motorbike. It was such a beautiful day! I really hope this weather is here to stay and no more of this wishy washy weather.

Today I cleaned out Jer's car... JEESH! and I did odd and ends outside that I wanted to get done. I spent a lot time outside today just because it was too nice to be inside doing house stuff. I was happy with myself, got 3 walks in today and drank lost of h2o, and ate healthy. I'm off to a good start and hope to loose a lb. a day.

Wish you all a great week! Get out and enjoy the weather :)

Whoa...

Hi out there :)

I've been terrible about posting lately :[ Hope this finds you all doing well. The Miller's are still pluggin away at our house project, the boys are great - and life is good here. So let me fill you in on our happenings :)

I've been a busy little bee in the last several days. Our seasonal clean up days were this week so I wanted to get the yard all cleaned up and surprise Jer before he came home Friday night. We attempted to start cleaning the yard on Thursday afternoon as soon as the wagon arrived, I rented the skid loader from Cascade Lumber Co.... BUT then we just had lots of complications throughout the night so we were back at it Friday a.m. when the new wagon arrived... by 1:00 we were completely done doing what we were out to achieve - a yard not filled with misc. junk everywhere and it looks awesome! We had a huge pile for the city to pick up, and we took 3 wagon loads to Jer's parent's to dump. I ordered more rock since the current rock we had was thinning out and it was muddy here. Thanks to Janet, Logan, and Quinton, and my special little guys for all your help!!!!!!! It looks amazing -Thank you!!!

Saturday was Jer's 32nd birthday! HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY JER! on my blog... We spent the day with the boys and took them to a movie "Blade's of Glory", it has a lot of adult humor in it for being PG13. It was a cute movie, but seeing it once was probably enough for me. Saturday evening we got together with some of our friends and went in to Houlihan's for supper, and then headed back to Cascade for a few drinks. It was a nice night, very low key. Thanks guys for joining us for Jer's birthday! It was nice seeing you all.

Now up to Easter Sunday - very very BIG day for Issac. He had motorcross 'school' today. Mitchel and Blade went to my parents for the day so they could enjoy Easter with grandpa and grandma. So we were off at 6:45a.m. to Center Point/Urbana for the day so Issac could go to his 9-5 training session. We loaded the bike up and we were off... I was so NERVOUS once that bike went into the truck, its just that part of me being a 'mom' and wants to keep him little :) I looked at Issac sitting in the truck and he was grinning ear to ear as well as biting his nails (which he's never done before... like ever!) Quinton rode down with us as well since he wanted to watch Issac ride, he was so good to Issac and kept his self esteem running so I was very happy that Quinton came with us.

So we arrive to the location of this 'school/training'... and thinking the whole time that is a indoor facility because this is what the gal told us at sign up... well... not the case, its outdoors! We are getting closer to the location and WOW it was a little scary... Long run down lane to get to the 'field' where the track was... it was on a farm that was very run down - but the track was AMAZING! (as Issac would say) We pull in and get the bike off, Issac is rushing to get ready because he's so excited - it was just an amazing day - he was in his 'element' and was SO SO very happy! I could also tell though he was nervous, he wanted to make sure he looked 'good' out there and had all his clothes on properly as well as his hair combed- a good trait he gets from his mom :)

Well, here we are... he's going to go ride. My 2nd baby jumped on that bike and my heart sank, my eyes were filled with tears of happiness and I was very nervous for him. He got out there and did about 5-10 laps while warm up and all I could do was cry, his dream is really happening for him and I was just so happy for him! He is a natural out there and just did an incredible job riding. We were really proud of him! It takes a lot to ride a bike like that and well he's incredible at it.
We owe a lot to his uncle Kevin for teaching him everything he knows, the instructor was impressed with his form and capabilities. Issac had two bad falls and really scared Jeremie and I both times, me especially! The first time I just took it hard and was hard to see him land badly and come over his handle bars - just hit me hard! YIKES!!!! It scared Issac too, he was disappointed that it happened but after awhile after we talked with him he was ready to jump back on, it got his pride a little but as the instructor told him - its how you learn and be determined to ride better -
By mid afternoon we could tell he was getting tired and sore, he just wasn't riding like he was up to this point, so we had to beg him to stop riding so he wouldn't hurt himself anymore, he finally was ready to stop and call it a day by 3:30 and off to home we were. Jeremie and I had to stop and get a few things from the Easter Bunny since we were doing it Sunday evening since we had to get up way early in the am and Mitchel and Blade slept in. So we got home - Issac was hurting so in the whirlpool tub he went for awhile while supper was being made. Blade was napping when we got home so the Easter Bunny came while he napped and supper was going... he was a happy camper to see all the Easter eggs hidden... and well we have some eggs that are not 'found' yet so everyday he finds another which is pretty cute.

All in all Easter was a memorable day for Issac, and it was a good day for all of us here at the Miller household :)

Well that takes us to Monday... kids were off of school today for Spring Break. Mitchel was a great helper today. We attacked cleaning out our garage... WOW what a mess! but we got it done and all organized and threw the crap away that was junk.
A good job done! We had soccer practice later on in the evening and that pretty much was our day - full of cleaning and trip to DBQ. Later on in the evening Jer and I went to Monticello to check out the new fitness center. Its pretty cool - I so want to do it - my focus this week is too get my upstairs completely cleaned... including closets! then next week I am starting to work out 2x a week - then from there if I like it I may look into the trainer part of it. I've been really good this week eating wise thou and geting up early in the am which makes me feel lots better! I'm doing really well on the 'less pop' thing too, yesterday didn't have any - YEAH!!!!!!! Today though I had one.

So yesterday and today I cleaned bedrooms top to bottom and got the older boys closets cleaned and our bedroom cleaned - DUST DUST and more DUST... hopefully it will go away soon! my boys are growing up - geesh lots of clothes they grew out of already. Tomorrow I will finish up our room and tackle Blade's room.

Well I better close this, I'm sorry it got so BIG!!! Hope all my readers are well!

WONDERFUL

Hello~
Its Monday Monday here... trying to catch up from the weekend. I did laundry all am and still working on it.

This weekend was great! It started on Thursday for me... off for the day with my hubby to Galena as you already all heard.
We had a great supper at Houlihans and spent the night at Timmermann's Resort in East Dubuque. FUN TIME!

Friday we slept in until about 9:30ish and then went back to my parents to pick up the boys and take off to Burlington for the night. We took them to FUN CITY, it was a great time. In the original plans we were going to go to Minnesota... but then Mitchel had his first soccer game for the season on Saturday in Bettendorf, so cratch that idea... so Burlington it was.
The boys had an awesome time. Very nice hotel... yeh it had a water park but it kinda really did suck... but the rest of it made up for it. It was HUGE, a indoor go kart track that was 25,000 sq. ft., lazar tag, a huge arcade, cosmic bowling. So the boys lived the weekend up there and had a great time! It was a cool place! Highly suggested to any of you who read this :)

Saturday we left about 1:00 to come back to Bettendorf so Mitchel could play his first soccer game. Sad!... they lost but they had the wind playing against them... it was wicked :( they played a good first game. We went and got some yummy supper at Fudruckers, and then of course we had to have desert from Krispie Cremes since the "HOT" light was on... too funny or what? Anything to keep those boys happy :) We drove through some of the storm and drove out of some of the storm, it was "freakin" Issac out since he gets nervous about the weather but we got home safely but it was like down pouring when we pulled into the driveway.

So its wet and yucky out right? But the whole reason we were gone over the weekend is because the hardwood floors were being done and well I was DYING to see them! So out I go dashing in the down pour to see the 'finished' work.
HOLY COW!!!!! They are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I was so happy that I had tears :) They are just amazing! We've waited a long time to see these floors come back to life and well... it was worth the wait! Just feels really good to see them done.
Saturday night we got the kids settled in and then we were off for the night with some friends to hear music at the Bent Rim.
We had a great time and Jer and I offically met Janet's son, Matt and his GF and ran into some other old friends as well.
The music and dancing was a good time, there was a little snag in the night but overall it was a great time!

Yesterday was a lazy Sunday movie day for us. We went to see "Meet the Robinson's". It was a super cute movie. We ate at Red Robin, got some groceries at HyVee and were off to home. Did much of nothing yesterday but thats ok.

So anyhow I am off to take Mitchel to soccer and taking my hubby to the airport. He has a busy week ahead of him, I hope it goes well for you Jer!!

Wishing you all a great week! Hope to see many of you soon... this Saturday is Jer's 32nd birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWAY...

Hello Friends~
As I sit in a coffee bar " KALADI'S" in Galena, waiting for Jer to finish up some work he wants to get done. I spent much of the afternoon walking around Galena to all the small little shops here, it was fun and relaxing but at the same time... they suck:( I am just so used to Tammy's store and looking for those kinds of things... although I did manage to find a few cute things for Blade, and found a awesome BEAD shop... yes Mel... I thought of you the whole time I was in there and well... now I have 'bead fever... and my head is stirring with ideas!!!! YIKES!!!!!!

Why are we in Galena? Well... our hardwood floors are being done this week and today, tomorrow and Saturday are the 'finishing days' so yes we are offically "homelis" again... (just kiddin') but feels like that since we can't go back home until Sunday sometime. It feels great to finally have the floors sanded and prepped for completion but it was really hard to leave at the same time...

So today the kids were off to school and this evening they are staying with my parents while Jer and I get sometime to ourselves. Not sure what the night holds ahead of us... if we will stay here in Galena or stay in DBQ. Undecided if we want to eat here in Galena or at Houlihans... we are just a couple that is undecided today :) but thats o.k. Tomorrow we will go back and pick up the kids and be off to the DELLS for the night, think we may stay at the "Wilderness' this time and then go from there once we get settled in. Saturday is Mitchel's first soccer game for the season... at 3pm in Bettendorf so we will head back for that, then we heard that there is a 'good' band at the Bent Rim on Saturday evening... we may check that out. All of you are welcome to join us!!! REALLY HOPE YOU CAN ALL MAKE IT, we sure seem to have a great time together!!!

So lets back up a bit... its been forever since I last posted... I KNOW :( So this week pretty much was BUSY BUSY with cleaning and getting all the laundry done before we left today. Yesterday Blade and I were trapped in the attic most of the day since the staircase was being sanded ... we could of left but it was raining and yucky out so we just hung out in the attic and folded laundry and sorted mail and just did the 'odd' jobs that never get done... so I feel very good about the things I accomplished this week. Blade is such a DOLL, just says the cutest and funnies things sometimes and its just really hard not to laugh... when you shouldn't, if you know what I mean...

This week the boys and I went to the dentist and sat in "Aunt Lisa's chair" as Blade would say and had the 'icky stuff' in our mouths (flouride) He was so darn cute after he got his teeth cleaned... it was hilarious!

Last weekend... hrm what did we do? Oh a very very BUSY weekend. I helped Tammy with her Open House on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. She did ROCK STAR!!!! I was so so happy for her because this last month was a complete hell raiser month for her preparing for it. Just goes to show dedication and hard work pays off :) it also makes me appreciate my decision in closing my store... I just enjoy working there and leaving... and my work there is done and there is absolutely no baggage... everytime I work there it makes me realize more and more it was for the best. I am just so grateful it was Tammy who walked into the location and made it her store, gives me a lot of peace with it all.

Friday night we had supper with Ron and Jenn, it was very nice to see them again! Call us anytime... you know where to find us:) Saturday night Jer and I went for supper ... of course at Houli's and then we went to see the movie "REIGN OVER ME" I highly suggest the movie, it was so touching! Just incredible acting by Adam Sandler. Yes its a 'sappy, drama' movie but its very very worthwhile seeing! I LOVED IT!!!

House updates... well floors will be completed by Monday... and well we are still 'Kitchen lis' (as Billy would say) but we meet the contractor who is building them for us on Monday, I am SO SO excited just to get the process started, by the end of the month or beginning of May we should have a kitchen. YEAH!!! The foyer is almost completed with the trim, looks amazing of course :) That Dustin is THE BEST... so so happy he is doing all of our finishing work, he has a lot of patience to be working with the Miller's... as well as Janet :) We have had nothing but the best working on our house in the last few months, I am just very grateful to them all. Oh... what else... we are having the foyer paint color changed... yep! we are... the current color blends to much in with our woodwork and well... looks nasty ass... so changing it to a greyish/greenish color. I'm excited to see it go on, maybe next week it will go on since Janet thought she could work on it while we were gone but that wasn't happening she was 'banded' from the house too.

So anyhow I will close this up, I hope you all are having a good week and well enjoy the weekend that is coming up on us.
Again I hope to see you all out partin' it up with us this weekend!

Enjoy :)

Oh Where thou week go??

Hello Friends,

Here we are Thursday and its been over a week since I last blogged! Terrible!!! Really slacking lately :(

I survived my oldest son make his way into teenage world! Mitchel turned 13 on Saturday. Where does the time go?
On Friday when I was cleaning his room and finally hanging things on the wall for him (the decorating isn't quite complete but its closer)... it hit me that WOW he's no longer a "boy" he's growing up on us. MItchel is such a good kid and well he's my oldest and its really hard to see him grow up, ya know?? Why can't they stay little just a little longer?
He had a good day, we took him, Issac and few boys and Blade down to Planet X in CR. The place is amazingly cool for kids!!!
They all had a great time. Then later that evening after we got back they hung out with Ms. Molly since we were going out with some friends for the night after we celebrated Mitchel's birthday.

So Saturday night... here I go... I want to thank all of our friends that came out to Karokee night with us. Jer and I sure had a lot of fun with you all. I know I got a little crazy and WOW NUTSO perhaps is the word! But all in all it was a great time! We enjoyed listening to Dustin sing his little heart out as well as the whole bar hearing his talent. WOW he can sing!!

When Sunday came around, well I was hurtin' a bit :[ not like sick just WOW damn lazy and by the time the night rolled around I was shot. The boys were off to Sundown for a few hours since it was closing day and Blade and I ran into DBQ to do a few things to kill some time, then we were off to my parents house to celebrate Mitchel's 13th birthday with family... since our house is not quite up to entertaining family, my mom hosted it for Mitchel. It was short and nice.

Well most of this week I got a lot of organizing and cleaning done ... imagine that one? Seems like thats all I do besides the never ending laundry that seems to pile upon pile. After cleaning hard yesterday I felt like I was seeing the end of the laundry... wrong! I went into the bathroom and another load just waiting to be done again. ANNOYING but oh well thats life and it has to get done.

Hasn't this weather been wonderful? I know it did rain most of yesterday but it did clear up and well we were out walking... I love this weather!!!

I am happy to report I have been eating 'healthier' this week and got on the scale today and was down 3lbs, YEAH!!!! I'm on a mission and I am stickin' to it if it kills me!!! I'm tired of being tired, lazy and fat and I'm not feeling sorry for myself any longer and just making this weight come off. I've been pretty good about getting some walk time in too which makes me feel good. I love to walk!

Today was a day I spent at Cranberry Hollow. Tammy's Spring Open House is this weekend. She had a fabulous day. I am so happy that she came into town, she makes things happen here and its very rewarding to see her be doing so well on these kinds of events because she truely puts her whole heart into everything she does :) I will be helping her out again on Saturday as well and possibly Sunday. If any of you need to get out of the house for a bit... cruise on out to Cascade and come visit us :-)

Until I blog again - get out and go for a walk Spring is offically here!!!

Thursday... almost Friday

Wow what a week I've had so far... ICK! Just over all was not a good week for Lis :[ but luckily its almost Friday and the weekend will be here. I won't go into details but just it completely sucked for the most part. I am seriously tried of being nice all the time because really it kicks me in the ass ... but oh well thats life and it must goes on.

Jer is returning from Boston today, YEAH!!! It will be nice to have him home. The boys were pretty good this week with getting their homework done since the weather warmed up... they want to get outside afterschool. For Blade he is absolutely loving it, we try to get 2 walks in each day but yesterday was crappy out so didn't get any in yesterday... sad for both of us. If he could play outside all day he would but unfornunately he can't because its a mud pit outside our door. Hoping we can get the yard cleaned up and put some seed down until we know what we are going to do landscaping wise.

This Saturday is Mitchel's 13th birthday.. YIKES I get frightened when I think about it. Seriously where does time go? Seems like yesterday I just brought him home from the hospital... and WOW now he's going on 13! We are going to take Mitchel and some of his friends to Planet X on Saturday, should be fun for all of them.

House updates? Well... not much happened this week, Dustin had to go repair a door at our rental locations. He did start on the foyer area and maybe by the end of the day tomorrow the windows will be trimmed out. I'm hoping :) Theater room is still on hold... have to get the carpet picked out and color for the walls decided and honestly have no clue at the moment. It all cost
$$$$$$$ so we are pacing ourselves at the moment. Maybe we will get lucky and win that BIG lotto thats up for grabs... but as they say you can't win if you don't play... and well I didn't buy a ticket yet ;(

Some of you may know that I went in on a booth at the Dyersville mall with some friends of mine, set some things up last week and well wouldn't you know I sold some things already :) YEAH!! I don't have a whole lot to take up there but said I would go in on it. It's been fun so far but of course ... the booth is just ok... not quite how I would like it to look but it looks nice. Mel, if you are looking for some "beads"... there are a lot of necklaces up there that you could take apart and use the beads... some are like $2 to $3 each and some are very pretty but the necklace itself is BLAH. Just a thought for you.

Well best get moving, I am sitting in the widow's peak doing nothing when I should be folding laundry... and sweeping floors.
Life is still crazy at the Miller household and I am still waiting for that day for absolute silence :) and completion... but its worth waiting for because the end is getting closer each day.

Hope you all have a great weekend - hope to see you all this weekend Karokee- ing!!!!

Good bye Winter, Hello Spring!!!

Yay is Spring finally here? I sure hope so! It sure has been beautiful the whole weekend and today is great outside!
Blade and I went strolling already today and hope to get out again.

The weekend was here and gone. Mitchel was gone with Grandpa Dave this weekend, so Friday night Issac and Jer went to see the movie "300" they said it was incredible. Blade and I went and ran some errands, I found a few cute things for myself on clearance racks... l LOVE bargians!! Lately I have a "feddish" with crazy shoes... with funky designs and colors. I found two pair for $20.00 so I was happy!! Its truely a sickness like I have with switching my purses out. Oh well, right? Only live life once.
So anyhow I was on a mission after I found my "pokadot" shoes to find a few cute shirts to go well with them so off to Target and Old Navy we were... in the process I loose a shoe... but I knew I lost it at Target so I went and asked them if someone turned it in or if it did get turned in, it was mine. Yeh I know only ME!!! I seriously would loose my head if it weren't attached!
So anyhow movie is over we went to pick up the boys... went to get some supper so we thought "something new something different"... so Ground Round it was, WOW never ever again! It was horid!!!

Saturday, Jeremie took the boys to Sundown for the afternoon and I worked for Tammy at the store, it was a good steady day for her. I enjoy being in the atomosphere. It was a fun day. Then a big surprise... Mel and Michele stopped in for a quick visit, that was nice of them, THANKS GUYS!! I am sorry it didn't work out to bead with you guys. Please don't think I don't want to join you its just a matter of 'when'. I find it hard to balance my time... with Jer's travel, my boys being involved in many things, and keeping up on my house. I promise I will join you sometime, really!!!!

After we closed the store up, Tammy and I went for a short walk before the boys came home. After my walk I did do a few things I wanted to get done before Molly came to watch the boys for the night.
Jer and I were off to our 'usual' night of a good meal at Houlihans then came back to Cascade, I was feeling a little tipsy...didn't eat anything all day and well the drinks were hitting me ... WOW! I was hurtin' a little the next am. Good thing I only drink occasionally. My head is still pounds from the thought of the evening but it was a good time seeing Jason and some other people that evening. We really need to get all our friends together and go out some night soon... hoping this Saturday night will work we will see :)

Ah what else is new? Well I got my haircut and colored last week not sure if I posted that last time or not, but its a fun cut and color. I'm happy with it, I went to Jer's cousin Abby and she did a great job.
Today I did some more cleaning, I wish it was warm enough to shut the furance off and open the windows... but in time I can do that which I hope is soon.

My thought for the day: I help so many people out, well I try my hardest to be helpful and give my advice or thoughts.
Sometimes I just wish the people I give in my life would give a little back. Thats not wrong to think, right?

Well I best close for the day, I have laundry to fold and put away yet and then I want to get outside again.

Enjoy!

Oh Where Thou...

Hello Friends~
No I am still here ... at 605 Garfield St. in Cascade, didn't fall off the earth yet... but thanks to all of the 'concerned' emails and calls.

Life just gets the best of us sometimes, doesn't it? I've been in the "cleaning and organizing" mood lately.

Last weekend I unloaded the attic cubby holes and organized them all - what a job to have done, I was so happy!!! I also rearranged the attic... not sure if its "set up" the way I want yet but its a start of possiblities... just a hard area to work with but I will figure it out soon, I even hung somethings up so that makes me feel good... gotta start sometime, right? Its just hard to "decorate" when construction is in the mode yet but we are getting closer each day.

This week so far I have been on top of laundry... doing it daily ;-) but I have also been home everyday this week too so that helps immensely. I guess after doing the 8+ loads last weekend was like ... "ah no more of this!!" it was insane on all the laundy I was behind on :( but thats life sometimes but it didn't help any when they cancelled school for days... well thats what it seemed like.

Also this week, today infact I helped my good friend, Diane do somethings at their new home. They are moving to the 'farm' of the Callahan family sometime this summer when school gets out. I am very happy for them ;-)

Tomorrow my day is planned FULL, I am doing a 'booth' at the antique mall in Dyersville with some friends and well I am loading somethings up tomorrow to take up there. I am really looking forward to putting this booth together and hoping it will go well for us.

House updates? Well... we may have a finished banister soon... iron ballisters and other supplies should arrive early next week. Our "tree boards" are being kiimed dried right now and then they will be prepared for the flooring for the addition. The best news of all ;-) Kitchen is 'offically' being started in April and we hope to have it in by the end of April or early May, I am SO SO excited about that!!! We have to finalize a lot of things on it yet since its being modified and switched to a different contractor, but yes we will finally have a kitchen :) YEAH!!!!!!!!!! The formal living room was completed yesterday with all the crown molding and trim, french doors. I am so please with how its all coming together. The lockers that we put in the mud room are beautiful now that they got sanded and all prettied up :) it was a huge transformation! Its all the fine details you put into a home that makes it more personal and unique and we are definately doing that in every room.

The boys? Well Mitchel is gone this weekend tractor pulling with my dad again :) They are off to somewhere near St. Louis... crazy I think but its what they love to do, he will get back sometime on Sunday. Issac, well he continues to grow out his hair and is geting ready to get that motorbike out as soon as it warms up :) Him and his dad are going to spend sometime together tomorrow night so that will be fun for them. Little Blade is busy as ever, he had a good week at school and tomorrow he is going to the 'farm' so he is excited :) They are all well.

I come to a conclusion this week, I can't stand "fake" people!!! it annoys me!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also another thing I believe I am a good person and I am a Christian but I may not go to mass every Sunday and pray on a daily basis but does that truely make me a "bad" person? I believe NOT. I have great respect for others, good morals, strong beliefs in God but they may not be "up to some standards" of some family members of mine BUT truth of the matter is I am not choosing to be a hypocrit!! because anymore all they do is preach but don't practice what they preach... and that gets to me!!! I teach my children respect, morals and how to love and to me that means so much more to me and them then "looking good in church". I do apologize if I offend anyone reading this but this is how I feel and I truely believe what Jer and I choose to do in life with our children is our choice and should not have to live by what our family members "believe" is right, is not for everyone and it doesn't make us bad people!!!! I love my husband and children and we believe the way we live each day is wonderful because all we need is each other. On a another note being a good Catholic is being non - judgemental, isn't it? Anyhow I just had to get this off my chest tonight.

So instead of going on and on, I should just close this blog ;-) but in all seriousiness... isn't being a good person really what matters in life? I want to hear some thoughts.

I wish you all a great weekend ahead. I am ready for the time to change and Spring to be sprung! I have my walking shoes ready for those nice nights coming ahead.

Love ya all!!!

Oh Wednesday...

Another cold day in Iowa! Will it ever go away??

The boys got out of school today at 12pm due to the "snow/ice storm" we were getting... hrm well where was it? No, I am glad actually that it bypassed us ... well at least I think it did unless it comes hard tonight.

The boys were off to the farm for the day after school got out. Blade went home with grandma and grandpa after church this am. He was so excited to go with them. Infact when we got to mass and were there for awhile he realized grandma was there so off he went to sit with her. He was SO SO good I thought for being a little guy and being at church for awhile.

So where was I off for the day? Well, I didn't want to be at home alone without the kids so I offered to help at the Tammy's store for the day. Where did the time go? I would like to think we got some accomplished today. Its looking very "spring time" in there. We hung two long benches on the brick wall and it looks amazing!!! and we turned it into a masterpeice. Tammy and her mom come up with the greatest ideas!!! SERIOUSLY!!! Last night I finished cutting out the letters for "SPRING" so Tammy could hang them up in her store, they turned out super cute, but were a lot harder to cut and make equalivant to size, but I am very anxious to see them up. I helped the girls out until my boys came home about 7ish and then bailed :) but it was a fun day with the gals.

Here's the question of the day... I just hear so much of it lately... so does that mean maybe I spend a little too much time at Tam's store?? "Do I miss it?" I honestly don't and I think its because I feel 'involved' in Tammy's store and she does such a wonderful job with it... now if it would of been someone else renting the spot, I think it would be ALOT harder on me. I can honestly say though now I have no regrets, at the beginning when I closed the doors and walked away I had ALOT of hard feelings but I also knew it was a good thing and it truely has been. Not only did I find more time for my children, my husband and our new home and myself, I gained two good friends on the journey too :) It was God's plan to walk the path and be where I am today and I am so very happy!

I just like to reflect on life sometimes because I believe I appreciate it more and more each day. When was the last time you looked within yourself and think "wow I'm lucky?" You really should if you haven't lately :) My husband and my boys, and my family that surrounds me as well as all of our wonderful friends makes my life complete. I thank you all for being in my life!!!
Love you ALL!!!

Until I blog again... appreciate life, you only get one chance at it :)

HI...

Hi Everyone!
Hope this finds you all warm and cozy in your homes and are very grateful for what you have... did you know there are thousands and thousands of people in Iowa without power, local news states 100,000 people in Iowa without power. That is SO SO frightening and sad to hear!! I will no longer b**ch about what I don't have.

So hope this finds you all recovered from the weekend. We did much of absolutely NOTHING, I mean NOTHING!!! with the exception of going into Houlihans on Friday night since Jer said the highways were fine, and they were. We ran into our good friends, Jerry and Mel. They enjoyed a yummy supper too then after supper we met up at our table and headed to the casino.
I'm not much of a gambler and well... I really don't enjoy it but ya know what? Its great when you win :) YES, I actually won!!!! Can you believe that? I walked away with $109.50 ahead even after loosing my $20.00. It was a fun time, THANKS PASKERS!!!
Mel got lucky too, she came out $25.00 ahead I think. Its a great feeling when you actually win instead of them taking your money. I've decided that heck... Jer and I go in there enough that maybe this would be a way I could "try" to win some new furniture... so my savings is started already :)

So yes on Saturday when the ice storm came down my children were out playing, even my BIG child was out there! They were having a riot and I enjoyed watching them from inside with Blade. In the afternoon we were BIG bums and hung out in the attic and watched some movies, we bought FLUSHED AWAY for Blade the night before so that was one movie we watched and the other was GOAL. Both good family movies. In the evening, Jer made a yummy supper - marniated steak with mushrooms and onions, lemon peppered chicken breast, baked potatoes, and all the other trimmings and to top it off we had ice cream for desert :) It was a nice family day!!!

Sunday... well we did it again! Got up and made some yummy breakfast!! Then did absolutely NOTHING the rest of the day... it was great! Oh and did I mention that we were out of heat too over the weekend on our upper level? They had to "re run" our gas line and the process started on Thursday and was not complete until yesterday about 4:30. It was friggid but at lease we had our main floor heat circulating up so it could of been worse but we survived :) I happily report its all better now!!

Jer is off to Boston today. I awoke to Blade not feeling the best so I am keeping him home today. Mitchel got all dressed up for his music concert at school today, tie, dress shirt, and it all! He looked like a little man. WOW he is growing up fast!!
I was supposed to get my haircut and color this am but cancelled since Blade is home sick today so maybe I can still get it done this week... well I am hoping but we will see.

Best run, Blade is needing his mommy :) Have a good day friends!!

UPDATES AT THE MILLER'S

Wow hasn't the weather been great the last two days?? Yes I am SO ready for Spring to be here!!! although I don't want the muddy yard that we appear to have already :( hopefully we can get some rock soon or something.

Today was "ski day" at school for Issac. Jeremie took the day off and went with Issac. Issac was SO looking forward to spending the day on the slopes with his dad. My friend Diane and I took up lunch to the boys and hung out for a bit. While standing up there in the snow, I did get a "little urge" to want to get out there, it was very tempting... but then I turned my back and saw Jer's mom get off the lift and down on her butt she went and all I thought then was ... 'o that would be me so ahhhhhhh nevermind' but the temptation was definately there! It was absolutely beautiful up there, the kids probably could of taken their coats off, thats how warm it was, they really did get a nice day.

Tonight Mitchel had a basket ball game, it was at "my school" where I went to school as child from Preschool to 8th grade. WOW did that ever feel a bit weird since I haven't stepped foot in that place since I graduated from 8th grade. Lots and lots of memories came back to me as I walked thru those doors, even the smell is the same. Seeing all the buses lined up in front of school was the same.. then walking into the gym... totally the same color scheme, floor, and smell again, Felt good to see my son play ball on the floor I once played ball on, ya know?

Hard to believe I was once a kid and now I am a mom and a wife... seriously where does time go?? but you know I wouldn't change it for nothing, I absolutely love my life and am very grateful for what I have.

Whats new with little Blade? Well... not much, he had school today and this morning getting him ready, he said the darnest thing "mom, but I quit school" and was very bucky about wanting to go. He is not a morning person like his daddy :) But of course when I went to pick him up this afternoon he looked happy and couldn't wait to tell me what was in his bookbag :) He made a lion today, and wrote his name. He has been doing really well with getting the "idea" of writing his name, definately has the B, l, and a down, its pretty cute!!!

We had a stressful Saturday night. Jer awoke to a sound of "crying", it was so loud that for a second he thought it was Blade crying... well it wasn't it was our other baby BUZZ crying out in the hallway, so he picked him up and brought him in our room and set him on our bed, several minutes later he was crying and wanting to get off the bed, and as he jumped off the bed he was crying, it was horrifying!! So Jer gets up with him and I run off to get some wipes since he is sick and we needed something to clean up the mess. When I come back in the room BUZZ is laying there very still... not moving at all and I absolutely lost it, I was a wreck, crying and just couldn't stop crying. Buzz is just not a cat, he is a HUGE member of our family, and so much a part of our lives... especially Issac's and I just wanted him to snap out of it and be Buzz again.

We sat with him until he was asleep and we knew he was asleep.... but I couldn't really sleep after seeing what flashed in front of me and I was worried sick! Jeremie believes that he ate something bad... and his intestines are shutting down, but the way he was acting at first Jer thought maybe he was having a stroke... it was all very very scary!!!

So how is Buzz now? Well today he is Buzz, yesterday he started to come around in the afternoon but is not eating a lot but is drinking again. We take him to the vet tomorrow after the several calls - I pray it all goes well!!!

Whats shaking here at the house? Well... French doors went back on yesterday... they are not stripped or anything but they are on and look AWESOME!! Dustin got the trim going on in the blue room. Lots of sanding and stripping of doors, trim, etc are being done as well. Drywall is close to being done in theater room, should be complete tomorrow until the final spray coat gets applied. We went hard at it this weekend and absolutely cleared out the basement and organized as much as we could, feels pretty good to have a clean basement :) Hopefully the other rooms can get a start on them within weeks - I need to see the basement complete soon, Im starting to go "dust stir crazy", is just sicking when you clean a room and its dust instantly. I know I know it'll be worth it at the end... but just want to get closer to the end, ya know?

Well I better go fold that laundry and kill some more dust bunnies! Hope this finds you all having a good week - get out and enjoy the nice weather, who knows if its here to stay or not??