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Coming into my own

2010-05-11T16:55:53Z

April showers bring May flowers...but lots of other good things come with May as well! We will be celebrating Hale's 8th birthday on May 23rd, along with several other family birthdays - our niece, Emma, turned 10 on May 6th, our sister-in-law (Emma's mom), Jodie, celebrates her birthday on May 16th, Kevin's mother shares Hale's May 23rd birthday, and our nephew Ryan will turn 11 on May 27th. But perhaps the most important date in May for us is May 20th, on which Kevin & I will celebrate ten years of marriage!

Ten years has gone by in what sometimes seems like a flash. However, when I think about all that we've done and accomplished and how much we've grown in these past ten years, I am simply amazed! Our greatest accomplishment is our marriage itself. We work hard on it. We struggle in it. We can't imagine life outside of it. We praise God for it.

After ten years as a "real life grown up", I feel like I've finally come into my own. I am no longer trying to be my mom. I don't mean that disrespectfully...I just believe that I have come to a point where I have gained the confidence to be who the Lord wants me to be, to use the gifts He has given me, and to follow the path He has for ME. I feel comfortable in my own skin, I feel empowered as a wife and mother and I know that it all comes from the Creator!

These days I also find myself with SLIGHTLY more time on my hands. No more diaper-changing or potty-training will do that! So I'm really enjoying doing some things that I've put on the back burner for quite a few years, such as cooking and crafting and decorating and reading! The internet is my #1 source when I'm looking for a project idea, instructions/recipe, or item to purchase. My favorite food blog and the source of recipes for the majority of our family meals these days is Cooking with Krista. I love this site for a couple of reasons:

Kevin personally knows (and I have met one time) this blogger, Krista. She is the granddaughter of a dear friend of ours, and Kevin also works with her dad. So there is a familial connection there, not to mention the fact that she features down-to-earth, family-friendly recipes and her writing style is entertaining and easy to follow. Gotta love that!
Wait, I think I listed all my reasons under point number one....

I've also been inspired by another friend-of-a-friend and fellow blogger, Ashley, to beginning crafting again. Not so much "crafts" as much as items for my kids. Ashley is a very talented mom to two beautiful girls and she has started a side business in which she designs and makes-by-hand hair bows for little girls. I recently placed an order for 4th of July bows, and I've already received them! As I told Ashley, they are adorably perfect! Each one is unique for my three unique daughters! Ashley is taking a "production break" while she prepares for a move, but if anyone is interesting in seeing her work, I'd be glad to put you in touch. ANYWAY, the point to that was that I've been inspired to make some special things for my kids, starting with some shirts for 4th of July (hence the need for coordinating hair bows)! I made shirts back in 2008 for the fall season for the kids, using an idea from Family Fun Magazine. They turned out great and I'm looking forward to doing more! I'm also going to try my hand at some real sewing to make some sundresses for the girls. If they turn out well, they'll be featured in our family vacation photos! Fingers crossed!

Kevin surprised me with a KitchenAid classic stand mixer for Mother's Day! What a gift! I have wanted one for ten years, and I'm THRILLED to now own one! I've already made whipped cream and chocolate chip cookies with my new mixer. I'm looking forward to making mashed potatoes later this week (today's rain and cool temperatures put me in the mood for soup, so I'm making family favorite Cheesy Potato Chowder for tonight's dinner)! Cooking is another area in which I feel as though I've come into my own. I am excited about cooking, something I never would've imagined a few years back! I think there's something in the fact that I just feel good about preparing home-cooked meals for my family to enjoy together each evening. Of course, there are still the occasional evenings when Pizza Hut calls out to me, and I can't fight off the urge! But I do enjoy trying new recipes, changing up old ones and enjoying those that are best left as they've always been! I think I'll start posting some of my favorites on here....hmmmm, definitely something to consider.

Catching up

2010-04-12T16:40:59Z

Not sure what happened to the last two months...they have flown right by, that is for sure! I guess we can officially say we survived winter! Here we are almost two weeks into April already! Spring cleaning & organizing has taken over my life, but I'm happy to say we have accomplished a LOT! We've even completed a makeover of our basement and are really enjoying it as a cozy family space.

We had a very happy Easter holiday again this year, remembering the sacrifice that was made for us. The kids & I have been on our own quite a bit as Kevin has been traveling each week. So we filled our time with various activities such as egg coloring, treat-making and when the weather permitted us to do so, playing outside!! We have discovered that park visits are going to be so much easier and pleasant this spring/summer given that Reid has gained a little more independence over the winter months!

Today was the first day back to school for Hale & Addi following Spring Break. They started their break off with a sleepover with Kevin's mom. We then traveled to Shelbyville to spend a night with my parents before heading further south to the Big Splash water park at French Lick, IN. This was a surprise for the kids, and it was a big hit! They had a great time, everyone traveled and slept well and it was just so nice to have some family time together before Kevin had to get back on the road for the remainder of last week.

We wrapped things up with a cookout at our house over the weekend, welcoming some of my dad's extended family, as well as my grandma who hadn't been to our home before. Unfortunately, Kevin was also wrapping up his time on the road, so he missed out...but other than some day trips this week, we should have him home with us this week, and that puts a smile on all of our faces : )

Countdown to Spring!

2010-02-08T15:49:53Z

The Super Bowl is over, and while we were disappointed for the Colts, we were a little happy inside for our fellow Boilermaker Drew...he was the QB when Kevin & I were attending Purdue...either way, it was a fun game to watch! Hale was super disappointed that we wouldn't let him stay up to watch the entire game. Maybe in a few more years, but since it's on a school night (and by the way, WHY is the game on Sunday night?!), we think he needs a few more years under his belt before he can stay up that late on a school night. Sorry, buddy : (

Now we're counting down to spring! Unfortunately, our countdown looks like it will be hampered by another blast of winter weather. We're predicted to receive several inches of snow over the next couple of days. The only good thing that could come of that would be a snow day, especially this week! Kevin is traveling the entire week (in warm, sunny Georgia), so Mama J could use a day "off" with the kiddos! I'd settle for a two-hour delay even...those always make our mornings so much more pleasant!

The month of February already has, and will continue to keep us busy! Aside from the Super Bowl party we attended last night, we have plans with our small group for a Valentine's party (kids are heading to Nannie & PaPo's for the night to have a little party of their own). The following weekend is the annual Father/Daughter Dance sponsored by our local parks department. Kevin has taken Addi since she was 2 years old, and this year he is taking both Addi AND Sydney! He will have his hands full with Miss Syd, but she is SURE to have a great time! She loves to "shake it" (dance) and does so with great gusto! I have put together some sweet new outfits for the girls (and Daddy even gets to wear a new tie, to coordinate with both of his girls), and I'm really looking forward to seeing them off for their evening of fun and bonding! Hale & will be going on our own special date to Bob Evans for dinner, and Wal-Mart for some after-dinner shopping (his choices)! I can't wait! Reid will be having her own little playdate with Nannie at home, and will likely be in bed before the rest of us return home from our adventures!

Speaking of Nannie and PaPo, we are so thankful for the role they play in our lives! They are always so willing to step in when we need help or just want to take a little break. The kids adore their Nannie & PaPo and look forward to spending as much time with them as possible. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time to see them cry and reach out for their grandparents as their time together ends. Thank you Lord, for giving us these days together!

The Littles (Sydney & Reid) are beginning to bed for lunch, so I suppose it's time to close this entry and get back on task! Until next time...

Sunday morning...

2010-01-31T15:16:36Z

I'm typing this while Reid naps and all the others are at church. Reid has been dealing with a very persistent virus/cold all week, so I opted to keep her home and let her rest. The snow is falling outside (again), but despite the cold weather, today is a great day, because our friend Shawn has accepted the Lord into his heart and is being baptized this morning! The angels are singing!!

The kids marked their 100th day of school last Wednesday! Their school kind of makes a big deal out of the 100th day, and I was able to join Addi's class in their celebration by helping out with their learning stations. My station consisted of stringing together 100 Fruit Loops to create an edible necklace. Addi had hers eaten by the time she had completed the next two learning stations! I also stayed and had lunch with Hale & Addi, but this mama decided it was too cold to stand around on a playground for recess this time! I'm looking forward to helping with the Valentine's party in Hale's class in a few weeks as well! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be in their classrooms, getting to know their teachers and peers.

I need to be flipping through recipes and making preparations for next Sunday's Super Bowl Party...so until next time, STAY WARM!

You dropped the food -- do you eat it?

2010-01-22T16:14:56Z

This chart reminded me of a story I was telling the other day. Back in high school some friends and I went to Cedar Point. During that trip one of my friends bought some cheese fries and managed to drop a glop on the sidewalk.

At the time it was common for me to order very little when we were out to restaurants and then proceed to eat the leftovers from everyone's plate. A common question I would ask was, "You done with that?" In this case, of course, I didn't even have to ask. Everyone but me was "done with that" glop of cheese fries on the concrete. I scooped it up and ate it.

Years have passed since then and I received no ill effects from eating that or the leftovers on my friends' plates but I wouldn't (and don't) do the same today. Funny how we look back on our lives and wonder why we did such silly things.

Predictions for 2010

2010-01-17T04:28:05Z

Let's see... the last time I did any predictions it was 2 years ago and here's what I said:

+ we will have a baby girl and she'll be our last for at least many, many years
+ Jill will have a new vehicle by the end of the year
+ Sydney will walk by February
+ baby Reid will sleep through the night in the first two weeks she's home
+ we will have a snowfall of over 18" in one day this winter
+ we will have a terabyte of storage for photos and movies by the end of the year (currently we have about 1/4 of that)

Going down the list, we did have a beautiful baby girl, Reid, who has been our last. Jill did get a new vehicle, Homer, the Honda Odyssey. I can't remember if Sydney walked by February or if Reid slept through the night during those first 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure we didn't get the 18" snowfall in one day. We did and do have the terabyte of storage thing, which just seems so huge to me. Between movies and pictures it really eats up the hard drive space.

Now for this year, I predict:
+ I'll loose 20 pounds
+ Reid and Sydney will both be able to make it all night without going potty (almost there!)
+ Jill will start work on her book that I've encouraged her to write
+ We'll get our first solid state drive for a computer
+ We'll get a car paid off
+ Addi will become a great reader
+ I'll be challenged with more opportunities to lead others to Christ than ever before
+ Hale will write his first computer program

Counting down...

2010-01-16T04:27:00Z

Mama J could NOT be more excited....yesterday I booked our 2nd consecutive family vaca!!! We had such a wonderfully relaxing and fun time in St. Augustine, FL last summer, so we are going back! Last year, my mom was willing and able to go down with us. Apparently our many pictures and stories made PaPo quite jealous, because this year they are BOTH going with us! We are so very excited that they are going! The big kids are beside themselves with anticipation of the good times we will have with Nannie & PaPo on the beach, in the pools, visiting the historic sites of the city, and just chillin' in the condo(s) with a fantastic, grilled, FRESH seafood dinner!

I see KJ has yet to post his 2010 predictions. In his defense, he has had a ridiculously busy schedule lately. The kids & I have seen very little of him this past week. I am going to do my best to pin him down to complete this task tomorrow. He will have a little time after he & Hale go to the barbershop for much-needed haircuts, and to our church to give blood (Kevin, not Hale!).

HOT OFF THE PRESSES! Hale & Addi received their report cards today for the second grading period. As my dad often says, they are just so boring (tongue in cheek)...straight As again for Hale and all Ss for Addi. YAY!!!!!!!!! Hale has been working really hard this grading period. His teacher spoke with us about challenging him more, and she stuck to her word! His homework has certainly been stepped up, but he is hanging right in there and doing great work! Likewise, Addi had done a remarkable job! She is reading books to Sydney & Reid that I STILL can't believe she actually can read by herself! We are certainly thrilled with their accomplishments!

Reid will celebrate her 2nd birthday next Thursday! It's hard to believe, but then again...the Terrible Twos are quite evident to prove her age! She leans toward the side of what you might call "high maintenance," although she has very recently begun to cling to us like a little monkey when she wants some lovin'. Her communication skills are amazing for a girl her age...there isn't a thing she can't or won't say/repeat, so WATCH YOUR MOUTH when you're around her!

I think the kids & I will bake some cookies tomorrow. We are having friends over for the Colts game tomorrow evening, and even though the kids will already be in bed by the time the game starts, they can at least celebrate a little pre-game activity! Hmmmm...wondering if I can free-hand some horseshoe cookies?? And where can I find BLUE sprinkles in this town?

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T20:27:43Z

WOW - 2010 is here! I have already heard it many times from others...this past decade seemed to fly by! We've stayed busy the past 10 years! I graduated from Purdue, we've lived in two states, bought three homes, Kevin earned his Masters Degree, adopted and have managed to keep up with two dogs & two cats, had four beautiful healthy babies, collectively have had five jobs, have stayed connected to dear old friends and have made lots of new wonderful ones...to God be the Glory for all of those blessings, and for what is to come!

I will have to remind Kevin to post his predictions for the year 2010. I don't think he's done that for the last year or two, so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with for this year. Some things we're looking forward to this year are: SPRING AND SUMMER, Reid turning two on January 21st, Colts winning another Super Bowl Championship, Boilermakers winning their first NCAA Championship, our 10th wedding anniversary in May, all the kids growing and learning new things, perhaps a family vacation with my parents this summer and most importantly, being a light for Jesus every chance we get!

I saw how one friend put 10 years into perspective and I will copy that here by saying that another 10 years from now, we will have a 17-year-old, a 16-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 12-year-old. YIKES!!!!!

My kids rock!

2009-11-13T23:35:13Z

Yep, that's right, MY KIDS ROCK! They are awesome little people, using the skills the good Lord has blessed them with to accomplish BIG things (the things that are considered big in a kid's world, that is)!

Since my last entry, they've completed one grading period and begun another. Hale made the straight A Honor Roll, and although Addi doesn't receive actual letter grades in kindergarten, she basically did the same -- the straight 'S' Honor Roll! It was a happy day at our house, because even though we don't pressure the kids to make straight As, we are very proud of their hard work and accomplishments. Kudos also to all of their teachers, whom we feel do such an amazing job with these kids. I can't begin to imagine how they accomplish all that they do, and we feel so blessed to live in a community where we have faith in our educators!

In addition to their academic honors, Hale & Addi have both been recognized for good citizenship. Hale has earned extra points on his behavior reports every single week this school year, for things such as holding doors open for others, helping others with certain tasks, waiting patiently & quietly, etc. So apparently those lectures on manners that we give are paying off! Good to know! Addi earned a Spirit Award this week for being kind to others, helping others and treating others with respect. Not only is it cool that she is doing that, but I think it's very cool that the school recognizes these things in a way to show the kids that their good deeds are appreciated!

Reidie Sweetie is officially potty trained (during daytime hours anyway)! The process went very well, just as well as it did with the older three kids. It may seem trivial, but I'm really proud of Reid for figuring out this process quickly, and working hard to please Mommy & Daddy in this regard! She relishes her own success -- you should hear her scream with enthusiasm, clap for herself and do her little happy dance when she's "all done!" It's so liberating to be forever relieved of DIAPER DUTY!!!!!

Sydney...well................Sydney hasn't been spanked today. Er, wait...yeah, she did get spanked today for turning on the television after she'd been told not to. So, let's see...Syd's accolades recently would include sitting still for her first haircut (which I guess is a pretty big deal according to our stylist friend who did the cutting!), and........hmmmmmm, I guess that's about it for Syd! She isn't too much into the people-pleasing at this point (unless you consider HERSELF to be the "people" she's pleasing!), but she really is a cool kid and we enjoy sitting back at the end of each day and recounting her silly antics!

While Kevin & Hale take in a Ball State basketball game this evening, Addi & I are about to begin our evening of girly activities...mani/pedi for Addi, popcorn and a movie! Looking forward to it, as soon as she finishes up her nightly marathon shower!

I can't wait!!!!!!

2009-10-20T00:58:48Z

There are so many things going on this time of year that get me all excited, cold weather NOT being one of them! As most of you know, I do not hold an appreciation for cool temps, and my many-times-a-day washed hands are feeling the dryness & pain of the season. I am advocating a southern branch of Schrader Real Estate & Auction Co. Just sayin'....

Cold weather aside, I AM excited for all other things that this time of year brings: birthday celebrations (too many of my family & friends to list!!!), holiday entertaining and awesome outreach events to name a few! I do enjoy a party (please, keep your comments to yourself!), so my brain is working overtime these days...so much planning to do, so little time!

Kevin & I have a lot of things going on right now, so voluntarily adding more might seem a little crazy?! But we love our family, we love our friends, and we LOVE to spend time with all of them! So we have some good stuff in the works! I am (in the words of my dear friend Krista) SO PUMPED to share all of this good stuff with all of you! I am going to do my best to update this the way we USED to, because it is such a cool method of remembering, for us even, when all is said and done.

One of our most cherished traditions is creating our family holiday greeting card. We have finalized our design for 2009 and are so excited to share it with you!!!

I'm so blessed to be married to someone who can turn my ideas into reality! From kids' birthday party invitations to beautiful coat racks to amazing photos that he takes himself, KJ is the brains AND the braun! He must be the most hen-pecked man of all time, and even admitting it, I still don't feel sorry for him!!! Did I just say that?! I think we make a great team! I could never accomplish half as much as I do without him, and I appreciate that about him SO MUCH!

Kid update:

Hale (7 years old) is in 2nd grade, which is incredibly hard to believe! He is pushing the boundaries more than he ever has, which really isn't saying much because he has always been an ANGEL and continues to be pretty close to that!! Hale is just a cool kid. He sticks to his guns, knows what he wants, has an innate ability to snow his grandparents into GETTING what he wants, looks for the good in everybody, forgives those who have wronged him in an instant, is thoughtful beyond his years, still considers Addi one of his best friends, and loves video games :) Hale is an honor roll student, loves school, and loves McDonald's chicken nuggets! His two favorite colors have been the same since before he was two years old - orange & green! He is way into Legos, Jeeps, and of course, TRAINS! I would give this kid the moon if I could...he has been my buddy, my helper and my FAVORITE boy for over seven years, and I don't see that ever changing!

Addison just turned six on Tuesday! We celebrated for like five days! She is just like her mama - LOVES her birthday! Addi loves animals, horses & dogs to be exact. She is saving her money to buy a real horse some day, and she has taken it upon herself to feed and let out our two dogs each day. She has the sweetest disposition, much to our surprise given her "stink-attude" when she was a toddler! Addi is in all-day kindergarten, loves it, and seems to be friends with pretty much everybody! Her favorite colors are pink and dark yellow (she's very specific about the DARK part of the yellow) and she is her daddy's clone! Her curly hair & adorable dimple set her apart!

Sydney is two, going on 16! This girl is a riot! She loves furiously, telling us she loves us MUCH several times a day! Sydney is going to make her mark, that is for sure. She is absolutely hilarious, even when she isn't trying to be (which she usually is!)! Syd spends the majority of her time with Reid, and whenever Reid does something Sydney doesn't like, she tells me that Reid needs to take a nap! Syd was our late-talker, but she is making up for lost time now! She knows her alphabet, counts, knows her colors...but seems to be hard-of-hearing when someone is telling her 'no'...???? She is a beauty, loves to talk to her Nannie on the phone, is obsessed with horses & cookies, and will sit still ONLY if you are rubbing her back, arms, legs, feet or face!

Reid Sophia, our baby girl!! She started potty-training today! Reid is our diva. She is truly a high-maintenance baby! Teething has been quite traumatic for her. We just assumed she would be content & flexible, being the youngest...not so much. Having said that, she is truly a joy to our family! Everybody loves Reidie Sweetie! Hale is especially attentive to her, and has been from Day One! Reid is adventurous, loud and SMART! She loves books, horses (notice a theme with our girls?), her daddy and pizza! We may not have planned on Miss Reid joining our family (at least not the timing!), but the good Lord knew that we needed her to complete us. She is completely healthy, beautiful and super fun!

Okay, that's it for tonight. I'll be back :)

Cardmember Service - US Bank

2009-09-26T16:53:42Z

I got an interesting message today on my cell phone from an unlisted number asking me to call back regarding some suspicious activity on my business Visa card. First thing I did was to search Google for info about the 800 number she had left and it turns out it is legit -- US Bank's fraud prevention line. With that knowledge, I called right away.

Seems that a couple of small Apple MobileMe charges were placed over the last couple of weeks, which, since we rent movies on iTunes every now and again I didn't really pay any attention to. But, as the specialist I spoke to mentioned, these charges were different than those that are through iTunes. They resembled charges for buying applications through an iPhone, which we don't have. Anyways, those two charges went through and added up to all of about $3 bucks. According to the specialist, the hackers might have been just cycling through all of the possible 16-digit numbers placing small charges and collecting the numbers they "hit" on. Then they followed up several weeks later to see if my card was still active - it was. Then yesterday, they tried to make a big purchase: a $1,200 order for online supplements that, thanks to Big 'US Bank' Brother, was denied and triggered the call from fraud prevention.

The specialist I spoke to was very helpful and professional. She walked me back through the recent charges and tried to identify good from bad. Ironically we'd had a couple of Internet orders recently through PayPal (an eBay auction and Field Notes from Coudal Partners), one for Pandora (we were over our free hours this month), and one getting our new camera from B&H... so even without the fraudulent charges our usage was out of the ordinary this month.

I am very pleased with the fraud prevention team! I feel pretty blessed that all we seem to have lost (as far as we could tell) was less than a 5-spot. Some paperwork and a new card is headed this way.

iMac G5 Capacitor Problem

2009-09-23T20:22:14Z

It would seem that our iMac G5 will not go without the capacitor problem that so many other people have had. One page in particular says that while the official program to repair the issue ended in December 2008, they are still fixing the issue if you ask nicely. So we'll see if I'm nice enough!

If you click the photo you can see how some of the capacitors are "blown out" -- in other reports there have been ooze coming out of some of the more roasted ones, but it didn't get to that point on ours. It would seem that there are guides out there for replacing these DIY but I'm not sure I'm up to it.

Buffett: "Buy American. I Am."

2008-10-17T13:15:10Z

Posted was an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times from Warren Buffett. Quotable as always, Mr. Buffett said:

A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. And most certainly, fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors. To be sure, investors are right to be wary of highly leveraged entities or businesses in weak competitive positions. But fears regarding the long-term prosperity of the nation's many sound companies make no sense. These businesses will indeed suffer earnings hiccups, as they always have. But most major companies will be setting new profit records 5, 10 and 20 years from now.

I don't think there is a smarter investor out there than Buffett. The only issue is whether anyone has anything left to put into the stock market!

A CSS styled table

2008-07-09T04:13:22Z

I was searching for a way to style tables with css and came across this great blog post and example. I wanted to post it here in case I need to revisit it!

Website color update

2008-06-09T02:00:39Z

Updated the website tonight to reflect the hot, hot weather we are having right now. It is after 9pm and it is over 85° outside. Too hot for me -- we've got the AC on.

Anyway, I switched out the blue base of the previous theme with a sun-burnt palette. Tonight I found a sunset on Flickr that I decided to massage into the header to complete the 'heat'.

In case you wish to look at the colors I swapped in (and for me in case I ever want to go back) here is the color transition chart I created: click me