We're Back, and Rejuvinated. . . at least for now.

Well, I spent 4 days and 3 nights away from my kids, and survived. It took a little while to figure out what to do with ourselves, and all of our time, but it was a trip very much appreciated. Thank you so much to Sharon and Whitney for watching our little ones. I was glad that they (Grandma and Whit, that is) were both still standing when we got home. I was told that there was no nap taking when we were away, which usually leads to a very grouchy Mamma. The kids enjoyed lots of extra attention, eating at McDonald's, swimming in the pool, a new slip 'n slide, new swimming suits, and all of the rest of fun that Grandma provides. I knew that they were in the best hands. Each consecutive day away, I called home less and less, and today, I actually have to put in the record books, I only called once to let them know we were driving home. Moreover, I think I only cried twice!

We went to a Private Beach, where there was no one around to take our picture.

As for our accomodations, we stayed at a very nice resort and spa on the Oregon coast. Jake had meetings until 12:00 every day, and then we had the afternoons to ourselves, until we had a group dinner at 6:00. I would love to tell you that we spent our days exploring, and enjoying the scenery, but we didn't. We were on a limited budget, and the free things left much to be desired. But, we did go to the ocean, spent some time at the beach, and bought $1 flip flops at Old Navy, which was fun. The hotel room was very nice, and we mainly stayed in watching TV, napping, and just enjoying each other. Jake did drag me to Indiana Jones Friday night, and since we haven't been to a movie in so long, I mainly went for the snuggle time. I got to sleep in every morning while Jake went to meetings, and Iwent to a few meetings myself. We caught up with some old friends, met some new ones, and it got Jake really pumped to go back to work, and make us some money!!

The water was very cold!! I was quite shocked, when this wave caught me by surprise.

On Saturday night, they always have a fancy dinner, and Awards Banquet. This dress is my $10 treasure I got from Ross before we left. It's always fun to dress up, and feel like a girl, not just a mom, once in awhile. And, Kudos to Jake for winning the "Prospecting Award," which is a huge deal for new FA's. Maybe we will make it in this business after all. I mean, they've got to be a pretty great company to send all of their employees and families on an expense paid summer vacation.

Crazy Week, But Finally some Sunshine

We haven't done much this week, because Rohne is still recovering from a bad cold he caught last weekend. He had a fever for a good 3 days, which is never fun, and I am surprised his lungs are still intact from all of his coughing. I caught the bug too, which caused me to completely lose my voice, so chasing around 2 crazy kids has kind of been a challenge. All in all, we have kind of laid low. I want the kids to be completely healthy when we leave them for 4 days with Grandma next week. We will be travelling to Oregon to spend some time at a resort for Jake's Annual Summer Regional. It is for families too, but the one year we took the kids with us, they got the sickest they have ever been, and Rohne got put in the hospital. So. . . . I don't think I will ever take them again. Plus, it is a good time for Jake and I to be together, and rejuvinate. It is never easy for me to relax without my children, but I'm really going to try. I know they are in good hands, but I get anxious away from them for even a couple hours. I'm also not in the tip top swimming suit shape I wanted to be, but, I'm just gonna have to grin and "bare" it. Speaking of swimming, we did have some sunshine Friday, which was a big boost from having rain and clouds FOREVER!!! I bought the kids this pool, and they spent hours in it. I couldn't find anything to blow it up until the afternoon, so it didn't really warm up, but it only bothered them when they had to sit down.

I hope the sunshine stays awhile. It really puts me in better spirits. So, this week, I will be doing laundry, and cleaning trying to organize the house and everything before the big trip. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Happy Father's Day, Jake

I just wanted to take a second to let my wonderful hubby know how much I appreciate all he does, and what a great father he is. We had kind of a bummer Father's Day, with 103 degree fevers, and all, so we didn't really get to celebrate. Our kids love him so much, and always want to be around him. I think this is the best sign of a great Dad. He is always the first to run when they are screaming, (though not at night, of course) and they melt into his big arms. He will always let them climb on him, and wrestle with them on the floor. Although I am supposedly the musical part of our relationship, the kids always want Daddy's songs, not mine. He has sang "Badoo" to them since they were babies, and they still love it. He is the best at reading them books at night, and a great snuggler. Thank you for loving our kids, and me so much, Honey. Happy late Father's Day!!

With my Foot, I Tap Tap Tap. . .

I am very excited and proud to announce that Taylee had her first Dance Recital. She performed wonderfully, and we are just so dang proud of her. It almost makes all the money we've spent on this silly hobby worth it. She has had such a fun year with all of her friends, and it has built such a good bond between her, and her cousin, Samantha. If ya ask me, they were the STARS!!

Two cute cousins cheesin' it up.

Our pretty little dancer!

The girls after the show, displaying the pretty pink bouquets given by Grandma Nana. Tay was amply supported by Grandma, Grandpa, Jake & I, Uncle Jer, Aunt Mo, and Auntie Jessi. Rohne was home sick with a fever, and Whit stayed to babysit.

CHECK OUT THE SHOW. TAY IS ON THE VERY END, WITH SAMANTHA RIGHT NEXT TO HER. HOORAH, HOORAH, HOORAH!!

Silly Kids

So, my children, (knock on wood) have been playing really well together lately. Don't get me wrong, we have the occasional scratching, hitting, pulling hair, etc., but it is very much improved from where it was, even a week ago. I am hoping this isn't just a phase. It does make Mommy's life a little easier, and less stressful. Here's a little video of what they have been doing together. They love to make each other laugh. I attribute this video to my nephew, Tyler, because he kind of taught them to do this in the first place. He would say nonsense words, and Taylee would giggle at him.

Something Fun

I saw this on Collette's blog, and thought it sounded like fun. We all like getting free stuff in the mail. It ends tomorrow, June 5th, so if you're interested, look at the link below NOW !!

http://according-to-kelly.blogspot.com/2008/05/youre-invited-dont-forget-to-rsvp.html

Tagged. . . and getting around it.

My old roommate, and dear friend, Bethy, tagged me days ago, and I am just getting around to it. So, here ya go. . .

The player list 8 random facts/habits about themselves

1- I love working out! You just wouldn't know it if you saw me right now. This cold Spring weather is really getting me down, and I can't seem to get the motivation up to get out there and run. Only 6 months until my next half-marathon, so I better get crackin'.

2-I'm an extremely paranoid, almost OCD mom with some things. I don't realize it so much, until other people (like my sisters) point it out to me. My kids seem to do a lot better with a routine and schedule, so I am a little rigorous about it. I also HATE germs, and dirty faces and hands. When my kids are playing in the dirt, I literally have to tie my hands behind my back so I don't bring them in and shower them down. No, we don't have a sandbox, although I know they would love one.

3-I can't seem to go to sleep before midnight, and this is a real problem, because I'm always very tired. Summer is hard, because some nights the kids aren't in bed until 10:00, and then it's my wind-down time with Jake. We lie in bed, and I talk Jake's ear off, or read, until I totally zonk out. Then, when Rohne saunters into our bedroom at 6:15 am, I really start regretting it.

4-I really like school, although I haven't been in it for about 8 years now. I would love to go back and get my Bachelors Degree. I am still kicking myself for not doing it before I had kids. I somehow thought that at least someone in the family had to work, and earn money. Silly me.

5-I know, deep down, that we are supposed to have more children. I try to be satisfied with my two, but know that it may not be enough. However, we will approach that subject later. When, it becomes unbearable to resist. Like, maybe 5 years from now!!

6-I am scared to death about aging. I have these crow's feet I can't seem to get rid of, and the other day, I pulled out a gray hair. I am all for help in that area, if we can afford it. There is one procedure I would especially like to have someday. Those close to me know exactly what I'm talking about. I dread the big 3-0!

7-I am not a good housekeeper, although I would really like to be. I just don't like doing it, and it's very hard for me sometimes. I love when Jake helps me with the house, but I end up re-doing almost everything he helps me with. Of course, this makes it harder on me, but I can't seem to help it.

8-My sister, Whit, informed me that I'm turning into a real city girl. But, her only reason, is because I watch Gossip Girl, Greek, and The Bachelor. I do love the country, and I had a wonderful childhood growing up in a small town. I would never move back there though. Maybe I am. . .

I, in turn, tag Candy, Alayna, Mo, Allison, Holly, Nat, and Mom. Just reminding my sisters, and my mother that I've tagged them multiple times, and they have never responded!

Jake's New Haircut

Or should I say Buzz cut! Yes, he finally did it. My husband has been sadly losing his hair over the years, and although I still think he is as handsome as ever, it is really starting to bug him. He wears a hat everywhere he goes, except to work. Plus, he hates paying 10 bucks every time he gets it cut, because there's just not that much to cut. (Oh, we miss Holly!) So, last night, he called our good friend, Tila, to come over and buzz it off. I was very apprehensive about it at first, but it is his hair, and he can ultimately do what he likes with it. I am still a little shocked every time I look at him, but I will get used to it. And, his hair grows so fast that it won't last for long anyways. I know I've given you a hard time about it, but I love you honey! You'll always be HOT to me.

Tila demonstrating his cheesiness, and master haircutting skills.

A close-up of the new do. What do you think?