So PrOuD...

Some of the new news in the family is that my parents Ron & Terry have been called as Service Missionaries in our Stake.

I am so proud of my parents. They have really set some great examples for our family. They are doing the new ARP (Addiction Recovery Program). I cant think of two better people to do this. I took these pictures of them on my phone at Church today.

Notice their cute little badges!!!

BaCk YaRdIgAnS...

We have been working all spring getting our back yard cleaned up. We have added some flower beds, mulch, solar lights. Today a friend of ours brought us a truck load of pampus grass, wild grasses, wild flowers and stuff. We have been digging and planting all day. I am sooooo tired.

NoT eNoUgH tHyMe...

I found this cute little herb garden kit at Walmart today. It has Basil, Thyme and Sage in it. I have a friend that has always had a planter filled with fresh herbs in her yard, and have always envied that, but I never really cook with a lot of herbs, and I have always wanted to. So, I thought this would be a good start to do it. This is day one. I am excited!!! We shall see!

CaN I jUsT sAy...

No one...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOONE can scream like Madison. NO ONE. My ears are bleeding. At least she is happy.

OuR ArTiCLe...

Our article was picked up by another [larger] newspaper in Eastern Kansas. It is called the Lawrence Journal World (Lawrence Kansas). Here is the link if you are interested. http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/may/28/mother-fights-son-aspergers/

SwEeT tHiNgS...

Today, the girls and I went to pick up our precious niece (who is 14). Her name is Heather. She came to spend the day with us, and they played outside most of the time. I think she had a good time. She even helped us do some yard work, which was nice. We made a fresh cherry cobbler, and one for her to take home to her mom and dad (my brother). We deep cleaned Matthew's room (which was major disgusting) and it took Jeff and I 6 HOURS to do. Yep, that is 12 hours man work. It was sickening. I know a lot of it is my fault, I have been so busy with school and IEP meetings that I have not been able to help him keep up with it. We packed away 80% of his toys (probably never to be seen again, but I wont tell him that). After that, I made a meatloaf. Listened to the kids cry, gripe and complain that they HATE meatloaf, filled their plates up with it at least twice each (yep, they found out they LIKED it after all) and then went out and finished trimming up that back yard. It looks really nice. We just have to plant the plants now. We are planting pompous grasses, and plants that come up yearly so we don't have to keep replacing them. It looks so pretty.

Tomorrow, I am sure someone will need to lift my poor self out of bed because I am sure I wont be able to move. . .

ThE cAkE...

One of my FAVORITE things to do for my kidlets is to make their cake on their birthdays. I am NOT professional in any way, but I do like to do it. Bethanie wanted another heart shaped cake, and she wanted it blue and white. So I did just that. She LOVED the cake. It was a confetti cake with white fluffy frosting (with blue food coloring). It tasted as good as it looked like fun! She wanted to help me decorate it sooooo bad. I was a mean mom and didnt let her. I told her that this was a gift from me to her, and that it was MY chance to do this FOR her. LOL!

Bethanie is so sweet. She is so kind and thoughtful. She thanked us for giving her such a great birthday. That made me feel happy. For once, I felt like we did good for a birthday. LOL!

tRaDiTiOnS...

For the last few years, Jeff, Matthew & Bethanie have gone over to the cemeteries in town to put out flags on the Veterans headstones. This year, we all went. I had to take some pictures of my loved ones...

BeDrOoM ExCiTeMeNt...

AS IF!!!! Hey, THIS IS A FAMILY BLOG!!

So, something stirred on the floor on my side of the bed. At first, I thought Bethanie came in and fell asleep on the floor next to me. I would not consider that to be unusual, given she has been having bad dreams lately, and is very excited about her birthday. I woke up, looked on the floor but it was dark, so Jeff heard me awake and he asked who was in the bedroom. I grabbed the flashlight and felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one was in the bedroom. He then said he heard something on the floor on his side of the room too. I shined the flashlight up on the ceiling and saw this thing flying...Lets just say that we both quickly realized what it was, flew out of bed and out of the room. Of course, the blog addict that I am, I had to grab my camera to show you all. DOY!!

I swung my broom at the thing, missed repeatedly (hey, what can I say, it was 3:00 in the morning) and finally I hit it, swatted it to the shelf, Jeff ran over with a pitcher and covered it up. I grabbed some poster board [that just happened to be sitting there] and slid it under the pitcher and I high tailed it to the back door (which I previously unlocked and opened up for a quick get away). EVERYTHING in my hand was thrown out with the b-b-b-a-a-a-t.

MeMoRiEs...

I remember it so clearly, when I went into labor. 7 years ago we were up in Burr Oak Kansas trying like crazy to find the pond out in a field to see where Sister Underwood's son was being baptized. We never did find that pond, so we went to their house and waited. When everyone got back, we all ate cake and hid from a tornado. We were on our way back from Burr Oak when a strange white dog jumped out in front of us from out of no where, we almost hit it and it scared me to death. I remember telling Jeff that I think it was trying to make the baby come early, between that, the bumpy dirt roads we traveled looking for the pond and dodging tornadoes. We ate Burger King for supper that night. I was very tired when we got home. At 11:20 p.m. I was laying down to go to bed when I moved just right, felt a weird pop in my baby area and thought I wet myself (EEEWWWW, HEY everyone knows that a baby will kick the bladder and that happens, get over it!!!). I panicked and called the Dr. and he told me how to tell if it was my water that broke or not. Well, we decided that my water broke, but how could that be?? It was not time yet, I still had another month and a half. We were scared spitless and flew to Manhattan. What is normally an hour and a half drive, it took us 50 minutes which is terrifying in the middle of the night in deer infested land. We made it just fine to the hospital. I was really upset when I was told indeed that it was my water. I could not envision that this sweet little baby was prepared to enter into this world so early. I just didn't feel that she was ready, and neither was I. She came at 11:19 a.m. and weighted 6 lb 11 oz and was PERFECT. She was a little premature in age, but not in spirit or size. What a MIRACLE this person is. I look at her in wonder, each and every day...completely amazed that she is MY daughter. Other people see her and see her outer beauty but WE get to see what is inside. She is a magnificent person who is so kind, thoughtful and pure. I feel so loved by Heavenly Father because he sent me HER. She calms my soul, she soothes my heart, she makes me feel sooooooooooo loved. She is a miracle in my life, the child we were never going to be able to have. We know now that because of Heavenly Fathers plan for us, we had to have Matthew first. He needed to be in our home, THANKFULLY, but had we gotten pregnant with Bethanie, Matthew couldn't have come here. Heavenly Father was so wise that because he gave us Matthew, He gave us Bethanie. They are both amazing children and then there is Madison....I cant even put into words how I feel about each one of them. But this is Bethie-Beth's day, and she is the truest birthday gift I can imagine! I love you, daughter of mine!
Take a look at a picture journal through the years...

I was 24 weeks pregnant, and Reesie was adorable (still is)

We just brought her home...she was very jaundiced, but sooooo sweet. I remember having to sit outside in the car, with a naked baby, sunbathing her because she needed the sun rays.

One year old! I still have this outfit....I still love this picture.

When Bethie was 2, I had to have her surgically removed from my hip. She clung to me constantly. I remember crying to my Dr. to please help me!!! LOL!

I cant find her 3 & 4 year old pictures on my computer, but this one was when she was four years old sledding in our back yard. I LOVE how happy she is in this photo...

Bethanie went through this phase where she did not want to smile for the pictures. We were lucky to get this shot of her. LOL!

This is her 6 year old school picture and the one below is her 6 year old birthday picture.

I love that she has a pose for everything!

Such a performer! This is her most recent dance recital picture...

My stunningly beautiful little girl. I love her so much!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETHIE!

JuSt gLoRiOuS!!!

We found the most beautiful flowers at Walmart today. They are Calalilies! Oh I had to have some. We planted them in our front yard, some on each side and some in our rose bed. Oh they are so beautiful!!! I hope we don't kill them...

AcCoMpLiShMeNtS...

Whew, I got a lot done today. I tried to nap, but just after I fell asleep, Bethie came in and needed something. I failed for an hour to go back to sleep. So I got up and decided that I wanted to make our yard look really nice for the Holiday weekend. So I trimmed up all of the bushes and watered. Tomorrow I will mow the lawn. I am glad to do some physical activity since I have not been able to work out at the college. I am planning on changing that but need to get our summer schedule under control. So, I have scratches on my arms and legs, my back and arms are killing me from running the trimmer but it is a good ache. I feel like I made some accomplishments today. Plus, our yard is looking pretty good. We need some rain though, and maybe we will get some this weekend.

Oh did I mention BETHANIE [that squirt] cut Miss Madison's hair today? Oh it ticked me off. I am not talking a little cut either. She took off some of her long locks in the back that has taken her her whole life to grow. Fortunately there is a top layer that sort of covers up the hack job. I haven't tried yet, but it is doubtful I can french braid her hair now. :O( I thought Bethie was old enough to be past that cutting hair stage....

LeT sUmMeR BeGiN!!!

I cant think of a more beautiful May day than it was today! It was PERFECT to be outside. In Kansas, it can get pretty humid and mucky, but today, it reached 80 degrees and was slightly breezy with no humidity. It was beautiful! So, we took the kids to play at the park. Then we drove around for a while and drove to the lot where our new church building is going to be built soon! The kids loved running around it and just being outside...well, most of them...

This is the church lot...appropriately located on "Church" street.

Best Friends Forever!!!! I swear they are twins born 4 years apart!

This is the one who was not happy to be here today. He would much rather be at home in "his domain" doing "his" stuff. But alas, we wont let him. LOL!

She kills me. Every picture has a pose.
Always such a performer!

DrUnK & hUnGoVeR...

Ok-OK-OK
So my life isn't always an exciting thing. So here is one for ya anyway. The other day, my mom gave me a very old beer. They collect cans and so they found some beer and brought it home to feed their plants. So, she gave one to me to use. I hear it is good for the plants, kills off anything living in them and is healthy. So I used it on two of my plants. She (mom) never told me how much to use. Apparently I used too much on this plant because as you can see, it is fairly hung over. Yep. I got my plant drunk. Tomorrow it gets transplanted to see if I can get it to sober up. LOL!

LiTtLe tHiNgS...

It is always the little things in life that bring us the greatest joy. Today, I finally got to play with my new phone, and took some pictures. I am rather impressed with the quality of the pictures for being a cell phone. It even has some zoom power to it.

Some of my favorite little things in life are my children. The oldest two are at school. Tomorrow is their last day. So, for today and tomorrow, we still get one on one time with Miss Madison. I really loved this picture. She is such a pretty little girl. Don't let that fool you though. She is every bit as sassy and outspoken as a two year old can be! She is so much fun and is extremely polite!

For the past three years, we have been trying to grow grass in our back yard. We finally have a good start at it this time, so we will see how the kids kill it off. LOL! This is up front. Last fall we tore out some ugly bushes and we needed to plant grass. What was neat about this is that while I was watering it this morning, the sun reflected off the water and created a rainbow. It was so pretty, and I am glad that the camera (phone) picked it up!

"We ArE fRiEnDs"...

Bethanie and Madison really are the best of friends.

It is crazy because sometimes when they talk, you cant tell which one is talking.

They have so much fun with one another. I have said it before, but I still admire their

relationship as sisters! They are 4 years apart in age. I used to wish they were a little

bit closer in age, but I am really glad they are the ages they are. It has not affected

their friendship one bit.

Madison and Matthew are getting closer too.

I worried about their relationship because there is

nearly 8 years difference in their ages.

So I started asking him to do little things for her, like get

her a binky before bed or push her up to the table in her booster seat.

I have seen a world of

difference with doing this. I find Madison in on Matthew's

bed just playing with her dollies and

he is playing Transformers or something.

Just being near one another. I love it!

HuStLe & BuStLe...

Lately, our home has become quite popular with the little kidlets. There is a little girl that lives behind our house. There is a fence that separates our back yards, with a small hole at the end for the kids to sneak through. Her name is Shaylee and she is 5. Bethanie and Madison just LOVES to play with this sweet little girl. She is over here now and they are playing princess dress up. The twin boys from across the street are 7 and they are over playing with Matthew. I love that they are all over HERE where I can keep an eye on things. It is nice to see the kids having friends over (just having friends!!!)

ThE oLdEr I gEt...

The more impatient I get. I really really really hate having to wait so long to find out the results of my finals. I just want to know already. I wont know until Sunday afternoon. *POUT*

In the mean time, today was Bethanie's [fake] birthday party at school. Her birthday is a few days after school lets out of the summer. Her treat of choice for the class was Root beer Floats (or orange or cream soda). They all got a real smurfy cup to keep with either Tinkerbell, Hannah Montana or Transformers. LOL!

Then I came home and did yard work. Oh the joys of MAY!

Today is my special niece's birthday. She is a beautiful 14 year old girl! I LOVE YOU, Heather!

"Ketchup"

It has been a few days since I last wrote. I need to catch you up! Not that it is overly interesting stuff, or anything. **WHEW** it has been busy here these days!

It is now official. Miss Madison is NO LONGER, I repeat, NO LONGER in her crib. WAAAHHHH! I am so bummed out about this! She is just getting to be such a big girl...

Unfortunately, I have not taken the crib down yet, and since it is now vacant, Miss BETHANIE, yep, you read right, has taken an interest in it. Last night when I checked on them, she was not in her bed. After a brief panic, I looked in there and she was snoring away, all cramped up because she is almost seven after all!

The flash woke her up. LOL! I helped her out and put her back in her big girl bed. Silly girlie!!!

Today is my birthday. My sweet husband sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and bought me a new cell phone (LG Banter).

I think he felt guilty because he had to work today. LOL!

School is soon to be out. I have been working on summer plans and scheduling conflicts. **JOY**

Feature Article...

I am here with three of my most favorite people on the world. I love how the light is on Bethanie's face. The photographer didnt use any flash (Matthew would not allow flash photograpy) and I wish you could see Miss Madison's beautiful face.

This picture is a hoot. This shows Matthew's REAL personality. It isnt one we get to see a whole lot of. He was completely fixated on the camera. I just LOVE his expression! Me, as usual with my mouth open talking.

Yesterday was our article in the Salina Journal. It was a very fun experience. It was a little bit scary, but so far we have had positive feed back. I am sure though, that not everyone is going to be pleased with what we said, but well...what can I say. Some of the things were inaccurate as to who said what. Mainly the part about the Church situation (which I wish he had left out) but other things he had me down as saying when it was my dh that actually said it. I do wish that he was mentioned more in it. I felt like he was sort of left out of it. I am glad to see the pictures of him and my mom. The one of Matthew is hilarious. The girlies were both rather shy but they were mentioned quite a bit and they were in a picture. All in all, it was a positive experience. (so far).

It was fun that at least one of our parents were involved. I wish they all could have been. They are all wonderful influences in our lives and the lives of our kiddo's!

FiNaLs ToDaY!!!

It is the big day! I am down ONE final already. I feel very confident about it. There might have been 2-3 that I missed (I accidentally typed 23!!!). I am sure I got an A on it (a B possibly, though I doubt it). I felt very prepared for this test, mostly because my sweet dh gave me a blessing last night. It had 55 questions to it. I would say probably 45 of them were short answers with 3-5 different things to name or explain on it. This was my Human Growth & Development class. I love this instructor. Her name is Beth, and she is the one I had General Psychology with last semester. I will be in another of her classes in the Fall because she teaches Abnormal Psychology. I don't NEED this class for my degree, but could benefit from it personally, and it would also count as an elective for me.

The next exam is in 2 hours. It is my English Comp. II class. I really like this instructor too. He is the same one that I had last semester for my Literature class. His class is challenging because he mixes is up a bit, so you never know how he is going to test. I had issues with this final because the study guide he gave us had a lot of pre-midterm stuff on it, and we were not testing over all of that again, so it was confusing. I convinced him last week to give our class a review last Friday because we were all confused. Only a small number of the class showed up (I guess they don't care). So that is the one I am doing next. **YIKES** He is nice though, and he told me that if I ever needed a recommendation for anything, just to let him know and he would be happy to do it for me.

I am really looking forward to not only having finals over with, but knowing my final grade. Pressure off, when that happens.

This week is going to be sheer torture. I am glad to get the finals out of the way for now because then life goes on with other important things to take care of.

Tomorrow is the remainder of the IEP meeting we are setting up for Matthew. FINALLY!

Wednesday, I have a back appointment scheduled. We shall see!!! I am HOPING to go because the one I did last week, though it hurt and left be bruised, made me feel so much better.

Thursday, our son has to go to a specialist for a condition he has, and we have waited for ever to get in to.

Friday, our daughter is having a fake birthday party at school because her birthday is only a couple days after school lets out, so we will be doing cupcakes that day!!!

**SIGHS** Then soon enough, a whole new week will start!

Mother's Day...

I wanted to take a minute to talk a little bit about my mom, Terry. She is such a wonderful example to me. She has always been very kind, loving, compassionate and she never talks bad about anyone. She is my very best friend, one who will listen to me when I am whiny, one who will tell me honestly when I ask and when I grow up, I want to be just like her.

Mom, I love you. I hope that you have a great Mother's Day. This is the day for YOU.

I am so thankful that I am yours and you are mine!

(This photo was taken 10 years ago, when our oldest was a newbie)

I am doubly blessed though. Not only do I have my mom, which I am very close to, I have my Mother-in-law whom I totally adore. She is like a second mother to me. I find myself calling her just to chat, as I do with my own mother. Her name is Kari (and I cant find the picture I wanted of her, but this one is both my moms). And she is such a great support to me, and also a great role model.

I have learned so much from both of these women! I am so blessed to have them in my life.

I LOVE YOU!!!

Of course, I also have to say, it wouldn't be Mother's Day for me at all if it weren't for these three sweet little beings. I love each one of them so deeply.

Matthew is my oldest, and probably the most challenging. But he also has a big heart and a strong desire to be loved and be accepted. I am so grateful that he is my son. I cant imagine my life without him! He has taught me a great deal about myself, and has shown me that I am stronger than I realized.

Bethanie is my oldest daughter, and she is the most compassionate person I know. She has a huge heart, she is so thoughtful of everyone and tries to make them feel special. If she hurts someone even by accident, I guarantee it hurts her worse. She never wants to hurt anyone. She is a lovely girl with a golden heart!

Madison is our youngest. She is so much like her big sister, though Madison isn't shy like her Sissy. Madison has a big spirit. She doesn't know she is only two. She thinks she is as big as the other kids. She loves to be a helper and she loves to do things her own way. She strives to do the right, even though she is two, it doesn't always come out that way. She loves to tease anyone who happens to be around her and she is a real deLIGHT in my life!

Also, if it weren't for my husband, they would not be here!

It's Official!!! He is now officially a Graduate!

Receiving his diploma...

Posing for a picture (and a kiss)...

Jeff is a graduate with his BA in Business Administration!

Way to go, Jeff! You did a wonderful job!

Kansas Wesleyan University...Class of 2009

I am so proud of my sweet husband, Jeff. He has worked SO HARD this past 2 1/2 years to get his degree. He is graduating today in a few hours. He has been working on his BA in Business Management. He has some prospects, but he needs a little time to get them rolling. I am glad to see him accomplish this goal. He has wanted to do this for some time. I love him so much, and I want everyone to know just how much hard work he has done for his family!
I love you, Jeff! I am very proud of you!
Congratulations!!!