Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I can not believe 2009 is almost over and soon we will beginning the New Year. Where does the time go? Most of the year seems to be a blur, a whirlwind of memories, some very distant, and others just like they happened yesterday. It seems like the year may have started a little slow, but if we fast forward to April, things get a little clearer. It was April that I moved my shop from inside the truck wash to its current location. I remember painting and cleaning and preparing for what would be a great move. Little by little I have added new and different products trying to find what my niche. And from there what once was reality is more now of a dream. I can always tell the changing of seasons, even if I am unaware of what day it is just from the cycles of my work. When winter ends and spring begins, the trucks start to roll in. And this year was no exception. I cannot tell you just how many trucks I did this year but I would guess somewhere around 70 plus. And in no time at all it was May and we celebrated Brennans 9th birthday. It is hard to believe he is 9 already and now with the year end fast approaching, I know it won't be long and it will be his 10th. This summer Brennan played ball, but not for long, he broke his collarbone on a bike accident. We also watch Riley play ball this summer. It would have been nice to have seen a few more games, they were definitely worth watching. We also spent a few summer nights out watching Sabetha's American Legion team. We spent a Fourth of July family gathering wrapped in blankets in Holton, who would have thought July could have been so cool. With August the boys were back in school and I was working 60-70 hours a week. Nate and Riley both had Birthdays in October. With one now a teenager and one an adult, the fact of just how fast time flies has really set in. We enjoyed spending time with our families at Thanksgiving, and have a lot to be thankful for this year. Long hours were spent working throughout December as we were open late Thursdays for holiday shoppers and the extra time was definitely needed to get all my orders done by Christmas. I procrastinated my shopping this year (nothing new) as the Christmas season was a dreadful time for me. On December 5th we traveled to Paxico to have a great friend of mine take a few pictures for our Christmas Cards. These cards never made it to be printed, just one more thing I put off. (I have high hopes of getting family pictures taken this summer, so maybe for once I will be ahead of the game). By the way, I am working on this years cards, so I can get them sent out, they will just be a little late this year. With Christmas came a crippling snow storm, 12 plus inches and high winds. Lots of roads were drifted shut, and we spent our days at home, missing the rest of our families. I got in lots of holiday baking. We were able to get together with my family on Sunday and will have company tomorrow evening with some of the others. I am also excited to have another girl in the family. Congrats to Scott's cousin on her beautiful baby girl!! Both sides of the family have plenty of boys, so it is nice to have another girl. Hopefully her older boy cousins will be gentle with her and not pick on her too much! Happy Birthday to my Brother and great friends Anda and Tricia on New Years Eve! I love you guys, Thanks for being the great friends you are!! I am excited to start the New year and see what it has in store for us. Hopefully the snow will subside and the economy will grow and 2010 will be a great year for everyone!!

A Broken Tradition

Today it is Freezing cold out, first the rain, then the sleet, and now the snow. I went in to work this morning only to find my battery in the Tahoe was dead. After waking the hubby and charging the battery there was nothing but lights. After calling the local repair shop, and approximately 20 minutes later, I had a new battery and was on my way to work. Nothing falling from the sky but a fine mist of rain, I was perfectly content. It didn't take long to switch over to sleet and the North wind was howling. As I went to leave work at noon, I had a nice glaze over my windshield. I was able to scrape enough to see, but the wind was so fierce, I backed up behind the south side of the shop to finish scraping. As I headed home the sleet had changed over to tiny flakes and within a short matter of time it was coming down full force in huge flakes. I had been fretting the storm for days as we always go to moms on Christmas Eve and I didn't want this year to be any different. I in no way enjoy this part of the year but there is one good thing that comes along with the bad and that is spending time with my family. So just another damper to my already broken spirit, this year it just won't be the same. We let the boys open their gift and then I made a batch of the best sugar cookies. Tonight it will be hanging out at home, enjoying the warmth of the fire, and watching movies with the family. The tradition has been broken this year, but it is better to be safe than sorry, and I can't think of a better way to spend the rest of the day. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

It's a Long Road to Travel

I know it has been awhile since I have updated, Lots going on and Lots to do! We have traveled to Topeka a few weekends to get last minute supplies for the business and had a great friend take our pictures for Christmas cards I have yet to find the time to finish. I am somewhat of a procrastinator and I told myself this year we wouldn't wait so long (last year we were lucky to find one halfway warm day to get them in), but we were either busy or Nate was at his moms and so to no surprise, we just did them last weekend.
a crippling snowstorm came through last week leaving us with over a foot of snow, blizzard like conditions, below zero temperatures and huge snowdrifts from 40 mph winds. It was a mess. Boys were out of school, one day we just stayed home as it was too cold to wash and our drive didn't get plowed until the end of the day, leaving only one way in and enough room to turn around and back out the same way.
And thanks to that snowstorm, I am now even further behind in my work than I was to begin with. So here I am today, trying to get caught up with some much needed extra time. And speaking of work, it is crunch time. I haven't slowed down a bit since about May, but a lot of what I am working on now is for Christmas gifts and that is arriving with a quick vengeance! I have few gifts bought or made for those on our list and with trying to get my work done and working lots of late nights and weekends, I am still wondering how it will all get done!
No Holiday baking in our house this year, I barely have time to sleep, even though I am missing that. On a good note though, all these extra hours will be worth it, as I am taking a full week off right after Christmas. And little did I know, I will have to make the trip to Seneca to renew my drivers license that week. Since Mondays I work from home and they are closed on Mondays, I am not taking time off work, so that is a must to do then. Other than that is will just be B and I and maybe some after Christmas baking and I promised him he can have his cousin over for a night. I am also hoping to get some painting done. Originally it was in the plan to do our bedroom and bath but I am still undecided on the color, but I have great plans for the boys rooms and hope they love it when I am finished.
And that is all the excitement we have going on at the moment. Work, school, eat, sleep... The boys will be starting basketball soon, Nate in middle school, and B for the elementary program. I can't wait to see my boys out there on the court and I am always amazed at the talent of such little guys!! Until next time...Wishing your family a Happy Holiday and safe travels!!

30 Things I am Thankful For...

Family. Friends.
My Job being busy when so many are without,
Small Town Living.
The Men and women who fight for our freedom every day.
Good Health and Healthy Kids
Friendly Neighbors.
Computers. Internet. Blogs, Email, and Facebook! (Makes my Job Much Easier)
A warm Home.
Books, Cd's, and my Ipod.
Clean air to breath, clean water to drink, and A Clean home to live in.
B being a clown and putting a smile on my face...sometimes!!
My Cellphone.
A wood stove.
Being able to do some of my work at home so I can be here with the kids.
T-shirts, Shorts, and Flip-Flops:)
Hawaii
Sunshine
Cameras!!

I am Thankful for much more than what I have listed, and if you asked tomorrow, it could possibly change. Sometimes the great inventions that give us freedom to talk to friends and family on a daily basis ~like a computer~ can also wreak havoc on a day when work is to be done and deadlines have to be met. They are also listed in random order which can also change on a daily basis. Its amazing how easy this was to do, and if I kept a running list of all the things I am thankful for it would go on forever:)

Monday we had our first snow of the season. The kids didn't have school, so B got to spend part of his day with me and the other part with his Best Friend playing in all the white stuff!! The official amount was a whopping 10", but of course it varied anywhere from 8 to 14 depending on where you were standing. I am happy to say it started melting almost as soon as it stopped snowing and today it is mostly gone except for where it was piled up. I have a few pics and Halloween Pics as well to post, but I am off for now. Busy night ahead:)

Spectacular Flint Hills Sunset

Yesterday we headed to Paxico to visit some good friends. On our way back from town, the sunset was beautiful. In a matter of a few minutes we almost missed our chance to get a photo.

The guys went to the gun show while the boys and I picked up some things we needed and then headed over to Scott's dads to drop off something for him. We then headed out to Paxico for a BBQ supper, we let the guys cook, and then watched a movie. I had woke up with a horrible headache yesterday morning so I was glad to be back home after a long day.

Horrible, Rotten, Bad Day.....

Today was just one of those days. I felt a little"funny" when I woke up this morning, not sick, just like I was off balance, and then day went down from there. Cloudy, wet, cold, kids arguing, kids arguing with me, rude people, rush orders, and no caffeine.

For those of you who own your own business, you may understand exactly where I am coming from. Some days are worse than others, but today was rotten. I can remember back to shorty after I moved here, going out in public, seeing people stare, give nasty glances, and so on and so forth. And not all are like this, some are very friendly and have become great friends. And I remember when I first opened my shop, thinking no matter who gives me a dirty look, to always be polite since you never know who may be a potential customer and living in a small town it is often likely. And that is a philosophy I try to live by. I have slipped a time or two, but most anyone who knows me knows I am not a complainer, I just keep my thoughts to myself and go about my day. But today is different!!!

I know sometimes orders get messed up, some take longer than others, and some have just plain been lost. And then there are those that are finished way ahead of schedule or end up better than one had thought. Believe me, I do my best and I know that isn't always good enough, however that is how it is. And I also realize some jobs are just doomed from the get go. And lately that is happening more and more. Salesmen not returning my calls, problems with the merchandise, lost shipments, out of stock items, and the list goes on and on and on. And I think what frustrates me the most is even though I may only give myself a few days to complete the order and when my shipment is lost, I don't take it out on the UPS guy, or my supplier, or anyone else. I know it is just a glitch, even though it happens a lot lately, and that being mad and taking it out on someone else won't do a damn bit of good. And not only do these things put me behind, but they also put my orders behind. And so for those of you that have came in and smiled even though a was late or something came up and I had to be gone for the day...Thank You. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your understanding. Believe me, if it were as simple as taking an order and putting it out 2 days later, I would be in heaven. Some days the phone rings constantly, or a lot of customers come in and other days the phone doesn't ring at all. These are all little things that add up and can make my job stressful.

I hate the cold, and the rain, and this time of year I just plain hate. I just can't seem to get warm no matter how many sweatshirts, coats, shirts I put on, I am always cold. And then kids who think I should just get them whatever it is they want, or let them wear their good shoes and clothes for play, arguing over who gets to sit in front, what we have for supper, why they have to go to bed when they do, cleaning up after themselves, and on and on and on.

And to top it all off, salesmen keep calling even though we are on a no call list!!!!!

I think I may need a VACATION!!!!!!!

Party Pics

The first is of Nate with his cake I made him, then Maddy looking into the sharks mouth and last Grandma with Little X and Maddy sneakin in the back. Despite the weather outside, we were all nice and warm inside. It's days like the

I may be living at the Funny Farm!

I am not sure if I am developing a new sense of humor on life or if I have just been missing out, but I am beginning to see things a little differently. B asked me the other day about cantaloupe. I told him they can be grown in a garden and he used to love them!! He then responded to how gross, I am never eating them. So when I asked him why he said cuz they have to cut off the antlers first. What??? He was thinking of "antelope" and so then we went into the difference and what a difference there is. Some days I just have to laugh and wonder if he is really my child or if he was switched at birth. Joking!!
And then there is Nate. I had called him last week to wish him a Happy Birthday and now that he is a teenager I asked him if he felt any older or if it was just another day. And he said "ya, a little." My response being really? "My voice has been changing" Really? "Well just since the last 2 days." I tried so hard not to laugh on the phone, but as soon as I got off, I laughed and laughed and for a few days afterwards, I was still laughing at the thought of it. Boys!!!
And to top it off, some days I have the funniest husband ever. A few weeks ago we were at my moms going through things and Scott would NOT eat the pork loin she had cooked. I ate it, I was fine and let me tell you it was good!! Anyone who knows my husband knows he is paranoid about germs, and getting sick and such, so he asked mom if she had anything else to eat because he didn't want to eat the pork in fear of swine flu. So she made him some shredded BBQ Meat and he ate several sandwiches, it must had been pretty good. And even though we all assured him he couldn't get the swine flu from eating the pork, he wouldn't touch it. However, mom forgot to mention the BBQ meat she was feeding him was Pork not Beef!! And then to watch him on the computer. He has taken an interest in learning and getting on himself, which I love, but wish he would use the other computer, not mine. I usually just sit back and watch and try and let him figure it out for himself, keeping one eye on him at all times just so he doesn't mess anything up, but he still has trouble. One night last week, he wanted me to do something for him so I just told him what to do, but he was persistent that I do it. B was sitting here and said I'll do it dad, and Scott was in no way gonna let B touch it, but B was also persistent that he know what it was he needed to do, so I said "just let B help you, he knows what he is doing", and sure enough, B accomplished the task. I have to laugh, it is kinda funny to watch your 9 year old son, showing his dad the way around on the computer. Or yesterday, we had to go get shelving for my office, it is a disaster without ample space to store things and no closet to hide it all in. We went to get Scott a pair of shoes, he needed them and I had a coupon, and he picks up the shoe he normally wears and puts it back stating that they were made in China. And so then he goes around from shoe to shoe looking at the tags to find a shoe made in the US. Normally I would probably be embarrassed as people were standing around watching him fuss, but you have to remember I have been with him for almost 9 years, and I have seen worse!! I agree we should support American Made products but it was all too funny watching him, knowing there isn't a shoe made in the Us, at least not to my knowledge. I must say it is nice to have a good laugh every once in awhile. Have I mentioned I love these guys!!!

Life of a teenager, Oh my!!

Can it really be true??? It seems as though we were just celebrating a 5th Birthday for a freckled little boy on a shiny new bicycle. And now he is 13, officially a teenager!!!! It still amazes me how fast time passes and that those sweet little boys are growing up in front of my very eyes. And with each year comes new challenges and some relief. So we will just sit back and see what the life of a teenager has in store for us.

Happy Birthday Nathaniel:)

Loss of words

I have been putting this post off for a few days now, and I am still at a loss of words. What should be such a happy time for us only seems to leave me with a clouded mind. Memories flood my thoughts and the reminder of what is missing becomes more of a reality every year. The words "it gets easier with time" are just a way of one trying to make us feel better or give us a glimpse of hope to hang onto when in fact the more time that passes the harder it seems to deal with and the fact that once again we are facing the reality of something that will never be the same again. There is never a day that goes by that I don't think of him, his smile, his laugh, the way he always called B "Butch", how he almost always answered the phone if I called before 7, or how you could guarantee if you called much later he would be snoring in the background. How he would get on the boys for being rowdy, and how he was always looking for the "what's gonna happen, who's gonna get hurt" whenever all the kids were together. How he would let B help him combine, or how he hugged little D with all he had for the last time. It seems that reality is only emphasized with the setting of fall and how all things around us are slowly fading away as soon it will be winter. It is just a dreary reminder of the passing of time...time that can't heal, time that can only leave us to remember and cherish the times we once had.


Rest in Peace...we love and miss you XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Can one really have it all???

Last night I came home, (after working an hour late) and worked on shirts for a few hours. I have been trying to stop at around 7:30, otherwise I am wide awake til after 1 am!!! I decided that since I keep gaining weight and I am definitely not ready to give up my sweets, and due to the fact that I haven't even put on my "winter weight" yet, that I am getting back into my workout routine. I spent 20 minutes on the treadmill, equivalent to a mile, and then worked out with Gilad. For those of you that don't know who he is, he has a show, actually 2 episodes on the discovery channel I believe, maybe it is TLC, during the National Body Challenge. It consists of simple movements and light weights, but let me tell you, the workout works muscles I didn't know I had. Especially the thighs, butt, and stomach...those areas I need to work the most. I haven't done them for awhile, I have been too busy, and I thought being up on my feet would help, but apparently not enough. I felt great, I could even still keep up, but today I can barely walk and going up steps is tough. Last night after working my stomach muscles I couldn't get back up off the floor for a few minutes or my stomach muscles would cramp up (something that I have never had happen before). Maybe it is all in part to getting older, who knows, but I am definitely going to make the time to do this every day, no matter what I have to leave out to fit it into my busy schedule. Which leads me to my point of can I really have it all and not only go to work and accomplish things but have time for me and my family as well. How do all of you with more than a few kids manage your time? I feel horrible if I leave something out, I LOVE a clean house, love finding some time to spend with the kids and helping with homework doesn't count, and then spending some time with the hubby at night. The other night he helped me cook supper, something we used to do all the time, and I loved it!! Not just because I had the extra help, but because we did it together. My current routine goes a little something like this: wake up 7 am, kids to school and at work by 7:30, home at 3 (hopefully), work on things at home and help kids with homework and chores, supper (if I have time) by 6, then possible back to work or catching up on Facebook ( a bad habit of mine) and shower and a little tv depending on the night and bed by 1 or 1:30 am. I want more time to clean and at least 45 minutes to myself for my workout. I am wondering if one can really have it all and still get it a good nights sleep, or am I always gonna be a walking juggling act!!!

Just a little dissapointed and a great tip

Awhile back Nate came home from school and told us that someone took his lock off his gym locker. Apparently he didn't get it locked and it went missing. (later to be found on another locker) This weekend he came home and told us someone took one, yes just one, of his shoe laces out of his P.E. shoes, and luckily his teacher had a replacement. I know kids, especially boys love to pull pranks on each other but seriously, are kids really finding this funny? Last year his towel came up missing and was nicely replaced with a rag. There is no way the kid could have dried off with this thing, it was full of holes, frayed ends, and thin as paper. I managed a quick fix on that one. I bought him a nice, new, over-sized towel and embroidered his name on it. And imagine that, he still has his towel, good as new. Just a perk of getting wholesale goods and owning an embroidery machine. I also put his name in his shorts and tees with my heat press, since they all dress identical, just so no one would accidentally pick up his clothes. However, the shoe string has me puzzled. There really is no way for me to embellish his shoestring, nor is there a good way to prevent others from taking them. I understand he needs to be more careful, but I find this all just a bunch of B.S. and who can find humor in stealing or destructing other peoples things. I am a little disappointed that our kids can find humor in this and no matter which way you look at it, in my opinion it is what it is (stealing) and our kids should know better.

I am very happy to say that my loving kids, or so they thought, brought home some pears, fresh picked off a tree, yes this was from a tree of someone they knew and had permission from, just for me!! I don't eat pears, but the the fact that they thought of me made me feel good and was nice to know their lives don't always exist of just themselves. It just so happened, these pears, which no one ate, including them, got left on the counter in a bag until one day I smelled something awful. I have been extremely busy lately so other than the necessities of dishes, laundry, etc., little was getting done around the house. But it didn't take long to find out where the horrible smell was coming from, and as soon as I picked up the nasty bag of rotten pears, out came a swarm of fruit flies aka gnats!!! These pesty little guys will live anywhere, and I have even seen a few in my bathroom, UGH!!! I have kept dishes out of the sinks, cleaned the sinks, kept all food put in cupboards, make the boys take the trash out if there is any kind of food in there, and they just don't go away. But I found this great homemade recipe off the Internet and to my delight, it works.

It is one part sugar and one part vinegar, mine made about 3/4 cup. I poured it in a mason jar and rubber banded a piece of tin foil to the top with a few holes poked in the top. Supposedly they are attracted the smell of vinegar and once they are in they cant get back out. I woke up and found about 20 drowned in the jar and more sitting on top just waiting to fall in:) A few more nights and hopefully they will all have joined their friends. Whew, I was beginning to think we would never get rid of our pests.

So if you have gnats, try this, it really works. And I really like that it is made from things most people have on hand and no chemicals. I did read it is best to dump the mixture and start over every couple days or so. I am hoping they will all be gone by then!!

Look what showed up....

Ok, it was more like look WHO showed up at our front door yesterday evening!!! Wade and Anda rode up on their bikes, it was a great surprise, and a great day to be out riding:) I must admit I was a bit jealous we couldn't have went out with them, but Scott sold his bike and even though I would love to have one, it just never happened.

It was a very busy week and weekend for us. I had a great week, very productive, and can feel good about the progress I have made. I can't wait for the day I am caught up and no more late nights, stuck down in the dungeon, WORKING!

Friday was our annual mother/daughter shopping trip to the Legends. It is always nice to get away and spend time with my mom and sisters, and every year the weather has been great. They have great deals, it is never over-crowded, and I must admit, it is one of the most relaxing days of the year for me. We just happened to stop by NFM, I do think it is impossible to see everything in that store in day, but I found the most amazing bed at a most amazing price, and after 8 years of waiting for a bed, I think I am finally going to make the purchase. And that is part of the reason I have put getting a bike on the back burner. Our home needs painting, furniture needs updating, and I have little patience for getting it all done, even though I know I am going to need A LOT before I am satisfied. The boys have hand-me-down bunk beds that I inherited from my momthat us girls used when we were kids. Scott and I have NEVER had a bed, just the metal frame and a mattress. Our kitchen table needs replaced, and the bed in the guest bedroom consists of 2 twin sized beds put together that I also inherited from my mother that I believe came from my grandparents house, and that room is just tooooooo small for a bed that big, so I would love to do a daybed/trundle as soon as I find one I like at the right price and have the extra cash. I know it all takes time. Our house came with flat paint, all the same color, and lets just say they do not come clean no matter how much you scrub. Oh and that scrubbing doesn't work well on textured walls either I might add, so each and every room needs a paint job, except for the living room, which turned out great and makes me want to get on the ball and get things done:)

Saturday morning I was up bright and early to go register for the Sabetha goes pink 5K cancer walk. It is a benefit to raise money for local cancer victims and that is a cause I will do my best to help any way I can. Mom and my sister and her family along with myself and my two boys participated. The boys took off running and finished in about a half hour and Mom, Amy, and I in about 54 minutes. Not bad if I say so myself, it was not a race, and it was a nice walk for us. Afterwards we had ate breakfast and headed to the shop. The boys helped their dad wash a few trucks and I had some lettering to put on a truck.

Today we were going to head to Highland to watch Scott's oldest play some ball, but unfortunately it was cancelled. We were looking forward to going and watching him play, it is amazing how good they are, and their way of playing is much different than the games we are used to watching. The boys played, Scott and I took naps, and then we cooked supper together!! I am looking forward to getting much more done this week, and another relaxing weekend ahead.

And here is another photo of Wade and Anda on their way home.

Remembering the Heroes of 9/11 .....

Where were you on 9/11? It is hard to believe this tragic event was 8 years ago, a day I among many others will never forget......

This day especially stands out in my mind, it is still very clear to me, Scott and I awoke very early that morning, I believe we were on the road by 4 am and on our way to Topeka to meet his Dad and then on to K.C. It was a Great day, we couldn't have been any happier to be on our way to Hawaii, the Island of Oahu, for our Honeymoon!! We were supposed to at the airport by 7, allowing time for check-in, and boarding our plane which was to leave around 8 or 8:30. ( I don't remember the exact time) And once we were on that large plane, I was excited and scared, I had never flown before. Scott had, it had been awhile, but we were headed to Hawaii....Hawaii Baby!!! It seemed we sat on that plane for ever. We were waiting on a late passenger or so that is what we were told in the beginning. And after we had been sitting there for what seemed as an eternity the pilot finally came on and said our plane had been temporarily grounded and we could get off the lane but if we did and the plane got the ok to leave, it was leaving without us. There was NO WAY, no way at all, we were going to miss that flight. So we waited and we waited. Finally the pilot came back on and told us that the plane was grounded til further notice and would not be going anywhere that day. And so as we are all getting off the plane we are wondering what the heck could have happened that the plane wasn't going anywhere. And since Sc0tts dad just dropped us off and was on his way back home, no cell phone, we were wondering what we were going to do and how we were going to get back home. There was a little bar inside the airport when we came back out with a t.v. on and it finally hit us what was going on. I can not even tell you the emotions I had running through me, happy that that wasn't our plane and that we never got off the ground, sad for all the lives that were being affected, and disappointed we were no longer on our way to Hawaii. Finally, Scott got ahold of his dad back home and he came back and picked us up. We sat outside and just talked with all the other people trying to get where they were going, some who lived much further away and wouldn't be going home that day, or the next, or the next.
Finally arriving back in Sabetha the chaos continued. Every gas station had long lines, people feared gas was going to rise to $4 a gallon, it was just a mad house. And I remember calling Nate and asking if he wanted to come back home or stay with his mom because she was to have him while we were gone and he kept telling her he couldn't because we were in Hawaii.
Everyone has a 9/11 story, some more tragic than others, but the truth is no matter where you were or who you were with from young to old, this day will forever be remembered.

8 years of memories

Scott and I were married on September 8, 2001 at the Church of Christ in Fairview. I had rained the night before but the sun was shining that day. It was a great day and we were officially starting our lives as one. Three days later we were to go see beautiful Hawaii on our honeymoon. Little did we know what that day had in store for us. (I will post more on that tomorrow) Lets just say we had to postpone that trip til January. I had just started a new job at NCTC and Scott was working for M&L Auto and had just helpin in opening Midway Truck Wash. Our boys were small. Brennan had just turned 1 and Nate was almost 5. We had the typical family life of work 8-5 or close to that and home to spend time as a family. We took lots of bike rides, made a trip to the Topeka Zoo every summer, and spoiled those silly boys ROTTEN!!!!!

Hawaii was fabulous. It is truly paradise. Someday I would love to go again, but not only is everything expensive there, but the flight is long. We were lucky enough to have great friends stationed there(part of the reason we had to postpone it so long) and Anda was our very own personal tour guide. For the first week she took us around the island and looking back now, just driving around was something to remember. We went to Haunama Bay, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, and so many other remarkable places I can't even name them all. Everyone should have the opportunity to visit Hawaii!!!

In the early summer of 2001 we purchased the trailer court. It started with only 5 trailers, 1 of which was unlivable. We moved ours from the other trailer court and started building our investment. Throughout the years it has grown to 10 trailers and a house. It can sometimes be more work that it is worth and at other times it pretty well takes care of itself. I survived many "bad" storms in them dang things and couldn't be any more happy when we finally got a home in 2007. I had not had a huge fear of storms before then but anyone who has ever stayed in a mobile home with 70 plus mph winds with very little protection knows exactly what I am talking about. The roof starts rumbling and the walls start popping and you can literally feel your house shaking. Now that is a scary experience!!!

When we did our home in 2007 we had previously purchased the land a few years back and like the location and the fact that we would be moving out of our "investment" and wanted to be close to keep our eye on things. And at the time there were absolutely no homes for sale, none close to the area or any bigger than the trailer we were living in. We had our basement dug, Scott helped set up forms, we dug out the water and sewer lines by hand, something I would rather not have to do again. It is never sooo frustrating to dig them out only to have to do it again the next day after the hired helped had filled them back in!!!!! Everything was behind schedule, but approx. a month after our basement had been poured the day came when our house arrived. It came in two pieces on two different days and had to sit up here for a few days before the crew could come back up to move it onto the foundation. I made Scott go out there with me at night and cut open the plastic so I could have a sneak peak. Anxiety was on high and I just could not wait to be in our home. Within a matter of days, they had it put together and we were moved in. But to this day I still have several boxes yet to be unpacked.

Throughout the years we became owners of the truck wash, I had my own daycare, then going to work in the truck wash for my husband after much begging and finally in 2004 I opened my Graphics shop. It has been a long road, lots of hard work and a load of debt, but we are making it slowly but surely, and someday it will all be payed for and hopefully we can truly enjoy the benefits.

We both had our first experience at Rockfest, saw poison and Def Leppard, and took a few trips to KC to visit family. We have lost many loved ones and and gained some new. We watched the boys grow to their current ages of 17, 12, and 9!! It is hard to believe they are that old already and when people say time flies, it truly does. And I am proud to say that all 3 of them have jobs and are learning the ways of the world. They are no longer those spoiled, silly little boys. They work for what they have and will continue to do so.

The last 8 years have flown by, lots of memories were made, (some lost), and I can only hope that the next 8 will be full of many more!!

Rest in Peace

In Loving Memory Of Patricia (Patty) Jean Flentie

July 15, 1953-September 9, 2009

We will miss you.

As being the only Grandkids and nieces/nephew in my grandparents home, you can only imagine how spoiled we were. Holidays were a HUGE deal to my grandma and my mom could never seem to get off work on time which left all us impatient kids waiting and waiting and waiting. And you can imagine the kinds of goodies we got from two aunts working for the Campbell's Soup Factory. Cookies, soups, crackers...you name it, we had it. It may not have been high tech gadgets or expensive toys, but we couldn't have been more thrilled to open our food gifts at Christmas. And with that also came huge soup mugs, watches and things I know I am forgetting. And for us kids there was nothing better than getting to go visit my aunts. They lived in a HUGE house!!! Well, it seemed way bigger when we were little than it did last week when we drove by. We would get to go spend a weekend in Nebraska and rent movies, go out to eat at Pizza Hut, and had the whole upstairs to play in all by ourselves. Things we never got to do at home. And they had every board game you could imagine. It was great.

I also remember my Aunts love of pictures. It runs in the family, I am who knows what generation of this very same "problem." They are everywhere. But the cool thing about Aunt Patty was she had her pictures put to slides. And she had and still has boxes and boxes of slides. So many that I don't have a clue as to what is all on them but it was always a treat to gather around and get to watch the slides from the pictures she had taken. And she had every holiday get-together recorded on camcorder as well as far back as anyone could afford one of those expensive gadgets. A

As we got older and my grandparents passed we not only started out in our own lives but they came around less as well. It would have been nice to have spent more time together in the end. I remember my last "good" conversation with her was in the Hospital, just minutes after my dad had passed and we left the room and I hugged her and told her he was in a better place and I loved him and I loved her. I will forever cherish that moment, and now she is home in peace and her suffering in gone. There is no doubt that she has reunited with my grandparents and my dad and that one day the rest of us will join them one by one. It is hard to lose loved ones but you have to find comfort in knowing that they truly are in a better place and that no matter how selfish we are for wanting them here with us, they are the ones in a better place. I hope my day in joining them is far down the road but I do know that one day we will all be where the sun always shines and it only rains with love and joy and happiness.....

Happy Anniversary!!

Today Scott and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary, well if you can call it that. It was just like any other normal day...work, leftovers, and more work. It is amazing how fast 8 years has come and gone and as I was going through some of our videos I came across the one of the day we got married. And as we were sitting there watching it we counted all our loved ones that were able to share our day with us and are now gone. In just 8 years, it has seemed like a long time, but in reality it is just a short moment of time in our lives and how quickly things have changed. First with my grandma and great grandma. Then my dad and Scott's grandma and also one of his cousins husband. I am thankful that we can look back at that time in our lives and know that they were there to share that day with us, but at the same time reality reminds us that those loved ones are gone and are no longer here to participate in the memories yet to be made. We have accomplished a lot in this short amount of time and been through our share of trying times as well. I won't forget those memories as they have made us stronger but will keep them tucked far from the surface. When I was thinking of what to write about I kind of had a different direction in mind but I guess these are my thoughts at the moment. So tomorrow, I am hoping to jot down all the things I was wanting to say tonight and will try to update on the current situation as well. Just be thankful to be alive and healthy and live each day like there is no tomorrow because we never know where our future will take us. Happy Anniversary...I love you and can only wonder where the next 8 years will take us!!

This and That

It has been a busy weekend and it was a busy week. I am beginning to wonder what the purpose of having hours are when I work past them every night????? It is frustrating...but I am determined to work through it. I am lovin this weather, it is sooo enjoyable but makes me a little leery of winter. The boys have made it through their first whole week of school. It goes fast and I am already tired of B having homework everyday. By the time he does homework on Wednesdays, his paper route, it is time for church and then home to shower and bed. I do remember Nate having a lot of homework at this age as well, maybe there is just a lot to learn...

Yesterday I managed to sleep in (yay) and get some much needed things done around the house. We have been here almost 3 years (it is hard to believe time has gone that fast) and our showers have never been waxed. I have been meaning to do this for awhile, but after I get done cleaning them I always forget to go back and wax after they have dried. Or maybe I am just to tired at this point, who knows. I washed rugs, and even scrubbed the boys floor. Usually they are in charge of cleaning their bathroom, I really don't even like going in there, but lets just say they weren't quite getting the job done right. I was also tired of the clutter on the sink so I bought them nifty little plastic containers, the kind with drawers, that are small enough to go under their sink. Now they each have their own space for toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, deodorant, and whatever other necessities they need. The bathroom is so small there is only space for a trash can, and it is a small trash can. this worked perfect and still left room for extra toilet paper and shampoos because the containers are stackable! And the best part is they seemed to like it as much as I did, even though that just might have something to do with the fact they have their own drawers!! I even managed to clean that nasty fish tank! It was so bad Scott wanted to take it down and sell it, but my fish have grown so much and I do enjoy just sitting in there and watching them even though less work would be a plus. Today we woke up and split wood. I hate this, the bending over and over and over really takes its toll on my back not to mention sore hands from picking it all up and piling it. Yes, I have soft girly hands and I like to keep them that way. However after cleaning screens, I had blisters, and now it is starting to peel, yuck!!! We also cleaned up the garage. There is soo much stuff out of place I didn't know where to begin, but yep, it's cleaned now too. (as clean as a garage can get) This was supposed to be my husbands palace, I only park in there, its too dirty and drab for me to want to spend any amount of time out there, and somehow, I always end of cleaning it!!! It was to the point that I could no longer get out of the truck and go to the door, I had to walk around the truck and that was a tight squeeze, no room to carry anything, so I knew it was time and quite obvious no one was going to make a jump at it without my encouragement and help!!!

I have decided to spend the rest of my evening relaxing. I hope next week is better and that I can get off on time to keep up with all the house work and my job. I finished my last truck last week, even though it may be in the works to have 10-15 more, it is still a major accomplishment. It is also Sunday which means another exciting episode of TrueBlood. There are only 2 episodes left, but they have already announced a season 3, so I guess something to look forward to!!!

It's the end of the summer...but we'll see it all again...

Well, it's finally here. The unofficial end of summer. Tomorrow is the first day of school for the new year. I am excited but worried. It has been a really long summer for me, some weeks 70 plus hours, and I am still behind. On the other aspect is has been crazy fast and I am sad that I no longer have the option the spend time with them during the day. I am excited to get back into the routine of work/school, homework, chores, supper, and FREE TIME. Yep, I got my new bike, well it's several years old actually, out of the basement and up to the garage. I am looking forward to spending some evenings out on the bikes with my family. It is good exercise and just nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air, for all too soon winter will be upon us. I am hoping with them in school I can accomplish more during the day (i will not have to answer my phone or listen to them argue, or worry what trouble they may be causing) and have more time to spend with them other than working!!! And what great little helpers they have been:) I am soooo proud of their work habits, yes they can still improve but I do not expect them to be perfect, and their willingness to help out others as well. I am however tired of the arguing and the backtalk and hoping their teachers will help out in this area as I do not see them back talking them without huge consequences!!! And yes a bottle of soap is close by, I have just had enough!!!
Last weekend we went to my Great Aunt and Uncles 25th Anniversary celebration. It was nice chatting with my mom and getting to see all my family, they are great, and wonder why we don't spend more time with them. And my plan is to get a GPS and make much more time to visit and get together with them all. Yep, that's my plan!!
Nate played Baseball and finished first undefeated, while B's team didn't do as well, but he only played 3 games due to breaking his collarbone, which they say is Finally healing nicely and we won't need more x-rays. Whew!!!
As for Scott and I we did get to spend some time visiting friends this summer, watched Riley play ball, which was amazing, and WORK. Lots of WORK!!! We did make it to Rockfest with some great friends and what an experience that was!!! And a few weeks back we saw Poison and Def Leppard with some of my family!! It was the closest to a vacation we could get, ha ha!
But we will go through the seasons, and every year seems to go by faster and faster, and before we all know it...summer will be here again. And that is something to look forward to!!!

Camp Rulo

This weekend we took our friends up to Camp Rulo for supper with an amazing view. The food isn't the greatest, but the view is spectacular!!

days go by...

There hasn't been a lot going on around here lately. Work hasn't slowed down a bit, and I must admit as much as I like baseball I am glad this season is almost over. I am amazed how fast the month of July has flown, and that in about a month the boys will be back in school. I am sooo happy and yet sad because it means another year closer to being grown up. They already grow up soo fast. It does mean that I won't have to worry about what they are up to or who they are playing with and I will get a lot more accomplished at work. We have put in many new guidelines for them in the past few weeks and they seem to be adapting well. We are on our way to a less hectic life...I hope! I also love the routine we have when they are in school, and wish I could implement more of one through the summer, but there is just too much going on. Guess we will see what the days ahead bring, hope everyone is enjoying their summer:)

A day out watching our favorite STAR

Today we went to watch Scott's oldest play a little ball. It was our first game and lets just say it was much different from the games we are used to watching!! If you want to see how it's done...you will need to watch one of these games:) Had a great day and soooo glad to get to finally go see him play!

Later in the day we headed to Scott's aunts for a BBQ and some fireworks. It was nice to sit around and visit with the family and I do believe this is the coldest 4th as far back as I can remember!!

*Happy 4th*

Happy 4th!! Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holiday:)

Just an idea of what I am working on this week and last!

5 plus boxes packed full!!! It's gonna be a busy week!!!

A few pics from our Rockin Time at Rockfest 2009

Just a small amount of the people there.

Korn

the 4 of us fried!!!

Josh Todd of Buckcherry

Shinedown

May 30, 2009 Scott, I and our good friends traveled to KC for Rockfest 2009! Other than it being hot as heck and 50,000 people all crammed in one place to see great bands like Rev Theory, Shinedown, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel, Buckcherry, Corey Taylor, and last but not least Korn, we had a Blast!!

Batter Up.....

Walked to first, then base hit puts him at second base.

Batter up!

From another angle:)

Well, life is busy as usual. Work, work, work, I know I know it is always work, and baseball. We went for x-rays Thursday for B's collarbone, and it is healing, just not healed so he is out for another 2 weeks at least when we go back for yep, more x-rays. I am bummed. I love baseball!

Here are a few pics of Nate's game from tonight. They stomped Hiawatha, I lost track of the score but I am going to guess somewhere around 15-1, but don't hold me to that!!! And I have lots more pictures of both boys, however, they are on a different camera and it just so happens that I don't have a card reader for that camera card on this computer and I will admit I am just to lazy to hook it up to the printer, so I will try to get it done at work. Also, if you check out this weeks Sabetha Herald, there is a great photo of Nate up to bat! I am amazed how well they played considering the heat of 105 or so. I couldn't even think after being out there for 10 minutes. Was glad to be back at home in the air conditioning, gave two of my favorite guys haircuts(Scott and B) and then a quick supper of frozen pizza, baths, boys off to bed and Scott and I relaxing even though I KNOW I SHOULD BE DOWNSTAIRS PRINTING SHIRTS!!!!!

A busy weekend ahead

Well, what can I say other than life has been busy. Real busy. I worked til 9:30 last Friday and then we headed out to watch the boys legion game. Talk about a long night, I still had payroll to do when we got home. I must say it was a great night to spend outdoors though. Saturday I worked until 2, had planned to stay later, a lot later, until I was halfway caught up, but people kept stopping by so I locked up and went home. It was nice to come home to quiet. The boys were watching the game and Scott was mowing. Later on that night we went out to another legion game. Monday was busy. I have so many shirt orders, I have made a schedule just for shirts. I am right on schedule at the moment with those, just behind on everything else. Nate played ball Monday and won!! B's team also played and they won as well, however I sent him with his friend since he is still unable to play due to his collarbone. I had another late day Tuesday. Walked through the door at seven, cooked supper, and back to work I went. Last night I think I actually got off on time, but had more work to do when I got home. Today I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, it was my Monday, but I was off by 6 and home to help B deliver his papers. Then Scott helped me do a shirt order needed for tomorrow. I have a few signs and 2 more trucks to do tomorrow. Saturday I was going to spend part of my day at the Pony Creek Lake for the Hospital Guilds Family Fishing Festival, but due to a small number of kids signed up I have decided just to donate some prizes. Sunday is my big day. This is the 3rd year I will have a booth at the Twisters Car Club Car Show. If you are in the area, stop by and check it out, we will also be giving away items throughout the day. I still have to prepare everything for that. Talk about last minute, Ugh!! Then to do it all over again next week. I am sooo ready for a break. A break in work to clean my house alone would be nice. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad, but I can't remember the last time things were dusted or floors scrubbed. It is definitely past due, as I miss having the time to clean, clean, clean!! I am still going to post pictures, as soon as I find a little more time to do so. Hope everyone has a great weekend:)

Broken Bone

Well, it finally happened today. Brennan had a bike wreck and broke his collarbone. He managed to ride his bike back to the shop and I could tell he just wasn't acting right so to the doctor we went. Yep, we have had many scrapes, bumps, bruises, even a cracked thumb, stitches, and all the good things that comes with having boys, but never a broken bone. I feel so bad for him, he is quite sore. It may be a long week, but hopefully it heals fast and life will return to "normal" before too long.

Life outside of work

We had a great weekend. Good friends, good food, and I got to spend most of the weekend with the family! Thursday morning my Great Aunt and Uncle stopped by on their way through. It was s nice to see them, it has been a few years probably. It had been a crazy week, work-wise and at home. School is officially over for now, baseball has started, and they boys both have their own jobs. I was in a whirlwind and am thankful to have the weekend to have relaxed. It seemed to help as things are much better this week, and I made great strides today. I did of course work til 10:30, but I feel a huge relief. Saturday we worked half a day, our friends came up in the afternoon, and the pool officially opened. We had a bbq Saturday evening and watched a few movies. Sunday was very much a lazy day as well as yesterday. I did nothing yesterday other than a little cleaning in my office, finally got all those papers filed where they belong, and cooked a great supper. I am happy to say I have part-time help coming in to help me tomorrow. It will be nice to have a little help. Baseball resumes later on in the week, and I still have some pictures to post if I can catch a break this week. B gets to spend some time with his cousins this weekend and Scott and I are going to have a great weekend, and I am sure I will have a lot of pictures to post from then as well. I may make that something to do on Sunday, who knows. I wanted to work on the website tonight, I have some updating to do as well as June's special. Next month we will be out at the Hospital Fishing Derby, and the Twisters Car show. It happens to be on the same weekend as well as city wide garage sales, and I know I have much stuff in need of a good home, however, due to such a bust weekend, it will have to wait. Bummer, I love having a little extra spending money!!!

My new-found life of work and baseball

Yesterday was such a great day, I love getting things accomplished. There is such a feeling of relief and it definitely keeps me going. However today was a different story. And must I say I HATE waiting. I am now sure what went wrong but lets just say the waiting put me in a funk and not a whole lot got accomplished, UGH! Besides being extremely busy with work, I had to wait on the boys, run uptown, then back to the house, then back to the shop, just in time to come home, make sure chores are done and then off to ball practice. Then we have to deliver B's papers tonight or tomorrow right after school, because the boys have games tomorrow night,B here, and Nate away. Thankfully, he was able to catch a ride with his coach. Then no school Friday, and I have to work late. Some days I wish there were two of me, but then again not, because the stress is definitely taking it's toll on me. I have a new system, hopefully it will keep things a little more organized, only time will tell I guess. I still have pics to post and will probably have a few more to add tonight, but I plan on NOT working this weekend, so maybe that will be a good time to get those up. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, I am thankful to be soo busy when others are being let go, but my family is still my first priority and lately I feel like they have been cheated. I must say though, I am loving this weather, and other than the wind, it is nice to finally be done with winter.

Field Day

Today was the elementary school field day. B did the 50 meter dash, the balloon toss, the tricycle relay and the softball throw. He did a great job, took second in the softball throw for 3rd grade boys, and I didn't here what places he took in the other events. I do have some pictures, but have to either use my shop computer or hook this one up to my printer to post them, and I have too much to do tonight. It is still unbelievably busy at work, and don't get me wrong, I am not going to complain, however, it will be nice to be able to remember what I have to do and not feel like I am in a constant whirlwind. Someday, but not anytime soon. Oh well, keeps me on my toes:) The boys had interviews for BBBS and then we were off to deliver papers. And since I am a little slow to get things done, I realized the last 4 weeks I haven't entered payroll in the computer have to be done tonight since tomorrow is tax day. Yay me!! Then it is off to bed after I read another chapter in my book. I have taken that up as my nightly routine for me time, and it is something I most definitely enjoy and seems to set the mood for sleep!!!

Happy Birthday B!!!

I can remember the day, 9 years ago. It was a Saturday, the day before Mother's Day. I remember spending all day at the hospital, waiting, and waiting. But once it started, it all went fast. (and that is why I am wearing my shirt and not a gown) And at 6:12 pm, I was the proud mama of a beautiful 8 lb. 13 oz. baby boy. And from there, things are a bit of a blur. I remember them taking you out of the room because you wouldn't cry. And I had lost a lot of blood, even though I didn't know it at the time. I remember being sooo cold, and thirsty, and the ice chips just weren't cutting it. And I vaguely remember them bringing you back in to me, but no specific details. I remember holding you and not ever wanting to let you go. And from that day forward, I knew I had found my heart and soul.

Because I"m MOM...

What a crazy week. Work, ball practice, cleaning, cooking, going here and there, and more work. B is finally feeling better. I had taken him to the Dr., who said it was really bad allergies, to stay on the allergy med, add a nose spray, and by Sunday night, he was complaining of his chest hurting, which really hadn't surprised me since he sounded so very congested. Come Monday, I had a call into the Dr., who put him on an antibiotic, and with the help of a humidifier at bedtime, he is finally recovering. I noticed last night he still has a bit of a cough and a little congestion, but has had his voice all week, and is definitely better.
Tuesday, I went to work, came home, worked some more, and repeated on Wednesday. I finished up at 9:30, just in time for a shower and bed.
Thursday, I came home with a terrible headache and decided not to work even though it was about all I could think of. Went to B's baseball practice and then home to rest. I fell asleep on the couch and the extra sleep was nice.
Friday, oh Friday. I took the day off, even though it was rough, because I knew I would be needed at the shop. I did shirts all day, and I mean all day. I grabbed the boys after school to run to Wal-Mart to pick up food and supplies for B's party. I finally finished working at 9:30 and came upstairs just in time to grab a bite to eat and then pick Nate up from his school dance. Scott and I watched a movie and then off to bed.
Saturday, I was up early, well early for a Saturday. I had a cake to make, payroll to figure, and some cleaning to do. I did manage to get it all done and take a shower by 12:30, just in time to get lunch for the party, and back before anyone had arrived. It was a great day and the weather couldn't have been anymore perfect. Saturday evening after we ran a few errands, Scott and I relaxed with another movie. I also had a cake to make for Sundays lunch.
Sunday morning, I was up, finished my cake, made sure the boys were up and dressed and ready to go and by the time I finished gathering everything, it was time to go. Nate went to his moms and Scott, B, and I were off to my moms for lunch. It was nice to sit around and relax and just do nothing. It has been one of the longest weeks ever, but in another sense, so short. If I could have had just a few more hours in the day, I could maybe gotten a little more done, and not have felt so rushed.
Today was finishing more shirts, and books. I really do not enjoy books, but it saves us money and after having our taxes messed up year after year, I took this upon myself to save us from others costly mistakes.
And why do I get to be the lucky one to get t do all these fun things... because I am the MOM!! I get to make sure everyone is where they need to be and on time, to do the grocery shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, the full-time job, only to get to come home to arguing, homework, messy rooms, laundry, housework, gardening, errands, bills, medications, playing, answering the phone, dishes, showers, and tucking him in at night. I am the one that gets the Good nights, the I Love You's, the stories, the accomplishments, the frustrations, the joy, the happiness, and the fun!!! It is easy to get frustrated, but it is rewarding all the same. Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day, I did:)

So Proud...so torn

It is something I do not say often enough, but I am sooo proud of our boys! Both of them are now officially have their first jobs. Nate has had his for about a year and B starts his this week. It isn't a lot, but it is a start. It is a way to teach them the rewards of work and the responsibilities of getting older. We make them put half in their savings and the other half is theirs to spend freely, no questions asked. (sort of) We do try to give them some suggestions, but basically it is theirs. Nate bought his own baseball cleats and come August they will be buying their own school clothes. I am just soooooo proud of the kids they are, and I need to tell them that more often. They aren't perfect, they like to fight, and nit-pick, and tattle, and argue, but I couldn't ask for better boys:)

On another note, I am torn at the moment. I have been working basically non-stop, and they are left to do homework, chores, and playing to themselves. They do this quite well, but with the truck wash still slow, and deadlines to meet, I feel this is what I have to do for the family. I miss having time with them, and am taking most opportunities to do something with them even if it's only for a half hour here and there. And nothing made my heart melt more than knowing they were outside playing catch with their dad last week:) I was working so he went out with them!!

It will be a busy week and we will be celebrating a birthday this weekend, and between the two I am not sure how it will all get done, but one way or another, it always does. I was hoping to get more done today than I did, but got a late start and things didn't go as planned, so that means lots of overtime this week. And then a cake to make, a gift to order, and cleaning to do.

B is still a little under the weather. He was really congested again last night, complaining of his chest hurting, so today I called the doctor and the prescribed him an antibiotic. Luckily it was only $7.00. So he is on that, plus his nose spray and allergy med. I also found the humidifier in the basement today and put that in his room plus Scott put some vapor rub on him, and I am hoping he will be good in no time:) I feel so bad for him, he hasn't had much of a voice for the last 2 weeks, sounding a little better today, and then to have the congestion on top of it, and not a lot I can do:( Hopefully he is on his way to feeling a little better, although I am glad he hasn't had a fever or any other signs of illness.

O what have I been up to???

Well, it has been very busy lately. Shirts, shirts, and more shirts. More shirts than I can keep up with. But..... I am finally caught up as of today! I worked everyday last week after I got home from work, on shirts. No kidding. I am eating, thinking, and dreaming shirts. It was so nice to come home today, and not have to "work". I did shirts Monday, and last night, and today, and now I am caught up until my next 3 orders come in, then back to the grind. It is a good thing it is a favorite part of my job, but I must admit I am i little shirted-out at the moment, and the break from then over the next couple days will be much appreciated!!

I did get a small break Friday, and got to go out for lunch with my mom and aunts. It was good food, and a great time. (and very interesting stories) And I did need the break, Thanks Girls!!

Last weekend, we made a trip to Topeka for Scott's birthday lunch, a few supplies for the shop, and then we went to spend the rest of the days at our friends. It is always nice to get away, take a break, and see some of the ones closest to us. BTW, Thanks Anda for the delicious supper!! It was very good and I am going to try and make them in the near future:),

Sunday started with a little anxiety. I hate severe weather. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good thunderstorm as long as the threat for severe weather is low. And I mean very low. I am the child that used to run outside at the nearest thunderstorm just to hear my mother tell me I would be struck by lightening if I didn't get my butt back inside. And guess what??? Not only did I only sometimes listening, but now I do the exact thing with my kids only 10 times worse!!! They aren't allowed outside, or even near a window or door, before I am right on their tails, saying the exact same thing. Thanks Mom! To make matters worse, we had to buy new phones for the shop(all the moisture makes them last only about a year) and there were no batteries in the box. The only thing we could do was return them, so away my husband went, which only added to my anxiety. He did return safely just in time to watch it rain. And rain did we get. The official reading at our house was 4.5 in. And I knew it well, hearing the sump pump run every 5 sec. Finally yesterday it had slowed to about once a minute, and I really haven't heard it today. I am not sure who's idea it was to place it directly under out bedroom, but I wish I knew now what I knew then. It is noisy and interrupts my sleep. Not only can I hear it come on but then the gush of water which empties outside our window. Hmmm, I think with all the rain in the forecast, it will be a great idea to invest in some insulation, at least under our room. I am definitely checking into this possibility.

Baseball is right around the corner. B was supposed to have practice tonight, but due to the rain it was cancelled. Both boys will be playing this year, and since it just happens to be my favorite sport I must admit I can't wait. (I could avoid the hustle it brings with it, we are always running, But if that's what it takes, I will deal with it)

I still haven't had the chance to go meet my new nephew, which is at the top of my to do list. I am hoping maybe I can fit it in to my weekend activities.

Other than our normal routine, and me having little me time, B has some strange illness going on. Losing his voice and a little congestion for almost 2 weeks now, I decided to make him an appointment because he doesn't seem to be getting better and I really don't want to wait until the weekend to be like "Oh, I should take him to the doctor", nor do I want to pay an emergency room bill, so to the Dr. he goes. Hopefully it is nothing serious. He hasn't been running a fever though, so I am assuming it is nothing major.

I have got in some late night reading. I am on my 3rd in this series, and even though I miss sleep, I love to read and if that is what it takes, then sleep is what I will cut back on. Plus it helps me relax, especially after working late, I need a little unwind time!!

Meet Mr. Bean

Yes, another boy! I am sooo excited he is finally here and can't wait to meet him!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Bean, and by the time I meet you, you will have a new name:)

Not Your Average School Tee...

Well, yesterday as I was printing shirts (very cool ones I might add) I received a call from another business that happens yo be a good customer of mine, letting me know about some goo die bags that different people were donating to for the kids going to state music on Saturday. I of course jumped on the opportunity to get rid of some shirts cluttering up my shelves in my printing room, and to use my creativeness to making some rockin hot tees! Ok, I also enjoy doing this as a way to get my name out there, which in my way of thinking, is better than your average ad in the local paper. Really, who could disagree? You are displaying what you do, along with quality, and word of mouth just works soooo much better. So, I spent several hours working on the design, I wanted it to be nothing less than amazing. And as most people know my work tends to be a little on the flashy side; I have been told too flashy at times, but what it the point of advertising if you don't get noticed. So I almost scratched the design, thinking it was too flashy and maybe a little too much, and then changed my mind that I wanted a shirt that someone would want to wear because it was trendy and not be worn once and tossed to the back of the closet. So I went for it and I love it. It looks great on all the different colors and not just one or two. In fact I am not a big fan of yellow or even royal, colors you will never see on me, but I think I would actually wear one if it looked like this!!

We haven't done a whole lot lately other than our usual routine. I did get out and play some baseball and basketball with B yesterday. The weather was great and I knew I would be working a lot this week, so I took the opportunity to play with him while I could. His best friend is in Florida til Thursday and Nate is at his moms this week, so he is a little lonely. We are planning on visiting some friends this weekend, and Friday we are getting together with some of the family to celebrate Scott's birthday as well as other family members who had April Birthdays. He just turned the big 38 last week!!!

Here is another picture of some shirts I did yesterday. It was quite a chore to get them done, as we have a pesty neighbor who doesn't work and finds nothing better to do with their time than BUG us. I received 4 calls and Scott said he had at least the same. I understand the could be lonely or just have nothing better to do but my time is precious and especially since I know I have a lot of work to get done and will be putting in much overtime. I don't want to waste it going over the same things so not only will I get my work done, but maybe find a little time for my family and to relax as well. It seems there are never enough hours as it is and I don't have a minute to spare.

Til next time!! Hope you are all out enjoyin this beautiful weather!!