Boys Sports

Both Cole and Carter have found their favorite sport...something other than the PlayStation2. When asked my favorite sport the answer is "which ever one my boys are playing in" Cole likes football. This was his first year out. (disclaimer--since I wasn't blogging then I reserve the rights to add those pictures now.)

This is Carter's 2nd year of Basketball. These pictures were taken at the first game of the season. This is his team (all 4th graders) and his two coaches, which are awesome, they really know how to work with the boys.

Here Carter is seen blocking the opponent

I found that it was hard to get a good camera shot with my camera. They don't stay still long enough for a good picture.

This was the final score. We were the guests. Carter made three baskets during this game.

Gingerbread Houses

During Christmas time ever since the boys were small we have made a gingerbread house. One year we didn't have time to finish it before bedtime. The boys were so amazed that Santa would take the time to finish for them. Years later they still bring that up.

As I wasn't blogging at Christmas time I am taking artistic license and adding the pictures now

Each boy gets to decorate one half of the house

Here is Cole's.

And Carter's (he is pretending to lick it)

Back Door

Front Door

This was a gingerbread house from a box. So the pieces were already made and candy included all we did was make the icing and decorate. So when the boys asked to eat it I wrinkled my nose. But boys being boys they couldn't leave it alone. This is the gingerbread house after a hammer had been used.

2009 resolution

My resolutions for 2008 (not a typo) were to become physically healthy, spiritually healthy, and financially healthy. Fast forward one year....I have gained a few pounds, am in the same financial situation and stopped going to adult Sunday School. So this year's resolution is to focus on my physical health.

I joined a gym in Redfield and made a commitment for 18 months. I have set my goal to lose 40lbs by my 40th birthday.

I have also set rewards/incentives for every 5lbs lost.

I am entering everything I eat and how much I exercise on http://www.fitday.com/ I can also record a journal and enter my moods each day. I know how much exercise can tie into improving mental health.

I am also tanning--because tan fat just looks better...it also helps with SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder)

I would love to post a full length picture of me now but I'm just not brave enough. Maybe I'll be able to post the picture taken at my 40th birthday.

25 random things

1. This is my first blog...and I'm nervous...why I don't know it's not like I'll flunk or get kicked off
2. Favorite candy: dark chocolate
3. Favorite food seafood pasta

4. I love lattes

5. Pumpkin spice and cinnamon are my favorite smells...pumpkin or Chai lattes are 'the bomb'

6. I have lived in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Alabama, Germany & South Dakota...summer jobs account for most of the places

7. I love bubble baths and white wine

8. I have three fabulous sons...Taylor, Cole, and Carter

This is one of my favorite pictures taken Labor Day 2007

9. I once owned a hedgehog (Kirby) and would like to do so again

10. I will get another tattoo on my 40th birthday. I hope my sister Shari will design it for me

11. Lyle and My song is "Valentine" by Martina McBride...married 2/14/98

12. I like spring flowers--lilacs, tulips, daisies

13. I like Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and Ace of Cakes

14. I love to read...I go through streaks--right now I'm stuck on books by Nora Roberts

15. I like to scrapbook--paper addict

16. I hate the cold...summer is soo much better

Taken this summer when the boys went on vacation with Glen and mom

17. Both my parents are down south...Dad in AZ and mom in TX

18. I think peppermint is the only flavor candy canes should come in

19.I like to wear bracelets, necklaces come in second place and earrings just irritate me

20. I am horrible at math--spelling too but there is always spell check

21. I make awesome biscuits and gravy...it is my signature dish

22. I like to spend my birthday alone...this will be my 5th year. I pack up my camper.

Find my favorite spot at Fisher's Grove # 3. I've tried others but this has a wonderful view and is close to the bathroom. If you look close in this picture the white in the middle of the trees is actually my camper.


I spend the weekend scrapbooking, enjoying nature, & listening to music. Our dog Lady has stayed out with me for two years... Friday evening I usually have some gal pals out we have a bonfire and talk into all hours of the morning.

The inside of the camper...notice all my scrapbook toys

23. I teach our junior high youth group at church...this is my second year and I'm really enjoying it

24. I like flannel sheets and my heated mattress pad...see # 16

25. I have an awesome extended family.

This picture was taken this summer when we were all in Iowa at my aunts. From left to right (back) Cole, Dianne, Mike--my dad, Jackie--sister-in-law (front) Carter, Lyle, Kiley--niece, Duane--brother and Sturgis--nephew.

My boys are crabby in the picture because they just had a fight rolling around in the front yard...not unusual for my boys

Sturgis and Kiley @ halloween. Sturgis was Indiana Jones and Kiley just plain CUTE

These are the children of Lyle's siblings. Harrison (Wayne and Angie's oldest) Madisyn (Lori & Albert's youngest) Aidan (wearing the hat--Wayne and Angie's youngest) McKenzie (Lori & Albert's oldest) & Kate (Wayne and Angie's middle child)

My sister Lynette has two children Remington and Margaret

My sister Shari has three children Ryan, Chris and Emily