The Rogers Family

I WILL HAVE ONE SOME DAY.....

2011-08-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

now the question is, how long can i hold off. They are sooooo beautiful!!

Busy weekend... but boy was it fun!

2011-05-22T20:51:00.001-07:00

O this weekend was busy. Braden had 19 boys heading down to state track, our niece Jennifer was getting married on Friday afternoon and we had a little purchase to pick up... How much and you fit in one weekend? LOTS!!!

Wednesday night the kids took t-ball pictures and met their teams. Right after they were done we took off to Nana's for the night. Mommy and Daddy were heading down to Des Moines for state track.

Once down in Des Moines we started Thursday off great with qualifying for finals in the SHR..I love hurdles!! I could watch track all the time... it blows my mind how talented some people are. We have been lucky enough to have many of this VERY talented guys on the team Braden coaches. I had to leave and head back to Waterloo on Thursday night to get kids home for a good nights sleep for the wedding.

Friday morning started off with Tay getting her hair done. She started off all upset about having it fixed. But boy what wonders a few "big girls" telling you how cool it is can do. Next thing i knew she wanted nothing to do with me and wanted to hang with them all day. =)

Once at the church it was the hurry up and wait game... but boy do my kiddos look cute waiting!

Once the wedding was over kiddos heading with Aunt Chrissy and family over to the dance. I headed back over to Des Moines for finals.

Braden should be so very proud of his team... what great young men he has on his team. They are such great guys and have wonderfully supportive parents...it made for such a fun weekend. We came home with some PR's and a few medals... not bad for the weekend..

Once all events were over we loaded up and headed home... 832 miles later my weekend was completed.. lots of driving and lots of fun! After all that driving I think I sit back and let Braden do the driving ... on his new toy!

After 11 years of no bike...and wanting one very badly, he was able to pick his up Saturday and head home!! The kids received their first rides tonight, and boy were they excited. I however am VERY afraid of bikes and it might take a little more time for me. I am sure I will love it, just need to get on and try....

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as we did!!!

graduation day....

2011-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

O wow... how time flies! I can not believe it is May already... school is almost out.

Last week our baby girl graduated preschool... bittersweet! So excited to see the young lady she is becoming, yet so sad that she is no longer my baby.

Taylor graduation night

She has been so lucky to have been able to go to school with her best friend. These girls have been together since taylor was 2 weeks old. The best part of this story is our families have had girls together for 5 generations, going back to Taylor and Miss L's great great great grandmas who were "girl friends" ..... and here we are years later with this two little ladies!

T & L

Thursday night we have Lane's kindergarten concert, he has a solo i hear. I do belive it is a line he is reading a loud. Either way I will share photos!!
- Nicole*

My Easter babies....

2011-05-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

They posed for this picture for Daddy ( who was working) and my cousin Abby ...

Hope you enjoy Ab~ LOVE YA!!!

Big dreams....

2011-04-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

We spent a weekend down in Des Moines with the kiddos.. out of all they could have asked for this is what they picked. Hmmmm i might have to let Papa know as this is out of mommy's price range for "toys" =)

getting the itch...

2011-02-16T10:54:00.001-08:00

As i drove to work and notice the snow leaving.. heard on the radio that the temps are going up... i got the itch. I need to go sit in the sun and there is nothing better then doing it while sitting next to our camper. COME ON SPRING!!!

So proud...

2011-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

My little stud muffin was named citizen of the month this month at school... such a proud momma i am!!

LOVE YOU LANE MATTHEW!!!

2011-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Heard a great song on my way into work this morning....one part stuck out!

"this is your life, are you who you want to be?"

Merry Christmas..

2010-12-23T07:08:00.001-08:00

A Very Merry Christmas from the Rogers... wishing you the best for 2011!!

listen today...

2010-12-07T08:41:00.001-08:00

Saw this poem and had to share...

Take a Moment to Listen (author unknown)

Take a moment to listen today to what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do, or they won’t be there to listen to you.
Listen to their problems, listen to their needs.
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds.
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter.
Find out what’s the matter, find out what they’re after.
But tell them that you love them, every single night.
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them.
Tell them “Everything’s all right; tomorrow’s looking bright.”
Take a moment to listen today to what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do and they will come back to listen to you.

buddies...

2010-10-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

I know this photo is a little hard to see.. but its Lane and his best buddy! Life doesn't get any better then being 6 years old, at a high school football game with your best friend.

Love you boys!

Stuck like glue...

2010-09-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here is what B spent the week doing!! =)
So we spent last week with our fire family at convention.. it was great. You will have to minus the smell, the dirt, and the terrible head cold I got, with that said I would go back today! There truly is nothing better then spending time with great friends and your hubby! I LOVE this week every year because Braden and I act like kids again..
Our good friend Trotter played this song often while sitting around at night.. I think this describes us when we are away together!

I love you B!!

Mmmm better...mmm better...
Absolutely no one that knows me better
No one that can make me feel sooo goooood
How did we stay so long together?
When everybody, everybody said we never would
And just when I, I start to think they're rightThat love has died...
[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time?
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on youWhutooo whutooo
Stuck like glueYou and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glueSome days I don't feel like trying
Some days you know I wanna just give up
When it doesn't matter who's right, fight about it all night
Had enoughYou give me that look"I'm sorry baby let's make up"
You do that thing that makes me laugh
And just like that...
[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me baby were stuck like glueWhutooo Whutoo
You almost stay out, too stuck together from the ATL
Whutooo Whutoo
Feeling kinda sick?
Just a spoon full of sugar make it better real quick
I sayWhutooo WhutooWhatcha gonna do with that?
Whutooo Whutoo
Come on over here with thatSugar sticky sweet stuff
Come on give me that stuff
Everybody wants someMelodies that get stuckUp in your head
Whutooo whutoooUp in your head
Whutooo whutoooUp in your headWhutooo whutoooUp in your head
Whutooo whutoooWhuthoo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me together, say, it's all I wanna doI said
[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on youWhutooo whutooo
Stuck like glueYou and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me baby were stuck like glue
Whutooo whutoooStuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue

yipee!

2010-09-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited we are four days away from fire convention!! Time for Braden and I to be just that, Nicole and Braden. No responsibilities, no worries, no schedules to freak out about. No bed times to meet, no dog to feed, no one to please but me!

We have two of our best friends staying with us, it should be great!!!

See you in two weeks....

off we go..

2010-08-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

So today was the day.. my BABY started school. The photo above is Lane with his friends; Devon, Ainsley and Drew.
As Mommies, it was nice to see my friends there with their kiddo’s starting school too. Most of us this was our first baby off to school, for one it was the middle one and another it was her baby.
Lane did so great! Last night he kept stalling going to bed, finally he said “Mom I am kind of nervous” I told him I was too! He asked, “Really? Why?” I told him I had never ever taken a boy to school in the morning.. Nor have I had to be a mom of a kindergartener. My favorite little boy looked at me and grabbed my hand saying “it will be ok, we will do it together” AND WE DID!

Off Taylor went to daycare, Lane and I picked Daddy up from the shop and went to school. He was great, he walked in handed in all his paperwork, put his stuff in the locker and into his room he went. No fear, just a quick look back at mom and dad, with a wave.

I am so excited to go pick him up and hear all about the fun time he is having!!

Cell Phones

2010-08-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

So we all grew up with a cell phone at some time in our teen years. We all had to have “THE TALK” about making to many calls or calling a long distance number.. O the days!
Recently, Braden and I opened a new account and placed my parents on ours to help save them a few bucks.. =) The first 3 months were great.. bill came I paid all were happy.
Then I received this months bill.. WHAT THE HECK! Now I knew I went over on my text messages, as Mandi had her baby and we text the whole way through. But almost 60 some dollars worth... I think not.
Saturday morning I got up and called in to have them explain the phone bill to me. As the woman is telling me about our bill, she keeps referring to “my sons’ number”. Now remember my parents are on the bill with us. Yup you guessed it.. My Dad’s bill was a little out of control. My dad is selling some of his farm equipment and is doing some dealing in Canada… international calling, multiple times. He also sent text messages to Mandi, but guess what he doesn’t have a text plan. ( might have been nice to know)
So I had to have the talk with my parents this weekend about their phone bill. Can I tell you how funny it was to think I had to talk to them about their excessive phone usage... ahhhh pure comedy.
Needless to say it is all worked out.. and they have had their warnings :)

Summer Fun

2010-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Its been a few weeks since I have last posted.. we have been so busy having fun! Most of our weekends are spent in the Liddle's pool, here is a photo from last weekend.

Will post more pics of the kids having fun soon....

I am an Aunt again...

2010-07-21T08:15:00.001-07:00

WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY!!!

Teagan Alan Comer

8lbs 20.5 in

Happy Birthday Laners...

2010-07-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

Six years ago today, we met the sweetest little boy in the whole wide world.

Six years ago today my life changed forever!

Six years ago today i learned the meaning of TRUE love!!!

Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE little man!!!

Love you,

Mommy XOXOXO

Our vacation..

2010-07-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

Perfection.. That is how I would describe our weekend. Minus my bad headache Friday night, the weekend went off wonderfully!

We started off a little late on Thursday but its vacation we can do that. We got to the campground Thursday night, enjoyed a quick visit to my Uncles place then back to our camper. Put the kiddos in bed and Sue and I sat down to enjoy a visit while the kids fall asleep. That quick visit turned into an hour and a half trying to get kids to calm down enough to sleep. Poor Devon was so excited and in a new place, it took him a while to relax and fall asleep. Once we figured out the kids were sleeping the boys came in, we all sat at the kitchen table and visited, until 2 am. This might have been my favorite part of the weekend. We had sooo much fun just catching up and hearing about ‘THE COURT, the trailer court”

Friday was a slower morning, hitting the pool, having lunch and taking an afternoon boat ride to a sandbar to relax. We did not pack enough items to keep my kids busy on the sand so we didn’t stay long. Once home my headache set in and my night went down hill. Thankfully, Sue and Lisa got coolers packed – kids’ items ready and Braden got our kids to bed timely. This control freak HATES to give up control but really had no choice after the way I was feeling.

Saturday—8:30 we left for the sandbar and arrived back home around 5:15… what a WONDERFUL day. I cannot even begin to describe how great the kids behaved. First argument was around 4 and ended around 4:03.. With all 5 little ones playing together. Our day involved, a picnic, laying in the sun and standing in a LARGE circle in the water. As it was called many times that day that “circle of life” was the best part of that day. At one moment all adults were in a large circle and the kids were swimming in the middle of it.. Life does not get much better! We ended the night with cake for Jerrod and Lanes birthdays this week. Our camper had 3 tired kids in and they slept wonderful that night.

Sunday we all packed up and took off fairly early.. I am counting down the days until we are able to do it again.

4th of July

2010-07-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

We will see… that was the daily comment this past weekend. The kids would ask, “ are we going to the parade” we will see “ are we going to fireworks?” we will see That was the best answer I could give all weekend.. RAIN. We did make it out to one parade, and one set of fireworks.
Saturday morning we headed over to Dysart and watched the parade with friends over there, we then came back home headed out to my parents for some playtime. Which quickly changed to running home, jumping in our suites and swimming with GREAT friends.. As the story goes lately, a headache sent us home for nap time, which then turned to a play date in the park with the Hansen’s. From there we headed back out to my parents for some fireworks.. From their yard you can see CF, Waterloo, and Washburn.. Well Lane saw them. Two minutes before they started Taylor was OUT!

Sunday we headed off to Church, then thanks to the wonderful rain grabbed some groceries, and ended the day with Pizza, sparklers and Hansen’s! Sounds like the perfect night to me.

Monday involved some school shopping for my kindergartner, some shopping for our up coming camping trip, a trip to McDonald's, a TON of laundry, some house cleaning and another LONG nap!

Today we are getting back in the groove of things, Mommy off to work, Daddy off to the shop, Kiddo’s off to Audi’s… 2 more work days, and then we are out of here. Can hardly wait!

Gift 1.. done!

2010-07-01T05:05:00.001-07:00

Unsure how but it is birthday time at the Rogers’ house again, this time Lane. My baby boy turns 6 in a couple of weeks… but at the age of 6 or 31 at the Rogers house it’s a month long celebration. I LOVE LOVE LOVE birthdays… so we make a HUGE deal at my house! Lane loves them just as much, so I want to take this time to apologize to his some day girlfriend and wife as he expects it to be celebration from July 1st- July 31st, and this mommy happily fulfills this request! With birthdays comes gifts, now Lane is needing a couple of things. One being new bedding, Diego is out at our house. He has picked out a very sports themed bed spread that is currently in my closet waiting for the big day! But he needed one more thing…
Lane has not gotten a new bike since he was 2 or 3.. So you can imagine how badly he needed one. Last night Lane, Taylor and I set out on a mission to find “the bike” , three stores later we found it. “ mom this is the one I want, its perfect” With a smile from ear to ear he walked it up front and just as quickly walked it out the door.. Present one given and done!
Lane and I took the bike out to my parent’s house as Papa is home alone this week, so we had to show him. Bless my dad for acting like this was the coolest thing in the whole world.. “Lane this is so neat!” Was said a few times, along with “When you’re at Audi’s I think I might have to come in town and ride that cool bike”. So, on the way home last night I heard twice (note its only 3.5 miles from my door to my parents) “ we better put the bike in the garage so Papa does not try to take it” :)

I have a feeling we will be biking a lot this weekend!

T-ball has begun

2010-06-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

We are in full swing for T-ball.. last night we had our 6th & 7th games of the week. My children are enjoying the games and time with their friends. But boy oh boy are they tired. I had to "talk" both of them into playing last night. Thankfully, both played as my WHOLE family came to watch. Lane had another double header last night, if he were 10 that might be OK but at 5 a DH just seems a bit long. Two full hours of playing in the sun and heat got to him last night and he went home feeling ill. I am pretty sure between the heat, the water and a lot of running that was what our problem was. Either way we did a cool shower and snuggled on the couch.. my favorite part of the day...

Have a great weekend!

Something to think about...

2010-06-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

“Remember, your raising an adult...”

I read this statement today from another article I was reading… this was something that made me step back and think. I am truly raising young adults, someone’s roommate, someone’s husband/wife, someone’s dad/mom … yikes!! That is a lot to take in. Do not get me wrong I know every single thing I do will influence how they are molded, but sometimes, OK most of the time I have a hard time picturing past tomorrow.

When I stopped this morning and thought about this, I thought of some of the things I hope Taylor does that I do not do for her daddy. I also thought of some of the things I wish Braden would do for me that he does not, and I hope lane does for his spouse some day.

Where oh where is that fine line between letting them be kids, run amuck, and remembering I am raising an adult? Should I no longer allow them to leave the living room a mess as we walk out the door? Should I no longer allow PBJ for supper 4 nights a week because well it is easier for me then cooking something up in 10 minutes as we head out the door. Am I supposed to make them lay their cloths out the night before, get their bags and items ready for the next morning? Do I make them help me figure out what the plan is for the week?

NO! They are going to be OK. They know we all have chores that need to be done. Correct me if I am wrong but, part of being the mommy is doing half of what is listed above? Planning the week, laying clothes out, doing the laundry, keep the house picked up, (yes with their help) and most importantly loving them unconditionally.

I honestly feel as though if I show my children how to love, they will have a great base to grow from. Anyone who knows my kids knows how loving they are. I have had several people tell me how jealous they are of the love Lane shows me in front of his friends. If he and Taylor both show me that much love, I know they will show their spouse that much as well.

This does not in any way mean I think I can kick back and relax.. OH NO! WE still have a tough road ahead of us. I do know Braden and I have WONDERFUL children. Children who know how to love, know how to care and are willing to be support to anyone needing it. Can you ask for much more out of a four and five year old?

I have some pretty neat "adults" at my house....

counting my blessings...

2010-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

My children.. those are my many many blessings!

Over the past couple of weeks we have heard of several tragedies involving children. Our friends Blair and Suzie, know a couple who lost two of their three children in a car accident. This was over a week ago and sadly the mother is in critical condition at the hospital, and has no idea she lost two of her babies.

Last night we learned of a family who's soon is down in IA City in ICU. They found him with a cord tightly wrapped around his neck. Last we heard he has a strong heart beat but may have brain damage....

makes me stop and think..

I no longer will complain about Taylor taking up half my bed at night... as she is with me.

I will no longer be upset when Lane talk about how Taylor is telling "stories".. as he is able to talk to me.

I will over look the extra time it will take to have them ride their bikes to the post office.. as i will be spending a little extra time with them because of this.

Sadly it takes such tragedy to make me stop and look at how blessed I am. I have two healthy happy children, a loving husband, and a HOME to come home too. I thank GOD every day for this...and hug my children a little more becasue if it.

Braden's birthday gift...

2010-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

So Friday we drove down to the Lake to give Braden his gift... after 6 hrs on the road and 3 "potty" stops..they were reunited. 3 years apart we found out is to long for these two.
Over all i think both boys needed this trip and enjoyed it!!

Dylan...

2010-03-30T05:18:00.001-07:00

In 2001 Braden and I moved to Osage Beach, Mo, to start our life together. I got a job at a Day Care as the assistant director, oh how I loved that job. To this day I would still move back to do this job.. =)
While working there I met this little boy, Dylan. Dylan and I hit it off better then we should have…prolly crossed a few parent, child, employee lines. About 3 months into me working there Dylan started coming home with me at nights because his mom had to work, had plans, whatever ( I didn’t care). Well soon it turned into Dylan coming home with me on Friday after work and he would stay with me till Sunday. There was not a week we didn’t have Dylan.. His dad lived in an apartment below us, so often on his weekend Dylan would whine until he got to come stay with us. =) ( yes I/we loved this)
He had his own room at our house, his own toy box, his clothes that stayed with us.. Everything. He used to call Braden, GUY, o we loved this! Often we would hear “ Cole, I go see Guy” ‘”Guy I love you” he was ours… kind of. Needless to say when we moved a few years later, leaving him was the hardest part. Both Dylan and I cried for a long time when I left.. Between our tears where his mom’s tears, she knew how much I loved him and how much he loved us.

Well I got to come back about a year later and work at the day care for a little over 2 weeks. Dylan was there and it was like I never left.. I spent many of my nights while down there with him.
His picture(s) are still on our fridge, 3 moves later I still have a picture he drew us almost 8 years ago. When Braden and I talk about him, he was our first child. We both agreed if given the chance we would have adopted him and brought him with us.

This week Dylan turned 11.. this is just as important as my own children.. Wherever you are Dylan, Happy Birthday Colie loves you!!!

Let's do it again..

2010-03-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

So Braden and I decided we taking another trip.. it will be in 2011. The year of our 10th anniversary.. so we are doing it.

Except.. this time Jamaica here we come!!! We are going with such great friends. Sadly some of the ones from last time could not join us this trip.. but we have Sue and Adam coming this trip. Over the past couple of years that have become VERY good friends. Our kiddo's love playing and get along so well. Just ask Taylor, she is marrying Devon some day!

So anyhow off to Jamaica we will go with 4 other couples, for 8 wonderful days of warm, sun and fun!

new pair of shoes part 2

2010-02-26T10:34:00.001-08:00

Ok so that post went out before it was ready..

Well I did it.. Taylor is signed up for dance class next fall. I am so excited.. I also think Ainsley a great friend of ours is signing up for class as well. I remember the day both of these girls came home wearing booties.. well here are our new shoes…

baby girl's getting a new pair of shoes..

2010-02-26T10:33:00.001-08:00

Standing my ground..

2010-02-23T08:18:00.001-08:00

So let me start by explaining how I got to the point I am at.
As most of you know Taylor was VERY ill shortly after we brought her home. So sick with RSV that she ended up back at the hospital for just under a week… while there she was on oxygen. Placed on all different kinds of monitors and was not to be touched by anyone with bare hands unless it was Braden or I. Well needless to say, at that moment of realizing how close to loosing my little one I was I became very protective of her. So protective that I moved her out of her room and into my bedroom… and well sadly that was just about 4 years ago.
SO hear we are today.. Taylor is four years old and sleeping in my bed. (just to answer any questions, Braden has been sleeping on the couch) So this weekend we got up and started cleaning my room. Well cleaning my room moved on to cleaning Taylor and Lanes room.. This lead to new rules at our house.
Rule number 1- dirty clothes go in the bathroom
Rule number 2- both kids back to their own rooms EVERY NIGHT
Rule number 3- NO FOOD upstairs

I know all of these rules should be a given but it was easier to give in then to fight with them every day.
Well… let the fights begin.

So Sunday night, Taylor was told she would not be sleeping with me. She had three choices, her bed, lanes room or the couch.. But NOT mommy’s bed.
Well needless to say she cried herself to sleep on the couch. Lane didn’t want her to sleep downstairs all alone. So he joined her on the couch to “ protect her, cuz I am a good big brother”
This leads us to last night. Taylor feel asleep on the couch, I was ready to head to bed and leave her there. Braden decided he wanted to watch TV for a little longer. Well, next thing I know Taylor is in my room crying how she doesn’t want to sleep in her bed, or lanes bed, or the couch. Well my bed is not an option!!! NO I want my husband back.. I want to sleep with out little feet kicking me all night.
So I tell her she has two choices, one sleep in her bed or sleep on the floor. ( I know apart of me felt like I was giving in to her. But we will take steps, it has been four years of sleeping with mommy)
So down on the floor she went with a million blankets and her pillow. I don’t think I was settled in bed before she was out cold and she slept all night long down there. Now… my hubby didn’t come to bed.. He was out cold on the couch this morning. I think he thought he lost his spot already to little girl..

Wish me luck for the next couple of weeks.. it will take time but I will have her sleeping in a bed that does not have me in it too!

A visit from reality..

2010-02-16T08:11:00.001-08:00

It amazes me how fast my kids have and are growing up. Each day they can do a little bit more on their own, or are willing to try a few new things that last month seemed impossible in their eyes. I know this is supposed to be a great thing, but some how it makes me sad. Sad to know my days of having to hold their hand while they climb in to bed are numbered, sad to know they don’t need me to stand at the top of the steps while they go down in the basement to go potty. Sad to think that some day soon Lane won’t want to give me a kiss when I drop him off at friend’s house.
And yet, excited to think some day soon they will both be in T-Ball and Daddy and I can sit in the stand together to watch. Excited to think that they are making friends, just like we hoped they would do. Excited to know my lil missy is a little to much like her mommy and loves to visit, as she is willing to sit up with me an night and chit- chat. (as much as you can with a four year old). Excited to see them ride their bikes around the camp ground this summer, while I get some one on one time with Daddy..
All this was brought to my attention last Friday.. how much they are growing. I was on my way in to work when I got a phone call from Lane. He was so excited, I knew instantly what he was calling to tell me. Our call went like this:

Lane “ mom guess what just happened to me”
Mom “ What buddy”
Lane “ I lost my tooth!!! I am getting so big mommy”
Mom ( with tears in my eyes) “ you are.. so tell me how it happened”
Lane “ well I was eating my muffin and there it was laying on the bed”
Mommy—realizing he said muffin and bed… hmmmm
Mom “ well where were you?”
Lane “ in your bed eating my muffin and watching TV”
Mommy really excited now to clean that mess up because the good Lord knows it’s gonna be a good one.
Mom “ well put it in a cup and the tooth fairy will come”

We then hung up and talked later in the day as he had school so he got to have his own special show- and – tell for the class. Needless to say the tooth fairy came and left a few coins.. ( prices have gone up since I lost teeth)

This got me thinking again how old my babies are getting.. Yet they will ALWAYS be MY BABIES..

To my baby girl...

2010-02-02T04:54:00.001-08:00

Taylor,

Four years ago today we dropped Lane off at daycare gave him a kiss and a hug and told him we would see him that night. I cried the whole way up to the hospital thinking how much Lanes world was going to change..little did I realize how much we all would change. =) Thank goodness it was all for the better. Two hours later our little Taylor Elizabeth Rogers was born.. soooo very tiny and soooo very beautiful.

From the moment we brought you home you have taught me more about being a mommy then i could have imagined. Your first month of life was spent in and out of the hospital.. 2 nights for observation. A week in the incubator and 2 more days for observation. You have taught me how precious life is, how quickly things can change. And most of all .... the joy you can get from a "surprise ".

Over the past year you have changed so much, started school, turned a little bit girly, learned to ride a big girl bike, and just recently started writing your name. I can not wait to see what the next 4 years brings us.

I love you Bear!!!!

Mommy

mixed emotions

2009-12-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is my last day with FAFS, hmm what to say. Part of me is OVERLY excited about the changes my new job will bring. The other part of me is soooo very sad to leave my current job. Don't get me wrong i know either way i would be leaving this job as it's has moved to TX and PA. Something about leaving early just feels weird. I am going to a great group, matter of fact it was my first pick for groups to belong to. My new boss and i have worked together now for 3 years off and on, so no fear there.
Really its just the sadness of leaving my friends. Wow have I made some GREAT friends.. some wonderful life long friends. There are two in particular that i can't imagine not in my everyday life. Thankfully, the one will still be in the building doing her thing...whatever that may be. But then there is Heather Hillman, the girl i met on my very first day of work. I came home that night and told my husband, i met a really nice girl, she is loud like me and seems fun. That was all i knew and all i cared to know because at that time she was moving to FL to live. I remember the day she left sooo clear, all the girls were so sad to see her leave, don't get me wrong i was sad to but no biggie as i only new her for a few weeks at the most. Then she moved back... and we became partners , "AMAZING" partners non the less. Working together obviously brought us closer, being months apart in age was a big plus, but then there was that undeniable connection that we have, that kept us close. Heather is that one girl that no matter what my day is like, she is the best part of it. Whether it be her weird comment, or silly quirks... or that smile. Even on a bad day she knows how to make it a good one, what to say and what to do.
As this new chapter starts for me, i know it will be different and tuff without my sidekick sitting next to me... I will miss you Feather!

many many blessings....

2009-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

So i have to say after this past week, i have no complaints. I have nothing but thanks to my God. So now let me fill you in on my past week. Last Thursday, we had a great morning at home. Normally this is not the case, a lot of " get moving, comon your gonna make momma late" But none of that, kids were all ready when it was time to go.. along with VERY excited! The first snow was here..I told the kids how, I think the snow should leave as momma doesn't really care for it all that much. ( They didn't like that idea) SO off for the day we went, kissed Taylor good-bye as she stays home on Thursday and her friend Makenzie comes over for a ride to preschool. Dropped Lane off at Debbies (day care), when we got there lane wanted to buckle his car seat back in. ( Which upset me cus it was taking time away from me getting on the roads..first snow need to give me extra time.) Kissed him bye told him have a great day...and left.
As I headed down hwy 63 i see the car in front of me start to fishtail, so i let off my gas, look down and i am right around 50 mph. Next thing i know i am facing sideways, then looking at the opposite side of the road, and now the grass as i am heading to the ditch. I start to scream as loud as I can, think dear Lord help me! All of the sudden very slowly I flipped one full flip and landed on my tires. ( THANK YOU GOD) I opened my door with a little effort. Spit the glass out of my mouth, and realize I am dizzy. I hear a stranger yelling " are you ok mama" YES!! I am fine, i stand up and see a red truck stopping on the side of the road. My new hero, Dave Murray( this is my daycare's husband, also a retired firefighter) he came right down to me brought me to his truck got me all warm and gave me his phone. I called Braden and he was on his way. Needless to say as i sat there in Dave's truck looking at my durango, all i could think is how? How did i walk away. The passengers side is all bend in, the windows are all broken, everything from in my front seats was in the field scattered, all but me! The embarrassment sets in as it is now 745am and MANY co-workers and friends are passing seeing my car crushed.. but no me. Thinking the worse, one high school friend stops by to check on me and tells me Braden is at another rollover just a 1/2 mile back.
As he was coming up to me the suv in front of him rolled right on her side, thankfully she too was ok.
Braden got to me and i was relieved.. then the pain set in my back was so stiff and sore..but that was it. We took a trip to the ER and got the all clear..NOT ONE BRUISE ON ME! No cuts, no scratches, no anything. ( did i say thank you God) Once we got home i called the insurance company and they took care of me right away, totaled my durango. But with this i need to get it cleaned out ASAP, so we headed to the lot to clean it out.
Again fear sets over me as i see the mess my vehicle is, now really i have seen worse on tv. But to know I walked away untouched is unreal to me. We start to clean it out, once finished i asked Braden about the car seats, where were they? He told me Tay's was in the back seat, but lanes was stuck up in/by the back window. Please, remember Lane buckled his just moments earlier, so scary to me.
A week later I had an MRI as I was still in pain, today i got the results it came back clear. WAHOO! I did end up with a nickel size bruise on my knee that is it, how can i complain. I hate to imagine what it would have been like if the kids were with me, if someone else was involved. Again, I have many many guardian angels and each one was with me that morning. For that i am thankful..........
So now i am car shopping.. hmmm not really fun when you have to do it. But i can't think of any thing other than a durango that i want. I LOVED my rental van that i drove but, something about how well the durango did i can't imagin anything else!
So what do you think...

My Boys...

2009-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

So we did it we took the new camper out this past weekend an camped. It was wonderful, upper 60's and sunny the WHOLE weekend ( not bad for Nov). The boys got to fish, while Taylor and went through the camper and figured out what we needed to pack in it for next year. Which was A LOT. I will add more pictures from our fun weekend but for now i have to share my favorite one....

8 years ---

2009-10-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

So eight years ago today i was sitting at the hair dressers.. anxiously awaiting the day to begin. It had only been alittle over a year that i had known Braden, but that was enough. He was the one! No question, he wanted what i wanted.. a future. The picutre we painted at nights were so wonderful.. kids, a house, a family dog, a future... could i ask for anything more? What else is there? I am happy to say there was SOOO much more.. and i have it all. =) We have the house.. we have the 2 kids we have the family dog.. we have the (way to big) camper... we have the family traditions.. we have the neices and nephews to spoil... we have the friends that are more like family.. we have it all.

Honey, look what we have in just eight short years... i can't wait to look back in another eight and see how wonderful our life is together then.. I love you more every day.........

Boog*

Family Fun

2009-10-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

So after 8 hrs (total) in the truck together we finally picked "the one" out. Yup.. we did it, we bought a camper. Wow.. so after 5 different RV dealers would not believe how back the campers all run together in your head. =) But this is it.. this is the camper we picked. It had all our needs; Slide out, sleep 6, full bathroom. And even better it had all our wants; queen bed up front, bunks in the back, SUPER slide, and a lot of storage.

Now you have to take a minute to understand why we are excited about this.. A) Braden is suppose to have more weekends free next summer. B) the kids are growing quickly! C) (maybe most importantly) we are going from a 1992 pop up to this!!

I am so excited to no longer need to do late night runs across the camp ground to the bath house with a 3 year old who already waited till the LAST min! So just wanted to share my exciting/ yet scary news with you all!

Stop on by this coming weekend it will be in the drive way until we pack it with some items and send it down to the storage unit.
=)

Wow.. time flys

2009-10-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it been a long time since I blogged myself….

So much has happened; let me see where the best place to start is. Well last month we found out our jobs would all be moving to TX. Not really the news we were hopping for, but I am grateful for the time they gave us to look for another job. I will be employed with First American until January 15th... So it gets me through the holidays. I have made the decision that I am staying with the company until January, I really want to finish what I started. (Not that this is easy but I need to do it)

Lets see next on our list… the kiddo’s!
We had school pictures taken… let’s just say Taylor’s pics ended with a phone call to me at work from the studio. All in all I love the pictures, no matter what they are still my babies. Its just very hard to believe how much they have grown! The one that surprises me the very most is Taylor. She has 2 best friends… Lila L. and Mackenzie S., she has a hard time make a decision with out one of these girls. The best part is the girls’ moms and I are VERY good friends. Lila and Taylor are 5th generation girls to go to school together…. Lila’s great great grandma and Taylor’s great great grandma were friends in school and throughout the years there has always been 1 Jacobs girls and 1 Hulme girl as friends….. I love that Tami and I were able to be apart of the “tradition” and to see these two girls together is wonderful. Taylor and Lila have been together since they were 6weeks old… (Lila’s grandma watches the girls at her Daycare) so I am sure they will be friends for the long hall. Mackenzie’s mom and I use to work together at FAFS… the girls are months apart and they hit it off from the word go witch is wonderful for Nicole and I.

Braden and I are coming up on our 8 year anniversary… WOW.. Eight years.. it doesn’t seem possible. I really am the luckiest girl in the world!! I think we are taking the day to go look at new campers… he is hoping to switch shifts next year and have his weekends opened. I would love that! The kids are getting big enough to really enjoy and help out when we go camping. So good-bye pop-up … Hello travel trailer.

Our last news is sad news…. Saturday we will lose our very dear friend Caesar. Our 9 year old English bull dog has been failing for the past year, and has had trouble moving around. Braden and I made the very tuff decision to send him to a better place. Although I know this is the right thing to do… I will miss our “first boy”. He has been with us through a move, the loss of another dog, the birth of two children and the excitement of job changes. No matter what our days were like, or how our moods were, he was always and will always be with us. I have to believe this! It will be weird to go to bed Saturday night and not give him a hug good night. Like I said he is one of my boys… he got in on the loving too. The most difficult part of this all will be Lane. This is HIS dog... No questions asked. They have been buddies since the day we both came home from the hospital. I don’t think they have left each other side unless I forced them to. “Tank” sleeps outside Lane’s room… or outside where ever lane is sleeping. We bring him camping because lord knows he is part of the family and needs to be on vacation with us as well. So please say a little prayer for my 5 year old… as he will be lost this weekend, and say a prayer the “puppy heaven” is the best place ever! (with LOTS of milk bones) =) We will miss you Tank……..

This weekend....

2009-08-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

So this weekend is filled with many excitement here is one hint as to what we are doing... yes its state fair time. Sadly none of us in the Rogers' house hold has ever been. My parents have went every year for the past 35ish years as their anniversary lands on the same week as the fair.

I was telling the kids about going to the fair and they wanted to know what kind of things you see there, so along with many things that i told them about i mentioned the butter cow.. now that is all they can talk about. Lane wants to know if people will make a sandwich out of the cow?!? How cute is that.

Along with our trip to the fair we will also be camping down in Ankeny with my entire family. This should be interesting.. we have never went camping all together. Oh how interesting this will be =) I am looking forward to the time away from work and home.. only to start a chaotic week after our "family vacation" i am heading to TX for work. With the possibility of flying out of Des Moines on Sunday afternoon...

With that said i am a little sad.. i will be missing my babies first day of school. Taylor is starting pre-school on Tuesday, August 25. Both her and I are having a "tuff" time with this but as i have told her many times before " mommies have to work and sadly this is part of my work" Now, with that said i am excited about the opportunity to travel for work. I will fill you all in next week on my trip!

Have a great week!

LANE

2009-07-16T12:54:00.001-07:00

OK so i need to upload a pic of lane but i wanted to say...
happy 5th birthday lil man!!!

Copy Cat ---

2009-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so i took this from another blog .. but I thougt it was fun..

TODAY
June 26th, 2009
Outside my window... A beautiful summer day awaiting me!
I am thinking... How I can't believe I will have a 5 year old in 3 short weeks.
I am thankful for... my job.
From the kitchen... I can see my kids play in the sprinkler
I am wearing... My favorite capri's and a fire dept t-shirt *imagine that*
I am creating... spread sheet.
I am going... to enjoy a night out with friends.
I am reading... the news paper
I am hoping... the weather is perfect for our weekend.
I am hearing... CNN playing in the back ground
Around the house... there are lots of things that need to be done yet here i sit....
One of my favorite things... MY BED...o if i could only spend more time in it =)
A few plans for the rest of the week... Clean the house.. do laundry.... go to the parade in CF and enjoy time with the kiddos.

Farm Kids...

2009-06-02T08:26:00.001-07:00

So as a child i was VERY lucky.. i had everything most kids dream of having. I grew up two miles outside of town so we had, golf carts, 4 wheelers, horses, dogs, and riding lawnmowers. Now i know some of you are laughing out loud at the things we thought were neat - but what "kid" doesn't like driving vehicles and who doesn't want a horse as a child.

We would spend EVERY Sunday out at my grandparents riding horses. My cousins Jake and Tara would come down to Gma & Gpa's and ride their horses too. As i got older i would bring friends out to ride with me, it has always been something i have enjoyed.

When i was a junior in high school my parents started raising miniature horses... what started off as 2 mini horses is now somewhere around 35-40 mini horses at there farm.

Well my children LOVE to "help" with the horses. Taylor has no fear when it comes to coming up to the horses. Lane enjoys helping Papa do horse chores... well as much help as a four year old can be around 30 some horses.

This weekend I took my kids out to my grandparents farm, we try to make it there once every couple of months to visit. The kids enjoy going and looking at the horses, baby kittys, chickens and whatever else they can get into. Well this weekend my Aunt Donna got out her quarter horse to ride. OMG i have not ridden in WAY TO LONG! Lane and Donna went out and rode... o he loved it. I asked Taylor if she wanted to ride.. NOPE.. she was not riding with anyone but Mommy. OK.. i will jump on. YIKES-- i got old it took way to much work for me to get up on this horse, but we did it. Taylor and i got on and started to ride around the yard... 5 steps later.. "ok i want off this is to bumpy" (mom)-"no tay you will be fine lets just keep going" (tay)- "nope get me off!' So off she went and shortly after off mommy went too... Lane and Donna on the other hand i think would have stayed on all day long.

I am so lucky that my kids have the chance to try these things.. ride in tractors, ride 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, golf carts and play with a variety of animals... and i am lucky enough to be able to give it all to them and have them enjoy it!

30 WOW!

2009-05-29T08:16:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
Ok so for those of you who don't know I LOVE my birthday!!! Wow it's not just one day long its a week.. i would make it more if my friends and family could handle it. Ok well tomorrow i turn 30..yikes, i remeber when that was "like way old"! The last 10 years of being an adult have been darn good to me.

meet my husband
moved to MO
married
moved back home
had two kids
bought first house
took a wonderful vacation with my hubby

I mean, I know that does look like a lot on paper but think about it.. I have everything I wanted in life... at 30! Now of course my list is still out there and there is much more I want but i have a darn good start... =)

Today i had to be at work early so 545 i am in the bathroom getting ready and Lane comes walking in ... i told him he could go back to bed that the birds were not even up yet. He said no he didn't want to he would wait till i left for work (love him!) Well as we visited he asked me if had laid clothes out for him and if "they are cute" i said yes. His reply " good, i am not suppose to tell you but dad and us are going shopping for your birthday" Seriously, nothing like a little man who lets you in on all the secrets of the house! =)

We have been pretty busy over the past month and i have taken pics to add to the blog.. i will get them uploaded this next week. HOpe you all enjoy "my weekend" -

Time is ticking...

2009-04-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

YIKES! Where have i been, even i want to know.
This past week my mom and i took a trip up to see my VERY best friend in the whole world. (honestly- lost without her) Well she is getting married on May 2ND, and had a list of bigger projects that needed done, so off we went to "save the day". Little did we know we would have it all completed by noon on Saturday... shoot 3 girls and a few different stores == Sheer Happiness!

For this weeding i am the Matron of honor, I am having a really hard time writing this speech. Jen and I have been best friends since the 4th grade, you would think this would be an easy task. Its not, I have about 3 different speeches started... yet none say what I want them to say. Any ideas would be helpful!

This weekend I am heading to an all day spa with 2 really great friends! O how all three of us need this time way together.

Next week wedding. And then work goes into full gear! My boss has moved up to the supervisor position, and I am working my bum off to try to move into her position.. we will see.

Alright best get going... have a GREAT weekeveryone!

THE MOM!

2009-04-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

OK that's it....I am taking a stand! I have to become the mom...not just mommy. See i really do view these two names as two different people.

Mommy: is someone who hugs you, kisses you, fixes your owies. Sings you silly songs, such as my favorite. "hi ho hi ho its of to Deb's we go, for fun and games and time to play hi ho hi ho hi ho" ( deb is our daycare provider)

Mom: is someone who provides you with the support and love you need. Sets the rules and makes you follow them no matter what kind of attitude you my bring with it. Mom's also make a house a home!

Growing up i had/have a mother who could do both at the same time. My mom is AMAZING! That's not just a word i use lightly... she really was. She showed us girls how to love your partner in life no matter what you are going through as a family. Unlike some parents who you don't always know they are "fighting" or disagreeing, we knew but it was always handled lightly and with much care and concern when it came to us girls. So we now know, you do not always get along in your marriage, there are differences and struggles. We also know with work.....sometimes LOTS of work you can get thought it together. My mom is one of those mom's that you can ask where your pink sock was and she could look at you and give you the answer... "under the table in the office".... how it got there we never knew but she always knew and knew where it was! Our house was ALWAYS picked up and clean... everything has its place and reason. Saturday mornings were spent picking up and dusting, doing your house hold chores. IE- vacuuming, dusting, watering plants, folding clothes...
Now my kids are 3 & 4... this part i understand doesn't mean they will get up Saturday and vacuuming, or dusting. But we have established they will be feeding the dogs every night... they do have to put their dishes on the counter for me after supper, help me carry in the groceries.
I have great kids.. the problem is ME! I need to learn to switch modes a little faster from mommy to MOM (can you hear the big burly man saying MOM like i can) :)
I have to remember to work on the following:

stop yelling so much
stick to my guns no matter how tuff it might be
BREATH-- at all moments
and most of all... to give my husband aka daddy a little more credit for his "jobs" around the house!!

Number 4 is a very important one that will make the rest go a little smoother i hope.... I think i forget he does help me .. its just in his own way and on his time. (which is little)

With the kids and being together every night during the week and every weekend ( while daddy works 14hr days) I need to step it up and be MOM -- I know you heard him this time right!!! -- and give them the opportunity to have the same great mom i have!

I KNOW I CAN GET THERE!

Photos

2009-03-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

It hit me ... i posted about " my little ones" but never showed them... and there change!

Taylor 3 months

Lane 3 months

So there they are.. my "babies" ... I miss those days.... yet I am enjoying these days sooo very much!!!

When did they grow up??

2009-03-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

After looking at all of Gage's pictures Mom and I have taken over the past week, I can't help but to think of my "lil ones". Seriously, where did the time go? When did I give Taylor permission to turn 3... at what point did I start letting Lane walk out the door for play dates without me? I look around our play room and its all puzzles, books, figurines, and flash-cards. Don't get me wrong I know I have lots of years and changes ahead of me but wow... its all happening so fast! My baby heads off to preschool in the fall and Lane starts t-ball this summer....yikes. I almost miss the smell of babies in the house... even walking down the baby isle in Target sounds fun to me. But then I call Mandi and they didn't go to bed till midnight and were back up at 3 to feed.. and then up again at 6...yikes we went to bed at 830 all of us and didn't get up till 6 when the alarm went off. Maybe this whole growing up thing isn't half bad. I get to hear " I love you Mommy" 16 times a day.. plus when we get in the car I can say buckle your seat belt and they do. I am out the drive in 2 min...not 15 after i get the car seat in and baby situated..
Someday to soon, I will be in the window saying "be home by 11" YIKES, 11 does that mean i have to stay up that late too?
I think there are many pro's and con's to all ages... maybe the key is to take lots of pictures so you can look back at all of it!

Gage Nicholas Comer

2009-03-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Gage Nicholas Comer

03/13/09

6lbs 14oz - 19 inches long

Des Monies, Iowa

So I would like for you guys to meet my new nephew.. Gage. Or as i will be calling him "my lil pimp" After 4 long days of trying to come see us he is finally here and HEALTHY!!! Thank the Lord. Many prayers were said for his safe arrival.... and the good Lord answered each and everyone of them. Mandi, my baby sister, is doing an AMAZING job as a new mom. Remember those days.. when you suddenly realize this is all real and all yours to form into a nice, well mannered young man. Her and Justin will make GREAT parents.. I know this! He is a lucky little one and will never want for anything. We ( the imitate family) all made it down the day he was born to see him.

My mom was able to be there with her for the birth, which was a wonder of hers. With both of my children she was in the room with me, so in turn i know deep down inside she wanted to be apart of this with Mandi too. But, with Mandi living 2 hrs away we never knew if she would make it in time. **side note none of our labors on my side were more then 2-4 hrs long... we wait for no one** So i am very thankful she was able to be there...

I am sure there will be many more pictures to come but her was what i have for now!

Baby Comer ....

2009-03-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

O what a ruff few days its been for our family! Mandi my youngest sister has been in labor for almost 4 days straight, problem is she is only 37 weeks along. So legally they can't do anything to help her along. She went into the Labor Delivery Unit last night and was still only a 1. The cont rations are 1-2 min apart and the nurses said they can't do anything for her until her water breaks! POOR THING! its so hard to talk to her on the phone even... she sounds miserable, the nurses said Gage's head is right down there and they have no idea how mandi is even walking!!!
Good luck little comer... we can't wait to meet you!

MARCH?!?!

2009-03-04T08:13:00.001-08:00

Wow.. not really sure why I can't seem to sit down and right on here. We have had a BUSY Feb with 2 showers, 2 er visits, 2 doctor visits and patiently (or not patiently) waiting for baby Comer to arrive. He is due March 28th, but my sister is not a very big girl by any means so i am guessing our little man comes early. Here are some photo's taken by an old friend from high school, WOW how talented is she!!! Here is her blog site that the pics of Mandi are on. AGAIN--- THANK YOU ERICA!!! www.eyoungblutphoto.blogspot.com

V- day

2009-02-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

So its been awhile since my last post ... and not that I don't want to post but don't have time. We have had a couple of busy weeks at our house. We will end up with a "date night" to finish it off. Tomorrow, for V-day i bought braden tickets to Joker's piano show... we will be heading there with some of our very best friends for a night out.. Braden even took part of Sunday off make the night enjoyable. This way he won't have to worry about getting to bed to be at work Sunday morning at 5am! The kids and i also bought him a computer stand.. i know sounds dumb but he is needing the computer to be up and running for work. SOOO in return thats what "mommy and us" (as lane puts it) got him for a gift. The boys of the house put this up last night and even downloaded Lanes games on it for him. I am sure Lane has not left the computer yet today...
Have a WONDERFUL V-day!

Opps!

2009-02-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

I ment to add this pic of my "little ones" Seems like just yesterday we took this pic where she was 6 months at the time... HUH... how things change!

Birthday Princess...

2009-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well today is the day..i officially have a 3 year old in our house. Taylor will turn 3 at 1:45 today... she woke up this morning and said "wow i am old" then she politely asked me how old i was.. i proudly said 29. Which in return i got " wow mommy your really old" --- hey thanks babe!
Sadly, Daddy has fire mtgs today until around 9... so Mommy, Lane and our birthday girl are going to Nana's and Papa's for her birthday supper. When i asked her this morning what she wanted to eat tonight i got a big "PIZZA" so pizza it is.
Hope you all enjoy your Monday.. i heard on my way into work this morning we have another 6 wks of winter.. after such a nice weekend i am a little upset at that..

pics!!

2009-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

So here it is.. some pics from our vacation.. hope you enjoy looking at them as much as i enjoyed taking them! =)

The group we went down with, L-R - Wendy, Derek, Carrie, Leo, Jo Jean, Nicole, Braden, Kami, Mike, Laurie, Kurt, Lisa and Chad! Troy didn't want his pic taken.

This would be all the rings we bought while in Mexico!

Braden and Nicole in Cozmel... this was two blocks from where the boat let us off.. and this was as far as we got in Cozmel. I found a GREAT ring shop and well we never left it =)

Storm coming in...

LOVE

2009-01-29T07:28:00.001-08:00

If there is one thing I can say about our vacation this past month, it renewed our relationship! I am not sure how it happened nor do I know the exact moment it took place, what I do know is it worked. Braden and I have been married for 7 great years… together for 8. I think just like anything or anyone you get in a rut and everything runs together. You forget how much the little things matter to you. Going away for just over a week was what our relationship needed to shake things up a bit.. I think it came at just the right time! We have finally passed the baby stage at our house.. we are working on the family values with the kids and we are FINALLY starting to get things straightened out money wise. I think as parents we needed to renew that “bond” and remind each other how important the other one is to our little family.

Big Girl City!

2009-01-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

Yes that's right... we are now all big kids at our house.
While we were away on vacation my mom and the sitter started working with Taylor on her potty training. ( now note this is something i told her we were doing as soon as i got back) Well as last week went on we kept plugging away at it. Not to speak to soon but we had a flawless weekend... no outfit change in the middle of the day. What excites me the most is she was at jiffy lube, target, and the bank with me. So its not like we were at home were we stopped every 35 min to try.. she had to hold it and tell me ahead of time. i was very proud of her! So as a reward we went and bought 2 new outfits.
Along with being a big girl she now has a "hair do" no more just letting it grow and seeing what it looks like. We went and saw "Cafy" as Taylor calls her this weekend and had her hair cut and shaped. All this on the verge of her 3rd birthday might be a bit much for mommy!
She amazes me everyday what a little girl she is becoming, no more baby Tay at our house. Now she might have a bit of an attitude...hmm wonder where she got that... but i have to say, i am pretty proud of the little lady she is becoming!

Home again!

2009-01-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hello -- we are back! I do believe we missed the perfect week in Iowa! -27 out actual temp... yes it was much better in Mexico with 82 and rain. Yes rain.. it rained most of our trip but that was fine. I never knew how badly braden and i needed to get away together. ( i am already making plans for another "get away") we had a wonderful time .. i bought some rings, which is what i really wanted while i was down there, braden went diving.. to bad the weather didn't work out for him on that end. I think he still had a great time!
I will upload some pictures soon and share more stories.. glad to be HOME!

Leaving on a jet plane....

2009-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ok today is the day.. kids bags are dropped off at Nana & Papa's ... Passports are in the carry on... our four suitcases are zipped up and next to the door. Floors were mopped at 530 this morning... all laundry is caught up and put away.. WHEEW! We can leave-- =)
Both Braden and i are so very excited to get to warmer weather.... today it was 84 degrees in Mexico and boy am I ready to start enjoying it. I will catch you all up upon my return.
Have a great week guys!

Count Down

2009-01-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so i am no longer going to judge when others do not blog on a daily bases.. sorry BFF. Finding the time to jump on here this past week as been next to impossible. Between work, kids, parties, and laundry i have not made time to keep you all up to date.
Well we are 3 days out from V day--- vacation day---- I am so excited yet so torn. This will be the longest i have left my kiddos. Friday night the 9th to the morning of the 18th... YIKES. I am one who has to talk to my kids daily--- so me being the freak i am and knowing i will not get to talk to them daily, recorded them talking to me on my phone. This way when i get down and start to miss them i can hear them. ( will see if that works or makes it worse) Braden and I so need this get away. He has put in some CRAZY hours in the past couple of months and the just being apart is what has been tuff on me. The rotten thing is i complain all the time about how much he is gone and really he is gone for me.. and the kids. He will do whatever it takes to keep me happy... I AM LUCKY! I think that is why i want him to TRULY enjoy this vacation... i want to see him do everything he wants to do while we are down there. Alright enough gushing.. i can't wait to share pics with you all!

The Stress

2008-12-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Wow.. The pressure I am feeling already Kimmie! Two - three post day... wow =)

But seriously the stress is starting to build, work is busy, my to-do list is getting longer.. and the time, well its getting shorter.

I need to focus one day at a time, i will start with tomorrow. P-A-R-T-Y!!! We are getting together with some very dear friends of our to bring in the new year, as we have done for the last 3/4 years now. I am making a sea food dip and also bringing stuffed mushrooms ( made by Braden) there will be food, drinks, laughter, and friendship. What more do you need to start a year off right? We are blessed enough to all have sitters for the night and some even for over night. Later on Thursday my mom's side is getting together for a little family time. This side is so close, it will be great. I am excited as hot cards will be included in the day.

As soon as the new year is here it is pack, pack and more packing! But oh i can not wait.. 9 days everyone....

have a safe and happy new year!

Happy Holidays-- ugh!

2008-12-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ok so i never thought i would really be ready for Christmas to be over.. Maybe i should have named this one Bah Humbug! We had our 5th Christmas yesterday and boy was i ready for it to be done! I got up yesterday morning and took down the tree.. put all my "christmasy" stuff away left the snowmen out. I am ALWAYS the one fighting to keep the tree up until at least the middle of January. What happened to me?
I think knowing how busy the next two weeks are going to be has made a difference in my spirit. O did i mention.. 11 days and we leave for Mexico! Yes.. this might have something to do with it. Bags to pack, dogs to send off to a kennel, kids to getting to Nana's and Papa's house.. OH.. i am tired thinking about it.
But still can't wait!

For Starters

2008-12-27T09:07:00.001-08:00

Ok so you have to remember I am new at this. I just think this is such a great way for my family to stay in touch with each other. I hope to share many pictures and stories of the kids and Braden.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy family time! I will write more later and upload some pics!