Some of our trip pictures..........

Look what I got!!!!!! Love it, his name is Marty the Moose, and I even got him his own t-shirt.... And let's not ask where he got to sit on the way home....LOL

This is from inside of one of the hotels!!!!!!!!!!

First trip w/out the kids! Hoover Dam....... [even to to AZ on the trip]....

Can you see me?????

Do you see the moon???? ---love this picture!!

We loved this one!!!!!! New York New York........

And to think I hate airplane rides!! Can't wait to land.........

more pictures

This is some of the stuff that Simon can do.......
U. Tom & Skyler [they have nick names too...... but, can not share]..........

Dust is gone!!! =-)

OK, every time I turn around time just flies by on me!! I would ask where the summer went, but, I'm sure some would answer that a little different then me. Let's see, Quentin and Skyler went to their Grandma's house last week, and also got to visit w/their Nanny & Papa.. They had such a wonderful time!! They came back w/stories after stories. The butterflies were a big highlight w/Grandma. Plus, seeing Grandma's kitty was very special. Playing cards w/Nanny and Papa was another highlight. What a wonderful time they had at both places. Then to top it off, their Uncle Tom [U. Dork---to others] =-) [said by another dork] and Nanny brought them half way home, where Nancy got them. Nancy was the lucky one who got to have my other 2 babies. Ginger was not the nicest puppy, and Simon well was Simon. Everyday Nancy would come home to something on the floor. And one night, she even had a SURPRISE under her pillow!! Yes, Simon put his rawhide there for safe keeping!!!!!!! Our babies were in very good hands w/an almost 7th grader!!! I want to say THANKS TO EVERYONE who helped us out!!!!!!!

A few more pictures.

Love this picture..

~~What did I get myself into???~~

OK, I'm not sure how it happened, but, you are reading something written by the new VP of the PTO!!! I am beginning to think that I should of never answered the phone the day before we left on our trip. Thoughts of packing and the fear of flying just made me a total mess that day, and what happened next I will never forget.. the phone rings and it's a lady that I have met from Skyler's Girl Scout group asking me if I would like to help out w/the PTO.... Not really thinking I said sure, what can I do to help.... [thinking it would be very easy part]----boy, was I wrong....She then tells me that the part that needs to be filled is the VP, and then the guilt trip set in, no one else wants to play this role. So, what do I say?? Ummmmmmm, sure I'll do this.. It did not sink in what this all meant to me till later [maybe a few days later]..... if only I could go back in time and say 'no'... Here's the sad thing though, I asked if I could have someone help me w/this part [because, I have learned that the VP is the person who does the BIGGEST fund raiser at school]..and has anyone stepped up to help me?? NO!!!;-( I'll let you know how it all goes...... Wish me luck!!!

PICTURES!

Skyler, Ashley, Q and Ryan...

Star Wars weekend........

Q and Skyler...

Do you see Q and Skyler??? This was taken at our hotel....

It's been awhile... AGAIN....

Ok, so I was told if I do not update this blog, then I can not read my friends blog. [how mean can one person get]?? =-) So, here's what we've been up to... The kids got out of school on June 4th, and on June 6th at 6am we were headed to Disney!! I'll get some pictures up soon. When we came back Skyler was signed up for Girl Scout camp, [which was a total waste if you asked me].. This week the kids are going to a cooking class [which only cost $7.00 for each] and that's 4 hours a day, and plus they get to make two meals. What I heard from Skyler is what I loved the most. She said that she wanted to do this class again, she loved it that much!! Even Q told me the same thing, and when I signed him up, he was not happy w/me one bit. [it's nice to make them happy]. =-) I have also spend my summer washing/hosing off Simon. I'm thinking that he should just live at the neighbors house. We even went out and go him his own pool, but, does he like it??? NO~!!
As I'm writing this I have someone looking over my shoulder, checking out what I'm writing... Ok, I'm going to see if I can put pictures on here now...

~~Time for an update~~

OK, so I was told I should update my blog. =-)
This is what we've been up too..
Quentin had his second soccer game yesterday it was a wonderful Sat. am. They played a great game, and although they do not keep score, it was a tie. I know he loves soccer, but, listening to Q talk, I have this feeling that he'll do great in track someday. This kid can run so fast!! =-)
Skyler has been getting ready for her dance program which is on the 19th of May. She looks SO CUTE in her outfit!! As soon as I get pictures, I'll post them.
Scott had me out there this weekend not only to get sun, but, to help stain the deck. I was the lucky one to paint/stain between the metal poles. Let me tell you, it's not as fun as it sounds..
Simon spend his weekend in the creek, yesterday he was there for over 5 hours. I have learned just to let him stay there and play. Other wise, it just means more bathes in the same day. ... Ginger also, had fun down there too..

~~Roller Skating~~

Today I took my kids roller skating and what does my son tell me??? Or should I say, the few things said to me... Hmmmm, where do I start? First he was making comments about how fast he can skate. He then had to show me what he could do when he skated next to me, these are things he can do when he skates slow. Also, showed off how he could skate backwards, and at the end, he was telling me how to skate. Maybe he should be giving lessons. I'm thinking I'll be the first in line. But, to let you know, I did not fall down once!!! [and we were there for 2 hours]--pretty good I thought... There was no way to get mad at this child, he was so cute, and tring to be helpful. ---I think............

~~What a dog~~

Ok, so how many times can this dog get a bath in one week---and it's only March?? Well, last week, Simon had 3 bathes.. Yes, 3!! One was because, he was playing in the creek, and the other two were because he was playing in the sump pump, or should I say the water coming out of it.. I have never seen a dog like this one before in my life!!! I laughed so hard watching him wondering which house to go to, when the water was coming out. [ He was so confused.] At the end, while I was giving him a bath, I swear he was checking out the other houses looking to see if there was water coming out of them too... Come to find out the next day, Scott let him off the tie out, and he took off for that house, he was checking out while he was getting a bath. I wish, I had the camera out to get this.... But, no.. I did not. LOL
Here's another story about Simon, a neighbor was laughing and telling me about how they were laughing at my dog and cat [Snoop].. While they were eating, they saw Simon and Snoop running together, chasing an animal under a deck. Then to top it off, I guess they were side by side, looking under the deck at this animal.. Does anyone else have a nut for a dog?? Or is just me???

~~Get this~~

So, today the neighbor girl [can't say her name]--but, she's in 6th grade, was telling me about a movie they saw in class, it was all about 'Manners'. Well, it was going really good till she pointed out about how there was someone on there 'my age' who was making a big deal about finding a piece of hair in her food. I was like ' my age??????' I'm wondering how old she thinks I am. This is something that I will never forget. Boy, I feel old!! 'My age'. Now, I'm wondering if this person was really old looking.. =-) Jennifer was wondering if it was in black and white. 8-) It's amazing how I can even get out of bed in the morning. But, the sweet thing is, this girl was then saying she was sorry, and she did not mean I was old. But, it just made me laugh so much. She must of been looking at my grey hair. LOL

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!

OK, it's about time for an update at least I'm told~~Lynda.. Let's see, Skyler got her first 300 series in bowling!! So, this coming weekend she'll get a patch. Very proud of her, Q did good too. Yesterday we had temp. of 78!! What a wonderful day, took the dogs to the park, it was so nice. The kids came home from school and put on shorts on ASAP. Today was nice too, now it's going to be back to normal. Guess, that's OK, we can not complain. Although, I do have to say that w/all this nice weather it's bringing out all the SLOBS out at work. Reminder, if you are going to pick out all these clothes to try on, please put them back where you found them. =-)
I will do better at keeping up w/this site...

~~SNOW~~~

[the picture, is what I'm waiting to see again.....]
Can you believe the kids have had a 4 day weekend?? Today they are off because of the snow. And here's Q wondering if they will have off a total of 7 days... Man, that would be a long week!! =-0 They have been really good today, if I say so myself. Yesterday Lynda watched my kids from 9:30am--2:30pm, and today I am returning the favor, and watching her kids. She needs to have a day off w/no kids. But, the nice thing was that she brought us lunch, Mc D's is becoming my second home. =-) THANKS!!! In the next couple of days, Girl Scout Cookies will be here..... MMMM.. Nothing better then eating those. Really need to get to the gym.

~~The longest hour of my life!!~~

Out to kill me... This week Lynda thought it would be fun to take me to the gym, at first I thought OK this would be fun, but, by the 3 day, the fun was gone. And I knew she was out to kill me when she said 'let's go to STEP' class. It was a REALLY LONG hour, and after 20 mins. she is telling me that she is ready to leave. I was like 'what, this is your idea to kill me'. So, we stayed. Even though, I am complaining, it felt very good to work out. Can't wait to see how many times we go next week. OK, have to add one more thing.. I did not spend much time working out, maybe up to an 1/2 hour [and that maybe pushing it], but, I was happy w/myself.

~~Just have to Brag alittle..~~

Just need to let you know that I'm very proud of my children!! Quentin had his pinewood derby race on Sat. and came in 3rd place. Plus, his car got best in show. The kids are the ones who pick out which car they think is the best looking, well, there was a tie. Q tied w/one that looked like a bathtub. It was also, cool looking. But, the kids picked Q's car to win. [they had to vote again ] In the 3 years of going to these pinewood derby races, this is the first time that Q walked out w/his hands full. He got two trophies, and a ribbon. =-) He was very proud of himself, and he should be!! By the way, his car was a pink eraser, w/Darth Vader driving it. ---all of which was his idea.
Now to talk about Skyler, yesterday I got an e-mail from her Girl Scout leader, saying how Skyler sold the most cookies in her troop!!! She sold 215, which she really worked really hard to sell, that little girl was out there selling right away. I am just hoping that she is just as excited when it comes time to delivery all of them. =-) Thanks to all who bought from her. She was working up to a certain amount, so she could get 'cookie dough' to put towards camping in the summer. p.s. Cookies come in Feb.

Sick of this stuff

Q was sick last week, Skyler was sick Sunday, and I got sick last night. Now, Scott is saying that he is not feeling good. I'm going to run away from home. Can't wait till spring when all the windows can be opened!!

This is so exciting!!

After years of having fish tanks, this is the first time that we have ever seen babies!! There are 5 African Cichilids babies. It was so exciting to find them. Now we just have to figure out who the parents are.. There are only 3 big fish in the tank, and now 5 babies. It's almost like we are Grandparents. LOL p.s. The tank up above, is Q's tank. But, you get the idea of fish..

This is so sweet

I got an e-mail from a friend saying that she had read my blog, and when she saw the picture of Spunky she got tears in her eyes! Saying that Spunky was her 'hero'. That is so sweet!!

~~Q~

Today Quentin has decided to stay home w/me today. This about the third day that he has been sick, but, today is much better then the other days.. He is actually up playing computer, and playing his game cube. So, this is a good sign. Q has even taught me how to play chess, of course, do not ask me how to play. =-) He has been very patience w/me and has let me as the same questions repeat a few times. If anyone wants to know how to play it, I know someone who can teach you.
Oh, one more thing... For those who would like to know, losing your power when it's cold out really SUCKS!! We lost it for 12 hours, and I was wearing lots of layers, because, I do not like to freeze. I know we did not have it that bad, my friend had lost her power in Dec. for longer then we did. So, I should not complain.

Pictures.

This is Simon..
This is Spunky..

~~~Life goes on~~~

Well, last week was a year since we had to put down a wonderful dog, Spunky. Man, so many things to remember about him. To start off w/he could run so fast!!! I have never seen a dog in his day run like he did. Spunky was also a great protector, he would stop any fight. His favorite girl was Jenny, man, those too 'loved' each other. Spunk's best mate was Peaches though, he was the best thing for her. He knew how to get Peaches up and playing. After Peaches came Ginger, and those turned out to be good friends. Spunky ended up getting cancer at the age of 13, but, he had a wonderful life.. Who ever left this little thing in the pound back in IN, lost out in the GREAT DOG!! I do have to say that Spunky lived up to his name, I remember a funny story of when he was little, we came home to see that it had 'snowed' in our home. Well it was not snow, LOL, it was cornstarch. Even though, we were mad at the time, we have laughed about it many times since.
Ok, and for those who know me, will understand when I say that w/in 3 days after Spunky pasted away, we got a new dog. His name is Simon. I thought for sure Ginger would be so happy to see this 70 pound dog come into her life, but, that really wasn't the case once he got here. Simon as it turnes out, is the annoying little brother, who just does not stop bugging her!! I'm sure if she could talk, I would not know what she wanted to say!!!!!!!!!! =-) Again, we got him from PAWS, and he is a great dog too. Of course, he is not like Spunky, Peaches, or any of the other animals we have had. He is his own dog.

It's a new year!!

Cannot believe it's a new year, where did 2006 go? Well for me, I made it through the holiday season w/out missing a day of work, and what happens on Jan. 2ND? Well, I end up w/the flu!!!! Man, it's not fun! The worst part lasted for a good 24 hours, now I'm starting to mead. Quentin and Skyler went back to school, of course, they were not thrilled this am. But, it's good for them to be back, as for they get bored. We had a wonderful holiday season, got most of my Christmas cards out. =-) Scott also, had the whole time off too. Which he spend in working w/all his woodworking tools. [need to get a picture of this] =-)

~~It's been awhile~~

It's been awhile since I have been on here. It's hard to believe that Christmas is less then a week away. Christmas shopping is almost over, just a few more gifts to get. W/talking to my sister tonight, it sounds like the weather might not be good for her to travel in. =-( Traveling is not always the fun part of the holidays. I am so looking forward to seeing all the family. I'm not sure why, but, my mother told me that I could not bring Simon w/me. So, he will have to stay w/a friend. [Hope this is going to be cheaper then last trip] The kids get out tomorrow at 1:45pm, so they are excited!! Scott stayed home today w/a cold. I was late to work [about 20 min] because, someone walked past w/a boxer puppy. I had good thoughts of leaving on time, but, it was hard to leave this little thing. She was so CUTE!!!!!!!! And no, I do not want a puppy. My boss did tell me that next time I'm going to be late, that I should call before I am heading to work, already late. =-) Somethings could not be helped, and not when it comes to a puppy, I guess my love for animals comes first over my work. =-} If I do not get on here before Christmas, I wish everyone a Happy Holidays!!

Can not believe this dog!

Last weekend, we asked our neighbors if they would not mind watching our dogs, we went to have Christmas w/Scott's dad. Being the sweet people they are, said 'sure'. Well, our 'free' babysitting weekend turned out to cost us money! Kelly got home, to find Simon w/a remote in his mouth. Not only was it in his mouth, but, it was chewed, and there were no pieces to be found. Needless to say that their TV remote does not work any more. I have heard from a few people that a remote could cost anywhere from $10.00--to $200.00. Well, we found out tonight that it will cost us $53.00. I just can not believe this dog!!! I can understand now why his other owners got rid of him, they said that he was too expensive.

P.S. I have asked each child if Simon was their dog, and of course, no one would claim him. =-)

New Recipe

OK, since I am not much of a baker, I found this recipe, and it was great!! Even Scott liked it. It's called Holiday peppermint bark. And all it is, is two ingredients, it was gone in a matter of a day in 1/2. [maybe, some of that had to do w/the fact that we were stuck at home.] ---plowing problems.

Go to this web site and check it out, www.verybestbaking.com Under recipes, go to the kids part. Yes, I know ---the kids recipe.. LOL.. Anyway, let me know what you think..

Get this

Get this, I called into work today, saying that I could not get there. For some odd reason, they did not plow our street. --maybe, we did not pay our taxes, LOL... =-) Our street had 13 inches of snow, and I know this because, we took a ruler out to measure it. OK, now I told my boss that I could not get to work, but, if I could---I would go in. So, what does he tell me??? YES, that he would pick me up. I could not believe it, he picked me up! I even got a ride home. Next time I am going to keep my mouth shut . =-) If you want to know if we were busy at my work, YES! I swear everyone was out! Boots, snow pants plus anything that was warm, was bought today. The biggest talk was how long they're drive was.

~~Let it SNOW~~~

OK, so I got my SNOW!! It's so exciting!! I went out to help Scott shovel, and wound up w/the littlest shovel. Needless to say that did not go for too long, went to talk to some neighbors, then headed inside. But, Scott on the other hand stayed outside for about 6 hours shoveling, not only his driveway, but, some others. A snow blower was used for most of it. A great friend spend time over here to help too. [Scott then helped w/his driveway]. It is in the 20's, and I'm not sure of the wind chill. Either way, it's cold out. The dogs and kids had a blast playing outside. Simon has kind of played non-stop and when he does come in, one would think he would sleep---but, this is Simon we are talking about. Last week he spend 5 of 7 days taking a bath, Tues. being the last day for a bath. [Always wondered why we had such a big bathroom]. If you would like to see pictures, check out Life rushes by, site. She is so good about putting pictures up. OK, need to check on Q and Simon.. Ginger was out playing in the snow, but, has been sleeping on the couch since she came in [a few hours ago]

Light parade

Since it was in the 60's on Sat. Scott and I decided it would be a great night to see the festival of lights, in East Peoria. I'm thinking everyone had the same idea. =-) It was really busy, but, the kids found a place to stand so they could see everything. The night was great, and at the end, we saw fireworks. [as we were walking to the car] One sad thing I do have to say is, it's amazing how many people are unable to clean up after them selves.

Getting the Tree ready!

Over the weekend, we got our house ready for Christmas. Scott worked on the lights outside, [no picture of that] while Nancy, I and the kids got the tree ready in here. The sweetest thing about this was when Q found an ornament that had Spunky's name on it. He put it in the front of the tree.

AZ pictures

Here are some pictures that Scott took while on his trip to AZ. Besides work, he did not do much more. So, most of the pictures are taken from the car, or hotel. But, it's nice to see the what the outdoors are like there. Also, the pictures of the houses look nice too..

Day after Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to let you know that I survived the day after Thanksgiving. Got to work at 4:45AM [before that time really], and at 5am we were letting people in. Let me tell you, that people were kind of running to get the things that they wanted. The day went by really fast, and people were really great!! Only saw one person I knew there shopping, not sure what she was thinking about to go shopping at 5:45 am.. =-) My family came to rescue me right after work, and took me out for a late lunch. I was ready for bed right after eating. I'm not use to working so early. Ok, this picture was taken in AZ, Scott thought of me when he was down there. How sweet huh??

1 more thing

Just wanted to say a Happy Birthday to two people tomorrow. One of those people are going to be really OLD!! Man, 30 years old, can't believe that. =-0

Happy Thanksgiving

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! We had a nice day here, Scott made a wonderful meal, mm mm... ate a lot. Nancy and her babies came over. While she was here, Scott put up the lights outside and we got the tree up. Man, it's looking a lot like Christmas!! There is nothing better then looking at a Christmas tree. =-) Now I'm wondering if Simon or anyone for that matter will play in the tree. It seems like every year, someone plays with or in the tree. Needless to say, our tree has seen better days. Talking about Simon, he decided today to play in the creek. Man, you would think by now he would just walk into the tub. OK, I am off to bed, I have to be to work tomorrow at 4:30am, actually 4:45am, but, I have to lie to myself, ---people who know me, would understand. LOL.. So, I am off to bed. If you are one of those people who shop at 5AM I will see you there.

Thank you

Just to let you know, Q is getting out his thank you cards. We started to work on the last night, doing the e-mail ones first. Of course, the computer froze. So, we will finish tonight. Q had a great birthday, and has really enjoyed playing w/all the toys. And spending his money. Scott took him to the store the other day, to spend his gift card, and $. OK, since it was his $, he decided to pass on a $60.00 toy, because, it was $$. But, if we were buying it for him, I'm sure the cost would not matter that much. LOL.. it's different when it's your own money.

P.S. Scott came home Friday night, it's nice to have him home. I have missed some good food. He made me a wonderful breakfast before I went to work, and when I came home, he had homemade tacos ready for me. OK, have to share this story w/you, last week at Skyler's school, where I help out in the library. 3 of us where standing around [waiting for her class to come in], each of us saying what we were doing for Thanksgiving. When it came to me, I said I can't wait for a great meal, as for my husband does all the cooking. They both looked at me, and made a comment about the way I said that. [like it wasn't a big deal, that my husband cooked]. They both said they would love it if they had help, or had the whole meal cooked for them. I just grinned!!!!!!!! What more could I say, 'I'm spoiled'?? NOT!!!!!!!!! I guess I could thank his parents for such a wonderful cook..=-)

TIs the SEASON~~~~~~

Man, I have to say that the holiday season does not bring out the kindness in people. It's amazing how crabby people are. The other day, a 'big guy' was using a credit card that had a picture of a female on it, plus, the name Mona, just did not match w/him. =-) After running it all through, I look at the C.C. and told him that we could not take it.[he was not Mona, the picture did not match, and it was not signed] He told me that she [Mona] was next door, and would be over. Reminder, not once did he make a big deal about this, my manager was even down to void this out for me. Now let me share with you what happened after the lady came. We had a line, so when help came, I passed their stuff onto her, and that's when the man had a FIT!! He was not happy about what had happened, his daughter [yes, that's who Mona turned out to be] was questioning when we started to check for signatures. [Which our store does all the time--not sure about other places--because, I do not work at their places] I offered to have my manager come, and the man told me it was too late. [So, I called the manager] When the manager shows up, the man is outside, and his daughter makes it sound like things were OK, and it was just her father who was throwing a fit!!

~~~Let me say a few things about this... First, we are looking after the C.C. holder, if your credit card is not signed, please show ID. Which this guy did not have . Anyone could be using your card w/you not knowing it.
2ND. The amount of money is not the reason why we can not take the Credit card. It's the fact that the credit card is not yours. And you are able to say it's Joe Blows for all that matters. But, it does not match your signature, or id, we can not take it. Just think if someone took your card...

Other things to think about when you are out shopping, just remember~~~
1. Do not shop when you are in a hurry, that's when things, go slow.
2. If something does not ring up right, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT OUT ON the register people. It's not our fault, but, we are willing to help you figure out what is going on.
3. When trying on clothes, just remember to take those clothes back to where you found them to begin with. Or at least take them out of the fitting rooms. It really helps us who are putting away all the clothes. Just think about it this way, if you bring in a certain amount of clothes, there are tons more people bringing in the same amount, if not more. And the people who work the fitting rooms do match the number of customers.
4. One more thing, then I will end... Working retail is like doing housework, or at least putting on your parent name tag, but X's much more kids!!!!!!

Sure hopes this helps the next time you are out shopping.

Happy Birthday Q

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday Quentin! I can not believe you are now 10! Wow, double digits. I just never understood when I had you, people told me that I will turn around and you will grow up. Never really thought that would happen, boy, was I wrong. =-) It's been a wonderful 10 years, and I would of not changed it for the world. May not say it often, but, I have been blessed w/2 wonderful children. This is a day late, but, better late then never. Lynda will post a picture for me.

This show what happens when you play w/the kids

This is Scott and Bret play BBall w/all the kids. But, I think the two biggest kids are Bret and Scott. After seeing the next picture you would wonder how come they never got hurt before. Those two love to do so many 'different stunts' like throwing the ball over the garage and running through it [the garage that is] to get the ball, to then make a basket!! . But, on this day, they were just playing just playing reg. basketball.
Ok, so I can not get the pitures in the right order, but, you get the idea, Scott hurt his foot, the kids came running in saying that Dad NEEDS ICE!!

Scott's birthday~~

Here are some pictures from Scott's little party that we had for him. We had a cake w/candles lit, and when he came home, we jumped out at him, singing Happy Birthday!! Poor thing, spend the day traveling back from IN. {Yes, I know, he likes to leave us}.. Love the picture of him w/his gift! He was so excited, I think he had it together that day. LOL

Quetin's party

If I say so myself, Quentin's 10th birthday party went very well!! We had a total of 13 kids here, ranging from the ages of 6 to 6 graders!! I have to say that was the fastest two hours of my life!! We fed them, had games for them to play, and of course, gifts to open. I think Quentin and his friends had a great time. Of course, I can not show any pictures right now, because, the camera is in AZ w/Scott. Who should be landing in an hour, in warm weather. My father love this picture of Quentin. He has a name for this guy, but, I can not think of it.. Punk, Tom, Bobby, a little help?!!

~One more Halloween Picture~

Here is a picture of Cecelia's first Halloween. Cute, little pumpkin??

~Better Late then Never~

I finally got the Halloween pictures off the camera, So I will now share them w/you. Both looked great!! Quentin Robot was made by his dad and Uncle Tom. The only problem w/his costume was walking, and when it comes to Trick or Treating, you really need to be able to walk. But, for a 'free costume' who can complain. Plus, both brought home more candy then we knew what to do with. Oh, forgot to add, I'm not sure who was more excited about dressing up.. The kids or Scott. =-)

~visitor~~

Two weekends ago, my brother came down to visit with his little puppy [who is younger then Simon] Anyway, Simon who has 50 pounds on Bart [my brothers dog] was not sure of him. At one point Simon actually hid behind me. TALK ABOUT A BIG BABY!! Update, last week when it was cold, where was Simon?? Yep, the creek. This is the week that he should go, it was in the 70's today. =-)
Bart, and Quentin

~~~Birthday party~~

On Sat. Nov. 11, I will be having 11 kids here. Quentin has decided that since he is now turning 10, he can have 10 kids. [One is unable to make it, so now it's down to 11] ---which is fine w/me. Does anyone have earplugs?? =-) His theme is space, my neice told me to decorate my house w/stars [ect]. Yeah well, the kids should be happy that I'm going to feed them more then cake. 8-) Then on Nov. 12th, I get to be a single parent for the week. Scott gets to go to AZ for week. Leaving on Sunday and coming back on Friday--sure hope it goes fast.
The picture w/Q eating did not turn out good.

Birthday

On the 2nd was Scott's birthday, he turned 38! The kids kept telling him that only two more years and he'll be 40! Which is ok, for me to smile now about it, but, I'm right behind him. =-) I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Scott!! The kids and I made him a rice crispy cake for him, and jumped out sang Happy birthday!

Wild Life Scary Park

Last night was fun, we went to Wild Life Scary Park. It's a train ride through the park, and it's decorated for Halloween, w/people dressed up. Skyler was the first on the train, and the lady told her to scream really loud, and boy did she listen!! Scott could not hear out of his ear. Quentin sat w/his Uncle Tom, and Lynda who I think was worse then the kids, sat next to me, [like I'm the one to sit with] Ashley, sat w/her dad. We stood in line for a long time, but all in all, it was fun. If you want to see pictures [since I never take my camera] Lynda's blog will have pictures on it. [go to her flickr site.. This picture, of the spider is real, we found it at Nancy's house. Thought it would make a cool picture!!

Happy Halloween

~~Not for the people w/weak tummys~~

I have always thought that since we live w/3 cats and 2 dogs, that mice [or anything living would not be a promblem]!! Boy, was I wrong!!!! On Sat. while Scott was playing ball [I mean, just sitting there--another story] Simon found the garage to be very intersenting, come to find out there was a mouse in there. Never thought I could scream so loud! =-0 Thank God it did not run out at me. Scott is sitting on his chair, telling me that 'there might be something there' [Yes, he was right] Anyway, after finding the mouse, Bret comes over to have a look, and confirms that I was right, it was a big mouse. [geez, thanks LOL] =-) Now 3 days later, I'm thinking that if my animals do not do their part in keeping my house, pest free, they might be on the streets. They must of been listening to me, cuz, the Schwans man came, and while I was looking at what to order, I noticed something in my yard. YES, I SCREAMED AGAIN!!! I'm thinking you would too if you saw what I did. There in the front yard, was a half of a mouse. The kids came running and had to look for them selves. YUK, they said! Ok, so I am now cleaning up after the mouse parts, to find the other half of the mouse in another part of the yard. Man, it was just sick!! [noticed, this is why I put in the title if you have weak tummys do not read]...

Way too cute!!

How many of us can say that a neighbor comes to play w/their dog? Well, Simon has this thing about him that people just love. My neighbor comes over to get his child everyday, and who does he have to play w/first?? Simon is the right answer. =-) I need to get my camera out when this is going on. They race around the center part, and sometimes play hide and seek. But, the sad thing is when John leaves w/his child, Simon starts to bark. [he wants to keep playing] To keep you updated, Simon is still playing in the garden. [What's left of it!!!] I'm thinking that Kelly is right, he does have OCD.

Halloween pictures

Here are some pictures from 2005!

Pumpkins

So we go to the pumpkin patch, and do I bring my camera??? NO!!!!! Someday I will learn to have it right there. =-) We go on a hay rack ride to get there, and who goes the farthest out for their pumpkin? But, both kids. We told them that if they find one that they would have to carry it back. Well, Quentin finds the largest one that he can carry!! We told him to find another one, so this time, a friend goes w/him, and here comes Q and his friend taking turns carrying the pumpkin back. Ashley falls, and what does Q do?? He runs for the pumpkin, wondering if it's ok. Poor Ashley, is thinking 'thanks, Q' , I'm just fine. At the end, we look at our coupon, which Bret shared w/us. And Q was able to get the 'biggest' pumpkin ever! =-) [well, not really, unless you were carrying it].

Ok

I got a call tonight from Quentin's Aunt, saying that she did not know most of the words that Q had to learn. Only knowing 2 or so of the meanings, she had to look it up the rest. I'm glad I'm not alone not knowing most of those words.

~~~~Wanted to add one more thing~~

Ok, I did not have a chance to mention this before. I would like for you to tell me what everything thing in Q's story is. He had to unline line what an---idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, simile, hyperbole, or allitergtion. Let's see if you can come up w/the same answers.

P.S. this is what the 4th graders are now learning!!!

Figurative Language

Now, unless you are really good in language, how many of us really know what Alliteration, Hyperbole, Simile, Onomatopoeia, Metaphor, or Idiom is?? Well, Quentin had to write a paragraph using these terms. He teacher was really impressed that she wanted him to read it in class. But, being the 'shy boy' he is [yeah right, to those of us who really know him] =-) He did not want to read it. So, the teacher read some of it out loud. Also, our neighbor/friend who by the way is a English teacher at a high school, said it was great. Since it's a Halloween story, I decided to share it w/you. Please let me know what you think of it.

No one was home there. I walked in, OOOOOOOOOOOOO! I looked around. The ground creaked. The house was deserted like Antartica. So, I went upstairs. The steps were steep so I went slow and steady. [teacher put a smile face here]
When I got up stairs, I thought I saw something move. I went into the room. The room was the dark sky. I saw a blanket move. But, it was just floating there. I started shaking like I was popcorn. I screamed all the way homeWhen I got home my legs were as stretchy as bubblegum. I didn't get candy but, who cares.

By, Quentin age 9...

~~What's new~~~

I have not been very good on this thing. Sorry.. Let's see, Friday Quentin spend the night at a friends house, and Skyler had a friend over here for the night. When I got home from work at 11pm, both girls were up, and wanting me to stay with them till 1am!! Needless to say they were in bed at mid-night. We were all up at 8am the next morning when Quentin was knocking at the door. Not sure why, but, the nights go by way to fast. On Sat. the kids headed for bowling, both did really good!! Quentin got 2 patches, one for a 300 series, and one for a 130 game. Very exciting! Skyler has so much fun, she smiles no matter what. When we got home Simon decided to it was time to go to the creek. He had so much fun, that Ginger thought that she would go for a splash too. Maggie just sat there like an angel and watched. When it was time for me to get ready for work, I asked the neighbor if he could 'watch' Simon. [like it was a big deal to watch him, he was having a blast]!! =-) Scott gets home from getting some machine for the yard, and he was wondering where Simon was. So after lunch Scott gets the dogs gives them a bath ---of course he was not very happy w/me for letting him do this by him self. The funny part about this story, was that Simon went down to the creek later, and had to get washed again!!!