MOTHER'S DAY

BITTER SWEET
This is a difficult day for me. While I love the cards from the kids and wonderful gifts from my husband. It is only a huge reminder that I do not have a mother to go and visit and bring a gift. I miss her more everyday. As I am going through a challenging time with having more work, chores, errands, etc, etc. than is possible to accomplish with babies, toddlers, and teenagers at the same time. I reflect on how my mother survived having nine children and this was before Prozac was invented. She is an amazing example of many things: determination, education, poise, positive attitude, integrity and on, and on. The thing that I miss the most is her hugs. I will forever remember how soft her skin was and how she smelled. There was always a feeling that everything is going to be okay.

On a lighter side... Porter's Mother's Day card will definitely be saved. He wrote that he never wants to leave me. I think that I will have to pull it out when he tells me that he is thinking about getting married.

Sean does such a great job of trying to take care of me and make it a good day. Thanks baby!

WORK, WORK, WORK

This is my world! Taking every possible moment to fit in more work. The best is what is going on in the background. You can also see the trash can on the counter. That is why I now work at the bar in the kitchen instead of my office. Also note that this pic was taken at 7:30 pm. I workout at the gym at 9:30 am, I was finally able to shower at 9 pm after they all went to bed.

BASEBALL MANIA

Austin is playing on two baseball teams, a super league team (The Mustangs) and a city league team (The Rangers). The Rangers won the championship last year and most of the team is back again this year. He is playing catcher, third base, and outfield. Who has room for groceries when the back of your car is full of baseball equipment, strollers, car seats, etc? He is sure fun to watch.

JACK

JACKY ROO ROO

Don't let this sweet little face fool you!
He can turn into the devil child at the blink of an eye.

He is our little "Linus"! I have never had a blanket baby.


This pic says it all about his personality. Since he was born he has wanted to walk. Now that has been checked off his list. His obsession has changed to driving.

Last weekend he was cutting his two top teeth. This made him happy for about 20 minutes. We are always searching for ways to keep him happy. He has a cry that clears a room and when he is unhappy you hear about it.

Blowing Stuff Up!!

There are two things that I like to do to relieve stress. The first is kickboxing and the second is shooting guns and blowing stuff up. My favorite is Sean's Beretta. It packs a pretty good punch. We had some good bonding time with our kids: Alix, Cody, Austin, Sydnie, & Porter.

Alix
Cody, the good big brother, is instructing Porter.
Austin
Cody
Porter

"THE GIRLS"

The Annual Friend Christmas Party

Julie, Aubree, Beckie, Me, Kari, Jill

Shannon, Rachel, Kim, Melissa, Sandy, Sari

We have been going to the cabin since high school. 15 years has gone by since we graduated. I can't believe we are that old. It seems like only yesterday that we were hanging at the rail, making runs to Holiday for the much needed Mountain Dew, Diet Coke, or Dr. Pepper, or dancing to Salt n Pepa, Prince, or En Vogue wearing our oversized polo shirts with our big bang curly hair. Oh the 90's what a glamourous time!

Melissa has been digging through the old photos and displaying the hair of the week on her blog. She has inspired me to go through the old pics and find some funny ones. So stay tuned...