Weekend At Ma Maws

Oh what a weekend it was. I spent it working and studying. Nick, luckily got to spend the weekend with his Ma Maw. He was even able to spend Sunday with his Uncle Michael and Aunt Amy. (Sorry if you guys didn't get a nap!) I think they both enjoyed every minute of it. Nick went to bed with out a fight tonight and I am sure my mom was exhausted as well. Mom took Nick to Sam Parr on Saturday where a majority of my family spent the weekend camping. Mom said that Nick played outside the entire day. He was actually around other kids for a change. He did not have a nap for two days. He even ate morel mushrooms. Mom said he and Gauge (nephew) ate so many that she had to make them stop because she was afraid they would get belly aches. I haven't had a morel mushroom is about three years. I am very jealous.

Mom is coming over this weekend to stay and I really hope she gets some time to relax. I hope I didn't push her too far with Nick either although I know she really enjoyed it. Thanks so much Mom!

For the Kinkade Family

Congratulations to the Kinkade family on the announcement that they will be extending their family. How exciting that now Jack gets to take on the role of BIG brother. I can't wait to hear the progress. One of these days (after I am finished with school) Ryan and I will talk about another, but for now I look forward to everyone elses baby news! Congratulations again.

We love bathtime

Thanks Ma Maw!!

With Ga Maw Linda breaking her hip we were in a bind for a sitter. Fortunately Ma Maw Lisa was feeling up to the challenge of watching Nick for the weekend. Here are a few pics before they left on Friday.

When I talked to Mom today she said she actually slept really good last night. I hope they are having a great time and that Nick doesn't wear her out too much. Thanks Mom...We love you!

Get Well Soon!

I wanted to wish my Mother-in-law a speedy recovery. Today while walking Nick she fell on the sidewalk and broke her hip. While this poor lady was in pain all she could think about was Nick. She said Nick was very concerned about her and crying out to her. She somehow managed to get him out of the stroller and he laid on her chest until someone could get to her. Luckily he understood that something was not right and stayed right with her. Unfortunately no one in the neighborhood stopped or heard anything to come help her.

The sidewalk they were walking on was completely filled with slimy moss that made it very slippery. By the time she saw it, it was too late. She ended up breaking the ball part of her hip in two.

My neighbor Rachel was kind enough to watch Nick while Linda was rushed to the hospital. She said that when he came to her house he was really upset. He kept saying Ga maw fall, Ga maw hurt, noise.

It is hard to image that a 20 month old can put all of that together and remember what happened. Even when he went to bed tonight he continued to tell us about the events of the day.

Get well soon Ga maw!

Doggie Tails

Giddy Up

For the past few months Nick has been riding the broom around like a stick horse. I decided it would probably be best to get him the real thing. We set out to pick the perfect horse last Thursday. Who new they would be so hard to find. After searching Wal-mart, K-mart and Target we finally scored a stick horsey at Magoo's store of Toys. Dang those things are expensive!
It was well worth the cash to see the excitement on Nick's face when he rode on his horsey for the first time!

Telling his new horse night, night!

Hello fellow bloggers. I have definatley missed you all! I have been beyond busy. I hope to have a few things to post in the next couple of days. My camera has numerous pics to show and I know I have a lot to talk about. It is crazy how I have the time to check out everyone elses blog, but no time to post on my own.

Shake It Up

Did you feel the Earthquake last night? I felt my bed shaking and wondered what in the world my husband was doing to make the bed shake like that. When I rolled over he was sound asleep. I tried to wake him up, but he didn't even budge. I have never felt an Earthquake before so I thought it was pretty cool. I would like to know your quake stories.

Thanks to the French's

My mom, Stepfather and Stepbrothers sent me these flowers when they found out that I made it into the Nursing program! Thank you so much. They are still opening and smell fantastic!

Do you remember Lamb Chop?

Nick got this as a gift for his first birthday from his Aunt Judy. He is really starting to become attached to it. When you put your hand in the body it has a few sayings. When he hears Lamb Chop speak, you can see on his face that he thinks she/he is real. At night we put Lamb Chop on his bookshelf and he tells Lamb Chop goodnight. When he wakes up he will go to Lamb Chop and say "sleeping?" It is really cute!

I Made It!!!!!

After nearly three months of anticipation I finally recieved my acceptance letter today. I have been accepted to start the Southwestern Illinois College Nursing Program in June. Only 80 people out of almost 500 applicants were accepted. I am so excited. I finally feel like my life is really coming together! I have worked very hard. I know I have quit a road in front of me, but I have accomplished this so I know I can make it through!

My Favorite Recipie

I had the best of intentions to post this a few weeks ago after Sarah posted the "What did you have for supper last night post?!" (which I love by the way)

Better late than never. My favorite thing to make is Lasagna. My mom tells me its is the best, but isn't that what moms are for. So try it for yourself and let me know.

1-2 lbs ground beef

1 small onion

1 green, red, and yellow pepper

1 clove garlic

Italian seasonings

salt and pepper

1 large container mushrooms, sliced

1 can tomato soup

1 large can whole tomatoes, chopped

1 large container of prairie farms cottage cheese

2 bags mozzarella cheese

6-9 lasagna noodles

In skillet brown ground beef with the onion, garlic, peppers, salt and pepper. Drain. Return to pan and add tomato soup, Italian seasoning, mushrooms, and chopped tomatoes. Cook to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from heat and add cottage cheese. Boil noodles until Al Dante. It makes the lasagna a little less runny when the noodles are not done all the way. In a 9x13 baking dish coat the bottom with a small amount of sauce. Layer noodles, sauce, cheese. Continue until all sauce is used. Add cheese to the top. Make sure to cover your pan with foil so that the cheese does not burn. You may want to put toothpicks in the middle of the pans so the foil does not stick to the cheese. Bake on 350 for about 30 minutes or until cheese and sauce bubble. let sit for about 10 minutes to help thicken. Enjoy!!!!

Thoughts for the Day

This picture has no meaning to this post, I just thought I would include it. What a day it has turned out to be. My day started with the annoying sound of my alarm going off. For some reason I have been without a good night sleep for about 20 months (right around when Nick was born). I wake up tired each day and go to bed tired each night.

It has rained for what seems like 40 days and 40 nights and I just want it to quit. Spring has officially started, however it feels like we live in Seattle.

When I got out of the car on my way to class this morning, my umbrella flipped up and was useless to me for the rest of the day. I was completely soaked. (My classes are in three different buildings all across campus) Needless to say I feel a little chafed from wearing wet jeans around all day.

I had a test in my logic class today that I feel very bad about. I am pulling an A, but am disappointed that because of my new job I have lacked in the studying department. I hope that the job doesn't interfere with my GPA. It will really disappoint me.

I really miss my little Nick man. He goes to bed before I get home from work and wakes up way after I go to school. Thank goodness this only happens a few days a week. I don't think I could handle much more than that.

I have two huge tests next week and have to work all weekend. That means all my spare time will be spent studying instead of taking Nick to the park. I keep telling myself how this will all be worth it very soon. I just have to keep positive and remember I am doing this for Nick.

On a positive note...I ate the new pasta from Pizza Hut for supper tonight and it was very good. Thank goodness I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Nick

Nick wanted to help out in the kitchen. He pulled an empty box over to the sink and got right to work. It was really cute.
I am amazed by how he is starting to figure things out...like pulling the box up to the sink and turning it over to make himself taller. Each day is a new adventure.

Bye Bye Tur Tur

We decided that we needed to release Tur Tur back into the wild. With everything going on in our lives right now there was just no time to care for the little turtle and it wasn't fair to keep him. Rachel and Taylor along with Nick and I took a walk to the pond in front of our neighborhood and released him into the wild. Taylor even left him a little note so that he would know he was still cared for. While we were there we caught a tadpole. Good luck Rachel and Taylor on raising Slimer into a frog! He will do much better at your house. hehehe!

The Chance of A Lifetime

Ryan and Bud in front of the 13th (Azalea) green at Augusta National.
Hole 16 (Red Bud)

The Clubhouse

Tiger's ball on hole 9 (Carolina Cherry)

Tiger himself on hole 9 (Carolina Cherry)

Tiger again.

Hole 10 (Camellia)

Tee box at hole 11 (White Dogwood) 505 yd par 4

Hole 16 (Red Bud)

Ryan and Bud were able to visit the most elite course ever designed. Ryan was able to get two tickets to the practice rounds for the Masters this year for his dad for Christmas. They had a terrific time and got to see a course a limited number of people ever set foot on. I'm glad to have Ryan home. I am very glad they were able to experience this together. One day I have a feeling my husband and son will be making this trip.

Nothing New to Post

I haven't really been able to post anything for a while because:

1. My husband is gone with the camera at the Masters. (Can't wait to post those pics)
2. My job takes up more time than I thought.
3. I have been studying like crazy to make an A in Anatomy 2(the hard work is paying off)
4. I've been catching up on some much needed Nick time.
5. It has been so nice the last couple of days we have spent a lot of time outside.

Hopefully when the hubby gets back I will be able to bring you some fantastic pictures. Hopefully he got a few of hottie Tiger Woods!!!!

100 Things About Me

After looking at Jessica's blog I have decided to post 100 things about myself. What a neat way to learn things about people that you may not have known before!

1. I am a mother and a wife.
2. I love to cook.
3. I only have half a liver because of birth control pills.
4. I love most sports.
5. I can sing the songs to most children's songs and enjoy doing it.
6. I go to school full time and work part time.
7. My son weighed 9 lbs and 8 oz when he was born.
8. I would rather wear pj's all day long than get dressed.
9. I have 3 siblings all who are younger than me.
10. My house is normally messy, but I like to think it is just lived in.
11. My husband has more clothes than I do.
12. My backyard is always flooded so we have to go to the park to play outside.
13. I would like to become more aware of my health by exercising and eating right.
14. My favorite vegetable is asparagus.
15. My mom is my best friend.
16. I miss the feel of a small town, but love the excitement of the city.
17. Reading is a passion of mine, but i rarely have anytime to do it.
18. I like the smell of rain.
19. My son is my inspiration.
20. I have a great relationship with my in-laws.
21. My lucky number is 10.
22. I will turn 30 in January.
23. I secretly wish I could try out for American Idol.
24. I have an obsession with celebrity gossip magazines.
25. I like to look at blogs to see what is going on in my hometown.
26. I will always be a Newton Eagle!
27. Silence in my household is golden, but I would rather hear the sound of Nick playing.
28. My family is very close.
29. I wish I had a clothes line.
30. I keep old clothes in hopes of fitting into them again. I even still have clothes from high school.
31. I would like to send my son to a private school.
32. I used to drive a 1979 ford pickup truck with a camper shell.
33. I was in high school musicals.
34. I am a member of the National Honor Society.
35. I make better grades now than I did in high school.
36. I like to shop for things to decorate my house with.
37. I can twist my arms all the way around.
38. I am a sucker for people at wal-mart asking for money.
39. Sometimes I am way too grouchy to my husband.
40. I am allergic to mayonnaise.
41. I can only vacation in the winter because of my husbands job.
42. I listen to all types of music.
43. I have a dog and a pet turtle.
44. I am very competitive.
45. I am a night owl.
46. My parents are divorced.
47. I used to have a cosmetology licence.
48. I have worked at almost every bar in Jasper County.
49. I talk in my sleep.
50. I was voted class clown of my senior class.
51. I snore. (or so my husband says)
52. I try to spend the money I win from the lottery even though I never play.
53. I have played in the world series of poker.
54. Jess my feet grew too when I was pregnant.
55. I wear flip flops even when it rains.
56. The first thing i notice about people are their teeth.
57. My husband calls me Mandy.
58. I still color.
59. I take pictures almost everyday.
60. I don't mind doing laundry, but hate to put it away.
61. I should wear glasses or contacts, but i don't.
62. I didn't know that booty means a pirates treasure until a couple of years ago.
63. I would like eat some morel mushrooms.
64. I wear alot of black clothing.
65. I try to keep up with the newest fashions.
66. I will only drink milk from a frosty glass from the freezer.
67. I have had six different cars this year alone.
68. I like to play video games.
69. I would like to renovate a house.
70. I am scared of spiders.
71. I love pasta and seafood.
72. Yellow is my favorite color.
73. I have never been out of the United States.
74. I love getting emails, but hate chain letters.
75. I was married on a Friday.
76. My husband is younger than I am.
77. I got almost ten inches cut off of my hair after I had my son.
78. I have not had short hair since my freshman year of high school.
79. I like to bake for other people but not for myself.
80. I spend time on my blog when I should be doing other things.
81. I am hard on myself and don't have much confidence.
82. I tried sushi for the first time this year and liked it.
83. I eat soybeans as a snack.
84. I love the feel of brand new socks.
85. I don't wash new things before I wear them.
86. I still try to improve my handwriting.
87. I almost won a Harley Davidson once.
88. I met and shook hands with Albert Pujols once at the fox theatre.
89. I am not very good with directions.
90. I am the one in my house who puts things together. (shelves, entertainment centers.)
91. My husband convinced me for over a year that he did not know how to grill. He dad informed me that was not true.
92. I don't mind trying new things.
93. I was in color guard for 6 years and wish I could do it again.
94. My favorite teacher was Mr. Miller.
95. I once drove around town in my friends car when I was only 15 and got chased by the cops.
96. I need my hair colored.
97. I have hair on my big toe that I have to shave off. Once I waxed it. Maybe I should do that again.
98. I would rather be hot than cold.
99. I have never had a broken bone.
100. I don't wear lipstick.

For Grandpa

In loving memory of

Kenneth R. Tate

1/27/31 - 3/30/07

We little knew that morning,

that god was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot See you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

the chain will Link again.

Opening Day 2008

We made it to our very first Opening Day celebration and game. It was a good time all in all except for the rain. Fortunately the tickets were good for tonight's game. We just got back and let me tell you it was so COLD! Hope you enjoy the pictures even though they didn't win tonight. It is only the first game of the season.