Katrine
DATE:11/20/2007 8:20 AM
hello
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: New Blog!
DATE: 5/14/2007 12:41:00 PM
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BODY:
I now have a new blog. Join me HERE!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
Jason
DATE:5/14/2007 9:17 PM
Don't do it! Don't leave us, please! I don't want you to have a new blog, I want you to keep this one! I feel deceived, abandonded, misled, coerced, and rejected. I finally join your world and you leave us like so much rubbish on the side of the road. Don't sell your soul to homemaking night.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Woof!
DATE: 5/09/2007 12:40:00 PM
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BODY:
I asked John to help our boys with their bath. This simple request might as well be a death threat to Ethan because he does not like John to give him a bath. He is not as gentle as myself so Ethan becomes a screaming mess when John washes his hair. So, John decided that he would only wash Cameron's hair so he would not have to torture his younger son.
As John was lathering the shampoo he said that he thought the new brand was so thick and creamy. As he rubbed Cameron's scalp he noticed the scent was wonderful. As Cameron was under water rinsing his hair John picked up the bottle to see what brand of shampoo I had purchased. It's called, "Crazy Pet Pina Colada Shampoo For Dogs."
John quickly grabbed the not so thick or wonderfully smelling Suave shampoo and began lathering Cameron's head up again.
I guess I forgot to put away the shampoo after bathing the dog.Labels: Cameron
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:5/09/2007 1:42 PM
LOL!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/09/2007 2:13 PM
Sounds like a crazy day at the Judd home! Kara
DATE:5/09/2007 6:29 PM
too funny!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:5/10/2007 8:18 PM
I bet it was good for them. A healthly lather and a flee protectant never hurt anyone.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:5/10/2007 9:13 PM
Why does that sound like a typical dad thing to do? 
Madison went across the street to the neighbor's to see some baby birds in a tree. She spotted this snake trying to get to the baby birds. She screamed as all proper teenage girls do, and men from all around came with shovels, pitchforks, and in John's case, a camera.
"And that there is what they call a water moccassin!" exclaimed the visiting neighbor's pawpaw to me in his deep Texas drawl. And to give you reference, the snake killer holding the snake is 6 feet and 4 inches tall. Yowsers! That's huge for a water snake. Especially a snake that kills small animals, and an occassional human. Or perhaps a small child or a pug? I am now on snake duty when my children want to enter the dangerous backyard.Labels: Texas
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:5/06/2007 8:09 PM
Oh my Hell! Oh my hell! oh my hell you are so right on this one!!!!! I don't know that I even want to come visit anymore..... Can i get a shot, or maybe even a treatment before we come out for our cruise? I can't believe it. You are so brave. You need to come back to the land of Zion where you and your dear family will be protected from extra long nasty snakes, roaches, rats, insects as big as baseballs. the land of Zion is amazing!! I think I am going to keep my roots planted here.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
DATE:5/07/2007 5:48 AM
OMG that thing is huge!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:5/07/2007 5:58 AM
whoa! let's hope that snakes are solitary creayures huh?? ::shiver:: Kira Joy
DATE:5/07/2007 9:45 AM
Yikes! That is nuts! I have only ever found the tiny garden snakes, but I do know what to do if you ever get attacked by an anaconda (I learned this on NPR, so it's legit right?): anacondas always eat you from the feet up, so you, get this, let it eat you up to your waist, where then you pull out your trusted pocket knife and slit the sides of its mouth open, killing it and releasing you at the same time. Pop that tip in the old 72-hour kit.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:5/07/2007 5:19 PM
Blaaaaaaaaah! I HATE water moccasins. They're the next worst thing to eels.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/08/2007 10:20 AM
Eeeek. And neither will I.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Tall Tales
DATE: 5/03/2007 07:28:00 AM
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BODY:
Madison and I were remembering the tall tales her dad has told her over the years. The first one is that John once convinced her that her name was really Madison Cake instead of Madison Kate because they typed it out wrong on her birth certificate. I thought she knew he was joking. But Madison went around for a couple of years telling people her name was Madison Cake. It wasn't until Madison happened upon her birth certificate and saw that her name was Kate not Cake.
There was a small forest cut down close to our home. The trees laid where they fell, looking like they were pushed over. John told Madison that there were elephants living next to our subdivison and they had pushed the trees over. He would even yell, "There's one now!" And when Madison turned to look the elephants were quick and hid in the remaining trees, of course.
Madison asked her dad why she had one brown eye and one blue eye. He told her that I was jealous that she had blue eyes like him and I wanted her to have brown eyes like myself. So, I stuck a brown sucker in her eye until it turned brown. What?! That's a very odd story but Maddie believed it for a short time.
Madison asked John how he got the scar on his chin. He told her he was once trapped in a train with a lion. He grabbed a whip off the wall to keep the lion from attacking him. When he flicked the whip, it hit him, cutting his chin. And that's how he got the scar. John then climbed up and out of the train car to get away from the lion. But then he fell into another train car filled with snakes. And to this day he hates snakes! Now if you know Indiana Jones you probably recognize this scene from one of the Indiana Jones movies.
Fast forward a few years. Madison had a friend over when the Indiana Jones movie came on. She stopped playing when she noticed a guy stuck in a train with a lion and a whip. When young Indy cut his chin she said, "Hey, that happened to my Dad! And then he climbed up on top of the train and fell back into the train filled with snakes." Imagine her surprise when Indy did exactly the same thing! I started laughing and I was about to tell her that her dad was a big fat liar when John walked into the room. "Dad, you didn't fall into the snakes! That's from a movie!"
"No way! They stole my story! I'm going to sue them for stealing my life and making it into a movie!" John tried desperately to convince her. But Madison's smart. It only took a few years to realize her dad's a big fat liar!
And I did "Jiggle Free Buns" today for my workout. Yeah me!Labels: family
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:5/03/2007 8:33 AM
Jiggle free buns? sign me up where do i get some of those? You are going to be one rockin momma when you come to Utah, I better get my butt in shape.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:5/03/2007 8:49 AM
My dad was never really into telling me tall tales, but my older sister Karli always did. We still talk about the "Karli Robot" days, the Michael Jackson stories and the illustrius "Bloody Mary" horrors she traumatized me with, I still can't go into a dark bathroom.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:5/05/2007 4:23 PM
This is a whole side of John that you've never shared with me! I like it, I like it! Very funny stories. Our parents never did anything like that, of course. I just remember that I was always telling you that you were adopted. You never bought it. But, Katrine, I don't know how to break it to you after all these years, but, well....you're actually adopted.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Freddy Fun Fish
DATE: 5/02/2007 09:28:00 AM
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BODY:
Ethan's Preschool has a stuffed toy fish named Freddy Fun Fish. Freddy gets to go to someone's house every week. There is a book to journal what each preschooler has done with Freddy. It's very hard for a 5 year old to wait his turn. But the day finally came when Ethan got to take Freddy home. I wish I had my camera when Ethan walked out of his classroom with Freddy and a huge smile! Ethan is so cute!
Here's what Ethan has done with Freddy.
Freddy and Ethan together at last!
Freddy cheered Ethan on at soccer practice.
Freddy sat with mom while Ethan was at speech therapy.
A trip to the library.
And it looks like I may have my first thumb sucker. Why did I find this so gross in other children, but in my own son I find it so endearing?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:5/02/2007 1:03 PM
I totally love how easily entertained kids are and how appreciative they are of the tiny stuff. How cute, I hope those two (Ethan and Fish) had a great time together.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/02/2007 1:31 PM
Freddy had an awesome weekend! Jason
DATE:5/02/2007 9:17 PM
Freddy Fun Fish! Great idea. And the first thumbsucker ever in our family. I think it's cute, too. But not when he's ten.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Yes, Kira, I worked out!
DATE: 5/01/2007 08:14:00 AM
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BODY:
Kira is holding me responsible. Thank you! John bought me The Firm with the resistance cords. I used it today for the first time. It was wonderful! I was using muscles that I haven't used since I was a member of a gym. It felt great. But because I am such a wimp right now, I could only do 15 minutes of the 30 minute work out. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
And speaking of Kira, she just graduated with honors. Way to go girl! I totally stole this picture of Kira and my brother from her mother's blog. (I hope you don't mind Karie!) I thought it was so cute! So Kira now has a degree in English. I cringe when she reads my blog because I know she probably notices every error. It's quite sad because I used to be good at English. But if you don't use it, you lose it.
Anyway, I'm rambling. And I have laundry to do.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:5/01/2007 8:44 AM
Rock on Katrine! Keep it up! You're doing great! Maybe I should get The Firm, from the looks of the cover I might not only get thin, but a tan and a larger cup size too :) Karie
DATE:5/04/2007 7:04 AM
I love that you used the picture!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Scattegories from Blog Land
DATE: 4/28/2007 08:58:00 AM
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BODY:
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
Your Name: Katrine
1. Famous Singer/Band: Kiss2. 4 letter word: Knit
3. Color: Kiss Me Coral
4. Street: Kick-A-Poo (I promise this is a real street close to my home!)
5. Gifts/Presents: Kenneth Cole Cologne
6. Vehicle: Kia
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Krap?
8. Boy Name: Kevin
9. Girl Name: Kelly
10. Movie Title: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
11. Drink: Kinky Orgasm
12. Occupation: Kindergarten teacher
13. Flower: Kadsura
14. Celebrity: Kira Knightly
15. Magazine: Kansas Wildlife and Parks
16. U.S. City: Kentucky
17. Pro Sports Teams:
18. Fruit: Kiwi
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: kidnapped
20. Something You Throw Away: ketchup wrappers from fast food resturaunts
21. Things You Shout: Kick the ball!
22. Cartoon Character: Korak, son of Tarzan
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:4/28/2007 4:27 PM
Okay, this is fun. I'm going straight to my own blog and doing this, too! Um, Katrine? Kinky Orgasm? How do you know about those words, let alone the drink?!?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/30/2007 8:57 AM
Is Kentucky a US city Katrine?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/30/2007 9:05 AM
PS: Did you work out? (Ya you said ask so I did)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/01/2007 2:27 PM
Great list!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Operation Waistline
DATE: 4/27/2007 07:46:00 AM
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BODY:
Last night I went shopping all by myself. Sounds great huh? Usually it would be. But I found myself lost and wandering around all the racks of clothing. Somewhere between my 4th pregnancy and today, my body has turned against me. I can't find any clothing to fit me. I can't even tell you what size I am because things that fit me here don't fit me there. In particular I can't find pants because my waistline has gone on vacation. I can find pants to fit my legs, thighs, and bottom, but nothing will fit around my waist.
And I can't find a dress because everything makes me look 4 months pregnant. I'm 4 months postnatal, today actually. Happy 4 months Devin baby.
So, I am hitting my workout tapes. I am going to be accountable here on this blog. So, if I don't record that I have worked out for the day you must promise to ask me where my waist is. And in honor of Devin's 4 months of life, I have worked out today. Let operation waistline begin!
And I won't even tell you how shopping for a bra went.Labels: me
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/27/2007 1:16 PM
yeah i am with you i have the same problem.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:4/27/2007 9:34 PM
I am sorry. Of course your body has turned against you after four kids. Everyone's does, right? Except Mom's. Her body always just snapped right back into place, even after #6. How did that happen? Why didn't you get that gene?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/30/2007 9:04 AM
Being as petite as you are, you can sincerely blame any anatomy imperfections on childbirth. I, on the other hand, don't have pregnancy excuses for my curvacious figure. Don't get me wrong, I would do anything to look like those fierce little hotties on tv, well, except diet and exercise, but those are the only two things. 
I wish my scanner was working so I could show you the picture Cameron drew. He had an assignment for school where he had to answer questions about his hero. I was so happy he picked his little brother! How sweet is that? And Ethan was thrilled!
His paper read,
"If I could choose a special person to honor, I would choose Ethan. This person is my brother. I would choose this person because he plays with me so I won't be alone. We could honor this hero by giving him a lego Star Wars game."
And then he drew a picture of Cameron and Ethan playing X-box (of course).
There's nothing better than your children loving each other!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/25/2007 9:07 AM
That is so sweet. It is aways so adorable when you get to see just how much your kids love each other. It's quite the compliment to you that you are doing a great job as their mother. Kira Joy
DATE:4/25/2007 9:08 AM
I meant to say "It's so funny how kids will talk about" sorry if that didn't make sense.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: EK
DATE:4/25/2007 6:49 PM
Awww how sweet! What cuties! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:4/25/2007 8:43 PM
You have the best kids ever. Now post some of their fights.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karie
DATE:4/27/2007 9:53 PM
This made me cry....that is the sweetest thing ever!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: My Goodness!
DATE: 4/23/2007 09:57:00 AM
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BODY:
I've been away for a long time. It wasn't intentional. Life is just kicking my butt! I am convinced that I have mono. I am so exhausted all of the time! And along with my fatigue I've had a sore throat. Hence, I have diagnosed myself with mono. I can't blame my sleepiness on the baby, because he is doing very well at sleeping through the night, for the most part.
I have also been busy making this for my friend MaryBeth. She is pregnant with her first child. They don't know the sex of the baby yet, so I wanted the quilt to go with either a boy or girl. But I didn't want green or yellow, so I picked orange. Please believe me that the orange wsn't so eye piercing in real life! I was hoping it would look unisex but Madison thinks it is to girly. Maybe the hearts and flowers made it more feminine.
And we are back full swing into soccer. John is some district manager of coordination or some other title in the soccer league. It basically involves a lot of phone calls, meetings, and upset parents. And between my 3 children in soccer, we have four different teams. Madison is now playing on two soccer teams because her mother did not have enough games to take up each Saturday. I also drive them to 5 different practices each week. But all is good because they love it.
It was suprisingly cold at one of the games. I wasn't prepared for it because I've never experienced that cold of a day during April in Houston. So, I bundled up Devin the best I could! He's a trooper and never cries. Seriously, never! Except yesterday when John was cheering Madison during the game and he yelled so loud it scared the poor little guy. And sadly, I don't have a current picture of Cameron playing soccer, so that will have to come later.
I understand this blog entry was pretty boring for everyone. I could have written about my evening at the cannery, or my dog's allergies, or my recent obssession with the Discovery Health channel, but that will have to wait.
And as Madison would say, "Take care peeps!"
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/23/2007 12:22 PM
OK. Gorgeous blanket, and I love the orange so nice choice. Jason
DATE:4/23/2007 6:26 PM
Finally! I was wondering if you had dropped off the face of the planet. I'm sorry you're feeling yucky, but I'm glad everyone's doing well!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Farewell Thou Good And Faithful Servants....
DATE: 4/12/2007 08:01:00 AM
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BODY:
After 12 years, countless loads of laundry, and not one breakdown, my washer and dryer called it quits. What are the chances of both dryer and washer dying just a few days apart? It's like one couldn't continue living without the other. This washer and dryer set was the first major purchase John and I made together. They saw us through 3 moves, including one across the country. I washed newborn clothing for 3 children with this washer and dryer. I remember Madison climbing into the dryer with her blanket, pillow, and stuffed animal for a "hut." I was strangely sentimental to see them leave.
But....
Hello Lover Boys! We purchased the big daddys of all washers and dryers. I've never been so excited to do laundry! Not only because these machines are so cool, but also because Mt. Rushmore was as tall as I was because it had been over a week since I had done laundry. They worked beautifully! But there is one problem. With new machines, comes new detergent. One must use the detergent marked "HE" for front laoding machines. And this detergent smells. Very strongly! It's not a bad smell, but it is a very strong smell! You know how certain smells cause different emotions? Well, this smell makes me angry! I've felt frustrated, overwhelmed, and tired of dirty laundry. But I have never felt violent towards my clean and folded clothing!
But look, this is cool! You can do laundry in the dark because the dryer has a light!Labels: House
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:4/12/2007 9:16 AM
"Farewell, thou good and faithful servants." Laura
DATE:4/12/2007 10:05 AM
I am so jealous!!!! I am trying to find a way to break my perfect working, non dented, non scratched washer and dryer just to get these so called "Lover Boys" in my house. Yes I covet yu right now.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/12/2007 5:14 PM
Maybe the girl at work who smells like soap has a front loading washer. Something I never thought of.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/13/2007 11:12 AM
Whooooooo! I'd love those lover boys!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
DATE:4/17/2007 5:23 PM
I'm so jealous of your lover boys!! What awesome washer/dryer. Enjoy!!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Stay With Me Cameron!
DATE: 4/10/2007 08:44:00 AM
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BODY:
I must say those words to Cameron several times a day. He is easily distracted and he has his own time frame. So in order to Cameron on pace I often tell him to "Stay with me Cameron!" Yesterday those words took on a whole new meaning.
I had to take Cameron to the Dr. I wasn't expecting it, but it ended up that Cameron needed to have his blood tested. He was very brave when they pricked his thumb. But as they filled the tube with his precious blood he began to shake. This happens whenever Cameron is nervous. Finally they were finished, he picked a sticker, and we were off with Ethan following behind and Devin in the stroller.
When we got into the waiting room Cameron began saying he was really dizzy. He quickly sat down on a chair. I tried to get back into the office to speak with the nurse about Cameron's sudden dizziness, but the door automatically locks and so I couldn't get back in without going through another crowded waiting room, which is not easy with a stroller and two little boys. He said he could walk now so we left.
By the time we got to the elevator he said he wanted to lay down. "Stay with me Cameron. Look, you can push the button." But even the thrill of pushing buttons could not distract him. Instead he leaned against the garbage can. Finally the doors opened and our short little train boarded the elevator.
As soon as the doors closed Cameron laid down on the elevator floor. This isn't good I thought. "Cameron stay with me. You need to get up."
"Will you carry me?"
"Cameron, you're too heavy and I have to push the stroller."
During this conversation Ethan is having his own about the Star Wars sticker he just got and how he has seen all the "Victories" on the Star Wars X-box game. It was then that the elevator doors opened revealing my 8 year old laying on the floor, Ethan is putting stickers on his chest, and Devin is desperately looking for his pacifier with his mouth like a hungry baby bird while making grunting noises like a hungry piglet.
I helped Cameron to his feet while someone held the elevator doors for us and we make our way through the small crowd of people and to the lobby. We almost made it to the doors when Cameron found another chair and collapsed. At least it wasn't the floor this time. In the bright light of the lobby I could now see my boy's face. The little guy was as white as white can be. Even his lips were white! Obviously, Cameron does not handle needles well.
We waited a little longer until Cameron could move again. I thought the cool air outside would perk him up. As we were walking through the parking lot Cameron dropped his sticker. He bent up to pick it up and then never came up. He was laying spread eagle in the parking lot with a sticker safely in his hand. "Cameron, stay with me!" I began having visions of myself directing traffic around my child. "Cameron can you make it to the car? It's only 3 cars away."
"Where's the car?"
"It's right there, you can see it."
"But that's so far away!"
I managed to get Cameron off the asphalt and he grabbed onto my hip, and I held onto him as I pushed the stroller with my other hand. Ethan followed behind asking Cameron if he had his sticker.
Finally we managed to get to the car. I began to giggle at our little situation. It's how I cope in stressful situations. I found it slightly amusing and I decided to call my hubby and let him laugh at our predicament. But I forgot we don't share the same sense of humor! "It's not funny Katrine! He's sick!"
"I'm sorry. You're right it's not funny."
"Did you look in his eyes to see if they're red? He could have leukemia." John's sister is a cancer survivor so John is sensitive to unknown medical problems.
"John, he doesn't have leukemia! He hasn't eaten since breakfast and the adrenalin from getting his blood tested made him feel sick. He's okay."
"You need to take care of him."
"I am! I got him off the parking lot didn't I? I'm going to take him home and feed him lunch."
By the time we made it home Cameron was feeling better and after lunch he was ready to go outside to play. While Cameron was swinging outside I got a phone call from the Dr's office. "I'm sorry, the nurse made a mistake and we didn't run all the tests. We need you to bring Cameron back in for another blood test."
"You've got to be kidding me!" My response was much harsher than I intended. I think I scared the nurse because she began apologizing profusely. I explained our situation concerning Cameron and needles and she assured me they would make sure he did better this time.
And they did. Cameron was very brave. He started shaking again. But this time they had him lay down during the entire procedure and then they fed him chocolate, lots of chocolate. It's good to know chocolate cures more than PMS.Labels: Cameron
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/10/2007 10:22 AM
Oh the poor guy. I think I would of giggles a little bit too, and I died laughing at Johns comments about it. Sorry, but that's funny. Laughter is the best medicine right?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karie
DATE:4/10/2007 11:14 AM
when I was little the Dr. gave you shots for everything and I was okay with it, the nurse would have me lean over the exam table and un-wrap the bandaid and give me the shot in the rump (I was always so proud of myself because I wasn't afraid to get a shot. My brother and I got sick one time and my mom took us to the Dr. and of course he said we needed a shot in the rump. We had a new nurse that day and before she gave us the shot she talked about how her son was in the Army and always passed out when he got a shot (I was a little freaked out by the conversasion). She didn't have us lean over the table to give us the shot. My mom and brother and myself left the Dr.s office and got into the elevator with the building janitor. The doors opened and my mom and brother left the elevator, they hadn't noticed I was on the floor. The janitor picked me up, I started to come to and looked up at this strange man holding me only to pass out again then to be awakened in the Dr. office by that stinky amonia stuff. Okay that was way to long of a comment. I guess I just wanted you to know what a good mom you are, at least you didn't leave your little guy in the elevator and walk off without him. It kinda makes me giggle to think of you picking him up off the ground and trying to get him into the car.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/10/2007 3:31 PM
Poor guy. Man, I can't imagine what that all looked like being played out. It is that tragic sort-of funny that is totaly sit-com material.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
DATE:4/11/2007 11:04 AM
Once again, your story takes the cake! Why do all of these funny things happen to you? I'm proud of you and your sense of humor, and John just needs to get one!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Paul!
DATE: 4/09/2007 11:16:00 AM
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BODY:
It's my baby brother's birthday! I sure wish I was there to eat cake with him. Paul is the coolest guy you could meet. He is kind, gentle, and totally unassumingly hysterically funny. Paul works hard, plays hard, and laughs hard. He is a great guy to have around. I only wish I could have him around ME all the time. I love you Pauly Wog!
And my big brother has started his own blog. Finally! The Jason Show Please know that his view points are not necessarily my own, especially when he tells embarrasing stories about me. Welcome to blog world Jason!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/09/2007 11:41 AM
I love the pictures you have. You always seem to catch people at the perfect moment.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/09/2007 1:35 PM
Happy, happy Birthday to your brother.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karie
DATE:4/10/2007 11:17 AM
Everything you said about Paul is so true! We love him. Happy Birthday Paul, now your as old as Kira!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Almost Forgot I Have A Blog
DATE: 4/05/2007 08:37:00 AM
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BODY:
Life gets so busy that I don't have time to blog, eat, or poop. Sadly, a large majority of my life revolves around poo. From my own, my baby's, and my dog's, everything does come down to poo. As I've mentioned before, my home is in a new housing development. So, we have a lot of Mexican construction workers around, and they make a lot of noise. For some unexplained reason you can hear them very clearly when you are sitting on the master toilet. I don't know if it has something to do with the piping or what it is. But there is something very disturbing when you are trying to have a moment of peace and you feel like there are a bunch of Mexicans yelling at you. One time they were even singing. There's nothing like a Spanish serenade when you are on the pot.
Let's talk about something cute now. Like my baby. (you knew that was coming didn't you? I can't let a post go without talking about baby Devin) My friend let me borrow this fabulous bumbo seat. I wish I had invented this splendid seat! It's better than any toilet seat. (see more potty talk, I can't get away from it) Although babies can't sit at 3 months, the bumbo let's them do just that. Devin is so happy sitting because he can see everything. I love it! And it makes for great picture taking positions. I tried it outside but he was too distracted to smile.
Cameron had his first Pack Meeting, which also happened to be the yearly Pinewood Derby. Cameron won every race until he raced against the other winners. He came in 3rd over all. It was very exciting! The Pine wood Derby was never as exciting when my brother's were involved. It's much better to watch your son! (sorry bro's) I think Scout's will be very good for Cameron. (Jason, don't groan) So far he has really liked it. And it seems to give him a place to belong which he so desperately needs. Cameron really likes to work on his goals to earn badges. Now if I could just get the school to give out badges for finishing school work!
Don't forget Office tonight!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:4/05/2007 9:45 AM
that's it. the Spanish serenade made me lose it. thank God i had just swallowed my mouthful of lunch. =D
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/05/2007 3:20 PM
I think Scouts is a wonderful program for boys.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/06/2007 7:55 AM
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA was that a threat? if so i loved it!! Everyone has a funny face, and you should be proud you are up there. you make me happy!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:4/06/2007 9:44 AM
That was such a funny episode of Scrubs, thanks for the reminder! I tried to explain that song to Paul and he just stared at me blankly. Jason
DATE:4/08/2007 8:49 PM
Okay, all you girls you think the BSA is such a wonderful organization, you OBVIOUSLY never were scouts. Oh wait, that's right,you wouldn't have been allowed! Tracy
DATE:4/10/2007 6:30 PM
I love the Bumbo seat for photo opps too! My son is 5 months old now and is still liking it.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I'm A Grandma!!!!
DATE: 3/30/2007 08:00:00 AM
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BODY:
My daughter, Madison, was blessed with twins on Tuesday. I am so proud! Aren't they beautiful?! The boy's name is Austin Connor, and the girl is named Ashley Katrine. Can you believe it? My daughter named her daughter after me. I am so touched.
Sadly, the twins will return home to the Family and Human Development class at Madison's junior high today. Our time with them was too short. Raising plant babies is so much different from human babies. I know, you are as surprised as I am. After all, I could never ask our dog to babysit and get away with it. And I can't leave Devin in front of a window for light and consider that the proper way to grow a child. And this morning Madison called me from school in a panic because she forgot her babies. I haven't forgotten any of my children, yet. But my parents left my brother Ray at church once, and there is no permament damage that we can see.
Madison's class is discussing the human reproduction system this week. Everyday we have to go through a check list and talk about certain things. Such as should people have premarital sex, and do we think children have to deal with sexual issues earlier than we did. So, every night we check everything off in about two minutes. Yesterday Madison told me that some of her friends have to listen to their parents for about two hours every night about the list. This has caused me to question myself. Either I'm really good at discussing these issues with my innocent child, or I'm really bad.
Speaking of Madison, she had her UIL concert for choir yesterday. She even had a part singing with five other girls. They were all excited to recieve top rank. This is her choir dress that she hates. It's funny because I had a blue one exactly like it when I was in junior high. I wish I had a picture of it because I hated it just as Madison does.
Tomorrow we are having Ethan's birthdy party. His birthday was December 26th, but I think that if your birthday falls on the day after Christmas, then your mom can choose any day she wants for your party. The theme is Star Wars, of course. We were going to have it at the park, but it looks like it's going to rain, so we are going to have it here instead. So I'm scrambling trying to come up with new birthday plans. It should be fun!
One more thing. I made cinnamon rolls for a few ladies from church. My family was so devastated when they found out they weren't for them. You would have thought I told them they could never eat sugar again! Here's my recipe: Clone of a Cinnabon
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/30/2007 8:43 AM
OMGoodness those look so yummy, they made my mouth water!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/30/2007 9:56 AM
At my junior high, kids had to carry around bags of flour and pretend they were babies, some girls would dress them all up and get into it. I thought it was ridiculous, until I got into high school where girls had to wear the "sympathy belly" and then carry these freaky automated dolls around that would always start their creepy, hollow, computer generated baby cry in the middle of class. Laura
DATE:3/30/2007 1:37 PM
Madison looks so grown up it's insane to me. She is going to have a rockin every girl will envy body. She is tall, yet thin. I am jealous. and she works it with that dress too. I would of never of guessed she hated it. Americas Next Top model here Madison comes. Mimi
DATE:4/03/2007 1:26 PM
Congratulations, you may be the first woman I know who has had a plant named after her!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Has This Blog Gotten Annoying Or What?!
DATE: 3/28/2007 09:48:00 AM
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BODY:
I've been reading my last several posts and I have come to the conclusion that I sure whine a lot. That is not the type of person I want to be. I am a blessed woman. I have a good husband, beautiful children, a safe home, and I'm a child of God. Wow, I have it good!
So, I am going to try to not complain anymore! After all, I am the daughter of a woman who never complained a day in her life. So, here's to new beginnings! But now that I'm setting myself on such a lofty goal, I sure have a long way to fall!
I failed to blog about my little nephew Diego. It kills me that I've only seen this cute little guy once in his life. He had a birthday this week. So, happy birthday little guy! Jason, send more pictures soon!
Speaking of little guys, my little one is growing! I fear his basinet is not going to last much longer. There is no stretching room left!
Before
After
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/30/2007 10:00 AM
I've never once thought of you as a whiner. You are just honest. It's refreshing. However your focus on your blessing is inspiring. I should be more like that! Laura
DATE:3/26/2007 12:03 PM
Don't worry, and tell John not to feel bad. I have done much worse. And your brother and I hae not only been banned, but our neighbors have cut us off to.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/26/2007 2:48 PM
If you think that is bad, clearly you have never seen testimony meetings like I have. Mimi
DATE:3/27/2007 12:20 PM
Oooops. Karie
DATE:3/28/2007 7:31 AM
to make you feel better I will tell you about a bishop one of my children had. They were at a youth activity where one of the youth did something really wrong and the bishop said what the F#@* do you think you are doing? Everyone was more surprised at what he said than what the youth had done. He (the bishop) said he was sorry to everyone and explained that he had a problem with cursing. None of us are perfect....just striving for it! He stayed in as bishop! So hold your heads up high as you all walk proudly in to church on Easter Sunday! P.S. thanks for always making me laugh! your the best! I hope your eyes are feeling better soon!!!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: What Could You Buy For $100.00?
DATE: 3/21/2007 09:31:00 AM
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BODY:
Perhaps you need to buy groceries? $100.00 is about what I spend for a week of groceries for a family of five.
Maybe you need a pair of shoes? $100 will be you a high quality shoe that will last a while.
Maybe you really want to paint your house. I have a lot of blank walls that I'm itching to get some paint on. $100 dollars will buy you several cans.
A new outift. I could really use some clothes considering nothing fits me. I guess I could continue to wear J's pants.
Or maybe you need to go to the eye doctor and he would like to prescribe you a new medication.
That's right blog readers. This big bottle of medicine costs $95.99, just under $100.00 for those who are learning to count money like Cameron.
Just how big is this bottle? Well, those aren't my feet. Those are little bitty Devin feet.
Just how tall is this bottle of liquid gold? Well, if you only count the actual bottle and not the dropper part of the bottle it's 1" tall.
And if you are thinking that it must be a really wide bottle, well, you'd be wrong. I am guessing there is probably about 25 drops in there. So, I'm good for the next 12 days until I need to refill my prescription. And I have 3 refills. So for four bottles of this medicine I need for a minor thing like my eye sight, I will have spent $383.96 for 100 drops of medication. That's $3.83 per drop.
The first time I used the drops I missed my eye. Can you believe it?! That's almost $4.00 running down my cheek! And as it slid to my lip I licked it up. This stuff is not going to waste!
(sorry for the blurry photos. It looked clear on my camera but when I downloaded it to the computer they were blurry. I guess I need the medication so I can continue seeing.)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/21/2007 11:46 AM
This really deserves a " OH MY HELL!!" yeah that is outragous for sure. Charish every moment with those eye drops. If you have to lock the kids out of the room, and find yourself one with the eyedrops. DO IT!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/21/2007 1:01 PM
Wow! That's insane. Kira Joy
DATE:3/21/2007 3:56 PM
Gulp. Bon
DATE:3/21/2007 6:08 PM
i am stuck between horror at the highway robbery of that teensy little bottle of eyedroppy stuff, and my amazement at the fact that you manage to only spend $100 a week feeding a family of five. Frugal Mom
DATE:3/23/2007 6:29 PM
That's some pretty pricey stuff. And I see you use the same comparison as I do...it all comes down to how it compares to a weeks worth of groceries!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Real Moms
DATE: 3/19/2007 11:15:00 AM
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BODY:
Reality hurts. In fact it can be down right depressing. If you read my post below, you know that I have been reading this blog. As I'm reading I came across this reality check: Real Mom's have flab. Which is totally ironic because of the discovery I just made.
Since giving birth to Devin 11 1/2 weeks ago, I have found myself short on clothing. In fact I had to go purchase a pair of pants to wear. So, you do the math, I have one pair of pants that I can squeeze my tooshie into. Yesterday I pulled on my pair of pants and noticed that the waist was a little tighter than normal. So, I swore to begin exercizing and I pushed the thought aside.
This morning I hurried and pulled on my pair of pants so I could get Cameron to the bus stop. Again, I noticed the tightness and again I decided to begin sit ups today! (which I haven't begun yet)
In my attempts to expand on my wardrobe rather than my waistline I am sewing myself a pair of pants. I was trying to decide what size I would need to cut the pattern out of. So, I pulled down my pants to read the label. The first word that caught my eye was Men's! What is that word doing on my pants? Wait a minute. These are LL Bean. My pants aren't LL Bean. Slowly, it's beginning to come clear. NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! In all that I hold dear as a mother and a wanna be sex kitten, this cannot be. I AM WEARING MY HUSBANDS PANTS!!! I'VE BEEN WEARING THEM FOR TWO DAYS!!! AND I DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE!!! AND THE WAIST IS TIGHT!!!!
There is a cute scene in one of my favorite movies, While You Were Sleeping, where Lucy says to Jack, "If you fit into my pants I'll kill myself." That's how I feel.
But don't worry. I'm really not suicidal. After all, if I kill myself who else would feed this kid his lunch in front of the TV at 1:34 pm as he's wearing his pajamas?
In conclusion, "Real Mom's Wear Their Husband's Pants." Now that's reality.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kristen
DATE:3/19/2007 11:47 AM
Hey. No worries. There's that whole new gap commericial about the boyfriend jeans. OMSH
DATE:3/19/2007 3:18 PM
I love men's jeans and I've outweighed my husband since I met him. SINCE I MET HIM! karrie
DATE:3/19/2007 5:27 PM
I gained enough weight while pregnant to be very thankful for my 6 ft 6 340 pound husband's Casual Male Big & Tall wardrobe.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/20/2007 9:25 AM
I would be freaking out too if I fit in Paul's pants. But for the opposite reason. I think I may have fit in Paul's pants when I was in 7th grade (no seriously, he wears the same size I wore my first year of junior high). Kira Joy
DATE:3/20/2007 9:27 AM
PS: The cutest part about the lunch time pjs is the rocking Spiderman bottoms vs the Incredible Hulk top. kate
DATE:3/20/2007 12:40 PM
Hee hee hee hee...it took me a LOT longer than 11 1/2 weeks post-partum to fit back into my husband's pants. I think it took me more than a year! Wait, am i actually admitting this in public??
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
DATE:3/21/2007 8:14 AM
My husband and I bought "Relationship pants" when we were dating, because we're the same size. Now that I'm hugely pregnant he's the only one that wears them, though. (sigh!)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: GHD
DATE:3/21/2007 8:38 PM
(sigh!) I just saw that GAP ad for the boyfriend pants this evening. I turned to my husband and said "I wish I wore your pant as a cutesy trendy novelity, and NOT because my own pants don't fit... ELEVEN MONTHS postpartum, ladies. Eleven... Thanks for reassuring me that I'm not alone. Frugal Mom
DATE:3/27/2007 1:07 PM
Sadly, my husband being 8 inches taller than me did not deter me from wearing his pants during and after pregnancy. Made me a little more accident prone, but at least I could button them...or have a comfy elastic waistband!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Look At Links
DATE: 3/19/2007 09:07:00 AM
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BODY:
I have a bunch of stuff I would like to write about. Like Spring Break and late nights. Houston rodeo and Livestock show. Rainy days and too much X-box. And a sewing project gone wrong with shelves that the hubby built. But I'd like to include pictures and I'm too lazy to walk downstairs and get the camera. So, until I am forced to go downstairs to eat or feed the children, I have some links for you.
Flickr. I am so addicted to this right now. It's like a blog made up of pictures. I haven't set up my own account yet, but it's coming. Yes, it's coming. I am oddly fascinated by what people eat. So I have spent an embarrassingly amount of time looking at people's food. Some people eat really well and others are putting some funky things in their mouths. I really want these laptop lunch box's.
Real Mom Truths. This is a blog made up of a lot of different women with their own take on mom truths. A couple of my favorites are, "Real Moms Clean Up Crap." And "Real Moms Sacrifice Fashion." But here is my favorite one because it is humor and sweetness all displayed in pictures, "Real Moms." And in honor of my new favorite blog here is my take on what real moms do, "Real Moms Take Pictures."
And my little handsome dude slept through the night last night! He went to bed at 9:30 and woke up at 7:00 am! I'm hoping for a repeat performance tonight.
Okay, I see laundry in my future.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
DATE:3/20/2007 8:34 AM
My name is Kara and I'm a flickr addict. Trust me that site is addictive!! Add me if you join..I just started taking pics of my food and it's addictive....
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Orange
DATE: 3/11/2007 01:35:00 PM
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BODY:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: beki
DATE:3/12/2007 7:19 AM
Too cute!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/12/2007 8:17 AM
Man oh man. That boy is a charmer! Nice work on this one Katrine!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/12/2007 11:45 AM
So adorable! I love the dog!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Moving Up
DATE: 3/09/2007 07:00:00 AM
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BODY:
One of the many shows I've begun watching as I spend countless hours on the couch feeding the baby, is a reality type decorating show called, Moving Up. Three families buy a house, redecorate it, and then the old owners come back to see the changes. Occassionaly the former owners will like the changes, but usually they share their distaste with statments such as, "Who put that there?" "Why would anyone think that looks good." "I would never want live here!"
My own life is beginning to look like a bad episode of Moving Up. My postnatal body is definatley not the way I previously left it. I look at my stomach that my baby vacated and think, "Why would anyone think that looks good?" I have strech marks that I try to not look at, but when I catch a glimpse I think, "Who put that there?" And finally I take an overview of the overview of my body I share my distaste with, "I would never want to live there!"
But all is okay. All is perfect in fact. My four children are well worth any battle scars I may have. And when I have my children around me, I share my pleasure with, "This is where I want to live!"
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/09/2007 8:25 AM
You are so upbeat and positive. I love it! Laura
DATE:3/09/2007 9:07 AM
Well my dear sister in law whom I love so much!! let me remind you of the website that deffered me from ever having kids. SHAPE OF A MOTHER. remember? You aren't alone. that's what I want you to know. Just think you are still smaller, thinner and weigh less than me and you have 4 kids. you are beautiful still with stretch marks and all. You really are a great gal, you have set the example very well.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: beki
DATE:3/09/2007 3:06 PM
Oh, how I can relate to this! I think it wasn't until my last pregnancy that I developped a true appreciation for my body. No, it's FAR from percect, but I love it and marvel at all it has done.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Frugal Mom
DATE:3/14/2007 8:42 AM
I can really relate to this! Having my third 11 mos ago I have to say he changed my body the most. I am sure that has more to do with the fact that I had hie pretty long after the others(meaning I was older!) There I said it! But, in the end I wouldn't change any of it for the world!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Good News Tuesday!
DATE: 3/06/2007 09:26:00 AM
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BODY:
Sunday we had Devin's blessing at our church. It was very sweet. John's prayer for his son was sincere and so positive. We had talked about what blessing we would like Devin to have. I wanted Devin to be blessed that he would be a joyful person. Several preisthood holders gather in a circle around the baby while he recieves his blessing, making it so you can't see the baby during the prayer. Afterwards several of the men involved in the blessing came up to me and told me that Devin smile the entire time. I'm glad to see he is already full of joy! The whole experience was beautiful, but happy times like these make me miss my family!
And now that everyone has recieved Devin's birth announcements, I thought I would share them here. I made two different styles. And they look much better in person. My scanner is not working properly and I still haven't gotten John to look at it for me. But you get the idea.
On Saturday John and I decided it was time to get some grass in our backyard. Unfortunately, we have the smallest backyard ever! And I was hoping a little grass would make the place look a little better. So we drove down to where I had previously seen grass for sale. We pulled up and the gates were closed. So John got on the cell phone and called the number on the gate to try to arrange a time to get some grass. While he was talking on the phone a man pulled in behind us. He told John that he knew where we could get free grass if we wanted it. Someone had ordered too much grass and he would give it to anyone that would take it away for him! So, John and I spent the next hour loading up the grass piece by piece. And then Madison helped us lay it down. This nice man saved us about $250. A true blessing for us right now. This is a reminder to us of God's favor! (the grass looks a little dead here, but it's already coming back to life)
Yesterday Madison tried out for a soccer team with a great reputation. And she made it! She is so excited. I am always amazed by what that girl can accomplish!
We were also able to score some hard to get tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. They were standing room only tickets but Maddie did not care. She was just so excited to be there. So John and Maddie fought the crowds and went to the concert. Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, also known as Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter, had the largest attending concert in the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show in history. Who would've have thought!
And to finish out the "Good News Tuesday" (I know it's just too much to take in) I had a laundry mishap. Somehow an orange crayon wrapper got into the wash. It left small orange spots all over my light colored laundry. Luckily I noticed it before I put the clothes into the dryer. So I just spent the last half hour picking off all the pieces of paper and spot treating all the spots. I am trying to wash it again to see if the color will come off. Hopefully it will! Why is this good news you ask? I'm glad it was the wrapper and not the crayon!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/06/2007 2:38 PM
Congratulations to Devin on his Blessing!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:3/06/2007 7:54 PM
Hannah Montana???
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/07/2007 2:53 PM
Urg...I wrote a nice thoughtful response to your blog, but apparently it didn't post. Karie
DATE:3/08/2007 8:21 AM
Katrine, I personally have watched the Disney Channel and know who Hannah Montana is, so does that make me cool or what! I hope Madison knows what a great Dad she has to take her to that concert! The grass is so beatiful!!! We have lived in this house for a long time and could still use more grass,and for free!!! You are my kind of woman!! You must be living right! In all my years of laundry I don't think I have ever caught the chapstick, ink pen, crayon or, candy before it went through the dryer to permently set the stain, you truly are super woman of the laundry room! That cutie Devin is growing like a weed!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: beki
DATE:3/09/2007 3:05 PM
Congratulations to little Devin! Such a blessed event and special time for your family!! Jill
DATE:3/09/2007 7:44 PM
The blessing sounds very sweet! My daughter saw the Hannah Montana too & was so excited. And I was so excited that I didn't have to go!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Today I'm Loving
DATE: 3/02/2007 06:45:00 AM
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BODY:
My bed. I don't spend enough time there.
My children and my husband, but that goes without saying.
Google Reader. I'm probably the last person to know about this cool program. You can subscribe to all the blogs you like and then it will let you know when it has been updated. I have so many blogs bookmarked and it would take forever to click on all of them to see if they had been updated. It was a guilty pleasure because I spent far too much time reading about other people's lives instead of cleaning house. But now I can read all the blogs I want guilt free because it's such a time saver!
My sister-in-law Kira. Her blog entry today cracks me up! Unfortunately I live to far from her. But it's probably a good thing for Kira because I'd probably be following her around just to see what she's going to do or say next. I love a good laugh in the morning! Oh, yeah, and the guy with the furry feet wearing a vaccum is my baby brother. He's funny too!
My friend Carolyn. She's a sweetie!
Safety. Have you seen the story about the tornado that hit the high school in Enterprise, Alabama? So far eight have been killed. It is so sad! I didn't grow up with tornadoes but now I live in a high Tornado area. I don't like it! After a stormy day I went to pick up Cameron from school. There were news helicoptors flying around. I found out that a tornado had hit about a half mile from Cameron's elementary school. It took out a few trees but there wasn't any major damage. Cameron told me how they had to sit under their tables for a little while. I can't imagine what the parent's were going through when they heard the tornado had hit their children's schools. My hearts and prayers go out to the family's who are hurting today.
On that note, hug your loved ones, and have a fabulous day!Labels: Misc.
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/02/2007 11:25 AM
Katrine. You are so nice. Wow. Thanks! and by the way, if we lived any closed, I would be following you around because I have to buy every bag I have (I'm dying to learn to sew) and when it comes to scrapbooking, girl I don't even print pictures let alone send baby announcements (gorgeous by the way) that have seventeen layers of paper stacked and glued piece by piece, one by one, on top of the other. 
Devin had his two month well baby visit yesterday. He weighs an entire 12 pounds. He is 50% in weight and 75% in height on the chart. This is big for our family!
Front ViewAnd now I've made a bag. I made it for Madison for school so she won't have to carry her books in school. She has a back pack but the people in charge at school won't let you carry it to your classes. So she wanted a bag she can carry to class. I made a pattern from of a bag she already had. It didn't turn out as nice as I would like because I used extra heavy duty interfacing with flannel. This made it really hard to sew, especially if you want a straight line. Hopefully Madison will like it.
This little thing hooks her keys into the inside of her bag. I believe people call it a key fob, but I find fob to be a weird word. So I call it a key thing. Isn't that better?Labels: family \ sewing
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/28/2007 4:41 PM
Nah, I like fob. It rolls of your tongue nicely. beki
DATE:3/01/2007 7:14 AM
Cute bag, and even cuter baby!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/01/2007 9:46 AM
You are always so creative, i wish I had an ounce of your creative brain. And i don't get why they can't take their backpacks to class. YOu Texans I swear!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:3/01/2007 11:32 AM
No backpacks, but a shoulder bag big enough to keep anything you would put in a backpack is totally respectable, huh, makes sense.
DATE:3/02/2007 10:09 PM
Devin looks different every time I see him! So cute! Kira Joy
DATE:2/28/2007 11:30 AM
Katrine, if you weren't so tired you would have noticed the segment was called "Sleep: The New Sex" thus one has come to replace the other in fashionable crowds.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/28/2007 4:43 PM
I remember when my son was a baby thinking "This is what absolute exhaustion feels like". beki
DATE:3/01/2007 7:13 AM
Sleep replaces sex in my house at the moment. I'm much rather have the former over the latter, which is really, really sad. The good thing is that we (my hussband and I) know that this is only a season in our lives - it will pass (thank goodness).
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Mr. Handyman
DATE: 2/27/2007 11:00:00 AM
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BODY:
I am blessed to be married to a handyman. He seems to know how to fix most anything. I am constantly amazed by John's knowledge about how to do things. Like how did he know that thingy would fix the whatzit? And everything he does is perfection.
Yes, John is a perfectionist. It's a blessing and a curse for an Electrical Engineer. It's a blessing because anything you do will be the best. The curse part comes in for the wife. Although I get benefits from the great things he does, I am also very aware of my imperfectionist ways.
But something happened to show me that even my dear EE Perfect husband sometimes does not get it right.
John wanted to build a fence on the side of our house so he could put the trailer behind it, freeing up room in our garage. He planned, he measured, he shopped, and finally he began his project. I had complete faith in him. In our last house he built a fabulous deck. So, I knew that a fence should be a piece of cake, right?
First the posts when up. It was hard for John to wait for the cement to cure. He knew what his fence was going to look like and he couldn't wait to finish this home improvment project.
Then he put up the frame to the gate. I was witness to pulling the trailer in before he put the boards up on the gate. We had to pull the gate as far as we could get it and then with a lot of pulling and pushing he got the trailer in. John is a total measure three times, cut once type of guy. He measured three times. His mistake was that he only allowed one inch clearance for the trailer. And he still had to put up the boards. Which would take away more than that one sad remaining inch.
I left him to his project as he put up the last of the boards. He came in very proud of his gate. I went out to view his beautiful fence.
"Looks great John."
"Thank you most beautiful and lovely lady in the land."
"How are you going to get the trailer out?"
"Oh, I'll never be able to get it out. At least not without taking down the fence."
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica Farina
DATE:2/27/2007 11:44 AM
I love it -- you know of course that if the parties had been reversed and you told him you couldn't do it without taking down the fence, he'd have given you so much grief -- well maybe not, from the things you write about him, John seems like a special kinda' guy. The fence looks awesome!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:2/27/2007 12:54 PM
Well there are a few comments I could make about this one. But i will stick with, it really does look great. and I am jealous of the green grass I am seeing in this picture.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: beki
DATE:2/27/2007 1:19 PM
Oh no! At least it looks really nice ;-)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/27/2007 1:30 PM
You know, I need the subfloor fixed in my kitchen - is John up to the task? Grin! Kira Joy
DATE:2/28/2007 8:30 AM
You have a fence and a trailer ... you are years ahead of me even if you can't use one of the two.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Hey, You're Living My Life!
DATE: 2/26/2007 06:56:00 AM
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BODY:
Have you ever met someone that had the same interests and talents as yourself, but yet they are so much better at everything than you are? I know that person. She enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, and photography like myself. Unfortunately, my work looks like that of a 1st grader next to hers. If she wasn't such a sweetheart I would have to kill her.
I was such a miserable child growing up. I truthfully think a great part of that was due to the fact that I never had anyone patting my back and saying, "Way to go girl! I'm proud of you!" In fact very few people noticed me. I'm not saying that in a bitter way, because I've learned a lot about how I want my children to feel with my relationship with them. I work hard at giving them their kudos. But as a result of how I grew up, I had very little self esteem and confidence in myself.
In high school I stumbled across a book called, The Inside Outside Beauty Book. It was co-written by Miss America Sharlene Wells. I don't even know why I bought it. I guess as a lonely and awkward teenager I was looking for help. This silly little book taught me to not compare myself to others. How hard is that for teenagers! But after I learned that lesson my life improved entirely. I still was the homely child who had one pair of pants to wear to school. But I was no longer that miserable creature who had a bad hair cut because I didn't look to others for my self worth. Instead, I was a happy person with a bad hair cut. There's a big difference!
Even today I am glad that I don't compare myself to others. I look to my friend who has all "my" talents as a source of inspiration. I've already learned so much from her and I hope to learn more.
I'm just trying to live my best life. And there's a lot of room for improvement, and a lot of celebrating to have!
Now, I'm going to order that silly little book for Madison.Labels: Lost In Thought
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/26/2007 10:09 AM
I'm glad I don't compare myself to others anymore. I used to depress me, I mean can you imagine never thinking anyone could ever be prettier than you ... and knowing how many girls used to cry wishing they could be you. It hurts. It takes a strong person to be as beautiful as I am and not just close up, shave your head and become a recluse to the whole world.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/26/2007 8:23 AM
Yaow-zas! I like this girl more and more everyday! Shot 1: Naughty yet forgivable.
This card catalog thing has been floating around on the blogs. Try making your own here. Come on, you'll like it!
The funny thing is that my children have no earthly clue what a card catalog is. I tried to explain it to Madison and she got the same expression on her face when I told her about our 8 inch black and white television without a remote and no buttons, just a dial to turn channels.Labels: Faith
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/23/2007 11:47 AM
I think that is the same TV Paully and I were using.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/23/2007 11:56 AM
Oh dear, I don't want to contemplate trying to explain library cards to my kids.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: What Does My Dentist and Baby Socks Have In Common?
DATE: 2/22/2007 02:45:00 PM
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BODY:
Absolutely nothing! But that's what I'm blogging about today.
I had to go visit my dentist today. Going to Dr. Fawcett is unlike any other dentist you will ever visit. First of all, he's Farrah Fawcett's cousin. How can you not talk about that? He has a picture of Farrah in his waiting room. I highly doubt you'll find that at your mediocre dental office. I even spent a lovely 15 minutes visiting with Farah's grandmother once. She was a spunky little lady who is very proud of all her grandchildren. Even the one who has appeared in Playboy.
Dr. Fawcett's office is a mini mansion. It is far nicer than my home will ever be. John and I are proud that we probably financed the soap dispenser in the bathroom with our dental bills.
Years ago I had a dentist totally mess up one of my front teeth. She tried to "improve" it and in the end my front tooth would fall apart weekly leaving me with a jagged sabertooth. After having a melt down in her office, of which my friend Elizabeth and anyone else in the waiting room was witness to, I called 1-800 dentist and found Dr. Fawcett. He has fixed my tooth and given John and I minty fresh teeth and other treatment every year.
As you walk into the office they greet you by name and a huge smile. It's like they are your long lost relatives! They then offer you a beverage. Everything from coffee, cute little water bottles, or sodas. The waiting room is absolutely gorgeous!
Dr. Fawcett personally came to get me today. He even picked up Devin's carrier and carried it for me. They offer you a head set so you can view whatever TV program you wish. They offer you a blanket just in case you are cold or want to snuggle in the chair as they place scarey items into your mouth.
They are a very high tech office. They all wear microphones and ear pieces as they communicate with each other. "Dr. Fawcett, Katrine is finished with her X-rays." "Katrine is coming to the front now." I'm telling you, there is no sneaking around these people!
After your treatment they even make taking all your money enjoyable. It's amazing how painless it is to part with your money when they smile and act like you are the most important person. Next to Farrah, of course.
And I know Dr. Fawcett will call me personally tonight. He always does to make sure your teeth have recovered. Now I bet your dentist has never done that!
As for baby socks. I think I reached an all time low today as a mother. Devin spit up all over his chin and my hand. I didn't have a burp cloth in reach. So, I took off his little socks and mopped us up with them. Yes, I stripped my baby's piggies so I could get his drool off my hand. Twelve years as a mother, and I just keep on improving.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/22/2007 4:08 PM
Katrine, you do realize the beverage bar is a total marketing ploy to ruin your teeth and make you come back more than the standard twice annually to make up for coffee stains and sugar rotting on your teeth?
DATE:2/22/2007 8:46 PM
I forgot all about Dr. Fawcett! You would think I would be the one with the celebrity dentist, being so close to Hollywood! But, no, once again, Katrine gets all the limelight and the special privileges!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/23/2007 11:56 AM
No worries, Katrine, I would have done the same with the sock. Monica Farina
DATE:2/23/2007 2:54 PM
I do so enjoy reading your blog. I had a dentist once who went to the Bahamas on what he charged me for fillings for "weak spots" in my teeth. Then the fillings began to wear out and he decided he needed a trip to Europe or somewhere -- maybe the international space station -- and so he wanted to replace my fillings with crowns. Needless to say I have a new dentist -- Dr. Tissue (isn't that a great name for a dentist) Anyway, I don't get that royal treatment, but I can live vicariously through you.
1. Breakfast sandwich
2. Tomato rice soup
3. Dr Pepper
4. Cadbury Mini Eggs (it's that time of year again!)
5. Spaghetti
6. Airborne (I feel a cold coming on)
7. There is no 7, that's all she ate folks!
Six things I said today:
1. I love you
2. Have a good day
3. You're the sweetest baby in the world
4. The hardest thing about having children is you have to keep feeding them, and then you turn around and you have to feed them again
5. I'm not feeling so good
6. Thank you
Five things I should have done today that I didn’t get to yet:
1. Fold the towels
2. give the dog a bath
3. give the baby a bath (maybe I could just put them both in the tub at the same time and be done with it!)
4. Roast the chicken
5. Make my bed (who am I kidding, I rarely make the bed)
Four things said to me today:
1. Mom, have you seen my light saber?
2. grunt snort sniff (that's the baby, he never cries, he just grunts)
3. Good job, you get an A!
4. I'm hungry
Three things that shocked me today:
1. The kite is still stuck on the light pole
2. My scanner giving me a difficult time
3. I'm getting sick
Two things that I’ve GOT to do tomorrow:
1. Feed people
2. Clean house
One thing I want to remember about this day:
This quote: "Enough is enough. I'm not going to pass these negative attitudes down to my children. I'm going to break that cycle and change my expectations. I'm going to start believing God for bigger and better things."
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/21/2007 8:27 AM
You know, of all the important and influencial things you did for yourself and your family, the thing that caught me the most was the Cadburry Mini Eggs. At some level I have to be so glad they only sell them once a year, because I would weigh a lot more and would be a lot poorer (those things are so expensive) if they had them for more than 8 weeks annually ... I am so crazy about those darn sugar coated chocolate eggs (and they sell really big bags of them at Sam's Club ... shhh don't tell anyone or they'll sell out!). Yikes...did I just write a whole paragraph on Cadbury Mini eggs? I have got to find a hobby.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/21/2007 12:38 PM
Have you seen the light saber? Grin.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica Farina
DATE:2/21/2007 2:13 PM
Hey -- I liked your list. Glad to hear things are going pretty well. I miss seeing you at the store. That new guy is cute. Hope to see you soon
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Let's Go Fly A Kite
DATE: 2/19/2007 02:54:00 PM
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BODY:
It's very windy today in Texas. John thought it would be the perfect opportunity to fly a kite with Ethan.
It started out very well. Ethan loved it!
And then....
We've spent the last hour trying to convince Madison that she could climb up the pole to get it if she really wanted to. She won't even try. Chicken!Labels: family
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/20/2007 9:39 AM
Wow, sorry about the kite, but I hardly noticed it looking at the gorgeous neighborhood you live in. Wow! and look at Madison's bold little pout. This girl has got vogue down. Nice.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/20/2007 9:39 AM
Wow, sorry about the kite, but I hardly noticed it looking at the gorgeous neighborhood you live in. Wow! and look at Madison's bold little pout. This girl has got vogue down. Nice.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/20/2007 9:40 AM
I quit. Why is it that I always publish duplicate comments on your blog. I look like such a fool.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/20/2007 1:05 PM
It is kind of like Charlie Brown, eh?
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Valentines Day
DATE: 2/14/2007 08:39:00 AM
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BODY:
BAHUMBUG!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:2/14/2007 10:14 AM
my sentiments *exactly*.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/14/2007 12:22 PM
Um, enjoy?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/16/2007 1:55 PM
I'm with you. Valentine's is such a ridiculously un-romantically forced holiday.
DATE:2/18/2007 8:35 PM
I just read your comment on Kira's blog and the BAH HUMBUG comment has come into clear focus.
DATE:2/10/2008 6:48 AM
kira your so right m sick of guys leaving lowers and chocolates for the stick figure girls besides beauty comes from the inside not the outside and i stilll have a chance at alentines day but im not sure if ill do valentines day
DATE:2/10/2008 6:51 AM
ok so my last coment got messed up im sick of the stick figure girls gettig flowers and chcolates when i was always the girl someone forgot to give a valentine to and another think i just hate valentines day i thnk it is the worst holiday of the year
Can you stand a few more pictures of Devin? I certainly can, and this is my blog, so here he is! With the help of Madison I was able to get photos of Devin smiling his million dollar smile. He's looking to the left because he was smiling at Madison while she tried everything possible to get him to grin.
And in response to Kira's question, yes I think Devin has redish hair. When he was born his hair was quite dark, but it has lightened up and it definately has redish highlights to it. I'm still suprised when everyone comments, "Look at his red hair!" I am proud to say this is a Shelton trait.
Please send good thoughts to my eldest son, Cameron. Life can be so difficult for my little one. He is having a difficult time with school. And none of us seem to know how to help him. I am reading a book called, The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted child. I can't help but feel like the evaluated Cameron and wrote a book about him! For instance it says, "Introverted children are often misunderstood, even by their parents, who worry about them. Engaged by their interior world, they’re often regarded as aloof. Easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation, they can be seen as unmotivated." I need to find more time to read this book because I'm only on page 15 and I really need to know how to "help your child thrive in an extroverted world."
When your child is having problems your skin is very thin and one can feel tender when talking to counselors and teachers. (The Vice Principal even knows me by name!) You just want the best for your child. It is so devastating to feel as if you are failing your child. Today I came across a song posted on another blog. It is called Keeping Sheep. There are many lines that I feel like defines my relationship with my children. But today the part that speaks to my soul today is,
I have a little flock of sheep
And they are mine to tend and keep.
And I must guard them every day
For little lambs, when left alone,
Will lose their way.
I'm only beginning to learn how to do this mothering thing. The diapers, late nights, and daily care is the easy part. The responsibility of guarding them is vital. Because they "are tender gifts the Master has given me." I don't know if I know how to do it.
Valentines is coming. Tonight I am taking my flock to pick out their Valentines cards. I also need to think of something special for my Valentine!Labels: Children
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:2/12/2007 12:49 PM
So cute I knew he wouold grow into it!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: scrapperjen
DATE:2/12/2007 1:25 PM
Devin is a doll! Kira Joy
DATE:2/13/2007 8:37 AM
What a tricky situation. You have so much going on and so much to think about. You are doing incredible Katrine. Absolutely. Kira Joy
DATE:2/13/2007 8:37 AM
What a tricky situation. You have so much going on and so much to think about. You are doing incredible Katrine. Absolutely. Karie
DATE:2/13/2007 9:07 PM
Devin is growing so fast! Your kids are so lucky they have one terriffic Mom! I think Cameron kinda looks like Paul!(what a cutie)I did the little tag thing just for you so check out my blog. Sorry, it's really not to exciting.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Devin Smiles
DATE: 2/09/2007 12:30:00 PM
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BODY:
Devin has been charming us with his smiles the last several days. One of the greatest mommy moments you can have is when you are the reciever of your baby's first smile. A true smile that seems to take your child's entire soul and body to create. I love it!
I spent some time trying to capture my little one's smile today. As you can see it is not the easiest talk when he doesn't smile on command when you say "cheese!"
Give me a kiss!
What's that behind me?
Hold on, I've got an itch.
Aaachooo! Mid sneeze photo.
Do you like "see" food?
Awwww! There's a smile. (this is the best photo of his smile I could get. But it still melts my heart!
And for those who watched The Office last night. My favorite part was the very beginning when Jim tried the Pavlov's experiment on Dwight. Hilarious!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:2/11/2007 7:40 AM
Sooooooo sweet!!! I saw some Shelton in that face somewhere. He looks so different from just one month ago! Kira Joy
DATE:2/12/2007 8:25 AM
What a doll! Now I want to see the little tike in real life so bad. Does he have sort of reddish highlights or is that just the picture?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/12/2007 2:57 PM
Those smiles that come from their soul are my favorite moments!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Domestically Challenged
DATE: 2/08/2007 07:16:00 AM
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BODY:
I am taking part in Mimi's domestic tag game. I think I am pretty domestic naturally because I like my home and caring for my family. But let's face it. Even if I wasn't a domestic sort of person I would have to become one because I have 4 children!
So, here are my responses to how I do things around my home.
Aprons- I don't own an apron. And I'm pretty sure I wouldn't wear one because I'd be to lazy to put it on. And then I'd have to wash it and that would be adding more laundry to my huge laundry pile.
Baking— I have to be in the mood to bake. I don't do cakes or frosted cookies because I want to be done with the baking process. It takes to long to cool the cake, and then frost it. My specialty (haha) would be cinnamon rolls.
Clothesline- No, I'll use my dryer thank you.
Donuts— I have made donuts before. In fact I was in the mood for homemade donuts last week. So, I got out my fry daddy and started heating up that bad boy. I had my back turned to that wretched appliance when I began smelling a toxic fume. I turned around and the daddy was smoking! It smelled like burning plastic that made it feel like the air was being sucked from my lungs while my eyes were watering so bad I had a hard time finding the plug. So, as of now, my donut days are over because the "daddy" has been sent to the dump.
One homemaking thing you do every day— Only one? I have a very long list. But I'll go with washing dishes for $200.
Freezer-- Do you have a separate deep freeze? Just the regular freezer on the refrigerator? Is that how you spell refrigerator?
Garbage Disposal-- Yes, yes and yes! We did not have a garbage disposal growing up. My parents thought it was too expensive. So, under the sink my mom had a bucket. We would have to scrape the food off of the dishes into that bucket. And then we would march the slop out to our chickens and dump the mess into their caged area where they would feast on the delicacies. We were supposed to empty that bucket daily, but in reality I think it was only emptied when the rancid smell would knock you over when you walked into our avacado green kitchen. This is such a nasty memory for me that it makes me throw up a little in my mouth. So, yeah, you bet your bottom I have a garbage disposal!
I seem to have lost my middle letters of the alphabet - Ha! I don't even know what this means.
Nylons - I fought the trend of not wearing nylons for some time. It felt as if I wasn't dressed properly without them! But now that I don't wear nylons it would be hard to go back. It's a very liberating feeling!
Oven-- Do you use the window or open the door to check? I open the door. The window is usually to dirty to see through!
Pizza-- What do you put on yours? cheese, pineapple, canadian bacon
Quiet— lately, I sleep a lot.
Recipe Card Box Y/N? No. My mom had one. I wish I knew what happened to it. Brothers, do any of you have it?
Style of house— Brand spanking new two story. Yeah!
Tablecloths and napkins? No tablecloths. Sometimes we have paper napkins. And sometimes we just pass around a towel! Is that gross?
Under the kitchen sink-- organized or toxic wasteland – It's clean! Remember my above response to the garbage disposal? It's become a childhood phobia of mine to have a toxic wasteland under my sink.
Vacuum-- It used to be everyday. But now it's about twice a week. I hope to go back to the every day thing some day. I like clean floors!
Wash-- how many loads of laundry do you do in a week? I've thought about counting, but I'm afraid it would be depressing. I can tell you my record loads of laundry one day is 9 loads.
X's-- Do you keep a daily list of things to do and cross them off? Not usually. John's the list maker in our family. It gives him a thrill when he does see me making a list. I guess he sees it as some of his good rubbing off on me. There have been times I have made a list after I did a lot of work just so I can cross everything off. And then I happen to leave the list around so John will see how hard I've worked that day!
Yard-- Who does what? John does most the yard work. He gets very anxious when I mow the lawn. And unfortunately, I didn't inherit my dad's green thumb.
Zzz's--What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Start the dishwasher, start the dryer, put the dog in her kennel, lock all the doors, check on the children, set the thermostats, wash my face, brush my teeth, get in my jammies, and then hop into bed. John takes off his clothes and hops into bed. I'm quite jealous that it only takes him 20 seconds to get into bed while it takes me 20 minutes!
Thanks for letting me play Mimi! Okay Laura and Kira, won't you play with me?
ETA: Kira commented that she would be afraid of her mom's post because she has 7 children. However, I would love to read Mama Karie's answers! How about it?Labels: Misc.
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/08/2007 10:41 AM
I'm sort of exhausted after just reading that. I don't know if I ever want to hear my mom's responses to that after raising seven kids. Yikes.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/14/2007 12:24 PM
You are so organized! Great list.
1. The sweet smell of baby.
2. Baby noises.
3. A soft downey head against your cheek.
4. The cute little cry.
5. Rooting as he tries desperately to eat.
6. Little hands.
7. Little feet.
8. Funny "old man" faces.
9. The warmth of his little body as he sleeps against you.
10. The softest skin.
I am so in love with this little lad.
Devin's modeling his cute little jacket from Aunt Laura.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:2/06/2007 9:23 AM
look at that little nose. =) how do you not just eat him up?!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:2/06/2007 11:23 AM
yeah he is pretty stinkin cute!! And Laura does have great taste when it comes to clothes.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/06/2007 12:07 PM
Unfortunately your gorgeous children keep expectations way too high. When I finally start on the baby train, I am going to be too embarassed to take any pictures of my kids because they'll never be as cute as Katrine's. Oh well, what do you do?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/06/2007 12:24 PM
Oh my goodness, scrapbook that list. Karie
DATE:2/06/2007 9:33 PM
Katrine, Devin is a cutie! Laura does have great taste in clothes (and other things). Kira don't fret some babies that don't start off on the gorgeous list, end up on it.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Eraser
DATE: 2/02/2007 07:23:00 AM
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BODY:
Ethan told me, "Mom, when I grow up I want to be an eraser."
"An eraser?"
"Yes, an eraser!"
"Okay. What does an eraser do?"
"You know!"
"No, I'm not sure if I do."
"An eraser drives cars really fast!"
"Oh, you mean a race car driver."
"Yeah, an eraser!"Labels: Ethan
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/02/2007 10:14 AM
Cute! He says the most adorable things! I wish we could see your kids more often ... but since we can't you blog is totally priceless! Laura
DATE:2/02/2007 11:55 AM
Yes he is so adorable!! Kids say the darndest things. I am just glad you are having them and not me!! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:2/05/2007 10:34 AM
What do you mean "wanted" Kira....he is 11 almost 12 and still wants to be a eraser! Karie
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Another Brother Another Birthday
DATE: 2/01/2007 07:42:00 AM
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BODY:
It's Ben's birthday today!
Ben is my biker brother. Although you would never know it by that clean cut face. The truth is that whenever I see him I never know what kind of facial hair is going to be on his face! Sometimes it's a goatee, a full beard, or some weird handing this coming off of his chin.
Ben is just a laid back, cool, kid. My son Cameron reminds me a lot of Ben when he was younger. Kind of quiet and just taking everything in. They have the same coloring and sometimes even the same facial expressions.
So, have a great day Ben and treat yourself to a Harley or something!
I love you!
Why is it so hard for me to get things mailed off? I've had his birthday card ready to go for a week, and it's still on the counter waiting to get delivered to the post office. So, Benner, your card will be there sometime this week, I hope!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:2/01/2007 8:37 AM
Well I am glad sombody is on top of birthday's because I suck at this game. and i know Jason gave us a list of everybody's birthday's. But I still suck. Maybe we will have to take ben out to Hooters or the strip club tonight.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:2/01/2007 12:16 PM
I am the same, I made a card for Jason ... ya, I ended up emailing it to him, (totally trashy and tacky, I know, sorry Jason!!!). As for Ben ... I am debating whether to email it so it is on time (free) or to send it late, because driving it over there is probably going to cost more than a stamp. ;) HeeHee
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/01/2007 1:30 PM
Happy Birthday to your brother! Many Years
My baby glows in the dark. Does yours?
Labels: Daily
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:1/30/2007 3:57 PM
Madison is your spitten image ... the totally devilishly gorgeous type and your boys ... yikes! what lady killers! Good luck as they grow older. I wouldn't want to have to deal with the door being broke down by attempting lovers. Thinking about it sort of makes me want ugly kids, I think they would be a lot easier to raise ;)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:1/31/2007 2:41 PM
Oooooh! Can you imagine the scrapbook page????
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: His Birthday
DATE: 1/29/2007 10:21:00 AM
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BODY:
Happy Birthday to my big bro!
There is just something so comforting and safe in a big brother isn't there?
I'm blessed to have Jason in my life because he is:
loving
kind
hilarious (I wish he would start blogging)
no judgements
entertaining
a bit of a nerd
we share a history
patient
forgiving
I wish I could be with you today Jason!
I love you!Labels: birthday
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Mama
DATE:1/29/2007 12:12 PM
I love him too and I'm not even related! He is so dang funny (and cute)! Glad my baby girl has him for a brother in law....it makes me feel a little connected. (she's lucky to have you and the rest of the fam also)Karie
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:1/29/2007 2:01 PM
I have only a younger brother (I'm the oldest, is it obvious?) but I do like having a brother! Kira Joy
DATE:1/29/2007 3:44 PM
Jason is the greatest! I seriously credit so many of Paul's good qualities to him. (Thanks for taking care of my guy Jason! When we're rich we will seriously repay you!) ;)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/29/2007 9:55 PM
Bit of a nerd?!?!
DATE:1/29/2007 9:59 PM
Actually I am very flattered to have a birthday message on your blog! I love you,too,and I think you're the best. I'm so glad we are close.
My mom and dad's 40th anniversary is today. Sadly, my mom passed away one month before their 30th anniversary. I am blessed to have parents that I know would have been together for their 40th, and their 50th if my mom were here.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.
I just came across the story of a woman who passed away. At her funeral the speaker named the year she was born and the year she died. But he said all that mattered was the dash between the years. Because that dash represented how she spent her life. My mom's dash was filled with innocence, tenderness, and her family, and God. My mom's dash had six children and a husband who miss her. I pray that I remember to fill my dash with those things that my mom held dear to her. My husband, my children, and my Heavenly Father.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:1/25/2007 3:55 PM
Wow Katrine...that is such an adorable picture. This is going to sound corny, but seriously it is so nice to be able to have pictures like that so you and your family can keep the memories alive.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:1/26/2007 1:14 PM
Gorgeous photo.
On a previous post I breifly mentioned that my big brother and GianCarlo came to visit us for a few days. It was wonderful! It felt so good to reconnect with my brother who I love dearly. We get to spend so little time together that it makes this hormonal woman tear up. I love that they were able to spend a few days with my new baby before he gets to big! (forgive me for being to lazy to fix the red eye)
My sister-in-law Kira, wanted me to put a picture of myself up for the viewing audience. The next day I noticed that Devin and I were conveniently color coordinated and I thought that would make a cute picture. So, I asked my man to take a few pictures of me. Sigh. Sigh again. Here is the best one. Notice the dark brown circles under my eyes? That's not make-up ladies! Those are the hard earned eyes from little sleep, raging hormones, and dang nursing hurts more than anything you can imagine, dark "bags." So, although it isn't a pretty sight I am proud of those raccoon eyes. I am embracing this part of me! So, there you are Kira. I hope you're happy. And if you want a good laugh take time to view Kira's blog. She is hilarious!
When my hubby is carrying around our baby he has a way of putting him down wherever is most convenient. I never know where Devin may turn up. It is usually on top of a table.
And now I'll conclude this blog with some baby goodness.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/24/2007 5:56 PM
no idea why, but the photo of the baby on the table makes me laugh. =)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/24/2007 5:59 PM
no idea why, but the photo of the baby on the table makes me laugh. =)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:1/25/2007 8:33 AM
yes to always tend to reassure me NEVER TO HAVE KIDS!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:1/25/2007 11:39 AM
I can smell him from here - so lovely! Kira Joy
DATE:1/25/2007 11:52 AM
You look great!!! Plus a perfect looking woman is always the best sign for a bad mom ... you know when you are in the grocery store and you see this gorgeous model woman walking up and down the isles like it is a freakin runway, pulling vogue poses as she reaches for the pilates tofu granola health bars ... ya, she is also the proud owner of the rag-a-muffin kids, who have never had their hair combed or faces washed, screaming, fighting, and tearing up the canned food department. Any signs of distress on you only prove you are taking care of your family. What a woman!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/27/2007 12:55 PM
I love Devin on the table! Such a man thing to do!
Thanks for the concern from friends because I haven't been blogging. I'm alive. Just busy with baby.
I had written a nice blog entry about fitting a new baby into your life, a visit from my big brother, and my lack of sleep. But blogger ate it. So I'll spare you and show you my little Devin.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:1/19/2007 11:19 AM
So cute!!! I really can not wait to see him.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:1/19/2007 12:06 PM
So adorable!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:1/19/2007 1:57 PM
Wait...the other gals are nice, but I'm not letting you off that easy...I need more details than that...and don't try to pull the "I have a husband and four kids to take care of including an infant child who needs my every moments attention so blogging, emailing, and calling people on the phone is on the back burner for now" card. Kira Joy
DATE:1/19/2007 2:01 PM
Wait...the other gals are nice, but I'm not letting you off that easy...I need more details than that...and don't try to pull the "I have a husband and four kids to take care of including an infant child who needs my every moments attention so blogging, emailing, and calling people on the phone is on the back burner for now" card. Laura
DATE:1/19/2007 4:06 PM
well i thik Kira has spoken her mind, and she has done a great job. I am with her on this one!!!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: So Sleepy
DATE: 1/05/2007 07:34:00 PM
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BODY:
I got three hours of sleep last night. I have stories, but I'm too tired to blog. So, I'll post a few pictures of my boys.
My Boys, My Joy
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:1/08/2007 10:41 AM
These are such sweet pictures!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:1/08/2007 11:25 AM
How cute!!! Your kids are so adoreable...geez I wish we could see them more often! I am proud of you for even sticking up the pics...that shows dedication as it is!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/09/2007 11:25 AM
I just thought I would check in to see how things were going and to my surprise.. you had the baby! I am so out of the loop. I told Carolyn she is fired for not updating me. Well Congratulations, he is to cute. I can't wait to see him. Tell everyone we said hi!
DATE:1/17/2007 11:27 AM
Katrine,
DATE:1/20/2007 1:26 PM
I'm so glad we got to spend time with these amazing children last week.
Devin Raymond
December 27, 2006
8:56 am
8 lbs. 7 oz.
21"
Absolutely perfect.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/31/2006 6:39 PM
Congrats! I can't wait to meet him in person. Just the perfect family and perfect ending to 2006! Hope to see you soon!
DATE:12/31/2006 11:07 PM
congratulations. and you're right: he couldn't possibly be more perfect. =)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:1/01/2007 2:14 PM
Congrats!!! We are so happy for you!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:1/02/2007 8:32 AM
What a perfect baby. He is gorgeous and a healthy size and everything. Congrats! We are thrilled!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/02/2007 8:34 AM
Yea! He looks adorable. Counting the days until we get to see him, and the rest of you! Mimi
DATE:1/02/2007 1:53 PM
Hey look, he has a name! What a beautiful one too! Congratulations, he's gorgeous!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:1/03/2007 4:01 PM
Congrats! He is beautiful!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Notice Of Eviction
DATE: 12/26/2006 04:22:00 PM
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BODY:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/27/2006 10:19 AM
way too cute!! I am excited!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/28/2006 8:31 AM
You crack me up.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/28/2006 12:12 PM
hope your little guy didn't make you call in the dynamite crew! ;-)
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Happy Birthday Ethan!
DATE: 12/26/2006 04:15:00 PM
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BODY:
My little man is 5 years old today! We made sure he had a day that was all about him.
Ethan is such a happy guy. He is always willing to help when you ask him. The little man is rarely upset and easily satisfied. It is so fun watching him come into his own personality as he is getting older. He is developing his own interests instead of relying on big brother for his likes and dislikes.
We surprised Ethan with an afternoon at Chucky Cheese. It was a good day!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/27/2006 10:20 AM
Happy Birthday Little Guy!! I hope your package comes soon
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/27/2006 11:04 AM
Happy B-day Ethan. That is if you read your Mom's blog. If not maybe your mom will tell you for me. Katrine I left a message on your phone. Kira Joy
DATE:12/28/2006 8:33 AM
Yippee! I hope whole day was a blast! What an adorable bunch of kiddlets.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: We Did It!
DATE: 12/23/2006 12:49:00 PM
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BODY:
We finished our Christmas shopping this morning. Yes, we are always shopping at the last minute. It feels good to be done.
But I forgot to buy egg nog. Do you think I can convince John to go get me some?
The next few days will be busy busy busy.
Sunday - Christmas Eve, church and dinner at our friend's home
Monday - Christmas
Tuesday - Ethan's birthday and John's sweet aunt is coming to visit
And finally, if everything goes the way I would like I will have a baby sometime during the following week. Please!!!! The ribs on my right side are constantly hurting. I used to think the baby had his feet stuck up in them. But now I'm thinking he's got his toes wrapped around my rib and he's holding on for dear life! He doesn't want to leave the comfort of my womb. Sorry little guy, I will soon be serving your eviction notice!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/26/2006 2:59 PM
Paul and I will give you a call later today to wish you, Katrine, a Happy Birthing and little Ethan a Happy Birthday! I am so excited to see pictures of the new guy! Do you have a name YET?
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: It's My Birthday!!!
DATE: 12/21/2006 03:13:00 PM
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BODY:
Several months ago my beloved camera finally died after a long illness. I missed it so. I tried to use my man's camera, but I could never get the feel of it. John told me he was going to get it fixed for my birthday. But today he surprised me with a new camera! It turns out that it would cost as much to get it repaired as it would to buy a new one. It's just like my old one so I know how to work it to get the important pictures I will be taking during the next week or two.
And my sweet children gave me a mug with a pug on it. Very cute!
Today I had to go to the hospital to register for the upcoming birth of Baby Boy. I filled out about 8 pages of paperwork when I noticed that I filled in today's date as 12/21/1973. Yes, I filled out every single paper with my actual birthdate, and not today's date. Man, this pregnancy brain is filled with the same mush my feet are filled with!
For another birthday treat, Madison and I went to get our hair cut. I was in desperate need of a hair cut. And the lovely lady kept telling me how good I was going to look when I was in labor. But, alas, in the end I think I look like Betty Rubble. When I walked in the door John said, "You look like that lady in the Flinstones!" 
Lucky me. I also have Fred Flinstone feet!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:12/22/2006 10:12 AM
Hey, I have those same feet. Laura
DATE:12/22/2006 10:45 AM
Whatever you are a dead sexy momma. I love your hair it looks so great!!! Only a few more days, and baby boy will be here.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/23/2006 4:41 PM
Your hair does NOT look like Betty Rubble! I think it looks pretty.
See my new black crocs? Oh yeah, you can't see them past my belly that everyone likes to tell me looks like it's going to pop!
Here they are!
I woke up this morning and got ready for my son's Christmas party. I was going to wear one of the few remaining shirts I have that are big enough to cover my expanding girth. And I was feeling very fashionable because the top was in black to match my new crocs.
I daintily slid on my crocs. Who am I kidding? Nothing at 37 weeks is dainty. What's this? Something seems to be wrong with my "one size larger for future growing" shoes! They won't go on. I cannot believe this! I outgrew an entire shoe size overnight! This is simply not right!!! After much negotiating, cursing, and pain, I was able to force my sausage size toes into the crocs and hobble out to my car.
But there is something interesting about crocs. The foam material, or whatever that stuff is, seems to expand with heat. As my body temp warmed up the insides of the faddy shoes, they seemed to expand.
It's a Christmas miracle! Because of the strange substance that crocs are made out of I am able to go in public with shoes!
So, consider this a public service announcement for pregnant women everywhere. If all else fails, wear crocs.
And I still stand by my word that men should never wear crocs. Never.
Public Service Announcement: In order for all to understand my suffering and agony, I have decided to just let it be seen. The following picture is not for young children. Do not view if you there are minors in the room. Keep scrolling if you have a strong stomach!
Scarey picture ahead.
I warned you.
May I present
Kankles!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/20/2006 3:24 PM
you poor thing!!! Ray hopes you pop soon, and even though he is saying eeeewww eeeewwww right now, I know deep down inside he really does love you. And about the crocs thing. I love mine, Have loved them since they first came out. I am a pretty hip up to date girl i think, and I have no problem with anybody wearing them man or woman. Mine are black as well and they are wonderful. So don't ever second guess them. they are amazing!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/20/2006 9:40 PM
Just when I thought you couldn't get any funnier! Your blog is the best! Mimi
DATE:12/21/2006 12:37 PM
Oh dear, Katrine. Those are canklish indeed. Kira Joy
DATE:12/26/2006 8:41 AM
Oh my goodness. When you said kankles, I figured you were being dramatic babe, but honey you are not whining enough...thoses things are thankles. You poor, poor thing. But it's only hours from here!
DATE:1/09/2007 11:43 AM
I really thought you were exaggerating about the size of your ankles. I feel for you! Of course you have had the baby now so hopefully they are back to normal!!! 
The journaling reads:
Brothers
I had such dreams for my two sons. I wished for them to be the best of friends. I wanted to see the relationship between Cameron and Ethan that I have seen between my own brothers. I was amazed at how quickly that brotherly love began to grow. Just look at the expression on Cameron's face! You can see that he was and will always be the proud big brother!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/17/2006 11:48 PM
NICE!! Mimi
DATE:12/18/2006 1:01 PM
So adorable!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/18/2006 3:23 PM
Maybe one day you'll find a career in this whole scrapbook thing. I think it is finally coming together for you. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/19/2006 12:53 PM
thanks for the call Katrine.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall
DATE: 12/14/2006 07:32:00 AM
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BODY:
Last night was quite tragic in the life of me. In my attempts to be a wonderful mother I was trying to gather the materials needed for Christmas teacher gifts. I wanted something cute but inexpensive because moving to a new house, Christmas, and a new baby has depleted our financial resources. Thanks to Heather I had plans to copy her idea of giving a sugar cookie mix with a poem. The only thing I wanted to add was a cute little Christmas cookie cutter.
It sounds simple enough right? Well Wal-Mart has everything under the sun except cookie cutters. I tried the dollar store and again, nothing. Although I never realized how many people do their Christmas shopping at the Dollar Store. Finally, I decided to waddle my pregnant self over to Target. Normally I would have probably given up by now. But I was feeling the Christmas spirit and I was in a pretty good mood.
Target had cookie cutters in the Dollar section! Not only did they have cookie cutters, but they were located just inside the door! I did not need to walk around the store with my poor swollen feet that only fit into flip flops. Joy of joys! But on further inspection I realized that I couldn't distinguish all of the shapes of the cookie cutters. There were five in a package. I could see the star, gingerbread man, and candy cane. But was that the angel of the Lord or a House? And was that a snow man or a bowling pin. I decided I certainly couldn't give away cookie cutters that had no distinguishable characteristics.
So the search continued through Target. Just me coming slowly behind the belly, and my water balloon feet stuffed into my little green flip flops. (and I do mean stuffed. just picture the thin straps of my flip flops being enveloped by swollen flesh) I found a Target associate. I was pleasantly surprised to see that she was sweet and actually walked me over to the cookie cutters. They were cute and exactly what I needed! The friendly associate went on her way and I took a quick little walk through the ornaments.
As I was leaving the store I saw her again and thanked her for her help. I was almost to the checkout counters when suddenly I hit the floor. Hard! I was on the floor before I even knew I was falling! At first I was stunned and then mortified! I saw under me there was a dribble of a brown liquid. Because I can't see anything under me I didn't see the potential of danger from someone's spilt drink. And my thin flip flops definately did not have any traction to stop me from falling.
Have you ever seen a 8 1/2 month pregnant woman pick herself off the floor? It's not pretty. First she must roll over so that she is on all fours like a four legged animal. And then she will lift one knee into a half kneeling position. And finally she will brace both hands on this knee while she heaves herself into the standing postion. Believe me, it's not pretty. Thankfully, a kind lady came from the perimeter of people that were watching me and helped me up so that I did not have to assume the downward dog position. A few nice ladies asked if I was okay and I said I was fine. I gathered those stupid cookie cutters and continued on my way.
That's when the pain began. The main location of pain was from my midsection, down and under the belly, and down my left leg. Dang! That hurts! And the tears began. And it wasn't a lovely little tear drop sliding down the cheek. Oh no, I was in the full ugly bawling cry.
As I was buying the $4.99 cookie cutters I told the check out lady what had happened. I quickly became aware that when no one had been standing next to me in the checkout, now there was a line of about 8 people watching me sob as I held the green and red cookie cutters. Where did all these people come from! Can't I be a basket case in private!! The head cashier was called and she had me go sit in Starbucks. I wasn't there very long, but it was long enough for me to stop crying and then consider walking out. Finally, the manager appeared. I saw by his name tag that his name was John. He asked me what had happened. Crying again. I told him I fell on a spilt drink and that I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant. He said, "Yes I can see that!" Dork. He asked me if I was okay. I was fine, boo hoo, more crying. He asked me if he could get me a drink.
I don't know what I expected from the Target people. Maybe an accident report. I've worked enough retail to know that accident reports should be filled out. Maybe they should offer to call my husband. Maybe they should ask for my name and number to see that I made it home okay. Maybe I didn't want anything. I was just mad because I was hurt, embarrassed, and he wanted to get me a brown liquid that began this episode in the first place!
And now I'm afraid to leave my house alone. Seriously. I am just going to stay in this house until this baby is born.
I made it home, cried some more to John. (secretly I hoped he would call Target and yell at them) And after a while I put the little gifts together. They turned out pretty cute. Thanks for the idea Heather!
My oldest brother Jason sent me a little something in the mail. The card says, "As we mark the tenth year since mom's death, I'd like it if we could all do something symbolic in her memory and to promote breast cancer awareness. Would you please put these magnets on your cars during the month of December? Even though we're all in five different states, I would like knowing that we're alld oing the same thing." So, thank you Jason for my magnet. Jason also sent a link where you can help fund breast cancer screenings for women. Just click here! In fact, click it everyday!
And look at this weird weather we are having. It is so weird to see fog roll through here! I'm just trying to pretend it's snow!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/14/2006 11:30 AM
Oh Katrine, I really would of been laughing hard at this EXCEPT for the fact you are prego. I am calling Target right now!!! They did nothing for you? what a crock of crap!! I hope you are feeling much better today, and that baby still wants to come into this evil world. I would send Target your hospitial bill. OOOHHHH i am so mad at them. a drink? that's all the offered. I am so looking up the number right now.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:12/14/2006 11:32 AM
Oh you poor thing, ouch, ouch, ouch.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:12/14/2006 11:32 AM
Oh you poor thing, ouch, ouch, ouch.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/14/2006 12:15 PM
Teacher presents huh? First off, you are way too nice.
DATE:12/14/2006 5:14 PM
You could so sue their a**es off! ~**Dawn**~
DATE:12/15/2006 6:21 AM
you poor thing. ouch. and somehow whatever the aches & pains, *nothing* feels like it could hurt worse than bruised dignity.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/26/2007 4:18 AM
Breast Cancer magnets
DATE:12/12/2006 6:52 PM
Getting closer and closer.......do we have a name yet? Or will his birth certificate read "Unnamed Male Child" as mine does? Kira Joy
DATE:12/13/2006 9:30 AM
Yikes! Where do you find this stuff? You know the mom who invented that also had her children wear low voltage electo-shock doggie collars too. I'm sure of it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:12/13/2006 10:09 AM
"you feel like he's playing peek-a-boo with your cervix" <--- totally cracked me up.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/13/2006 12:20 PM
yep for sure never having kids, Nobody plays peek a boo with anything like that. I think I need to go see the Bishop or something.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Live On Top Of An Indian Burial Ground
DATE: 12/07/2006 09:42:00 AM
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BODY:
It's like poltergeist in my home. First of all, the timer on the oven keeps going off every few minutes. I've already called for someone from the electric company that contracted for our home to come out. They seem to think I've overloaded the outlets. Nope, nothing's plugged in but the stove.
Then Cameron has a toy tank that keeps going off. It makes engine noises out of the blue. I find it entertaining because it freaks my dog out.
But then Zoe freaks me out. She'll be sleeping beside me and then she'll get up and run to the stairs. You can look over the stair rail to the gallery below. She'll stand there and bark and growl at the stair landing.
But what can I do about it? I'm too tired to care. So, I'll scrapbook instead!
Have a great afternoon!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/07/2006 10:56 AM
yup i think you really are lossing your marbles!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:12/07/2006 11:20 AM
Yikes!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/07/2006 2:56 PM
That is your cutest page yet. You really are starting to get the hang of this whole scrapbooking thing.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/07/2006 3:00 PM
Yes! I only posted that once! Now you don't have two of my post ... wait a minute ... crap ... I'm an idiot.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/07/2006 8:20 PM
I just added you to my list of favorite blogs. I have been away for a while and missed reading your blog. Wish we could have met while I was in Houston. Now we are moved back into VA. Still love your blog. You always make me belly laugh :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/08/2006 8:56 AM
Great layout ...you are soooo talented!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/09/2006 5:15 PM
Poltergeist! I love that movie!
I purchased this little treasure at Target last year. It's our advent calendar. I love it as much as our children do. Each day we open a little door and remove the treasure from inside. This year we also have a paper and sticker advent calendar that follows the scriptures. It is a sweet time each night as we take just a minute with each other.
I'm so glad John took a picture of our home with the lights. By 7:00 at night I'm pretty worthless so I don't think I'd ever get around to taking photos. Do you see that top peek on our house? John risked it all to put up those lights for me. I wasn't aware of his fear of heights, or his "fear of falling" as he refers to it, until I watched him climb up 20 feet. And being the sweet, kind, thoughtful wife, I laughed the entire time!
I bought Zoe an early Christmas gift. When bitten correctly, this little tree sings "Oh Christmas Tree" in a demonic voice. It's just another little thing to entertain me while it freaks my husband out.
The house is quiet. Everyone is in school and at work. I need to cherish this time because I know it will pass quickly and my free time will be gone with a new baby. So, I am going to work on my scrapbook class and then I have a date with my man for lunch.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:12/05/2006 8:08 AM
LOL at the Christmas tree toy!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/05/2006 9:40 AM
Your house is gorgeous! I have never seen the front of it. Oh my gosh! Three car garage and the works! I was just walking around our little apartment this morning trying to remember what it was like to be in a house, to control my own heating and cooling and not wake up it a sufficating sweat every morning because the people upstairs are trying to simulate an indoor, central utah in december, death valley heat wave.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/05/2006 9:40 AM
Your house is gorgeous! I have never seen the front of it. Oh my gosh! Three car garage and the works! I was just walking around our little apartment this morning trying to remember what it was like to be in a house, to control my own heating and cooling and not wake up it a sufficating sweat every morning because the people upstairs are trying to simulate an indoor, central utah in december, death valley heat wave.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/05/2006 9:42 AM
i swear i only hit the publish button once this time. I never do this to anybody else's blog, but yours I always end up posting the same lame comment in triplicate! sorry!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:12/05/2006 10:27 AM
Oh my goodness, gorgeous Advent Calendar. Laura
DATE:12/06/2006 11:14 AM
you house looks great and very festive. And baby Zoe is of course adorable. Even though you don't trust me to babysit her. No i am not holding a chip on my shoulder.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/06/2006 6:59 PM
Finally! A picture of the house. Can't wait to see it!
I was going to take a picture of my awsome advent calendar. But I can't find John's camera (I think he hides it from me!) and my camera is still deceased. So, tonight I'll take pictures of our advent and our tree.
Laundry today. Eight loads. Enough said.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/04/2006 10:56 AM
Seeing your scrapbook pages reminds me why I don't scrapbook. Look at your dazzling layout and spectacular embelishments. I feel ashamed to even have pictures.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I'm Sexy Now!!!
DATE: 12/01/2006 11:58:00 AM
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BODY:
This pregnancy has made me vuluptous. My breasts are better than ever! But no one would even know because of the large mass underneath my amazing bosom. It's such a shame. And to support my womanly figure I've decided it's time to do what women have been doing for generations.
I am wearing a girdle.
I have never felt more feminine in my life.
Truth be told, a friend of mine just gave me a couple of bags of maternity clothes. And hidden deep inside was a fine piece of lingerie. I know John can't wait to see me in this erotic little number.
But the problem was I couldn't figure out how it all fits together. Which part is front, back, sideways, and what is that long strap for?
So, in an effort to find the beauty within, I decided to google it. After all, if you can't find the answers to your feminine mystique through google, then why try?
And there it was! In full view. See how beautiful she looks with her belly protruding so sensually over her undergarment? The beauty, the bulge, the support. I want to be just like her!
Oh dear, I still couldn't figure my garment out. How does all this velcro work? Everything seems to be sticking together! But Loving Care does not fail the desperate maternal women in the world. Behold the Maternity Support Video!
After viewing this fine piece of acting, I raced to the bathroom and locked myself in. Ater all, I didn't want Ethan to get the wrong idea about his mother! This is a private matter you know.
This goes in front. The large part wraps around the back. What's this feeling? My back is being pushed back into alignment. I can move my spine from side to side without grabbing onto the nearest counter for support. Let's try this next strap. Loop it over the belly like so. Oh my stars! You should see my navel now! It's like the perfect frame show casing my little button that has popped out like a turkey timer!
I am woman!
Hear me practice my lamaze breathing!
And John, baby, your mademoiselle has a surprise for you tonight!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:12/01/2006 12:36 PM
Whoa TMI, TMI!! Once again you amaze me! I love it all. Hope everyting worked out in the end, and just remeber the little "suprises" that's what making all these babies, just so you know. Good luck, with velcro, strapping, and lifting and all that you do with this new item.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:12/02/2006 1:21 PM
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! Laura
DATE:12/02/2006 10:26 PM
Good sin almighty! Looks like a mishap with a pair of depends undergarments... You keep on adding to the long list why we will never have kids. I will now loose several nights sleep with the images that you have so wrongfully put in my head. Your just lucky you don't live near by cuz I would probably try to get pictures of you trying to put it on and then black mail you.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:12/04/2006 10:52 AM
speechless.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: It's Blanket Weather!
DATE: 11/30/2006 08:12:00 AM
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BODY:
When I woke up this morning at 7:30 it was 67 degrees outside. By 9:30 it was 47 degrees. And by tonight it is supposed to be 30 degrees. Yahoo! I love it. But I do wish the rain part of it would go until after the kidlets got home from school.
So, in honor of this cold weather I wanted to post a picture of the blanket I just made for baby. Unfortunately my beloved camera has passed away, and John has his camera. So I did the next best thing and scanned it! That's why you can only see a small portion of the blanket. It's a rag blanket that is just the perfect blanket for any baby to cuddle up in. I can't wait to see my little burrito wrapped in it.
Have a great day! We are having cheese broccoli soup in bread bowls to celebrate our 30 degrees.
ETA: I've gone blue in honor of our baby boy who shall be named at a later date!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:11/30/2006 9:01 AM
look at you Martha! that is so cute!! i am excited to meet this little guy as well.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/30/2006 9:30 AM
Unfortunately, now I can't belive your life is so stressful because you somehow swandered up the time to make an incredible, might I say country gorgeous blanket for the new one. Good luck getting my sympathy now babe.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Scrap Therapy
DATE: 11/29/2006 10:01:00 AM
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BODY:
I just made a page. And it was a page for myself and not for work!
Journaling:
Isn’t it amazing what a woman’s body is capable of? Despite the aches and pains, I am amazed by the form my body takes when I am pregnant. I am aware of the blessing it is.
To conceive.
To grow.
To give birth.
To mother.
What a thrill it is to be entrusted by God to give life to a spirit so fresh, innocent, and so full of promise. My prayer is that I will be able to be a mother to this baby that God has entrusted me with.
Here's a little secret. That picture was taken almost 5 years ago on December 11, 2001 when I was pregnant with Ethan. I feel like history is repeating itself! Now hopefully I can finish Ethan's baby album before this baby is born.
Oh, and we are having record highs today. The temperature as of now is 80 degrees. Texas hasn't had this high of a temp since 1998 for November. I wish I were in Utah!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/29/2006 12:30 PM
80 degrees. It sounds like you are in paradise. Here, the roads are slick, it takes forever to get anywhere, it is cold, and those of us who don't have garages have the pleasure of waking up even earlier to scrape of the car. Laura
DATE:11/29/2006 1:45 PM
yeah what Kira said plus it freaking 15 degees here. Thank god for my garage!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:11/29/2006 8:37 PM
I agree with Kira and Laura. That Utah weather is YUCK! Wow. Your tummy is big.
DATE:11/27/2006 7:24 PM
Oh...my...goodness! You poor thing! THIS'LL teach you to never get pregnant again! Truthfully, I'm sorry you're in such misery. I'm sorry you have all of those problems plus the big "H"! I wish I was closer so I could come to your house and help you. At least you have some kids that are a little older so they can help. Laura
DATE:11/28/2006 11:16 AM
I am so with Jason on this one, I just want to hug you!! I wish I could do something for you. But maybe I can find something for christmas for you. I do have your name. I will start thinking.............what will make Katrines life better? wish me luck
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/28/2006 12:25 PM
Katrine's blog=great form of birth control. Kira Joy
DATE:11/28/2006 12:25 PM
Katrine's blog=great form of birth control. Mimi
DATE:11/28/2006 1:36 PM
You have to just wear long jumper dresses and don't worry if tennies don't go with it, you can't see your feet anyway.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Public Service Announcement
DATE: 11/21/2006 07:05:00 AM
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BODY:
Men wearing crocs is just wrong. I'm sorry. It just is.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:11/21/2006 8:25 AM
i so agree. every time i see a man wearing them at WDW, i cringe.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Something's Missing
DATE:11/21/2006 8:54 AM
Oh...*anyone* wearing crocs and I start to quiver -- in the bad way!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/22/2006 8:12 AM
The thing about crocs is that they cross gender lines, and in my opinion, they look equally stupid on me and women...but I have to admit that when you actually put those dang things on, they are so comfortable that you stop caring about how stupid they look.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/22/2006 8:18 AM
I meant to say "MEN and women" not "me and woman." I could try to slide my way out of this one, odds are I'll just make myself look even more stupid.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Adding My Baby
DATE: 11/19/2006 01:36:00 PM
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BODY:
Isn't he handsome?
And we still don't have a name for baby boy. Suggestions?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:11/20/2006 2:25 PM
He's beautiful. Kira Joy
DATE:11/21/2006 7:52 PM
That is like the first sonogram pic that I have ever been able to figure out what is what! I always just smile with a confused eyebrow when people show me them and naturally you have to tell the hormonal mother that her child is beautiful even though all you see is a blurry, black and white abstact image...OK so after that awkward intro, he really is sooo cute! What an adoreable nose! Laura
DATE:11/27/2006 12:26 PM
what about all the names we picked out that one night? do they mean nothing to you anymore? Or is it me? don't blame it on the baby, i am the bad one, i think.
My brother Daniel was here with his wife Heidi. Heidi is seriously considering going to a Chiropractic School here. How cool would that be to have one of my brothers living here?! But I'm not strongly and deeply encouraging the idea. No, not me. I don't want to be known as a pushy sister. please please please!
While they were here we celebrated Daniel's birthday and my wedding anniversary. We were so thoughtful back then (13 years ago!) that we got married on my little brother's birthday. And Daniel refused to come to the wedding with the excuse that he couldn't get out of a school play he was the star in. But in reality, he was a wall. Who couldn't get out of being a wall!?! Anyway, here we are 13 years ago, our relationship better than ever.
Several weeks ago my son Cameron was baptized a member of our church. As Mormons, our children are batized at the age of 8. We believe this is the age of accountability when they are aware of wrong and right choices. And believe me I have been using this to my advantage. If he wants to get angry over an Xbox game or doesn't want to help around the house, I can be heard saying, "Cameron, are you choosing the right?" And as he is choosing the right and doing as I ask, I feel powerful!! LOL
Cameron took this stage in his life very seriously and thought through every detail. He is sweet, inteligent, stubborn, and his own person. I love him!
My brother-in-law James returned from Iraq! James is John's brother and it's good to know he's safe and sound at home. And he was interviewed for the SLC news channel. It was fun for us to be able to see him because obviously, we couldn't be there to see him come home. This first link they interview him. First he is seen kissing his wife, and then he is holding his baby while talking about being a dad again. And this one you will see him walking out of the airplane and shaking hands with some important dudes. Welcome home James!
We had our final sonogram. And this blogger thing won't let me post the pictures, I'll try later It was the best ultrasound we've ever had! This little guy was putting on a show for us. We could see him open and close his eyes, move his mouth and tongue around, and wiggle his little feet. We even saw him put his hand to his mouth. I've been feeling a little disconnected from this sweet person, but seeing his body made me feel a little more connected. I'm excited, nervous, overwhelmed, but mostly grateful. A little soul I didn't expect is blessing us with his life. Our Father In Heaven knows me best. I have to have faith in this, because truthfully, I am also feeling overwhelmed.
Well, my job has had some major changes this past week. I have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. I feel like I've tried to be everything to everyone at work and at home, and in the end I've been nothing to anyone. So, I know it's time to reevaluate and refocus my values and priorities. I need to be everything to these people. Note to self: get pictures of John and I with the kids at the same time!
Today, I'm working on a baby blanket. It's past time getting ready for my baby boy. Thanks to my friend Kristin (scroll down to 3rd person) I have found a great stroller and car seat. They seem to be selling for less money on ebay, so I'm watching for a good deal! I took John shopping with me for some baby necessities. The man was bored and didn't like anything. He thinks all baby supplies are a waste of time and money. Um, honey, the baby will need clothes. I finally told him I'd come back without him and spend some serious money! We also needed some new drinking glasses. That man spent 20 minutes opening every box, looking at every glass, selecting the best ones, and then narrowing it down to 3 before he finally picked the perfect glasses. I was so frustrated that he could spend 20 minutes looking at pieces of glass but he couldn't give me 5 minutes to look at baby swings. Oh, well, I can't let it bother me to much because he's always been that way. And he is the best father for my children and that is what is truly important, not the color or type of baby swing we get.
Okay, now back to my regular life. I get to read to Cameron's class today. That always makes a mom look like a hero! And we have to get that whenever we can because it comes along rarely!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/17/2006 9:57 AM
Yikes...everything apparently happens in like two months in your family! Weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, birthdays...by the time Christmas and your birthday hit you are probably to burnt out to think about it! Mimi
DATE:11/17/2006 11:04 AM
What a bundle of blessings for you and your family! Warm wishes and prayers.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Am Thankful
DATE: 11/06/2006 06:23:00 PM
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BODY:
I am thankful that I was born in a time period where I can enjoy the daily conviences we are blessed with.
1. My car. I love my car. And I love the fact that I can drive in air conditioning with my little ones strapped safely in the back. I would not do well with heat and crying little ones in the back of my handcart. That would make me a grumpy mommy.
2. The epidural. I love the epidural. I dread the time when the pain of labor is so intense that I actually believe that I am dying. But then when I see the good Dr. walk in I know that in 10 minutes I will once again feel as if my body isn't splitting into four pieces. Gotta love the needle. (and just so you know, that's not my bum)
3. The Texas Do Not Call List. It is priceless. Since recieving our new phone number I have been bombarded with telemarketers. They obviously see a new number as fresh meat. Just today I have recieved 8 phone calls. And I got 3 of those in the last 5 minutes. Truthfully, has anyone ever actually purchased anything from someone calling them randomly on the phone? I don't think so!!! Oh, how I love thee do not call registry!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/07/2006 10:33 AM
If I'm honest, I am just going to have to trust you with the whole epidural thing because that picture really makes me cringe (but the whole labor thing makes me want to pass out, so I guess cringing isn't too bad). Mimi
DATE:11/07/2006 10:55 AM
Yeah, I never had an epidural and I'm totally fine with that.
I enjoy asking Ethan what he thinks we should name the baby because he usually has unique suggestions. First, he had the "Pacifier" stage. Apparantly, this was very sentimental to him becaue whenever Cameron or Madison argued that Pacifier was a horrible name, the poor little guy burst into tears.
Next we had the "Elmo" stage. I think it's a cute name. If I was delivering a dog or a cat. The Elmo period was short lived.
Now this morning Ethan announced that the baby's name would be "Awkward." Yes, that's right, Awkward. I blame this new name entirely upon Madison. Part of her 7th grade vocabulary is the constant use of the word awkward. If there is anything that is odd or uncomfortable she promptly announces, "That's awkward."
Personally, I think having a baby with a name that means "Difficult to handle or manage," is setting yourself up for failure as a mother.
The search continues.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kellyedgerton
DATE:11/05/2006 3:34 PM
Pacifier... yeah, I can see a child requesting that in all seriousness. Elmo... I can understand that too - who wouldn't want a red/orange furry creature for a sibling. But AWKWARD? Oh my gosh - I SNORTED right out loud when I read that suggestion. Kira Joy
DATE:11/06/2006 2:00 PM
First of all, the little tyke is so adoreable I would end up eating up every word he says regardless of extremities (that is a perfect picture!) Kira Joy
DATE:11/06/2006 2:00 PM
First of all, the little tyke is so adoreable I would end up eating up every word he says regardless of extremities (that is a perfect picture!) Kira Joy
DATE:11/06/2006 2:03 PM
Ok, I posted the same thing twice...I'm a total idiot. The broadband at my work is so slow so it wasn't working fast enough for me, so I clicked Post twice, and that's what it did...but that means you get to see my face in triplicate, so I can't imagine its a problem ;)
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: No More Promises
DATE: 11/03/2006 08:23:00 AM
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BODY:
Okay, I promised Halloween pictures Weds. It is now Friday. Better late than never!
Mr. Bones (Cameron) and the Clone Trooper (Ethan)
Madison, the witch. She carved this pumpking herself. Her pumpkin has an owl with a moon and stars. It was really cool!
Cameron and his pumpkin.
Ethan holding his head.
Some scarey dude that volunteered to have his picture taken with our boys. Ethan looked a little unsure of the situation. So, being the kind, understanding mother that I am, I took the stranger's offer and told my boys to stand next to scarey dude.
And the pumpkins!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:11/03/2006 9:16 AM
they look so great!! hope it was fun for them. Now answer my email!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:11/03/2006 11:23 AM
Man, check out those pumkins ... they are incredible! With great pumkins and the adoreable costumes you are totally showing up the new neighbors! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:11/03/2006 12:38 PM
Great photos! What amazing carvings on the pumpkins and those costumes are fabulous!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:11/03/2006 9:26 PM
Enough of these kids pictures already! I want to see house pictures! kellyedgerton
DATE:11/05/2006 3:36 PM
Your daughter is the prettiest witch I have ever seen. She looks like Rory on the Gilmore Girls. And let it be known, I LOVE the Gilmore Girls! Kira Joy
DATE:10/31/2006 11:35 AM
I am excited to see the costumes...Halloween is totally my thing, but I totally don't think you are a bad mom for not decorating, I mean it might stiffle the cognative development of your children's creativity and they probably will never forget the Halloween you didn't decorate and it will probably haunt you for years to come, but what should haunting bother you? apparently you already have poltergeists in your house ;) Mimi
DATE:11/01/2006 11:26 AM
The good and the bad are all good ;)
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Happy Birthday Babe!
DATE: 10/27/2006 07:35:00 AM
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BODY:
It's my man's birthday today!
I'm so thankful for a man who knows what it means to be a father.
I'm thankful for a man who can put together a computer.
I'm thankful for a man who can lift heavy boxes up the stairs.
I'm thankful for a man who massages my swollen feet. (okay, usually I have to beg for that one, but he does it!)
I'm thankful for a man who always comes home to me.
And I'm finding it more and more difficult just to move. I believe I have at least 30 contractions a day. Not fun. But hey, I am now 26 weeks and that is fun. Ethan and Cameron will come up to me, put their hands on my curvacious belly and ask, "How's the baby?"
I know I've been MIA. It takes a lot of energy to pack up a house, move a house, clean a house, and at the same time still feed, clothe, transport everyone. Not to mention work, Dr's appointments, and sleep. But all is good. Very good.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:10/27/2006 8:24 AM
Yes Happy Birthday John.I sent you an email that John will get a good laugh out of. He may end up doing it to your own kids! Kira Joy
DATE:10/27/2006 11:22 AM
Happy Birthday to John from Paul and I too! (when are the other birthday's in your family? (Cameron's was recently, but what day exactly? and the other kids? your's is December 20-somthing-ish right?). I need a list...I have tried to ask Paul and I'm sure you can imagine how that went! Apparently he as some of them written in his planner (What? You have a planner? Since when?) whatever that means. If some birthday recognition is going to be made, I am going to have to keep track of them myself. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:10/27/2006 1:20 PM
Happy, happy Birthday! Many Years.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: The Good News And The Bad News
DATE: 10/03/2006 10:31:00 AM
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BODY:
Good News
Madison and Cameron both did excellent in school. They both made the honor roll. Cameron recieved a certificate for his good grades. And Madison got a letter from the principle congratulating her on her superior TAKS (Texas testing) scores.
Bad News
I had a mental break down when asked to do something for my church. It seems that my stress level was a little to high and I let it be known to the world that they were asking to much of me. Niiiice. Thank you John for covering me!
Good News
They actually started to brick our house yesterday. Finally! See the guy in the window putting out our brick? I thanked him for coming but I can tell by the smile and the laugh that he didn't understand a word I was saying.
Bad News
They set back our closing date again. Do you want to know what bugs me the most about this? (Even if you don't want to know this is my blog and you can't stop me from typing) Is that if we even mention about a time not being good for us they jump all over us like we are trying to do something unethical. In the beginning our builder would always call me before John. And then we had an "incident" where I got mad at them for allowing the house to recieve water damage after I had called them numerous times about the problem. Now he only calls John. Hmmmmm, wonder why?
Good News
John's company had a picnic on Saturday. It was more fun than I thought. Look at our happy children with their "tatoos." Remember when it was called face painting? Now they are tatoos. Who knew?! Cameron got a scorpion, Ethan a dragon, and Madison a butterfly. Pay no attention to the woman on the left.
Bad News
I look and feel 9 months pregnant instead of only 6. But I am grateful this baby is strong and thriving even if my body is taking a beating!
That's it folks!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:10/04/2006 1:13 PM
No kidding that is a killer photo of you! 6-months pregnant and all. You have got this vixenous half smile and the whole model-esque arm-behind the back, half-turned, arched back pose...like you own the room. Knock-em dead girl.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:10/04/2006 1:17 PM
You look awesome! Laura
DATE:10/18/2006 9:51 AM
hahahahaha we got Kira to start a blog!!!! wooohoooo
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kira Joy
DATE:10/19/2006 4:16 PM
You're moving!!! Yeah! CONGRATULATIONS! I am thrilled for you. Good luck with everything...I wanted to pull my hair out only moving myself, let alone a whole family! Do something to celebrate afterward...I mean just you...well, I guess you can take John too...if you have to.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: So, I Have Some News On The House
DATE: 10/01/2006 08:07:00 AM
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BODY:
John called me as I was driving (I'm always driving lately). "I have some news on the house," he said, "it's not good."
My stomach fell a little thinking that the home had MORE water damage. "What?" I groaned.
"There was an electrical problem last night and a fire started. The entire house is gone," John told me in a serious tone.
The crazy thing is that I was not surprised. This latest event would pretty much just reconfirm that we will never be moving into our new house. "So, as of Halloween we will be homeless," I wailed.
"No. The house is fine. I just wanted to see how you would react!"
Thanks sweetie. You're so good at keeping extra stress away from your poor pregnant wife!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:10/02/2006 9:29 AM
Oh I seem to love John more and more!!! He is a funny bugger. Kudos to him. Sorry Katrine but that's funny.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica Farina
DATE:10/02/2006 1:13 PM
Well, you could kill him -- but then what would you do with the body -- you've already poured the foundation and you don't want to start all over from scratch. :-)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:10/02/2006 9:30 PM
That was mean!!! But funny. I'm so glad your house didn't burn down. He's lucky that didn't put you into labor!
DATE:9/27/2006 9:29 PM
And I told YOU so!!! Laura
DATE:9/28/2006 9:40 AM
that sucks!!! where are you going to live, when you have to move out of your house?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:9/28/2006 11:41 AM
Um, yeah. I can count on two fingers the amount of times that a builder has gotten the house done on time.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Insanely Busy....
DATE: 9/22/2006 10:46:00 AM
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BODY:
And the key word is insane. Here's a little picture show of what I have been doing. Warning: I did not fix the red eye or anything else in these pictures yet.
Cameron had his 8th birthday. We had an alien theme going.
And I made that pathetic looking cake with Ethan and Cameron's help. It's a rocket ship if you can't tell.
I went home to Utah for a long weekend.
For Ben and Ruth's wedding. Sorry for the bad pic. I cropped the big pregnant lady (me) out of the picture!
And is this not the coolest bridal picture. It's actually a picture of a picture! This is Ruth sitting on Ben's baby, I mean bike.
I was able to spend some much needed time with all my brothers at the same time. This hasn't happend in several years. I love these guys. I miss these guys. But I don't love them enough to not pick the stupidest pictures of them for my blog! hahaha!!!
Paul, Ray, Jason
Ben
I mean Ben.
And Daniel
It was good to see my Dad and his wife Vona. That's Vona, not Bona.
I especially loved this trip because I got to spend a lot of time with my beautiful niece Amelia. I can't believe how much she's grown. That girl has a strong sense of self and I'm proud of her. Several people asked me if she was my daughter. I'll claim her!
And I cannot believe I didn't get a picture of my niece Hilary! I'm such a terrible aunt! I had a lot of time shopping with her and seeing her interact with her sister and her dad.
And here are my sisters-in-law. I must say my brother's did good! They are all such wonderful ladies. I would go on and on about how much I love them but I've already spent 90 minutes trying to download all these pictures! So love love love to you all!
Ruth, the bride.
Heidi. I love this picture of Daniel and Heidi. I'll fix the red eye later!
And the soon to be sister-in-law Kira. She has promised to marry my little bro Paul on October 7th. This girl is so funny!! (and hi to Kira's mom if she's reading!)
And here's Laura. My wonderful hostess! I stayed at her house during the weekend. I got to love on her dog and eat her food. I always feel to welcome at her house. Here she is with my brother Ray. Don't they make a beautiful couple?
Since I've been home (after an unfortunate plane flight home that took 6 hours instead of 3) I have been busy with children, schools, work, preparing my lessons for the store, watching our home get built, and various other things that are overwhelming me at the moment.
Speaking of the new house take a little look at this! It's the granite, tile back splash, and kitchen cupboards. One of my favorite things in this house is the kitchen. It will be even better when there isn't that coating of dirt over everything!
And just to make sure I'm paying attention Madison slammed her finger in the door. She did it Sunday night as she was leaving the house to come get me at the airport. We've kept it wrapped and given her ibuprofen. So yesterday she goes to the school nurse for more tape. The nurse says, "Do your parents know about this?"
"Yes."
"Well, I think it may be broken and you should probably have it looked at."
So, after having my precious child walk around broken for 4 days I finally decided it was my parental duty to give her some medical attention. (bad mom) The Dr. doesn't think it's broken but we had X-rays done to make certain that she didn't harm the growth plate in her first knuckle. If she did then that will mean surgery. If she only bruised it or broke another bone then we will continue taping and giving her ibuprofen.
And that's that. I have spent far to long on this little blog and neglected my duty as mother, wife, and dog owner while I have tried to share a little of my life with my 3 readers!
And here's a final picture. Just cause it's silly.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:9/22/2006 2:53 PM
You have more than 3 readers, you just don't know it. I look forward to your blogs!
DATE:9/23/2006 10:42 PM
I loved this blog because I was in it so many times! Laura
DATE:9/25/2006 11:11 AM
UUMMMMM first thing first. That Picture of me must go ASAP!! that is so ugly!! I will send you one from that night that you can replace it with. PLEASE!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:9/25/2006 11:53 AM
Much Better thanks!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica Farina
DATE:9/26/2006 10:45 AM
I must be the fifth friend (always better than being the third wheel or the second banana)cuz you already had 4 comments -- I love your blog -- especially when I realize my life isn't the craziest one out there. You make me want to do a blog of my own, but so far I'm just living vicariously through yours. You're also much funnier than I am -- so your life sounds so much more amusing. -- monica
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:9/27/2006 11:06 AM
Wow! Great phootos and I'm so glad you got to be home with your family for such a special occasion. Mimi
DATE:9/12/2006 11:34 AM
See, I would have drooled. Bwahahahahahhaha.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:9/12/2006 11:51 AM
Wait you fell asleep? LMAO!!! I think all the funny genes stopped at you, Cause Ray never has anything this funny to report to me. You fell asleep? hahahahha Well you had better wake up cause it's going to be a long weekend!!!! Can't wiat to make fun of you in person.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:9/15/2006 2:58 PM
I've almost done that before -- it's just so relaxing to have someone wash and style your hair. Just think we're like the rich and famous -- they just let other people sit around and do things for them -- :-) I especially hate being in a meeting at work and nodding off -- that's really embarassing -- everyone wonders why you are so tired. At least you have the excuse that you're having a baby. I just stay up too late scrapping (and doing other things).
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Today He Is 8!
DATE: 9/11/2006 12:28:00 PM
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BODY:
He asked for a globe.
We're so happy he didn't ask for an X-box game.
I found that globe as soon as I could!
Happy Birthday my little man!
And could someone please slow my life down just a tad? My children are changing before my eyes. I'm so busy I can't see clearly and I would really like to eat sometime today.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:9/12/2006 11:33 AM
Happy Birthday to your little man! Many Years!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Madison Has A Bee In Her Bonnet....
DATE: 9/02/2006 02:42:00 PM
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BODY:
and her shirt, pants, and other areas.
I got a phone call when John and Madison had gone to opening day of dove hunting. (I know, I know, I don't like it either) Madison was on the phone crying. My first thought was that John had done it. John had shot himself or someone else shot him in a hunting accident. But no, it turns out Madison had walked into a bee's nest.
They had been walking through fields when John and Madison stirred up some angry bees. Madison got the worst of it. We counted 15 bee stings. Most of them were on her back. After about 30 minutes she began to get sick. After throwing up several times and beginning to shake we decided to take her to Urgent Care. After not improving and throwing up more, it was decided to give her an IV with a steroid, Benadryl, and nausea medicine.
The poor girl was pretty miserable. 15 bee stings to a small frame of 60 pounds is definately not a good thing! As they were hooking her up to the IV she started to kind of cough and choke. That scared me! The Dr. began preparing a dose of Epinephrine. But before he could give it to her the coughing had stopped so he didn't feel the need to inject it.
We were at Urgent Care for about two hours. Then we were sent home with our sleepy little girl and her own personal EpiPen.
So, today I am again grateful for modern medicine. There was a time I watched medicine fail. So, when I see it succeed I feel,.....relief.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:9/06/2006 12:02 PM
This poor girl!!! I wish I could of done something for her. Give her our best.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
DATE:9/09/2006 7:16 PM
I hope she is feeling better now!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:9/10/2006 8:40 PM
This was God punishing your husband for killing innocent animals for sport, and trying to rear your daughter in his evil ways! Good Guy
DATE:10/04/2006 1:09 PM
Good info.
Me in the baby's room at 21 weeks.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:9/01/2006 10:44 AM
It's looking good, and so are you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:9/01/2006 11:11 AM
Oh man I am so Jealous!! It looks amazing! I can't wait to see it. And just think how clean everything will be. You look Fantastic of course. Bring more pictures when you come out.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: texasblu
DATE:9/02/2006 10:38 AM
The house looks awesome! Wish I had looked that good with the twins! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:9/10/2006 8:42 PM
Yea! How exciting. I'm so excited for you! Oh and the baby, too.
Yipee! Hopefully everything will continue and the sell of this house will be complete shortly. It feels good!
My children are in school. This gives me the day to clean house and scrapbook!
We have brick! I couldn't believe it when I saw it all stacked up outside the house.
The kitchen and bathroom cabinets are installed! I can't wait to get a picture on here of the cupboards. They are beautiful!
I'm 21 weeks along. Baby's kicking. I can't believe I'm starting my fifth month!
So, what's your good news today?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa G
DATE:8/29/2006 9:09 AM
You are so hilarious! Congrats on the house. I love the roach story but could have done without the picture. I hate them. One time I made Mike rush home from work to kill one. I was pregnant at the time and living in VA and roaches were rare. This is one reason I dont want to move back to TX, yuk!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shanna
DATE:8/29/2006 11:09 AM
Congrats Katrine! Ummmmmmm.....good news is I get to go to Mississippi to see my honey this weekend.....bad news....I'm having my first root canal done on Thursday morning! YUCK!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:8/29/2006 11:28 AM
Whohoooooo! Congratulations.
I'm finally starting Ethan's baby book. I figured it was time now that he's 4 1/2! I'd like to get it done before this baby is born in 5 months. I don't want this baby book to get in the way of making the new baby's book in about 4 years! I'm on a time crunch here people!
I love this picture of Ethan with his scrunchy face! It makes me laugh! The page reads, "Love this baby in these jammies!"
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:8/28/2006 2:19 PM
Absolutely lovely!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:9/10/2006 8:45 PM
Better late than never! I'm just in awe that you can even get around to things like fancy baby books.
They make my skin crawl and they make my strong husband turn into a pansy.
Well, I did what every wife does and claim that it's the husband's responsibility to get rid of the thing. After gaining courage he tries to find a magazine to hit it with. "No, not that one, I like it." And then that one is "too new to use." After he found the correct reading material he stealthily crept toward his vile enemy. That's when the big thing took flight! "What? Now they fly!"
We tried to find it with no luck. We have ten foot ceilings that have a shelf that runs along the top of the wall. Thinking it had taken refuge in the plants on the shelf John went and got his wooden ladder. I kept imagining that as soon as he got up there the thing would fly into his hair. But I kept that information to myself because I'm always looking for entertainment. But we couldn't find it. I shut our bedroom door because I didn't want to worry about that thing landing on us as we slept and we went back to our conversation.
A short time later Madison came out of her room because she didn't want to go to bed, I mean she needed a drink of water. As she headed back down the hall we heard a scream of horror come from her lungs. John and I looked at each other, "It's back!"
Earlier that night John had piled all the kids shoes that had been left around the house in a pile in the hall. Methodically he grabbed a shoe on by one and hurled it at the creature. The next thing that happened was one of those things you wish you had caught on film so you can watch it over and over again.
The beast came flying at John's head.
John did a backwards summer sault.
He then scurried across the floor on his hands and knees as fast as he could.
All the while screaming like a girl.
And I was rolling on the floor laughing so hard that I thought I would start labor.
Now John was serious. This was war people. He was going to pull out the big guns. Oh yes my fellow warriors, he got out his air soft gun. 
The kind of gun that shoots the little white BB's. I was rolling my eyes at how ridiculous this was but at the same time I kind of wanted to see how this would turn out.
Madison and John tracked the creepy, crawly, flying thing into the bathroom. The bathroom was small enough that there isn't room for 3 people. Plus I didn't want to be trapped into that little space if the varmint took flight again. But I heard things like, "Madison look under that blanket." And "Madison, be strong and stick your head in there so you can see better."
Suddenly there was the violent sound of rapid fire! "Boom Boom Boom Boom!" And then the sound of something hitting the floor over and over again. I could mention that there was also screaming again but I won't.
Then Madison and John emerged victorious. They had defeated their enemy. That three inch thing had nothing on the two of them, the air soft gun, and a tupperware container. They won! They looked so pleased until I informed them that they couldn't leave the smashed thing sitting on the floor in the linen closet. So that took a lot of toilet paper and a lot of squirming and squealing until it was disposed of down the toilet.
And just in case my brave husband John reads this blog in for the first time, I love you John. Thank you for protecting us from bugs. And just as you said you never know when those things can turn all "Men In Black" on you.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:8/21/2006 9:46 AM
OMG i need to wipe the tears from my eyes and regain composure. That was the best story ever. I can just picture it so well. Pat John on the back for us he is great.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:8/21/2006 11:08 AM
OMG. i can't even tell you the last time i laughed that hard. and i so needed it today.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:8/22/2006 2:26 PM
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DATE:8/22/2006 3:26 PM
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DATE:8/22/2006 3:26 PM
Hey! Very Nice! Check out this website I found where you can make extra cash. Mimi
DATE:8/23/2006 12:03 PM
Ewwwwwwwwww! I am SO GLAD I don't live where there are roaches.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: FreeCyprus
DATE:8/24/2006 8:15 AM
ahhh...roaches and guns
DATE:9/08/2006 9:23 AM
That was great. I needed a laugh today. Tell John good job and I think he has a future in pest control!!! You need to start renting him out! HA HA!!
DATE:9/10/2006 8:44 PM
You are such a good story teller. And your husband is such a weenie. Monica Farina
DATE:9/11/2006 8:01 AM
omigod -- I needed that laugh on a Monday morning. Thank you for sharing. I think they're pyschic -- because they always know when you're at your most vulnerable and then they fly at you.
Here's my 2nd grader. He's so cool! He loves his teacher, and that is always a good thing. And check out that grin! And I say with a deep love that a mother has for her child, his lack of teeth makes him look like a doofus. When he is talking his one big tooth sticks out like it is the only tooth in his head. I'm raising a toothless redneck! The tooth on the right just fell out last week. But the missing big tooth has been gone for over a year! The dentist reassures me that everything is fine. But come one, where's the tooth?!
And finally my preschool child. This kid was SO ready for school to start! He woke up that morning and said to me with a joyful voice, "Mom, it's just you and Zoe (the dog) all day!"
Because of the new school's I will be playing the part of taxi driver until we have moved. Here's how our morning goes.
7:15 John drives Madison to work.
8:10 I get Cameron and Ethan in the car
8:30 Drop Cameron off at his school
9:00 Ethan gets to class without a backward glance at mom.
Afternoon Routine
2:15 leave to pick up Ethan
2:30 pick up Ethan
2:45 pick up Madison
There isn't enough time to go home, but there is enough time to wait......
3:45 pick up Cameron
So I am spending about 3 hours a day in my car taking my children to school. Needless to say I am spending way to much money on gas because my SUV gets about 12 miles to the gallon. It's not fun.
And can you see what's wrong with this picture? Our house is the one on the right.
That can't be good.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:8/18/2006 9:01 AM
Look how stinkin cute those kids are. Matty is Beautiful. and I love Cameron's teeth, his uncles will be proud. and I can not believe Ethan is going to school. Good thing you are having another one. Yeah the water fountian is not a good thing. Good Luck with that.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:8/20/2006 2:03 PM
I want to see more pictures of the new house!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:8/23/2006 12:04 PM
Your neighbors have a fake tree planted?
DATE:4/26/2007 4:54 AM
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: This Is Interesting
DATE: 8/11/2006 06:26:00 PM
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BODY:
Isn't he handsome?
Yes, that's what you think it is!
The above is a copy of the email we just sent to family and friends.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:8/14/2006 9:38 AM
CONGRATS!!! I am so excited for you. i am going to have to start thinking of stuff to spoil the little guy with.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:8/15/2006 1:03 PM
Congratulations!
DATE:8/18/2006 11:40 AM
Congratulations!, but the blue circle is around his femur! You can see gender in the other pic. It's a boy!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: TEXASBLU
DATE:9/02/2006 10:33 AM
THAT'S GREAT! CONGRATS!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: From The Ground Up
DATE: 8/10/2006 06:59:00 AM
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BODY:
We've been taking pictures of the children in their future bedrooms.
Madison in her "Rapunzel" room. We call it Rapunzel because her room is on the second story and shaped like a tower. And Maddie has very long hair.
Cameron and Ethan in their room.
And finally the baby in his/her room.
In the past 24 hours we've recieved 3 offers on our house. Incredible! But we also recieved news that there is a huge brick shortage and our house will not be complete until the end of October (hopefully) So if we don't have anywhere to move we can't sell our house. Incredible! With all these raging hormones coursing through my body I don't know if I should laugh or cry. So, I've been crying for the most part.
I have to have faith.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:8/10/2006 8:47 AM
you totally don't look 20 weeks, You damn Shelton's and your skinny bodies and high metabolisms . But you can stay with us!!! you know that right.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:8/10/2006 11:21 AM
my house sold before the new one was ready. in fact, we had to be out 8 weeks before the closing on the new house. we rented for 7 weeks & lived with his parents until the closing. we also moved in that same day. ;-) Mimi
DATE:8/10/2006 1:47 PM
It's looking good.
DATE:8/24/2006 1:18 AM
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: aaaaggghhhh!!!!!
DATE: 8/08/2006 12:17:00 PM
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BODY:
Do you ever feel like the world is against you?
This morning started out well. I got up early and went grocery shopping before my children even woke up! It was a great feeling to get a job done so early in the day.
Then I had to drive up to the middle school, for the 4th time, to try to register my daughter. The last two times I've been told to come back at such and such time and I could speak with the registrar to continue the process. Once again, she wasn't there! After complaining loudly that I have been trying to chase this lady down for 3 days, they let me leave the folder and agreed that I could call the lady directly to set up an appointment with her.
I returned home in time to feed myself (and baby). Because my children have been sleeping in so late they are not ready for breakfast until at least 1:00. Then I got a phone call that someone wanted to see the house between 2:00 and 4:00. Wonderful! It was now 12:30. I had time to take my daughter to her friend's house and return in plenty of time to clean up the house.
So, I dropped Madison off and returned at 12:45. First, I made my boys scrambled eggs for lunch. Normally, I would not like to do this because then I would have to clean the pan. But hey, it's now 12:50, I have plenty of time! While the kiddos were eating I made their beds, picked up the house, started a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher and vaccumed the entire house.
Great, it's 1:30! I'm doing great on the time! Our neighbor across the street has been such a sweetie. She gave us a key to her home so that I could put my pug in her house while we are showing ours. So I thought I would run her over there and before I cleaned up the lunch and breakfast dishes, opened the blinds, and got the boy's out of the house before 2:00. Well, as soon as I walk outside they are pulling up!
What?! It's 1:30! So, I ran Zoe over to the neighbors and then I made them wait outside while I shoved the dishes into the sink, opened the blinds, and convinced Cameron to leave the house.
Every time we have someone come over we have to explain Cameron that people are looking at our house so that they will want to buy it. Our conversation goes something like this:
Me: Cameron, it's time to go.
C: What!!!? Where are we going?
Me: The realtor is coming to show our house.
C: (Very agitated and in a panic) What people!!!
Me: The people who are looking for a new house. We want them to buy our house.
C: What!? I don't want to leave!
Me: Well, we have to.
C: Again, why do I always have to leave!!
Me: Cameron, just get in the car!
And this is another little goodie I didn't have time to put away. I stocked up on a few health and beauty items. Including kleenex. It's a leaning tower of kleenex! If you buy my house I'll throw in a box for free!
After I had the two guys in the car I decided we all deserved an ice cream cone from McDonald's. The boys are joyful at this idea. Until Cameron found out that McDonald's only has vanilla ice cream. "I want chocolate! I want to go to the ice cream store! Dad always takes me to the ice cream store!" After threatening him that he will never see another ice cream cone in his life if he doesn't eat the vanilla we arrive at McDonald's. I swear to you the McDonald's employee has never had training on the proper way to make soft serve ice cream cones. They were shaped like a mushroom. A little tiny cone with drippy soft ice cream hanging off the sides. It was ridiculous!
"Um, these cones are for kids, can I get a couple of cups?" So, the untrained McDonald's employee gives me 3 mushroom cones, two cups, two spoons, and two napkins. The plan would have worked if the ice cream wasn't bigger than the cup! And have you ever tried to drive while holding three mushroom cones, while trying to force them into cups? It's definately one of those skills that all mother's must posses. Along with trying to talk on the phone with the school, ignore your child that is convinced he is dying if you don't let him play X-box, and prepare a healthy and cheap meal all at the same time.
I shoved two cups into each of the boy's hands and told them to lick the sides of the cups quickly so the ice cream won't melt. Here's another little known fact about my middle child. He can't stand to have sticky hands. "It's melting!" "It's getting on my hands!" "I can't lick it fast!" "It tastes like vanilla!"
Finally we get home, sticky hands and all. We pulled up just as the people were leaving. They had spent 20 minutes in my home. I figure anything past 5 minutes is a good sign that they are at least considering your home.
And now I realize in my mad dash out of the house I misplaced my neighbor's key. I need to get my dog!
I called my husband for sympathy. Nope. Nothing. Not one little I'm sorry honey, I know it's hard, thank you for working so hard to sell our house. I said, "I'm just calling so you can feel my pain and give me some sympathy."
He replied, "I feel my pain." Okay buddy, thanks for the support. When will I learn that he just doesn't care if I have a bad day?! It only matters if he's the one who has a bad day.
The boys ate their cones, vanilla and all, and I am sitting here until I leave for work, or I find the key, whatever happens first. I'm tired.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:8/08/2006 6:50 PM
I'm sorry you had such a rough day! This house selling business is awful. Laura
DATE:8/09/2006 8:41 AM
Hahahahah thanks for the many laughs you bring me each day. I can just see you running around all crazy like. I did have a sticky hand mishap happen with Cameron when I was watching him. not good! Well I hope they come back and buy the house and you can be on your mary way to a new one. Good Luck. Utah will be such a nice break for you.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:8/09/2006 8:41 AM
Hahahahah thanks for the many laughs you bring me each day. I can just see you running around all crazy like. I did have a sticky hand mishap happen with Cameron when I was watching him. not good! Well I hope they come back and buy the house and you can be on your mary way to a new one. Good Luck. Utah will be such a nice break for you.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:8/22/2006 7:01 AM
Best regards from NY! 
Don't forget to hang your lingerie that you have hung up to dry!
I can hear their conversation now,
Realtor: "oops, it looks like someone forgot to put away their bras!"
Husband: "yeah, she's not built very well is she?"
Wife: "Even I have a bigger rack than she does!"
And I still can't find my knives.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:8/04/2006 3:47 AM
they probably feel safe making comments like that *because* you have no knives! =P Laura
DATE:8/04/2006 8:37 AM
i so have that same problem, I hang them anywhere i can. Ray loves it. I am sure the whole neighborhood has seen mine. Whoops. What we don't do for a little attention. Mimi
DATE:8/07/2006 12:30 PM
Bwahahaahahahahahaha. No problem, trust me, we see odd things all the time. ~**Dawn**~
DATE:8/01/2006 9:05 AM
say WHAT??? well if they did that to me, the joke would be on them. i just have a cheap $10 set of Farberware knives from Walmart. =P
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:8/01/2006 10:33 AM
Yikes! That isn't cool at all. I'm sorry to hear about the knives, and I am really serious, lock them away.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/25/2007 10:41 AM
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Feelings...
DATE: 7/29/2006 10:16:00 AM
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BODY:
I can feel the little squirt now. My 4th pregnancy and it still amazes me.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Orion's Mom
DATE:7/31/2006 2:07 AM
I'm behind on reading my favorite blogs... congrats! A new baby is so exciting! It was fun to read about Ethan's choice of baby's name. :D I wish you weren't pregnant in Texas summer... bummer. At least it's not the last trimester. I did that with baby #4 - misery!! Mimi
DATE:7/31/2006 12:04 PM
It is amazing, isn't it?
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: If You Were My Kitchen Knives Where Would You Hide?
DATE: 7/28/2006 07:34:00 AM
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BODY:
It's very odd. I have a set of 5 kitchen knives. I have been missing 3 of them for over a week. The only knives I have left are my largest knife, and my smallest knife. I use the middle 3 the most!
Madison thinks I'm crazy because I think one of the realtors viewing our house ran off with them.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:7/28/2006 10:34 AM
You know, as an agent, that is one of the things they recommend we tell our sellers is to pack away their knives.
Cameron has many talents and abilities. Unfortunately, staying on task is not one of them. When we ask him to do something we have to ask several times and watch him closely on the follow through. But my boy took that to a whole new level last night. He was told to go change into his pajamas. After giving him 10 minutes to do that I called him into the bathroom to brush his teeth. He appeared next to me naked as the day I gave birth to him.
"Dude," I said, "What are you doing?"
After he looked at me for a minute with a confused look, it dawned on him, "Oh! I forgot to get dressed!"
Now that's a classic story to be told for years!
The house is coming along very nicely. We were surprised yesterday to see they had all the walls and windows up with the wood siding. Because it was dark John and I walked through the house with flashlights and left the kiddos in the truck. It is amazing to see how quickly this house is taking place!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:7/26/2006 11:16 AM
Bwahahhahahahahahahahaa. It's easy to forget.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:7/26/2006 3:19 PM
LOL! kids are the best comic relief.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:7/26/2006 7:07 PM
Great story about Cameron.
DATE:7/27/2006 3:02 PM
Glad to hear the house is coming along. My guess is you will be moving in before we do. How fair is that!
If Ethan is bored he will gladly follow any suggestion you make. Unlike my older children! Ethan and Cameron were bored so I suggested bubbles. Cameron sat in the house and sulked, while Ethan had a party for one!
Last week I looked at the window and I was amazed by what I saw! Ethan was swinging by himself! I didn't know that Cameron had taught him how to pump. It was so exciting to see how proud Ethan was of his new skill. And of how proud Cameron was of teaching Ethan how to swing. That brotherly love is so great!
Ethan has been wanting a gameboy like his brother and sister. John had been trying to find one on ebay for a good deal, but there were no good deal's to be found. Yesterday Ethan called John at work (with help from big sister) and told John, "I want a gameboy and gameboy games." I wish you could hear Ethan's funny little voice to understand the effect of his pleas. So, John arrived home from work with a gameboy for the little guy! John felt a little guilty for buying a gift when we're trying to spend money. But as far as I'm concerned he deserves it for being such a happy little guy!
And finally, my other baby is growing also. These pants fit me 3 days ago. Now I can't zip or button them. Notice the elastic looped around the button and button hold to keep my pants up! And never fear, this is the closest you will ever see of me in my undies! ETA: I can't get my picture of me in my undies to upload! Even blogger doesn't want to see that. I'll try again later, keep your panties on!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Love Is In The Air
DATE: 7/18/2006 07:49:00 AM
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BODY:
It is rare in life when you get the opportunity to see a love story in action. I saw this love story for a breif period of time in one of my scrapbook classes last week. Janis loves to scrapbook. Unfortunately, her body no longer allows her to persue this passion because she suffers from MS. She explained to me that in the last few months it has gotten worse to where it is very difficult to use her hands and she needs a wheelchair to get around.
Janis and James have been married for two and a half years. James will attend the scrapbooking classes with Janis. He cuts her paper, folds it, and chats with the other ladies in this class. I doubt this class is high on his list of what he would like to be doing, but he does it for Janis. He scrapbooks simply so Janis can watch. All the while joking that he does it so he doesn't have to mow the grass!
Speaking of love, my baby brother Paul, has decided to get married! He has been dating a lovely girl named Kira and she has agreed to put up with him and his family! We are very happy for them!
And rumor has it that my remaining bachelor brother can't let his younger brother get ahead of him. Okay, it's not a rumor. Ben and Ruth have both told me they will be getting married in September. All Ben has to do is pop the question! So, I have two weddings to attend. And this will be the 2nd and 3rd time I will be pregnant in all those wedding photos!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:7/18/2006 9:20 AM
there is for sure something in the air!!! Not to burst your bubble, but i have two brothers that are aslo engagged. Paul is getting married the day after my brother, and ben will be right after my other brother. So there is for sure something in the air. 4 weddings with in about three weeks. AARRRGGGGGG!!! But are you really coming out? That would be great to see you. If you need a place to stay let me know!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:7/19/2006 7:08 AM
I was so excited when I read this entry because I am pretty sure it means you are coming to Utah in the Fall. Right? I sure hope so! Mimi
DATE:7/14/2006 10:14 AM
Bring them on indeed!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: brandiginn
DATE:7/14/2006 10:48 AM
What about coco butter?
DATE:7/14/2006 5:02 PM
I checked out The Shape of a Mother link and oh...my...goodness. I have gained a new respect for all of you mothers and what your body goes through. Yikes! brandi ginn
DATE:7/14/2006 10:46 AM
Now wait a minute...don't you live in Texas? AKA "the people's republic of Texas" ;)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:7/14/2006 5:03 PM
Waaaaaa, waaaaa, waaaaaaa. brandi ginn
DATE:7/07/2006 8:57 AM
Hi Katrine!
DATE:7/14/2006 5:04 PM
A large yard is overrated, I tell ya!
I just cleaned both bathrooms. Why must boys come equiped with hoses? Come on boys! Make a mother proud and AIM!
This is a conversation between my son, Cameron, and his friend. (ages 6 & 7)
Cameron: Did you know when you get married you have to kiss a girl?
Friend: Yeah, it's really gross!
Cameron: My friend Joshua told me that when the guy says "you may now kiss the bride" you have to kiss on the lips!
Friend: Yeah, I've been to a wedding before and it's really gross!
Madison: When you get older you guys are going to get married.
Friend: No, I'm going to be a Ninja!
Cameron: No fair!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:7/06/2006 9:52 AM
Oh wow!! what are little boys made of? I love it. Maybe cameron should come live with his aunt and uncle for awhile. Ray would love to teach him new stuff. That's funny thanks for sharing
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:7/06/2006 12:27 PM
No fair! Bwahahahahahahahaha. That made me laugh out loud.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Warning: There Is No Point To This Post
DATE: 7/05/2006 07:49:00 AM
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BODY:
We had a good fourth yesterday. It rained most of the day. But we still had our friends who braved the storm and came to set off fireworks with us. Our good friend Elizabeth is here from Arizona to visit. So it was wonderful to spend time with her and her children. Good times!
They finally started working on our lot. But now we're a little freaked out. It looks as if the fence is going to be about 3 feet from the back of our house. We knew we would have a small yard, but we did not expect 3 feet! So, we're going to try to get someone to show us in person where that fence is going up.
I need to get the house cleaned up in case someone wants to view it. Fun stuff.
We spent the weekend in Austin with John's Uncle and Aunt. They are always so sweet to us. They treat our kids like their grandchildren so it is always a treat for them to see their great aunt and uncle. And they gave us some furniture for our new house. Score! I really appreciate their generosity. Great relatives!
I need to finish up some scrap items for the store. I asked for fewer hours this month because of the hard time I've been having with trying to work, show the house, and watch my children. But I think I'm really going to miss being there this month! I've been so insanely busy the last couple of months. And now that I have time I'm feeling antsy. I need to take time to enjoy the ride!
I hurt my brother Paul's feelings. I'm really sorry. I need to think of a way to make it up to him. Love ya Paul!
Okay, that's it. My day in a pointless post.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: And The Babe Shall Be Known As....
DATE: 6/28/2006 11:10:00 AM
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BODY:
Ethan has decided the baby is a baby brother. And his name is going to be Pacifier. Okay. Would we call him Pacie or Binkie for short? When the other siblings object to the name of Pacifier, Ethan's little lip starts to quiver and his eyes fill with tears. He looks so pathetic I almost want to give in and name the baby pacifier. Maybe the baby will be a girl and Ethan will decide that Pacifier is not an appropriate girl name!
Monday we had the call that a realtor wanted to show our house from 12:00 to 2:30. Most often realtors ask for one to one and a half hours. But two and a half hours already had me miffed. And then she never showed up! I left the house for two and a half hours with my 3 children and no one came. So, Stephanie Bishop, don't bother calling again. My house is not available to you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:6/29/2006 12:01 PM
Don't you love people who stiff ya? But hey she does have a cool last name!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Here's My OTHER Secret.....
DATE: 6/27/2006 07:13:00 AM
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BODY:
Yes. That is a picture of a baby. Our baby. My baby. My fourth baby! I'm 12 weeks now, my last week of my first trimester.
John went with me to my second Doctor's appointment. We listened to the little heart beat. The sound was familiar but still so thrilling. I told the Dr. that John was with me because we were in denial that I was really pregnant. So he said, "Well, you've heard the baby, now let's see the baby!"
So we got to have an ultra sound. Can I tell you how much I love my Dr?! He hooked me up and there was a round little ball with little arms and legs sticking out from the mass. You could see the heart beating. My Dr said, "There's the kid!" Then that little ball started rolling and flipping all over the place. It was fascinating to see this little thing moving so quickly and I couldn't feel anything.
We told our other 3 babies last week that they were going to have a new baby brother or sister in their family. They are all very excited, especially the two boys. Ethan keeps saying, "When I turn 5, I'm going to get a baby!"
I think the biggest reason I haven't been on my little blog is because it is hard for me to keep secrets. I couldn't write about my pregnancy until we were past the denial stage, and we had told family. I am naturally a more open person and John is much more private. So, if I have to hold back about something my writing completely stops! So, here's my truth, let the blogging continue!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:6/27/2006 8:50 AM
congratulations! that's wonderful news! =)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:6/27/2006 10:48 AM
Yeah you are back and in full force i hope! Congrats again on the baby, we are super excitied!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:6/27/2006 12:17 PM
Whohooooo! Can you hear my shout of joy from here! Congratulations!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa G
DATE:7/04/2006 2:35 PM
Huge Congrats!!! I am so happy for you!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Here's My Secret
DATE: 5/31/2006 07:22:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Well, one of them anyway! :)
We are building a new house! Here's our property.
It's exciting. It's scarey. The most frightening part for me is that we still have to sell this house before we buy the other one. Eeek!
We have the painter guy coming tomorrow. But then again maybe not. It's pouring outside and it's supposed to continue through tomorrow. Rain and painting the outside of your house does not mix.
And we are getting new carpet installed on Monday. Does that make sense? I'm finally getting new carpet, only to sell it? I never knew it cost so much to sell your house.
Here's a freakishly odd picture. We took pictures of the contract signing event. What is up with my hand? Does it always look that way when I write? I will never use a pen again, only keyboards for me!
I have a to do list a mile long. I have to get this house looking better than ever just so I don't have to live in it anymore! Wish me luck!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:5/31/2006 8:37 AM
YYEEEEAAAAHHHHH!!! that's so awesome! I am so happy for the Judd fmaily. This is a great excuse to come out and see you when it is all done. Good Luck!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/31/2006 10:39 AM
Wow! What wonderful news! You have my best wishes.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/31/2006 10:33 PM
I both heartily congratulate you and offer you my sincerest sympathy for the long, frustrating, obsession filled roller coaster ride ahead of you!
DATE:6/01/2006 9:24 AM
Congrats on the new adventure you are about to experience. So fun! So scary! So stressful! So worth all the headaches in the end! I'm so happy for ya'll!!!! Mimi
DATE:5/25/2006 3:53 PM
May both of your Mother's Memories be Eternal. Debbie
DATE:6/27/2006 11:08 PM
I can completely relate. Today is the 7th anniversary of my mom's death. It's not something you just get over. I have no doubt she watches over you and your family.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Wish I Had Something Wonderful To Say.....
DATE: 5/22/2006 07:12:00 AM
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BODY:
.....actually, I do have something wonderful I'm busy with. But Mum's the word. Husband won't let me spill the beans yet. (And Melissa, it's not THAT news!)
Until I have permission from the big man, here's a couple of photos to keep you entertained.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:5/22/2006 8:34 AM
John got a new job and you are moving back to Utah? that's the news huh???? tell me tell me hurry!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/25/2006 9:14 PM
I wanna know the news! Come on tell us. John will never know. You know he never reads this blog. Please. Come on already. Laura
DATE:5/17/2006 10:43 AM
Oh I loved this one, I do have tears in my eyes. Sometimes it is just better not to say anything at all. I am way past due too, but after reading this maybe I will a few more years. Yikes!!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/17/2006 12:59 PM
Bwahahahahahahaha! Both stories cracked me up.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:5/17/2006 7:46 PM
LOL!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/19/2006 9:04 PM
I'm glad I don't have to do that.
Washington DC was amazing. It was so much fun to see everything I've seen in books. The monuments were gorgeous. The Lincoln Monument was huge! One of my favorite parts was walking along the Reflection Pool towards the Lincoln Monument with my family. We then ate ice cream on the grass at the bottom of the monument while we watched the ducks. A memory we won't forget.
We toured the US Capital. It was amazing! I didn't realize that we were going to see such famous artwork. It was amazing in person! The colors and size were extroidinary. There are two statues from every state that represent people that were important to their state. I was surprised to see my several times over great uncle sitting there! Who knew? The statue is of one of the founding leaders for Utah, Brigham Young.
One of our favorite places to visit was Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. It was absolutely gorgeous. Old George certainly like the color green. Almost every room was painted some funky color of green. They say it was popular and expensive back then. We saw the bed that President Washington slept in and died in. I always thought the Mt. Vernon Mansion was brick. But it's actually wood that is beveled, painted, and then sand is thrown into the wet paint to give it texture. Faux brick! One thing I was really impressed with is all the preperation and planning that George put into Mt. Vernon. From everything to where his guest's servants stayed to the kitchen, to the outhouses. 
And the view of the Potomac River is breathtaking!
And here is the reason we went to DC in the first place. Madison and her team did terrific on their project! And how cool is this? Here they are being interviewed by a news station. They did such a great job!
I was so happy to meet up with my childhood friend, Dianne. It was nice to meet her husband. He is so nice. I love to see that my friend is happy. She has a great thing going on!
My children were so wonderful on this trip! On some nights they only got 4 or 5 hours to sleep. But they were real troopers and kept up with everyone. Cameron and Ethan were so well behaved that we got compliments frome everyone. After the capital tour a lady from our group was telling us that we had such well behaved boys. She then told us that we made the right decision in not taking the boys on the tour in the capital because there were too many things they couldn't touch, and they would have been bored. The funny thing is that they did go on the tour with us! Cameron and Ethan were so good, she didn't even know they were there!
So there's our trip in a short blog entry. I'm so thankful that we had the chance to go. I'm so proud of Madison for winning her science competition so that we had the motivation to go. She kept saying, "You're here because of me!" Love you Maddie!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Adrienne
DATE:5/12/2006 8:55 AM
Looks like you had a fun trip!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:5/12/2006 10:45 AM
Sounds like you guys had a blast, the kids will always remeber this trip. It's good to have you back, so i have something to read.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/12/2006 10:58 AM
Great photos, it looks like you had a wonderful time. melissa
DATE:5/12/2006 11:21 AM
looks like tons of fun! and great photos :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/19/2006 9:03 PM
Yeah! Very fun! Good for you guys.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Lists
DATE: 4/30/2006 09:31:00 AM
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BODY:
I am not normally a list person. I'm more of a I think I remember it, but then I forget it, and husband gets frustrated type of person. But my hubby is a list person. So very slowly I'm getting the list habit.
Here's a fun website. http://www.tadalist.com/ You can register and then create your own lists. It lets you check them off throughout the day. You can also email your lists to others or make it public. I don't do it either. I don't want to admit to people how long I've had clean my closet on my list!
I added a new list today. "Washington DC or Bust!" It's time to get ready!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:5/01/2006 1:18 PM
What a cool idea!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: waltermartin5065722892
DATE:5/11/2006 6:50 PM
Get any Desired College Degree, In less then 2 weeks.
Okay, that's a page. Blogger is not letting me down load my scan.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/25/2006 1:06 PM
who wears short shorts? Katrine wears short shorts. hahahhahah
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Adrienne
DATE:4/28/2006 11:43 PM
Love this page! cool title!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Real Simple
DATE: 4/23/2006 10:03:00 AM
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BODY:
I love the magazine Real Simple I especially like this month's special issue. It's Real Simple Family. I like it because obviously I have a family, and I like to pretend that I make things simple.
There is an article called Winging It by Rob Keefe. My family is well traveled because we take our 3 kids, tie them down in our Durango, and make the 26 hour drive to visit family. Although it's insanity at it's finest, my children do amazingly well for this kind of journey. So when this article said "Sometimes the best way to travel with kids is to embrace the unexpected, welcome the inconvenience and remember the moving walkway," I was ready to embrace any tips for traveling. The first paragraph told of why children are dreaded travel partners because they don't like to wait in line. Yes, this is true.
The second paragraph starts, "Since my parents are a two-hour plane ride from us and we like to visit them several times a year, my five-year-old son and I are frequent travel partners." This is when I rolled my eyes, laughed, and flipped the page. I'm sorry Rob. I'm sure you're a very good father and a writer. But until you've taken a torteous 26 hour car ride with 3 kids under the age of 9, who don't want to touch each other, and have to go to the bathroom every 90 minutes, I don't think you're in the position to write an article about traveling with children. You just don't know.
And speaking of torturing children I have come up with the perfect device gauranteed to make your kids scream in terror. Yes, sometimes it's enjoyable to see your child's eyes fill with terror when they see this on the plate before them:
I call it bean soup. After making it for 2 1/2 hours I took a look into my witch's pot and cackled, "There is no way they're eating it!" As predicted my children saw through my disguise as a mother and saw the true witch that I am. They didn't taste my brew and ate crackers instead. As for my husband he absolutely loves it, and me, warts and all!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JoE
DATE:4/23/2006 11:41 AM
Yes, as a kid, I hated bean soup too... Laura
DATE:4/24/2006 10:24 AM
I wouldn't eat it either. YUCK!!!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: A New Blog.
DATE: 4/21/2006 10:18:00 AM
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BODY:
I started a new blog for the scrapbook store I'm working at. Let me know what you think.
Moments In Time
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/23/2006 8:48 PM
Okay, don't leave me hanging... where is the great new place located? I can't wait to shop ... and by May, I will definitely be in need for new products and papers. I have great plans for a busy scrapbooking summer.
Hey Dianne! Does this look familiar? You gave it to us as a wedding gift over 12 years ago. And I still look at it everyday! And who says you can't give anyone the gift of time?
Oh yeah this was fun. My boy's were playing "Jedi" with their light sabers (or is it light savers, I can never remember). The pantry door was open when one of them fell back as a fatal blow caused them to dramatically throw their body back as if they were dying. One of their bodies, they refuse to admit who was dying, hit the new bottle of olive oil and it came crashing down to the tile floor. The glass shattered and crossed into the two adjoining rooms. So, if you ever need to mop up olive oil, dishwashing liquid works the best. But be warned, you will have to mop it up at least four times.
Cameron learned to ride his bike! We've been working at it off and on for the last six months. Yesterday Cameron finally convinced John to put his training wheels back on. I'd been resisting because I thought he would never learn to ride his bike if we put the training wheels on. Cameron was riding around with the training wheels when he said to John, "Can I take off my training wheels?" Well, John did and then after about 10 minutes of trying he had it down! So, this is a lesson for me, relax and just let him learn in his own way and in his own time. Yeah Cameron!
And Ethan has the peddling WHILE steering down. He said to John, "Isn't my helmet cool?" The funny part is that the helmet has been passed down two times and the plastic covering is gone so all it has is the hard foam part.
And here's the girl child on her roller blades. She wasn't in a picture taking mood but she humored me anyway.
This picture is a blur because mid shot Cameron took this pose and said, "Oooh, I need to go potty!" It's probably not nice to put this on my blog, but it's my son so I get the right as his mother! This picture makes me laugh!
And here's a page. Just cause.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/18/2006 11:22 AM
I love all the spring photos and then the snow layout! Giggle. texasblu
DATE:4/21/2006 9:52 AM
Aren't boys fun? Way to go Cameron! I know that was a milestone for him! I love your scrapbook pages - I need to do some of that... just don't seem to have the time lately. Hmmm... wonder why? lol!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Easter
DATE: 4/14/2006 11:43:00 AM
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BODY:
To me
it's a promise
and a hope.
Here's a little something for your viewing pleasure. He Is Risen. My favorite is the one titled, My Joy Is Full.
And Carolyn, you will need kleenex when you watch this!
Happy Easter everyone!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/14/2006 1:59 PM
May the light of the Risen Christ illumine you and your family during this Holy Season!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:4/15/2006 7:56 AM
Happy Easter to you as well. =)
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Let's Get Ready to Ramble!
DATE: 4/13/2006 08:39:00 AM
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BODY:
Be prepared. This blog post is going to be all over the place.
Day 8 of Mission Makeover Mama. Today I did the firm. Yes indeedy. I want firmness, not flabbiness. Yesterday the roller blades were a success. But the strap on my roller blades broke. The weird thing is John's strap broke the day before. I realize we've had these roller blades for over 4 years, but we've only used them about six times! I guess the warranty was up.
It's supposed to be 90 degrees on Easter. Yuck. The heat has begun and I'm not happy about it!
I have been staying up way to late for my own good. It's so hard for me to get to bed early, because night's are my play time. It's not good for John either. Apparently the man can't go to sleep without me. My dad was that way too. He would come find my mom and say, "Honey are we going to bed?" I used to hate it! I'd be having a conversation with my mom and she'd have to go just so my dad could go to sleep. I'm not as sweet as my mom. When John says he wants to go to bed I tell him he knows where the bed is! There are times I need to work on the sweetness factor.
Here's my latest page. I really like how it turned out.
The journaling says, "While we were camping we went on a nature hike. Cameron and Ethan had to many questions. Where's the turtle? What color is it? Which Plant? Is that plant poisonous? Dad took the time to answer every question and explain it until you understood it perfectly. Soon you found a tree perfect for climbing. Dad said, "Run up the tree!" And you did because you knew dad was there. May you always come to dad for advice. And may you always know he is behind you.
Don't you hate it when you're watching a television show on a regular volume level. And then suddenly the commercials come blaring on so loudly! That Oxy Clean guy is the worse!
I need a mommy attitude adjustment. Every year the school has field day. The kid's get to play outdoor games, moon walks, dunking booths, and eat smoothies. All the mom's get to come watch. And I don't like going. There I said it. But don't tell Cameron I said that! It's hot, dirty, and loud. And they won't let younger siblings participate. Normally I would leave Ethan with a friend, but in my effort to make my boy's happy I have to bring him along. Ethan has speech therapy at the school 45 minutes into field day. So, I'm going to have an unhappy 4 year old watching his brother have fun.
Look Madison made an edible animal cell. Can't you tell that's a cell, silly people! 
Just another fun project the teacher's make you do. Don't ask me what marshmallow cream and fruit leather in a pie plate teaches you about cell membranes and the nucleus. Let me just say she'd better get a good grade!
Speaking of Madison, isn't she gorgeous? This is me taking a picture of Madison taking a picture. 
Thank goodness I didn't pass the Ralph gene onto her!
And finally. I feel ripped off. I lived in Utah for 23 years. And I never saw one Alien! I never saw a UFO. Not even a bright light in the sky. But according to this web site, UUFOH, those aliens are running willy nilly all over the place! I always miss the good stuff.
You know what's scary about this rambling blog of mine, this is how it is inside my mind at all times. On the outside I'm quiet and reserved. Inside I'm a raging storm. Multiple personalities I tell ya!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/13/2006 10:49 AM
The edible cell looks fabulous!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Now This I Can Work With...
DATE: 4/12/2006 07:29:00 AM
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BODY:
Okay, I've been having an identity crisis because of Ralph incident. So I decided to plug in a new picture in hopes of changing the past.
Here's the new picture:
And here are my results:
58% - Juliette Lewis. Normal looking person, it's a good thing.
56% - Pamela Anderson. Bwahahahaha! Yeah right, I'm assuming they mean her face and not her body. My husband is very pleased with this result. He's much rather be sleeping with a Pamela look a like instead of Yoko's. And do you know how hard it is to find a picture of Pamela that I wouldn't be embarrassed to put on my little blog?
55% - Geena Davis. You can do a lot worse than Geena!
54% - Kate Hudson. She's adorable! I can be a brunette Kate!
54% - Isabella Rosellini - Absolutely! It's like suddenly I'm royalty. So pretty!
45% - Little Richard. Oy, I should have stopped while I was ahead.
Now I am going to dust off those roller blades. Actually they're in the box they came in. I think I've used them a total of 5 times since I bought them 4 years ago. Then I'll strap Ethan in the jogger stroller and see what my legs can do. I'm on day 7 of Mission Make Over. Wish me luck!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/12/2006 10:12 AM
You are freaking killing me, Killing me dead. I love it. What is this website and I will do it, and see what I coome out looking like???????
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/12/2006 10:12 AM
You are freaking killing me, Killing me dead. I love it. What is this website and I will do it, and see what I coome out looking like???????
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:4/12/2006 10:12 AM
You are freaking killing me, Killing me dead. I love it. What is this website and I will do it, and see what I coome out looking like???????
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
DATE:4/12/2006 2:10 PM
Luck, Katrine! Lisa G
DATE:4/19/2006 11:36 AM
OMG Katrine! You have me ROFL and I promise you do not look like Little Richard.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: It's A Sad Day
DATE: 4/11/2006 10:35:00 AM
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BODY:
Just because.
Misunderstanding.
Hate that.
But I did scrap.
That makes me happy.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/11/2006 1:15 PM
I'm sorry it's been a rough day.
Here's Jason. A good looking guy right? Those face people say he looks like:
64% - Tommy Lee Jones Okay, slightly humorous. I mean, he's kind of wrinkly. And not someone I would think was very sexy.
Also at 64% - Antonio Banderas! 
You have got to be kidding me. I get to look like a dead poet and Jason looks like Zoro?
Another 64%(how is that possible) - Kevin Spacey 
Okay, totally weird. I never realized Jason DOES look like Kevin!
63% - Dennis Quaid 
The actor from Innerspace? I see a "space" theme going on here. Please say Jason looks like Worf 
Give me something to work with here people!
62% - Matt LeBlanc 
What the heck! Okay, Jason must be paying these heritage people. This is unreal.
60% - Michael Landon 
This is so unfair I can't even think of anything funny to write.
59% - Ricky Martin!!! 
The shake your hips Latin lover? May I repeat, I'm Yoko Ono, and Jason's this sex object? We have the SAME genes, stupid computer programmers!
59% - Harvey Keitel 
Finally, something I can chuckle about. I have no idea who this dude is, but he's my new best friend!
58% - Bob Hope 
Sorry, I like Bob, so I can't even laugh about it. And you know, Jason is the person who introduced Bob Hope to me as a child. We used to watch Singing In The Rain and laugh, and laugh together.
I'm so depressed. I'm going to schedule my rhinoplasty and hopefully afterwards I'll look like Ricky Martin.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/10/2006 3:32 PM
HA! Take THAT little sister! This is classic. Every time you have tried to play a joke on me, it always backfires in your face! And, of course I'm not surprised that I resemble these hunky men. I'm too sexy for my shirt...My new nickname for you will now be either Yoko or Ralph Waldo. Love ya little sister!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Surprise!
DATE: 4/10/2006 07:29:00 AM
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BODY:
I got parakeets for Ethan and Cameron! Cameron has been asking for birds since last year. He did not understand why Santa didn't bring him birds for Christmas despite the fact that we were celebrating Christmas 3 states away from home. So when a friend of a friend was looking for someone to give her bird and cage to, I asked to take it off her hands. But I have two boys, so Ethan and I took a trip to the pet store and added a blue parakeet to the yellow one. Cameron was so excited when he came home and saw his new friends. He's been working hard at getting the bird to sit on his finger. Cameron has also promised to clean the cage and feed the birds. But I know the truth. I just added more poop to my cleaning all messes in my home.
Oh well, it's worth it when I see my little blonde boy soaking up the feathered goodness. I took this picture through the window without Cameron's knowledge. I love watching my boy's when they don't know I'm there. This little guy is such a visual person. He soaks everything in. If he doesn't understand something he will ask question after question until he has it all laid out in his mind. And so now, his new obsession is parakeets. I'm actually relieved. Because I was about to tear out my front flower bed to give him the butterfly garden he has been obsessing over last week. I saved myself yard work, but now I have poop work. You know, I think poop is a word I should try to use more in my blog. After all, I deal with a lot of poop in my mothering.
I came across this website from a message board, my heritage. You can submit a picture of yourself and it will tell you what celebrities you look like. Okay, I know I'm not the prettiest of women, but I was feeling brave enough to give this a try. John had just taken a picture of me, so I plugged this shot in. 
Here's what their little face recognition program said:
75% - Rene Russo! 
Yes! You are telling me I look 75% like a model turned actress? I can't believe it! I'm beautiful. And Rene starred in a movie with Pierce Bronson. My Pierce. I must be so pretty, because computers are always right!
70% - Ralph Waldo Emerson 
Huh? Okay, there must be a little glitch in the system. Because I can't look like Rene one minute and then Ralph the other. Let's continue.
67% - Edward Said
63% - Sergei Prokofiev Okay, there's a bigger glitch. Quite possibly a bug because apparently the computer isn't receiving the proper female input. Although I am frightened to observe that my nose looks a lot like the last 3 men.
62% - Yoko Ono 
What the?!! How can this stupid computer lift me up and then push me down. I DO NOT look like Yoko! I look like the model/actress Rene! Jimminy crickets people, you need to check that computer to make sure it's spitting out the correct information! Rene, NOT Yoko!
61% - Annette Bening 
Well, I'm so glad the programmers at your site have started to take their job seriously. I do look a lot like Annette don't I? It's something about the eyes. Yes and the flawless complexion. I totally see it. I feel so good about myself!
60% - John Wayne 
Crap. It's official. I have a man's nose.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: pr31wb
DATE:4/10/2006 9:24 AM
LOL, what a roller coaster ride they sent you on. For the record, you look way more like Rene, and not at all like Ralph.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Adrienne
DATE:4/10/2006 9:26 AM
LOL!! That is so funny!!!! LOL
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: artsyfartsychic
DATE:4/10/2006 10:24 AM
That site is the best!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/10/2006 11:48 AM
You do look like Rene Russo! I can totally see that!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: justjohanna
DATE:4/10/2006 1:17 PM
oh my gosh - that's sooooo funny. i'm totally doing this when i get home.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/10/2006 2:02 PM
This is officially your funniest blog post. I laughed so hard. I'm sending a link to my friends! allison
DATE:4/10/2006 2:52 PM
that comparison to a celeb. is histerical! I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. Thanks for the laugh! Allison
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:4/10/2006 4:59 PM
don't feel too bad. when i tried it with *several* different photos of myself, i did not come up with one single woman. not one. very clear why i never posted my results huh?
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Friday!
DATE: 4/07/2006 10:45:00 AM
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BODY:
I just got back from getting Ethan's pictures taken. I was a little worried that he wouldn't smile because he's shy around strangers. But that boy had the best time. He was cracking me up! I'll share the pictures when I get them back.
Friday. A weekend. The kids have their first soccer games tomorrow. So, for the next six weeks my life will revolve around soccer. I am a soccer mom driving an SUV. Yup that's me. But it's all good!
Just a LO to share. Because that's what I do. I was taking shots of my children for Christmas cards. All was going well until Ethan decided he'd had enough of that. So what's a mother to do, but take pictures of her child having a melt down! I love the picture of him swinging his santa hat as he storms off into the woods. So funny!
I have a surprise for Cameron after school. He's going to love it! I'll tell you what it is later because John doesn't know about it yet. So, I guess it's a surprise for him too! But the man never reads my blog anyway, but you never know!
Happy weekend!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/07/2006 11:28 AM
Enjoy the weekend, enjoy the surprise and great layout! Angry elf, yep, we've had those!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I'm Sleepy
DATE: 4/05/2006 08:12:00 AM
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BODY:
I went to bed late and Ethan kept waking up during the night. I would so like to take a nap, but they are working on the road behind my house. So, I hear loud trucks ALL day long.
But in spite of my lack of sleep, I exercised for the 3rd morning in a row. Yeah me!
How's that for an exciting blog entry. I'm just a riot!
This LO looked better last night when I wasn't so tired.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/05/2006 11:11 AM
Whohooo! Congratulations on the working out, I'm sorry you are so tired. This time change has really knocked me out.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Adrienne
DATE:4/04/2006 8:44 AM
Oh How cute! My kids played soccer last season, and boy it was SOOOOO much fun to watch!!!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I'm Harmful to My Child's Animal Naming Abilities!
DATE: 4/03/2006 07:26:00 AM
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BODY:
I made this sweet little book for Ethan. I made it with the pictures I took when we went on a trip to the zoo. (A trip that Madison and Cameron were not supposed to ever find out about because they were in school when we went. If you want to keep that a secret don't make a scrapbook about it! oops) I took each picture of the animal and placed the letter that it starts with, I even put the pictures in alphabetical order. In theory this is to help Ethan learn his letters and practice his speech. But this doesn't work so well when you can't correctly name your animals!
Did you know that Arangutan is actually spelled with an O? As in Orangutan? So, the first page of the book doesn't actually begin with the letter A, it is supposed to be an O?
I thought it was so cute that my picture of the Leopard had an L that had the print of the leopard skin. But in reality it's not a leopard, it's a jaguar. So, it should be a J!
My cute female tigers cleaning themselves are actually female lions. So much for that T.
In my defense, I got the baboon, rhino, seal, monkey, giraffe, and warthog correct. But no one notices that. They only notice that I can't tell the difference between a jaguar and a leopard. sheesh!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: What's In A Name?
DATE: 4/02/2006 11:54:00 AM
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BODY:
I was linked to this website Baby Names World from Sophia's blog. So here's the names in my family:
John = Hebrew, God is merciful. John is a good strong name. The weird thing is I always thought I would marry a John before I even met him. I also have 3 good friends from high school who all married John's.
Katrine = Surprise, surprise. My name does not exist. I guess I'll have to go to Scotland to find out what my name means!
Madison = German, old English, Son of a Mighty Warrior. Wrong sex people! When we named Madison I didn't know any girls with her name. Now, they're everywhere! I still love her name.
Cameron = old English, bent nose. Poor kid. I like a name with some meaning, but Cameron gets bent nose. It's also listed as a boy/girl name. Nope, it's a boy's name! Thankfully Cameron did not get the Grandma Shelton nose that I'm cursed with.
Ethan = Hebrew/Latin, Strong, firm and constant. Now there's a meaning you can work with. Ethan is my constant companion during the day. Love that little dude.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:4/04/2006 12:24 PM
I dated a guy in high school with a large nose, who went on to have a daughter (named Pandora, eek). They considered Cameron, but thought it may be cruel.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: texasblu
DATE:4/04/2006 8:47 PM
LOL - supposedly for years Aine did not exist, but my parents insisted that it was a real name from Ireland, and that they pronounced it right (On-ya) because I was named after a Catholic nun they knew. (Should I capitalize nun?) Sure enough, withing the last 10-15 yrs. Aine has started showing up in more and more baby books, proving it's Celtic/Irish roots. There's even a website that has a man SAYING the name on it - and guess what? My parents had it right!
DATE:4/06/2006 4:23 PM
Bent nose?! That's hysterical!!! Erica
DATE:4/11/2006 8:41 AM
Love your kids names! I have a little Cameron too (and my best friend's little GIRL is Camryn...I agree it is a BOY name lol). When I was pregnant though his name for the first 7.5 months going to be either Ethan David or Ethan John. So we must have the same taste :)
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Random Acts Of Kindness
DATE: 3/31/2006 08:46:00 PM
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BODY:
The first year John and I were married we lived in an apartment building full of college students and newlyweds. It was obvious from the young people and the odd assortment of cars in the parking lots that no one in our complex was wealthy. Everyone was just trying to work hard enough to hold onto their one bedroom apartment while going to school.
There was a laundry mat in the apartment building next to us. John would collect his spare change and we would exchange our coins for rolls of quarters. Because John was going to school, and I had my little $7.00 an hour job, we had to work to save enough money for our laundry. Once or twice a week I would haul all the laundry baskets and a hand full of quarters over to do our laundry. Most of the time there wasn't anyone in the room. I can recall a couple of unpleasant moments with angry people who were unhappy if someone felt another someone was doing the laundry incorrectly. If you didn't get your laundry out of the dryer in time, someone would be sure to dump out all your laundry out so that they could use the dryer. On one unpleasant situation I walked in on a man and his wife yelling at this little pregnant lady. I don't know why they were so mad but the pregnant lady was in tears and shaking. I was glad my presence was able to give her a chance to collect her things and get out of there.
The main reason for writing about this laundry room is the time a little old lady walked in. I was doing my laundry and I immediately noticed the lady because she looked out of place because of her age. We were the only two people in there at the time. She went to the first washing room and fished some quarters out of a bag. She inserted the quarters and moved onto the next machine. I noticed that it was taking a lot of work for her to get the quarters lined up correctly into the 3 slots that the quarters needed to go in before you pushed the handle in. Her fingers were bent from arthritis so she was having a difficult time. After a couple of minutes she turned and asked, "Would you help me get these coins in the slots? My vision isn't very good."
So I went over and lined up the quarters and then she pushed in the lever. I moved to the side as she walked to the next machine and fished out more quarters. I was confused why she was inserting money into the machines when she didn't have any laundry. "Do you need help getting your laundry out of your car?" I asked her.
"Oh no, I'm just putting these quarters in so that people can was their laundry." I watched as she shuffled around the laundry room and with bent fingers and bad eyes as she slipped the quarters into the machines so struggling people like myself could get a free load of laundry. She made her way around the row of machines and finally back to me. "Here you are," she said as she handed me a handful of quarters. I tried to refuse but she insisted. And I thanked her with a grateful heart, not only for the change, but for the fact that a random act of kindness made my laundry experience truly memorable.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/01/2006 10:50 AM
What a nice story! You've never told me that before!
So this is the hat we came up with. It is supposed to be flames coming out of her head because she is so irascible she feels like her head is on fire! Madison had to also write and memorize a speech to advertise her word. Her class then voted on whose word they would buy. Madison won with the most votes! Her teacher asked if she could keep her hat for demonstrating for future classes.
Well, I've got a full day of sewing ahead of me. And I'm feeling irascible because I'm out of bread!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/31/2006 7:21 AM
i *love* big words. in fact i took an advanced vocab class in high school as an elective!! =O LOL ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/29/2006 3:30 AM
try Cold-Eeze! i thought everyone was nuts suggesting it to me every time i got a cold but then i got a really bad one & was desperate enough for relief that i would have tried *anything*. it eased the symptoms up at least. the next time i felt a cold coming on i started up right away & i kid you not, i NEVER felt terrible & all traces of the cold were gone in 4 days. i would have called it a fluke but i've done this everytime a cold starts for the last 4 years & it works every single time. you have to follow the instructions to the letter but it's worth a try anyway right? ;-)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
DATE:3/29/2006 2:16 PM
rofl... texasblu
DATE:3/29/2006 8:17 PM
Get better soon! hugz! (What really "hucks" is being sick and having to take care of everyone else. You've got my empathy!)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/01/2006 10:52 AM
I still hate that word. Especially when it comes out of my daughters' mouths! Laura
DATE:3/27/2006 9:00 PM
Hey I think you are thinking of my Pumas, cause I don't have Sketchers. Were they Baby blue, and had the black sole that wrapped around? I don't know. You can copy me all you want, I love it. I can't wait to hear about your trip and see some pictures. Have fun walking!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
DATE:3/29/2006 2:17 PM
DC is so awesome... have fun!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: How Do You Like My New Profile Picture?----------->
DATE: 3/23/2006 03:36:00 PM
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BODY:
I had some fun today. I made myself a doll.
This is my reality:
This is how my husband wishes reality looked like:
And that is what I do to entertain myself. Sad, huh?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/24/2006 11:09 AM
Bwahahahahhaaha - yeah, husbands are like that....
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: texasblu
DATE:3/27/2006 9:56 AM
You crack me up - I love playing with the Yahoo avatar.... something new everyday for my family to see. More fun than my own wardrobe - let me tell you! lol!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Pornographic Cupcakes
DATE: 3/22/2006 09:19:00 AM
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BODY:
Okay, it's getting too deep in here after my last post. So I'm going to lighten the mood and tell you about one of my most embarrassing moments as a mother. I served porn cupcakes at my 5 year old's birthday party. Yes I did!
At the time Cameron loved the show Bob the Builder. So I planned the entire birthday party around that theme. The party guests wore hard hats for their party hats. We played outdoor games involving dirt. They had a treasure hunt in soil. The pinata was shaped like a wrench.
I decided it would be really cute to make cupcakes that would look like dirt with worms coming out of it. Well, being the procrastinator that I am I didn't get all the supplies purchased in a timely manner. But have no fear, I have 5 Walmarts within 8 minutes of my home. So I zipped on over to one. Unfortunately there were no gummy worms to be found in the entire Walmart. It was like Bob himself showed up and purchased all the worms for his own party! I had to get home in order to get the cupcakes baked and finished in time! So, luckily, I found sour gummy worms. There were two problems with these worms. First of all, they were sour, and Cameron didn't like sour candy. The second problem was that they had two heads. They were just weird looking, but I was on a time crunch! (I tried to find a picture on the web, but I can't find any. Maybe they stopped making them because it is an ugly candy.)
So, I raced home and whipped up a nice batch of cupcakes. I started the decorating process and they were coming along very nicely. The final part was the actual placement of the worms. I wanted the worms to stand up so they would look like they were crawling out of the dirt. The problem was that the two heads made the worms top heavy, and the worm fell over. Well, I'm crafty, and I don't give up easily. So, I flipped the worms over so that they heads were on the bottom and the ends were sticking straight into the air. Problem solved! Let's party!
The party was going smoothly. I was the hostest with the mostest and leading the children in a game. I noticed my friend Michele and her husband Joe eyeing the cupcakes. Yeah, they looked yummy! And then they were laughing. Several other adults joined them and quiet laughter ensued. We're talking about the laughter you try to suppress but you just can't help yourself so you are shaking and your face is turning red sort of laughter. What is wrong with my Bob the Builder cupcakes? I made my way over to the adults who couldn't speak. They could only simply point at the worms with tears in their eyes. And that's when I saw it. I saw my cute cupcakes through the eyes of adults.
Two round balls at the bottom.
A long thin object protruding upwards.
(If you can't picture this certain male body part, I can't help you because I wish to keep this blog rated G!)
My face instantly grew a deep red. And then I was one of those adults who couldn't stop laughing! How could I have not seen that?!! What was I thinking! Thank goodness my children still have innocent minds and didn't see anything unusual about my Porn Cupcakes!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/22/2006 10:04 AM
hahahahha only you Katrine!!! I love it. I would of for sure pointed it out also, I have adirty mind to. Well at least the kids had fun.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/22/2006 10:25 AM
*giggle*
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/22/2006 11:18 AM
Bwahahahahahahah! texasblu
DATE:3/27/2006 10:00 AM
hehehe... this is what u get for being creative! At least you have a sense of humor! :D
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:4/01/2006 9:03 PM
I think you made them like that on purpose!
My mom always used Dawn dish soap. We always had it in our home. Well, when I moved out and started my own family I never bought Dawn. I think it was my way of rebelling against the chores I didn't like. I used to fight with my mom over washing the dishes because I hated the feel of the dirty and wet silverware. They felt slimy to me. Since then I've bought every kind of dishsoap you can find. And I bought these because of the smell. I wanted to wash my dishes with apple, lemon, or orange scents. Anything to make washing the dishes a bit more enjoyable. But then I had a coupon for Dawn. And with a good sale and triple coupons I got the bottle for free.
I opened the new bottle and poured a generous amount into the flowing water. I was completely taken back by the smell. Memories of mom standing at the kitchen sink with the water flowing over one hand as she checked the temperature of the water. I can see her grey tennis shoes on the yellow linoleum with one foot propped against the other foot. She looks out the kitchen window to see my Dad doing some chore outside as she washes the family dishes with her beautiful hands that will never grow old. The smell overwhelms me with memories that leave me breathless. The suds are washed away with my tears.
So although my bottle of Dawn is almost empty, my heart is full of the love for my mother. She's been gone 9 years, 2 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days. There are days when I must count the time that has passed because my mind can't wrap around the fact that I haven't seen her in all these years. So, in the end, I am oddly grateful for a little bottle of dish soap that can take me back in time to see my mother's beautiful hands.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/21/2006 5:44 PM
that is a beautiful memory. =)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:3/22/2006 7:34 AM
Hey! Very Nice! Check out this website I found where you can make extra cash.
DATE:3/22/2006 8:23 AM
Hey! Very Nice! Check out this website I found where you can make extra cash. texasblu
DATE:3/22/2006 8:50 AM
Isn't it funny the things that bring back memories? Lovely post! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/22/2006 11:21 AM
May her Memory be Eternal, I'm so sorry she's gone, Katrine.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:5/03/2006 7:02 PM
Dammit Katrine! ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/20/2006 1:18 PM
yuck. hope you get to feeling better soon.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/20/2006 1:42 PM
oh that just sucks!!!! i will send you some ice cream. Oh wish I was there to cook you dinner and take care of the fam for you. When do you leave to go to D.C? Mimi
DATE:3/20/2006 2:56 PM
Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck. Been there, done that.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Love My Brother
DATE: 3/17/2006 07:14:00 AM
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BODY:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/17/2006 10:54 AM
Oh, how sweet!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: It's Raining, It's Pouring, I Wish I Were Snoring!
DATE: 3/16/2006 06:30:00 AM
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BODY:
I love the rain this time of year. Every March pollen flies through the air and coats everything with sticky yellow powder. Since John adopted his "baby," aka the Toyota Tacoma, I have to park my SUV in the driveway to make room for the "baby" to sleep in the garage every night. So not only is my car covered in dust from the construction across the street, it also has yellow pollen on top of that. It gets very dirty indeed. So I consider the rain my own personal car wash!
Oh, and I have tulips making their way out of the earth. It's so exciting for me! I have never been able to get tulips to grow and now they are growing my favorite flower!
Here's another LO for Paul.
Have a great day blogger people!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/16/2006 11:04 AM
Enjoy the Tulips and the clean car!
He thinks he's a Gay Guy. What he's trying to say is he's a Jedi! He's obsessed with Star Wars, not Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
Why oh why won't my email program let me delete my emails? I have 771 emails that need to be deleted but my computer just freezes when I try it. I need to get my electrical engineer husband on that.
I have the urge to paint my house again. John hates it when I start talking about it. He doesn't want to spend the money. First of all it's $20 bucks for a can of paint, so I think that's cheap for a new look.
It's too much work. I don't know why he's complaining of the work. I never make him do the painting. A few years after we moved into our home I decided it was time to cover up the cheap home builder paint because it looked terrible. John was totally against it because it. So I went and bought the paint and had the first wall painted by the time he got home. It took me a couple of weeks but I painted the entire house by myself! And John loved it in the end.
The house is fine. No, it's not! I painted the boy's room when Cameron was a baby. The jungle theme is not cutting it for my super hero obsessed boys anymore. And I'm tired of looking at that sad tree I painted on the wall. So, that's where I'll be painting first. These are my thoughts but I probably won't start painting for another month or so. I have sew my bedroom set first.
Oh, and I finished the window seat I was hired to do. The pictures aren't that great because the window was so large I couldn't fit the entire thing on my view finder.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/14/2006 10:31 AM
You go girl!!! Paint the sky blue. We are going to do some painting ourselves here in the near future. Paint is a cheap and easy fix, and it adds so much. You can change a whole house just by painting. Fly me out there and I will help you?????????????
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/14/2006 2:12 PM
A Gay Guy, bwahahahahahahahahahaa! That's funny.
DATE:3/16/2006 7:19 PM
Very nice! I found a place where you can
We packed and took the kids camping over Spring Break. It was definitely a much needed break for all of us. Our friends, the Sessions, asked us to go and we will forever be thankful to them for inviting us. We did all the usual camping stuff like smores, fishing, funky bathrooms, and hiking. The highlight of the trip was the horse back tour we went on. The kids loved it! Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.
At the entrance of the campground there was an old phone booth! I can't remember the last time I saw one of these. My kids didn't have a clue what it was. I told them it was a phone and Superman used to change his clothes in it! They didn't get it. But McCall and I saw it as the perfect photo opportunity and we stuffed all 6 kids in it!
I'll post the pictures of the horseback riding later. The photos are on J's camera.
Have a great Monday!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/13/2006 4:02 PM
You look like you had a wonderful time! I'm so glad you took this time off to enjoy your family.
So, for now, here's Madison's 6th grade picture. Hello?! When did she get so pretty and teenagerish?
Hugs and stuff.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/09/2006 11:10 AM
Travel safely!
DATE:3/09/2006 8:06 PM
I know just how you feel! I still can't believe my 12 yr. old is a YW! Two days after her 12th b-day I swear we blinked and she totally grew!
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: I Did It On Purpose
DATE: 3/06/2006 02:00:00 PM
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BODY:
This is a page I did for Allison's blog. She challenged us to do a page on the things we do on purpose. I did my page on the fact that I go to church every Sunday on purpose. It says, "LIVE WITH PURPOSE, Faith - Gratitude - Family - Love"
Thanks Allison! It feels so good to do a page that I actually like after a couple of bad pages!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/06/2006 2:36 PM
I LOVE this, Katrine! Not only the design of the page, but that you chose to hilight this incredibly important aspect of your life! Allison K
DATE:3/06/2006 3:14 PM
This is BEAUTIFUL Katrine!!!!!
DATE:3/07/2006 2:29 PM
I came across your blog, its beautiful and very inspirational.. canadian reader
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Yearly Misconception
DATE: 3/03/2006 08:38:00 PM
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BODY:
Have you seen that commercial where the guy has to use his frequent flyer miles during bad times of the year, so he celebrates all the holidays at one time? He's wearing a Santa costume and says, "Hey kids get dressed in your Halloween costume while your mom hides the Easter eggs!" Well, I found where that guy lives.
There's a house I pass to everyday on the way to school. They STILL have their Christmas decorations up. It's March!! The tacky tinsel looked bad enough in December, but now in March it's screaming at me to tear it down! Or the very least blog it so all 3 people who read my blog can share my anxiety. (sorry the pics are bad, I was trying to drive while looking for the home owners while taking the picture)
Notice the big candy cane in front? It used to have a second candy cane on the other side of the path. But that candy cane has lied down and died from shame. I put an arrow on the picture to help you see it.
And once upon a time there was one of those hot air snow globes or other winter creature. But now he's been killed. But now it's a deflated mess. Poor thing. I've underlined it in red and helped him out by using my artistic skills to show you where he once stood.
Valentines was last month right? He couldn't forget that holiday so we'll throw in a heart so our neighbors will love us despite our carefree holiday celebrating.
And now that it's March, he's feeling spring coming on. Here's the pretty flag to welcome spring time.
And I've saved the best for last. It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa G
DATE:3/03/2006 9:30 PM
Katrine, you crack me up every time. Umm, do you by any chance live on the south part of Houston because from that pic and those decorations, if I remember Houston the way I should, if i had to guess, it is somewhere off of 45 south. Am I right? ~**Dawn**~
DATE:3/04/2006 4:33 AM
omgosh! so *that's* where my old neighbors moved to!! LOL! i love that the 2nd candycane "died of shame" lol!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sophia
DATE:3/04/2006 8:55 PM
HAPPY EVERYTHING????? This is hysterical!! I'm dying that you took the pictures! TOO FUNNY! Thanks for the laugh! Jlyne Hanback
DATE:3/05/2006 12:11 AM
This is absolutely hysterical!!!!! LOL! Well, I guess they are ready for it all!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
DATE:3/05/2006 4:56 AM
holy cow!! i seriosly can't believe that!!! honestly...lol... Kim
DATE:3/05/2006 5:26 AM
Hilarious....there's always one in eery nieghborhood!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suzanne (squillen)
DATE:3/05/2006 9:03 AM
ROFL!!!! We had someone in our last neighborhood who did the same thing!!!!! What are they thinking???
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gwyn
DATE:3/05/2006 4:11 PM
Too funny! I was going to say, maybe someone's been sick, but if they've put up for Valentines and now spring, there goes that theory!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SageHen
DATE:3/05/2006 4:17 PM
You need to send this to Glen Beck's radio show. He has a hall of shame for people like this.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracy
DATE:3/05/2006 8:35 PM
bwwaaaaa haaaaa haaaaaa!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/06/2006 11:13 AM
I've not seen that commercial, but those are funny photos! I can see hiding the Easter Eggs amongst the candy canes now. Shudder.
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AUTHOR: Katrine
TITLE: Another The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
DATE: 3/03/2006 06:28:00 AM
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BODY:
Good: It's Friday! And it's spring break next week! At this point I'm excited to have my children home. But next week spring break may be listed under the bad.
Bad: The smell persists. I cleaned my refrigerator, and as I suspected everything was clear. Now I think it may be coming from the freezer side. I am assuming that it is my husband's mystery meat that has been tormenting me for the last several months. My husband hunts for duck. When I suggested that he should find a hobby I didn't think that meant he would bear arms. Anyhoo, he spends a small fortune on his weapon of choice, ammunition, supplies, and the license to kill. And then he'll take a weekend to go on the hunt. He returns home dirty, tired, and proud. He'll carry in his kill with a look on his face like he just saved his family from starvation. And then he'll place in our freezer his prize. A small dark colored piece of meat about the size of a cell phone. Way to go hunter man!
Ugly: Ladies, watch those hip hugger jeans. I know I know! They're cute riding there low on your little hips. They're the style. But do us all a favor and do a little crouching and bending in front of the dressing room mirror before buying those puppies. Because no matter how thin you are the plumber butt look is not good on anyone!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE:3/03/2006 10:10 AM
UUmmmm can we hear the story about the "ugly" part. I hope it isn't me? did you find a picture of me somewhere or something? I am feeling so self conscious. Anyway, be grateful John isn't hunting elk, bear & moose. as does my family. I am sure my motha could relate with you very well. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:3/03/2006 10:22 AM
Yikes! Enjoy the vacation, totally agree on the hip hugger jeans, and this vegetarian isn't touching the bad one ;)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alessandro_PPG
DATE:3/03/2006 8:44 PM
Tem novidade em meu BLOG! Confira e post seu comentário! Mimi
DATE:3/02/2006 11:19 AM
Congratulations on the tickets.
Ethan cannot say his "J" sound. He says it as a "G" sound. And if a word end in the "N" sound, he says it as a "D" sound. So if you ask Ethan what his older brother's name is he proudly says,
"God Camon Gudd." instead of John Cameron Judd.
Cameron is going to have to work very hard to live up to his little brother's expectations!
I have a new song. Do you remember the show Ally McBeal and she would have a theme song? Well, this is now my theme song. It just speaks to me. It fills me with hope and energy. Amazing!
Unwritten
by Natasha Beddingfield
I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
I wish I knew how to put one of those song player things on my blog. I would definitely have this song up for you to enjoy. But if you haven't heard it yet, google it or something. It's the best!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/28/2006 11:23 AM
That is a tall order to live up to! Mimi
DATE:2/27/2006 12:02 PM
Isn't that the way, when you have to push yourself extra hard to get to church is when you have an amazing time there.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
DATE:2/28/2006 7:22 AM
Don't be so hard on yourself about the crop! I never make pages I like at crops, so now I go with just one small project to maybe work on and plan on using the rest of the time to just get to spend some time with other people. So many scrappers are just much more comfortable working at home where we have all of our supplies and none of the distractions. 
Now I can look at McDreamy whenever I want!
Today I am helping Carolyn with her daughter's birthday party. I forgot to tell Madison it's tonight! We are doing a little cake decorating, house decorating, and whatever else Carolyn has up her sleeve.
I'm hoping to get a little more sewing done today because my machines and fabric are have taken over the dining room table. We ate out on the deck last night just so I didn't have to clean it up.
Our microwave died about two weeks ago. Not only is it my microwave but it is the overhead fan for my stove. Kaput! Nothing. John ordered a fuse for it for $15 off the internet. He had that microwave up and running in a matter of minutes. It was so wonderful to see that the timer was working, the lights were working, and the overhead fan was working. But when John actually turned on the microwave to nuke something, it died. Kaput! So John went to the local Lowe's to look at microwaves and he found more fuses. For $2 for 3 of them. Yes, the internet ripped us off! So he bought a bunch of those. So, I guess for the time being I'm expected to replace the fuse everytime I use the microwave. Sounds easy huh? I'm not bothering. I'll just keep warming up my food the old fashioned way with pots and pans. The thing I hate most about not having a microwave is all the extra dirty dishes. Think about it. You take your left-overs from the fridge and pop it in the microwave, and then eat, all from the same container. Now I take out my left-overs from the refrigerator container, put it in a pot, and then put it on a plate to eat. That's two extra dishes! Such a pain. And I'm lazy.
I mentioned in my little blog world that I have been experiencing family difficulties. I have felt so judged, and misunderstood. I cannot fix it. Believe me I tried that once and it did nothing to improve the situation. So, I'm trying to forgive. I found a quote the other day on another blog that has really helped me with this issue.
If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned" Epictetus
This speaks to me because I have been accused of feeling and doing things because someone assumes that I am at fault. There is nothing I can do about that. I can only control myself. So, if this family member is reading my blog, please know that this post is not about you. It is about me, my feelings, and my healing.
Alrighty then. That's a little too deep for my little old blog. I need to think about something funny to write for next time. Another rat story maybe? Oh, I need to mention, we found rat poop in the barbecue last night.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mimi
DATE:2/24/2006 11:47 AM
My mom sent me that quote after I had some issues myself. You have my hugs and prayers. suburban mom
DATE:2/24/2006 8:48 PM
Sorry about your family :(
They are being flown to Washington DC to receive their award. They will also be presenting their invention. And they will be meeting several astronauts including John Glen. They will also be touring the White House. There is a rumor that the winners get to meet the President, but I'm waiting to see if this really happens. It is so exciting!
Madison called me from school yesterday. She said, "Mom, I have a situation." I thought oh crap, what testing does she have to do now. Madison never gets in trouble but she is always taking tests, staying for tutoring, etc.
She yelled, "garble garble garble, wash garble!!!"
I couldn't understand what she said, "What?"
"I won the science contest and I'm going to Washington DC!"
I screamed! I was hoping she would win. But I didn't think the odds were on her side simply because this is a major nationwide contest. Apparently I screamed loud enough that the whole room could hear me and they burst out laughing.
Needless to say we were all in a great mood yesterday. Madison is a happy camper, or I guess I should say a happy scientist. (she definitely takes after her dad in the math/science dept.) I know this will do a lot for her self esteem. She won't be afraid to take on more challenges, and it will look great on scholarship submissions! :)
Have I done enough motherly gushing today? I think not! Here's one more, I'm so happy for Madison!
(Oh, and think of the scrap pages I'll be able to do from our trip to DC!)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~**Dawn**~
DATE:2/22/2006 9:22 AM
woohoo! that's awesome!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: t
DATE:2/22/2006 9:54 AM
wow! That's incredible! My son would be so jealous!
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