New F3 blog

I started a new blog for F3....to try to help my clients and others get HEALTHY in 2009. Check it out.....and tell everyone else about it.....

http://f3funfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/

Excited......and then......heartbroken....

Is it possible to be the most excited you have ever been(other than getting married, engaged, and having babies, of course)....and the most you have ever been disappointed all in 24 hours....Well, lets just say it can.....and I am still recovering.....

Now it is time to share my story.... I have been busy......not only with my family, F3 here in Childress.......but I was working on making one of my life GOALS and DREAM come true. I was opening a gym in an area town......everything was going almost too good....and then I got the news Wednesday morning.....that.....someone else.....had the same idea.....and offered $2000 more a month for the building......a big franchise gym wanted the same building and was will to pay much more for the space......my heart was broken......

This is how it all began.....many of you might know that the month before I found out about our 3rd blessing I was about to open another gym....and that happily got put to the back burner....then I felt that this was the time to open another one (or two). At first I was going to open 2 at the same time. I had family support to help me with the kids (my main concern) and I was just going to get it done before I was tied down with Kaitlyn being in school...(little did I know the Good Lord had other plans).... I have been up working and meeting with EVERYONE....from T-shirts to construction to security and workers.....the last couple of weeks. Tuesday I spent all day working on this project....then RUSHED back to get back for a Christmas party for Women's Council....came home and was telling Toby all about what was going to happen...(did I mention that I even went that day to the Chamber of COmmerce Luncheon and was introduced as the woman bringing in F3 to their community in the next month)....

Then I got the most devestating news around 9:10 Wednesday morning. I had just pulled up Ms. Carol's for Caden's Christmas Party....and my cell phone rang....and Mississippi gentlemen was on the phone and gave me the blow....he told me they had a written contract on the table to present to the board and he also told me it was for another gym.....(are you kidding me?) I called my accountant immediately (he was in a meeting) I called Toby....at this time the emotions were running out of control down my face....(keep in mind I had to put on a happy face for my little one and his friends) and for some reason my cell phone went completely dead at that time, so I just took it as a sign to forget about it for second and go and enjoy my little one....

After the party, I talked to a couple of people dealing with the business.....and then I made some personal calls just to talk and CRY....

I know everything happens for a reason. It could have been worse.... I could have made the huge investment (risk my family's well being) and then the franchise gym come in and run me out of town....I could not have done it any faster....I have a 4 month old....some people thought I was even crazy doing it with my kids NOW....

So my fire isn't out....but I might sit back and enjoy the holidays... I was looking on opening the new gym by last of January or February (early).....and it was taking its toll on me.....

I really appreciate everyone that was CONCERNED about me during that last couple of weeks....not knowing what was going on....so I wish everyone a happy and HEALTHY holiday....I know that I will.....just not as busy as I was thinking that I was going to have...haha

take time to enjoy this.....

I haven't really had an opportunity to calm down and relax.....( I will explain more later) but please check this out....it only takes a second and it is worth it....
> http://ecard.ashland.edu/media/2004adm_card.swf
enjoy the season....

love you - steph

Family is what makes LIFE worth living for.....

If you know me....I love to be surrounded by people.....friends and FAMILY. I am lucky to have a healthy immediate family.... and not to mention EXTENDED family.... Not many people can say that they still get together with their extended family....3 generations....My aunts and uncles, cousins, and now the next generation. It is so much family and fun. This weekend I look forward every year. We designated the FIRST SUNDAY of DECEMBER as OLLINGER DAY. We get together and eat....eat.....laugh.....eat......and then laugh some more. We started a new tradition this year since we have lots of little ones. We had a birthday party with Jesus with all the bells and whistles and of course CUPCAKES... We read the Christmas story...and had a special visitor....SANTA. He made a special visit from the North Pole just to come and see what all the excitement is...in GROOM this weekend. It was great....the kids loved it....

My poor mom....she had 13 hunters or so to cook for this weekend (Toby says he loves you GRAMZ) and then she had to cook and clean up for about 35 people on Sunday. Then did I mention that she went to Amarillo with me today to help me with the THREE kids at the doctor's office...while she was supposed to be working on the books for the FARM and everything else. She is AWESOME.... we don't tell her enough.... unselfish....and giving....

Pictures will follow...but I just wanted to let you know that FAMILY is EVERYTHING.....

I know this is long...but it is worth it...it will make you smile and cry

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. WhileI was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behindme beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around andwitnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. Asthey began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) wasabruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applaudedand cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the onlyred-blooded American who still loves this country and supports ourtroops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these youngunsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for usso we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or ofour service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 yearsold, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said'hi.'
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to herdaddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself,said he would try and what did she want to give to her Daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave himthe biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine andhad been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining howmuch her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier beganto tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation,all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one ofthe other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie.They started playing with the device and talking back and forth onit.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked backover to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to yourdaddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this littlegirl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Hefinished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves youmore than anything and he is coming home very soon.'The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as theyoung soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. Iwas standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towa rds their gate, peopleresumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and lookedaround, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That youngsoldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew akiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their familiesand thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day ,it's good to be an American

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many peoplewearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support ourtroops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longersilent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in recordbreaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberalmedia coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.. ManyAmericans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognizethat the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops withdignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and everyFriday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening messagethat.. Every red-blooded America n who supports our men and womenafar will wear some thing red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States onevery Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in thebleachers If every one of us who loves this country will share this withacquaintances, co-worker s, friends, and family. It will not be longbefore the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know theonce 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainlymore than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to makethings better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.> > Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example;and wear something red every Friday. > > IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON. > > I F YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOURCHOICE. > > WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.> THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED!

New and Healthy treats and eats that I want to share!

Many of you might know....I have recently had a baby, Toby lost 40 lbs, and we as a family have changed our eating habits. Here are some tricks and TREATS that we have used to help us become more healthy.

1. JELLO - fat free pudding - banana fudge - it is only 60 calories and is delicious (and yes, I found this out before they announced it on Biggest Loser) You can only find this at Walmart here is Childress, not UNITED yet.

2. ZONE bars - We eat a ZONE bar for breakfast. This has really saved TOBY. We eat these during the weekdays and then maybe enjoy a breakfast on the weekends.

3. Ezekiel bread - It is a great bread. As I have told many of you.....FLOUR is your enemy....but I love bread for sandwiches. (this is ONLY at United in the freezer section)

4. 2% Milk Cheese - This is my saving grace. You can still have cheese but why not take away some of the calories and fat without taking away the taste and melt.

5. Nature's Path Organic Hot Oatmeal Flax Plus - THIS IS MY FAVORITE. I also put in fresh and/or frozen blueberries and it is great.

6. Airborne PIXIE STICKS - they are awesome for kids and adults..

7. Pampered Chef Aerosol Oil Sprayer - you put in your own oil and then you manually pump it.....instead of PAM.

8. Floss Sticks - Who likes to floss? But it is so good for you.... I found these and it makes it easy and convenient.

9. Pledge Multi-Surface - I know that this isn't food....but it sure makes my life easier. I love it. Be Careful using it on some surfaces though...

10. I got my Christmas present early. Many of you might know of MONICA SMART and her company Joye-ful. She can do anything. It is using Sticker letters...you can put it on the wall, tiles, or anything. I will show pictures soon. You can put inspirational quotes on the wall. They make my day....I love them. CLICK ON the SMART family link on my blog to see her website. She can do anything that you want. It is awesome. And great present ideas.

11. Turkey bacon, Turkey PEPPERONI.......and Turkey Sausage....It still tastes great but doesn't have all that grease and unwanted fat.....THE PEPPERONI is the one that made me the happiest....it has 70% less fat than usual pepperoni.

My last a final - ORGANIC apples.....they are so good for you....and so good....also...I use my Pampered Chef apple slicer almost everyday. Check it out.... ( i have only found the organic apples at Walmart here in town)

And another last hint.....the gym.....come and check out our new machines....and all the fun that you will have at the gym....it will sure make you feel better.

What are some of your favorite things? Or is there anything that you use daily that makes your life easier? We all need to make our lifes easier so we can spend more time with our families and doing things that we love.

Update from the Tucker household

Kaitlyn and Caden at Ms. Angie's Thanksgiving Feast.
Colton also enjoyed his first feast....It was green beans. A FEAST for him. He loved it.

Kaitlyn and Caden really enjoyed helping put up the Christmas this year. This year they were really a help...

Kaitlyn, Caden, and Toby playing at the Cake Walk.

Caden TOTALLY enjoying his cotton candy. Let's just say they had a great time at the Festival at the park.

Kaitlyn and Caden showing off their new park bench that Granna and Pa gave them for Christmas. Granna and Pa were thinking....3 kids and everything else in that car would have been tight...they love it

More great memories....Some one reminded me today.....I am going to miss these days. And the only way to remember them is through pictures....and he is right....

in the CHRISTMAS spirit - EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER - Groom Edition

There is something to say about a small town....and I am going to brag about the one that I grew up in. It is filled with good people....and this is just an example. There is a lady in town that has MD...mom remembers her getting bad in high school. The last time that she walked was at her high school graduation. She volunteers to help in the community where ever she can. So a group of GROOMites got together to fix up her house she was living in. They decided their time and money would be better spent if they just got her a NEW house. So everyone in town pinched in time and/or money. They ran the story last night on the local TV channels but in case you didn't get to see it...check it out....

The story goes like this....

GROOM -- Paula Brown suffers from muscular dystrophy. We were told that the last time she walked was at her high school graduation.
Friends told us that Paula is just thankful to have what the Lord has given her, even though her house was so dilapidated that wind and snow would blow into her bathroom.
Organizer Dondra Downs said, "This whole community, there's just hundreds of people here and outside of Groom that wanted to give to her because she's so giving, and she deals with muscular dystrophy so gracefully ever since she was a teenager."
"She's just touched everyone's hearts and she doesn't even try," friend Vonnie Baker told us, "she does it by just being Paula."
So the Groom community came together, in the panhandle spirit, to give Paula Brown a new home.
"I don't deserve this I'm the type of person that makes due with what I have, because I'm happy to have it." Brown said, "but I never thought God would bless me like this."
Downs said, "When they told her that the community has done something for her she said, 'Someone else needs this more than me!' that's just Paula."
"I just can't believe this I didn't realize people loved me here in Groom and I didn't realize that I'd touched so many lives because I'm just be wherever I go." Brown said.
Brown says she will continue to work hard to give back to the community that has given her so much.

My mom said she overheard Paula saying, "I don't have to be cold anymore."
If that doesn't make you sad and happy... They said that the house would let the snow and rain come in. They raised over $40,000 for the project. And the neat part to me was they got 2 big grain trucks to park in front of the house.....and they said "MOVE THOSE TRUCKS!" instead of move that bus. It was great..... Everyone in Groom should be proud of their efforts. It changed and touched so many.

Check out the story from KFDA on this link.
http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=9434424

You can't hear TOO many GOOD HEARTED stories.

Jingle Bell Run...and all the festivities.....

I wanted to send a shout out to all the sponsors, helpers, and runners that helped make the First Annual Jingle Bell Run a total success. My goal was $1500....but we got close....something that I will strive harder for next year.....

Thanks again to Casey, Lori, Amanda, Sharon, Lee Ann, Lindsey, and my mom. Thanks to all the girls that helped with the race...and mom thanks for helping with the kids...letting them get to experience the night...

Also, thanks to the runners.....it made my day to see everyone out there....I know that it was for fun....so I hope everyone had fun....CONGRATS to my wonderful husband....you did good....(just to think a year ago...he would have made fun of me for running and working out...now he is in the best shape of his life...)

Look for more races....thanks again....all the money is going to a great cause....

I am in mourning

I waited a couple of days before I made this post. I hate to say it....but I really didn't see that one coming. I knew they were good (OU) but I didn't it was going to turn out like that. I actually had a couple of tears.... I felt sorry for those "KIDS". It is hard for all of us to realize that those players are still just KIDS that had a bad day. I just wished they would have not had it last Saturday. But I am not a fair weather fan....I still LOVE them....I am just praying that the COWBOYS kill them this Saturday....

GO RAIDERS and COWBOYS....

How about the RAIDERS

It is not just the football team....check out this story about the bball team....we are just GOOD...haha...

check out the story at the link...you won't believe the score....

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Texas-Tech-scores-167-points-and-I-don-t-mean-t?urn=ncaab,123908

GO RED RAIDERS

Wreck 'Em TECH

I just wanted to wish the RED RAIDERS .... GOOD LUCK.... I am a nervous wreck.....You all know what I will be doing Saturday night.....

I just hope by the end of the weekend....TECH is #1....

Colton thinks they deserve it....

Wear your RED and BLACK....

Happy birthday Marci

I just wanted to wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Marci....

I am so happy to have gotten to know you. I wish I could be there for you on your birthday...but I will make it up to you soon....

Happy Birthday Marci...

love ya...steph

My Big EIGHTS

My Eights!
I've been tagged by my friend, Charla!
Watch out! You just might get tagged, too!

8 TV Shows I Love To Watch:
1. Biggest Loser
2. Reba
3. Boston Legal
4. Desparate Housewifes
5. Ellen
6. Samantha Who?
7. Country Music Videos
8. Regis and Kelly

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Chili's
2. Macroni Grill
3. On the Border
4. Furrs
5. Thai Kitchen
6. Cattle Call
7. Cagle's Steakhouse
8. Vinson Steakhouse

8 Things That Happened Today:
1. Fed Colton
2. Straightened up the house
3. Worked out
4. went to Women's Council Meeting
5. took a nap....(feel asleep in the tanning bed)
6. got up on my shows ( I love DVR)
7. cooked supper
8. laundry

8 Things I am looking Forward To:
1. hugs from kids
2. seeing if the kids got stickers from pre-school
3. having more gyms
4. a trip with Toby
5. Colton sleeping all through the night
6. having healthy and successful kids
7. Sunday breakfast in Groom
8. Girls' Night out

8 Things On My Wishlist:
1. Good church
2. Toby a ranch
3. BMW or a mercedes
4. lose the weight...so I can go shopping for new clothes
5. Party Barn in my backyard
6. playground for my kids (at my house)
7. being DEBT FREE
8. all my house damages fixed and paid for

8 People I Tag:
1. Sharon
2. Sharalyn
3. Toby
4. KP
5. Marci
6. Stephanie
7. Casey
8. Monica

Memories.....are made out of MOMENTS....

Memories. ....... people remember different things and moments.... it depends on what is important to you in your life..... Some of my most important memories are my parents being involved in my life. They were there at every game, recital, and every heartbreak. My parents always made a point to make things special for us. Even if it was going just to the hotel and swimming in a pool, we did fun things...

Baths with the kids are some of my favorite memories. They have all LOVED baths and being naked....Colton is nothing different. Here we are posin' before his bath....

I love being with my kids...sometimes more than others...you know what I mean....but I love taking my kids to the park... Here are some great pictures....

Another great and awful memory that I have growing up is......DAD bringing home a calf that unfortunately lost their mother.....It was exciting at first....but it was great when we had to get up early to feed him before school...or before supper.....But looking back it was a fun memory that not many kids can say they have done.... Well, Toby didn't bring home the calf, but Tim (Wyatt) had one and let the kids come and feed and pet the calf.... They had a blast....

Kaitlyn scares me sometimes on how much she is like me. She is mother hen... And I am still mother hen to my brothers.....Can you feel the love?

what are some of your favorite memories?

Dream on....

every day....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
be healthy
be positive
be a great wife
be a great mom
be a better person/Christian
cook a meal and sit down with the entire family
take better care of my skin

every week....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
have a date with my husband
go to church with my family
have my house clean
get a nap
call a friend

in THREE months....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
lost some weight
go on a trip with my husband
start cooking more and eating better...change my eating habits
paint my house
have my home repairs completed
stop biting my nails

in the next year....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
get healthier
get more organized
work more on our debt
don't take for granted of my life
go on a trip with my mom and/or friends

in 3 to 5 years....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
have more gyms
keep in better shape
be more self accepting
grow stronger in my marriage
have my dream car - Mid-life Crisis car...haha
be DEBT FREE

before I die....I WOULD LIKE TO.....
go to Ireland
go to New York
sky dive
go to Disney World with my family
serve in a Soup Kitchen
see my kids grow and have grandkids
drive a race car....at least ride in one

What are your dreams and goals for the Future....?
It makes you think...and possibly holds you accountable....because it is in writing.....

Create your Happy-life list....

What makes you happy....truly happy....?

1. Healthy family
2. Loving marriage
3. A great relationship with Church
4. Losing weight and getting healthy
5. Giving to less fortunate

Come up with a list of things that make you Happy... Check out tomorrow for the next list challenge....

There are so many things that make me truly happy... What are your 5 top things?

Does the economy scare you or is it just me?

The economy is scary.....I didn't think it would ever scare me...but it does....I am also one of the ones that is trying to hold on to my money a little bit more. I would love to start on the next stage of my plan with the gyms....but I am very nervous....

I know people have lost lots of money in the stock market.....some very close to me....but I didn't know how others are feeling?

Any thoughts and worries? I am just glad that the gas prices have gone down....

Sometimes you just have to laugh....

I have to share this quick little story. As many of you might know......Toby is obsessed with hunting and sometimes we are lucky enough to go with the entire family..... One day we decided to take all the kids out..... as soon as we hit the gate...the seatbelts are off and they are in our laps.....Kaitlyn was in her daddy's lap and she took control of the wheel....she did pretty good for awhile...but then started getting off the path......Caden sitting in my lap....covered his eyes with his hands...and said "I can't look" I have never laughed so hard in my entire life.....

And yes...Kaitlyn is 5 and drivin..... I started drivin when I was 4 on my parent's lap on the way home from church every Sunday. Let's just hope that Kaitlyn didn't get her mom's lead foot...
Let's just say...when Toby asked for my hand in marriage....my dad was excited for 2 reasons....He loved Toby and he told Toby that he was inheriting my insurance policy....haha

Please don't tell me that I am the only one out there that was an early driver....or has a lead foot?
Remember the BBQ supper before the game tomorrow night.....Hope to see everyone at the game.....

It's easy to be a Parent.......

I just have a little time but something today made me think of one of the wonderful quotes my parents told me.....

It's easy to be a Parent .... It's hard to be a GOOD parent....

Some of the hardest things to do is being a good parent...

from discipline to teaching lessons...

I am lucky to have 2 of the best parents in the world. If I can be half the parents they are...my kids might just have a chance....

Love you mom and dad.... and I pray for all the parents and grandparents out there...

Where to start.....

This month has come and gone and now we are in the month of November........I have lots of pictures and a couple of stories....

The kids and I went to Groom to go trick r treatin. We went with my best friend from high school and her two girls. That weekend we stayed in Groom while Toby went to go hunting. Saturday night we had a opportunity of a lifetime. Or at least it was for me.. We got to go to the Texas and Tech game.... Holy cow was it amazing.....Some of you might know, I have always been very close to Tech and especially Tech football. I was a Raider Recruiter during my years at Tech. Other than just helping with recruiting....I was in charge of decorating the locker room every week. I love Tech.... Go Raiders.... It made my day to see Tech ranked #2... Thanks for the great game....

Again....can you say Colt Tucker playing quarterback for the Red Raiders.? Happy Birthday Daddy....that was a great cake....

Caden loved his dinosaur and a cute one I must add.

Colton with Gramz and Grandad....luckily we have gotten to spend some time with them. I know they are needing some time without 3 grandkids running around. Thanks for putting up with us....



Kaitlyn and Caden are sporting their new F3 sweatshirts at the Homecoming Parade. By the way, we have alot of new things planned for F3.... Come and check it out....

Kaitlyn and Caden built and decorated and scary cookie castle. I think they ate more candy then made it on the castle. It was fun...

Another cute picture of my lil' Red Raider.






Colton enjoying a quick trip to the pumpkin patch.

The kids posin' by the slug bug....It is always an adventure with 3 kids and taking pictures. I recommend everyone going to Chilocothe to the pecan store....great fudge and great gifts.....







Caden posin' for me....he loved his Halloween Batman shirt.... He is so busy!

They grow up way too fast....

In closing, I apologize for the delay in posting...but honestly with Colton....any time he is content I am cleaning, cooking, or doing other things....(don't feel too sorry for me) I just want to let everyone know that I will be back....He is finally sleeping right now...so I will finish up and then try to get some quick things done.... Now I believe the people that said...."THREE is just so much more work and harder..." (I agree but all worth it)

Autism and vaccines...

I never thought that this would become an issue for me and their family. Colton is coming up on his 2 month check - up... This appointment, as many might know, comes with 4 shots for your child. With the other 2 kids, reports of autism and vaccines weren't as prominent. Now with Colton, many family and friends have different ideas on this subject. I have made the decision to get the vaccines, but I am going to spread them out. If you think about it.....4 major shots being put in a little ones body that weighs no more than 12 lbs (Colton is probably bigger than that..haha) might put the body in some extra stress. I have opted to just make more appointments. I still think vaccines are very important...but I don't want to take any chances if I don't have to....

I just wanted to see how everyone else feels on this issue......There is nothing more important than the children in our lives.....

Lots going on....

A lot has been going on this week...and not really that much... I know that is contradicting but that is my life. We have been busy but not really getting that much accomplished. Friday my mom came down to help get ready for a garage sale...Did I say that we had tons to get done and get rid of plus.... doing it all the 3 kids... Saturday morning mom and I got up to finish it up and we had people here by 7 am....it was supposed to start at 8... Bless mom's heart...I had to leave her for about an hour (with the 3 kids and the garage sale) while I went to volunteer at the garden tour. Another thing that went great...due to a great organization. If you missed it...you really did miss a treat. It is nice to see that kinda of yard in CHILDRESS....
After we cleaned up the garage sale...we packed up and left for Groom. We stopped in Clarendon for pizza....(their Pizza Hut is the best I have ever had...) We had pizza and the Chocolate Dippers. If you haven't tried them...you are missing out..
We visited for awhile and then went to bed. Got up for church and then ate breakfast. We packed up again and went to the Deer Ranch where we took the kids riding on the Ranger. Then when we got back my parents and uncle were there ready to cook hot dogs. It was fun. Then the guys went to drive around and mom and I watched the movie "what happens in Vegas" and the kids watched and played another movie. If you haven't seen "what happens in Vegas" you are sure missing out...you got to see it... It is a movie that the boys and girls would even like...
Monday was the regular day...busy taken the kids here and there....and that is pretty much what the whole week was like...I have been really trying to work on losing this weight...You can sure tell when you lose your cardio and it is hard to run.....holy cow...Today is Friday...and Kaitlyn's preschool got cancelled....so we are having a day in a PJ's. I am working SLOWLY on the laundry and just lovin' being with the kids... Since Toby is gone, we are trying to just do what we want to do....

I am scared and anxious about this weekend though. Toby comes in tonight after the football game. Saturday we are going to go to the ranch. I am excited about that...but we are meeting people down there that we have never met. Remember that I have 3 upbeat .... busy kids.... And these people and wives are different. They come from alot of money and don't have kids....so I am alittle uncomfortable about going down there. We might end up at my parents' house.... You also got to remember that I have a newborn that still wakes up at night... It will probably be fine...but it sure makes me feel uncomfortable. Guys don't understand this either. Usually guys get along easy while it comes to ladies....it is more uncomfortable....

I will post the results of this weekend.

Colton update - Turned 8 weeks yesterday - he has rolled over a couple of times - he slept last night for 7 hours... - getting fast - in 3-6 months clothes

Caden update - LOVES school and gymnastics - is really love his brother - school has grown him up

Kaitlyn update - loves to do cheers - lost another tooth - also loves her brother

House update - an engineer came Tuesday....so we will see what he thinks...

By the way - BIGGEST LOSER - love the show and GREY's ANATOMY - can you say - awesome....

have a great weekend...

pictures of kids....

I want to let you know that I have found a great place to get pictures taken. It is Portrait Innovations in Amarillo. You can take the pictures and get them in the same day. And it is very reasonable....

There is nothing better...

than.......

sweet kids...

has it been THAT long....

I just wanted to apologize for the delay....

The mother of 3 is more busy than I thought....HOLY COW....but I am slowly adjusting...I for sure am enjoying it....

Yesterday I took all 3 kids to Amarillo to get pictures made...I had to get them done sooo fast... They are for his 1 month pictures....I will post them soon...but Colton just woke up so I have to type fast and quick....

Caden started Mrs Angie's and his first day didn't go as well as I was wanting...I have got to talk to him about sharing and moving to different stations...we have got our hands full....It is my fault though...

Colton is now screaming so I better tend to him before he wakes up the house....steph

This goes perfect with the previous post....WHY WE HAVE CHILDREN....

GOD CREATED CHILDREN (AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)

To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our
own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...
here is something to make you chuckle.

Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from
the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own
children.

After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing he said was
' DON'T !'
'Don 't what ? '
Adam replied.
'Don't eat the forbidden fruit' God said
'Forbidden fruit ?
We have forbidden fruit ?
Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit ! '
' No Way ! '
'Yes way ! '
'Do NOT eat the fruit ! ' said God.
'Why ? '
'Because I am your Father and I said so ! ' God replied,
wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants
A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and
He was ticked !
'Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit ? ' God asked.
'Uh huh,' Adam replied.
'Then why did you ? ' said the Father.
'I don't know,' said Eve.
'She started it! ' Adam said.
'Did not ! '
'Did too ! '
'DID NOT ! '
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their
own.. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom
and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself.

If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be
a piece of cake for you ?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT !

1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk
and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down
and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word
for word what you shouldn't have said

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind
yourself that there are children more awful than your own

6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Be nice to your kids.
They will choose your nursing home one day

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE,
DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:
'TAKE TWO ASPIRIN'
AND 'KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN'!!!!!

The Joys and Trials of a mom

There is nothing more rewarding than being a mom...but there is not a harder job....When I first started wanting my third...I thought it wouldn't change a thing...boy was I wrong...Colton is a great baby...luckily...but is just takes more time to get them ready...baths...feed...put to bed...and everything else...I can't imagine what it is going to be like when I actually have to have them ready by 8 and at preschool....HOLY COW...but I better get ready...that starts next week...

JOYS -

• having the kids say " I LOVE YOU MOM"


• laughter


• buying clothes ( I know that sounds stupid) but that is SO MUCH FUN


• making them smile


• saying prayers


• playing around with them


• getting involved with school and other activities


• seeing your parents go nuts over their grandkids


• family vacations


• reading and snuggling with the kiddos

TRIALS -

• NO SLEEP - (I am working on 4 hours today) Colton decided he wanted to be held and talk all last night


• potty training


• stress on you and all your relationships


• fighting between kids


• making your kids act correct


• laundry (I guess I should thinking about buying clothes)


• the weight that is gained and the body changes...

Don't get me wrong...there is nothing better than being a mom...but it is a hard job...Thank goodness for a husband that helps, a mother willing to do anything that I need, and friends that listen to me.... Thank you Amy...I really needed TODAY.....

I love kids...especially mine...

THANK YOU to my mom... and to ALL THE MOMS out there.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN A LOVIN' FAMILY....