2015 Year of Dates: January

Do you ever feel like you and your hubby just don't get as much time together as you like? It seems we are always going somewhere and doing something....but more often than not it is not alone. As our kids get older we get busier every day it seems! I don't want to have my marriage get lost in the shuffle. Ever. 

I have to admit.... I LOVE dating my husband!

Dating when you're married is so much fun. I think many couples forget to do it. It's such an important key to keeping that spark alive through all the seasons. Some of our dates are at home, some are simple, some are expensive...they can be and usually are a mix of anything and everything. We like to have fun together! Being married to my best friend really does have its perks :)

Sadly  have noticed that over the past year our dates are fewer and farther in between. That pulls at my heart strings. I feel that I don't function as well when I don't get enough one on one time with my hubby. So this year for Christmas I decided to do something about it. I wanted to give him the gift of time....hence the Year of Dates. There are a ton of great ideas out there to help you get going on this idea if you want to try too! I was so glad that he loved the idea as much as I did.

Well here it is the END of January and we just got around to finally doing our date this past weekend. We had tried earlier this month and things kept getting in the way. (See what I mean!)

Here is the envelope for this month. Inside is the cute cards for the Bookworm date and some money for coffee and a Madlibs :) 

This link is where I got the idea for this date night! The Bookstore Date

The Dating Divas are pretty fantastic....if you haven't checked them out now is the time! 

So at first glance you think the date is kinda corny...go to a bookstore..okay...but I tell you it is FUN! 

Our first card told us to get a recipe that we would like to cook for our spouse, to find a quiz in a magazine to give each other, and book from our childhood we could read together. 

Here is our recipes...YUM!

They came from these cookbooks. We should have bought them...but we are cheap so we didn't, as you can see the hubby really wanted his picture taken ;)

Finding quizzes in magazines was a bit harder than I had expected. Normally every trashy magazine you pick up has a least one quiz...well not that night! We just decided to get ones that had fun articles we wanted to take a closer look at. This worked out good since we actually did end up finding a quiz inside one of those! This task prompted lots of great conversation ( that's what this is about right?!)

We moved onto learning about where we each wanted to travel too and some joke books too! For some lasting fun we bought a Madlibs to take home and fill in! (maybe we can squeeze in a few mins of laughing here or there!)

We really had a good time! Laughing, sharing, loving, being silly...all great moments that came out of our first month date! Our marriage needs to be more than work, bills, kids, responsibilities, etc.....it needs to be about US. Our love for each other. We started by dating one another many years ago and we were SO different back then. Why not keep dating ....to grow together...to love together...to constantly remind ourselves that dating all those years ago is why there is an US....I am excited to keep getting to know one another....to laugh with and share with this amazing man that God choose for me to date....for Forever.

Pondering Parenthood...

Do you ever have that moment when you question every single one of your parenting abilities? (yeah me either ;) Every once and awhile I feel like I have one of those days when I seem to worry way to much if I am bringing up my four little pumpkins right. Showing them how to be respectful, kind, God-loving, giving and etc...humans...sometimes that kind of burden is so overwhelming. I mean really think about it. We as parents are given quite a task...the "Big guy" sure does have alot of faith is us! I love being a mom and I am always trying to make memories with the kids...teach them good ethics...make sure they know Jesus....and treat everyone right. I guess when you are around lots of other people throughout the days/weeks you can see how so many others are parenting ...the things they probably are doing or aren't doing based on the actions of their children. Of course we can't be judging these others...only observing for we never really know what is going on in those relationships. I do know that I love each and every one of my children with all I have...I try and lead by the best example I can set....and give them the tools to grow up into amazing adults. I suppose so that one day they can reproduce and go through the struggle of wondering if they are being the kind of parent they need to be to raise amazing children..however they will have had amazing examples (me and the hubby in case you weren't getting that)! I heard a million times over...worrying doesn't change anything...it only waste precious time...so with that I am going to assume I am one heck of a parent...take it one day at a time...and give my little ones all the love and support through the years that I can...and pray...pray alot!
Enjoy your coffee! :)

Summer Fun List 2012

Some days I feel as if I have all the time in the world to do the things I want...then others feel as though I have a split second into which I need to cram a list of 100 things! I guess that's the life of a mother of four children trying to keep a house...keep them all alive...and be a good wife to my hubby ;)
I just can't believe that it is already the middle of JULY! I feel like the kids just got out for the summer...how does time keep slipping away from me like that...I mean seriously wasn't it just June 1st?! The kids and I created a "Summer Fun List" that was a organized way of making the most of our summer( I know..I know...I'm a freak...Organized summer!). It seemed like the first few weeks of summer just quickly went before we even got to check (or sticker like crazy) one thing off the fun list. Then I realized if we don't get going we are going to look pathetic...and we can't have that now can we :) SO the list began....
We are starting with 25 items to do on our list...some are bigger...some are smaller...BUT they are all fun and exciting for the kids!
So here it is July 18, and we don't even have half of the list done ( I had originally thought we were doing good before counting for this post)! How is the possible...I may have set the "fun bar" a little too high ;-/
Don't get me wrong...we have done a ton of fun so far this summer and spent lots of exciting family time together. However, I created the list with the intention to finish it....so finish it we will....even if I have to get creative with some of the items left on the list...OR go a few weeks into the start of the new school year ;) It's not like the kids are going to care if we continue to do fun stuff...hello....I am sure they would go along!
So as it looks now we have about a month before school starts and we have 14 things to "sticker off" on the list!! I must mention that one of the items on the list that still needs to be accomplished is {playing in the rain}...however we are in the midwest....in the middle of a drought...so I am thinking this might be a tricky one...my hubby says that even if it sprinkles...for two seconds...we better run outside and call it done! Haha!! (He's a keeper;)
Well...I guess I better get the schedule out...and start making these things happen...time is ticking away...and apparently it ticks rather fast! Enjoy your coffee!

Opening a closed chapter...

Something was tugging at me today to go to my blog and read some old posts...well my life sure must have been busy lately since I haven't posted since the end of 2009! Crazy it doesn't seem like that long at all. I really do enjoy writing...I guess I need to make it a habit instead of a "once in a while" kind of thing! I read a few of my older posts and then one particular one caught my eye. It was entitled "Closing a Chapter." For those of you that haven't read it...that post was written the night before my husband went in for "the big procedure" to prevent us from having anymore kids. I was explaining my thoughts, fears, and hopes about that part of our life closing. Little did I know that about 10 months later...all that changed! God decided that I needed a miracle baby ( or at least that is what I am calling him). I became pregnant again in May 2010 with our 4th child...something we didn't think was even a possibility anymore. At first my reaction was not the best...I was scared, annoyed, a little irritated, and just wondering why. My husbands job is unsteady...we have a house that feels filled to the max already...and it just wasn't in "my" plans at all. It is funny how God doesn't really care what is in OUR plans....they are all about His plans. Just another way He is showing me that. It took me about four months of crying...wondering...and being sick to finally realize how excited I really was about bringing this new life into our world! Now (in the last weeks of pregnancy) I can't wait for this little guy to get here. My heart is overflowing with love and joy that this new season is going to bring to our family. My kids are all so much older now...they are just as, if not more, excited than my husband and I for him to arrive. It's going to be awesome to watch my 7, 5, and almost 4 year old interact with their new brother! They are all so excited in their owns ways. My 7 year old, Rose, is just a little mother hen....she just can't wait for her baby brother to get here...so she can help take care of him. She has such a special heart I know that the baby is going to be blessed with her for a big sister. Then my 5 year old, Robert, is thrilled beyond words to be getting a brother. He is currently out numbered with the two girls. He prayed every single night that the baby was going to be a boy...it was so cute and special. Although at first the baby is not going to be as fun as he is thinking...but he is super excited none the less! And lastly my 4 year old, AnnMarrie, who is consumed with talking about "the baby." It is so part of her world already and he is not even here yet. She loves playing with baby dolls and being "mommy." She wants to hold him, play with him, and just love him! I am SO excited to see her react with him....and I pray that being the youngest child now she doesn't get upset when all the attention is not on her. So many new and exciting changes are ahead for my family. In a few short weeks our family is going from 5 to 6 and I personally can't wait!! Thank you God for blessing me with this miracle baby that I didn't know that I needed! So thankful your plans are always better than mine!

Enjoy your coffee!!

There is a season...

So I think "The Byrds" said it best....

"To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven"

"A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones

A time to gather stones together"

There are so many "seasons" or changes of life. I think as we are in it whichever one it may be we don't always realize the important of that season of our life. Cause sadly one day that season will change....we won't get it back...and we need to cherish every moment of that season...and carries those memories with us to our next season. After having a conversation today with a great lady I soon realized that change is around us....at all times. However there are soo many changes that seem scary...that seem to big...to overwhelming to we think we can't handle them. We make changes probably everyday...if not everyday on a very frequent basis. Some are so small and unimportant we don't take the time to fret over them. Then we have BIG change and it shakes our world as we know it. One thing I am learning...is no matter what ...we need to turn to God for comfort in our changes...whether they are good or bad. Our life it heading in this direction for a reason and we need to embrace each and every season that He still allows us to be here on earth for. Think of how many changes you go through just in the time you are born until you graduate from high school...and that is only 18 years. Oh my!! Then you go through college...get married....have kids....probably around the time frame of the next 10-15 years...all while changing...and big changes...big seasons. It seems that all those changes are life altering...good...happy changes. However sometimes in the midst of our normal seasons we are thrown for a loop and the season changes before we are ready for it too. It's like the leaves are changing before September or snow falling in June...just doesn't seem right. I know that God gives us these changes in season...sometimes drastically to keep us awake...to make us realize that our current season may soon be over and we need to cherish it. Every day something new happens...you wake up and live a brand new day. I say let's LOVE the season we are in...and cherish the past season ....and look with joy to the future seasons. We are not always going to like change....but just know that it's okay. God is still there....for every season and he wants those seasons and those changes to make our life amazing!

"To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven"

Enjoy your coffee!

Oh the game of football...

Okay so we have arrived into football season. Let me just start by saying that it doesn't really please me....my husband on the other hand is thrilled...he gets his kicks from yelling at the tv (although not quite sure he knows that they can't hear him). When I was growing up my father must have not thought it valuable to teach me the importance of understanding the game of football. Then I met and fell in love with Mr. Jo...who is a sports fanatic. Especially I think of the game of football. This has a caused a problem for me....because I am so football stupid...and I am not kidding...I know what a touchdown is ....and that I am pretty sure is the extent of my knowledge. I even tried a few years ago to have him try and sit with me and watch games so i could try and understand (not sure why I would want to)....but let's just say it was unsuccessful and not only at that point was he yelling at the tv but at me! I thought I would look up the definition of this "football"....and see if it helped at all....so here it is....

foot·ball (fo̵ot′bôl′)

noun

1. 1. BRIT. soccer
   2. BRIT. Rugby (sense )
   3. in the U.S., a game played on a field that is 100 yards long, with 2 teams of 11 players and a goal at each end: the players may attempt to score a touchdown by running or passing the ball, kick a field goal, etc.
   4. Canadian football
2. the oval, inflated, leather or rubber ball used in playing football in the U.S. or Canada
3. any issue, problem, etc. that is passed about or shunted from one group to another a political football

Alright first off....1a and 1b ...whatever different country...don't care. Now onto 1c...that is what I am looking for. Now they make it sound sooo easy....you have a bunch of burly men running in tight uniforms on a long field...."attempting" to make scores ...by doing things with the ball. Well now that sounds pretty easy doesn't it. I have realized that however you start throwing words like "1st and 10", "sacks", "downs", "fumbles", "half backs", "defensive end"....and I am pretty much lost. Not to mention when I think I have an idea of what is going on ...the rules somehow get so much more complicated. Ugh and boy is that annoying! So now I just watch and sit quite...not really paying any attention but looking like I really know what is going on. If someone on my team...drops the ball...I say "oh man" at the tv every once and a while so it seems like I have a clue! I even sometimes will catch a few sports news on ESPN and pay attention. I will ride the coattails of one little piece of news for weeks if it makes me look like I know anything about the sport. Until Mr. Jo finally catches on and outs me! Guess I am just not one of those woman that loves to sit down with the boys and watch a good football game and don't think I am going to be anytime soon! I guess for my marriages sake I will no longer ask football questions...and leave all the game watching in this house to my husband! For future thought however...I am thinking it's going to have to be a necessity for my daughters to be taught by there daddy how this game works....so one day maybe just maybe they can teach their mommy!

Happy Football Season :)

Enjoy your coffee!

Blessings

Everyday on this earth is such a blessing. Somedays I think that thought nearly slips from my mind as I get caught up in this "world." God has granted me a wonderful ...blessing filled life and somedays I think I really take it for granted. I could never wake up tomorrow...or the next day..or next. So why is it that people seem to live each day without the thought that there could never be a tomorrow. We need to love the ones around us...make the most of the days we have been given...and Praise the Lord for all the goodness we have! I love seeing God work in my life everyday and renewing my spirit with wonderfully magical things :) Recently in a bible study that Mr. Jo and I are part of we talked about how we can let the thumps (crappy things) in everyday life get us down...and boy in a days hours there sure are alot of thumps! Instead of letting the "thumps" get the best of us...we need to sing God's praises. Praise Him for all the good. Those little thumps...can change our mood...and our spirit ever so quickly...and frankly life is just to short for that! I want to get up each and every morning...knowning that God has granted me a new day...another breath...and smile! Smiling...loving...living....doing God's work. Even when this world wants to get me down I can turn to Him....and He will show me that this is only the world we are living in....there is something so much better that we are looking towards. I should be and want to be singing God's praises everyday! What a awesome thing that He would give his own son's life for ME....I mean really come on people....should we take advantage of

that?! If I gave my own son's life for the good of others I sure hope that it would not be taken lightly. Let's live each day with our whole selves....loving...smiling...and praising GOD! :)

Enjoy your coffee! :)

Family Fun

This past weekend was pretty amazing! I enjoyed the whole weekend with my family....doing things that really didn't cost anything...plus they were enjoyable...which is great! It's been a while since we were able to be out and about having some fun. Mr. Jo is laid off right now so it usually puts a restaint on the things that we are able to do with the kids. This Friday we took the kids to storytime at Barnes and Noble. It's was a pajama storytime with Winnie the Pooh for valentines day. The kids were pretty excited to go. I was surprised at how big of a turn out there really was. The kid book area was packed in with little ones (which is not always my idea of a good time), but the kids did have fun. They got to meet Winnie the Pooh! How exciting. Well...it was exciting for the girls...but Robert was another story. We realized that at Christmas time this year he did not like Santa Claus....we thought it was the whole coming in your house at night thing...wierd...and big beard with a red and white outfit...but we may have been wrong. On Friday when he saw Winnie the Pooh (a character he enjoys watching on tv) he FREAKED out....it's was actually kind of amusing. He started to whine....and panic a little walked really fast to get far away and hide behind daddy. I was trying to calm him down...but laughing at the same time. Crazy! What in the world is this character going to do to him. Robert wanted no part of partcipating in picture taking with him. Rose and AnnMarie walked right up and got a snap shot...they loved it...but not Robert. We are coming to the conclusion that he  just does not like people in costumes. We would really love to take him to Disney world...but if this is going to be his reaction everytime he sees a character we might want to rethink that! 

On Saturday...we went to the zoo! It was great. It was the first time in months that it has been nice out..I think that it was almost 50 degrees! Yippee! To top it off..the zoo was completely free that day. We got to do so much stuff...and the kids loved seeing all the animals. On the way there Robert was very curious of what he was going to see at the zoo. He says "I don't want to see the lions and the monkeys..mommy. I only want to see the elephants and the girafes." I asked why he didn't want to see the lions or the monkeys? His response should have been obvious to me. "Well mommy...I don' want them to eat me." Duh..why didn't I think of that..of course he wouldn't want to be eaten by them! lol! Well..I did inform him that they would be in cages and not able to get him. Good thing...he was reassured that all would be well and he agreed to see the lions and the monkeys. When we got to that part in the zoo...he was excited! It was awesome to see the kids so happy. Everytime AnnMarie would finally focus in on a animal she would wave..it was pretty much adorable! What a blessed weekend! I am so happy to have such wonderful weather..and a wonderful family! 

Enjoy your coffee (or hot chocolate!) :)

Is there such a thing as talking too much?!

So I am getting the feeling that I talk alot. I don't just mean alot ...I mean ALOT....maybe a little too much! I love talking with people...my kids..my husband..my family and friends. Sometimes I wonder if they think that I am crazy because I never shut up. No wonder people get worried when I am quiet. It makes complete sense now. Obviously when I get out of the house and am able to talk with friends there is alot to say. We don't see each other all the time ...there is lots of catching up to do. BUT I do think that maybe I have a case of "word vomit." It seems to just keep coming and coming and coming..... I hope that those that are affected by this "word vomit" are not offended in any way. Just take it as I am friendly and have alot to say. Talking is one of God's gifts to me! I am just putting it to the best use that I possibly know how ;). I would hope that I am not however one of those crazy talkers...you know the kinds..the ones that won't shut up ever...the ones that share WAY to much information...the ones that have the crazy eyes....let's hope I don't fall into this category. It seems that most of my friends or family members fall into the "like to chat" category as well...so maybe that is a good thing...maybe they are never really bothered by my excessive liking to talk. When I am making a new relationship with someone I guess I just feel the need to fill them in on all they have missed (i.e. not being friends with awesome "me"). Sometimes I do wonder if that scares people away. The talking actually just relaxs me and makes me have a better time. I can feel in control of myself and partly of the situation if I am talking. Crazy I know...but I never said that I was sane. Do you ever have times when you talk too much?! Think about it the next time you are with your friends or family...see if you are the crazy lady that never shuts up! I know that many times I am...but I think that I am going to embrace my talkativeness (is that even a word?!)....it's just a great part of my personality..it's makes me...well..me! :)
Enjoy your coffee!

Blogging...sounds like a good thing to do?!

Okay well I have been not doing this "blogging" thing for quite a while now..but however I have convinced myself that it will be a good thing. I have so much to say sometimes and not always a person to listen to me so here I am. Things in my life have been kind of crazy lately so maybe this is just the outlet that I need!

Most recently I have lost one of my best friends..she was killed by a drunken driver along with her two children in November. Then my husband got laid off. Ugh...could it seriously get any worse. Some day I really don't think so ...BUT then I realize. I have a amazing husband and three wonderful children...they are my life my everything. We are all healthy..and happy for the most part. I have made the decision that I need to be happy! :) Happy is good..right?!?! So many bad things can happen..but that doesn't take away who I am ...or what I want my life to be. I am alive ..really what more could I ask for.

So from here going forward I have made a pledge to myself to be happy....so try and live life and enjoy it! Things are going to make me sad..or angry...or upset..and that's okay...but all I can do is deal with it and move on...right? I wish I could hear someone say right...so I feel like I am making sense..lol! From here going forward I am going to live life and try and not let my emotions get in the way ( well too much I am a girl after all).

Like Forrest Gump says: "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what your going to get!"

So whatever you do get...love it...live it...the best you know how :)
Enjoy your coffee!

Help Honor the Jahn Family

Greetings....

Recently I had one of my best friends,Mandy Jahn, and her two kids, Ryan and Kaitlyn, killed in a car accident. Mandy was on her way home from teaching violin lessons and was hit by a drunk driver. This tragic event has made many of us start to see that life is to be cherished and we need to do whatever we can to live everyday to the fullest! I keep thinking that some good needs to come out of this horrible thing that has affected so many lives. It seems that the Christmas season is the best time if any to bless someones life in honor of Many, Ryan and Kaitlyn. Another one of Mandy's close friends has brought to my attention a story of a legally blind little girl that badly needs a new violin. She currently plays but had her violin broken in her home by the kids that her mom babysits for..and her family is not in the position to buy her a new one...as violins are very costly. We are trying to get together some donations to help give this little girl a great Christmas and present her with a new violin. Fortunately we have so far had a great response with people willing to donate. We think we might be getting a violin for free! How amazing is that...God definitely is working here! This violin might not be a good fit we have been told..because if she is a good player she might need another one. However we have realized there are many others that need help this year. We would like to continue to bless others and need your help to do it. There has been a fund set up at Grundy Bank in Morris IL we are putting all donations in there and are going to start giving to less fortunate families in memory of Mandy , Ryan and Kaitlyn. The first $1000 will go to get a new violin for the little girl and we hope that we will be able to get much more and bless many other families this year! There are always people out there that are way worse off than us..and we need to find it in our hearts to bless them any way that we can. I hope that you are able to help in anyway possible. Thank you in advance..and God Bless!
Sara Beland
(Please pass this on to everyone in your address book ....we would love to reach as many people as possible)

For information on how you can donate please email me back.....or you can send donations to me at
147 N Main St
Seneca, IL 61360

A Little Jo Time

Alright well the hubby is still away and I finally get to go out by myself and not with any of my children! I am so excited...yet not sure what to do with myself. There aren't too many times in my life anymore that I get to go do "Jo" things. All of you mothers out there would understand. As I keep adding new kids to my life it gets just that much more complicated :) But I wouldn't change any of it that's for sure! My friend and I are going to see a movie and out to dinner. That means that I can talk with a friend over dinner instead of yelling at each of my three children at different times to stop whatever they are doing. I can order just my food and only my food. I can actually eat my food when it arrives and not ten to fifteen minutes later...after I have cooled and cut everyones food. I can sit and talk as long as I want after I am done eating and not want to shove my food into my mouth and get out the door as fast as I can. Then I can proceed to go to a movie where I will be able to sit for the entire movie and not have to pause it a single time...and get this I will actually be able to hear it without the volume being all the way on high. Although that last one could be rough since I have watched loud TV for soooo long because my hooligans are always making noise not sure if my ears can process soft noises! I am anxiously looking forward to my little friend date and a night out with someone that actually uses big words. I miss my hubby terribly and would rather be going on a date with him...but for now this will do and there will be plenty of other hubby date nights! So if it's been a while for you.....and you are itching to get out...call a babysitter and do it! Enjoy your coffee!

The money store

So recently my husband, Mr Jo, and I started taking a financial class. I was leary at first but I am really learning something from it and I really like it. It seems as the years go by we get more crazy with our money and aren't planning well for the future. This class really outlines the simple things that everyone should know and be practicing but aren't. It's very eye opening! There is a great deal of emphasis on teaching your kids the correct way to handle money so in turn you can change your family tree and they won't end up with the same situtations that you are in. My four year old, Rose, is not quite getting this money concept. She has chores (when I remember to tell her to do them) and she gets a certain dollar amount for them if they are finished. Lately when she asks for something I say well you are going to have to do some things around here and then earn the money so you can buy it yourself. She's not liking that idea to much. The other day she asks to go out to a restuarant. I say no I am sorry honey we can't today. To which she replies won't don't have any money right ( gee like I haven't said that before). Rose then says well where can we go to buy more money! Oh my...I about fell over...obviously she really doesn't get this whole money idea. Then today she says " I WANT THE NEW HANNAH MONTANA DVD!" First off I say we don't ask for things like that (or demand them) and second off if you save up your money you can buy it yourself. I tell her go clean up your room and I will give you some money for it and you can start saving for that dvd it will probably cost nineteen dollars. Rose replies...nineteen?!....how about five dollars instead? Well of course Rose let's just call up walmart and tell them that you have reduced the price of the dvd so it's more affordable to you! None the less...she didn't get her room picked up...she didn't get any money...and she's not going to get the Hannah Montant dvd anytime soon.
Enjoy your coffee!

Toliet Tales

Why doesn't God send us our children with the ability to go potty in the toliet? I mean that to me makes complete sense. There born with some sort of trait that allows them to know when they have to go to the bathroom and we could take them....a little signal perhaps....a sneeze...a wink of the eye...but to my dismay this does not happen. We as parents are forced to potty train our children. It just must be one of God's cruel jokes for us....I can imagine that he is sitting there laughing at the thought of all of us crazy moms trying to get this job done. Now if you are one of those parents that says "oh my child was so easy...they did this..and this..and this..then they were trained" or "she/he pretty much just trained themselves"...you can stop reading this right now and go sit in a corner because you are annoying! I have recently started training my second child (who happens to be a boy) to go on the potty. He is just not getting it...my daughter was much easier to train. I can't get him to pay attention to me....to listen to me...I have no flippin clue if he even understands what I am telling him...it's sooo frustrating. After one week of taking him to the potty numerous times a day...yesterday I finally got him to go pee three times on the toliet...and actually I just think that it was a lucky chance that he was sitting there when he decided he had to go. Personally I believe that I say "Let's go to the potty Robert" and he thinks okay...I'll go...but I am NOT peeing on that toliet. I mean I take him we sit there for what feels like forever..and then nothing...not a drop..it's soooo...uuhhhh frustrating..and then as soon as he leaves the room...he ends up peeing. It's like he's thinking "ha ha mommy I just held it and now I went in my pants...nah nah nah poo poo at you." Well to my disliking I am continueing on this journey of potty training and it's only the 2 day into the 2nd week....but I see a LONG path ahead of me...and it's not looking like fun...Enjoy your coffee!

20 Reasons Why I haven't blogged...

Okay you can shut your mouth now.....I know it's been a LONG time but I am actually typing a blog. Really I am serious..shut it...go on take your hand and help it close..okay there you go. So I completely feel like a blog virgin it's been soooo long. I could make all kinds of lengthy excuses as to why I haven't blogged since November....oh wait that sounds like a good idea...I think I will do just that!

My Reasons for NOT blogging since November:
1. I am lazy
2. I have three kids under the age of 4
3. I am lazy
4. The holidays kept me really busy
5. I am lazy
6. I have soo much housework to do I felt bad sitting at the computer
7. I am lazy
8. I just forget
9. I am lazy
10. Did I mention that I have three kids, husband, and a dog.....
11. I am lazy
12. I didn't think that anyone read them...so why do it...
13. I am lazy
14. I have been extremely stressed out
15. I am lazy
16. I never make time
17. I am lazy
18. I quit having things to talk about
19. I am lazy
20. I was just being stupid and not prioritizing it into my schedule! :)

If you didn't catch the drift most of my exucses are lame cause I was just being lazy....and not putting much effort into it. So I am going to try to come back...although that's been said before. But I really do enjoy doing this... and come to find out people do read it (I had quite a few people ask..why don't you blog anymore?) so...here's to another try...Enjoy your coffee! :)

Missing Mr. Jo

So...my husband has been officially gone for 7 days...ugh. No...he didn't leave me (don't get all crazy)...he is working in Michigan (and we live in Illinois). It was a wonderful opportunity that he was asked to go and work for two weeks....BUT I must have been delusional when I agreed to it. We have three little kids...all under 4....ahhhh..I am going crazy...well not that I wasn't a little crazy before hand..but it seems to be getting worse. I must admit the first couple of days I think I was physco mommy....my kids would look at me like I had three heads...but I was just getting to overly stressed out about everything. I have however got the hang of it by now...still not easy...but I have been pulling out every piece of patience that I might have. I even ventured out yesterday to...THE MALL...well...I did take a friend with me...and boy was he a big help (thanks)...I got little AnnMarie's pictures taken...you know her six month pics...even though she is almost going to be eight months...but I never said I was on top of things (I'd like to be on top of my husband...but with him in another state I am thinking not a real good possibility). Any who...I think the nights are the worst..I am not used to be alone....and by the end of the day...those patience I have pulled so hard for are almost none existent. I have vowed that after these seven days that I am NEVER going to divorce Mr. Jo...I just can't handle these crazies by myself...lol....but I did inform him that if he ever decided to leave me...he could have full custody....(relax I am just joking....maybe he could just have Robert...okay...geez....I would want them)...he laughed....as a man that is seven days free of home would..with no responsibilities...no dirty diapers...no laundry..no filling sippy cups....no fighting..no screaming.....but then he is missing the good parts as well....no hugs....no priceless smiles...no kisses...no bedtime stories....no playing blocks....but we did call and give him the "i love yous"...and boy did he like that....I think he misses us just as much as we miss him....soon....very soon...he will be home...and then we can get back to normal...(well as normal as this family knows)! Enjoy your coffee!

The hidden computer.....and a busy life...

See what happens when I move the computer into a different room...I don't see it...I don't sit at it...then I don't get on it.....and I don't blog....it's a terrible cycle. I must admit the computer being in a different room has really helped the rest of the house. Someone how though it keeps me from getting on it....even checking my email has become difficult...my online friends seem to think they are being ignored...BUT the plus side of all of this is I am actually getting things done around here....cause I am not being distracted by the computer every fifteen minutes. I have missed you all...I do enjoy blogging as it does give me an outlet for things in my mind..I need all the space in there that I can get. It seems as though we have become a very busy family lately. Trying to fit all of our activities into one week is becoming quite a task. We seem to only have Thursday and Saturday free every week....and boy when those are your only days to either be a family or do other things they fill up fast....actually I don't even like to count Saturdays because they are usually always filled up as well. Between dance, school, small group, church, work for me, work and overtime for Mr. Jo...we have crazy lives. We are loving all the things we are involved in right now in our lives but sometimes it is nice to just sit on the couch and do nothing(which is rarely happening). The days are going by so fast as well lately. These kids of mine just need to stop growing I can't believe that my baby is going to be four next month...and the littlest one just turned seven months...seven months(and she finally got her first tooth)...it feels like I just had her yesterday(considering I am still carrying around her baby weight)....every week feels like a day..and that's just too damn fast. Life is good right now...things are coming together....and we are enjoying each other...the ride is fast....but we are trying to slowly take it all in....I hope to try and continue to blog....I just am going to have to start penciling it in my schedule (tee hee)...Enjoy your coffee!

My life adjustment...

I think that I must just put this in writing...before it gets bad again..and I don't' believe it.

"Life feels pretty good right now."

Well now that it's said...life will start in a downward spiral into a nothingness! I had a minor...okay major issue about 2 weeks ago. This issue caused me to panic...and truthfully break down completely (to those of you that got the butt end of it...soo sorry)...but it has gotten better. The issue has been solved..well mostly. And we had to get help....but not as much as we were first assuming. Although this little problem caused me to panic..it kind of made me look at my life right now...and readjust my thinking. Which for me was very good..cause I have been in such a negative frame of mind...for many many months now. With the holidays coming..I thought for sure that it was going to get worse. I am stepping back...taking a deep breath...and going forward with my "life on loan"....and focusing on the positive. Realizing that God has a plan for me..and this is just a small bump in my life long road....I am sure there will many more bumps ahead...and it's all going to depends on how I handle them as to how much those bumps are really going to hurt. I am blessed with so many loving people in my life right now to help me work through things...and just be there to listen to me complain...cry..or talk...to those of you many kisses and hugs of appreciation. I think that recently I have stepped back...and looked at life as it is right now...we may be struggling in some senses...but we are blessed in so many more...I cherish that. The days ahead...are only going to be what I make of them...and from now on I choose to make them good. End of story..Enjoy your coffee!

The toys have been conquered!

So I broke down...and cleaned the toy room. The day started with no real intention to clean at all...by cleaning I mean I made all sorts of messes(by trying to organize)...but cleaned some up too. I was supposed to have a friend come over for a play date...so I thought..maybe I should sweep the living room floor as it was looking rather ick....then under the entertainment center caught my eye...there was toys galore...no kidding....cause toys haunt my everyday life. I thought well I have the time..I might as well move it and sweep under there and retrieve all those long lost toys.....and while I am at it..I will move the couch and love seat as well....oh boy did things get busy from there....I was going good...moving things...cleaning under things...(just a side note when looking for new furniture...make sure it sits on the floor and things can't slide under it....things will get lost...for a very very long time)...I grabbed a bin from the toy room(there were obviously empty ones since my children never fill them) and started piling the new found toys into them. After I got done cleaning under things..I grabbed all the toys from the living and dining rooms. Then the issue began...I walked with the full bins to the toy room...and ugh....it was sooo messy...that I could not just set those bins in there (like I wanted to )..and walk away. Soooo being the wonderful wife and mommy that I am...I started to clean...(luckily as this started...our play date conveniently called and cancelled). As I am starting to pick up toys..it's going through my head as to why I should bother...I needed some guidance...some plans as to what to do with the toy drama that is soaking up my life....and my house. So first things first....the play kitchen has to go...it's big..it's dirty...it has crayon all over it (no idea where that came from...Robert!)...so I thought...well I will put it out the curb with a "free" sign attached and see what happens. Although I was sooo not prepared for Rose's reaction...you would of thought that I was chopping off her left arm...the way that she was screaming...crying...sobbing...omg..it was hilarious....I explained to her that we would give it to some other little kids..that really needed it...blah ..blah..blah...(she of course wasn't buying it)...but I am mean(but it did get taken...and she was okay with it ...alot later that is)..so I put it on the curb anyway....(this also allowed to store away ALL the play food..and dishes..etc...*jumping for joy*)...then I had this brilliant idea..that I would ship bags of toys to each of the kids rooms..and separate out the baby toys....boy did that make a HUGE difference in the toy room (not to mention all the crap I threw out)....the room actually looked kind of bare when I was getting close to being done...so being the brilliant person that I am..I thought...why not put the computer desk in there (like it was many moons ago..before our hooligans came along)...and to my benefit removing it from the living room...(ha ha...now Mr. Jo can't ignore me by watching tv and being the computer at the same time)...and the room looks really nice....less toys...so that maybe they will play with them..and toys in their rooms...for when we have no tv time and mommy wants some peace and quiet....and mommy finally might get daddy's full attention in the evenings(ah who am I kididng now he just won't watch tv..and I'll never see him)...I really think everyone will benefit (well maybe not Mr. Jo...but ahhh you can't please them all!)

As a side note though Mr. Jo did take a table I was trying to use as my craft table...although it wasn't working the way I had it....and put it in the empty spot in the living room....he even organized all my scrapbook stuff..into bins ..and drawers....it looks amazing..and the fact that he did that just for me....was very very nice of him....he just might have to be rewarded...but enough about that...Enjoy your coffee!

Toys... to play with or not to play with?

Why....oh why do I have toys for my children? Why ...oh why do I have a special room just for their toys? Why..oh why do my damn children mess up their toy room and then NOT play in it? Why..oh why do my children like to play with their toys in the living room..and NOT the toy room? Why...oh why do I not just throw them all away? Why...cause I am a nice mommy (that is completely losing her mind) that's why!

Okay here's what Wikipedia says:
A toy is an object used in play. Toys are usually associated with children and pets, but it is not unusual for adult humans and some non-domesticated animals to play with toys(I mean seriously...they had to put that in there!). Many items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items produced for other purposes can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a household item and 'fly' it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with a pine cone by batting at it, chasing it, and throwing it up in the air. Some toys are intended primarily as collector's items and are not to be played with.

The first line "A toy is an object used in PLAY!" A toy is not to be thrown out of the basket or bin that it is so nicely stored in....a toy is not to be stepped on...a toy is for your entertainment. My children obviously missed this memo. Toys are not just for messing up their special room...you actually can play with them..and then PUT THEM AWAY! I know..you might think that I am being a little harsh...my children are still little...but I am not. Those little heathens literally go in there...dump out the baskets and bin...pull out the draws..pull all the books off the shelves..and then their play time is over(and this is always right after mommy has spent her time cleaning it). I mean ...really...and then they have the nerve to not want to play in there anymore ...as Rose says "cause it's messy"..well DUH..you did it....I should just give them all away....or sell them....or just pack them up and hide them...but then again..that's a lot of work for me...and I am just not willing to give up my precious time of sitting at the computer for that.

Enjoy your coffee!