The end of 2007

What do I say... but "where has the year gone?" It seems like just a few months ago Bud was unemployed and I was making negative amounts in my paycheck (thank you Great Bend School District) and my dad was sick and in the hospital and expected to get sent home any day.

Nathan is a joy- he is truly a creation that only God could have sent us. I feel very blessed to be his momma. He fills our home with laughter and most times- complete awe-ness of what he will do or say next.

Personally, I don't care if I ever see "CARS" the movie ever again, but I think with a 3 year old boy in the house that isn't going to happen anytime soon. hee hee! I am also thankful for his preschool- ALL 4 KIDS. I love it- he has a wonderful teacher "Ms. Brandy" who is very patient and has a lot of kids but does a great job! Nathan likes her too. The best part is he is getting his Christian Education there. He is learning about God and the wonderful world He created everyday. Nathan has been praying too, and mostly it is for his mommy and daddy and his Thomas Sippy Cup. But that is beginning to change to his Grammy and PaPa.

Thank you Nathan for beginning the POTTY Business!!! Mommy is thrilled! Keep it up!

BUD- Oops sorry I did not fix the red-eye first!

Bud, I love ya. I love you more! I hope in 2008 we can become closer as husband and wife. I think the past 2 years have been very rough and we are reaching the other side- slowly but we are still trodding though all of this- we can make it! It is just going to have to take more work, and more time. I don't ever want to lose you- to anyone else (like the neighbors) or to some other reason. I want to be your spluuuwife till my death! I miss "our" time a lot. I hate that our house is such a mess. I hate that we argue, and I hate that we sleep in different cycles. These past few nights have been so wonderful. I love holding your belly and listening to you breathe under the flannel sheets and yes-laying my head on your pillow so I can do that. I love that. I never knew what a good snuggle under the covers was until I crawled into the bed with you that first time.

Day-od (Day-odd) I miss you so much. Especially on days like today. I could always call you and you would get me out of my funk. You showed me the sun (Son) a lot of times. Who knew when that picture was taken that a year later- you would be on your way out of this earthly world? I can't cry- you are in a much better place. You are free from needles, and pain, and medicines, and doctors, and the wondering when it will end. You faced your death head on- and although we thought (selfishly) that it was not the right time. You and God knew it was the right time. I know you are watching us from above, and you see all the good you have done in this world, and because of your good. Northwest Congregation in Des Moines Iowa, named their Christmas Tree (which you bought when you were Pastor) the Jerry Tree. I wish I could have seen it this year, I am sure it was beautiful. Love ya daddy!

David Wayno- What do I say to you as I put an end on this year? PLEASE! You have such potential and such gifts and yet- dwell on the negative and personally I am disapointed in your past year- But you know what? I still love you and will always love you. It is my hope that in 2008 you become more responsible and get back to the caring young man you were before. You can go far- you can become a cop, you can do whatever you want- but you can't do it- sleeping all day, or ignoring your Gram, or not caring about others. Ok enough preaching!

You need to learn how to WIN UNO!!! ha ha ha!! I love playing games with you. Not because I always win- but because I get to spend time with you. Soon you will move out and go to college and have a life of your own- and I will miss you. I miss you when I am in Kansas. But I know that God has a plan for you and if you are wise- you will follow it and grow up and be a wonderful David Wayne!!!! Your Mom is watching you, and so is Grandpa. They are watching out for you too.

Steven Kip... Thanks for being my big brother. I could not have made it through this year without you. You were really the "man" for the Gordens this year. I know it hasn't been easy for you, and you are struggling on "what you want to be when you grow up." But be patient. That is something I have had to learn in my 38 years on this earth. The waiting is the worst. I wish you success in 2008. Even if you are a bit redneckish and proud of it!! ha ha ha!!!

My Mom! I know you probably will never even see this- but I want the world to know what a great mom I have. I am thankful for her everyday. Without her I would have never gone to Alabama, I never would have become an Interpreter, I never would have moved to Kansas. I owe my whole life experience to her!! She has a beautiful ministry with people. She gets frustrated at times with them, but in the end she is a tool that brings out their gifts and lets them shine- while she stands in the back- sharing in their joys and successes. That is a gift! She is emotional at times- but who isn't at age 70 and with the experiences she has gone through. It is ok to cry mom! It is ok to shut yourself in a room and have "me time" and it is more than ok to tell others to leave you alone. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you (you birthed me!) and you showed me "the way." I hope that in 2008 you learn to be good to yourself!

Lindsay and Nathan- I couldn't be happier for the two of you (soon to be 3 of you!) I was so honored to be asked to be a part of your special day. I am still in awe that we know you Lindsay! I can't tell you enough- how we missed you all those years.

My wish for you both is that in 2008 your love blooms even more! With a little one in the house that is part of both of you- it will change things. But remember that little person is an outward expression of your love for each other. Be in awe of that little creature. I can't wait to meet him (right? a boy?) as I am sure you can't wait either. Continue to communicate with each other. Share in the daily joys and sorrows together. Keep on loving each other even when it is hard to do so and you will succeed in this marriage business.
Well it is getting late- I will end this with my own advice to myself.

Sherry- be careful- take care of your body- and your health- and your family in 2008. Take time to write, and create and have "me time." Take care of your boys- love them and care for them. It will be a new chapter in Genesis moments.

Till 2008- thanks for reading!!!

Ok- I thought I posted a lot more than that- guess I haven't... Guess it is time for an update.

Went to the eye doctor- no damage!

Went to Endocrinologist- new drug - Byetta! It makes me go low and it curbs my hunger!

Saw Santa---Nathan had him all to himself. We love this Santa- he knew I was prego before I was!!! Had the Christmas with the IN-LAWS Check out my mother in laws face!

Had Christmas with her family as well. MORE stuff to bring home- Yay!!! Nathan got a new coat from Aunt Tori.

We are definitely going to put it to use later today when we head up to Iowa.

Our Christmas here in Kansas...

Gotta love the hair- huh? Got my "bling bling" tattoos and my hair dryer from the hubby. Check out my late (that's ok) Birthday card from my hubby and son too- it is the giant Spongebob on the tree.

Well- I need to go switch clothes in the dryer- so I can get out of here and head to Iowa... will post more later... I promise (like anyone reads this blog anyway...)

Confessions of a mommy to one...

It is 5 min. to 5am. I am so tired!!! I am very happy that it is Friday. I do have an appointment at 10am today though. I would love to go home early but I already filled out my time sheet showing me working till 8am. AAAAAA!
I need to "suck it up" as my dad would say and just get through this morning. I can sleep later. I am taking Nathan to go see Santa today after his nap. I will try to remember to post pictures later.
Bud and I ate turkey pizza for the second night this week. It was still ok. Nathan put his nose up to it and said "not yet." He has been eating salads at restaurants lately. So I fixed him a spinach salad tonight and made sure to put Ranch dressing on it. He took one bite and spit it out and said "I don't like it!!!" "It is STINKY!" and he waved his hand in front of his nose!!! What a little devil! (But he is my devil!) Go figure!
Wed night he came down to the basement wearing a sweatshirt and his NASCAR big kid underwear and he stood in the doorway of the laundry/bath room and said "HEY MOMMA!" This is a kid that goes limp when you have to dress him. Here he had done it all himself!
It is so hard to believe that - he is our son. He is growing into such a person! But really I wouldn't have it any other way.
Two of my best friends just had babies in the last month. Yes, about 5% of me wanted to join them in the pregnancy and be a mommy again. But really the 95% of me left- was quite glad that - I don't have to go through all of that again. I can't wait to be finished with diapers and sippy cups! I can't wait until I have a kid that I can take to places and not have to keep an eye on all the time making sure they stay out of trouble and not run away. I am happy for no more formula and bottles. I am thrilled at no more carrying the car seat in and out of the car, and using a stroller everywhere. I am all grins at the growth that Nathan has fostered in the past few months. I just can't wait for the next life growth for him.
I am happy that I can comfortably leave my child at preschool for the day. I can work outside the home and help provide for him and my husband. I have so much more freedom since Nathan turned into a preschooler. He has learned how to entertain himself too- I no longer have to be the one to keep him occupied. He has lots and lots of monster trucks and ramps (thanks to PaPa) and he can look at his books and run the DVD player- all by himself! I am THRILLED to be at this place and stage of his life.
It is time I start to take care of myself as well. I have begun the journey back to health. I see the Diabetes educator in a few hours. I see a nutritionist in 2 weeks. I see the eye doctor in 3. I have been horrible to myself and can feel it. Now that my sugars are dropping to a normal range I am feeling much different. Not sure yet whether it is a good feeling- but for my health it is a good thing.
OH NO!!! Ice for this weekend. I digress...
Well- it is after 5 am now. I have to put the computer away, and put the dishes away and make the coffee. Wait till the clock strikes 8!!!!
Have a good one!
=SBL

Thanksgiving weekend- 2007

Ok I cooked my first turkey this year. Neither of the boys ate it though! They liked the side dishes better. GO FIGURE!!!

After lunch we put the Christmas tree up and decorated it. Nathan put his Home Depot and Lowe's decoration on the tree and 30 minutes later- they were off the tree - Whatever!

Then I did laundry and went to bed by 9:30. Why? So I could go shopping on Friday morning- the first time I have ever gone on "BLACK FRIDAY."

Mind you, we do not have a lot of money to do Christmas shopping yet, and earlier this week I had to replace 2 tires on my car. I also got word they are going to add insulin to my meds... so yes, money was an issue- but I still went. I went to Wal-Mart at 4:30am and got my CRICUT machine- (my Christmas present to myself) and I got Nathan's new Leap Pad. I also picked up a couple of small stuff for the stockings. After 8am I went to Hobby Lobby. I only bought a new 8x8 scrapbook and refills and new Candy Canes for the countdown to Christmas calendar. I then went home- did laundry and packed and we headed to Wentzville to go to Grammy's and PaPa's. I did sleep on the way there.

This morning (Sat) we went to the Winery in Hermann, Missouri for lunch and then to the Pea Ridge Tree Farm to get the tree for Grammy and PaPa's house. We met up with Chauntelle and Seth and their son Jacob. Jacob and Nathan had a blast!!!! Going to the restaurant at the Stone Hill Winery.

Then to the tree farm!

The FAMOUS CHOP-CHOP!!! The boys did a great job of sharing it. I gotta get more pictures from Grammy - looks for the second installment soon!

November .... AAAAAAAA!!!! and Boxette

Well - today would have been my sister's 47th birthday. But she left this earth almost 5 years ago.

We have done absolutely NOTHING this weekend. To tell you the truth- it is pure heaven. I did do some sorting of my scrapbook supplies. That is all...

Nathan actually went potty once yesterday. None the rest of the day. None TODAY!! AAA!!! I can't wait until "he gets it!"

He is going to start full-time at preschool the week of Thanksgiving. He covered himself in Vicks Vapor Rub on Tuesday when I was sleeping! AAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Heading to Iowa for my birthday on Friday.

Well- that is all I really want to say right now... Not too wordy today... Not feelin' it. Oh yes- my Scrapbook website on Scrap Outside the Box - is having this cool activity. We signed up to have one of their trademark bears visit us for awhile. I have "Boxette" visiting right now. This is my page about her arrival. So stay tuned for more of Boxette's visit to Olathe!

These are in the order we visited them... The first one is found at the Olathe Daily News and the Second one is at the Olathe Library downtown.

The one to the left is at KSD where I work! I know the woman that designed it and put it together.

This one is from "THE GRASS PAD" Where they are high on grass!

Ok I gotta upload the rest later- this blogger thingy is giving me fits!!!! It is having trouble uploading my pictures again... Stop by again sometime real soon!

Olathe Kansas Home of the Cowboy Boot!

Yes, I live in Olathe, KS. We have lived here for almost 5 years. They are celebrating their 150th Anniversary and asked businesses to design a cowboy boot to display all over town. Why? The Cowboy Boot was invented in Olathe. By Mr. Hyer. He even employed several deaf people in his warehouse. Pretty cool- I think!!!!
So, the boots are getting ready to be auctioned off- so we thought we would go and take the Boot Tour across town. We missed one- one is MISSING!! I have been all over the internet looking for information on it- but can't find anything out... I had originally scheduled the family to go on the "tour" last weekend but hubby was pouty and tired.
Anyway- here you go- all but one of them!
Ok-blogger is having problems loading the pics... will post again later.