Busy Day, I am EXHAUSTED

I knew today was going to be busy, but I never thought I would be exhausted. This morning I woke at 6 and headed over to my parent's house for a yard sale. Then, at 9:30 I headed back home, got Cassidy ready and we headed for soccer. Jaden did GREAT as usual! Love Soccer! After soccer, Cassidy took a quick nap, I changed Jaden into play clothes and we headed over to his friend, Braden's, party. Wow, did he have a blast. He met some new kids and I met some new moms. It was great! Now, we are home and Cassidy is napping. It has been a very long day.
Hope everyone else is having a great weekend!

Jay Leno Knows Best

I was reading through my daily bloglist today and came upon this. It really cannot be said any better.

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3rds of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day,7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for -profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.""With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good t ime to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Jay Leno

The funniest thing ever!

Definitely look her up on YouTube, you will laugh so hard!

The Pool is Up!

We finally put a pool up for the kids. It has been so hot, I figured it was about time. Jaden wanted one with a HUGE slide, but he settled for this one:

The kids love it! Especially Cassidy. It was her first time in a pool. She had a blast!

And I love this one:

It's been awhile....

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted, but really, nothing has been going on! Jeff had to work Sunday morning, so we didn't do anything special. We are trying to plan our next trip to Cincinnati. We can't seem to decide on a date to go. Jeff wants to see his nephew before he leaves for the Marines. I think I will let them go out to eat by themselves while the kids and I shop or visit with Bill and Kathy (my brother in law and his wife). I think it would be nice for them to have some alone time together. I just need to find out where they are going to eat and look at the shopping area around there. I might decide to stay home while Jeff goes. We will see.

Here are a couple of things I am loving at the moment!

1.http://marytsao.blogspot.com/ ( I love how she posts what she is wearing everyday on her flickr site!)

2. Coffee

3. Vera Bradley Bermuda purse (I finally have one on the way!!)

4. Church. (Jaden has the best time at church! Yesterday, he was so excited to go. He made two crafts and played in the indoor playground. Lucky for us, someone stays at the church until late. Jaden left Pooh bear in the classroom and Jeff had to go back and get it around 9:00pm!) Cassidy is still trying to get used to me leaving her there alone. She still cries every time!

5. Purging (getting rid of lots of stuff and getting organized!)

6. Our Porch ( I finally got some chairs and a table out there. It is so nice to sit out there now!)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Here some cute pictures of the kids!

It's a First!

Cassidy's hair is long enough to put in pigtails!!! Well, sort of!

Organization

I spent some quality time with the family today. We cleaned and organized our garage. It has been needing it for a very long time (too long). We purged a lot of stuff and now are hoping that the trash men will pick it up next week! Also, got some stuff to put in my parent's garage sale on the 30th. While doing that, we had an unexpected visitor! Jeff's dad was in Brazil and decided to come by our house before heading home to Ohio. That was a nice surprise. It was nice to talk to him and see him again.

Jaden got his hair cut yesterday and it makes him look like such a big boy! Everytime I get his haircut short he looks so much older. I really don't know which way I like it best. He has beautiful hair, so I like to let it grow out some. It is also kind of curly now! So cute!

Not many plans for the rest of the week. Jaden will be spending the day with his Grandma tomorrow. It will be nice to have some time with Cassidy.

Have a great week!

Father's Day!

We had a great weekend. And, I think Jeff had a great father's day! He spent Saturday night in his new tent with Jaden! They had a great time snacking, playing games, and watching the lightning bugs!

On Sunday morning, Jeff got his favorite breakfast, sausage gravy and biscuits, and then he played with Jaden. We went to visit my father later and then went to church. The kids were so tired after going to Grandma and Papa's!

I hope everyone had a great Father's Day weekend!

Garage Sales and Soccer

We woke up this morning and headed out to some garage sales before soccer at 10! Wow, I found some good deals. Especially on this....

Wow, am I loving that! I can't wait until Cassidy can actually ride it. I cleaned it up but, I am sure it will get more spider webs on it by the time she can actually ride. It is one of the cutest things I have ever seen! Jaden had soccer for the second time today. He did GREAT! He loves playing soccer. They even played a game and Jaden was stealing the ball from other people! He did great. We are very proud of him. He even got a Popsicle from the coach when he was done! Tonight, we are going to the mall to pick up Jeff's new glasses. He also got his father's day present this morning. Jaden got him a tent! They are going to sleep in it tonight! What a great weekend so far! By the way, here is the cake Jeff took into work on Friday. (haha)

Organizing!

I spent the afternoon today cleaning and organizing our bedroom. This is not an easy task when all of my scrapbooking stuff and exercise equipment is in there. I think I did a pretty good job!

License plates and cakes

I have gotten a lot of things done over the past few days. I had been contemplating painting my dresser and nightstand, so I just did it!! I painted them Espresso! I think they look okay. I really wish I would have taken the time to sand and prime, but I had to do it during Cassidy's nap times. Which, didn't leave me much time at all. I am pleased with the outcome. Now, I want to declutter our bedroom and get it organized.

I got my Clay Aiken license plate I have been waiting for. It came in the mail yesterday. Jeff got it put on for me! I love it!

I also got Jeff's father's day gift. I am really excited about that! Jaden is also excited! We plan on going to my Dad's and church on Father's day.

Other than that, not much else going on. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week, and don't forget about those dad's this weekend!!

Change of Plans!

Wouldn't you know, when Jeff gave his notice, the human resources manager called Jeff and asked him why he was leaving. Jeff let him know about the drive he was making and that was the biggest reason. So, now Jeff's boss has worked out a deal with him. He says he can give Jeff a store in Indy and get him started on the road to district manager. We did a lot of talking today and we both felt this was the best move. A new job is so uncertain, and Jeff was taking a significant pay cut! So, it is back to Pep Boys Jeff will go! I was excited about the new beginning, but I realized that staying with Pep Boys would be better for Jeff and hopefully better for our family in the long run.

Also, today was Jaden's first day of soccer! It was great. He listened very well and he was the best player out there. I think this is HIS sport. Jeff also got new glasses and the kids got their picture taken. I wasn't impressed with the photographer this time and Cassidy was in a bad mood. So, I didn't get any of them together, but we will when Jaden gets his birthday pictures By the way, I found out today that Clay Aiken will be in South Bend for a Christmas concert on November 28th! I can't wait!

Official

It is official! Jeff begins his new position with O'Reilly's this Monday. He will be working as the Associate Manager until the new store on the south side of town is built. He may even become the district manager in as little as a year. Let's hope this all works out for the best. I think it is the best move he has made with a company in a long time! We are thrilled!
Yesterday, we went to a Local Heroes thing at our church. Jaden had a great time meeting a fire dog, looking at Fire trucks, eating ice cream, and watching a man rappel himself down a rope. Pretty cool! We also had lunch at the park and went to church last night. Jaden had a great time in the Wee Village this time. I am glad he is finally getting over his fear of being left alone. He was a little funny at first, but he didn't cry!
This week will be a long week, since Jeff will still be making that long drive until Friday. He will have the weekend off and then he will start his new position. Keep us in your prayers!

Yay!

Do I need to say more?
Some of the things are still being worked out, but Jeff got the job! He also has the potential to be the District Manager within a year! This is all so exciting and what we have been waiting for!!! I just can't wait for it all to begin happening! Everything seems to be going in the right direction. Here are some pictures from the trip to Brownsburg:

The Park

We had a great day in the park today. We met some friends and went on one of the nature trails. It was fun but there was lots of poison ivy! I made sure I stayed away from it and I washed Jaden and Cassidy's legs off afterward. It was a really nice day to be outside. We also had lunch and played on the playground. Jaden especially loves the nature center with the turtles and snakes! Jaden loves that park!

We went to Jaden's soccer meeting and found out he will be starting June 16th. I really can't wait for him to start soccer. I am going to be a "Soccer Mom"!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

New friends and cake

I had an unexpected thing happen today. I met someone who likes Clay as much as I do! I found her on one of the message boards. She is going to be in the same group we are going with to the concert. She lives in the same town as me! I called her and we talked for 30 minutes, not just about Clay, but almost! It's great to talk to someone who has the same appreciation that I do for him!

My cake class was tonight, and I think I did the final cake pretty well. It is just a white cake with buttercream icing. The flowers are made out of royal icing. It was a fun cake to make, but that basketweave takes a long time! (Jaden took the picture of me!)

**UPDATE**

I just wanted to give everyone an update on Jeff's potential job. He contacted the District Manager this morning and found out he will have another interview with the DM's boss on Friday! We can't wait. We are hoping he will get the offer that day. I will let everyone know as soon as possible.

Sunday

Sunday was a great day. We really didn't have much to do, so we decided to eat at Pizza Hut for supper before going to church. I think Jaden loves the placemats and crayons more than the pizza! Cassidy enjoyed her first Pizza Hut breadstick. Those are by far my favorite breadsticks! We do not eat out often, so it is fun when we do!

Today was a big first for Jaden and Cassidy. At church, they both went into the The Wee Village. It was terribly sad. We dropped off Cassidy in her room and she cried. We dropped of Jaden in his room and he cried! Jaden gave me a high five and kiss and told me bye, then turned to Jeff and started crying. He hung on to Jeff with a death grip! It was so sad for Jeff to leave him there. But we did. Cassidy was still crying when we went by her room, so I gave her her milk and baby doll and she was fine. I must say, it the most peaceful service we have sat through (besides the new band playing!). Afterward, we went back and looked in the windows before picking them up. They were both having a great time. Here is the picture Jaden colored in class! How great! I can't wait for next week.

Smiling Faces

Jeff's interview went very well Friday, and we are hoping to hear back from them Monday. Thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes! I am so happy to think Jeff will be able to enjoy these smiling faces more often!