Spencer's first Sacrament Talk

Last Sunday, Spencer gave his first talk in church. In Sacrament meeting no less!! Being the Sunday before Thanksgiving, his talk was on what he was thankful for. Grandpa Ream sat down with him, while we were out watching Twilight and went over his list, then came up with the paper for him to give his talk. Just as he did when I was a kid, Dad made pictures to prompt us of what we wanted to say.
Spencer did GREAT!!!!!. He walked right up there and gave his talk with no problems or hesitations. I was so proud.
As you can see, he is thankful for Cats, because he can play with them. Clothes to keep him warm. Friends who he can like and play with. Dad and Mom who love him, provide him with a home to live in, bed to sleep in and good food to eat. A family who loves him, and he can love them too, and for God who answers our prayers.
I think this is just great, especially for a 6 year old. Way to go Spencer, keep up the good work.

Kate's Last Orchestra Concert

Last Tuesday was Kate's last orchestra concert. It is a sad thing for me that she will be out of orchestra and wont be playing her violin at school anymore. She has been playing since the 5th grade, and her teacher Miss Priest has been such a great teacher and influence, we will also miss her. She is so patient with these little 10 YO's and gets them to do great things.
The orchestra played 3 songs, and when the first few notes came out, we kind of had an intake of air as the sound was so beautiful. She has come a long way from the squeaky start so many years ago. My mom and I both just said "wow!"
Afterward we went to Dairy Queen for a special treat. It was a great evening.

Twilight--the Movie

This weekend I went with Lee and Kate to go see the much anticipated and highly exciting Movie TWILIGHT. I just LOVE the books as does everybody else, and I did like the movie. That being said, I must say that I was disappointed in it.Of course no movie ever lives up to a book that you love, but it seemed kind of cheesy in certain points, and I don't know it just didn't do it for me. I'm sure we will still buy it when it comes out, Kate will make sure of that, but I don't think I will pay to see it again in the theatre. I still love Twilight, and Edward.

It's Twilight Time

ARE YOU AS STOKED ABOUT TWILIGHT AS I AM???? I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!
I know I have just over a day now, just look at the counter over there on the left, but I can't hardly stand it. Come on Bella gets to forks already and get the show on the road.
GO TEAM EDWARD

Kate, A marvelous work and wonder

 
I am so proud of my little senior. Not only is she working her butt off by taking all honors and AP classes, but she is getting A's. She is applying to colleges, and has them calling
her to give her scholarships. Her HS had a group go to the middle school and give a talk to the 6th graders about HS do and donts etc....they asked Kate to be one of the group. It is not only her hard work in HS that I see but so many things she is doing lately makes me realize what a grown up kid she is. Not only is she mature, way mature for her age, but she is good at making shy people feel needed, she's wonderful with kids. I don't know, I'm not good with expressing what I see in her, but she has really grown into a wonderful caring woman. I like the person she is, and see great potential for the person she will soon become.

Proof that Budda Bellies are best for sleep

 

 

Here are Lee and Jordan back in 2004. She is only 4 weeks old or so, and sound asleep on his budda belly. Need I say more?

New Blog, Recipes, Give Aways, Check it Out!!

I have started a new blog to share recipes, and maybe do some giveaways. I have one recipe up now, and will add 2-3 per week. These recipes are home tested and YUMMY! Some will be main dishes, some breakfast, lunch or dinner. I really hope you will check it out, and try some of the dishes. Let me know how you like them. Or email with your favorite recipe and I will try it and maybe feature it.
email me with recipes only @ roberts_5@live.com.
Check out the new site at http://coleshomecooking.blogspot.com

Impromptu concert

Last Saturday as we were at Wal*mart waiting to have the oil changed in the van, we decided to cruise through the Christmas section. The kids had a ball. In fact they found some bells and started ringing them and singing Jingle Bells. Much to the delight of some fellow shoppers. It was so cute, and I am just amazed that they remembered the words from last year. What a way to get into the spirit of things, even if it is too early yet.

Jordan the Hair dresser

As I was working in the office today, Jordan came to with a handful of hair and innocently said, "Mommy my hair fell out." I immediately freaked out, because it is finally growing out again after cutting 13 inches off of it a year ago. This caused her to start crying and go to the time out spot without being told to. I didn't care much, I was upset, and coming up with a plan at how we can salvage this without having to chop off all of her hair. Later she told me she cut it because it was getting in her face. Oh the joys of motherhood!

Tip Junkie give away

The tip junkie is having the 12 days of Christmas and is giving away things to 2 people each day. the stuff she gives away is made by women. Check it out and maybe you can win something for youself for Christmas.

Realization

My Uncle Steve is laying in a hospital right now on life support waiting on his daughter to get to Arizona to say goodbye before they take him off and let him pass. This makes me very sad. Not so much because I will miss my Uncle, I have not seen him in twenty years, it is because it is another piece of my childhood gone.
The childhood that I have been missing so much lately, the days filled with nothing but fun, a few chores, laughter, love and general happiness. When all was right with the world, and I did not have a worry in that world, at least not any more than what I was fighting with my older brother about. As I have written before, growing up in the late 60's and early 70's, was a different time. A time when it was safe to go about but I will not speak of that now. What I will speak of is the family time spent with my mom's side of the family, including Uncle Steve. He was married to the first of three wives back then, Betty. They had three kids. My Aunt Jackie and her husband Jim had two. It was so much fun to get together with the whole family for the holidays and other occasions and play with my cousins. I learned to wrestle and play rough like a boy being one of only two girls in the group. I remember being at my grandparents house and my Uncle Steve came through the door with Tracy, my cousin. She had a stuffed Eeyore that she took with her everywhere. Christmas eve's spent there opening presents, having dinner. Easter egg hunts, laughter, so many good memories. I cannot describe the feelings of peace and happiness it gives me to remember all of it.
Years later Steve and Betty divorced. Steve then married Marsha, had another cousin, Ashley. Then they divorced, and he married Melanie, and had two more cousins. Jim and Jackie divorced. The whole family was different................wrong. It wasn't the same carefree fun filled family anymore. It was changed, I was changed, my eyes were opened.
So even though I have a wonderful life, great husband and happy carefree little children I miss those days, and Steve is just another reminder of what is gone.
However, as I write this I realize that I need to stop longing for those feelings of happiness and security in the past, and enjoy the happiness I have right now with my own family. So I guess I will just focus on where I am now and what I have, and make the life of my children as great as my parents did for me. I want them to grow up happy, full of laughter and hopes for a bright future. And I will take my joy from this, because I am happy and years from now I will think of this time with my hubby and kids just like I am now thinking of my childhood.

Sunday Baker Blog

I found another great blog site, she has tons of great recipes, and some giveaways. Today she is giving away a beautiful clutch. check it out. I know I will be trying her recipies.

Recipe- Penne w/Chicken Strips & Broccoli

Don't you just love a yummy home cooked dinner that tastes like you went out to a restaurant? Boy I do, and this one is it! Add a salad and some garlic bread and you will think you were at your favorite Italian joint. Now I like to change things up a little, so instead of putting exact amounts I just wing it. Go with it.

Oil & butter
3 boneless chicken breast
flour
salt & pepper to taste
garlic powder/ or 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
3/4 lb penne
4 C. broccoli FLORETS
1C grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C BUTTER ( not margarine, that will taste yucky)

In large pot bring 5 Quarts of water to a rolling boil, and add pasta. Cook till al denta. when done Reserve 1 cup of water (Very important)
Cut chicken into strips. Heat some oil and butter in a skillet. In a large Ziploc bag, add flour and pepper, then add chicken to coat, shake off excess. Immediately place in hot skillet. Lightly brown on both sides, Stir in garlic but do not let garlic brown. Cover and keep warm.
Steam or Microwave broccoli until tender yet still a little crisp. When all has been cooked, mix gently in a large bowl.
Make sauce by melting 1/2 C butter, add Parmesan cheese and the cup of water from the pasta. Stir together, then pour over the rest and stir gently to not break up the broccoli. Serve with additional cheese.
This is a family favorite, even the kids LOVE it. The picture above was taken after we had devoured most of it. And as the old commercial said....."Try it you'll like it!"

Please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it.

Spencer's 6th Birthday

Back in October, yes I said October that is how far behind I am, Spencer celebrated his 6th birthday. He had a wonderful time with the cousins during his party on Sunday. Here he is driving them around in his "new" Chevy Silverado. He also drove around Carly, and Jordan. He is actually pretty good at driving that thing. A lot better than he was when Logan got his last fall. Craig and Gigi's neighbor still have a dent in their garage door from his inexperienced driving abilities. Now he can back up like a pro.
The theme was Speed Racer this year, and his cake went along with that theme. I was sicker than sick, so the cake was not near as nice and fancy as I had planned, but he was happy with it, and that is all that matters.
Uncle Craig and Aunt Gigi and their kids introduced him to transformers, and now he is a big fan. Thanks to all who came and made it a great birthday for Spencer.
Happy Birthday Spencer, we sure do love you.

I've Been Bitten By A Vampire

If you cant tell by the new look of my blog, I'm a complete Twilighter at heart. I am addicted to the Twilight books and cant wait until the movie comes out. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! The commercials on tv are killing me, I cant wait!!!
I have even gotten Lee hooked, he loves the books too, and is about the finish the third one. As he reads he shares what he is finding funny. The sad thing is, I cant remember a lot of what he is relating to me, I guess that is not so sad, I guess I'll just have to re-read all the books. Oh Darn :)
Thanks for getting me hooked on these Kate.......Best thing ever!

the Pink Cupcake

I found a blog site that is having a great give away. Dont you just love those kind of sites!! This one is called the Pink Cupcake, and I have a link on my sidebar, check it out.

Use the Force, Luke

Long ago in a galaxy far far away,

ok, maybe Detroit 2001

The force

union local UAW 251 in between breaks and lunch

was used to create a superior machine.

A Chevy Silverado Z71

This machine was taught the ways of the force, then sent out into the galaxy

Indiana

to shuttle the human masses to and fro

Lee to work around the Midwest

It was a hard working machine, but soon became tired and worn

371952 miles

and needed a little extra help to keep it running.

Jedi Master Lee using the force (At least that's what John and D say he uses to keep it going)

And so the machine was retired from active duty

Now just carting the kids and I to church, school and walmart

But still is a beloved, and famous part of the force.

Our family and anyone who finds out how many miles are on that thing

And so, like the energizer bunny, it keeps going, and going, and going....

Knock on wood

knock knock..............

knock

knock knock knock

Boy that feels better

I did something very unlike myself today, and boy was it nice.
My day however did not start out nice. I have felt upset, fed-up and every kind of other bad up out there today. So I counted the hours.......... minutes....................seconds until my little squabbling rugrats were dropped off at school and I went out to lunch...BY MYSELF!!! I never do that. And to top it off, I then went Christmas shopping and spent a ton of money on gifts for the nieces, nephews, and yes even the squabbling rugrats. Boy do I feel better, which is weird because I usually don't like shopping, don't like spending money, etc......but this was nice. Maybe it's because I know we have the money in a Christmas club account tucked away at our local credit union, or maybe it's just because I did not have to hear yelling, fighting and general, well...squabbling!
Do you think I could ship the squabbling rugrats off to boarding school on a measly Christmas club savings? ;) JK

October Blessings

*My Husband and Kids
*Celebrating our 12th anniversary
*Celebrating birthday's-- Spencer's 6 and my Dads 73
*Driving to fast and not getting caught
*New tv season--Fringe, Ugly Betty, Pushing Daisies
*The beautiful fall colors
*Smart kids, and great report cards
*Substitute teaching "job"
*Cooler weather
*Halloween fun and trick or treating
* A truck that still runs great with 372000 miles on it

Trick or Treat Smell my Feet

Ghosties and Goblins and Monsters galore. Speed Racer and Kitty we went to each door.

This year Kate decided not to trick or treat for the first time, so Spencer and Jordan had to take up the slack, and boy did they. Their little tubs were overflowing. Earlier in the day they wore their Halloween shirts, and put on costumes after dinner. Let me tell you, it is a wonderful thing to be able to threaten them with no trick or treating if they did not stop fighting, did not clean up toys, or eat dinner. About as good as the Santa threat.

Lee is now trying to get them to brush their teeth, put on jammies and get ready for bed. Poor sucker, good luck. I dont think they are going to sleep until next week.

Busy busy busy

It seems I never have time to post blog's anymore. I have several that need to be done, but you know. time time time, or the lack thereof.
Here is what will be blogged about eventually. Spencer's 6th birthday, and party. black olives, 1976, Halloween, parent teacher conference.
Keep checking back, eventually these will come to fruition.

Another one bites the dust....sort of

Spencer has had another loose tooth for a while now. It has been hurting and he cant wait for it to come out. He knows all about the tooth fairy coming from his last lost tooth, and knows not to expect a whole dollar this time, but he is still excited.

Well, it happened this afternoon. He was eating a snack, a roll to be exact after school and he said to me "Mom, I think my tooth just popped out, and I think I swallowed it!" Sure enough, I looked and there was a big ol' space where his tooth had just been. I informed him that the tooth fairy would not be picking up that tooth. :) We all got a good laugh out of it, and he got .50 to boot. You cant beat that.

Halloween Party on the 18th

Last Saturday night was the Fall/Halloween party at church, and even though I was too sick to go, my little goblins dressed up and had a great time. Look on.....

Spencer was Speed Racer, and had a ball running around as such. His friend Keegan that had moved away was there and they had so much fun together. Spencer won first prize for his costume in his age group, and received a pumpkin as a prize. He also won some cupcakes in the cakewalk. He came home full of stories and was so thrilled to have gone.

Kate dressed up as a nerd.....

but I don't think she can look like one no matter how hard she tries, she's just too pretty. She tied for 1st in her age group. Hey Kate, Where's your pocket protector?

Then there's Jordan, our little ballerina. She is just so gosh darn cute, and look at those eye lashes. She had a great time, and won some cupcakes in the cake walk. She was so excited, and came home rifling through her candy. Thanks to the YM & YW for all of their work, and making it a great time. The kids and Lee really enjoyed themselves, and cant wait for Halloween.

October 11, 1996-The start of Time & Eternity

Yesterday we celebrated our 12th anniversary. I cant believe 12 years have come and gone, it seems like just yesterday that we were driving on our way up to Chicago to get married.Wow, time flies. 1996 was much like it was Saturday, sunny and warm with the beautiful fall colors all around, yet some of the summer flowers still blooming. What can I say, fall is the best.

I have spent a lot of time the last couple of days thinking about the last twelve years and the joys and sorrows it has brought. Luckily, most of the memories are joyous. I am not going to put them all down, it would take to long, and most are just personal. Who wants to read about my day to day going on's, anyway, but I am going to list twelve things I love about my wonderful husband being twelve years and all.....get it?

1. He saw me for who I was back then,(and still now) not just the extra pounds I was carrying around. and loved me anyway.

2.He makes me laugh

3.He is kind and considerate, and always thinking of way to make me happy.

4.He gave me three beautiful children.

5.He is a great father, who loves his children dearly.

6. He respects me.

7.He is my best friend.

8. He has beautiful blue eyes.

9.He is a good provider.

10.He understands me, and is willing to tell me when I am wrong.

11.He is willing to stick up for me when I am right.

12.He makes life fun.

I could go on , but I will stop with the twelve. Maybe next year I will list more, like at least 13. Thanks babe, you have been the best husband I could have ever asked for. Here's to 12 more and beyond.

Christmas wins

My last poll question was, Which Holiday is your favorite? Expectedly, Christmas won, Yeah!!
Thanksgiving came in a close second, with Halloween coming in third. Thanks to all who voted.