michels family

A New Kind of Resoultion

2012-01-09T06:42:00.001-08:00

Usually this time of year, most people have made...and broken...their New Year's Resolutions. That group includes me. I don't even remember what I decided to do last year. All I know is it didn't happen.

My kids were with Grandma, Grandpa, Mimi, and Pa the week between Christmas and the first. (Thanks to them, by the way!) I discovered Pinterest bringing my world to a standstill. I looked and pinned all week. I found the following two sayings/pictures and they keep running through my mind. You'll see why. So...in the fashion of all good procrastinators I have decided to make myself a couple of resolutions.

We all do this. I tell myself: I was good yesterday, I can have a candy bar today. Or: let's make cookies, I'll only eat one. Yeah, right!

So here's the deal. Candy is for sharing with my kids. I will make better food choices.

For many parts of my life this is very true. I have my husband, my kids, and a life on this farm. Work is okay most days. The only part of my life that is completely ridiculous is that I am not teaching and I am not around family and friends nearly enough. I'm not speaking just physically but with kinder gestures.

So, I will write more letters, make more phone calls, and *gulp* send more texts and emails.

.......

Now, I am going to need some reminding. That's why I'm leaning on you. Yell, call, or slap me. Seriously.

Christmas Morning...At 5 a.m.

2012-01-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning came at 5 a.m. at our house. Not becuase the kids were up but because Travis was up. He had to go into work early so that meant everyone was up. I love seeing the tree and presents all lit up before the sun rises.

Pants-less Gentry looking at his new cars. He refuses to wear his pajama pants.

August liked her new Tinkerbell movie.

Our family Christmas picture.

I Still Get Starry Eyed...

2012-01-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

So we waited until December 23 to go see Santa. Actually, I forgot until December 22 at 9 pm. So we loaded up in the car and made the trek to the mall.

Did I mention it was December 23?

The mall was atrociously busy. The line was long. And there was a brat in line behind us. My children were angels. Litterally angels.

Forty-five minutes later we reached Santa and Mrs. Clause. Yep, Mrs. Clause was there and she was pretty awesome. Both kids sat on Santa's lap and they talked about what they wanted for Christmas. Aug insisted that she wanted a motor boat with a remote control. Gentry just stared at him.

They talked for quite a while. It made it totally worth the wait.

Aug's Preschool Christmas Program

2012-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

August was so cute in her preschool Christmas program. She waved at us, just like last year. She sung all the words to all the songs. It warms my heart to see her in action like that. We have been so blessed to have found Kinder Cassel. She loves going to school and loves her teachers. It seems like weekly one of her teachers tells me a funny or sweet story about her.

(Pretend there is a video here of August and her classmates singing. I'm having trouble uploading.)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Six Years Ago

2011-12-17T10:02:00.001-08:00

Six years ago I woke up for the last time as a single girl at my mom and dad's house.

Six years ago I drove to the church and was helped into a white dress by four close friends, each representing a major part of my life until that point.

Six years ago I held a bouquet of pink roses and white alstroemerias and was walked down the church aisle by my dad.

Six years and two kids later. I asked Travis if he had any regrets...

He didn't answer.

On Teaching Charity

2011-12-10T05:26:00.001-08:00

I've spent some time this holiday season thinking about how we as a family could give back. Travis and I have talked about what we would like to do for 4-H clubs and the FFA when we get back to Olney. (Both played such a big roll in what we are.) But for the time being, we want to make sure our kids realize how good they've got it and what it means to help others.

Finally I realized what we could do. A local radio station was holding a 13 hour toy drive at Walmart. Perfect. We would hurry to get ready and go to Walmart before I had to go to work. August was to pick out a toy, something that she likes to play with at home, to donate to Toys for Tots.

Quickly she settled on Strawberry Shortcake, with pink hair of course. We checkout out and August proudly carried her purchase to the tent outside. She was about to drop it in the box when the morning radio personalities appeared. One of them recognizes me from work. He looked at me, looked at August and said, "can we interview her on the radio?" Sure. "Great. We are live in ten seconds." A man from AT&T rushed out and recorded it.

YouTube Video

We had never intended on such a big deal being made of August's first donation. However, I am so happy it did. I hope that she always remembers that day.

We are so proud of her. She is wise beyond her years and compassionate. She may have taught me more than I taught her that day.

(Thank you WIXY for hosting the toy drive. Thank you AT&T for making a contribution and for recording it for us. Thank you Roofing Dog for being there. Both kiddos were amazed to see such a large and friendly dog.)

Just the Kiddos

2011-12-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

New pics of the kids I took Thanksgiving Day. My favorites are the second and last. Enjoy!

We Are Blessed

2011-11-25T15:15:00.001-08:00

Here's why...

August. She is smart, funny, and unnaturally compassionate. She has never met a stranger and I instantly best friends with anyone who will talk to her. She is honest to a fault, but her voice is always sweetest when she gives you a compliment.

Gentry. His eyes will make you melt and you'll want to eat his chubby cheeks. He laughs the best laugh when his belly or thighs are pinched. He is sweetest when he says "love you toooooooo."

They hold hands.

We have a new member in our family this year.

They love cows.

Our snowman had a change of attitude.

He's in a much better mood now!

My turkey turned out looking like this!

And finally...

I know this is true!

The Older I Get...

2011-11-05T19:12:00.001-07:00

The older I get I would much rather spend my evenings seeing this, August and Gentry holding hands as we take a walk on the farm.

This was taken a couple weeks ago. I remember I had had a rough day at work. I walked in the door and told the kids to put their shoes on. They eagerly headed out the door wondering where we were going.

To see the cows.

That is all it took. They headed in the direction that was most familiar to them.

This red Holstein was extra curious. August was extra helpful. Gentry was extra careful.

The older I get I would rather spend my evenings like this, watching them talk sweetly to the girls and trying to get them to eat feed from their palms.

The older I get I would rather share a bowl of ice cream and rock my kiddos before they go to bed.

If this is the meaning of life...I'm in.

Harvest Time!

2011-09-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

The kids and I got to ride in the combine with dad yesterday. It reminds me of the times I rode around with Grandpa Byron. Back and forth across the field, time after time sitting in the grandkid seat. It was almost an honor to ride. Yesterday riding with dad took me back to those days. I'm glad my kids get to have the same experience.

Aug got the seat of honor. She got to sit on the lunch box...I mean dinner bucket. She rubbed her face all over the windshield.

Me and Gent. This was the most emotion he showed. He was really excited to be there...he just doesn't show it...ever.

See. No emotion.

August is proud and Gentry's belly is showing.

And in case there was any question about yield this year...just kidding. I watched a long time to get this picture!

An Evening Horse Race

2011-09-22T17:10:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

A Friday List

2011-09-16T14:09:00.001-07:00

1. I don't feel so good.

2. I bought orange juice.

3. For those of you that really know me, you know that I am not a fan or orange juice. It's not anything against the orange. I just feel there are far better fruits that can be juiced.

4. I vowed as a teenager that I would never, ever gargle salt water but I would make my kids do it when their throats get scratchy.

5. One of my cousins told me that screwdrivers are good for you...because they have orange juice.

6. Does anyone have some vodka they would be willing to bring to my house and make me cocktails all evening?

7. Really? No one?

8. I guess I'll just drink plain ol' juice. 'Cause I will not gargle salt water.

9.

10. And snuggle. Because snugglin' is the best medicine anyway!

Ten Years Ago

2011-09-12T14:57:00.001-07:00

(I know this is a day late but I didn't want to impose on all the wedding photos and festivities.)

Ten years ago:

-I was a sophomore in high school.

-I was sitting in world history next to the window, next to last row, in front of my childhood best friend, Ashley Williams.

-I had no clue what was going on around me.

-I had never heard of the World Trade Centers before that day.

-I wondered what all the fuss was about. The teacher in the next class wouldn't let us watch TV. There was buzz about an act of terrorism but we couldn't find out anything more than that.

-America declared the war on terror.

-I was globally unaware.

Since that day:

-I got married.

-I had two kids.

-They have never known our country without war.

-I'm lucky they are too young to understand.

-I am still globally unaware because I can't stand to watch the news. It's depressing.

What's next:

-Dunno...

Wedding!!!

2011-09-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Like my sister-in-law said to me when I married my husband: I've never had a sister until now. Well, I have added another sister to my growing family. The wedding went off without a hitch. (No trips to Oklahoma!) Michelle was beautiful and I have never seen my brother look so grown up. I only cried a few times. The emotion of a wedding is just overwhelming at times. I'm so happy to have Michelle join our family and we wish them all the best. (I know, that is such a predictable think to say! I can't help it. It's true!)

Getting our nails done. I am happy to report that my shellac nails are still intact. No chips! I am shocked. I just knew that I would be the one person that would chip shellac polish.

Buster Brown at the rehersal. He wanted down. I said no. He made this face. There is something wrong with me for liking this face, right?

Off to decorate for the reception after dinner. This is one of the center pieces on the tables. It looked like a garden as you looked across the room when we had finished.

Michelle being laced up.

Waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting...oh sorry! There seemed to be alot of that.

August passed out in the car only about a mile from the church on our way to the reception.

The cake was beautiful and yummy!

Jennifer, Leslie, me, and Samantha

Twins!

We had a great time. I wish the night could have lasted forever. I got to reconnect with cousins and friends. Being here around the people I love makes me want to be back in Olney even more. I know I hugged a million people yesterday. I can't help it and I'm sorry if I over hugged you. I have come to realize that life is too short not to tell people that you love and care about them. I guess I was making up for lost time. And so one more time I will say: I love you all!

This Sweet Life

2011-08-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

As my parents and friends return from a weeklong vacation of lounging on the beach (see pics at http://ruskfam.blogspot.com) I have found myself jealous. While I was stuck in my life of work and wiping poop off butts, they were enjoying the sun and surf.

Then today I remembered I took this picture the other day. We had been playing outside. Aug was pulling Buster Brown around in the wagon. They had been waving and talking to the students as they walked by. Then I looked over and saw this. I snapped the picture just in time. They quickly moved away from each other.

Had I been on vacation, I would have missed this sweet moment of life at our house, here on the farm.

This Weekend

2011-07-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Mom, Aug, and Gent reading "Cooper" on the iPad. I love that they both are resting their heads in their hands!

At the Zoo! I thought I would take a picture of the kids when we first got there while they were both contained and not grumpy...

...and then I took Gentry's juice out of his hand. Hmph!

Feeding the giraffes!

Gent thought it was pretty awesome. Aug wasn't too sure about their tongues.

Gentry watching the roofers at mom and dads. He would have been out there if I would have let him!

Last Weekend

2011-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

I finally got my new backdrops and lights. I'm super eager to try them out! Any takers?

Amy's baby shower! We can't wait to meet the little girl.

Aug swimming on her own! Amy taught her. What am I going to teach her little girl?

Buster Brown just hangin'!

Michelle's Bridal Shower!

Three generations...that look like strangers. Could we be any different?

My Life in Instagram

2011-06-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

Enjoyed looking at this. It's spoon butter. The best part is that is came with a hand written tag. Nobody does that anymore.

I'm squishing your head!

Giddy up, Pokey. Be careful. He bucks!

Cow.

Auggie and her first crush.

My dead plant. I seriously don't know what is wrong with me! The geraniums are fine... This one is having trouble.

Pickle Juice!

2011-06-25T05:11:00.001-07:00

It started out, Gent grabbed my hand and started chomping on my pickle. He would make a funny face and then come back for more. The rest is here...

YouTube Video

Musson-Ryan Wedding

2011-06-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

View the full album at http://emichelsphotography.fototime.com

How To Draw a Butterfly: 101

2011-06-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

By: Auggie

Draw a obal.

Put wings on this side.

Put wings on this side.

Draw her anterns.

Add eyes.

Don't forget her nose and mouth!

Add wegs.

And whallaaah! A butterfly!

Thankful

2011-06-08T11:19:00.001-07:00

After a long, disappointing day and a short chat with my mom I realized I should be more thankful and gracious for the things that I have. Here goes...

1. I have two pretty awesome kids
2. I have a great husband who says the right things when I need him to
3. My mom, dad, and lil bro called me yesterday. Thanks for that. ;)
4. I have a job that pays the bills...if nothing else.
5. Aug is smart and loves school
6. Gentry loves his momma
7. Only one shoulder is sunburnt. The other was protected by sunscreen from holding Gentry.
8. I have an awesome camera!
9. I have a BF that works with me and my camera.
10. I'm halfway done editing the wedding from last Saturday!

Instagram

2011-06-01T04:18:00.001-07:00

If you have an iPhone you HAVE to get this app. It is awesome. These are some of the pics I edited with it.

Okay...so maybe that is all of them. I couldn't choose just a fee!

A Buncha Videos

2011-06-01T04:12:00.001-07:00

I just figured out how to post photos and videos from my phone. Hint: theres an app for that. I should have known! So here are some videos that I have been saving.

YouTube Video

Pants-less Wrestling

YouTube Video

Kitchen Barricade-aka The Giggle Song

YouTube Video

The Shopping Cart

YouTube Video

I'll Help You, Gentry

YouTube Video

Bucket-a-Water

YouTube Video

Mary's Little Lamb (is made of silk)

Memorial Day Ride

2011-05-31T17:25:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

They had way too much fun! They were both so tired by the end of the day, I had to wake both of them up for supper.

Gentry thought it was just awesome to ride instead of just chasing Aug. He only fell out once or twice! He was fine...he is such a boy!

-Erin

A Saturday List

2011-05-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

1. I was going to do an engagement session today. Couldn't because it rained. She still wanted to do it...Right. They would have been all wet by the time they sat and leaned on stuff. Now I feel bad. Maybe we will get it tomorrow.

2. My lil bro is graduating from college today...and he already has a job. I hate him...nt really but kinda.

3. I need a nap but I can't ever get both kids to sleep at the same time so I can take one.

4. Thanks to everyone who went the the Gypsy on Thursday and the farmers market today. Your donations to Walk and Roll mean so much.

5. I've watched Tangled countless times since Aug got it for Easter. He horse is hillarious!

6. I need a job.

7. I need a job in Olney.

8. I need teaching job in Olney.

9. I'm tired of living somewhere else.

10. That is all. Enjoy your weekend.

Ooo~la~la...Fancy Nancy

2011-04-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

We became a little obsessed with Fancy Nancy after she got a book from Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas. Needless to say, we just had to have a fancy birthday party.

She was so posh...that's a fancy word for fancy.

Godparents Rylan and Amy

She got the same sparkly princess card from both sets grandparents. She was just blown away!

No comment...this says it all!

Amy put Buster Brown in a box...

...and then a bag. What is she going to do to her own kids?

August has grown so much over the last year. And I don't me physically. She started pre-school and her mind has just exploded with information. She constantly wants to learn something new. Her art and drawing has changed dramatically over the last couple of months. She is just becoming such a wonderful person. She tells everyone she meets that she is going to be a cow-girl-doctor when she grows up. That's a big dream, but she has a big personality. I have no doubts about her.

Prayers & Panties 4 Patty

2011-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

A team has been organized for the Walk and Roll in Olney. We are selling t-shirts and some other stuff to raise money. The first two images are the shirts. The top image is displayed on the back. The bottom image is on the front, small in one corner of the shirt, like pocket sized, with our team name on top. Shirts are $20 and benefit Walk and Roll and the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Also, my mom is selling raffle tickets for a quilt she made. E-mail me for more info or to buy tickets. Contact info at the bottom of post.

These two flyers are fundraisers being done in Olney to benefit the same organizations. Please try to attend or tell someone else about them so that they can attend. Everyone knows someone who has or had cancer. Do it for them. You will end up spending money on something anyway. Why not let it benefit a good cause?

T-shirts: email Amy Rusk at amyruskphotography@gmail.com

Quilt raffle tickets: email Me at erinmichels@gmail.com

Patty's Journey of Faith

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

Heritage

2011-04-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know how else to describe this photo shoot. I borrowed the backdrop from Amy. (Thanks! And super thanks for letting me borrow your flash!!!) The hat and ties belonged to my Great-Grandpa Charlie Benton. We just happened to stumble into them last summer. The hat was found in a dresser that belonged to him. The ties were passed along by one of my dad's cousins. I couldn't resist doing a naked baby shoot! I had always liked the one's where the babe was wearing his dad's tie. That just didn't seem to work for us because, well, Travis doesn't wear a tie...ever...hardly. So now that I have rambled on forever-the definition.

heritage--valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside, and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

2011-04-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

I knew shortly after Gentry was born that "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" would have to be the theme for his first birthday. In fact, it has really been the theme for his first year of life. If you have read the book or even met Gentry you know what I am talking about. Let me be more specific.

*Gentry, at one year, is wearing the same size clothes that August wore when she was two.

*He is only 8 pounds lighter than her.

*Don't walk into the kitchen unless you are prepared to hand him something to eat.

*He has to take a nap while I cook supper, otherwise it is tragic, on both parts.

*One of his nicknames is G-Unit.

*When I describe him to people I most often get, "oh so he is going to be a linebacker." Umm, yes.

His birthday was super fun. He ate, of course, like I've never seen. Most of the food we ate was from the book-strawberries, oranges, cheese, cake, sausage. He did spit out the strawberry, though.

Nearly everytime we would look at him, he would stick his tongue out like this.

God-parents Derek and Sheshell. Notice his kissy lips.

And here's the cake. I had to actually hold the cupcake while we sang to keep him from...well...you can see the picture. He only dropped a couple of pieces on the floor.

And here is August and Mimi. Aug had some trouble with Gentry being the center of attention the whole day. But it is still a good picture!

I can't believe my little boy is already a year old. He has turned into such a little man! His personality is exploding from every roll on his body. I love him so much. I can't wait to see what he becomes.

A List

2011-03-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

As I read blogs (and when I say blogs I mean 2 of them), I notice that making lists is becoming trendy. I'm jumping on that bandwagon. Here goes.

1. Prayers for Patty. And her girls. I love them.

2. So it's Lent. I decided that instead of giving something up I would give complements or do something nice for someone. This is harder than I had originally thought. I knew it would be difficult. But this is h.a.r.d.

a. Wednesday I didn't get upset at someone when clearly I had a right to. (That's a nice thing to do...right?)
b. Thursday I told someone I liked the color of her lipstick. It did look very nice on her. I would look like a clown.
c. Friday: I'm still working on it.

3. Just caught Buster Brown chewing on my shoes I wore in the barn today. Ew.

4. We were in the barn to see an ultra sound done on a cow. So cool! She was able to tell the cow was pregnant at 29 days. Then she determined the sex on two other cows.

5. During all this Aug was hovered over the screen in the middle of a bunch of be studded. The lady pointed out the fetus and Aug reached down and tickled the screen causing everyone to weekly in laughter. That's my girl!

6. It's Friday meaning that tomorrow is the weekend. Just though I would throw that one out there incase anyone was confused...like me.

7. I always hated seeing the signs at craft shows that said: My house was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it. Today at my house that is very true.

8. I miss my flash.

9. Aug asked me: why didn't you put your butt in your pants? My response: Mommy's butt doesn't fit in these pants and putting them on is a process.

10. For those of you that get weekends-ENJOY!!

Look Familiar?

2011-02-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

Does he look familiar?

It's not who you think....

Mom brought an album of old family photos to my house over the weekend. I opened the font cover and this little guy was right there on the first page. I cried. This happens to be August "Gus" Weiler, my great-grandpa. This photo was taken when he was about one year old. Gentry looks soooo much like him. Here I thought that I would never have a kid that looks like me! Turns out he doesn't look like me...just my family. I guess that counts.

Weiler Christmas

2011-01-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

I tried to take family pictures at the Weiler Christmas. My flash broke right before we got started. What I have is okay, but not really what I was wanting to get.

First and second generations: My dad, Uncle Ben, Aunt Julie, Grandma, and Aunt Janet.

Third generation: Kathy, Megan, Clayton, Michelle, Kali,
Milton, Anthony, Chris, me, Derek, and Serena.

Fourth generation: August, Alex, Jack, Emery, Gentry, and Caroline. (All the kids are named after family members.)

My Family: Michelle, Derek, Dad, Mom, August, Grandma, me, and Gentry.

Christmas...I know it's late

2011-01-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

This was probably the best Christmas ever. Aug was so excited to open all of her presents and Gentry was really into it, too.

Christmas picture in their new pj's. Aug has a big tear on her cheek. Gentry had pulled her hair a few frames before this picture was taken. Over 40 pictures taken and this is the one good one of both of them!

Visiting Santa. August just wasn't too sure of him. That was all the closer she wanted to get and I couldn't get her to smile for the picture. Gentry was eyeing his beard. I was so afraid he was going to pull on it.

Pillow pets from Mommy and Daddy.

We must have been Santa's first stop on Christmas because he came on Christmas Eve. We were watching TV upstairs and heard noises downstairs. We looked out the window to see if Santa was leaving. Aug was pretty sure she saw him fly away. When we went down, the presents were there under the tree.

Aug wearing her Hello Kitty socks and house shoes from Santa.

Santa knew how much Gentry loves to play with balls. He got five, and we can only find two right now. Hmm.

Aug's Christmas Program

2010-12-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

Aug had her Christmas program at pre-school today. This is only a small part of the program. She kept saying "hi" to us. She did such a good job! I love my little girl!

I can't believe that Travis and I have been married 5 years today...and we have two great kids to show for it!

Let it Snow!

2010-12-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Actually, not really. We have plenty of snow...8 inches to be exact! I know the pictures aren't great but it was cold and I wasn't really thinking about getting the best pics.

We tried to make a snowman but the snow wasn't packable. Aug looks so cold in this pic! But we had just gotten outside.

My snow-angel.

Gentry was just chillin'. He was happy enough just watching August play.

I thought I would try to get a good picture of both of them. That didn't happen. Gentry's pants came up a little and he got snow on his legs. And he is so big I couldn't get a good shot of Aug's smiling face.

After, we warmed up with hot chocolate from Amy. Thanks, Amy!!!!

Christmas Decor...Check

2010-12-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't see getting a real tree this year. I really didn't want to have to deal with Gentry pulling it over and the water and the needles and the sap. So I got this cute little pre-lit thing. Yes, pre-lit. It is amazing. All the lights are in the perfect spot!

I know, it's small. However, it fits in this corner just right.

I always let Aug hang some of the ornaments. This is where she hung the group of fabric ornament balls.

And this is where she hung her ornaments from Amy and Rylan.

And this is where she hung the cinnamon ornaments. Do you see a pattern?

I was able to just catch this moment before they both moved. I don't know what they were talking about. She was touching the tree and saying something and he was listening so intently.

My Favorite Things

2010-11-25T04:41:00.000-08:00

My Thanksgiving List of Favorite Things....

Obviously my kids are my first favorite things...This is a list of the other stuff. (Some things have links.)

My new camera flash
My new wide angle lens
Amy's excitement
The smell of fall (but not the cold)
International Delight White Chocolate Raspberry creamer
Pumpkin milk
This blog, she has awesome deals
Home-made laundry detergent--I can't even explain how much money I am saving
Amy Rusk Photography
Vista Print and all things free
Making Cinnamon Ornaments with Amy and our moms
Hearing August pray before supper ("Good food, good meat, good God, let's eat. Amen." Clap.)
Hearing August cry while saying the prayer for supper
Rounding up cows in the dark (I know its crazy)
Watching Gentry play in the morning
Hearing Gentry's belly laugh
My traditional Thanksgiving meatballs

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Cinnamon Ornaments Photo Tutorial

2010-11-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

This one is for Mom and Weezer...

Mix 4 ounces cinnamon with 3/4 to 1 cup applesauce.

Mix until it makes a super sticky dough. Add more cinnamon or applesauce until it gets to the right consistency.

Sprinkle cinnamon on the counter and roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon as needed.

Use your favorite cookie cutters.

Peel off the negative area and scoop the ornaments with a super thin spatula.

Put them on a cookie sheet. Use a coffee straw to punch holes.

Bake at 200, turning every 20 minutes or so until they are hardened. You can also let them air dry but that takes a looooong time! Tie them on presents or hang them on your tree!

A word of advice...Don't eat these. They don't taste as good as they smell. Ask my dad.

Homemade Laundry Soap Photo Tutorial

2010-11-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

The Ingredients

5 gallon bucket and lid

1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Borax

The How To:

Grate the soap into a pan on the stove. Don't worry about using your best pan, it cleans out super easy.

Add 4 cups of water and turn the heat on medium-low. Stir occasionally until the soap is dissolved.

Meanwhile, add the Washing Soda and Borax to the bucket 1/3 full of water. When the soap is dissolved add it, too. Fill the bucket the rest of the way with water. Stir it up, cover it, and let it set over night.

The next day, cover your floor with newspaper. Funnel the detergent into saved jugs.

And Voila! You have made 5 jugs of laundry detergent for about a $10 initial investment. Figure up how much you spend on one jug of detergent and you will see the savings!

Typically...This is how it goes...

2010-11-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is how my Sunday went...

I went to bed Saturday night and changed two clocks in the house. I woke up and they said different things. It wasn't until 9:38 that I knew exactly what time it was. I had to call mom.

Travis took us to breakfast and Merry Ann's. The rest is as follows...

We played dress up. It usually involves a baby doll or stuffed animal and Aug's own clothes, socks, or underwear.

Aug put on her Halloween costume and played all afternoon. She was Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. All afternoon she said a quote from the movie: "I will never, ever kiss a frog! Yuck!" Then she crashed on the couch after telling me that she was NOT tired.

Gentry found something on the floor and tried to put it in his mouth. When I say tried, I mean that he held it in the palm of him hand and sucked his thumb. The food landed and stuck to his chin.

Gentry tried to eat from Aug's teacup left over from our afternoon tea party.

Got mad becuase it was empty...

And tried to climb up the cabinet to get his bottle.

The End.

Curls and Cr...ks

2010-10-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little something to whip out when he starts dating!!!

She looks so old here!

The Cobble Wedding Gallery

2010-10-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

Cobble Wedding Gallery

Click above to see the photos from this wedding. The weather was great and the wedding was beautiful!

Fall Pictures...Take 1

2010-10-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure why I even try.

The pictures of the kids by themselves turned out really great! Gentry was in a good mood and August smiled without the cheese.

You will notice that her shirt is on backwards...she dressed herself.

The following pictures are reason enough to forgo the cutesy pictures ever again...

Gentry, put your legs here. And look there's a pumpkin for you to hold.

Daddy! It's moving!!!!!

Well...at least they both look kind of happy!

Aug's First Day at Pre-School

2010-09-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

At some point in your child's short life, you realize they are starting to outgrow you. That day was today. August started pre-school.

Here is my baby girl on her first day of pre-school. Of course she had to pose, she couldn't just smile on the porch. She is such a little entertainer!

She has been talking about this for months...and I'm not joking...m-o-n-t-h-s. We knew this day was coming. It has been marked on the calendar for the last two weeks. And still, it hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. As I picked out her clothes for the day, I just knew that I had to put her in her favorite color...pink. We posed for a picture on the front porch. I think this is a tradition for most American families. I'm okay, I tell myself, it's pre-school not kindergarten. We drop Gentry off and meet Travis at the pre-school. I unbuckle Aug from her carseat...I'm still okay...

When we got to the school, she ran inside. I didn't even have time to focus my camera before I took this shot. She was so excited to go!

And she's off. We stroll inside...I'm still okay...it's just pre-school...not high school. As we enter the school, her backpack is off and she is gone. And I mean gone. She is exploring all the other rooms, she is checking out the toys, she is even introducing herself to the other kids! I spend a couple of minutes with the director and I go to say goodbye to Aug...and she doesn't even care that I'm leaving. The look on her face said, "You're still here?"

And so we left. And I lost it. She needs me to drive her to school and fix her meals. She is a social butterfly with no fears. I'm not sure how she got that way. It certainly wasn't from me. She must get that from her daddy. :)

What a Sunday...

2010-09-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

It started out, "Mommy, don't take my picture!" And she turns her back to me.

We picked up sticks around the yard using the Gator.

Gentry joins us outside and enjoys the weather. He even makes silly shapes with his tongue!

Gentry goes for a crawl in the grass. He is not sure what to think of it. The look on his face the entire time was priceless. He was also funny when I tried to take his picture with him looking at the camera. He tried to look around the camera instead of at it. He knew I was back there and he kept looking for me.

We ended the day with meatballs (becuase they freeze beautifully)...and lipstick as eyeshadow. Yep, she found some lipstick and put it on her eyelids. Isn't she pretty?

Sleeping Angels

2010-09-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

After a wild...and I mean August laughing and swinging around the post in the kitchen, Gentry crying for food (it goes like this "waa waa mmmm" when the spoon goes in his mouth)...evening, I checked on the kids and they are sleeping like little angels. Their tiny faces look so dreamy as they sleep. It makes my heart go pitter-patter. I wish I had a picture but I'm afraid the flash and sound of the shutter would wake them and disturb this peacefulness.

Oh, by the way...It's Harvest Time!!!! I got the call Sunday afternoon. So cool.

Huddleston-Menke Wedding Gallery

2010-09-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Below is the link for the complete wedding gallery of Travis and Britni Huddleston.

Huddleston-Menke Wedding Gallery

Huddleston-Menke Wedding

2010-09-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Amy and I did our first wedding!!! We got in the car afterwards and we like "omg we can believe we just did that!" It was waaaaay too much fun. Another link will follow with all of the pictures.

Huddleston-Menke Wedding

The Cows are Hot...

2010-08-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Travis is semi famous...Just click the link to see.

Hot Cows

Gentry, 5 months

2010-08-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Z's

2010-07-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

August woke up last night and told me she was afraid of the Z's in her room...Okay. Again, tonight she tells me that there are Z's all over her room. The solution? Z spray. It's a special blend of air freshener and anti Z stuff that keeps the Z's away. You can send my Mom of the Year plaque to my house when it's ready.

An All-American Weekend

2010-07-05T12:54:00.001-07:00

These are some pictures of an All-American 4th of July Weekend...

Watchin' the girls go to the parlor

Shuckin' corn

Needs no explaination

Gentry chillin' while August played

August on her new toy. She calls it a Crocodile.

Now I just need my roots done!

(Funny joke fot the one person who knows the whole story.)

Cheeks, Glasses, and Giggles

2010-06-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

"You are really getting along with the aluminum foil, aren't you?"

2010-06-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

That's what Travis said to me tonight as I fixed supper. And yes, we are getting along very well. I have discovered...that if you line the pan with foil before you bake, cleaning up is much easier. Yep, ladies that's right! Tired of cleaning the pan before it goes in the dishwasher? Tired of cleaning the pan after you have already washed it once? No more! Line the pan with foil and your worries are over. But seriously...it has been amazing. I just remove the foil and lightly wash the pan. That's it! Why didn't I think of this before?

On another note...Gentry rolled over tonight...and I missed it. I put him on the floor when I got home, went to change clothes, and when I returned he was on his belly. He did it again later but I missed the first time. Maybe I'll get his first word, or his first steps.

I took Aug to see her first movie at the theater on Friday. We saw Toy Story 3. It was sooooo cute! A little long but definantly worth it when it got to the end. And to think, 15 years ago I was watching the first Toy Story movie with the same anticipation that August watched this one with. I love this movie because, while it has subtle appeals for adults, it is not raunchy like some "Disney" movies that are coming out now.

And finally...August spent some time with Amy a couple weeks ago. See Amy's blog for pics and the whole story. She had such a good time with her.

My Debut

2010-05-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

Erin Michels Photography Debut Sale

Click here to visit my site.

Things I Love

2010-05-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

* The smell of fresh cut grass.
* The sight of rain (only once in a while).
* Seeing Travis play with August.
* Seeing Travis talk to Gentry.
* The fact that both of my kiddos look like Travis and not me...not even a little.
* Two words...Dove Chocolate.
* The fact that wine comes in giant size bottles.
* D batteries...for the swing for Gentry.
* My house keeper, aka August. Yep, she lined up our shoes. (Oh, and as a side note. She moved Gentry's carseat and told me to walk around it so that I wouldn't trip. Of course I tripped over it and what did Aug say? "I toad you to walk around it!")

* These smiles.

Visit This!!

2010-05-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Gentry's social security number still hasn't arrived so I checked the website to see if I could find anything out. I stumbled across this. If you type in a name is will give you its popularity rank. In the year August was born, her name was number 608. Gentry doesn't even make the top 1,000. How cool!

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/babynames/

New 'Do

2010-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

So Travis is working on a presentation for school and I am trying my best to keep Aug entertained. I thought about giving her a bath...then I saw my flat iron. I straightened her hair! She looks so different. She keeps combing it and looking in the mirror. I see little girls about her age in stores and wish that Aug had long hair. I guess she really does! Let's just hope her curls come back when it gets wet!

Amazing...

2010-04-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

I just had the most amazing moment. I had just fed Gentry and he was asleep in my arms. I could hear the pitter patter of August's feet in her room upstairs. (She was supposed to be asleep.) I just had these big crocodile tears well up in my eyes. Gentry is almost 8 weeks old and I don't remember a time without him. I worried when I was pregnant that I would not have the room in my heart for a second child. Let me tell you, the love in my heart is running over... And it is coming out my eyes! I have no other words for my feelings except that I hope every person can feel the same way that I feel in this moment.

Birthday Party, Part 2934798237497234

2010-04-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is a link to Amy's blog. August spent the evening with Amy and Rylan. This is too funny not to share on my blog, too.

http://rarusk.blogspot.com/2010/04/joys-of-child-part-2934798237497234.html

He Smiles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have tried for a week to get this picture! Finally, I got it. Travis was talking to him this morning about him being up all night. He was up three times...I think...I don't really remember... Anyway. Gentry was just a grinning as big as he could. The second picture is my favorite! :)

This is a necklace that mom and dad have gotten for me. It is so pretty! I just had to share it. The letter charms by themselves are pretty but the pearls in between really set it off. I wear this all the time and get alot of compliments on it. It must be very hip. One of my high school customers at work even told me she liked it. Do they say "hip" or should I call it "cool"? Hmm... That is the question of the day. Visit http://thevintagepearl.com/ to see more charms and stuff.

Like Mother Like Daughter

2010-04-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

One of Aug's birthday presents was a digital camera. It's one of those cool kid cameras that is hard t break. She has taken about 100 pictures since Monday night when she got it. Sound familiar? That's about how many I take at a time! Most of the pictures are of the floor or totally black. These are some of her best.

I took the kids to the doctor yesterday for a check-up. Gentry is in the 97th percentile for his weight. The doctor told me to try to space out his feedings. Uh huh, yeah right! She also suggested that I give him water between feedings. That is not working so well. He knows that what he is drinking is not right and he groans the whole way through it.

By the way, all my ducks were in a row this morning and there were 31 Internet Explorer windows open. Hmmm...wonder who did that?

Ducks in a Row

2010-04-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Most nights August gets out of bed. I usually find some sort of evidence of this occurrence. She closes a door, colors with a pen from my computer desk, uses my lotion, plays in my makeup, or puts her teddy bear in Gentry's cradle. Last night I was walking upstairs and found this. I guess she needed her ducks in a row before she could sleep. She just melts my heart!

My Little Hoss

2010-04-09T07:08:00.001-07:00

So I have spent the last week feeding Gentry 5 ounces about every 2 hours during the day and every 3-4 during the night. I finally got some cereal yesterday. What an experience. He either doesn't like the bottle (because it is a different one for thicker liquids) or he doesn't like the cereal. It is difficult to get him to take it. He had two cereal bottles yesterday. Those went very well. The bottle this morning was a different story. I got him to take about three ounces and called it good. An hour later he gave it all back. He spit up everywhere! However, it has been four hours since I gave him that bottle and he still isn't hungry. I don't know what is better...feeding every two hours or dealing with spit up. I'll have to think about that one and get back to you.

August asks me at least once a day, "Mommy, you tired?" Finally last night I told her that I would be tired for at least the next 18 years. You get to stop worrying about them after that. Right?

Hoppy Easter!

2010-04-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Gentry's 1st Easter Picture

August was blowing bubbles with her second cousins. I got this picture just as a bubble was floating by.

Aug and her second cousins.
Alex and his brother, Jack. August. Caroline and her brother, Emery.

August and her cousins. Perrin, Simon, Rolande (holding Gentry), twins Isaac and Ayden, and Stephen in the back.

Aug opening, well actually she was eating her way through her eggs.

Aug's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-04-05T10:53:00.001-07:00

We had Aug's birthday party on Saturday. You can probably see that it was a Hello Kitty party. The girl loves pink and Hello Kitty! My favorite part is the tutu (or three-three as Dad was calling it) that mom made for her.

August pulled us in close for this picture!

As the tradition has gone, August has gotten a pair of shoes every year on her birthday. Her first birthday was cowgirl boots from Amy and Rylan. Her second birthday was Nike Shocks from Derek and Michelle. This year she got rubber boots from us and Derek and Michelle. Yep, she got two pair this year!

I love the banner that Mom made. You can see it in the background here.

I wonder what kind of cupcakes I can make for her next year. My kids will not hate me for not letting them have actual cakes on their birthday. They will love me for always making them cupcakes. (By the way, this is a long story.)

Derek mentioned that Michelle would like to make the birthday cake for one of my kids sometime. I told him very plainly that my kids don't have cakes for their birthdays they have cupcakes, that it is a tradition, and that if Michelle wanted she could decorate the cupcakes for Gentry's first birthday. (I already know what it will be!) Well, he tells me, Michelle doesn't know how to decorate cupcakes, she knows how to decorate cakes. Here comes Mom. She says that some day my kids will resent me for the things I won't let them do or have. Okay, I can live with that. They will still always have cupcakes on their birthdays. I'll pay for therapy later.

By the way Mom, we don't resent you for the things we couldn't do or have. Looking back, jelly shoes were not such a great idea and glitter hair is tacky. Thanks.

Two Pesos

2010-03-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

August got some stickers in the mail the other day. You are supposed to look at a picture and find the hidden items and put the sticker on top of it. One of the stickers happened to be a comb.

Last night I hear her singing and I can't quite make out what it is. I ask her to sing it again. She turns around and looks at me. She has put the comb sticker on her upper lip like a mustache. This is what she sings...

My name is Pancho.
I work on a ranch-o.
I make two pesos a day.

Thanks, Pat! This made my day.

2 Week Picture

2010-03-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of Gentry when he was two weeks old. (He is three weeks now.) I have a picture of August when she was two weeks old laying the same way. I just love how sweet and peaceful he looks in this picture.

He's been a pretty good baby so far. He only gets up once or twice at night now, which is a big change from when he first came home. He doesn't get fussy very often. When he does, he usually wants something very specific--like a diaper change or to sit in the swing. Once we figure out what he wants he is very happy. He has quite a personality in that sense. I just love to see him grow.

August is still great with him. She always covers him up and makes sure he has a toy. She likes to help buckle him into the carseat and then take him out. She surprises me by asking to hold him. After a couple of minutes she is done because he is "too heaby." Oh, I love my kids!!!

Pictures!!!!

2010-03-19T07:21:00.001-07:00

Meeting Mimi and Pa at the hospital.

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa.

Derek and Michelle

When August was born, my dad gave her a tractor. I assumed the tradition would continue. When we arrived home with Gentry, this tractor was waiting for him. Mom would put the tractor up on a shelf and Dad would put it in the bouncer with him. Mom would put it up, Dad would give it back to him. I don't even know how many times they did this the afternoon we brought Gentry home.

Gentry's first company was Rylan, Amy, and Patty. Aug's face is priceless.

I love that she loves him!

Mohawk!

My Father's Daughter

2010-03-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently the word "no" means nothing to August. You can say it nicely, yell it, physically pull her away from something and explain it to her. Still, "don't touch that" and "don't do that" mean nothing.

There comes a time in your adult life when you realize that you do exactly the same things that your parents used to do. For me, I had one of those moments last night.

August reached for something on the table next to me. I told her no. She continued to reach for it and I thunked her on the head, just like my dad used to do to me. Yep, I put my middle finger on my thumb and released it on the top of her head. I'm turning into my parents. But I can say that's a good thing.

Oh, and I swear there are pictures of Gentry coming very soon!

And Happy Birthday, Amy!!!!

It's A Boy!!!

2010-03-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Gentry Maurice

Born March 6, 2010

at 1:45 am

8 lbs 15 oz

21 inches

(Pictures later)

Oh Baby

2010-03-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

Holy crap! This child will reside in my womb forever!

This weekend was a blast... I spent Wednesday night, all of Thursday and Friday, and then Saturday with contractions getting closer and closer together. We made the decision to go to the hospital about 5:30 Saturday evening. By 6:30 I was checked in and hooked up. Still, contractions got closer and closer together. The pain was increasing...just like it is supposed to do. I decided that I would ask for pain medication early on, since I didn't have any at all with August. I did not want a repeat. So here I am in lala land, high on life and feeling pretty good. I glance at the monitor and notice that I had a contraction that I didn't even feel. Cool! Hmmm...not so much. All labor stopped. Seriously!?! How about a walk around the labor and delivery unit? 45 minutes of that didn't help at all. They kept me until 7:00 Sunday morning. The doctor said I would probably go on Sunday sometime. As you can tell it is Monday morning and still NOTHING!

The good news is that this will only last until Friday. If the baby fails to make an entrance by then, I will be induced. One grandfather in particular hopes that I have the baby tomorrow. It will be his 51st b-day! Happy Birthday, Dad!

Belly Pics

2010-02-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

Three weeks and counting. I can't believe it is almost here. My stomach is so tight it feels like if you poke too hard it will burst! I am beyond uncomfortable and can't really sleep through the night. But I guess it is worth the reward in the end!

Amy took these for me over the weekend. The first two are my favorite. Aug's face is too precious!

Chicken Tape

2010-01-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

I may or may not have thrown August's baby doll down the stairs this morning instead of letting her climb the stairs to get it herself. This may or may not have caused the baby doll's head to break off its shoulders. Derek and Michelle are here this weekend. August took it to Derek to fix. Derek yells up the stairs, "Did the baby's head always sit sideways?" No, I don't think so. Then she brought it upstairs to me to fix becuase Derek didn't know how. (Aug said he didn't know how.) I laughed so hard I cried. The baby's head was only attached by a wire. Sorry August, the baby doll is not fixable. I return upstairs to finish my hair. August comes over to the bottom of the stair case and yells, "Do we have any chicken tape?" That's the funny thing about uncles. They can't fix things like mommies and they make your kids say the funniest things.

The reason this is funny is becuase when Derek was younger he asked Mom, "Do we have any egg tape...no, chicken tape...no, DUCK TAPE!?!" It has been kind of a running joke in the family.

Misadventures of a Farm Wife, Part 3

2010-01-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

The phone rings at 1 am. That's right, 1 in the morning. It's the University Police and there are cows out. I ask Travis if he needs my help. I usually go out and just leave August in bed when the cows get out at night. Not this time, he says, becuase the police are here and that is like child abandonment or something silly.

I got back to bed like I'm going to go back to sleep (ha!). Phone rings a few minutes later. Put August in the car, he says, I need you to barricade. Fantastic. I wake my peacefully sleeping two year old (who, by the way quit sleeping through the night until that night). I put her coat on her and wrap her in a blanket and throw her in the car, buckled of course becuase the police are here.

I back in to my position and wait. Here come a small herd of 7 or 8. A few minutes later, another small herd. I look in the rearview, there are three behind me. The make their way around the car. Here come the girls!, August proclaims like it was completely normal that the cows were walking around the car. I change positions. I realize that in my new position, the car is not enough and that I will have to become a human barricade.

One hour, five or six cops, and about sixty cows later we were done. If you want to see something funny, watch city boy cops try to herd cows. "This is like the great goat chase!," one said. "I can't wait to have a steak after this." "You pain in the ass, not you the cow."

What a life! I love this part of it!

Guess What We're Doing Right Now.....

2010-01-09T06:20:00.001-08:00

August played with my make-up bag during the night and we are looking for it. That's right. She woke up this morning with black marks on her face. I assumed it was pen or marker from a cup we have next to the computer. Then, as I am getting ready I notice my make-up bag is missing. I guess it is eye liner on her face. All of my make-up is in that bag! She is walking room to room saying "hmm, hmm. I can't find it."

This is only one of the funny things she has done recently.

She went to the doctor with me earlier this week. She likes to hear the baby's heartbeat. She told the nurse that it sounded like a monkey. The nurse started cracking up.

The doctor then told her that she was a cutie. She replied with "uh huh, I cutie."

She freaks out when she poops in her diaper but insists that she will not use the big girl potty. We're even bribing her with dollars. No luck. Maybe Dr. Phil knows what to do. (That one's for you, Amy.)

She insisted that Travis clean the snow of the windshield of his truck so she could see out. She then says, "oh thank you daddy" like he had just done the best thing ever.

So. Since I have been writing, she has found my make-up...in the corner of her room. It's kind of scary what she can do while I'm sleeping! Should I hide the kitchen knives?

Over Due Update...

2010-01-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

I have been told on more than one occasion and by more than one person that I need to update my blog. I know. It's been a while. The thing is that I don't spend as much time on the computer "doing homework" like I used to do.

The good news is that I am D-O-N-E with school. I passed the test to get my Indiana license. I have to get certified in CPR and then I can officially apply. That means in about a month I will be an actual teacher!

The baby is doing well. I went to the doctor today. August has been going with me. She likes to hear the baby's heart. Today she told the nurse that it sounded like a monkey. She was also told she was a cutie and she said, "uh huh, I cutie." She insisted on taking her new Hello Kitty purse with her. Thankfully, it kept her entertained for the half hour that we waited.

And now on to Christmas pictures. This is all I have right now. I have not had my camera out as much as I would like.

Amy and Rylan got August Elefun. It is a cute game that will help August with her hand-eye coordination. The poor girl inherited my inability to see something and do it at the same time. Hopefully this will help her. She loves playing it. The night she opened it at their house, she made everyone play, including Rylan's sister.

August opening presents from Santa Clause. He brought her a veterinary kit. It is so cute. It has a little dog and cat and a kennel on the front to keep them in. It also came with all the regular doctor supplies. Travis said this is his favorite present. Now August can work on animals like daddy.

This is how she went through her stocking. She simply dumped everything on the floor and then started going through it. She wouldn't pull one thing out at a time.

August with her cousins on the Michels side. Youngest to oldest: Simon, Perrin, Stephen, and Rolande. August and Simon are about six months apart. They are too cute playing together. They even said please and thank you to each other.

At Dennis and Linda's for Christmas we played this game, I think it was called Rudolph. Each team had to take eight balloons, blow them up, and put them in the panty hose. Then one member had to put in on their head and say "Rudolph." This is Aug and the boys wearing their antlers.

Me with my Weiler cousins.

My brother and I with our Grandma Jinny.

When August and I got back from Olney snow was everywhere and Travis wanted to take her outside to play. Here they are trying to make snowballs to throw at me.

Then Travis wanted to take her sledding but we didn't have a sled. He took the lid off of a big storage container and drilled two holes in it. He tied some wire through the holes and then attached it to a long rope. He pulled August around the driveway. Her face was priceless as he pulled her through the snow. She just loved it and cried when we took her inside.

And finally....Travis and I have these hand-me-down chairs that are nearly as old as I am. About six months ago one of them started falling apart. It got to the point that the only way you could sit on it was if you pushed it up against the wall. I kept telling Travis that I was going to put it on the front lawn. I never did becuase I was worried that it would sit there for weeks before it was hauled away. The day I took out the Christmas tree I decided that I had had enough. I don't know how it got in the house but it was hell to get out of the house. It got stuck in the doorway with me outside! I'm sure it would have been a comical sight to see a pregnant woman push and pull and cuss this chair out the door. However, I feel much better with it gone.

Prayer Request

2009-12-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

One of the teachers that I student taught under has a son serving in Afghanistan. His name is Ryan and he is in the Special Forces. While I was in Diane's classroom, she talked about him constantly and the students were curious and concerned about him. The school's special project for the holiday's was to send packages to Ryan and the other members in his unit. The project also focused on sending items for the children of Afghanistan. Ryan and others in his unit often saw the children and liked to share candy and other items with them.

This morning I received an e-mail from another teacher at the school that Ryan was hit with shrapnel in the shoulder and leg. He was air-lifted to Germany for surgery. I have been told that everything should be okay. Your prayers are appreciated.

Happy Shpanks-gibing!

2009-11-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

At least that's how it's said at my house! August just loved making these Oreo turkeys. I asked her if she wanted to make turkeys. She was so excited at first and had no idea what she was actually going to be doing. I put the icing on the Oreo and she put on the Kisses and candy corn. I put on the eyes. If you look at the last picture, you can tell which ones I made and which ones she made. She was kind of upset when we were done. I guess we'll have to make more tomorrow when these are gone!

Things that I am thankful for: (in no particular order)
1. August and baby number 2
2. Travis
3. Almost being done with school (although sad I have to go back to work)
4. My family
5. When the students manage to keep all gates closed and the cows don't get loose and run across Lincoln Avenue!
6. Chocolate and all things sweet
7. Memorable experiences (like the ones below)
8. The fact that I think I am almost done Christmas shopping (although I am sure I am missing someone!)
9. Playhouse Disney
10. My friends

Happy Halloween

2009-11-04T15:02:00.001-08:00

First of all, Happy Halloween. I know I am a few days late. I should have had these pictures up over the weekend. August was a cow. We only went to a couple of places but she had fun saying "trick-or-treat!"

I took August to get a flu vaccination on Monday. They didn't have any of the traditional flu vaccines left, so she got the mist. I told August that the nurse would be putting "water" in her nose and that she would have to sniff. We practiced a couple of times. After the nurse put it in her nose, Aug hopped off my lap and looked at the nurse and says, "Oh thank you I feel better."

I went to the doctor yesterday for a check up. We took August along so that she could hear the baby's heartbeat. We talked to her about it in the car on the way there. While I am talking with the doctor, August looks at her and asks, "We hear baby now?" It was in a tone of voice that said, "lets get this moving, I'm ready to go."

Having seen Amy's blog, I decided to ask the other teachers about this planetary alignment thing in the lounge yesterday. Every last one of them made fun of me! They looked at me like I was nuts! All I wanted to know was if anyone else had heard of it. The teacher that I am working with tries it last night and it worked for her. Ha! She made a public apology...so now I'm not the crazy one at school. (At least I didn't try to do it with my Swiffer like one of the other student teachers.)

Check it Out

2009-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

You have got to check out this site! Mom found it and she is getting some great ideas for different things. This woman is sooooo crafty! Her stuff is so cute and thrifty.

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/

Sunday Afternoon

2009-10-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

August and I went to this little garden that is near our house this afternoon to take some fall pictures. The worst thing is that I could only upload one picture at a time. There are several more that I wanted to include but it was taking forever. Oh, check out my new profile pic. It is August riding the carousel at the mall.

Five Things I Love About Fall
1. The smell of the air.
2. The fact that I am sleeping with the windows open. I love the cool air when I sleep.
3. The color of the leaves.
4. The way August says "thank you" for everything. (I know its not really about fall, but I love it anyway!)
5. The sight of combines in the field. (Except not now cuz its too wet.)

Baby's First Pictures

2009-10-06T16:35:00.001-07:00

We had our first ultra sound today. It took f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Apparently baby wasn't exactly cooperating and they had a hard time seeing the spine and the top of the head. These aren't the best pictures but you kind of get the idea.

By the way, my due date is still March 3. The baby weighs about 8 oz (so I don't know where the 15 pounds I have gained is at). According to the baby's size, I am due March 8. However, my doctor thinks I will have a February baby. So, March 3 give or take a week or two is when to expect baby. And no we don't know what we are having.

This is a profile of the baby. The head is to the right.

These are baby's fingers. They were up around the face about the whole time. About half of the pictures they gave me are of the fingers.

Cankles

2009-09-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

(By the way--This is the world's shortest blog post...and very upsetting to me!)

Anyone know where you can buy time?

2009-09-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

I know, it has been almost a month since I have posted anything. It is amazing that now that I am actually "working" less and don't have homework on top, I actually have less time to do things. This little thing growing inside me is completely exhausting! All I want to do when I get home from school is lay down on the couch. But no...August won't hear of that. She insists we go for a walk to see the girls...every night...no excuses. Too tired? Not good enough for her. Headache? Too bad. Too hot? Whatever. Were going out.

I am really liking the school I am in right now. I like the teachers and the staff. I am learning so much from all of the teachers. They are all very willing to share what they know. I am learning alot about special needs kids. I am especially learning about all of the "backstage" work that teachers do. There are plenty of meetings and dramas that teachers have to deal with. I am finally starting to take over my class full time. At the end of next week, I will have them all morning. By the end of the next week, I will have them all day. Mid October I am switching to another class in the same building. She is a teacher who just looks so cool. And bonus, she is retiring at the end of this year. (Maybe that's a bonus...we'll see where life takes us next spring.)

I finally got to take some pictures of August. (Mom, I know you wanted the other pink shirt but I think this one looks better on the brown backgrounds on the farm. Maybe I'll use the other shirt next time.) No matter what I did, I could not get her to look at the camera and smile. She sees me with the camera and completely ignors me. It was all I could do to get her to stand still.

And now for the pregnancy update. Normal pants don't fit. Normal shirts don't really fit, unless they are stretchy. Maternity shirts are way to big. I'm tired alot. (Hence needing more time. One more hour to sleep would be great!) I have headaches that kill me. Nothing will knock them out. I had one yesterday for five hours! And the wierd dreams are in full swing. I don't remember having quite this many with August. Let me give you an example.

Last night I had a dream that Amy and Rylan got married again. They still had the first wedding, this was like a second wedding. I was in charge of the cooler this time, not Jesse. Instead of buying stuff to put in it, I raided Dad's fridge (which was at the old house we lived in). Three Bud Lite, three Coors Lite, three girly malt beverage, and three sodas (incase someone didn't want to drink). And I dropped it when I got to the church. Thankfully, only the Bud bottles broke. Speech time. I forgot mine and told Jesse that his had better not be better than mine this time. The end. Oh, did I mention that the inside of the church looked more like a bar?

Maybe my dreams are trying to tell me something...

Look at how bored she looks with me!

This is my favorite.

This is Travis' favorite.

I can't get the girl to smile at the camera!

Too Busy!

2009-08-30T14:19:00.001-07:00

I had really good intentions to take pictures of August today. I even put her in a cute outfit for it. Then she deemed her jeans "too big" and took them off. She traded them in for more comfy pants. Then the sun never came out and it has just really been a yucky day. Maybe later in the week I will get some pictures of her.

So while Aug's pants are too big, mine are too small. I have grunted around all day in a pair of jeans that used to fit quite nicely. Maybe I should have changed. This little thing has been the cause of much frustration lately. I thought I was past morning sickness (or rather all day sickness). Nuh uh. Now it happens at night. I get really hungry and start to fix supper. Just about when we are ready to eat, the nausea hits. Blah! I haven't eaten a full supper in about a week. (But I eat like a horse all day, so I guess that makes up for it!)

I started student teaching last week. We had two inservice days and then three days of students. I am in a second grade class. So far I have two really funny stories. (I know in only three days I have two great stories!) Sorry, I can't share them on here becuase of privacy for my students. I like the teachers that I am working with and the school. Today, I ironed all my laundry from last week. Do you know how long it has been since I ironed?!?!?!? What a pain! Oh, well. I guess it comes with the territory.

Aug counted at me today. We were both upstairs getting ready for the day. I went downstairs for more coffee (decaf, ew). She told me to "get up here now!" She then counted to ten and stomped both feet until I went back up with her.

We have watched three movies today. Well, I watched three movies. She watched three halves of movies. She kept wanting to watch them and then never made it the whole way through. She got really upset when I tried to turn them off. I mean threw herself on the floor and cried upset.

For those of you haven't seen, visit our photo blog. I took some senior pictures of my cousin, Serena. She did a really great job. I would pose her and then she would change her expression for every shot. I took almost 300 pictures of her and got about 100 usable. Some of my favorites are on the blog. Looking back, I see what I should have changed in some instances. My technique will improve. She was the first person I have shot that wasn't August! It was different having someone actually pay attention to me with my camera. Aug usually ignores me!

TTFN! Ta ta for now....

Misadventures of a Farm Wife, Part 2

2009-08-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Have I told you how much I love my farm life lately? I only wish I had pictures to prove these things. I swear they really do happen!

Let me set the stage...

Monday night. It's raining. We had just finished supper. I grab August's pj's and start to put them on her. Travis says, "oh, sh**!"

"What!" I yell back.
"Cows are out."
"You need help?" I question.
"It would be nice."

I tell August to put her shoes on. What does she grab? Her rubber cow boots! I put on my tennis shoes and situate August on my hip. As we walk out the front door August reminds me that it is raining and that she is getting wet.

The jerseys, enjoying the rain and their new found freedom, take off across the farm...as does Travis. I see the open gate and head for it. Four, five, six cows are out that I can round up by myself. I coax them gently using nice words like "stupid jersey get back in there" and "good holstein, you know what to do." They're in. I lock the gate, rain dripping down my nose, August still telling me that it is raining and that she is wet.

I walk around to the other side of the farm to help Travis and the students round up the last ten or so cows. Kid still on my hip. Only a farm wife would be able to achieve such a feat!

Riding Horses

2009-08-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

These are some of the pictures I took this weekend at Dennis and Linda's house. August got to ride one of the horses. Travis took her up into the hay loft so I could get some pictures. After I had taken a few she looked at Travis and said, "Ok daddy. Now jump." I guess she wanted him to jump out.

See my Photo Blog for more pictures.

Where's Auggie's Tools?!?!?!

2009-07-20T17:24:00.001-07:00

Travis changed the oil in his truck tonight...and August had to help. He gave her a couple of tools so that she could help him and work on her tricycle, too. She handed him rags and watched him under the truck. When he was done, I picked up the tools that he had given her to put them away. If looks could kill! She pointed at me and said, "Where's Auggie's tools? You put away? A (meaning give) back!" It was too funny. She is so sweet watching him pouring the oil in.

(By the way, whoever made the cake...its really good! All I need is a can of whipped cream!)

He Does Know How to Fish!

2009-07-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Let me illustrate last night for you.

Travis: Do you care if I go fishing?
Me: No, not really.

He leaves. I put August to bed. I do some homework and fall asleep.

Front door slams.

Travis: Erin! Put some pants on and get your camera! I have something to show you!

I slowly put pants on. I'm tired. I suppose I was having a nice dream. I don't really remember. I was quite startled when he came in.

Travis: Look at these! I told you I could fish! (I have been teasing him about not being able to fish. He has been going a couple times a week and has not caught anything.)

So I take his picture.

Travis: Put this picture on your blog tomorrow. Could you get me one of your good knives?

One of his friends comes to the house. Travis had called a bunch of people he was so excited. Are you kidding me?!?!? I am in my pajamas. And you want me to help you? So I get the knife and sit on the kitchen floor by the back door. (Remember, I'm tired.) He comes to get the knife.

Travis: Can you get me a gallon bucket?
Me: You do not need a container that big! You did not catch that many fish!
Travis: Just get it, please.

This morning he showed me, these two fish and a smaller one filled the gallon bucket. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my life?

July 4th Weekend

2009-07-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

We had a good Fourth of July despite the rain. We were going to see Derek race but it was canceled. Instead we got to spend time with family. August had fun playing with her cousins. I got to witness the difference between boys and girls. Simon picked up a toy gun and August had no idea what he was doing. She just looked at him like he was crazy. After supper we took the kids outside to let them litterally run off some steam. Then we had S'mores! It has been years since I had had S'mores. I forgot how good they were! August and I went to my Aunt Janet's to watch the fireworks. The first one scared her but after that she loved it. She is still talking about them and how they went "boom." She uses her hands to show the fireworks going up in the air when she says it.

Dennis and Linda with Tori's boys and August.

Kids: August, Perrin, Simon, Stephen, and Rolande.

August petting one of the horses at Dennis and Linda's.

The only time these two got along Saturday. They are just the right age that everything is "mine" and they don't want to share.

August trying to blow out her sparkler.

August and Alex watching the fireworks. August said they were "pretty" and "I yike it!"

Aug's First Haircut

2009-06-29T06:03:00.001-07:00

August had her first haircut this weekend. She did such a good job. She sat still for the most part and proclaimed herself "beautiful" afterwards. Mom didn't cut very much off, just the really long pieces to make it more even.

August spent a whole week with mom, and Amy. She has quite the farmer's tan now! The pictures on Amy's Blog are really cute. She had a great time swimming at mom's. She also had quite a big day with Amy on Friday. They had a tea party, played with water balloons, and painted a picture. My kid came back spoiled. I guess you'll have that when so many people love her.

Misadventures of a Farm Wife

2009-06-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

It never fails. Every time we go out something stupid happens at the farm. I won't go into detail about some of the previous incidents (because they are quite disgusting and could possibly be considered x-rated). Saturday night was no exception. We went to Radmakers, a bar in Tolono, to see two bands play. The first, White Trash Rodeo (click the link to see their MySpace page, we know the guy on the far right), the second Feudin Hillbillies. Travis gets a call. One of the workers got a tractor stuck in a manure pile. Seriously! We finally get a night out with friends and this happens. We take our time leaving, the tractor can wait...just not until morning.

We change at the house. The first thing I see to put on is a white tee shirt and shorts. I run down stairs, put on my socks and rubber boots. I race to the truck and we drive out to where the tractor was stuck. It was seriously in halfway up the back tires. Travis walks out to see if he can unstick it in 4-wheel drive. No luck. He gets out and gets stuck. Stupid me thinks I am going to rescue him. He told me not to walk out. Hmmm. Maybe should have listened. I fall in up to the bottom of my shorts in liquid manure. My boots are full. I stink.

Needless to say, we pulled the one tractor out with another. All I can think is how this is going to be a really great story someday...I'm sure there will be more.

These are pictures I took last night. Travis yelled when I started taking the pictures of the cows because they were trying to put them away. Me and my camera were oblivious to what was going on. I saw great shots that had to be captured! The second is from earlier in the night. We went fishing at this lake in Champaign. One would think that fishing at a lake would be peaceful and relaxing. Not this one. Being in the center of town, there were some people who decided to share the music pumping from their minivan with everyone at the lake. Some rap song about things I shouldn't mention. However, the picture here shows the serenity of the sport.

Water Coloring

2009-06-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

I got August some water colors for her birthday...or maybe it was the Easter Bunny. Anyway, we finally got them out a couple days ago. I knew we would have paint everywhere so she is wearing one of my old tee shirts. It was waaaaaay to big so I tied the sleeves up with ribbons. I just love the toga look on her. I painted on her nose a little bit so she also painted on her face. Then she painted my toes and declared them "beautiful." The first picture is probably my favorite.

Aug is with my mom and Amy (later in the week) for a WHOLE WEEK! She only left yesterday but I miss her already.

Letter to August

2009-06-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was going through some things on our book shelf this morning when I found a journal that I made for August when we found out I was pregnant. I had forgotten all about it. We started out writing things about our lives and our jobs. Our parents, Amy, and Derek all wrote something in it. We had hoped that August would be able to look at it when she grew up and really understand what it was like when she was little. Most of the entries are from before she was born. There are only a few after. I will have to start writing in it again. The image below is a letter that my dad wrote to August before she was born. I had forgotten about all the things that were going on that summer. I cried like a baby when I read it. I read the journal twice and there are huge tear stains on my shirt now.

Hopefully you can read what the letter says. Double click the letter to see it bigger. Remember the book is open to anyone. Let me know if you want to write something to her.

Enjoy.

Weekend Pics

2009-06-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

These are some pics I took of Aug this weekend while we were waiting for Mimi to come to our house. I LOVE the first two pictures. In the last picture I can still hear her yelling "MIMI" and running to her car. You can almost see how fast she was running. My kid is so damn cute!

It has come to my attention that I may have misspelled a few words in my last post. I was just soooo excited about Amy's wedding pictures that I must have typed them incorrectly. Oops! I can't help my fingers sometimes. They type faster than my brain can think...or mabye they are too slow for my brain. I do not know.

Anyway, enjoy the pics. The first one really tugs on my heart strings.

OH! I put a guest book on our photo blog. Be sure to check us out and leave a comment. We would love to hear from all the people who visit the site. http://amy-n-erin.blogspot.com

M--i--c--k--e--y M--o--u--s--e!

2009-06-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

We love Mickey Mouse Club House! When the show comes on, she says "hi" to all the characters during the intro. We love to hear her say "Oh Toodles!" She even picks out the Mouse-ka-tool during the show. I don't know if she is really pointing to the right one but she always tries.

We have just recently been letting August feed Ricochet. She carries the jar of food to his bowl and poors it in. She then looks at us and says, "I give Shashay food!" She is sooo excited when she gets to feed him. She then insits on going when I take him outside.

http://www.brittblog.com/ Visit this website to see pictures of Amy and Rylan's wedding. Britt Bailey did such a great job!

Pics of Aug

2009-06-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

Amy and Rylan's Wedding: May 30

2009-06-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Rylan and Amy's wedding was on Saturday. We had SUCH A GOOD TIME! August was great, along with the other two flower girls, Raleigh and Gracie. They put the flower petals perfectly down the aisle. What happened after is quite a story (see pictures below). Dane was funny, too. Everything was perfect. I was nearly crying during my toast, but I made it through. These two have alot going for them. They are really great together. This is only a fraction of the pictures I took.

Getting August ready. As soon as she saw herself in the dress she said, "walk and throw," which is what we had been telling her she would be doing with the flower petals.

Amy, August, and me. We are so pretty together!

August was looking at Amy like she was the greatest person in the world.

I don't know what Amy is cracking up about. The look on Dane's face is priceless.

Rylan, Amy, and August.

Samantha, Leslie, Jennifer, Amy, and Patty.

This is August during the wedding. At one point she had both legs up in the air.

She was also waving to people in the first few rows. I was cracking up. I couldn't stop laughing.

Dane must have been bored or tired. He also sat on the steps and rested his head on his hands.