I can't believe I'm doing this.....

So I've talked about the my housework abilities and the fact that during the first trimester I rarely can get anything done, the energy just escapes me. I think some of you thought, Oh I'm sure it's not that bad. Well Matt and I finally decided to dig out our bedroom from the months of grossness. We took all the laundry and just piled it in the kitchen. Here's what it looked like.....

This pile is probably as high as my stomach. And these are just the clothes from MY bedroom, that doesn't include anything from upstairs in the kid's rooms! So now my filth is posted for all the world to see.....yikes. So if you ever think you have a lot of laundry......Remember this!






oh my

Well I'm back. After three longs days of fighting with SBC (the anti- Christ, I'm telling ya) and learning more code than they know and learning to speak Indian so I could communicate with the people there, I'm back. Turns out we had a hacker. Never a good thing. But today I finally demanded to speak to someone who 1. spoke English and 2. knew what the heck they were doing. And we fixed it. come to find out our online security had expired and the hacker knew that....ugh. So there we are.

Nothing much new to report around here. Sydney was sick again the beginning of the week, but is now recovering. She has slammed into the terrible twos and is dissolving into a whiner, God help us all. Had another parent teacher conference at Jonah's school. They tested him for a learning disability, but he does not have one. His IQ is average. Thank the Lord. So the speech gal is going to do some language testing to see if he qualifies to have some special time with her twice a week where she could help him more one on one with his letters and reading. His math and science scores are off the charts, however. And his teacher said that unless things take a very bad turn, he will go on to second grade. So all around, a good meeting. We go on Monday to register Emma for pre-K. Wow, three kids in school, that'll be different.

I hit 12 weeks this past Wednesday, and I'm feeling slightly better. Not quite as tired all the time. I get so sleepy at about 11:30 AM, so our schedule goes like this. I get Molli off the bus at 11:50, everyone has lunch, Sydney goes down for her nap, the girls pick a movie and snuggle up to rest and watch a movie while Mom hits the lazy boy and passes out for about an hour. It's really great and has helped me make it through the day. Thankfully the girls understand. Emma says, (everyday!) "Mama, you sleep now. The baby makes you tired. We'll be good." LOL, she cracks me up.She, above all the other kids, is fascinated with me being pregnant. She talks to my stomach all the time, and she can't do it through my clothes, you know. Oh no, we have to lift the shirt all the way up! (we've talked about that this CANNOT happen at Wal-Mart again!) Too funny.

Well I guess I had a little more to talk about. Hehe, that's what happens when I can't get to my blog for a few days.

Take my Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com!

I might have done this before, can't remember......take it anyway! :)

Again, my apologies for my absence, we are definitely on the upswing, I hit twelve weeks this coming Wednesday. HALLELUJAH!!!! Finally my life can resume some normalcy.

I'm sitting here consumed in thought. We got a phone call from my cousin and his wife the other day. She's expecting as well, due in July. They went in for their 20 week ultrasound and the baby has severe spina bifida. Please pray for them, this is their first child and they are crushed. They've been told that the baby might not even survive to be born. They are not believers, which is our ultimate prayer. I seriously don't know how people who don't have the Lord cope with devastations like this!!

Of course this has made me constantly rub my belly and pray for our little guy. Ultimately he is the Lord's hands and I have to trust that God's ways and his thoughts are higher than mine......

On to other things, I in the midst of packing as Matt and I get a mini retreat this weekend. There's a church ministries conference in Grand Rapids that we are attending. The kids are headed to Grandma and Grandpa Kurtz's overnight as we get to stay in a hotel.....ALONE!!! The kids are so excited about the time with Grandma Grandma Kurtz (as Molli calls them) and we are excited about a little time away, even though it's a conference.

Speaking of which time to fold laundry and finish packing!!

Very busy weekend. Saturday was Sydney's birthday...hard to imagine that she is two already!!! It was so beautiful here on Saturday, sunny and 40 so we headed out. We went to Kellogg Forest and hiked a little bit. Jonah gave us the laugh of the week as we were driving. He spotted a pair of fake deer in someone's yard. (sidenote: Jonah is obsessed with deer and hunting since his father told him that they could go someday!!) "Mom!!!", he yells. "There's a buck and a.....a.....a.......WOMAN deer!!" We laughed and laughed about that one! Then we headed to the Bird Sanctuary. It was so much fun. I took a video of Sydney dragging her bucket of corn while being followed by 25 ducks!!! I can't figure out how to post it on here so ah well! Trust me, it was priceless!! Then we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's (my parents) where we did more outside and then took another walk. The kids were so excited to just be out of doors! Hurry Spring!

Then it was time for our Dora party. My very talented friend made another masterpiece cake which Syd was thrilled with! Dinner followed by cake, ice cream and presents rounded out the day. The kids were falling asleep by 7 PM after being outside most of the day. It was a great day.

Below are a few of the highlights, check them out!!

Molli wearing Sydney's new backpack 

Noah with a ponytail 

Then things got very silly.... 

more presents 

Yes, more Dora movies and a Diego one as well 

Sydney and her Dora cake, again made by Mindy!! 

hiking 

Sydney and Daddy 

Baby Kurtz

So here he is ("he" being wishful thinking, we can't tell yet) I was really nervous going in. I was so worried that I would get there and they would tell me that the baby's heart wasn't beating or something awful. So imagine my relief as she turned the screen towards me and there he was, kicking his tiny legs and swinging his arms. Even though this is my fifth pregnancy it is still miraculous to me to see that little person in there, growing and forming. What a cool God we have!! I'm right on schedule, 10 weeks today. Thanks for the prayers for strength......Monday I finally found the kitchen! Praise the Lord! Now, if I could just find the laundry......

Not much else to report.....More later!

Sorry for the absence everyone. My life is just a blur of nothingness right now. I sound like such a whiner I know, but I am just wrung out. That is exactly how I feel, like a wrung out dishrag. My limbs have no strength whatsoever. Everyone in my house (except me, thank goodness) had strep this week. That has not helped my energy levels. The desire to blog has gone right out the window with everything else. Sad, sad days....

I had my first official OB appointment on Wednesday. Like my doc, very straightforward. She said everything looks good, I'm measuring a little bigger than 9 weeks so I get to have an ultrasound on Tuesday!! Yee haw! And if I'm further along, awesome! Some days it just doesn't feel real yet. I'm starting to feel bloated all the time and have made the move to stretchy pants which is very depressing. Folding my "cool" jeans and putting them away is very sad. Why don't they make "mid" maternity clothes?? I'm not showing enough for my regular maternity clothes but I'm too big for my regular clothes!!! AAHHH!! There's the rub I suppose. I'm on the lookout for cool, comfortable clothes for this summer when I am the size of Kentucky. I've never been pregnant in the summer before so this will be fun!

What else to share...Ah yes. Tuesday was a no good, horrible, very bad day. I was so dizzy all day. The kids were all home from school sick. I finally decided when Syd went down for a nap that Molli, Emma and I were going to lay down as well. Jonah was lying on the couch so we were all set. Well Molli and I fell asleep. I awoke about an hour later to Emma standing next to the bed. "Mommy," she said excitedly. "I cut my hair!" Knowing that her bangs were finally growing back after she hacked them, I sat up straight. Her bangs looked intact. I rubbed my sleepy eyes. It was then I noticed she had hacked the back! So my gorgeous girl has short hair. Now, thanks be to God that we did not have to shave it as we did with her older sister. But her beautiful curls are gone, hopefully they will regrow! Here's a before and after...









Before






After






So she'll live. She actually likes it. When I asked her why, she would do such a thing, she replies, "Cuz I wanted to!" "but Mommy," she continued. "I can't get married now because you have to have long hair to get married!" Ah well, no wedding this month!

Emma and Clifford Scroll down for more pics and my post for the day!!!

Syd.... 

Jonah getting his "blades" 

Jonah getting some "help" from Sydney with his candles 

Jonah's awesome cake made by my girlfriend Mindy 

Jonah and his pal David, playing at Chuck E. Cheese 

Molli and Chuck E. 

What a weekend.....Whew! I am so tired..... :)

Friday night we let Jonah invite a friend and we all went to Chuck E. Cheese's. Now, I have not been to such an establishment since my 5th birthday. I really had no idea that they still existed! Off we went..It was pretty fun. Tons of people there and Sydney really didn't understand what it was all about, but I think everyone had fun. Jonah had a friend spend the night as Saturday was his birthday. We headed to mom's for the traditional family party. It was fun. Jonah got his long awaited roller blades and promptly put them on and went blading in Grandma's basement. Noah is doing well, thanks to those of you who've asked. He was smiling and laughing yesterday which was good to see. All in all it was good 7th birthday(scroll down for pics!!) Seven years....man, my baby boy is 7......Unbelievable.

I got an e-mail today from my long lost friend. For those of you who didn't catch this in my comments, my first best friend ever, found my blog. I was so shocked. I haven't spoken to or heard from her since we moved from South Lyon in 1991. We were best friends in third and fourth grades. I was also in love with her older brother Geoff (all her friends were!) So many memories. I am again thankful for the Internet which serves many a good purpose, including reuniting old friends. Come to find out, SHE'S A BELIEVER!!! How awesome is that, to not only find and old friend but to discover that she is a sister in Christ. So cool. I am enjoying getting to know her again.

At our church we have been called to fast from March 1st till Easter which is basically the Lent season. Since I cannot fast from food (Although it might assist in my weight loss, the baby would not enjoy it, I'm thinking) I feel as though the Lord is asking me to fast from my computer. NNOOOOO!!!! I've asked for a sign, the computer exploding for example. But if this is truly what He's asking of me, I will obey. That would mean no blogging for a month.......oh boy.

Well on to dishes....make sure you check out the pics below!

My TEN FIRSTS
1 - First Best Friend :: Michelle Rimshas
2 - First Screen Name :: mandileigh
3 - First Pet : Cheers, the hamster
4 - First Crush: Daniel, kindergarten
5 - First CD :: Amy Grant Heart in Motion
6 - First Car :: 89 Topaz
7 - First Love :: Phil Blankenbaker
8 - First stuffed animal :: Cabbage Patch Doll
9 - First school :: Greater Works Academy
10- First summer job : delivering papers
MY NINE LASTS
1 - Last Alcoholic Beverage : hmmm,strawberry daquari
2 - Last Car ride :: to take kids to school
3 - Last Movie Seen :: In Her Shoes
4 - Last Phone Call : 2:52 PM
5 - Last CD Played :: Twila Paris
6 - Last Bubble bath :: oh brother can't remember
7 - Last Job :: Pampered Chef lady
8 - Last time you said I love you:: five minutes ago to Molli and Emma
9 - Last thing you ate :: bowl of honey Nut cheerios
EIGHT HAVE YOU EVERS
1 - Have you ever dated one of your best friends :: Yes, married him :)
2 - Have you ever been arrested :: nope
3 - Have you ever skinny dipped :: yes
4 - Have you ever been on TV :: yes
5 - Have you ever kissed someone, and then regretted it :: yes
6 - Have you ever had your heart broken :: yes
7 - Have you ever wanted a second chance with someone :: yes
8 - Have you ever had sex with a stranger :: nope
SEVEN THINGS YOU ARE WEARING
1 - pants
2 - shirt
3 - sweatshirt
4 - wedding rings
5 - slippers
6 - necklace
7 - scrunchy
SIX THINGS YOU'VE DONE TODAY
1 - dishes
2 - vacuumed
3 - made lunch
4 - played school bus
5 - watched Go Diego Go with Syd
6 - posted this on my blog
FIVE PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ALMOST ANYTHING TO
1 - Matt
2 - My mom
3 - Mindy
4 - Jocelyn
5 - my grandma
FOUR FAVORITE THINGS
1 - Chocolate
2 - chocolate
3 - chocolate
4 - chocolate (sorry having a pregnant day!)
THREE CHOICES
1. Black or White :: white
2. Hot or Cold :: hot
3. Chocolate or Vanilla :: chocolate
TWO THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE
1 - Go to Alaska
2 - Watch my kids grow up
ONE THING YOU REGRET
1 - not finishing college

I need help and prayers. The second month has started with a bang. Every day I am increasingly tired and nauseous. This happens every time, I was in denial about it this time. And yet here we are. My house.....oh my house. Now most of you know or have figured out that I am not Martha Stewart or little Susie Homemaker. But I do try and keep my house picked up. My house is disgusting. I have not been able to clean for a week. Every dish we own is dirty and don't even get me started on the laundry. I wake up every morning and burst into tears because I just can't do anything. By the time I get Jonah and Molli dressed and off to school, I can barely move. My husband is frustrated and rightly so. I just don't know what to do. We can't go another month like this.......

I was going to take pics, but I cannot let you all see how absolutely horrible it is. So please pray for me....I need some supernatural strength.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and thoughts yesterday for Noah. He came through the surgery great. He was supposed to be in full leg casts for an unknown amount of time, but they just put leg immobilizers on him (braces, basically). So that was a HUGE praise. Molli, Emma, and I spent the whole day at the hospital yesterday with my parents and grandparents and my sister. Yes, the Waltons go to the hospital as well!! It was an exhausting day, but worth it to be there when he woke up. I spoke to my mom this morning and he was doing ok. She can tell he's in some pain. They were waiting to see the doc so he can give them a better estimate of how he's doing and when they can come home. So please continue to pray for a quick healing time for him as well as understanding and patience for him and my parents!

A few of you have asked how the baby is.....As far as I can tell, he's fine! I see the nurse tomorrow to be asked five million questions and give lots of blood. I'm anxious to see the doctor, I think it'll feel more real then. September still feels like years away!!! Thanks again you guys for your thoughts...Means a lot to me!!

Weekend Update and Prayer request

Lots going on at the Kurtz plantation.....

This Friday was Molli's Valentine "family" dance. They must call it a "family" dance as most of the kids in her school don't have fathers. So Matt, Jonah, Molli and I got dressed up and went. It was a blast. Imagine 200 4 year olds dancing.....hilarious. I, of course, didn't manage to get a shot of the four of us together....but they took one there. I'm just waiting to get it back, But here's one of Jonah and Molli before we left....
















Aren't they cute???

Now on to my prayer request. My baby brother Noah is having surgery tomorrow. He has Cerebral Palsy and can't walk. He's having surgery to cut some of the hamstrings and tendons in his knees and ankles to hopefully improve his legs. PLEASE be in prayer tomorrow morning as he goes in for surgery. My mom is worried, he can't communicate very well and she has NO idea how he's feeling about all this. He's a very independent boy and he will have to be in full leg casts for an unknown amount of time. So please be thinking about that tomorrow and I will update when I can.

I caved...again! We were going to wait until her 4th brithday in April, but as we were walking by the place in mall this morning, she said, "Mama, could I get my ears pierced???" So we did......isn't she cute???



Emma gets it done

Weekend is closing...darn. Sometimes I wish weekends would last forever, other times, I cannot wait for them to be over. We got snow this weekend which crushed my dreams that maybe we would go through the rest of the season with grass showing. Ah well.

I'm still feeling pretty good. Some days, I feel more tired than others, but I seriously cannot complain. The kids ask EVERY day about the baby. I pick Jonah up from school and he says, without fail, "Baby come yet?" *sigh* We REALLY should have waited to tell them! Jonah informed me yesterday that he "hates" the boy name we have picked out. "I'm picking a different name," he said. I informed him that Daddy and I get to pick the baby's name and that is the one we have chosen. I then tell him that if he'd like to think of a nickname for the baby, that would be fine. He walks away, thinking deeply. He comes back in a while and says, "I'm going to call him Buddy." Ok then.....

Well off to finish the chicken wings and put my football shirt on....GO STEELERS!!!!

Good grief I click my tongue a lot.....how annoying. Ok that was interesting... I promise not to do that too often!!!

So most of you have cleverly deduced that I am pregnant :) Indeed, it's true. And yes...Again. And yes, five children. I know, this rocks some of your worlds. But we are thrilled.....Jonah is so excited, it's almost all he can talk about. Besides his birthday which is soon. The kids are all convinced that it must be a boy, Jonah in particular who won't even discuss the fact that it could just as easily be a girl :) I'm feeling pretty good, starting to feel a little tired during the day, but thank the Lord, it's not too much!!!

I started blogging a year ago...wow. I remember getting something from Amy saying that she had started something called a blog. I had heard of blogs, my missionary friend had one. But I thought they were very sophisticated and only for people overseas to use. I decided to scope it out. It looked like fun so I dove in. What a year it has been. I found Mindy again after being out of touch for years and found many kindred spirits along the way. I must say, it's so cool to go back and see where you've been, what's changed.....awesome. I don't know how many posts I've made..Maybe I'll count later!

Well time to get dressed...

Another template :) Couldn't resist....

It was a fairly quiet weekend here. We just spent all day Saturday together as a family. Sunday was fun as we went to Mom and Dad's for dinner which was so fun. We do love being surrounded by family.

Wow, not much to report.....sorry for the boringness :)

Yes, another new template....My other one was too dark and it was sooo brilliantly sunny today, I just had to change it!

Tonight is bible study and I am SOO looking forward to it. Not just because it's a great study but because my children are crazy tonight. Especially my son!!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!! CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!!!

So I pulled a brilliant move today. I had to pick Jonah up early from school so I had to go into the school. I couldn't find Sydney's shoes before we left so I had to carry her. (Editor side note: I HATE shoes, they are evil. SO are socks. Bring on summer!!!) As we were leaving the school, we started to cut across the grass. Jonah says, "Mom! We are NOT allowed to walk on the grass. You should not be doing that." I reply, "It's ok bud, it's just quicker. Sydney is very heavy!" No sooner had I said this to him and my feet slip out from underneath me as I am headed down this little hill. Of course there was the faintest bit of snow on the ground making it slippery, but I was in such a hurry to put Syd down that I didn't bother to slow down. I slid the whole way down the hill making my backside very cold and wet. Not only that, but Jonah's school is at a rather busy intersection, so all these people are rolling down their windows yelling, " ARE YOU OK????" Sounds like old times eh, Joce???? Just goes to show that you NEVER outgrow your clumsiness!

New beds and baseball

Last week my daughter discovered how to climb out of her crib. What's so extraordinary about that, you might ask. This child was climbing full sets of steps at 10 months old, scaling the kitchen counters at 1, climbing bookshelves at 14 months. She is a climber. So I fully expected her to figure out how to be free much sooner than this. We let it go for a few days, she would climb out and come downstairs and we would walk her back, over and over. Then she started getting so tired that she would fall out of the crib trying to get out. Thus we decided to take down the crib (*sniff sniff* traumatic for the mother) And we put her mattress on the floor. At first she was slightly confused as to where her bed was. But she saw her pillow and blankets and ran to them. The first night was a little rough. Their bedroom door shuts very hard, as in only Matt or I can open it! Which isn't all bad, it's kept her in there. On the other hand, when I have to get up at 3 AM to let Molli out to go to the bathroom....we're working on it :) She's getting good now about going to bed although we usually hear the Dora Talking House randomly, or Molli saying.."GET OFF MY BED!!" Molli sleeps on the top bunk! Yet another transition as my baby becomes a little girl :(

Ok, on to happier things.....it was so sunny and nice yesterday. The kids decided they had waited just long enough, so this is what we saw as we looked out the window at the playing....

















This was cute, but then we saw Emma who, apparantly, had been chosen to be the catcher....

I survived. Everyone showed up, I was very busy. I'm not sure why I promised a picture, LIKE I HAD TIME! My house was immaculate, that I am going to document in case it doesn't happen again for a while!!! Everyone was seated and awaiting dinner. I placed it proudly on the table and started serving everyone. I was so proud until everyone cut into their chicken, which happened to be not quite done. I was so embarrassed. My mom caught my tear filled eyes and mouthed, "It's ok, honey." We all took turns at the microwave :) Everyone praised it....just to make me feel better I think! I did however make a killer dessert that went over really well. It's called Heavenly Lemon Angel cake. It's basically Angel food cake baked in a deep 9x13 pan. Then you juice and zest two lemons and mix it with powdered sugar. You poke holes in the cake and pour that glaze over it. Top it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. HOLY COW!! It was fabulous, if I do say so myself. All in all, it was a great night. Everyone had a good time being together and I enjoyed being a hostess. We will definitely do it again! If for no other reason than it makes me really clean my house :)

So last night, I was exhausted, my feet ached. So I went to bed at about 9. For some odd reason, all I could think about was The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I have NOT seen this movie, I even closed my eyes at the previews. But Felecia had mentioned it and it was all I could think about. (Not that I am indicating in ANY way that this is Felecia's fault!) So I didn't fall asleep till about 4 AM so tonight I am wasted, as in tired. Lest you misunderstand me :) So off to put the children and myself to bed :)

Now I've done it... What was I thinking??!!! See we always go to my mom's house for dinner or games. Sometimes we go to Grandma's or Aunt Carol's.....So I decided that it was high time that everyone came here. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?!? First, I thought I would just ask my mom, dad and Noah. Well then I thought, it would be nice to have Grandma and Grandpa over too. Well might was well have Aunt Carol too.....Then my mom calls and our friend Lisa is coming up for the weekend. That would make the grand total 13.....13!?!?!?!?!!??!?Oh boy. Suffice to say I am going to be cleaning my brains out for the next few days!!! Not to mention cooking. But it's going to be great, I love being surrounded by family and they won't get much closer than this :) I'll take a pic of my table and clean house before everyone arrives. I'd take a shot now, but I would be too horrified for you all to see that (LOL Mindy!!!)

I'm doing a Beth Moore bible study right now and it is knocking my socks off. It's the one on the tabernacle. Searching the old testament it is AMAZING to see all the correlations to Christ. One thing that really blew my mind, well two things. The first one was about Adam and Eve. Now, I've read the creation story a half a million times. But she drew a point that I had NEVER thought about. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were kicked out of the garden. They had sewn garments from fig leaves, but God decided to COVER the shame they felt from their sin with animal skins. Again, nothing new. Until I realized that God had to KILL an animal to get the skin. Blood had to be shed to cover their sin!!!! Awesome. The other revelation to me was the story of Abraham and Isaac. God provided a ram. The ram was caught in the bushes by his horns. Again, I knew this story inside and out, or so I thought. Bushes where Abraham was were almost completely thorns and the ram was tangled in them by his horns. Jesus is called in Scripture the "horn of our salvation". So this ram's horns were wrapped in thorns. The imagery is just incredible.

Ok enough procrastinating! House to clean :)

Home again, home again......I was really glad to see the blue house come into view I must say. The kitties were very glad we were home, at least they were glad I was home. Within minutes the kids were chasing them down!!

We had a great time with Matt's family. I had an awesome time with my "coffee/blogging" buddies. Overall, just a good time. I took my new camera and as I sat down to post tonight I plugged it in to download some pics. Well, I took a total of 8 pics. Oops.....I'm just so not used to having a camera yet!! But here are a few of the few that I took!!





Jonah getting a kiss from Maggie










My Emma Jane with her great-grandma Lois Jane





And my brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Robin, are going to be parents soon so we decided to ease Ken into fatherhood by just giving him a teeny taste of parenthood.......












there you have it, our mini-vacation!!

Mini vacation

Howdy from Detroit! Matt got a four day weekend and so did Jonah so we escaped to the in-laws. We're having a blast! Tomorrow I get to have coffee with my "blogging" buddies (although two of them were my friends before we even knew what a blog was!!) and we get to worship at our old church. The kids are having a blast with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Kimmie and the dogs! I do miss my bed, but even a little getaway is nice :)

Not much else to report, there'l lbe a bigger post complete with pics when I get home! My new camrea is getting quite a workout :)

Tagged

Well I wasn't going to do this one, but then I read Melis's post and we have the same purse :) So then I had to.....here it is....




Ok, let's see, receipts, my driver's license, my phone card, my debit card, a family Christian bookstore punch card, my phone, a pen, my jcpenney portrait club card, a reeses white chocolate cup package ( !!) 5 marbles (what the heck???) All my insurance cards, tons of change, my petco card, holiday cash punch cards, my keys and advil. So there you go!

Yes another one

I found another one....He he. You know y'all been wanting to do another one of these things....

4 Things About Me

Four Jobs You've Had In Your Life:
1. Front desk clerk at a huge resort
2. Leasing agent at an apartment complex
3. Newspaper deliverer
4. Cook

Four Movies You'd Watch Over and Over
1. The Princess Diaries 2 (I know.....)
2. Love Actually (that movie is ALWAYS hilarious)
3. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
4. Return to Me

Four Places You Have Lived
1. Born in Brockport New York
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. Mancelona, Michigan
4. Milford, Nebraska

Four TV Shows You Love to Watch
1. House
2. American Idol
3. Extreme Makeover, Home edition
4. Lost

Four Places You've Been On Vacation
1. Disney World
2. Washington D.C.
3. Virginia Beach
4.A million places up north

Four Websites You Visit Daily
1. MY blog
2. Everyone's else's blog
3. My bank account
4. Anything to do with our upcoming vacation

Four of Your Favorite Foods
1. Steak, smothered in fried mushrooms
2. Taco Salad
3. Ponsineta sundaes from Tico's in Lincoln, Nebraska
4. Anything chocolate

Four Places You'd Rather Be Right Now
1. Heaven
2. Sleeping
3. Vacation, anywhere away
4. My mom's house having dinner

OK, your turn.... :)

Thanks for all the response to my last post. It seems, mostly, that we all came to the same conclusion.

So how many of you made resolutions? I can't really say I made them, but there were some things that I committed to doing this year. So far so good. One of the big things for me was committing to having a quiet time every day. With four children under the age of 7, finding a quiet time is an adventure. I really hate getting up in the morning, so I felt the Lord challenging me to get up early and spend time with Him. So I set the alarm (and the coffee maker!) for 6 AM. I overheard someone this weekend who said, "How can I say I'd die for the Lord when I am not even willing to get up early to spend some time with Him?" That is exactly where I was. It has been so awesome, being in the quiet of the morning and sitting at His feet. I've just started another Beth Moore study that is just knocking my socks off. What an awesome God we serve!!

Another commitment was to fitness, gag..... Back to exercising 3 times a week. But more than that, not drinking pop (my favorite thing ever) and drinking lots of water. Also watching what I eat and not eating junk all the time. I've been doing fairly well on this one as well. Hopefully I can keep it up!

Well time to get the kids off to school.....Thus begins another day!

This and that

Pretty uneventful weekend.....Matt only had Saturday off. It was nice to wake up and have him still be home though.

Saturday we went and hung out at my mom's house. It's so nice to be able to do that. The kids love being there and it's great just having "grown up" talk with the folks. Here are some pics from that.....









Emma being silly






Molli and Noah playing house :)







So I got into a debate with a friend of mine about something this weekend. Tell me what you think. She casually mentioned something about her and her husband watching pornography together. They are both believers. Something about that strikes me as just not right and I told her that. So we went back and forth for a bit about it. What do y'all think??? Is it ok for believing spouses to watch pornography together?

yeah I know....

Yes, another new template. What can I say? I like things to change :) Actually this one is a tribute to my new love of coffee. Oh, I've always liked coffee. I'd have a cup now and then. And I adore cappucino. But lately I've actually been using my coffee maker. I'm hooked :) So there you have it.....

Nothing much new here, I'm afraid. The children have returned to school much to the relief of their mother. Monday and Tuesday were rough as they realized how sick they were of each other. Plus they crave structure and routine which you just don't have on vacation. Molli was so excited to go back, Jonah not so much :)

I'm busily planning our vacation. We didn't think Matt was going to get any time this summer, but it worked out that he does!!! So we are headed to New York, mostly for the big family reunion/party. This year my dad turns 50 and my grandpa turns 75, so we're having a big shindig. But as Matt gets a WHOLE week, we are leaving early and hitting several places along the way. We're going to start at Niagara Falls. I've been there tons of times, but Matt hasn't and the kids either, obviously. Then we are off to Darien Lake, which is a Six Flags park. Since neither Matt or I do roller coasters, we'll be fine! Then we're going to hit a few other places, mostly state parks with tremendous trails and waterfalls. I think we will also visit the Corning Glass factory as well. Then we'll end the week at my grandparents house, swimming and having a party. It's so much fun!! Matt has never had a job with vacation time before, awesome!

Well time to start the day.....

P.S. Is my font big enough to read or should I make it bigger???

2005

Here it goes, my lists for 2005....

Best occurence: hmm, that was a tough one. Probably getting our house and getting MY OWN ROOM!!!

Best moment: Sleeping in my own room.....

Best memory: Molli's face on the first day of school

Best month: May, when I got my OWN ROOM...(are we noticing a pattern?)

Best photo: Wow, really hard....

Sydney Crazy hair wins!









Best Line: So many to choose from....Jonah wins this one though. I picked him up from school one afternoon and I was so excited becuase I had found him several pairs of pants at the Salvation Army. As he gets in the car, I told him that there was a surprise for him at home. He got really excited and said, "Is it a baby brother?????"

The one thing I'm happy to leave in 2005: My silly old van!

There it is, my bests in 2005!

Christmas pictures

Here they are, the infamous Kurtz christmas pictures...check them out!

http://photos.yahoo.com/kurtzrus@sbcglobal.net