Happy Birthday in December

Happy Birthday to you!
Payton Fann
Emma Oehlschlager
Uncle Dave
Diana Hicks

Just because you share this month with the most widely celebrated birthday (JESUS) we wanted to make special note your special day! We wish you much happiness on your birthday.

Hustle & Bustle

Hustle and bustle has been the name of our game lately. Preparing for Christmas this year has been so fun. Noah got to decorate his own tree after nearly pulling down our tree trying to remove an ornament to play with. Hannah loves to eat it and Noah save it from her very strong grasp daily!! We have not been brave enough to craft.

December has been pretty uneventful with the exception of holiday stuff. We are getting our cards out late, but I really think everyone will enjoy them - it should be worth the wait. Santa has been reintroduced to the Stockton family Christmas Eve gathering. He took a very long vacation and it was great to have him back last year. Can't wait to see him this year!!

Here is our masquerade picture!  It was a fabulous night.  I tried to win the auction on 2 of Sesha's pictures - the only success I had was running up the bid for great charity results.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone I did not see or speak to! The 3rd annual Thanksgiving at the Schiman's went off with out a hitch - except once again I say lets eat at 1pm and I end up serving about an hour later - one of these years I'll figure it out!!!

Since I keep a running tally of what I'm greatful for I'm not going to go crazy with my list today.
Although, I do want to say that I'm so very thankful for my family - I don't recognize their important roles in my life nearly enough. It is always such a nice feeling having family around during the holidays.

Those of you who made it out on Black Friday pat yourselves on the back - you crazy birds!
Hope it went well and better you than me!!!!

Masquerade!!!

JD & I get the privelage to attend a masquerade event with Sesha! The event is a fundraiser for an organization called GIVING IT BACK TO KIDS. You can see their website at:

www.givingitbacktokids.com

Their mission statement is "To help children achieve their maximum potential through medical care, education, nutrition, and love." This organization provides incredible means and creates life changing opportunities for children in Vietnam. Medical surgeries, schools, houses, orphanage assistance and many other things. Check them out and see if there is something you could help with. Online tax deductable donations are accecpted.

I will post pictures later!

Aaahhhmazing!!!

JD and our parents TOTALLY SURPRISED me for my birthday - here is how it went down.

JD knew exactly what he wanted to get - got the parents in on it at the begining of the month.

2 days before he ran around like crazy and got the card signed (3 different locations).  All the while continues to ask me all week where I wanted to go out to eat because that's all I wanted to do - a quiet sit down meal for two has only happened once since Noah was born.  

The morning of my b-day I was still under the impression that dinner was happening when and where I chose.  Until....... JD called a family meeting on the couch that was to exclude Mommy!  After they (kids & JD) came out from under the fort-o-covers, it was decided that we would all pack up and go out to shop and lunch.  At which point I realized JD probably forgot to get something from the kids and I was going to be picking it out.  Little did I know.....

They were taking me to my appointment at the SPA for the DAY!!!!!

I was there from 10:30 'till 3:00.  First, was the very hot, very relaxing, very QUIET aromatherapy bath!  Then the 1 hour massage.  Then a grilled chicken salad.  Then a facial from heaven.  Then a manicure and pedicure!!!!!  WOW - I swear a whole new person emerged from the spa that day.  Quite a re-juvenating experience.

This week I was thankful for........

• HEAVENLY PAMPERING that made for an unforgetable birthday.
  
• earlier bedtimes for the kids
  
• a comfy couch
  
• baby sitting help from parents
  
• Old Chicago's deep dish pizza - the closest thing to actual Chicago deep dish from Gino's Pizza.
  

November = Birthday's O'pleanty

Happy birthday to all those I know or can remember
Leann Carter Schmidt
Kathryn Maberry
Steven Schmidt
Gary and Butch Stockton
Braeden Spellman
Kelly Schmidt
Melissa Robertson Kennedy
Abigail Kennedy
JD Schiman
Nicole Hale Grover
Ava Monico
and Baby Rankey who hasn't quite made his November arrival yet!

Happy Anniversary to
Zach and Alicia Schmidt - still newly wedin' it up
and to my late grandparents (stockton) who were an incredible example of how the institution of marriage should work!!

Thank you veterans!

A GIANT thank you to ALL the veterans out there who have served this great country. Thank you for all you sacrificed, the burdens you carried, the life changes you made, and the lives you protected.
I want to specifically thank those I know of personally.

Charles Stockton and Butch Stockton,

Carl F. Klahn, Wes Klahn, Susie & Jimmie Lott

John F. Schiman and Jerry Schiman,

David Schmidt, Dustin Schmidt, and Otto Schmidt

Ian Tate and Kristopher Tate,

Dave Cook, Jeff Elliot & Gerald,

Jeff Kuxhausen, Joshua Thompson,

and Matt Squires.

If you were not listed know that it was unintended oversight only and that a gratitude prayer was said for you tonight.

THANK YOU VETERANS!!!!!!!

Dishartening

I can't begin to put into words how I feel about the election results.  I can't say that I'm surprised.  I can say that I'm confused about what it is God has in store for us.  I feel like the president-elect is a wolf in sheep's clothing and I'm worried about how the next 4 years will affect my children's lives.  I keep remembering verses about how Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  I feel it is my job to put on my armor and teach my children how to armor themselves too!  I hope and pray that my gut feelings are wrong.  My "on the lighter side" advise is grab on to both cheeks and hang on because it's gonna get crazy!

Today I'm thankful for.........

God's promise of heaven for those who believe and are saved!

This and That

Hannah is getting so big!  She is sitting up by herself regularly.  Her feet make it to her mouth every chance she gets - which is only when the clothes are off her lower body. Because of her chubbiness she really can't do it with clothes on!  The last picture above is a little dress up session.  This dress was mine when I was little.  I couldn't wait for Applebutter Makin' Days to get here in October.  When I tried it on it it was huge.  My mom said I was 11 months old when I wore it so maybe next year we will try it again!!  Fall has been fun and it feels like winter is here. 

   Great weather for Halloween.  We went to the fire station and hung out.  Here are the official pictures from Halloween night.  On Saturday we went to a great party at Aunt Sputs!  

Today I'm thankful for.......

my dad's help on projects no matter what or when they are

early bedtime - long overdue!

spiked hot chocolate

and quiet, quiet time for myself.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

I have never been one to be involved in politics and this year I feel an incredible obligation to my children to get out and vote. I actually have a pit in my stomach realizing that the leadership in all levels of government are going to modify/delete/create things that will effect my kids for the rest of their lives - directly and indirectly (and realizing that many many people are fooled by Obama's speeches). I pray for America's people to be lead to vote tomorrow for the person who will rely on God to guide this nation in a direction that betters His purpose and will get this country back on track.

Get out there and exercise our RIGHT to vote and don't forget to pray for our soldiers that are fighting to protect all of our RIGHTS and our FREEDOM!!!

Today I'm greatful for so many things I can't list them all. Since I'm on the subject....
I'm greatful for my RIGHT to VOTE and the FREEDOMS that come with being an American!

PS - Halloween stuff to be posted soon!

Pumpkin Patch fun!

A couple weekends ago we went to the pumpkin patch in Marionville with the Fann's. This year we paid to take the hay ride - boy that was nice. Looking back on last year we sure should have done it for poor Jaime (we went the day before she had Braden), what a trooper. We noticed a trend this year..... each year we go either Jaime or I are pregnant. Last year we both were, this year Jaime is and next year...... well, let's just say that is part of the tradition I don't plan to up hold!!!!!

The slide show isn't quite working correctly. If you just click on the box somewhere you can view it. Hit the back button to get back to my blog!

Today I'm thankful for.......
oreos
generous parents
my talented husband
power naps

Germfest 2008 begins!!

I have been away a little longer than would have liked.  It seem as though we are sharing some germs in our home and it has been a whirlwind of emotions, body functions, and physical ailments.  We seem to be back on track now though.  So much has happened that I find it difficult to remember it all - not to mention my "head off my shoulders" feeling for 3 or so days has made that period of time a blur.

This week I'm thankful for.....

• football weather!
• immodium
• mommy cam to capture all the moments I can't remember due to illnesses and general forgetfulness
• Dr. Pepper - even though I was only able to tolerate a sip or 2 a day, they were heavenly at the time.
• a mechanic in the family - family with a spare car

Here are a few pictures

• Hannah with her new favorite thing to chew.
  
• Noah's new discovery.... Poop scooping.  Yes you heard it.  The kid voluntarily scoops poop.  Stating very loudly "I do it my-felf!"  And he does it very well I might add.
  
• Noah being the great big brother I knew he would be from the very begining.
  

Tour of Missouri 9-09-08

Jerry and Noah waiting for bikes.


This is how much Hannah likes bikes. JD and Noah waiting for bikes!!!

The Missouri bike tour came through on 9-09-08. Since Noah loves loves loves bikes JD ventured downtown with both kids and Grandpa (Jerry). The weather was great and everyone had a good time.

Get Away

This past weekend JD and I had a little get away from the kiddos and enjoyed some time with our friends the Fanns. We got to go to a KC Chiefs game and see them lose terribly to the Raiders. Our seats were at about the 5 yard line 12 rows from the field! The weather was wonderful, dinner was quite, and the adult company was a delight. Can't wait to do it again some time.

Last week I was greatful for.....

work, open your windows weather, Noah buddies, dinner with family, car rides that lull the kids to sleep, and of course entertainment that doesn't involve children.

Gatorade Fun-Dip

As if the title and picture didn't tell enough - I'm going to share the whole story.

I was feeding Hannah and JD was helping finish dinner.  I noticed it was awfully quiet and asked JD what Noah was doing.  JD peered around the corner and saw him playing in his car - no problem right?!  A few minutes pass and still no noise from the other room.  We have all had that feeling when we hear silence - it was a strong feeling this time and JD must have ESP because he went to check on Noah at just the moment I was getting ready to ask him to.  From the other room I hear.....  "Mom come quick - EMERGENCY....." and this precious face is what I found.  He was playing in his car all right, with a packet of powdered gatorade drink mix!   He snuck it from the pantry and took it to his car.  When he couldn't open it - he ate a little hole in the front of the packet - used it as fun-dip and eventually ended up pouring it out all over his car and general area.  I had to laugh the entire time I cleaned him up and laugh while typing the story today - just thinking of how much fun he thought he was having - after all fun-dip is just that......  FUN!  I felt compelled to share one of our "kid moments" hope you can giggle too!

And for those who wonder - gatorade fun-dip does wash well from hands and faces =)

Labor Day Drama

We were driving home from the park on Sunday and saw some cop cars blocking one portion of our street.  Being the normal curious neighbor we stopped and asked other on lookers what the story was - no one had clear cut answers.  It's not very often that drama is happening and we don't have the inside scoop!  JD hears the police say "get down, down on the ground".  Ordeal over right?  Not so much.

It was still going on after midnight - some dude tried to burglarize a home, got caught, ran to a neighboring home as the police were there (that's what JD heard), ended up baracaded in home number 2 FOR-EVER.  Didn't even hear anything about it on the news today (due to Gustav coverage).

Today I'm thankful for......

Our family's safety (in this ever so crazy world) and a great guard dog.

Fun in the back yard and Jell-O Heaven =)

Jell-O Heaven

This is a new recipe I tried today and I'm calling it Jell-O Heaven.  I found it right on the back of the Jell-o box!!!  Super simple, super cheap, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering (especially with the kids).

• Stir 1 1/2 cups boiling H2O and gelatin in bowl until dissolved.
  
• Add 2/3 of one 8 oz. tub FROZEN cool whip by spoon full.
  
• Whisk until cool whip is melted and mixture is blended
  
• Poor gelatin into 5 cups.  
  
• Refrigerate for 2 hrs. or until set.
  
• Top with remaining thawed cool whip to serve.
  

** I used sugar free jell-o and cool whip light and it was still delightful **
Enjoy!!!!!!

Olymp-aholic

Since I last wrote I have been watching Olympics non-stop.  That is absolutely all that is on our TV.  I think Noah is tired of them because he keeps saying.... "lympics ober mommy".  At night I find that I'm sooo tired, but just can't turn off the TV.  I figure I'm only losing about an hour of sleep per night - not too bad.

To keep you up on events since I last wrote.

• I stubbed my barely-there baby toe and broke it.  YIKES THAT HURT!!!
• JD stubbed a toe on a fan 2 days later and cut the tip off of it. YOW-ZA!!
• Noah developed and maintained a head to toe rash.  Two trips to the Doc and a lot of benadryl later we suspect yard spray to be the cause.  Poor guy put up with it for about 2 full weeks.
• Kids stayed with Aunt Shannon while we went to see Jack Johnson in concert.  Which was absolutely a great time.  Thanks sister for managing the chaos so I could have some fun!!
• Hannah laughs out loud in response to a little tickle on the neck.
  

Today I'm grateful for a husband who has such a creative mind, a vision for new endeavors, and an incredible passion for the things he's involved in. 

Birthday Wishes

Because I have been terrible about getting cards and phone calls made.

Everyone gets a gret BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!

We hope your day was very special - know that we were thinking of you and are grateful for your place in our life! I apologize to anyone I left out and I'm not about to get all the dates correct.

Noah, Kris, Alicia, Zach, Jason Todd, Paul Wilson, little Madi, Ashlyn, Alex, and a Maberry anniversary (whew, almost as many special days as November has).

Today I'm thankful for parties for Noah to attend (yesterday and today) and for time spent with my parents.

Happy Birthday Noah John!!!!!

Noah's birthday (Aug 1st) was uneventful - hangin' out with the parents (us).  However, the party day (2nd) was so much fun for the kids.  Thank you parents for coming over and enduring the sweltering heat with us!  Wow, those kids didn't give 2 hoots the heat index was 110!  Noah loved having the company and we loved sharing Noah's birthday with all of you.

It's hard to believe he is 2yrs old.  The evidence of his growth is outrageous.  Everyday he learns new words, tricks, and stuff.  It has been so much fun being a parent thus far (occasionally it's trying - but FUN all at the same time).  I'm so lucky to have such an ACTIVE, smart, fun-loving, boy.  I can honestly say that he makes me a strive to be a better person everyday and I'm looking forward to the new things I can learn from him over the next year.

This past week I was grateful for many things - here are a few

• A mother who knows what to do and just when to do it.
• Noah's playtime with someone as active as he his - thanks Jayden!
• Kailey's happy birthday - what a good cousin she is to Noah!
• Noah's precious place in our lives.
• Jen Tate for showing me & giving me ideas for the fun things mom's and daughters can do!
• Mary Walker cake - YUMMY!!!!!
• GIANT fans for outside air movement.
• B-day party that went off without a hitch (the pre-party stress was undue and the planning paid off).
  
• Hannah's 8 hr sleep night - WOW that was nice.

Birthday photos to be posted soon - so check back.

P.S.  Sorry to all who couldn't make it to Noah's party.  We'll see everyone (INDOORS) next year - hee hee hee!

Not so great at this!

I'm finding this to be difficult to get to in a reasonable amount of time. After starting back to work my spare time is spent in the backyard playing in the baby pool and trying to find other activities that help beat this heat.

I thought I would start a gratitude list. My friend Kathy once gave me a tiny little notepad that we called our gratitude book and each day or as frequently as I could remember I would list something I was grateful for. I have loved going back and looking at it - often you could tell what the weather was doing or what holiday it was or who I was spending the most time with. Wow - it was very evident when I seemed to be closer in my walk with God! So I'll close today with.....

I'M GRATEFUL FOR.........

Beautiful healthy children that have enhanced my life in a way I had never imagined.

Well here I go!!!

I have finally started blogging.  One of my New Year resolutions was to begin blogging to keep in touch with family and friends.  FINALLY, I have actually started.  I will NOT, however make any promises as to how frequently I will be updating.

I'm really excited about learning how to do this.  It is so fun seeing others' pages.  

I hope you enjoy all of my postings - they will probably all be related to my kids as they are about all I'm involved in at this time.