Baking Christmas Cookies

Today Paige and I made and decorated Christmas cookies. It was quite and experience to say the least.

She really got into it. She likes to be called the "dumper" whenever we bake something. Because it's her job to dump the items into the big bowl.

She loved decorating the cookies. We made different colored frosting, used colored sugar and sprinkles.

Dad even got to help.

Our beautiful cookies.....

Seems like forever....

since I've blogged. I can't believe it's been a month already. I just don't know where all the time goes.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the family. We went to Darwin and Debby Eaton's on Thanksgiving day with the Hohensee's. We enjoyed dinner and an afternoon of visiting with everyone.

Later that afternoon, we put up our outside Christmas lights since it was so nice outside. There just seems to be something odd about putting up your Christmas lights while wearing spring jackets instead of parkas!

I had to work the day after Thanksgiving, but Josh ventured out to the stores. I haven't yet decided if he's brave or stupid:) He got alot of bargains and I got a new Christmas tree, so I guess he's brave AND thoughtful.

I only had to work until noon on Friday, so we put up our Christmas tree that afternoon. Let me tell you, it's just beautiful! Paige did most of the work and is so proud of herself. She let Cam help a little bit, but I don't think he really minded not helping much.

We made a trip to Sioux City to finish up our shopping yesterday. I think we are DONE! And Josh and I wrapped it all today. Well, I wrapped and he put the name tags on everything. That counts as helping, doesn't it?

I'm sure Christmas will be here before we realize. Hope everyone is ready for the holidays.

Arenacross

We took the kids to Des Moines on Saturday to see the Arenacross....So Much Fun! We are definately going to see it again sometime.

I don't know who's going to want a dirtbike first, Cam or Paige. I was really surprised how much she enjoyed it. She was really getting into the freestyle riders. They were doing all kinds of tricks that she loved. Guess I'd better size her up for a helmet now.

We told Cam we were going to Sesame Street Live. He was VERY surprised when we got there. Totally worth lying to your kid when you get to see that kind of look!

Trick or Treat

Paige dressed as a mermaid for Halloween this year......

She wasn't really into the trick-or-treating at first but got the hang of it later in the evening and came home with a boat load of candy. Just what she needs!

6 Years.....and 2 days!

Josh and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on Friday. We enjoyed a night away in Des Moines on Saturday night.

The kids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa. They were also in Des Moines on Saturday. They went to take Logan home since his mom and dad are back from their honeymoon in Hawaii. Hope you had a great time, Brian and Sarah!

Anyway, Josh and I did some shopping (I know, how romantic!) and went to supper. After supper we went to Prairie Meadows for a little while. I hit it big on the nickel machines! I won $100. Such a high roller! The best part of the evening was getting carded there!

It was nice to get away for the weekend. Although, I'm always glad to get back home to the really important things (laundry). I don't know why it seems to multiply when you are away. How can the clothes fit in the suitcase so nicely on the way there, but have to be jammed in on the way home. Just one of the mysteries of life, I suppose.

I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged. Now that race season is over, we haven't been up to much. I will keep you posted if anything interesting happens to us!

Picking Pumpkins

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday to get Paige a pumpkin. And yes, only Paige because, once again, certain members of the household are just "too cool" to participate in things like this!

She had to sit on the pumpkins to determine if it was the right size or not. Apparently a good jack-o-lantern has to be about butt high on a 4-year-old. The things I am learning as I get older.

She ended up getting 1 big pumpkin to carve and 4 little pumpkins because she's 4. The logic!

THE BIG 3 - 0 !!!!!

Today is Josh's 30th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

This picture is actually from Paige's birthday, but I didn't have one of Josh opening his dead-blow hammer we got him. Give me a break, it's what he wanted.

Happy Birthday, Paige!

We celebrated Paige's 4th birthday today. Her birthday is actually tomorrow, but with Josh and I both having to work we decided to celebrate early.

Actually, her birthday will probably be celebrated all week. We gave her a present yesterday. She got a Dora the Explorer bicycle. Since it was so nice out yesterday, she got it early so she could enjoy it for an extra day.

Paige and I got up early this morning to make her birthday cake and some cupcakes to take to daycare tomorrow.

After lunch, we took her to the movie "Barnyard". So cute! She laughed through the whole thing. And, like normal, Cam was just "too cool " to enjoy it thoroughly.

After the movie, we invited Grandma Ellen and Grandpa Roger and Great Grandma and Grandpa Hohensee to eat supper with us at Pizza Hut in Humboldt. We then enjoyed cake and ice cream at our house and Paige opened some more cards and presents. Thanks for all the gifts, everyone!

Tomorrow she celebrate her birthday at daycare with the cupcakes baked in ice cream cones. They are so much fun! She will also get her favorite supper, and no, it's not going to be a bologna sandwich. She has already requested spaghetti.

On Thursday, she will celebrate her birthday at Pre-School. She is taking the treats and will get to wear the birthday crown!

I'm sure by the end of the week she'll think she's 6!

My Bologna Has a First Name

Paige has been on the bologna diet for the past few weeks. I don't know what the deal is, but every night for supper she wants to have a bologna sandwich.

I know, I know....why do I give in and let her eat a bologna sandwich every night. Because sometimes it's just easier to pick the battles. And is bologna really worth battling over, I say no. Eventually, she'll get sick of bologna and move on to something else.

I thought we had a break-through yesterday. I made tacos for lunch and Paige said she would have a taco, too. Whooo Hooo! No more bologna.

But, what she ended up eating was what she called a "bologna taco". Which was a soft taco shell, a piece of bologna, some shredded cheese and lettuce.

I need to buy stock in Oscar Meyer!!

First Day of Pre-School

Paige started Pre-School yesterday. She was VERY excited! She was up and ready to go at 5 after 7. It was much harder on mom and dad!

She will go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She has 17 pre-schoolers in her class. It must have been a big year for babies, because all four sections are very large.

She will also be riding the Transit Bus. I was very nervous about that, too. But she thought it was alot of fun to ride the bus.

I asked Cameron if he wanted his own post on here and a picture of his first day of school, as you can see, he didn't. He's way too cool for that since he's a 7th grader now!!

Working, Racing and Shopping

It seems like forever since I've posted.

I have been working alot of overtime and seems like we're never at home anymore. By the time I get home at 6, make supper, do the dishes, do some laundry, give Paige a bath and spend some time with the kids, it's bedtime.

Josh has been racing every weekend and seems to have all the kinks worked out. It's been a frustrating season for him this year, so I'm glad he'll be able to end it with some good racing. For updates on the 68 Race Team check out the "other blog".

We went school shopping in Mason City last Sunday. I think they are all ready for school to start. The boys start on Wednesday and Paige starts Pre-school on Thursday. She'll go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Paige is very excited, but I'm not so sure about the boys.

Paige and Cameron had physicals for school last Monday. Paige is 3 ft. 7 in. tall and weighs 45 lbs. She is in the 96th percentile for height and the 95th for weight. Nobody's going to pick on her at school!

Cameron and I went to the movie today to see Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest. I loved the first one and this one was almost as good.


Other than that, not a whole lot has been happening around here. Sure seems like summer just flew by this year. I can't believe it's almost Labor Day already.

The Pool, The Parade and The Party

What a miserably hot weekend!! And, of course, we were busy all weekend.

On Friday evening, we went to the pool to cool off. We even talked Josh into going. He didn't really want to go, but once he was there he really enjoyed it. We like to go to the pool at 5:00 for "family hour". It's much quieter and less crowded at that time.

Saturday was the Havelock, Iowa quasqicentennial. Josh was nice enough to load up the racecar and enter it in the parade. Paige decided she wanted to sit on the back of the racecar instead of in the air conditioning of the Suburban. And lucky me, I got to sit back there with her. She had a blast waving at people and throwing out candy. Of course, by the end of the parade her pocket was full of the candy that she liked! She was sorting it before throwing it. Typical Paige!

We went to the races in Algona on Saturday night. After a few weeks of really bad luck and a few weekends off it was really fun to watch Josh race again. A nice breeze would have made it even better.

On Sunday, Paige and I attended a birthday party in Laurens for Kennedy Tate, who turned 4 earlier in the week. Happy Birthday, Kennedy!!

Last week was my first week back to work full-time so I'm back to working 10 hour days. I was getting pretty spoiled with the half-days, so it's been a little difficult to go back.

I am trying to be very organized since I don't get home until about 6:20 or so. I made up a couple weeks of supper menus and try to get as much done ahead of time as I can. It has been working out well. I'll just have to see how long I can keep it up. Sometimes the planning is harder than the implementation!

Hope everyone is staying cool!

They're Getting Better

Paige's hiding spots are starting to get a little better......

It's a Boy!!

Congratulations to my cousin, Kelly and her husband, Matt, on the birth of their baby boy!

Landen Christopher Tate
07/10/2006
2:05 PM
Parents: Matt & Kelly Tate
Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz
Length: 20.5 inches

I'm sure Mom and Dad will have lots of help from his big sisters, Addison and Kennedy!

Mom's Workin', Dad's not Racin' and Cam's on Vacation

It has been pretty quiet around here for the past week or so. (as usual, we're boring)

I went to the doctor last Thursday to see when I can return to work. He told me I can return on the 24th with no restrictions. Yeah! I think? I have really been enjoying the time off. But, oh well, back to the grindstone!

When I took my note to work letting them know that I was returning on the 24th, they offered me a different position and asked if I can return sooner. So, I am returning on the 13th for 1/2 days and will be a Production Clerk. Working in the same department I was in but I will be taking care of all the inventory and orders. At least I think that's what I'll be doing. Once again, I am in the dark about what my job entails.

I will still have to go to Physical Therapy until I return for my last check at the doctor's on August 17th.

It will be nice to get back into a routine and get Paige back to daycare. She really misses the other kids. I have been taking her a couple days a week for a couple of hours each time, but it's not the same for her. She may be a little difficult to get back into a routine, though. The last 3 mornings she hasn't gotten out of bed until 10! I think she's getting ready to have another growth spurt. She complains of her legs hurting, she eats like a pig and sleeps alot more! Definite signs! She already stands a head taller than most kids her age. She's definitely her dadddy's girl!

We have been enjoying spending time at the pool. She's such a little fish. I just put here water wings on her and away she goes. I stay within an arms reach of her and she puddles all around the pool.

Cameron is on vacation this week with his friend, Mike. Their family has a time-share at Okoboji and invited him along. He's called me once (I think Mike's mom made him) and told us what a great time he is having. It was very nice of them to invite him along. He and Mike are great friends and get along great. I just hope they do after a week together.

Josh has had a few weeks off of racing. The first weekend by choice when he went to Kansas City but last weekend he was getting the car ready to go and found a leak in the transmission. So instead of going racing, he took the tranny to Boone to get fixed. I REALLY hope the car is back together this weekend so he can race. He NEEDS to race! 'nuff said! You all know what I'm talking about.

Last Saturday when he got home from Boone, we grilled out and played horseshoes in the yard. Same stuff we did on the 4th of July. A few weeks ago our neighbors had an auction and I picked up a horseshoe/ring toss yard game for a couple of dollars. You wouldn't believe how much fun we've had playing with that thing!

Then on Sunday after Cam left, we went to see "Cars" again. Paige loved it as much the second time! And I think Josh liked it just as much!

Well, that about sums it up for us. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy 4th of July!! Here are a couple of neat links:

http://www.riversongs.com/days/skyfire.html

http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty_.htm

Trucks, Movies and Cows

Instead of racing his car, Josh went to Kansas City this weekend to the Craftsman Truck Race with some friends and his dad.

Since we had "free" weekend (meaning not having to go the races), Paige, Cam and I went to the movie "Over the Hedge" on Saturday night. So Cute!! We all really enjoyed it. It was definitely worth seeing. The theater does a really good job of bringing family friendly movies to town. "Cars" is playing here next week, so we will go see that here. Even though Paige, Cam and I saw it in Humboldt on Tuesday night. It's so funny, it's worth seeing again. And this time, Josh will be able to go.

This morning we went to visit our neighbor's dairy farm so Paige could see their bucket calves. She was not even interested in the babies, she just wanted to see the big cows. At least she's easily entertained!

The Shiner

Cameron received his first major baseball injury. Ok, maybe not MAJOR, but bad enough!

It didn't look as bad last night. He iced it as soon as we got home from the game, but it still swelled shut.

It's pretty sore today, but I'm sure he'll be fine by the tournament tomorrow.

Ride 'Em, Cowgirl!

As I was making supper tonight, I heard a giant "thud" followed by hysterical crying coming from Paige's room. Cameron and I both rushed in there to find her sitting on the floor crying.

When I asked her what was wrong, she told me "I was just trying to ride the dog and he bucked me off!"

The poor dog was standing in the hallway with a worried look on his face. Our dog is very sensitive, you know. I think he was waiting to see if he was going to be in trouble.

The dog is not in trouble, but I did have to have a talk with Paige about how the dog is not a horse and that he doesn't like that. She's still convinced he likes to do whatever she wants to do.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 30th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Hide and Seek

One of Paige's favorite games is Hide and Seek. I think she may need some pointers when it comes to finding good hiding places!



But when she does find a good one, the giggling usually gives it away. She's so funny!

Hand Washing and Band-Aids

Since it was such a nice day on Friday, Paige played outside all afternoon in her sandbox. When it was time to wash her hands, she and Kyle went to the hose in the back yard to "rinse off". After I heard squealing and yelling I had to go see what was going on. This is what I found......

She decided it was more fun to spray Kyle. But in the process, she soaked herself. Oh well, at least it was only water.

While she was playing, she cut her finger a little. I went to go get a Band-Aid for her which caused the meltdown to multiply 10 fold. Paige is scared of Band-Aids. She would rather bleed all over than to have a Band-Aid. Have you ever heard of a kid that doesn't like Band-Aids? Most kids want one even if they are not bleeding. Like I've said before.....she's a weird kid!

Ever Wondered?

Have you ever wondered what your dog does when you're not looking?

Apparently ours likes to take naps on the couch!

A-OK

The surgery went well. I am feeling great today and not in as much pain as I expected to be.

I go back to the doctor for the post-op appointment on June 15th and start physical therapy on the 16th.

The kids are all being great help and Josh was wonderful at the hospital yesterday.

More News from the Doctor's Office

At least this time it's not Paige!

I am scheduled to have surgery on my shoulder tomorrow. I am having arthroscopy to remove some bone spurs in 3 areas of my shoulder and to repair a tear of the rotator cuff caused by the spurs.

I have been having some pain in my shoulder since about October. It just wasn't bad enough to see a doctor until about a month ago. We have tried a couple different medications, physical therapy and cortisone injections. Seems surgery is the last resort. I went to the orthopedist on Friday to schedule surgery and LUCKY for me, there was a cancellation at the hospital. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so soon. I'll be glad to get it over with, though.

I hope it's not a bad "omen" to have it on 06/06/06. It should all go well since it's just an out-patient procedure.

Will post an update as soon as I can. I may have to type with one hand, but will be sure to let everyone know all went well.

I will be off work for 4-6 weeks, so feel free to call or stop by the house. I figure I'll be bored to tears by the end of this week!

Cameron

Cameron celebrated his 13th birthday on Saturday, June 3rd!

Here is his last report card from 6th grade:

PE A-

Math B-

Reading B+

Soc. Studies B

English B+

Science B

Art B

Vocal B+

He made the honor roll and also received a certificate for perfect attendance.

Awesome Job, Cam. We are so proud of you!!

Trip to the Zoo

We took a trip to Omaha this weekend to the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was Cam's birthday yesterday, so we thought this would be a great time to go.

It was a beautiful day to go. We got up early on Saturday and were on the road by 7 a.m. We stopped for breakfast and were still to the zoo by 10:30. It was warm, but not so hot that the animals were all "hiding out".


All Paige cared about seeing were the giraffes. But once we got to them, she wasn't that impressed. She was more impressed at the sizes of the piles of poo each animal had. Such as, elephant poop is bigger than giraffe poop. Very observant, but she's a weird kid!!!!

There are so many things to see there that I'm sure we didn't see everything.
We left the zoo about 4 and headed to our motel.

We came about half way home and stayed in Walnut, IA. It's a tiny little town just off the interstate. Our room was very nice as was the pool. You wouldn't think they'd be that excited to swim inside in June, but had a ball at the pool. Most of the time we were the only one's there.

We were all so tired from the big day that I think we were all sleeping by 10. Paige has decided that "girls rule and boys drool", so I got to sleep with her. Lucky me, she's such a bed hog!

We were up early again, had breakfast and went to the pool again this morning before heading home.

We took the "scenic route" home and stopped by Albert the Bull since our last mini-vacation involved a picture of the Jolly Green Giant. We may need to start planning all our vacations to involve a family picture next to a giant statue of something! I suppose I need to take a picture next to the statue of Pocahontas that's on the edge of town. We drive by it all the time, but forget that it's even there.

Summer Do

I took Paige over this morning to get her "summer do". Her hair is so fine and has some natural wave, so it always looks like it needs to be brushed. I think this short cut is going to be easy to take care of and always look nice.

She was a little upset at first. But Annie curled it and put some sparkle spray in it, so all is good. On the way over, Paige kept telling me she wanted "sprinkles" and I wasn't sure what she was talking about. She meant sparkles. How cute is that?

Mother's Day

I received this email from 3 different people and think it's very "profound". Hope everyone had a very good Mother's Day.

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here".

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football ,
hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.


This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?

The jolt that t takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us.

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them.

And pray..

"Home is what catches you when you fall. - and we all fall."

Name Tags and Garage Sales....Literally

I haven't posted in a while because it's been pretty quiet around here.

The kids are all doing well.

It's getting very close to the end of the school year so the boys are excited. Cameron starts baseball practice this afternoon. And Kyle works all the time at the Pizza Ranch.

Paige is ready for Pre-School. We went to Round-Up last month and ever since then she asks to go to school...EVERYDAY! I think she's a little excited.

She said the funniest thing at Pre-School Round-up. When we got there the teacher asked her if she wanted a name tag. Paige told her, "no thank you, I already have a name".

She takes everything so literally, when I asked her if she wanted to go to a garage sale with me, she told me I didn't need to go because we already have a garage.

There were city-wide sales in Pocahontas this weekend. I found Paige alot of clothes for this summer and some for fall. I'm still pretty excited about taking her school shopping this fall. I say that now, but I'm sure I won't be quite as ready for her first day of school.

Alyse and Ella also came home for the garage sales. Paige and I offered to keep Ella on Saturday morning since I did all my bargain shopping on Friday night. Paige really enjoyed having Ella over. That is, until Ella had a dirty diaper and when she threw up. Paige did "help" with the diaper changing. She got the diaper and wipes out of the diaper bag and then went to stand in the hallway until the diaper was changed.

Paige and Ella

Easter Weekend

We had a very nice Easter weekend.

Josh raced for the first time this season. To keep up-to-date on all the racing news check out the "other" blog at www.joshhohenseeracing.blogspot.com or just click on the link to the left.


On Saturday, we took Paige to the Easter Egg Hunt. She found alot of eggs and even won a big Easter basket. She had so much fun. When we got home, she and I made this bunny cake. She loves to help in the kitchen. Her job was to put the M&M's on the tie. I'm surprised there are so many on there since she ate one for every one she put on the cake.

We went to Grandma Ellen and Grandpa Roger's for supper with the family on Saturday. Charles, Alyse, and Ella were there, as well as, Ellen's sister, Debbie, and her "crew".

On Sunday, we went to lunch in Pomeroy for Grandpa Hohensee's 85th birthday celebration with the Hohensee turnout of 37 people. After lunch, we went to Darwin and Debby's for cake. Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

It seems like the weekend just flew by. But, it was great to get together with all the family.

It's Done......Almost!

The quilt I have been working on is almost done. All I have left to do is sew the binding down, which should only take about half an hour or so. It was alot more work than I expected it to be. I think this will be my first and only quilt I make. Not because it was so much work, it was just so stressful for me to do it.

I guess it's not my "thing"! You know how everyone has a "thing". I guess I'll just stick to reading!

In other news, things on the homefront are great. The new job is going well. Alot different than working at the school. My body just needs to adjust working more than 35 hours a week!

Kyle has been very helpful and picks Paige up from daycare everyday. That has turned out to be "their time". I think they both really enjoy it, although Kyle won't admit that.

Cam's Report Card

PE A

Music B

Math A-

Reading B+

Soc.Studies B

English B+

Science B

Fam/Con Sci (Home Ec) A-

Awesome Job, Cam!!! You made the B honor roll!

In case some of you are wondering why Kyle's report card is not posted, he offered me money not to put it on here!!

New Job=New Car

Here are some pictures of the "surprise" Josh brought home yesterday. It's the 2004 Chevy Impala we looked at on Friday. I had no idea he was going to buy it! Wasn't that sweet? I guess he figures since I'll be driving about 35 miles a day, that the Surburban isn't going to be very economical. That is now the "racecar hauler".

I'm very excited about my "new" car!

New Job

I found out 2 weeks ago on Tuesday that, due to budget cuts, that the staff at school is being downsized. I, of course, was one of the "lucky" ones to be cut. I have a job through the end of the school year, but they are not going to renew my contract for next year.

I decided not to take my chances at finding a job in May. So, last Tuesday I interviewed for a job at Jack Links in Laurens. They called me on Thursday and offered me the position. I start next Monday, April 3rd. I'm not even really sure of my job description right now because I am hired for a new department they are adding. I do know that Jack Links in Laurens is a distribution center for the company and there is no manufacturing of the products.

Congrats, Courtney and Chad!!

Just heard the news today that our friends, Courtney Thompson and Chad Palmer are engaged! Since they are our "racin' buddies" I think it's only fitting to wish them congrats in this way:

We hope your marriage is filled with "green flags" for smooth racing

Some "yellow" to encourge you to always be cautious of the other's feelings

A "red" when you need to just stop and enjoy each other

And, of course, a house full of "little racers"

I'm Crafty!?

I have decided to be ambitious and take a quilting class. Here are some pictures of what the quilt looks like so far. I have taken two classes so far and have one more to go. The plan is to get it completely finished during the next class. Otherwise, I'm afraid it will never get finished since I don't really know what I'm doing yet!

Fun at the Care Bears

On Saturday afternoon, Paige and I went to Spencer with my cousin, Kelly, her daughters, Addison and Kennedy, and their friend, Ellie.

After having lunch at Arby's, stopping at Wal-Mart to get Paige a new shirt (after a ketchup "incident" at Arby's), we headed to the Care Bear show. It was a lot of fun and everyone really enjoyed the show. It was definitely worth the money! Our seats were good, but my pictures didn't turn out very well.

We'll definitely have to do something like this again. They had so much fun at the 2 shows we've been to.

Poor Casey

As previously posted, Paige likes to dress up the dog. Here is what I found in her room today.



Doesn't Casey look pretty? I can't believe he sat there and let her do that to him. He's such a good dog.

I tried to explain to Paige that Casey is a boy dog and probably doesn't like to wear headbands, necklaces and sunglasses. She doesn't really seem to care about the sex of the dog, she is still convinced he likes it!!

Care Bears Here We Come

Paige and I have tickets to the Care Bears Live in Spencer on Saturday, March 11th. She is already very excited! We are going with my cousin, Kelly, and her daughters, Addison and Kennedy. This will be the second of these trips for the five of us. Last February, we went to Sioux City to see Dora the Explorer. They had so much fun then that I'm sure this will be great, too.

Paige's New Haircut

Paige got her hair cut last week. It was just a trim but now looks pretty short. It just bounces up so much when it's trimmed. This was the first time we didn't have to hold her down to get it cut. I'm sure it's alot more even this way!!

Paige Loves The Dog

This is a picture of Paige and our dog, Casey. He has been around longer than she has, but has gladly shared his home with her since the day she came home. He lets her ride him like a horse, put jewelry on him and lead him around the house by his collar. Casey also "likes" to watch cartoons with her. I don't know how Paige knows that, but that's what she tells us. Casey is so patient with her. I thinks it's because she shares her snacks with him. He loves pop-tarts!