Let My Blog Open The Door

2009-11-10T16:09:00.000-06:00

She's a lover AND a fighter

2009-05-22T08:20:00.019-05:00

I love all my children the same, but this one, has a special place in my heart right now. She continues to amaze us every day. She is one tough little girl, and we couldn't be more proud of her!!!!

Arriving at the hospital, walking with the volunteer to her room

Jaiden's room

Rubbing Daddy's ears, her little thing she does.....

Mom and Daddy, Gramma Mary and Gramma Judy and Miss Jaiden Olevia right before surgery

Recovery Room

Breathing Treatment

It's hard to tell your child, "It's okay, I am here" When it's really not okay for them to be that sick! And your holding back your tears, and fears, because kids don't deserve to go through this kind of pain.

Daddy laying with his princess

Resting at home

This is all I've got for now, but it's something!!!!

2009-04-28T22:36:00.014-05:00

WOW!!!!!!! It's been a long time, again. I never intend to just leave all of you hanging wondering what is going on in the Whittemore House. Which usually is just a whole lot of nothing!!!! I remember when I first started my blog, I couldn't get enough of it and I wanted to update it every hour and now........ Well, let's just say that my life isn't that exciting that I don't ever get a minute to myself, because we all know that isn't true. Especially since I just returned from a wonderful girl's weekend in Sturgeon Bay. :)

Most recently, I have become a working mom, once again. Not like raising a family isn't work, but now I am working outside the home also. I don't even know if I can call what I am doing work though. I work at a salon and spa and I LOVE IT!!!!! What isn't to love about working at a spa!?! Facials, massages, pedicures, manicures?! So, between raising a family, facials, working, pedicures, dealing with a long winter of illnesses, massages and just enjoying life, I've deprived all of you of my daily events. However, I do read all my friends blogs on a daily basis and think about updating mine, but then get sidetracked! So, if you ever need some good reading, I try to update most of the blogs that I am following on the right hand side of my blog.

The most recent family event we had was Jaiden's 1st Communion on April 19th. And in typical Whittemore Style, we had drama! Jaiden has had a really rough winter dealing with medical issues. What started off as a cold, let to sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, and asthma. She is currently taking 7 different medications trying to heal her little body from all this sickness. So, on her special day, she ended up in the ER, which led to a visit to an ENT Specialist and several other appointments in the past week. However, she is well on her way to recovery and after a much needed break from her busy sports schedule, she is returning to the gym tomorrow for gymnastics!!! Yeah!!!! She is also going to continue with her training for the Bellin Run. I wish I had half the determination that my children have!!!!

Garrett also is in training for the Bellin Run. He is pretty pumped about doing this for the 1st time. He is also starting his Select Soccer season. His first tournament of the season was suppose to be this past weekend, but ended up being cancelled due to thunder storms. Now that he is 12, he is starting his hunter and boaters safety courses. He is super pumped about both of them!!! I, on the other hand, am not so pumped. That means he is growing up and not my little boy anymore. But I am super excited for him!!!!

Bennett is growing up way too fast!!! He is going to a baby sitters now during the week while I am at the spa, I mean at work!!! :) He is making new friends and hopefully learning to share. This is all so new for him. He was having some issues the first couple weeks, as he was going to a different place every couple days until we could find something permanent. He seems to be adjusting more now. Although, he knows that I drop him off and Mark picks him up, so he continues to ask throughout the day for "his daddy". Which was making me sad that he always wanted Mark, but then we figured out he wants him, because he knows that is who is coming to pick him up in the afternoon. And I was happy to hear that while I was gone this past weekend, he asked for me all weekend!!!! :) He still loves me!!!!!

So that, my friends, in what is going on the in Whittemore household these days. A whole lot of nothing!!! I am going to try and make it a point to update my blog more frequently, because there are always fun stories to tell, but by the time I get around to updating after two months, those stories are old and boring!

There is a blog that I know that all of you would be interested in. I've been following this blog for almost a year now, and she does a fantastic job, and unlike myself, she up dates hers everyday, has very interesting things to write about and is a great writer. Drop in by MckMama and let me know what you think!!!
You may have heard me talk about her little guy, Stellen on Facebook. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!!!! I also have links right on my page that you can click on that will take you to MckMama's blog I will leave you now with some pictures and I hope to stay in touch with all of you a little better!!!!!! I love hearing from all my followers, drop me a line or post me a message!!!

Jaiden dreaming BIG at the Harley Meet

Bennett and his bestest buddy, Duker

Jaiden and her bestest girl, Sophia. Hanging out on the stall bars Daddy made for her.

Aren't these the cutest bunners?????

Jaiden's 1st Communion

Jaiden, Garrett and Bennett

Jaiden and Gramma Judy and Papa John

Jaiden, Gramma Mary and Grampa Gene

In the hospital after 1st Communion

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

2009-02-27T17:57:00.005-06:00

Around this house, there is always excitement, whether we want it or not!!!

Tuesday night started as a normal evening, running the kids to the activities, homework, family time. Mark went to football at 8:30, and the kids went to bed. A little time to myself, to catch up on tv shows and relax. Around 10:30 I started getting ready for bed and I heard this strange noise coming from Jaiden's room. At first, I thought it was one of the dogs getting sick. I went into her room to find her sitting up in bed, facing the wall, gasping. I grabbed her, turned her around, thinking she was having another bad dream. I couldn't see what was wrong and I brought her out to the living room. I said "Jaiden, talk to me, what's wrong?", all the while she is gasping, and then I realized, she was having trouble breathing. I could just see the panic in her eyes. I grabbed the phone and called 911. Within minutes, our house was full of police and paramedics. She started to be able to catch her breathe, but she would breathe in and then bark, yes, bark, like a seal. What the heck? This child went to bed healthy as can be, and wakes up hour and a half later, gasping...... They told me right away that they would be bringing her to the hospital. They said she sounded like she had croup, many questions followed as they prepared her. And then I remembered Mark! I grabbed the phone and called him, he said he was just walking out the door from football, I briefly told him what was going on and he said he would be right home. Within minutes Mark was home, he said later that he ran every red light on the way home. They loaded Jaiden in the ambulance, I was able to ride with her. The paramedics did a breathing treatment on her and vitals before we left, and gave her a much needed bear to hug on the way to the hospital. Marked followed the ambulance. We decided not even to wake Garrett and Bennett. By the time we reached the hospital, her breathing was getting so much better, however she sounded and looked horrible. They ran some tests, xrays, did some breathing treatments and gave her steroids. We were then sent on own way. They are unsure what happened or what brought this on. They think maybe Croup. She continues to be on steroids. She has a horrible cough now, but otherwise is doing fine. We kept her home from school the next day as precaution. Garrett was pretty shocked when he got up in the morning and found out about all the excitement that went on in the house while him and Bennett slept!!!
We are just thankful that nothing more came out of this situation and we hope that it never happens again!!!!!
Getting a breathing treatment in the ambulance!!!

Breathing treatment at the hospital

Almost ready to go home!!!!

MISC PICTURES

2009-02-19T10:12:00.005-06:00

25 Things........

2009-01-29T17:42:00.002-06:00

1. I am a mom of three children, Garrett 11, Jaiden 7 and Bennett 2 and would do anything for them.

2. My husband proposed to me three months after dating, we got married within a year and have been married for 10 years this coming September.

3. My husband is the most incredible man I’ve ever met. He asked me if he could adopt my son, Garrett before we were even married. It takes an incredibly special person to do that.

4. I miss my husband when he is gone, even if it’s for a night and don’t sleep good unless he is beside me.

5. I am a very emotional person.

6. My biggest fear in life is death. I fear my own death and those close to me. Our friends lost their child this past summer and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of them.

7. I hold my feelings in . I hardly ever tell anyone my feelings, with the exception of my husband and my cousin Tammy. I can be having the worst day of my life, and I will most likely answer the question “how are you”, saying “I am great, how are you?” I am very private and would rather work out my own thoughts and feelings. Mark and Tammy are the only people that know my deepest secrets, and I am content with that.

8. I don’t think that people should email or text things to people that they wouldn’t say in person. If you say you would say that to a person face, then do it, don’t hide behind your computer or phone. I refuse to play those games!

9. I don't hold grudges. I can forgive AND forget. I don’t get when people say, “I forgive, but I won't forget”. Life is too short to waste energy staying mad at someone. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. It makes us all stronger people, to forgive AND forget!! There will come a day when you will want someone to forgive you.

10. I will forever be grateful for Garrett's father for the child he gave to me. He gave me the best gift in life and changed my life forever!!!!

11. I am most content being at home with my family. I never thought I would say this, but I would rather sit at home with my family on a Saturday night than do anything else.

12. I am very sensitive. The smallest thing can rock my world.

13. I worry too much about what other people think, even though I know their opinion doesn’t matter. My husband can always make me feel better when someone disappoints me with their words or actions.

14. I am a very simple person.

15. I am most comfortable in sweats, t shirt, hair pulled back and no make up.

17. I have no regrets. Disappointments in myself, but I don’t regret.

18. I don’t let anyone tell me who I can be friends with or let others try to influence my decisions.

19. I refuse to let negative people in my life.

20. I’m amazed at the amount of time and energy people spend gossiping about others.

21. My husband and I are extreme opposites. I worry a lot, he doesn’t. I am very emotional, I can’t count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him cry. I have fears, he appears to be fearless. I care about what others say and think, he could care less. We help each other understand different situations.

22. Being a mom is hardest, yet most rewarding thing I will ever experience!

23. Thinks it’s funny when people tell us we are crazy for allowing our kids to do the activities and sports they do and traveling so much for their activities. I can’t imagine worrying about how another person spends their time or money.

24. I am very protective of my children. Watch out for Mama Bear. She’ll eat you if you harm her cubs!!!

25. I cried while writing this.

Someone's been slacking lately........

2009-01-19T14:05:00.002-06:00

Sorry everyone for my procrastination lately. No excuses, just a busy mom!!!! It's been well over a month since my last update. (I feel like I am at confession)
We had a great holiday season!!! Everyone's been healthy and happy!!! We have been fortunate and have not been hit with the flu that everyone seems to be getting.
We seem to always be busy with one thing after another, but nothing too eventful. I guess having a "boring" life appeals to us!!!
Garrett, Jaiden, my mom and I are all leaving for Florida on Wednesday. Jaiden is competing at Disney for gymnastics, and we decided to make a mini vacation out of the trip. The kids are SUPER excited and counting down the number of "sleeps" before we leave!!!
I promise to update more when we return from Disney!!!

Hope this finds everyone in good health and much happiness!!!!

Jaiden's 1st bar routine in Minneapolis, MN

2008-12-09T19:54:00.008-06:00

This past weekend Jaiden competed for the first time in gymnastics. She just started 6 months ago, but has come a long way in a short time. This video isn't the best, since I was watching and trying to hold my phone out to record what I could.
We think she did a great job, especially considering that she's only been doing this for a short time!!! Way to go Baby Girl!!!!!

Jaiden, we are so proud of you. It isn't easy to get out there and compete in front of so many people. You are truly an amazing little girl!!

Jaiden, Bug, Ellie and Coach Jay. A couple of the level 4 girls ran the banner to Coach Jay, to surprise him with the win!!!

SNOW DAY

2008-12-09T12:36:00.005-06:00

The kids wish came true, apparently it does work if you flush ice cubes down a toilet, sleep with spoons under your pillows (including the dogs) and wear your clothes backwards and inside out! My kids were up at 6:00 and outside this morning at 8:00 playing in the snow for several hours. While I am thankful that I have active kids that want to be outside playing and not sitting in front of tvs and playing video games, they could have slept in a little..........

Mark has been gone since 2:00 AM plowing people out!!! I wish he'd stopped for a minute and take a lunch break, but we all know that isn't going to happen!!!! We are fortunate to have some good employees that can run the electrical business during these snowy days. It's hard to believe how much snow we've gotten in the past week.

This past weekend was a busy one. Jaiden had her first gymnastics competition in Minneapolis, MN. Her team took 1st place out of 7 teams. They all did a great job!!! Garrett had his 1st basketball game of the season and they won. Great job to the team also!!! Mark and the boys spent the weekend at the cabin while Jaiden and I were gone. Bennett was loving every minute of that. That kid is ALL boy. He loves being up north and out side. He loves going hunting with Daddy. Both of the boys have been hunting since they were each 3 years old. How Mark has been able to keep Bennett quite in the woods, is beyond me. But Mark says he doesn't speak a word while they are out there. I am afraid to ask if duct tape is involved in that, because that kid talks more than Jaiden did when she was his age, and let me tell you, that girl can talk and talk and talk. Must get that from their dad??? :)

Hope everyone is staying home and enjoying all this snow that we are getting in Wisconsin and to our family and friends in the Southern states, we can arrange to send you some if you'd like!!!

Just when I thought......

2008-12-08T14:28:00.006-06:00

I just had to pick up another bottle of pain medications for Fletcher (our dog) and I realized a couple things are going to need to change around the house until he is off the medication. There is a sticker on the side of the bottle that says, "May cause drowsiness. Alcohol may intensify this effect. Use care when operating a car or dangerous machinery". SO, no more beers for Fletcher until he is feeling better. and I am going to have to take his car keys away from him, so he doesn't attempt to drive while on the medication!!! No wonder he looks so down these days!!!

Tonight, the kids are sleeping with their clothes on backwards and inside out, sleeping with spoons under their pillows and flushing ice cubes down the toilet, in the hopes that there will be a snow day tomorrow. Think it will work??? Whatever makes them happy!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

2008-11-27T10:06:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to wish all of our family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have many things to be thankful for!!!!!!
We spend the morning doing a 2 mile charity walk, Turkey Trot. They had a great turn out and the weather was perfect for the event!!! Now we are going to spend the day with family!!!! Off to make my pies..... Enjoy the day and don't forget our wonderful troops that can't be home with their families today, as they fight for our country!!!!! God Bless!!!!!!!

Don't mind me, I'm just going to have a Bad Mom Day

2008-11-25T00:08:00.008-06:00

And that exactly what I did on Friday. My day started off great. I got up early, got in the shower, half got ready for the day, and then relaxed, no need to rush. Didn't rush the kids, just wanted to have a relaxing, non rushed morning for the kids. That is, until I said, "Come on Bennett, let's get you dressed. You get to go to Brody's today and play all day" and then Jaiden chimed in with, "I thought you said he was coming to Muffins With Moms at school today" And then, it began....... MUFFINS FOR MOMS, how did I forget???? Bad Mom Moment #1. Proceeded to rush the kids, after saying I wasn't going to do that this morning, Bad Mom Moment #2. Yelling at kids to get in the car, we are going to be late, Bad Mom Moment #3. See how fast I am filling up this Bad Mom card????? So much for a relaxing morning.
The rest of the day went pretty good. I "kind of" made up for my morning by bringing Mark with me when I served lunch at school that day and the kids got to eat lunch with Daddy. Probably told him what a witch I was in the morning.
Mark and Garrett left for up north after lunch and then it was just myself and the two younger ones. We met my parents out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then went to Elmo. We had front row seats for the program, see, I am kind of making up for my horrible mom moments in the morning. However I yawned and practically feel asleep during the show, vowed I didn't need to come see Elmo anymore, even though it's been our traditional since Jaiden's been 2 or 3 years old. Bought them each a $8.00 Elmo balloon, still trying to make up for the morning. The night was ending on a great note, and the kids had long forgotten about the morning AND then, I HIT THE FAMILY DOG driving into the garage. Can the day get any worse??????? I sat through Elmo, bought whatever my kids wanted, did everything I could to make up for the morning and then I run their dog over. There goes any chance I had to win an award for Mother of the Year.
Jaiden and Bennett at ELMO

Fletcher is going to be okay. He has some staples in his leg and groin area. I am hoping he has forgiven me. I am not even parking the suburban in the garage right now, because I think he might still be having flashbacks of the whole thing and I don't want to traumatize him anymore than I already have. Thank God he is a big strong Lab and they tend to bounce back pretty quick.

Other than that, life was pretty low key. Mark and Garrett were gone until Monday afternoon hunting. Mark only got a doe. But he's content, so that is all that matters.
Sunday Jaiden & I and some friends attended a charity event called Every Girls Want To Be A FAIRY Princess. We all had a really good time. The girls got spoiled, just like little princess's. They got crowns, wings, their hair and nails done, lunch, a horse drawn carriage ride. It was absolutely amazing!!! The girls at Hey Daisy, Sweet Peas, Bouchee's, Snips & Giggles and Mary Santaga all did an amazing job!!!!

The kids have a short week at school. They are hoping for some more snow, so that they can play outside in it.

Thanksgiving we spend at my parents house. Mark's parents unfortunately go out of town for Thanksgiving. Jaiden will be spending the day on Friday at the gym preparing for her first gymnastics competition on December 7th in Minnesota.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and friends!!!!!! Remember to give thanks to the troups fighting for our country!!!!!!

FINALLY!!!!!

2008-11-14T15:09:00.020-06:00

I am finally getting around to updating my pictures off my other camera!!!!! Enjoy!!!!

Father/Daugther Dance 2008 Holy Family School

Jaiden bent down in the picture to be next to Bennett, and the more she bent down, the more he bent down. It was sooooooo cute!!!!

Every Girl's A Princess!!!!!

Randon Pictures of the kids

Daddy's Home!!!!

2008-11-09T20:51:00.006-06:00

Mark has been gone out of town since Wednesday and he came home at 12:00 today (Sunday). Garrett had friends over, Jaiden was running off to a friends, but Bennett was here to welcome him home. He ran outside with no clothes on to greet him! I saw Mark pulling in the driveway, Bennett was coloring Diego. I watched him to see when he would noticed. He heard the car door slam and he was off the chair and out the door before I could even stop him. He loves his Daddy so much!!
As do all of our kids!!!! Mark and I have been so blessed in love. We have been blessed with three children that have unconditional love. We are so fortunate to have such loving, caring, giving children. There is nothing sweeter, than the love of a child. There is nothing that warms the heart more, than a child. As easy as that sounds, it just isn't always that way with children in today's society. Growing up today, isn't like it was been I was growing up. I loved my parents, I couldn't wait for my father to get home from work every day, because I was Daddy's Little Girl. There was no man better than my father.
As we get older, and life gets a little tougher, and society starts to play a little deeper into our lives, things get a tougher, a little rougher, things change, but our Fathers love never changes!!! And I pray every day, that my children know, that no matter what happens, or what changes, or what obstacles they may face, that a parents love, never changes!!!
I look at my babies every night while they sleep, I hug and kiss them one more time and then I stand in each of their door ways and stare at them and wish them many years of happiness. I never realized how hard being a parent is. Mark and I made the choice a few years back, that as his business grew, I would stay at home with the kids, as he wouldn't be able to be at home as much. At first I thought, hmmmm, I sure got the good end of this stick. Not working, staying home, what a deal I got, and as the years have passed, we both have realized, this isn't as easy as we thought it would be. I think I've worried more, sleep less, worked harder than I ever thought I could have. People say, "Well, you don't work", "Must be nice to stay home every day", " Don't you have it made", and "Don't you feel guilty not bringing in an income". And my reply to you, "What works for us, might not work for you, and what works for you, might not work for us, who are you to judge?"
Why is it, that someone else always thinks they know what is best for you????
I love being a mom!!! LOVE IT!!!! I was never the girl that looked forward to the Cinderella Wedding. People always say, "A girl always looks forward to her wedding day", she's been planning it forever and blah blah blah. That was never me. I always always always couldn't wait to me a mom. Maybe that is why I was a mom before I was married???? I loved kids, loved babies, couldn't wait to be a mom. The wedding??? Aaah, that's just a hype, a big one day affair that is over and gone before you can enjoy it, and to be honest, everyone but you gets to enjoy it. Being a mom???? That is a life time affair and I love every minute of it!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love being a wife, and I love my husband, but that one day hype?????? I'd forgive all that, for a lifetime of happiness, because in today's society, it becomes too much about the day, and not about the lifetime!!!!

Election

2008-11-06T20:57:00.002-06:00

This was posted on a cancer families blog. I feel it needs to be shared!!!

Politics

A little girl with cancer woke up in the hospital today. Unaware of the election results. Her prayers were answered. She gets another day to live, another day to fight.

A parent anxiously waits for the phone to ring. They are not looking for stock market news. They are waiting to hear if new lungs are available for their child with cystic fibrosis. Time is running out.

Disease is not impacted by election results or financial situations. Some of you are celebrating after last night, others are not. Some of you are doing okay financially, others are hurting. Cancer doesn't care.

The sun came up this morning on children who are battling cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, and other life-threatening medical conditions. Despite the headlines, not much has changed for them.

If your candidate won last night, congratulations! If your candidate lost last night, I am sorry. Either way, remember... truth is still truth, grace is still grace, God is still God. Our answers, our joy, our peace, our healing, our hope is not found in politics or the stock market - they are found in God alone

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-01T18:39:00.010-05:00

Sorry for the delay between posts. We've been a busy family and I just haven't had the time to sit down and upload all of our pictures. Excuses excuses!!! Just ask me, I have a lot of them!!! :)

The kids have had the past two and a half days off of school and it's been a really great couple of days to have off. The weather here is absolutely beautiful. Hardly feels like the end of October, beginning of November. And it's hard to believe that it is already November. Christmas is going to be here before we know it. And I have no idea what to get my kids for Christmas. It's probably my least favorite holiday, because of all the stress of what to buy. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shopping. Every girl loves a little retail therapy, but the stress of what to buy for everyone is just way too much for me and just not what Christmas is suppose to be about. Thanksgiving, now that is my favorite holiday. There is no gifts to buy, nothing to worry about and you get to eat a lot of really good food. It doesn't get any better than that!!!

The kids are starting their Fall activities. Garrett starts basketball practice this coming week. This year they get to play agains't other schools. He is pretty excited about that. He is also starting a weight training program, which teaches him the correct way to lift. It's hard to believe that he is old enough to start lifting already. When did my baby grow up???
Jaiden still is in gymnastics and dance troupe. But she really really really wanted to finish her swimming lessons, so she is doing that also. The girl has way too much energy and drive. I don't know too many other 7 year olds that push themselves as much as she does. Sometimes, I just wish she would be normal little girl and play with dolls and Barbies and just enjoy being a kid, but she's doing what she wants to do. We absolutely love her coaches at the gym. They are such positive role models in these kids lives. We are looking forward to her first gymnastics competition in December.
And as if we weren't busy enough, Bennett is starting to get involved in some activities. B is taking two swimming classes this Fall. One with myself during the day and another with Mark at night. He isn't too keen on the class and screams like a little girl when he has to put his face in the water and freaks out when the class sings. It's actually kinda funny. But he needs to continue in the class, regardless if he likes it or not. With having a pool in the backyard, he needs to learn how to swim. Starting after the first of the year, he starts soccer. He LOVES anything to do with balls. He is a ball freak!!! He is also starting a gymnastics class during the day at the same gym that Jaiden goes too. We can't wait to watch him.

As always, I have included some pictures. Enjoy!!!!

Jaiden at swimming class

Daddy and Bennett at their first swimming class. Mark told me that he was teasing one of his friends last year for taking this class, and look at him now!!! I thought he might be the only daddy in the class, but actually, it was all dad's and sons and only one mom. You sooo know she went home and told her husband he was going to the next class :)

Miss Jaiden getting ready for the Father/Daugther Dance. I have more pictures, but they are on another camera. I promise to get those uploaded this week. They are adorable!!!

Tubby Time!!!

Miss Jaiden getting ready for a birthday party

Mark and I and another couple went to Chicago last weekend for a UFC fight. We LOVE going to the fights. We had a great time!!!

Scott getting ready for the fight

I ran into one of the fights in the hall. No clue who the girls were, but the guys didn't mind the picture of them

Wanna Be One and Wanna Be Two at the fight

The Cage

This family was checking into the hotel when we were arriving home from the fight. I'll keep my comments to myself, even though I don't think I did when we saw them in the lobby.

The boys had a rough night and slept on the way home. Must be nice!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!! Bennett was a dinosaur or "saures" as he calls it. Jaiden was some freaky looking lady, which looked nothing like her. No one knew who she was. Friends and neighbors kept asking where Jaiden was. And Garrett, he humored us and went to his grandparents and wore "scrapes" from years before as he tells it. And then handed out candy at home for a little while and went to the Gamblers game then. He's too old to trick or treat now too. When did he grow up????? :(

WHAT A CUTE BABY!!!

2008-10-16T19:25:00.009-05:00

Tonight Bennett and I went to my parents for dinner while Mark and Garrett had football practice, and Jaiden went along. My mom got a new computer and she did a little "cleaning" in her office and came across a disc with pictures on it. She wasn't sure what was on it, so as soon as I got home, I put it in the computer and looked at the pictures. The pictures are from Jaiden's Baptism. These pictures brought tears to my eyes, some happy, some sad. It was so wonderful to see pictures of Jaiden when she was such a sweet, innocent baby girl. (not that she isn't anymore) But there were pictures of my grandfather, who has since passed away from cancer. Evil Evil Cancer!!!!
I called Jaiden in by me and said "look at this little baby, isn't she cute??" Jaiden looked at the pictures and said "Oh, she is so cute, who is she?" I laughed and said, "It's you baby girl!" She loved looking at the pictures. When we came to the pictures of my grampa, she didn't even remember him. It was sad!!! She was only a couple years old when he passed, but it's sad to know that she will never remember him!!!
I've attached a couple of the pictures from her baptism. It's always so fun to look back at pictures!!!!

Mommy, Daddy, Jaiden and godparents, Uncle Jeff and Auntie Jennifer and Garrett John

Look in the second row, to the right, there is Garrett, 4 years old

Father Jim and our friend Brian

My Grandparents and Jaiden. Look at that dimple!!! She looks so much like my dad here. And the dark hair???

Mark's grandfather, who is 97 now and his friend Alice

My Grandma Helen and Jaiden

Uncle Gary and Jaiden

Jaiden Olevia Whittemore, 2 months old

Don't Forget Me!!!

2008-10-16T13:04:00.008-05:00

Not to be out done by his brother, sister and Daddy, Bennett needed to try the yellow hair on too!!!!! While waiting for Jaiden and Garrett to get out of school, Bennett tried it on.

I think Bennett needs a pair of COACH sunglasses too!!!! We were wasting time in the store while Daddy was buying materials for the business.

This is the face that I see several times a day when it's time to charge the 4 wheeler. It's a rough life!!! And see that BIG spool of wire, never again will we see that. Our suppliers are FINALLY delivering all materials to our shop!!! YEAH!!!!!!

Another great weekend

2008-10-13T13:03:00.006-05:00

This past weekend was a beautiful weekend here in Wisconsin. The weather was gorgeous!!! The kids had a busy weekend. Garrett has sleep overs on Friday and Saturday night at friends from school. Jaiden had gymnastics practice Friday and Saturday all day. She had a friend from school join her at Open Gym at Air Force. We went to a football game of a friends of ours son. Saturday night I took Jaiden and her friend out for dinner and then we came back to the house. Sunday morning Gramma W took Jaiden to a Princess Party and I tagged along for the fun!!! It was a neat event. It was called Every Girls A Princess and all the proceeds go to different children's charities. Jaiden enjoyed every minute of it!!!
These are the people that I live with!!!! Aren't they cute??? Where do they get that hair from?! I haven't seen my husband with hair since we got married!!! By choice, not because I made it fall out :)
Silly, just plain silly people that I live with!!! I think I prefer him without hair!!

Our lab, Fletcher is getting old. He is 12 years old and for a hunting dog, that's a good life. He has started to show signs of his age in the past few months. His sight and hearing seem to be going a bit. I really didn't think that he would live to see this years hunting season, but he definitely has proved me wrong. However, since being up at the cabin on the weekends, he wants to wander the neighborhood when he gets home. And, he wants to be in the pool. He has never jumped in our pool and now, we can't seem to keep him out. A couple weeks ago, we drained the pool for the winter. Fletcher jumped in the pool one afternoon while we were gone, mind you, there was only a few feet of water in the pool and no ladders. A couple of our neighbors heard him crying in the pool and jumped in and got him out. Finally, yesterday we covered the pool for the winter, and I was relieved that Fletcher wouldn't jump in the pool anymore. WELL, this morning Bennett was playing on the swing set and I was washing dishes, and he came running in and said, "Fetcher in da wallow". It took me a few seconds and I went running to the patio door to see that our winter cover was no longer there. I ran out, and at the bottom of the pool was the winter cover and FETCHER, poor dog either jumped or fell in the pool AGAIN. There he was at bottom of the pool, wet, crying and shaking. Great, now what do I do?! Mark is out of town and there are no men home in our neighborhood during the day. I could jump in the pool, but I would have to lift him out and he weighs over 100lbs. I put one of the ladders back in the pool and tried to get him to crawl up, but it didn't work. I called Mark frantic, like he can do anything from 100 miles away. He made some calls and I made some calls and finally got a hold of my brother who was working at a job site close to the house and he came over, changed into some of Mark's clothes. I sat outside with Fletcher and waited. Then, Fletcher put his paws on the top rung of the ladder and slowly, crawled up the ladder and got himself out. Just them my brother walked outside and I said, "I guess he just needed a little moral support". But don't you worry, I managed to take a couple pictures.
Never a dull moment at this house!!!

Miss Jaiden Olevia, waiting to go to the Princess Party with Gramma W.

New Wheels

2008-10-09T10:13:00.013-05:00

Bennett has become obsessed with going up north to the cabins, riding 4 wheelers, going hunting with Daddy. To the point that it's driving me insane. It's all he talks about. All he wants to do is ride his 4 wheeler. Any opportunity he has to sneak outside, he does. He'll even just go sit in the garage on his 4 wheeler. He's all boy!!!!

Bennett is actually riding his 4 wheeler like this. He is standing on the side and riding. Hmmm, I wonder where he's learned this?!

Bennett has been spending a lot of time up at the cabin with Mark. He's been going duck and deer hunting with Daddy. Daddy even shot a doe while B was in the deer stand with him. Unfortunately they couldn't find it afterwards. But, I think it's pretty impressive that at 2 1/2, he's that quite while in the woods that Mark is able to still see deer. Last Friday Mark took Bennett up to the cabin in the morning and I brought Garrett up after school and then took Bennett home. I had to lure him into the car by telling him we were going "shining" for deer. Poor thing, he had no clue. Every field he saw, he'd say, "look, deer, eating corn" So cute!!! That didn't last too long, he fell asleep about 10 minutes into the ride. The pictures a little sideways as I took it while driving from my camera phone.

Jaiden got some new Hannah Montana boots. She's not the only one enjoying them. Bennett LOVES shoes. Loves boots!!

Check out the direction of the boots!!!

Just a couple MISC pictures of Bennett being Bennett. He gets a little more "air time" on the blog right now, because he's home with me all the time and the kids are off to school and then their sporting activities!
You can't really see, but Bennett is laying under his car. He crashed is car on purpose. Crazy Boy!!!

Bennett playing in a car in the mall. This thing is so big, I couldn't even see Bennett in it.

FULL CIRCLE

2008-10-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle. Many years ago, my brother and I and a couple of kids thought it was really funny to call 411 and ask for phone numbers. Yes, I know, it's sounds so silly now, but when your 7 years old, talking to a person on the phone and asking for your own phone number, was pretty funny. $75 funny!!!! We used to call 411 hundreds of times a month, that is until our parents got a bill for all these silly calls. Well, KARMA is a funny thing.
My old phone is now a spare phone that we let Garrett use when he needs to call for rides and etc. Last night, Mark was charging this phone while he was at football practice. The kids had Open House at school and Mark was taking Jaiden and Garrett there after practice. Jaiden wanted to use the phone to take a picture of her Chrysalis at school. Well, while Mark was coaching football, Jaiden took it upon herself to call a few people from my old address book. 9 people!!!! I received a call from one of them this morning making me aware of what she had done. How embarrassing!!! She is lucky that I once was a silly little 7 year old. So I will keep that in mind tonight when I am having a talk with her on phone ettiquette!!! I know my parents are just smiling ear to ear right now!!!! grrr

EMAILS and MISC

2008-09-30T08:27:00.002-05:00

I would like to ask everyone for a favor. About two weeks ago, my laptop crashed and I have it in getting fixed. I have a new laptop though, but I can't retrieve my email addresses. I tried using yahoo.com and setting up an account through that, but I really like using Microsoft Office for my email. So if everyone could please send me an email at michellew@new.rr.com I would greatly appreciate it so I can add you back to my address book!!!!! Sorry for all the confusion and etc!!!!

We had a great weekend. Mark and the kids went up to the cabin on Friday night and then came back around noon on Saturday. G had a game and Jaiden was having a friend over for a sleepover and some Girlie Time!! I took the girls to Snips N Giggles where J got her haircut and then we headed down to Appleton to Libby Lu. I love that store!!!! The girls had a great time!
Sunday we went to Mark's parents and made homemade sauerkraut!! Yummy!!!! Waiting for it to "rot" now before we can bag it and freeze it!!!!

Have a great week!!!!

Amen!!

2008-09-24T10:04:00.002-05:00

Revelations 3:8 When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go,only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
God is going to shift things around for you

Just Living Life

2008-09-23T09:41:00.007-05:00

First things first, yes, this is the guy I married. 9 years ago this coming Thursday. This picture is from when we were in Vegas. There is nothing sexier than a man in an older womans "moo moo" and Tom Cruise sunglasses!!!

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. They say "No news is good news". We've had a pretty uneventful last few weeks. School has started and we are getting back into the swing of things and into a routine.
I've been busy with school myself. I had my first clinical. I was in a long term care facility. At first, this was very hard on me. I like to think of myself as a very compassionate, caring person. And this really tugged at my heart strings. It was very hard for me to see people so helpless and dependant on others. It is not uncommon to hear residents say that they want to die. I had one resident tell me he wanted to commit suicide. This broke my heart.
I really bonded with two residents while being there for the three weeks, and I am really going to miss them, but I promised both of them that I would be back to visit with them.
Jaiden continues to amaze us. She has so much energy and such a positive attitude. She is in both gymnastics and dance and has practice every night after school, with the exception of Thursday nights.

Bennett is really missing the kids while they are at school. The minute I drop them off at school he says, "Where J go?" Thank God for his best buddy next door, Duke. They are 5 days apart and they play so well together. He has always been spending time at friends of ours while I am at school and clinical. They have a little boy, Brody. Bennett loves Brody!!! He is a couple years older than B, and he really looks up to him!!!
This is the reason why I never wanted to let the kids eat in the car. What a mess this kid was. I let him eat a chocolate chip cookie after I dropped the kids off at school one day. And yes, he ate breakfast first!!!! :)

Garrett had another football game this past Saturday. It was at Notre Dame Academy. It was really neat. They announced all the players before the game, and then during the game, they announced who made the tackles and etc. So, it was neat hearing his name being announced, even if there were announcing his name incorrectly! He also had an interception during the game. He was pretty happy with the way he played!!! And we were too!!!

Okay, back to my studies now!!! Have a great week!!!

CRASH

2008-09-21T14:51:00.003-05:00

My laptop crashed. Something is wrong with Windows. Damn Dell computers!!!!
Therefore, I am unable to get into my contacts in my email. Grrr So, I changed my email address, because with new.rr. you can't access your contacts. My new email address is going to be mlwhittemore@yahoo.com If you could please send me an email to this account, so I can add your email to my contacts, I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!

The Fair

2008-09-10T08:50:00.009-05:00

My parents took Jaiden over Labor Day weekend to see my Aunt and Uuncle at a fair in Sheboygan. My Uncle spoiled Jaiden and she loved every bit of it!!!! Jaiden had a GREAT time hanging out with them and my parents!!!!! My Uncle even went on Every Single Ride with Jaiden. Even the rides that go upside down, turn around, spin way too fast for me kind of rides!!! She was in HEAVEN the entire day. She had my Dad and Uncle wrapped around her little fingers!!!!

This is a Bungee Jump that they had at the fair. This is a small version of the one that they have at Lake Owen, the gymnastics camp that J went to this summer. She was loving this!!!! I wish I could have been there to see her do this!!!

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY

2008-09-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

GRAMMA

2008-09-03T07:24:00.004-05:00

This video has been a long time in the making. We have been working on Bennett forever on saying Gramma and he just wouldn't do it. He'd say Papa, or Papa Judy or Papa Mary, but never Gramma. And he SOOOO knew he was being funny. You'd say, say Gramma Judy, and he'd say, No Papa Judy. The kid knew exactly what he was doing. So finally, my mom got him to say it. I think she starved him an entire day to get him to say it. hee hee And now we got him to say Gramma Mary last night. And yes, he is sitting in a shopping cart at Target, but hey, when you gotta say Gramma, you gotta say it and I had to "capture" the moment!! We are going up to the hospital today to visit with Mark's mom who is in ICU after open heart surgery yesterday and I just know this is going to make her day!!!!!

Is There Anything More Precious???

2008-09-02T22:13:00.004-05:00

I love watching my kids sleep. I go in every night after they are asleep and give them another "kiss" good night and sometimes just stand there and stare at them. I love just watching them sleep. They are so precious!!!

The kids were so tired tonight, with the exception of Bennett, that they both fell right asleep. Bennett gave up pretty quick when he realized Garrett was having nothing to do with his antics tonight.

On top of the first day of the school year, Jaiden had a three hour gymnastics practice and Garrett had a two hour football practice. And Bennett, he put in some serious shopping time with Mommy!! :) Lucky boy!!!
And yes, that is a PINK blanket Garrett is wrapped up in. It's Jaiden and that thing is so soft, that even Mark will sleep with it if no one else does.

Bennett insisted on sleeping with Garrett tonight!! He's so funny!

PICTURES, PICTURES, AND MORE PICTURES

2008-09-02T12:41:00.004-05:00

THIS GUY IS NEVER GOING TO GROW UP. I GAVE UP ON THAT IDEA A LONGGGG TIME AGO.

BENNETT WAS NOT HAPPY TO LEAVE SNIPS AND GIGGLES TODAY AFTER GETTING HIS HAIRCUT. THEY HAVE A TRAIN STATION TO PLAY WITH AND THE KID JUST DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE.

SAMMIE AND BELLA

Damn Donkeys

2008-09-02T12:01:00.004-05:00

I emailed my mom at work when I got home and told her that we think it was from the time when we went to San Diego on vacation and my parents had this brilliant idea of going to Tijuana and she made me sit on this damn donkey and get my picture taken. She wrote back and said she was thinking that it was from then too, because the Mexicans loved my hair and kept touching it. Nice eh? No wonder I got something like this. And I still have that picture, and I think I was crying in it because they made me ride that damn thing!!!! The stress I am having to deal with later on in life because of what my parents did to me. I am sending all my bills to my parents house. Probably should start therapy too, never know what else they are going to tell me they made me do! Sheesh!!!!

Everything is going to be fine

2008-09-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

I had my appointment this morning, and everything is going to be fine. My entire weekend was ruined by a lot of unnecessary stress and worrying. I am going to keep this short, because I want to forget about this and move on. I will be going through 6 months of treatment and then I hopefully will never have to worry about this again. We are unable to pin point when I was exposed, but at some point in my life, from birth to 20 years, I came into contact with someone that had TB, and my body picked it up. The reason that we know that it was between birth and 20 is because that is about the time that I had my first TB Skin test and it was positive, I had a chest xray at that time and it was fine. I've failed every test since then, and I've had another chest xray and it's fine, no damage, no signs of TB. I am LATENT!!!! This whole thing should have been taken care of when I failed the first test, but because of lack of education and understanding of TB, that never happened. AND I should never have had another skin test after that positive test. Positive is positive and it's always going to be positive. From now on, when required I will always have to have the chest xray. I am not contagious, nor will I ever pass this on to anyone. I am fine. So all you people that are feeling creepy about me, no need, I am as sweet as ever!!! :)
Even though I was feeling pretty creepy about myself and making my own skin crawl.
The reason for the treatment is so that the chances of is ever becoming active are slim to non. There is like a 1/2% chance that I could ever become active!!!!The kids don't need to even be tested. And as far as school, the doctor is dictating a letter and faxing it to me today, and there should be no reason why I can't continue on.
So much for making this short :)

I will post pictures of the kids first day of school later. I am SO bummed that I missed their first morning, even though Garrett would never want his parents hanging around the school and his friends seeing them!! :) Miss Diva Jaiden was sad that I wasn't going to be able to be there with her, but Daddy dropped them off and I will pick them up this afternoon!!!!

Please keep Mary, Mark's mom in your prayers. She is having open heart surgery this morning, a triple bypass!!!!!

And thanks to everytone for all the emails, texts, posts and calls this weekend. We greatly appreciate it. It really did help to keep my spirits up. And especially to my neighbors that kept us company all weekend and weren't scared to be around me!!!! You guys are great!!!!

Damn It!!! Who coughed on me????

2008-08-30T13:20:00.003-05:00

This week has just been once crappy deal after another.
First, Mark's mom had a heart cath done on Thursday. They found three blockages, and she will be having open heart surgery on Tuesday morning. Please say lots of prayers and send lots of love her way.

Then, I called my doctor for some test results to be faxed to me. I needed some things for my medical clearance card for clinical (which start a week from Monday) and the RN that called me back, and told me that I tested Positive on one of my tests. Now, don't go thinking HIV positive. Without getting into too much detail, what I will say is that I tested positive for Tuberculosis. I failed my "scratch" test and then was sent for some blood work and it came back positive. I had to go to the hospital for more testing last night and I have to meet with an infectious diseases doctor on Tuesday morning. From what I've been told, is that I was exposed to someone that had Tuberculosis. It is an airborne disease. So, what this means for me, I don't know. Im scared, Im sad, Im nervous, Im pissed, I am just awhole lot of emotions right now, rolled into one. I was told that I will need treatment, which will be 6 to 9 months. I will find out on Tuesday if I am "active" or if it is "latent". We are praying for LATENT. Which means I am infected with TB, but don't have the disease.
Sounds pretty creepy hey? Just think, they used to lock people up that had TB. NICE!!!!!! Although I could use a vacation!!! :)
Now, for my schooling, my school is checking on what to do with me. It sounds at this point that I will NOT be able to continue on with my clinical at this time, until I start treatment. Now, for how long, that is unknown, and they are checking into this for me. So, I need lots of prayers, yeah yeah yeah, I know, I always have needed prayers, but I especially need them now, because I really want to continue on with nursing and start my clinical.

So that's all I've got for you for now. Just me and some "creepy" disease that makes my own skin crawl!!!!! Leave it to me to pick up some strange disease that no one has anymore. Oh yeah, and when I went to the hospital, they made me wear a mask. I started to cry. And Tuesday morning, oh yeah, I get to wear one again. And they told me I should avoid public places until my appt on Tuesday morning. NICE Way to make a person feel REAL good!!!!!

HOOTERS PICTURES

2008-08-26T12:32:00.003-05:00

As promised, here are the pictures from Hooters from when our friends were in town visiting. As you can see, the girls were learning what to do if they wanted to work there when they grow up!!!

G's Scrimmage Game

2008-08-25T22:09:00.003-05:00

Pictures from Garrett's scrimmage on Saturday.

God Says No For A Reason

2008-08-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

I found this one another blog, Elizabeth's Blog. I wanted to share it with all of you. I think we can all take a little something away from this.....

God Says No For A Reason

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL.......

2008-08-22T18:01:00.003-05:00

G's all ready for his first game tomorrow. And as I said, here's a picture of the back of his head. I think it should say something more like, "Bye" since he is always on the go. And notice the expression? He told me he doesn't smile in pictures anymore.

Pretty In Pink

2008-08-21T21:55:00.005-05:00

Going through my pictures, I find less and less pictures of Garrett. I need to get one of the back of his head, because that is what I see a lot of these days. He is always off and doing something with his friends or off to football practice or whatever it is. So last night, I "captured" a few pictures of him. He was laying in bed with J watching TV. With her new bedroom, she only has a twin bed with a trundle, which hasn't gone in yet, and those two still love having "sleep overs" together. I know these days are probably coming to an end soon, but it's so nice to see at the end of the day that they still love each other and love being around each other. Someone told me the other day that my kids have an amazing bond, and they truly do. They fight like all brothers and sisters do, but they always come back together. I hope that they continue that bond for the rest of their lives!!! This has been a stressful week for us with me going back to school and adjusting to that, but at the end of the day, I just look at these kids and everything else doesn't matter!!!

This little guy, he is just so funny. Mark and I are truly blessed to have him. He had a rough first year of life and we've worried about different things in his development, but he's really come around and his speech is really coming around. We have really been noticing how much he has been developing his own personality (which is darn funny) and turning into a little boy. It's just so cute!!!

BACK TO REALITY

2008-08-17T18:57:00.003-05:00

Well, everyone is back home, and we are back to reality. While it was nice to have a "sanity break" from the kids, I am glad that my family is back at home and we are all together again. The kids are exhaused, dirty, just plain crabby. I got them showered, fed and B's in bed already. Jaiden is laying in bed watching TV and Garrett is back to Madden '09 and Mark, well, he is off fishing again. His friend called him to go fishing and Mark said "No", but I told him, "just go, everyone here is going to bed early tonight" I am sure he needs/wants a little time to himself now too, and he deserves it.
Tomrorow is BACK TO SCHOOL day for me. I am starting school again, after 19 years! WOW!!!!! I am sick to my stomach at the thought of starting classes again. But, I am also very excited, I think??? I am starting with the Nursing Assistant program, which I need to start my nursing classes. The program is only 6 weeks long, 3 weeks of classroom, from 7:00 till 3:30 and then 3 weeks of clinicals, from 6:00 till 2:00 This weekend I went shopping and got my "school supplies" and my scrubs, which I have to wear to classes everyday. Well, I am off to get some final things take care of!!!! Wish me luck

Soooooooooooooooooooooo

2008-08-16T02:02:00.004-05:00

So, the mechanic says to the blonde, "Do you have a key for your tire??" ??????????????????????????????

Okay, let me back up. Friday morning I get up to take the puppies to doggie daycare for the day and I get a message on my screen in the car telling me that my left rear tire is low. I take a look, sure enough, it is. There is a piece of metal sticking out of the side of the tire. I call Mark and he tells me to take the car in and have it looked at. The guy at the place says to me, "Do you have your key for your tire?" What?? Are you serious?! Apparently, I need a key for my rims? Well, I didn't know that. HELLO!!! I totally thought this guy was just making fun of me. I told Mark that maybe he might want to inform me of this stuff prior to sending me somewhere to get something fixed. I did find the "key". It was in my glove box!!!

Little Humor For The Day

2008-08-15T12:39:00.002-05:00

I just read this on another blog and just had to share!!!!! Enjoy!!!

woman with "god is my co-pilot" bumper sticker almost just hit me. hmmm..... the lord must have been resting.

HEAR THAT????

2008-08-15T06:31:00.002-05:00

Me either!!!! It's so peaceful here this morning!!!! Mark and the kids have left for the cabin for the weekend. Even the puppies are having a mini vacation today. They will be at the Wagg Inn ALL DAY!! It's grooming day and they stay the entire day and do doggy daycare and play with all the other pups once a month. Did I not plan this perfect????
I have a couple "little" things to get done today. I have to go back and have my TB test read for school, a few little errands and then I have the whole day to myself. I am hoping to get some cleaning and organizing done by the end of the weekend. Check back on Sunday night to see if I actually moved off the couch!!!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather. Sounds like it is going to be a really nice weekend!!!

Pictures From Gramma And Papa

2008-08-13T22:32:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures that I got from my parents. They stayed with the kids while we were in Vegas. Thanks again Mom and Dad for watching the kids so we could take a vacation!!!

One of THOSE weeks

2008-08-13T11:24:00.003-05:00

It's been one of those weeks around here and it's only Wednesday!! Nothing is going right. Anything that can go wrong, does!!!! I am SO ready for school to start and the kids to get back into routines.
Jaiden has been having nightmares for the past 4 nights. At first I just thought she was over tired. She has been crying before she even went to bed that she was "scared". Well, last night was the worst. She cried ALL NIGHT LONG and came into our room and refused to go back to her own bed. I kept making her go to the bathroom, hoping that would help wake her up and re focus, but it didn't work. We had a long talk this morning, and she's scared of a tornado coming through our house (even though that's how her bedroom always looks), earthquakes, alligators and sharks. Where she is coming up with this stuff, I have no clue. But she said she had a dream that Daddy gotten eaten by a shark, and that it felt very real. This must really be bothering her.
Mark talked to her this morning and told her that it isn't tornado season and we don't get earthquakes in Green Bay. Then her and I talked on the way to dance camp this morning and I told her that we don't have alligators or sharks around here. She said that she is just fine now because she knows that there will be no tornados or earthquakes and that there are no sharks or alligators and she feels better now. Please God let that be true. I am dead tired and crabby from the lack of sleep and I would like to have a childless bed again. I guess this explains why everytime we get in the car, she falls asleep.
Mark is taking the kids up to the cabin for the weekend and I had big plans of doing some cleaning and getting everything ready for school to start, but I may just crawl under a rock and sleep for three days!!!

EVERYONE HERE IS JUST PLAIN TIRED!!!

2008-08-11T21:04:00.008-05:00

It's been a LONG few days and everyone here is just plain tired and lacking some serious sleep. This morning we went with our friends to Bay Beach. On the way home, Jaiden and Bennett fell asleep. The kids had dentist appointments, so we stopped home and ate lunch and brushed teeth and we were off again. Jaiden and Bennett both feel asleep again. We did the dentist thing, with Bennett continuously saying "poopie butt" the entire hour. Suggestions on how to make that stop are welcome!!! Grrrr Jaiden and Bennett fell asleep on the way home. Bennett took a much needed nap when we got home, Jaiden ran off to play with our friends that are still visiting, since they are leaving tomorrow. She then again fell asleep on the way to and from gymnastics practice tonight. It's an early night here at the Whittemore house!!!!

Look how innocent, sweet and serious he looks (he's decided that smiling for the camera is overrated). My patience was stretched REAL thin today with Bennett!!!! His new saying is "poopie butt". It's driving me crazy. I've never had to do it with the other two kids, but I think I need to try that "sassy juice" with him. We've tried to ignore it, tried to explain that it isn't a good thing to say. He knows that it isn't right, because he doesn't just say it, he yells it, laughs, yells it again. GRRRRR
Tomorrows another day, Thank God!!!!!

Sunday Stretchhhhh

2008-08-10T21:23:00.012-05:00

Hopefully everyone had a good weekend!
We have some friends/old neighbors visiting from out of town until Tuesday. We are having a great time with them. They have two girls, one of which is 6 days older than Jaiden and they've been friends since birth. So all the neighbor girls are having a great time hanging out and us adults are too!!!
We all went to Hooters for lunch today. Yes, Hooters!!! Then we came back to the house for swimming. The girls were in and out of the pool at least three times and then Mark threw them in in their clothes. Thank you Mark for the extra laundry!!!

I will update more photos later. I didn't have a camera with but one of the other girls "captured" the Hooters moment!!

A Few Hooters Moments!

Is anyone watching the Olympics? I just love watching them. I've been eating up as much of it as I can. I felt like I needed to put my leotard on tonight watching the womans gymanstics. GO USA!!!!!

MY BOYS!!!!

2008-08-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

WELCOME TO MY WORLD!!!

2008-08-07T20:40:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HAIRCUT DAY

2008-08-07T11:30:00.004-05:00

Who needs Favre........

2008-08-06T12:31:00.003-05:00

When you've got a little cutie like this willing to play!!!!!
This was ALL the buzz while we were in Vegas. Favre, Favre, Favre I thought we left to get away from it all????

Vegas was a lot of fun, lots of laughs! Great times with Great friends!!! I will share some of the stories in a later post!!!

First things first, Jaiden is Back!!!! She had a blast at camp, learned a lot of new things and met a lot of new friends.

Garrett started Pop Warner pracice last night. Mark surprised him at practice last night when we got home.

Bennett has learned a few new words while we were gone, Sure and Yeah. He also is drinking from a Big Boy cup now. No more sippy cups. And too think, Suri Cruise is still drinking from a bottle. My babes is wayyy more advanced than her.

SIN CITY BOUND

2008-08-01T10:38:00.001-05:00

We are off to Sin City Will update next Tuesday night when we get back!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

SHE CALLED!!!!

2008-07-31T21:48:00.003-05:00

And not just once, but TWICE today. She called this morning and I talked to her briefy and then she informed me that she had to go to practice. She said she was having fun and she is hanging around with another little girl her age from the gym, Bug. Yeap, Bug, I don't know her real name, but I know that she goes by Bug at the gym and she is the cutest little thing!!! Bug and her are Bunk mates and they are having a blast together. She told me that she went on the Bungee Trampoline. Basically you are strapped in at your waist and you do flips in the air. That was about all that I learned about camp. Then she called back tonight when she had more time, and I was GONE grrrr But she called to talk to Bennett. ha ha ha Those two sure are missing each other. But anyway, she got Daddy instead. Mark said she giggled the entire time, and Bug was with her when she was talking. She told Mark that she was hanging a lot of fun. I don't think he learned a whole lot about her week at camp, but was happy to hear her voice and know that she is having a great time. Apparently she was off to a Camp Fire. To be a kid again!!!!

So much for all that worrying that I was doing. I don't think she's even missing us!!! :) And why I was worrying is beyond me, because she is my most out going of all my kids and makes friends instantly with people.

The stress that I put myself through!!!!!! But we are just so happy to hear that she is having a great time, even if she isn't missing us. It makes me feel good as a parent to know that she feels secure enough to be away from home and knows how to have fun!!!

Patience

2008-07-30T20:46:00.007-05:00

This is an area that I need A LOT of work. I've been sitting by the phone all day, waiting for my baby girl to call us. And yet, the call never came!!!!
No news is good news, right?! We've got a really busy day tomorrow, so if she calls, no one will be here to get the call.

WE MISS YOU MS JAIDEN OLEVIA!!!!!!

The good news is that her room is almost done. Just finshing up the painting tonight, the carpet comes in the morning, I have all her new bedding, however her furniture won't be delivered until after we get back from Vegas. But she is still going to be SO excited that she has a NEW bedroom!!!!

2008-07-30T16:02:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Who are you to judge me?????

2008-07-30T10:27:00.006-05:00

I just heard a great quote from Sex In The City on The View this morning. I think we can all take something about from it. We tend to worry too much about what others say and think about us and it can really bring us down.

"If I worried about what every bitch in New York thought about me, I'd never leave my apartment!"

Well put, isn't it?! I need to remember this when "others" bring me down!!!

Mom, what's this???

2008-07-28T10:22:00.005-05:00

That is the first thing I heard this morning from Garrett. It appears that Jaiden had some tampons her bedroom. I know, she's only 7. However at some of the cheer competitions, they hand out free samples of different products. Apparently she had "stashed" some of these in her bedroom. Well, Bennett brought one out this morning. Only the applicator part of it. I have NO clue where the other half of it is. Knowing Jaiden, it's on some art project in her room, which I will discover this week while I am tearing her room apart.

Needless to say, Garrett wanted to know what it was. And I was just not ready at 8:00 this morning to explain what a tampon applicator is. He came up with his own idea. He put it in his mouth and said, "Mom, I think it's a straw." Hmmmm, if the poor kid only knew. And where was the camera when I needed it???? I wonder how mortified he is going to be 5 years from now, when I tell him that he had the applicator from a tampon in his mouth, thinking it was a straw???? Good thing I have this blog now to remind him!!!!

My Baby Girl Is Off To Camp

2008-07-27T21:55:00.007-05:00

Well, Miss J is off to her first over night camp. I dropped her off 4 hours away at gymnastics camp at Lake Owen for the entire week. She will be done with camp next Saturday, however Mark and I will be in Vegas at the time. I am not going to see her for a week and a half.

She is doing totally fine about this. I, on the other hand, am missing her already. Even Mark said tonight he is sad and misses her already. It's the first night. Yikes!!! What are we going to be like at the end of the week???? Or next Tuesday night for that matter?!!?!

The campers don't get a whole lot of "down" time to miss home. They get up, have breakfast, shower and off to the first practice of the day, for three hours. Then lunch, optional work out and free time to go tubing, swimming, arts and crafts and etc, then dinner, and back to practice for another two hours and then it's time to relax and hang out in the cabin and then lights out.

I, on the other hand, have nothing to do but think of her and miss her. But I am also going to enjoy a quiet house. I have also decided to surprise her and re do her entire bedroom, from carpet, to paint to new bedding and etc. This will also give me time to just spend time with the boys and spoil them a little while their sister is gone. Mark will be really busy this week before we leave for Vegas, so it will just be the boys and I.

We are SOOO excited to get to camp, we can hardly contain ourselves. Jaiden and Katja "resting" in the back of the car on the way to camp.

Here is J's Bunk for the week. Notice how neat the beds look?? I can only imagine what they will look like by the end of the week.

Gabrielle, Katja and Jaiden humoring us moms with yet another picture.

The girls hanging out in the gym, trying out the floor.

BYE MOM!!!!!!!!!!

Where Do I Begin???

2008-07-27T00:17:00.004-05:00

I am finally getting with the times!!!!!

I am sitting here tonight trying to figure out how to start my blog. I am rookie for sure at this, so hang in there, this could be a bumpy ride!!!! I have been wanting to start a blog for a long time. I am jealous of my blog friends. They do such an amazing job on their blogs and are always very entertaining. I hope I can do half as good of a job as they do!!!!!

My husband Mark and I have three wonderful kids!!!

Garrett, whom is 11. He loves playings all sports, especially football and soccer. He will be in 5th grade this coming school year.

Jaiden, 7 years old. She is a very active little girl, loves to go go go!!!! She is currently doing gymnastics and dance. She will be in 2nd grade this coming school year.

And then there is Bennett. He is 2 years old and full of life. He has been keeping us on our toes from birth. He is a sweet, loving adorable little boy. His favorite thing to do right now is play outside. He can't get enough of being outside.

I hope you enjoy my blog. If you have any comments or suggestions, I would love to hear them. I know I am going to need help from some of your experts on how to do this blogging deal!!!!! Bear with me in the meantime while I figure out how to do this!!!

~Michelle