Pictures to go with the story

Shot gun

The look of approval??

The tractor

Look no extra wheels

I just love their faces!

One of the Donkeys

KK found her toy at Mrs. Kay and Mr. John's house

Jaxon and a chicken

The mice on Main Street - there was 9 we found 8 of them

no end in sight

SO this has been a very busy week and 1/2. As most of you know we went to a wedding in SC last weekend. We had a great time and very little drama with my little family. The drive up there was hard - we did not leave till 2pm in hopes that Erik would not be cranky but that did not work so I ended up driving from 9pm till 2am when we finally got to our hotel.
Tuesday was fun we hung out at the bride's house then we learned to Shag dance (SC state dance) we had a blast doing that even Jaxon tried to learn. KK and Maddie just ran around and had fun! Most of the time Jaxon and TomTom were plugged in so they were happy!
Wednesday we headed to NC for a BBQ and a lazy day at Hallie's parent's house. Fun fun times I even shot gunned my 1st beer! 3 of the 6 kids got stung by something but over all a great time. The kids held chickens, petted donkey's and rode and a huge tracter.
Thursday we really took the day out from Wedding stuff during the day and enjoyed our 10th wedding anniversery. Yes 10 years already where did the time go?? We went to down town Greenville and did the tourist things - found the mice on main street, played on and by the bridge on the Reedy river and played in the Children's garden. Then at Mexican at a place on Main street because it was the 1st place we saw after the kids started to get hungrey. Even my parents enjoyed the lunch and they are NOT mexican food eaters! Later that night we left the kids with Mom and Dad and headed to another party for the bride. We ate at a wings place where we got a bottle of Champane for our annivery - Thanks to who even paid for that!! Then we went to this hick back woods country bar with a mechanical bull and yes most people rode it. Me Bobby and one others decided it was not a good idea - me and Bobby wanted to save our little backs but everyone else had a great time! Then we danced into the night. Some drank too much but everyone had a great time.
Then Friday started ....

quick update

I have been really bad at uploading to the website - so I just wanted to add a picture from the 4th. I hope everyone had a safe and fun filled on. I know we did!
This is what happens when you get a bunch of big kids together with a little bit of beer and water!

Fire in the hole

Things are going great. The kids love summer camp still and now they love thier new water slide. Jaxon would stand at the top and yell fire in the hole, then KK started doing it from the bottom of the slide it was very cute! Hers was more Fire Hole but what ever she is 2! We have to wait till the back yard is shaded but that is alright. Yesterday our neighbors came over and her and KK had a great time playing. They have great conversations we can not understand most of what is being said but they do. She is spending the night Friday so that will be fun. She is a really easy child to watch and the girls play really well together. She is 2 1/2 so not that much older.
We have a busy weekend coming up. Friday the house people are coming for our 10 month walk through to fix all the stuff that needs to be before our warranty is up. Saturday we are going swimming at a friends house and Sunday is Father's day.

just wanted to share some pictures!

Morning gone crazy and other stuff

This has been a good week. The kids started camp so they are really happy with this - Wednesday is water day so they really love that day. Thursday was a crazy day but one little Thank you made the morning so much better, here is what happen:
Jaxon woke me up 4 times during the night, I made their lunches which one was moved from my pile of stuff that needs to make it in the car so I had to run to Walmart to get something else, The gas was pretty cheap there so I tried to get gas but the pumps were not working so I wasted time. That morning I had finally sent Jaxon's teachers their end of the year present (yes 3 weeks late) it was just a snapfish book but the way they acted it was gold. ( I had taken pictures all year long and when I was thing of a gift I went the easy way and just threw together a book).When I went back to bring KK's lunch I saw Jaxon's main teacher which is also his summer camp teacher and she was almost in tears she loved it so much!!!! So all my aggravations was gone all because she loved my present. SO leaving her lunch turned out to be the best thing after all! Oh yeah I did not have any coffee yet- that might have been a big part of the morning gone crazy.

Today we went to see Kung Fu Panda - it was really good. Jaxon loved it KK fell alseep but I don't blame her after 30 mins of ads and previews - I would hate to see the ticket prices with out those!
After Erik left for work we played outside from 4:30 till 7 in the water - the water ball that sprays water is great they played with that for an hour, they even placed it by the swing so they would get wet while they were on the play set!

and to top all the crazy stuff we worry about they added dry drowning to that list - did not even know that could happen. If you have not heard about it go to MSNBC and they have a report about it. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24982210/

My cousin Jene had her baby this week a little boy. The family keeps getting bigger and I love it, even though we don't get together as much lately it is still great to know you have so many people to turn to if you need them!

OK I guess I have wrote enough for one blog

Brayden's cake

This is a cake a made for a party today. I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I needed to put some rods in it to keep it from slipping but that is alright we will just take off the chest and fish them out. They can just eat the bottom. I did mess up on the writing because I put for in stead of Four because I thought he was turning 3 till I read the invite again so I changed it.

I am at the end of my rope with the kids and sleeping. Jaxon came in at 5am this morning which means KK followed him. Then they fight because someone is touching someone else. I get up to go in their room but they scream and cry. I have tried walking them both back to the room but they don't stay - so we have all been up since 5am and I am not happy! I told Jaxon I was going to take away his pirate bedding if he did not sleep in his room (he does not use covers so I really don't think that is going to work)
to top that off my bed is killing my back! Fun FUN

Jaxon singing

I just love this song! Last year he would mess up the spelling but this year he got it down. You can go to youtube.com and rate it!

over due updates

We had a great weekend! Saturday we went to some friend's house that have a pool and had a crawfish boil. Lots of fun. The kids did not want to leave but once we did get them in the car they were asleep before getting back to the main road!
Sunday we had them and our neighbors over for dinner. Tried out a new Cosmo drink I had found all three women agreed it is a keeper! The kids a a really good time also since they each had a friend their age to play with! There was no yelling and very few arguments.
Jaxon started swimming lessons today and is very excited about that. He really likes his teacher.
The study is still going good. I messed up a few days last week with the Calorie count but I did not gain so that is good! Beer and Cosmos add up fast!
The only thing I have noticed is I seem to forget things a lot more - My brother Bobby seems to think that is age not the pills - OK I am only 2 years older then him come one.
When you ask Katie her name she tells you KK. I asked her do you want to be called Katie and she said no KK, she even told my Mom the same thing today and when my Dad called her Katie she told him no KK. Funny how they tell us this at such a young age! I did sign her up for another school this fall. I have not pulled her from the other one but with gas prices it is just too far plus the new school is 15 minutes from my house and 5 from my Mom's house so she said if I need to be some where before 9:30 she will just drop her off and/or pick her up since she is right there, where at the last school I would not ask her since it was an hour round trip!
Anyway here are some pictures from Saturday. Enjoy


Katie taking a break

Jaxon flying

The kids

Erik and Jaxon having fun - well at least Erik did - Jaxon not so much but it was a good picture

6 lbs gone

Just to let you know I went in today and I am down 6lbs in 2 weeks. I actually did really bad last week on a couple of days. I made a mistake on the calories one day and did not realize it till today. But Still I am down!! Blood pressure and pulse still look good. If this keeps up I will need new clothes for Mini's wedding!
Things are going really well. MOther's day weekend was fun - Emma's party then crawfish for Mom's day. Sunday my Dad cooked lunch for me and my mom - even made the kids plates! Then we went to a B-day party that afternoon. So busy fun weekend!

Day 3 gone

OK so I have been on the study for 3 days. Things are going good. I thought only eating 1573 cal was going to be hard but it is actually hard to eat that much! Today I was about 250 cal short. Today I think it was because I did not snack at all since I was at the preschool for the day. Plus I am still fighting a cold.
To answer Amanda - I think they want everyone to increase their activity level to 30 minutes 3 to 4 days a week and/or get in 10,000 steps. They do put everyone on a restricted cal diet.
The pills are still making me feel a little loopy but not bad enough to want to stop them. Then I have been getting really tried in the afternoon but is that from the pills, the cold, or working at the preschool?? I guess only time will tell.
Besides that everything is going good! Jaxon is having fun at school and KK will she has been a PITA(pain in the Ass) lately, she will hit you if you tell her no, she will also spit at you (sticks her tongue out and blows) Today I was in her class and she would not take a nap. Neither of us could get her to go to sleep! So this afternoon was fun but she fell asleep really early today. Erik is working and I am loving life - OK I will once this cold thing is gone.
I did get a Tassimo coffee maker today - yeah - and at Target you got a $20 gift card with the purchase so it made the price even better and you got a free pack of coffee!!! YEAH for me - Thanks Tobie and Megan for that need or would that be a want? Coffee is a hard thing to get along with out so am going to say a need.

The start of the study

Many of you know I was starting a study at Pennington, well today was the first day of the actually study. I went in this morning with a headache (no sure this was the best day for that) after fasting and no caffeine I finally took the 1st dose of what ever - either 10mg Lorcaserin HCI or a Placebo, after an hour was able to eat something but no caffeine till they took my blood pressure and heart rate after 1 hour 45 min (everything was fine) so needless to say my headache got worse but finally around 2pm it started to go away after drugs of course.
about 1/2 hour after taken the pill I started to get itchy - not too bad but I did notice it then I started to get light headed and kinda dizzy but that also was not too bad kinda a mild drunk feeling. So the question is was this my mind playing tricks on me or was it the drug?? I also did not want to eat the bar they gave me to eat after the hour passed and when I got home for lunch I had a really hard time eating my soup after 1/2 hour I gave up and could not finish it - but once again was it the pill or was it the headache?? I guess we will see what tomorrow brings! It is a double blind study so I will not know but the drug has show to increase in weight loss but once again I am on a restricted diet (1573 cals a day) and an increase in activity so that in and of itself would cause weight loss. So we will see. I am excited because I have someone to hold me accountable which is what I was looking for anyway. I have to go back on Monday and show them my food journal and I wear a pedometer. I am suppose to get 30 mins of exercise in 3 to 4 days a week -so today we went on a bike ride. If I do not do the 30 min then they want 10,000 steps which is still about an extra 30 minutes of walking. So like regardless of the pill I am going to lose weight - I might even look good for Mini's wedding!

Ok on to another subject - here is a spider we found in our back yard while Erik was moving some wood around. We called Bobby and Hallie - they both think it was a wolf spider so we looked it up and we agreed that was what it had to be - since it will not kill my children we threw it back over the fence so it could go else where to live. I knew we should have killed it but...

Just one picture

We went to Ag Magic today at LSU - we had a really good time and this is the best picture of the day

Heart

I saw my heart today - OK so it was on an Ultrasound machine, but it was cool! I saw the valves opening and closing. Then they did a color picture and you could see the blood going in and out of the valves. Very cool!! I am so lucky to see that because most people do not get to see their heart unless something is wrong. Yeah - can you tell I think it was the coolest thing!! I also saw my vain contract when I snuffed through my nose.
The kids are good. Jaxon is at school and KK is sleeping she threw up all day yesterday but is fine today!!

Happy Birthday KK

Today is KK's birthday and we had a great day! We tried to get a good picture of the kids by the tree but KK did not want to give up her sippy cup.

KK went to school and had a cookie (they make a "cookie cake" by putting the cookies real close on a cookie sheet sing Happy Birthday and let the b-day child blow out the candle) then after school we went to wacky bear where her and Jaxon made Dinos. KK was not really into it, but Jaxon had a good time. Then We had the family over for dinner. It was nice that all the cousins were together.We had yummy ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.




Maddie decided my carpet was her drawing board:





The kids had a great time outside.



So over all we had a great 2nd birthday!

KK's Party

OK so I am a little late to update about KK's party. It was great we had a really good time. Just family and a few friends - I would say small but is it ever small with our family? I ended up not inviting anyone from a playgroup we go to because I was asked a while ago if I wanted to have KK's and a little girl in her class - party together since we are in the same playgroup. I said sure that sounds great - then on Thursday before KK's crawfish boil I get an evite to the other girls party that is on Mother's day. Needless to say the mother planned her party and did not ask me if I still wanted to share parties - oh well so no one from our playgroup was invited.
The party was lots of fun. Amy (KK's Godmother) her boyfriend Chad and her sister Marcell came which was fun. Erik's friend from work and his daughter Zoe came and helped with the crawfish OK help is used lightly since Chris actually cooked all the crawfish. KK loved her M&M cake and all her gifts. so Thank you for all who came and Thank you for all the great gifts. We had a blast because you all were able to make it!
I am working on adding the pictures as I write this sometime I just don't want to wait! I tried to go a slideshow on Photobucket but it was taken way way to long! so you are stuck with the plan pictures being added.

Joys of being a mother

So tonight while we were putting the kids to bed I did not know if I wanted to cry or laugh - I laughed but this is what happen:
At night when Erik is home we both go tuck the kids into bed, I usually sit on Jaxon's bed and Erik will stand at the door or KK will tell him to lay down. Well tonight she wanted Erik to lay down and every time he tried to get up she would pull him back down by his neck. Once she had his head on her pillow she looked at me and said BYE. funny but sad at the same time. Just wanted to share the joys of being a mother!

So Sad

I had to turn down 2 photo assignments today! They would have been for a different plant then Erik's but one was this Friday and the other was April 12th both days are already full with other appointments and parties. Oh well hopefully she will keep me in mind next time something comes up! She did say she really liked the pictures from the last 2 assignments - yeah.

Things are good just getting everything ready for Saturday - you know for the event I sent out blank invites to. Yeah no sure what I was thinking. Oh well back to cleaning.

The bag

Here are pictures of the bag. I love the material. It bought it for the boys Easter bags then saw it had sparkles in it when I got home. Now I can not find it any more. I am going to have to look for something like it. The inside is the same pink color as the name/horse.

Birthday present

Megan wanted to see the presents I made for Scott's little girl - Bryn. I also made her a little purse with a horse on it - turned out super cute (pictures will come later on that - still at my mom's house waiting for me to make the handles.)
Here are pictures of the bow holder and a few bows I made for her. Tell me the truth - does this look like a good B-day present?
I really had fun making it - very easy! (No I did not make the letters)




I went to the Dr yesterday and everything looks good for my toe. I was told to buy some new shoes and replace them often so I do not roll my ankle anymore. I may have problems down the road but for now I am good to go! YEAH. He did say to wait a month or so to start walking but I can ride my bike and use the elliptical.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!

new project

Here is a picture of my newest project I tried out. I sewed a piece of ribbon to a onies (didn't have a t-shirt) and made a bow to match. If KK did not play with everything you actually can add a bow to the shirt. I am really happy with the way it turned out. adds a little something to a plan shirt.

Easter's update

We had a great Easter! We had lunch over at my Mom's house. Erik was off, which was nice. The kids played outside for a while. Mom helped me make a ribbon t-shirt for KK - which I love!! Then around 3pm - Jerry and his family came over so the kids played a while with their cousins then we came home. Our neighbors were leaving for their wedding so we went and helped them pack while KK and Jaxon helped keep their daughter busy (she is 6 months older then KK).
Today we are back to the normal routine while trying to keep the kids from eating too much candy!! I'll add pictures soon!

This was taken at the Shell Easter egg hunt - we did not go to the mall since KK was not happy with the Easter Bunny!

weekend update

What a busy weekend!
Saturday the kids went with Erik to the St. Patty's day parade - Erik took one picture because he had both kids. I decided to stay home because of my good ol toe! I will be so glad when the pain stops!!!

That night Jaxon and Erik went to Monster Trucks with Bobby, Tommy,my Dad and a couple we knew when we lived in Va. While KK and I stayed home with our neighbor Kaitlyn, she spend the night so that was fun, KK had someone to play with till I send them to bed at 9 and they fell right to sleep - yeah for me.

Sunday was when we were the busiest. We had lunch over at my parents house with the whole family their. We had early "Easter" since Bobby and Jerry are spending Easter with their own in-laws. We had a great time. Good food - not too much this time. The kids did the Easter egg hunt and we tried to get a good picture of them all looking (I know when are we going to give that one up?)

Then around 2pm we left to go to the Shell Easter Egg hunt where I was taken pictures for the Shell Newsletter. I have decided that with my knowledge level of cameras I am much better with outside photography! (I had a hard time at the annual dinners with the lighting or lack there of - I am looking into a class to take with the money I have earned) But the kids had a great time there. KK found the Golden Egg for her age group and Jaxon came in 3rd for his age group (they count the eggs)so they both got big baskets filled with stuff. They were happy! Jaxon fell asleep as we turned into the neighborhood at 6pm and has been asleep ever since. Fun fun day - Fun FUN weekend!

I had hoped to add pictures to show our weekend but the website is not uploading the pictures. I'll try again later.

Friday

Friday was a good day for me and the children. We played outside for a while in this beautiful weather we are having!
Jaxon complete Mario Galaxy - the credits rolled and said THE END - but you can still play they added a new purple comet (what ever that does) plus you have to get 38 more stars - he was very excited. Before you think he lives on the Wii - he only gets to play for 1 hour if he earns it at school - listens, follows the rules and plays nice with everyone.
KK had a good day - we played with her dolls and played with the wedgits - which she loves I need more so I have enough for both kids.

Here is a picture from Western Day on Wednesday. They both had a great time.
That is all for now I hope everyone is having a great day - have a good weekend!

Hard to find

I just ordered this doll from Toys R Us because you can not find her in the stores. It is crazy Fisher price has come up with an amazing product and they are so hard to find! What are Snap'n style doll - only the greatest doll for little girls.
"Snap 'n Style friends are so adorable—just like her! And these dolls are so easy to dress, with outfits that snap on and off. Your little girl will love combing their soft hair and dressing them up in different styles. The doll’s themed accessory sets are perfect for exploring sports and other activities she might like to try someday. And the wide range of Snap ’n Style dolls reflects the diversity she’ll find in her world"
I am actually calling Fisher Price tomorrow to find out why they are not in more stores. I only found out about them at Christmas because a friend of mine who's daughter is the same age found them so I tell everyone about them. If you do find them in the stores (Walmart and Toys r us are the only ones I have found that carry them) they have one or two - The walmart today did not even have a spot for them and Megan's told her they clearanced them out (maybe that was toys r us)
Anyway that was my rant about nothing

Today I hurt my toe again - I fell (yes Hallie I am spaz) and stopped my fall with my bad tow - It HURTS!!!!! hopefully it is just sprained again - we will see in 2 weeks when I go get my next set of x-rays

photo job

Well today was the first day of taking pictures and getting paid for it. While I was driving there I felt the nerves crep up but I called Megan she did a little cheerleading for me and I was fine. I knew once I walked in and saw some faces I knew I would be fine - it is that first step in the door. My dad was suppose to be there but ended up in Texas so I was on my own. But it all worked out. I saw a friendly face right away and started working. The pictures turned out alright. I know somethings now so I can get better pictures on Thursday. Erik said they turned out good for what they are being used for.
Besides that things are going good. We have western Day tomorrow so I will be with Jaxon all day - should be fun. I will post pictures of that tomorrow!

shoe update

Just a quick shoe update - I LOVE THEM!!!

Shoes

These are the shoes i was telling Megan about - they are called Skechers Step up Mary jane. I plan on wearing them tomorrow so I will let you know how they feel.

1st try

I have found easy direction to make the bigger bows so I was playing yesterday. I think they turned out alright - the direction calls for wider ribbon but I made it with what I had. I was pretty please with the out come:


http://bowdesigns.50webs.com
This is the website I found the bow instructions. I am going to try the Tutu bow holder next.








I also learned how to make a purse today. I have to say there was a huge rush of joy when it all came together! I never thought I would be so proud of myself for learning to sew! It is fun! And since Mom has the tool itis pretty cheap also.

The kids had a great time helping MaMere plant the tomatoe and pepper plants. It was a great day.

My Meme Post

I wasn't going to do it since I do not know how to do that neat little linking thing you all do(maybe someone can share) but I went ahead so this is what you get:


Thanks Amanda - http://www.crazyinlouisiana.blogspot.com
Every blog I read has already been tagged (except Megan) so I am going to skip the passing on part.

**The Rules**
1. Post about the meme and link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Go back through your archives and link to your five favorite posts.

*Link One: must be about family.
*Link Two: must be about friends
*Link Three: must be about yourself
*Link Four: must be about something you love
*Link Five: can be anything you choose.

Tag 5 other people (2 being people you would like to get to know better)

Family:
http://swanem.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-update.html
Friends: (weekend of old friends)
http://swanem.blogspot.com/2007/09/wii-weekend.html
Myself: (because it is funny)
http://swanem.blogspot.com/2008/01/more-toe-update.html
Something I Love: (friends, family and a great time)
http://swanem.blogspot.com/2008/01/jupiter-ball.html
Perfect: (pure joy for the kids!)
http://swanem.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-day.html

Having fun

So I had to add the verification thingy so I would stop gettig spam in my comments.
Just wanted to add some pictures.