Going Back to School-

Today I met with an academic advisor at UNLV. I actually enrolled for one class starting today, and planned the next 2 years of my life. Unfortunately, because it has been so long since I attended school, it is going to take a while. Some of my classes don't even count. That's a bummer. I am changing majors. I am switching from Elementary Ed. to Physical Ed. Basically when I am done, I will be able to teach P.E. K-12. It's a long, long road ahead. How weird it was today to be back on campus. Everyone so young, and beautiful. Anyhow, I know I will be glad that I did it. Wish me lots of luck, and pray for my brain power to come back. My girls have sucked me dry!

Calling All Shoppers!

Everyone please keep your eyes open for any decorative things you see that will go in the new room. Ya know, brown and blue, stuff. I still need an area rug, window treatments, things to hang on the walls. Also, anything else cute in the color scheme. I am kind of busy this time of year with softball and things, and don't get to the stores as often. This way, if you see something, you can let me know where and what and how much. I would really appreciate it. Also, if you just can't resist, go ahead and purchase it, and get it in the mail to me, as a special gift. Ha ha- Just had to say that.
Haven't heard anything yet about how Todd and Shannon are doing in Nicaragua. Please keep them in your prayers.

The Couch Arrived!

Nothing is in place yet, and I still need new curtains, an area rug, and pillows. However, just thought I would share a picture of the couch to show everyone how much darker it is than it originally looked in the other picture. Still so much left to do. The good news is that Madison's tournament in California for this weekend just got cancelled because of rain. So we can probably get things back in order around here!

Miah's 2nd Masterpiece!

Miah had her 2nd class today, and here is how the painting began-

Then it looked like this...
Then it looked, beautiful like this, when it was all done!

Lovely, New, Addition!

Another new thing that will be going in this room, is this lovely 42" "one eyed demon". Ha ha! Teri, Laurie, Jen, you all get it I am sure. Anyhow, we bought this lovely flat screen for Christmas. It has already brought many hours of fun and excitement into our home. It makes playing the video games even more fun, because the graphics and things are so big. Anyway, I think it will look nice in our updated room. They didn't end up finishing the floors today. Long story...Tomorrow they should be done!

New Sofa!

Here is a picture of the new sofa that will be going into the family room. It looks lighter in the picture than it really is. It also looks much smaller in this picture. But I just thought, I would share in my room re-do, since that is what I have been doing. The good news is that it is made of microfiber, which is suppose to be the best material to have with children. We also paid an extra $119.00 for a stain treatment. It's good for 7 years. If we can't get the stain out, they will send someone out. Then if it is still stained they will replace that portion of the couch. Sounded like a pretty win win situation. The other day we were at the clearance center at Walker Furniture and they had this huge chocolate brown ottoman for $140.00. All 3 of the girls could lay on it at the same time. If that is still around, I might go get it. What do you think?The best thing about doing all of this painting and new floors, is the spring cleaning that is going on with it. Because you don't want to paint over dusty door jams, and you have to pull out the stove, and fridge..so we cleaned all of the grease off the side of the stove. It's gross how much dust was in our house. I can admit, that mine probably has more than anyone of you who are reading this post. Jen, Mom, Dena, Laurie, Teri, you guys are all my idols, when it comes to your cleanliness. I just don't have it in me. Shannon, I just couldn't include you in that list. You are better than me, but you are not in their elite category. Just continue to pray for me. Please, pray for me.

A Little Chocolate in the Family Room!

They finished the floor in the family room today, and will be back tomorrow to finish the floor and the baseboards. I decided to take another chance and paint a little bit of chocolate brown in the room. When it's all put back together, I think it will look sharp. Hopefully......Of course the girls want to help! They have actually been pretty helpful. Charles is still in first place, as far as that goes though.
I really want to do something with those darn cabinets. Who knows? I will try and keep all of my fans updated as I have been. I think I should get some blogger award or something. What do you think Shannon?

Making Progress

They started the floors this morning. This is how it looks so far!

Well, I Went For It!

I have been wanting to change the paint color for a while now. I figured while the carpet is out, and the new floor isn't yet in- what better time? I have wanted to do blue, it seems like the latest. But, I have been a bit scared. Well, no turning back now. We are officially blue. Blues and browns will be the new color scheme. The picture is a bit hard to see, cuz it's already dark here. But tell me what you think so far?
Charles has been working hard all day! From painting, to pulling up carpet, moving furniture, etc.... What a great guy!

The Fun Begins!

On New Year's Eve we had a bit of a flood around here. Our washing machine went a little haywire. So we had a lot of water damage to our floors. We went thru ourn homeowners insurance and filed a claim. Now we have just started demolition, because they are coming to lay the new floors tomorrow. We have a lot of work to get done today! I think I may even paint today since all of the carpet will be picked up and base boards off and stuff. I will take pictures and keep everyone up to date, with the exciting work.This is the big pile of new laminate wood flooring, just waiting to be installed! It's darker than what we had before. I am excited to see it in.

An Aritist in the Family!!

Miah's big Christmas present was taking a begining oil painting class. Her first class was today. She is very lucky because she ended up being the only person in the class. This is her very first painting. She did the whole thing by herself. I am just amazed. I have no artistic talents whatsoever!!!!! She must get it from her Papa Scott. Just wanted to share this beautiful painting with all of our loved ones.

Free Rice

I found this new web site. You go to this web site and take a vocabulary quiz. For every word you get right, they donate 20 grains of rice to needy countries. It's a great way to keep sharp, and you help feed the hungry. Go to www.freerice.com/index.php

The Many Faces of 12!

12 is not an easy age to parent. Hormones, added into the mix is not exactly helpful. I try to remind myself that the way she seems like a different kid every day, is the way I must seem to change with the wind to my husband. The only difference is, she thinks she knows it all, and I really do know it all. Ha ha! This first look, is the "who me" look. I promise, I didn't do anything- and if you believe that then you are dumber than I thought look.
Madison has finals this week, and it's been a bit of a challenge this semester. She does need to score well on these tests. I think sometimes that I care more about how she does, than she does. That can be frustrating. This next look, is the mom quit lecturing me look. Blah, blah, blah...
This next look, is my favorite look. This is when she is being the sweet big sister, and wanting to be a part of our family.

Coyoytes '08 Softball Team

Just thought I would post some pictures from today of my crazy, fun team. This group of girls definitely has a lot of fun! They are the first group, in all 5 years that I have been coaching there, that no one is in eligible after first semester grades. We were all excited about that. We start playing in a couple of weeks. I think we are going to have a great season!

ELECTION '08

This is the first election where I have felt so torn. For the first time, I have considered voting outside of my normal republican party. Only, a small consideration! I like different things about different candidates- yet have little faith in one person, and all they represent. Lately we have had some religous conversations, so I figured political should be next!
If you know who you are voting for please tell me who and why. Also, if you know someone you won't vote for, tell me, and also why. The only thing I know, is that I won't be voting for Hillary. She just drives me nuts. Plus, I would rather have a man in office, it's just as simple as that.

Christmas Morning Excitement!

I think all of us mom's would agree that everything that goes into Christmas is pretty exhausting! I won't even go into those details, because we all know what it is we go through. I just wanted to share some pictures, that make it all worth it. These next couple of pictures are of my 3 girls when they opened their WII-Of course "things" only bring momentary happiness. But, I loved seeing their excitement on Christmas morning!!

Let's help one another!

As many of you know, I spent way too many years in a legalistic church. Thankfully, I grew up in church, so I do have another "church experience", to cling to. A positive, bible teaching, experience to hang on to. Of course when you have many people go throgh the same thing, everyones experiences are different. Many similarities, yet different. For some, this "church experience" of legalism, control, and cult like dynamics, is their only experience. When the word of God has been twisted by man, how do you again learn to trust? When your "friends" from church dismiss you as a miserable, backsliden soul, now that you left "that" church. When the church you left has spoken unkind things about every church in town, and it's hard to find a place to worship. When you hear a pastor deliver a sermon and you automatically question his intent...........So many questions. Are there any answers? I am asking christians, non-christians, to tell about your experiences and how you have gotten through them. Maybe you weren't in such a legalistic place, but were just hurt by other christians, or felt betrayed by someone in leadership. Any experience having to do with church, and what and where did you find strength? Please share!!!! If you know someone who you think would have something to share, but probably isn't reading my blog, please send them a note, or link them to this blog.

Taylor Alyssa Johns!

Isn't she gorgeous! Just wanted everyone to meet Taylor. Isn't she adorable, precious and sweet. It brings back so many memories of my three girls when they were newborns. In fact, that might be the last time they were so precious. I say that because Mikelle is in "fit" mode as we speak. I need Super Nanny or something. I really do use the techniques and stuff, but some days, I would rather they were just newborns again, so they didn't speak. I know that statement isn't going to award me super mom of the year award. But I am ok with that! Tonight when I tuck them in, and they look so cute and sweet, my heart will soften once again. But that isn't for another hour and a half. I just pray we all make it!!

Thanks Eight!!

Thanks to my sister for the new blog design. I was getting real tired of looking at the old one. I think all of the colors are fun, and the design is oh so hip. Just like you Sha Na Na!! I only wish I had the ability to do it myself- Love ya

Happy 14th Anniversary!

Well, today is our 14th Wedding Anniversary. Although, we have been together for about 18 years. Man that is crazy, since I am only 25 years old. Ha Ha- Charles is really a wonderful, guy. We have a lot of fun together every day. Nobody ever tells you that marriage is the hardest thing you will ever do. Although, raising kids isn't so easy. It might be a tie!! Of course our 14 years hasn't been without issues. But I can't think of anyone I would rather have issues with. I love him to the moon, and feel very blessed and thankful to have him.

8 Things That Drive Me Crazy!

I have been tagged by my sister, Shannon. So enjoy reading about the 8 things that drive me crazy. Then check the bottom of my post, because I may have tagged you!

1. Any variety of noises such as chewing, chomping, smacking, snoring, breathing heavy, etc.... Oh, a clock ticking! I am not even saying I don't do any of those things. It's just if someone else is chomping on some chips, it will drive me totally crazy, unless.... I am chomping too!

2. My oldest daughters favorite phrase, " I don't care!" Because, I know she does care about everything she says she doesn't care about. Hormones!!

3. Lately whats driving me totally crazy, is my computer and whatever virus or something it has. Everytime I try and upload a picture onto my blog, it freezes. That is why no Christmas pictures yet, mom!

4. Cleaning up the clutter. I don't mind cleaning, it's the daily clutter that never seems to go away for good, that totally frustrates me.

5. I have to agree, with Shannon, and the whole DVR thing cutting off to soon. That can be annoying!

6. Laundry, drives me out of this world. With a family of 5, who all participate in many activities, well, that equals many wardrobe changes. On top of my girls throwing clean things in the laundry, cuz they don't want to put it away.

7. Being "Politically Correct". What a joke sometimes.

8. Every New Years having to think about dieting!

What are 8 things that drive you crazy, Laurie & Jen!

Attention--- All creative minds out there!!!

I have wanted to figure out how to make one of these for my daughters room for about a year now. This particular one - costs $599.00 at Pottery Barn. I went to Loews here and they don't sell chalk board, peg board, and things like that. I was figuring I would find those things there, and could have them cut to the size I need. All of the fabric squares are just peg board, covered in fabric. C'mon Shannon, Beckie, Michele, and whoever else wants to answer this call. I am obviously not going to spend 600 dollars. Any suggestions?

3 Ring Circus, about to become 4 Ring Circus!

One of my very dear friends, Dena, is going to have her second child tomorrow. It never gets less amazing, the whole child birth thing. Tonight, Taylor is in her body and tomorrow, she will be out. I of course, will be going to the hospital to get a quick peek at the little miracle. Taylor has 2 wonderful parents who love and adore her, a big strong brother to take care of her, and a houseful of crazy people over here who will love her too!!! I just wanted to take this moment and thank God for blessing Matt and Dena with another blessing from above, and ask that His hand would be with all of them tomorrow. I will give all the exciting details later!