30th Birthday Photo Montage

My sister Sara and I planned and put together.. what I like to think a 30th birthday Kurt won't forget. He doesn't turn 30 until Tuesday ... but Saturday when we celebrated.. was a lot of fun! There was a special cake, hilarious decor, hockey themed of course... gag gifts fit for a king and the minute to win it games. Thanks to family and friends who came! Until next time.. oh and you know there will be a next time. Enjoy reminiscing (or those of you who couldn't come.. you missed out ;) of this fun photo montage of some of the fun.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Babywearing Daddy

I haven't been much into posting my thoughts on here lately. I kind of got bombarded with review things that needed to be done last week and this week so trying to keep up with that has been the extent of my computer time.

Brennan is so much better this week with his teething. Still no teeth but I can tell they are ready to pop -his little gums are white. We ended up using baby oral gel once his temperature was gone and we weren't using Tylenol every four hours. That really helped a lot! It was a really, really long last week. Is seriously did nothing but hold him and sit on the couch. He still wants to be held a lot but I can deal with that because he'll be in the carriers and hang out in his highchair and things.

During the hectic time of him needing to be held and being upset Kurt had to take over with wearing him in the carrier. I got some pictures, because I never get pictures of him wearing the kids and I love it when he does. He's a goof!
I am hoping to post about the school appointment later today if I at all can. We're off to LLL and Brennan is needing mommy so I'm off.

Dressed up - sweats & a tie!

Did everyone have a fun Valentine's Day? This was the first Valentine's Day I think my children actually understood. Kurt and I didn't get a chance to get the kids anything until the night before, of course with them all in tow. Landen saw his gift so Kurt had to make up a story that the "bowling set" was for Liam. Landen half believing him and half not would not let it go. I quickly hid it when we got home (even though he saw it when we got home too). I had to make up a story about a Valentine's Fairy.. which sounded pretty good until my family pointed out I should have just gave it to him. The things you do to make a holiday something special. Ahh. He was pretty excited at 7:00 the next morning when he came running into our room - it's Valentine's Day! :)

Yesterday I finally got to go and see Rebecca at Eagle Eye Institute. Long drive, but it was nice to see where she's living and some of the girls she lives with. I'm hoping that we get to have dinner with her and some of the brothers Saturday. We went to Flat Top the restaurant. It was really yummy and if you haven't been, it's definitely worth trying out. We went to a few different stores, I had some gifts I wanted to get for people and of course any opportunity to go shopping I'm all about. I decided I hate the outdoors mall - that was a stupid idea in my opinion. I got a few really great deals at Old Navy for Kurt and the kids! I got boxers and fashion tights for Kurt and Amelia for $2 and a shirt for Landen for $3. Then Target I found some regular solid colored t-shirts for wearing under things and things for $1 for myself. I was excited about that! Then I got my sisters some great socks and Amelia a few things for a $1. All Valentine's was 50% off the clearance - making for a great deal. A lot of the stuff was definitely not just valentine either. I was excited! I got the kids two good books for church - one was All about the Mass and the other about the Sacramentals. I think these will be great for church and to just learn about the different things in church.

I realized I'm a total whimp when it comes to winter. I have yet to actually drive on snowy roads this year (I prefer to just stay inside) and when I couldn't see the road on the way home, I was freaking out. I really hate winter. It made for a yucky hour long drive home, but it was worth it. ;)

Lent starts Wednesday. I can't decide what to do/give up. I was thinking facebook but I don't think I want to do that. I'm spending less and less time on their anyway, I'd like something that's going to help me afterward and I always give up sweets or something. Any idea's?

Have I mentioned Kurt and I finally started the Love Dare book! It's amazing, I'm loving it.

Here's Landen - he gets himself dressed every single day. Today he gets his sweats and a shirt with a tie. I thought it would be off after an hour or so but it's 3:21 and he's still wearing it. Too cute! :)

Accomplishing Goals

Day six, level one of the shred - finished this evening. I'm at that point where I haven't seen any results yet and I want to quit. Thinking back, that's usually how I go - after about a week or so I'm ready to quit. I think I don't care, but I really do. I haven't been eating that good either, maybe it's the same as I always do but I'm actually taking notice since I'm trying to be good. Oh well, there's always tomorrow with the eating. The shred is definitely getting easier, I think after tomorrow I will be ready to advance to level 2 and see how that goes. In the beginning I had a hard time following the modified versions and now I don't have too. I just wish my tummy would disappear over night.

Kurt starts back at his old job tomorrow. I guess I haven't updated on here as to what the deal with that is. Things were going fine at the new place, but he was asked to return to his old employer. Basically with him (and I) wanting to be there instead of the new place, and with a few other good reasons to return, he accepted the offer. We're very happy with the decision! :)

The floor that has been taking FOREVER is finished in the hallway. We still need to finish the steps (which is still be discussed as to what we want to do), I'd like to paint (hopefully this coming weekend) and eventually painting the trim (which doesn't have to be done immediately.) It looks really nice! The carpet man comes Friday morning to lay the carpet in Amelia's room and then we can finally get that room finished. I forgot to take pictures of the hallway before Kurt started sanding and all - it was bad though. Imagine removing carpet on some nasty old floors that needed to be really sanded/stripped and stained. Here are few pictures I did take though. I will take pictures of before we paint and after - promise. See that ugly pink/tan?

This is after Kurt already sanded and stripped the old stain off a million times.

Kurt putting the beautiful stain down for the first time.

Finished project. The lighting isn't that great in the hallway, but I think they look great.

Finished project!

Kurt started back at school last Tuesday night. He's there tonight.. he's only taking one class this semester - basically because his old employer didn't care if he had this degree and they weren't going to give him time off to attend extra classes. Unfortunately it will take him another semester to graduate ( I think ) but it will be nice to have him focusing more on family this semester than cracking the books every second.

Weird - I've been tweeting lately.. what's the deal with that? Follow me @mommainflipflop Facebook seems over rated. lol! :) Time to get the kids in their pajamas.

Time for Change

Kurt accepted a new job! I really have been a bit uneasy about the entire thing, but I have to believe God has a great roll in how all this happened to just fall into place. Things have been pretty unstable at his old job but thankfully Kurt's job has been safe, however there has been pay cuts, lay offs and other things that have made things far from ideal. The new job really presents itself has a great opportunity for Kurt to grow with more responsibilities and make more money. I don't really like the idea of possible more traveling, but they have their own private helicopter so hopefully he'll be back every single night. I don't think our family can function with him being gone for days on end. The job is back in our home towns basically, five minutes from Kurt's family and 15 from mine. Something that really never crossed my mind, I always figured if Kurt were to take another job it would be even further from family, but now we have the option to be very close. So, Friday is his last day and Monday he'll be starting the new job. =) Definitely a change for the best and time will tell what the future brings!

WW: My handsome man!

I missed posting something about our Anniversary back on September 4th. We celebrated five years of marriage and actually went out to dinner with only Brennan! Love you sweetie. Thank you for all the hard work you do for your family.

The Love Dare

"Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7.

My mom got me the book Love Dare for my birthday. I cannot wait to do this with Kurt - it's a 40 day challenge for husbands and wives and to practice unconditional love. I think it will be awesome to do together and the dares are fantastic. Some challenging but good. You can check it out at www.lovedarebooks.com. Here's the first dare: The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If this temptation arises, choose not to say anything. it's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.

Other news -- only 18 more days until the due date! I'm beyond ready. =)

It was a date night!

Kurt and I had our first date night in - well a very long time! When Landen was Amelia's age I never felt comfortable leaving him, but Amelia has Landen and things are very different now. Neither of the kids care and have a great time with my sister Beck (who watched them - Thank you!!). I remember my mom always telling me - just wait until you have two, it'll be different. You can even imagine until you get there - but we are and it's nice.

For the date night - we went to this cute little Italian Restaurant that's new here in town. It was semi fancy, yummy and wonderful to have a night out without the kids. I love going places with them, but it's really nice to have a conversation and actually eat your food without someone throwing something, breaking something, yelling, wanting to be on your lap, etc, etc, etc. We enjoyed our nice evening and then walked around some of the stores around here - ending up looking for things for the kids. Isn't that how it ends? Not much, but well needed! I've been feeling more than anything a need to go out with Kurt. I think because things are a bit more chaotic here. We don't have our regular slow evenings of just talking and doing whatever. A lot of times I find myself going to bed before he does even (which doesn't happen here) because of homework. It was wonderful! I feel refreshed and hope to do it again before baby #3 arrives!

Hockey Fun & More

Kurt was gone all weekend deer hunting, unfortunately he didn't get a deer because now he will be going again in a couple of weeks and I can't stress enough how much I hate when he's gone. It turns our life upside down.

While he was gone some of my sisters, the kids and I went to a hockey game my sister won tickets for. It was a lot of fun and strange not having Kurt there (considering he's the hockey nut in this family). Landen was chanting and having so much fun; Amelia was in love with the pretzel cheese (see below) and we all got our picture taken with the armadillo. I hope we can go again.

The girls with the armadillo - Mikyla, Landen, Savannah, Armadillo, Me, Sara, Amelia & Maggie. Aren't we cute?

Amelia in love with the pretzel cheese; pretty much all she cared about!

Landen getting ready to throw is chuck a puck!

On a yucky note, I took Landen to the Doctor today. All weekend and nights he's been doing the - "I have to pee" and then doesn't have to go a lot of the time. He just says - "it won't come out." I really thought he was acting because it seemed at very convenient times he wanted to go (right when we were in the car, church, bedtime, etc.) but I ended up deciding to take him in because I didn't want him to be having a UTI and suffering. All the tests came back okay.. so... either the kid is faking it and we're going to have to work on it or he has more going on, in which we are going to wait awhile and see what happens. With Kurt being gone things have been kind of crazy here so I'm hoping he's getting into that stage and just being difficult - I hate for something to be wrong. I also think that peeing is something I can't take away or stop him from doing. Like if he wants a drink or to watch tv when it's bedtime I can say no, but peeing I can't really say no too (well I can, but you know what I mean). So, that's what we dealt with today.

Now I must go order some Christmas gifts and get going on the laundry! =)

Turning over a new leaf

I've been feeling very sorry for myself lately and doing some serious complaining, even if it hasn't been verbally spoken to anyone that's how I've been feeling. Maybe because I'm not that great at change or maybe it's just me being overwhelmed with things. I don't know exactly what all the problems are.. but they've been here and I'm mostly finding myself feeling sorry for myself when it comes to Kurt being back in school and all that comes along with it. I hate that he has to work longer hours, I hate that he's tired, I hate that there is such thing as homework, I hate less time for the kids, less time for me, it seems like the list could go on. I find myself being a serious mope and down about the entire situation, I can't couldn't get past any of the negative and look at the positive.

Then I realized something last night.. why it took me so long to figure it out I don't know... how selfish I've been about it. We knew it would be hard but it's not really all that hard on me as it is Kurt. I thought to myself how God doesn't give us things we can't handle and that I've been approaching this in the worst way. So for myself I'm writing this out, to help me remember what God has already given me and this is just another path he wants us to follow right now. It's going to be hard but I need to be thankful for what I have, and for some reason it's easy for me to forget that...
I thank God that Kurt is even able to go back to school, that we aren't financially burdened because of it. I'm thankful that I'm able to live the best life I can even imagine, staying home with my beautiful, very healthy children and have an incredibly loving husband who wants the same. That we have no profound medical problems and lead healthy lives. The support system I have when I do get down about things, our great families that would do anything for us. Everything I take for granted everyday I need to be thankful and thank God for.

I'm mostly writing this post today for myself - I honestly felt like I ran into a wall with what came over me and I need to remember it. I'm not going to be a mope about what's going on right now, but try to find the positive. Not that I won't be upset occasionally, but I'm going to start over and really try to make the best out of it. I need to remember the people that really have problems, minor or major that I know right now... going through things I can't even imagine. It makes me feel rotten complaining about these sorts of things. I need to offer it up for them.

I love my husband and know we made the right decision with this! I'm turning a new leaf over, working harder at being more thankful. Prayer really helps you see things more clearly.

Best Years Of My Life

Okay, I won't get all sappy on ya right now - I'm not in the mood for sappy, I'll save that for another time! The old man and I have been married 4 years today!! Best decision he ever made marryin' this fox.... Ha ha ha... he knows it's true!! Really though best decision WE ever made!!!!! Happy Anniversary honey, I love ya sooo much and you know it. We'll get to celebrate eventually. My hard workin' man is off to work today and then off to school, only to come home late with us homebodies half asleep I'm sure. I wouldn't trade ya for the world!!!

It doesn't get any better than this! We know we're weird. =)

He's a college student and so much more

I'm pretty sure I'm not liking Kurt being in school. It's taking up too much time and I don't like it. Okay, I'm just complaining a bit - and I'll get used to it eventually. He had his first class last Wednesday (all day) and found out that particular class will be meeting on Wednesdays all day until the class is over.. so that means he has to use vacation or work 10 hour days. Ahh! That's not even talking the Thursday class at night.. I don't know anything about that one because his first class it tomorrow. I'm so proud of him for doing this, but I like when he gets home from work we don't have anything that has to be done but have family time. Last night he was up until midnight doing homework (why do we have to have homework.. more on that another day). You girls that deal with your hubby's being gone a lot, I applaud you - I could never do it. We just got to get these next couple of years behind us. Until then, you will have to deal with my complaining.

They Make Me Smile

Moments like these make me smile! The joy and love of being a parent - pulling the cars and other items out of the garage to play with your son. The boys practicing for the big hockey tournament at the end of the month.

It's freakin' me out

I have to post something because Jerry Seinfeld's face is stalking me from the post below. I need it to get buried. I don't think Kurt could possibly look like him if it startles me every time I open my blog. Right?

This picture can stalk me instead! Kurt's tryin' to be a babe in the photo. Hee, hee! Have a good weekend and Sunday is the last day to enter my contest over here! And check out props n' pans, I have my first real review up for them and theirs a contest for some great eco-friendly play dough goodies bag!

More Look A Likes

Alright, you ready for this. You wanted me to post who Kurt got told he looked like. Here we go -Hee, hee and Ha, ha!! I had some good laughs last night when I was asking him who he had been told he looked like - my favorite is Ferris Bueller.. thanks Jen... I still like to call him that! LOL!!!!!

Jerry Seinfeld

Chris Daughtry

Matthew Broderick

Tom Cruise

What do you think? Now you people better post who you look like and your hubby!

Back To School

My sweet and wonderful husband is heading back to school to get his Masters in Engineering this fall. He's been accepted, is enrolled and just about as ready as you can get to head back to college! I'm extremely excited for him and am glad to start this next chapter in our lives. We knew that eventually he would be going back to school and this is the perfect time before their are more kiddo's around and Landen and Amelia are still young. It's a two year program and sounds like he won't be gone a whole lot this semester. Thankfully! He has to go into this slow - as he has a wife that can't handle him being gone too much. =)

He may not realize how happy and proud of him I am. He works very hard for his family and this is just another step in helping better his career and family! Don't know what I'd do without you sweetie. You know I'm excited - even though I complain. Congratulations!

As for blogging - I'll try not to complain too much when he's gone, or studying, or taking up my computer time.

Happy Father's Day

Our weekend was packed full of fun for Father's Day. Even though this is a day late ~ Happy Father's Day to all you lucky dad's! I'm blessed that I was able to spend this weekend with my own Dad who I will always be grateful for. Love ya dad!! And to my wonderful husband, without him I wouldn't be living such a wonderful life. I couldn't imagine anyone better for me or my children. Love you sweetie!

Instead of sharing some great memorable - but a bit embarrassing photo's of my hubby, I'll share this one from this weekend - the twinkies!

Oldie Shmoldie

It seems like every Tuesday I have this catch up post from the weekend. I guess I'll just hit the high lights and try from now on to keep on top of things so it's not like that.

Friday I started the spring cleaning process of the house. I pretty much keep up on the cleaning so I don't have any major things to do, but there is some things and things we wanted to get done. Washing the windows inside and out and cleaning the porches is really the only big thing. We got pictures hung, finally - it only takes us about six months to get things hung up around here. My beautiful picture of Mary hanging clothes (which is on my sidebar) with baby Jesus is up. I love that picture and I'm so glad to have it in my viewing sight in my home.

We had children's adoration and Landen said his own prayer intentions and said the second half of Hail Mary - on his own (the part in italics)! "Hail Mary Full of Grace the Lord is with You, Blessed our Thou amongst woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother Of God Pray For Us Sinners Now And At The Hour of Our Death, Amen." He's doing so well on his prayers. We got some new fish at the pet store, I really need to quit going there though because I always end up leaving with the feeling that we really need a little Yorkie. I guess I just have to remember how much I dislike animal hair with my kids being on the floor and that will shock me back into reality. Then we went to dinner and Kurt got himself a new nickname of Curb Jumper!

Saturday we headed to my parents so I could do Becca's hair for prom. She looked gorgeous and her boyfriend looked equally as charming. I was glad to finally meet Joey... he seems so nice. Mom, Mikyla, Savannah, Amelia and I went to Prom Premiere - which was wonderfully only 15 minutes long. Unfortunately I didn't snap any good pictures - but I got some good ones at home so that didn't really matter. Beck and Joey were definitely the best looking and by far the most modestly dressed. Wow - some of the dresses these girls wear nowadays look like something you'd see on the red carpet -- meaning ... hello boobies! Becks hair turned out lovely, after several hours of practicing we got it up and looking fantastic in about 40 minutes and she said it didn't move all night long. The poof was looking great!

Sunday was Papa Bears (Kurt's other nickname) Birthday! The big 28.. he's getting old. We celebrated with his family. It turned out to be a beautiful day so we spent a lot of time outside. Landen and Amelia got wagon rides from grandma and Amelia loved her first wagon ride. I didn't think she was old enough, but she got buckled in and had the biggest grin on her face the entire time. It was a good day!

A small prayer request

**UPDATE** Kurt is doing much better after hours and hours of sleep. Thanks all for your prayers!

We went and picked Kurt up around 1:00pm from work today. He has a horrible migraine (or at least that's what these sudden head aches seem to be) and has been sleeping ever since he got home. I know he could use some prayers as he's miserable. Thanks friends!

It's Been Busy Around Here

... as you can notice from a lack of posting.

Friday was FAMILIA - I don't really know what my problem is but I'm really struggling with this material. I read it and seem to understand it, but can't wrap my thoughts around it enough to put anything into words. I hope this next weeks material is better for me. I have learned a lot about the Ten Commandments though. That's our Catechism material... you don't realize how little you know until you really start studying it. =)

Afterwards was Children's Adoration. We haven't made it for the last couple of months for reasons out of my control - stinking' winter weather. I was glad to go - not just for the kids, but for myself as well. Landen was a little rowdy, but it wasn't a big deal and Amelia actually sat there and chewed on a cloth book while I attempted to have Landen sing and pray. The highlight (for Landen) was having Father Keen (in landen's words) stop by to see the children. I've never seen Landen just stop and listen to anyone, ever. After Father left Landen proudly announces to all the children "Father Keen says God love all of us". It was so sweet. I'm so thankful to have Children's Adoration for our children.

Saturday we went shopping! I was very disappointed because I didn't find anything I liked for Landen or Amelia to wear for Easter. It's more than likely going to be so cold with it being early that we will just wear regular nice Sunday clothes. I think I get in my mind a certain outfit I want for them and if I can't find it (for a reasonable price) then I'm not happy. Oh well, they'll be cute anyway. I found some bargains for myself - I love finding deals. I got a new hat - Kurt thinks I look a little goofy but I'll get a picture of me wearing it sometime. Landen got a Cars comforter for his little bed. It was a great trip. =)

I wanted to post this picture of Amelia and Kurt. They're too cute. Happy to say the Cubs are in spring training and we've been watching. Yay!

PS. I'm going to have an exciting post about some things I've won over here later.