I didn't post much, if anything, this weekend. It was nice to have Jay home and we were able to do family and house stuff! Saturday was a big ball of fun that started with cleaning the playroom followed up by the cleaning of the garage. The girls and I then went to a birthday party that had Sleeping Beauty there, it was actually a lot of fun and the girls had a blast. We then rounded out with a nice dinner at Grandma Kim and Grandpa Don's that night.

Sunday was church and McDonald's. We came home and played then all sat down for a nap. It was great until the dogs outside started barking. Oh well, a couple minutes of relaxation that I will not complain about. That evening Jay and I went to a wake for a friend of his family. This was an old neighbor that Jay would visit when he was a small boy and ask "What doin' George?" Just two years ago George had lost his wife suddenly so I would bet that they are very happy wherever they are. It was sad, but I am pretty sure that they lived a very happy life together.

Today the girls and I attempted to go to the library for storytime. However, I think that the librarian was a little confused as she did not show up. The 20 or so kids that were waiting were a little bummed, but we read books and had a nice time anyway. The evening was capped off by an awesome grilled meal.

It is 9:30 and the kids are already in bed. This would be a perfect night to have a deliscious bowl of ice cream. But, I am so full from dinner that I would suspect that I might split in two.

I feel like completly healthy person lately. Although with so many around me that have had to face so much it might just be that everything else pales in comparison. But, I feel great. Except for the fact that winter is coming. Oh, how I wish for a reason to move to warmer weather - besides my extreme dislike of cold weather.

It is late and I am tired. Will write more tomorrow! I will give you this picture of my littlest bean...

So, I am starting to realize that somewhere within the mid-30's you start to find out that life isn't just filled with puppy dogs, rainbows and sunny days. Obviously one of my biggest eye openers was last Oct when I was diagnosed with MS. But, since that time there have been so many people in my life that have been directly affected (or touched) by some scare or tragedy that has changed their lives. If not only for a day or a lifetime. Some of you who read this know who you are, and you are in my thoughts and prayers and others are always on my mind. Kind of one of those "oh shit" moments when you are certain that you are an adult but that no matter what life just goes on and on.

Yesterday was one of THOSE days! The girls were fighting all day and I was not able to get one thing done without about 10 extra steps involved. Today, on the other hand, was a complete opposite. The girls were great. No fighting, they listened, we had an awesome day at the pool (one of the last for the season - boo hoo), and the evening was just as great. Jay topped it off with a special night of smores. Awesome! I have decided that I need to start playing the lottery on a regular basis. Can't win if you don't play, right??

I think a a parent of small kids you cring the minute you see a hint of lightning in the air during the night. Just waiting and anticipating who is going to get up and when. Thankfully - knock on wood - that Madeline has slept through all of them so far. She is quite the trooper! Emma wok up around 5:30am. I invited her to sleep on our floor. Last time she was in our bed and that proved to be terrible sleeping for all of us. So she was settled on the floor. But, I didn't get much sleep in there!

We had some great friends come over to play today. They have a new baby that we havine't been able to spend much time with so it was so much fun. Their older daughter is the most mellow little girl with great manners it is so easy to have her around! Lots of fun and we were able to catch up.

After they left we ran to my friends house. She is my "older" friend (she is the mom of some high school friends) who is battling lung cancer. Unfortunatly, it seems as though it has really gotten a hold of her and she is fighting hard. But, we dropped off a registration to her for the walk that her oranizatin is hosting to raise money for lung cancer (she started an orgaization that raises money for research. They are doing quite well and this is the 3rd year for the walk). She and I promised to get together next week for lunch or something else fun.

This evening our lovely neighbors across the street invited us over for dinner and fun. They are so great and they LOVE the girls! She is an awesome cook so you always know it is something good. We had fun and it takes the girls forever to leave! But, we got home and put the girls to bed. Tomorrow is a day for doing some undone tasks. I will be so happy to cross them off of my list!

This photo is from breakfast this A.M. Madeline just wanted to snuggle in with Emma. So this is her cuddling on her lap.

Kind of a lonely sort of weekend. Jay got home Friday evening which was great! But, there wasn't a lot of time to catch up before bed and he had to get up Saturday morning for work - again. Kind of getting sick of this. Jay works so very hard and lots of long hours. Thankfully he is paid hourly and his company is great . . . oh well, suppose it could be worse.

Saturday the girls and I pondered what to do. It was a goergous day, but because we spend many a day at the park or the library or playing in our own yard, I was hoping to find something else to do. So we settled on looking at flooring for Madleine's room. Finding out the the stuff I love is expensive and even for a tiny room we cannot afford it anyway. I might have to settle for a carpet reminant. Many a project to work n in that room to keep us buys so no need to worry. When Jay got home we played and at dinner and did a little hanging out. But, then to bed because he needed to get up early to start work again.

The girls and I went to church this morning, then swung home to pick up Jay for our trip to McD's as he was in between two jobs at the moment. Shortly after we got home he was off on some car wash emergency until almost dinner time. The girls and I played around and took naps - I read -the did some more playing. We met Grandpa Jim and Grandma Cheryl out for dinner. The meriachi (sp?) band was playing and we enoyed the music. It as very funny when the band came around and asked us if we had a suggestion for songs. They ended up playing a vey popular current country song. Their accents were very cute to listen to.

When we got home the girls, mostly Emma, spent the evening spinnin around the yard in her Barbie jeep. She is hell on wheels. Jay set it to the faster setting since she is getting to be a very good driver. And when he did she got an evil little look on her face and took off. It was funny!

Jay is in bed since he is determined to sleep in until 9am tomorrow while I try to keep the kids quiet. Yeah! But, I think that we will have lots of fun spending time together. The first time in about 1 1/2 weeks! Also need to finish the stuff for my project for dad. Another week ahead!

Today I was bequethed a new camera!! Grandpa Al came over and he and Grandma Nicki had upgraded to a new camera in their house and I was handed down the old one. It works great - or should I just say that it actually works, which is better then my other one. So I do have photos.

When Jay is out of town I find myself busy with so many other things that wouldn't have crossed my mind otherwise. Have been so busy trying to get some things done. Still have unreturned phone calls and unreplied to emails.....

Yesterday we went to my "MS friend's" house. We had a great time! It is amazing how much a couple of moms an ignore from 5 pretty whiny kiddos! We had a great time. Jennifer and I have both agreed that we feel like we have known each other a lot longer then we have. There is a real connection. Yes, the MS gives us a connection that goes very far and very deep. But, we truly like each other in many other ways. So happy to have found someone like her.

Grandpa Al is working on a little opportunity for me with one of his customers. I would be doing a tv spot for their product. It is exciting and something that could bring in a bit of much needed extra money. Yeah!! But, it was necessary to put together an audition tape to submit. Sooooo, last night much time was spent on trying to perfec the recording. Wasn't working. Had a hard time being able to put the words together in a clear and concise way (yes, amazing I wsn't able to find the words for something. That doesn't happen very often). So we tried again tonight. After a nice morning with Grandpa Al and an awesome lunch at a local mexican joint (it was almst as though I had "work" meetings this morning followed by a "power lunch". We did playing with the kids and talk about this other project), we went back to Grandma Kim and Grandpa Don's for recording. I layed things out differently and it seemed to work. There are things that I would really like to change, but in this frmat it is really difficult. So let's just see how things go!! Jay gets home tomorrow!!

Here are some new photos. The one of me was taken for a possible submission to the company I am auditioning for and the ones of the girls were from them playing around today.

Ugh, I have been really bad at updating this. However, it has been easy not to do because I am feeling fine and everything has been so busy. Not to mention my camera is out of batteries, so I have been a terrible mother and not taking many pics lately, but also makes things less interesting for you to read. Sorry.

Yesterday was our last T-ball practice/game. Getting there was the biggest feat of them all. I had to wake Emma up to go, and that became clear very quickly that wasn't a good thing to do. It was not pretty. She screamed the whle way to practice that she didn't want to play, didn't want to run, hit . . . by the time we got out on the field she must have forgotten her hatred of the game. And to put the cherry on the event, the kiddos got a medal at the end. That was fun and a great group of kiddos. Now that I think about it, we should have taken a group photo - damn it.

Went to a girlfriends house afterward. Her kids were supposed to be at T-Ball, but their dad decided not to bring them (icky pending divorce) so we caught up on all of those schinanigans. But, also enjoyed good food, conversation and time out.

Today was a nice day for a picnic at the park, then the girls spent some time with the neighbors while I went to a baby shower. They had fun.

A get together tomorrow with an MS friend and her kiddos. I am really looking forward to it! Jay is gone all this week, he works this weekend, then back out to Iowa. A long couple of weeks, but some great time with the girls!

So thankful that the girls are with Grandma Kim and Grandpa Don tonight. I am exhausted!! Working at the PGA has been so much fun! But, wow, it is hard work! We were within spitting distance of Phil today. Ian Poulter hit a shank shot about 2 feet away from us. And we, along with 5000 of our closest friends, saw Tiger work his magic on a few holes. I also saw and chatted with John Randal (ex-Viking's football player - he was my favorite) and comedian Louie Anderson was a customer of mine. Lots of fun. But, as I see all of the projects around the house that need to get done, I am a little guilty that we aren't spending the time without the girls getting some necessary stuff done.... Oh well. The projects will still be here when the PGA is over!

Eagerly anticipating starting "work" at the PGA Championship tomorrow. Jay and I have volunteered for a couple of shifts. Our local ECFE, Early Childhood and Family Education offices, will get a donation of $5000 from the PGA if we were able to get enough volunteers. Not to mention we are realy exicted about being there. I am about the worst golfer in all time, but I sure to love watching it!! So to get a glimpse of the action up close will be awesome. No cameras, phones, etc are allowed in. Even if I do get a glimpse of Tiger, I can't prove it to you . . .

Yesterday the girls and I caught up with some good friends that we haven't seen in a while and today was a perect day to go to the pool. Topped off the evening with a nice walk.

Trying to put together a relativly good videotape and try to get a decent photo of me (should really get something done professionally, but not in the budget right now) to present for a possible "job". Very part time but, if all goes well maybe some extra (needed) money! Have to find time without the kiddos around to be able to make my video. And, action!

Also, my camera is still out of commission, so I must apologize if these photos have previously been posted and are not real current! Will work on that issue.

Been a long time... Not sure how may are even returning to read at this point. Either way, it is ok. Been keping very busy as the summer winds down and we try to fit in all of the warm weather activities that we can! I had also misplaced my camera. Even though it is a pretty beat up camera it was working ok (at best) to get daily pics of the girls. I finally found it today and brought it with us this evening. However, as luck would have it, when I took it out the batteries were dead. Photos from a cell phone will have to do.

This past weekend was a nice one. Saturday night we went to Grandma Kims and Grandpa Don's for dinner and to hang out. Sunday morning Jay got to go out golfing and the girls and I enjoyed church and some time at home. Emma was a bit challenging that afternoon and it called for some firm action. While yesterday was library time, park and T-Ball. The little team is coming together nicely, but when you are 4 and with only one more practice/game left we aren't looking to win the World Series. However, it has been a super way to get involved with the kids and to be a part of Emma's activities. Grandma Kim, Grandpa Don and Auntie have been there at almost all of the games and that has been fun to actually have people rooting for us! Today the girls and I went to a friend of mine from high schools house to meet/play with her little boy. That was so much fun to catch up and they live on the lake so the girls got some beach time as well. We took a little fishing boat trip to a quiet lake tonight. That was so much fun.

I am feeling great. Had many times as of late that I ALMOST convince myself that I am normal. And, at least for right now, I actually am!

Today was a great day. To say that I am a gal on the go is probably an understatement. I am always trying to find ways to enrich the girls and provide fun for them. But, today the cloudy and rainy day was kind of a nice welcome. Emma said that she just wanted to hang around the house and play and do crafts - Madeline and I agreed. The girls started out playing and I cleaned the house. YES, I did clean the house. It isn't perfect or even very great. But, at least scrubbed up a little bit. That feels good. The girls were very good and played with each other so very nicely. We did a little drawing and crafts, ran to the store, then before we knew it Jay was home. A really relaxing time at home. It is good to do every now and again!

Took the girls out to a little outdoor concert at a park near our house. The man, Hans Meyer, did a lot of fun little kids songs and the girls really enjoyed it. Afterward, the girls said that they would like one of his CD's. As we stood in line, I vaguely heard one of the women ask his wife if Hans was doing ok. Could have sworn that I hear the word "MS" in there. Yep, when I got to the front of the line, his wife said that Hans has had MS for 15 years. It always seems like there is something or someone just around the corner ready to put you back in your place. I chatted with Hans for a moment. He said that he had been feeling good up until about 3 years ago and he had an episode and things have been on and off since. However, he just recently started drugs. He gave me a hug and said, "I am sorry" when I told him about my diagnosis. I decided right then and there that I do not like that "I am sorry" sentiment. What is there to be sorry for? Sorry that I got this disease and you are disease free? Sorry that you think life will be horrible with it? Sorry that life and things and ways in which you knew before will not be the same? It sounds like I was harboring anger, I am not (so to speak) as I am sure that I have used those words many times as well. I was just analyzing the thought of those words and how powerful they are and how it is so open ended when there is nothing that follows the "sorry..."

Last night was National Night Out. Another neighbor and I organized the gathering and it was a great time. The fire department visited and because I am the "block captain", I had to choose a few adults that could go up in the 100 foot ladder. That was awesome! And to see all of the green beautiul leaves from that height was really neat. We didn't get home until very late and the girls were exhausted.

Today Emma went shopping with Grandma Cheryl for some little accessories for her doll house. Madeline and I hit up a park. We met up later for some lunch then home for naps.

Today the city people were inally filling in the huge empty areas next to our driveway with sod. I was able to "ask"/"request" for an extra roll of sod for another area in the yard. So when poor Jay got home - late already - he cooked dinner, filled in the sod and did some other stuff around the house. Before we knew it bedtime was here!

A little swimming with Grandpa Al and a little T-ball with 11 squirrly little kids. That pretty much sums up the day. Emma was up with a cough last night so I did not get much sleep - I am guessing around the 3-4 hour range. Now I am just waiting for my darn sheets to dry. I hate when I forget to transfer them to the dryer. That always happens when I am the most tired....

Got up early on Saturday to make it to my eyebrow waxing appointment. Ahhh, the bliss of sitting in the chair getting my little hairs ripped out. No really, it was relaxing. Not to mention taking care of some out of control little reacals.

Came home and the girls had woke up and Jay was up - and by that I mean his eyes were open, the rest of him not all there. But, we got right to work on some things around the house that needed to get done. Jay tried his hand at seeing how much work would have to go into replacing our windows. The windows (most of them) are so terrible that we aren't/weren't sure if we would have to be replacing a ton of wood as well. But, all went well and he is pretty much done with the first window in Madeline's new room. And oh my gosh, I can actually SEE out the window!! I continued doing some cleaning. Could have used several more hours in the day to get things done. Also had to do a little shopping for National Night Out on Tuesday.

During nap time I left to a baby shower for a friend of mine. There were quite a few people from high school there as well as some wives of friends from high school. It was fun to catch up with everyone. Traded phone numbers with some people who we would like to have playdates with sometime.

Enjoyed a nice night of hanging out and doing some relaxing as a family. It was great to have a whole day to ourselves. Haven't had a relaxing one like that for a while.

This morning I got up early because I told the neighbors that I would help them put the finish setting up for their gathering today. The scurried to get ready for church and came back to enjoy some of the party next door.

Nap time came around and I gladly enjoyed some time to lay down. I could have slept much longer then Madeline let me. But, it was nice. We went back over to the neighbors house for a drink as they were winding down from a whirlwind wedding weekend.

That is about it in a nutshell. I am feeling just fine and have been for quite a while. As much as I truly detest winter time, cold and all that comes with it, I am excited for October to come. In the world of MS (I am sure I have said this before) there is a school of thought in that the first 6 or 7 years of your disease will be a good guideline or determining factor for the progression of your diesease. Knowing that after the first episode when I was diagnosed I have felt great, it makes me eager to quickly get through the next 6 years. . . Either way, I am thankful for what I have now.