Alena and Elizabeth

Christmas for mom and dad

2010-12-22T23:18:00.000-06:00

Grand Prix Racing

2010-11-15T14:08:00.008-06:00

2010-06-28T14:05:00.000-06:00

First one is here

2010-06-26T13:42:00.002-06:00

The smallest egg we had is the first one to hatch she/he was so loud she/he woke me up around 2:30 chirping and I could hear the egg shell cracking. It took her/him til about 6:00 to finally make it all the way out but she/he's here and seems to be doing well.

Waiting patiently

2010-06-26T05:35:00.000-06:00

This little is all dry, clean and fluffed out and is patiently waiting for the rest to join. I've seen cracks on a couple of the eggs and a hole so were anxiously waiting to see who's next.

2010-05-20T10:32:00.001-06:00

5th Grade Recognition

2010-05-18T09:20:00.000-06:00

Miss Kansas

2010-05-11T14:34:00.001-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Incubator

2010-05-04T16:38:00.000-06:00

So I looked and shopped on Craigslist, ebay, the local feed stores and none of the incubators are within a price range that im okay with for just 5 eggs. After some research I decided I could make one!

Eggs

2010-05-03T13:24:00.000-06:00

Alena and Trina wanted to catch some eggs so I thought why not it'll be fun and really what are the odds that we'll get chicks. Were starting with 5 eggs now i've got to make the incubator.

Exercise Room

2010-04-29T10:33:00.002-06:00

I haven't updated on my great idea for the exercise room, I have cleaned it up and gotten it all arranged like I wanted and then the weather went and got all nice on me so being outside has been what i've been up to lately.
Although on nasty rainy, much to windy days (like today) when I can't do much outside its nice knowing that I'll be able to go downstairs and ride the bike or do a video to keep me stepping in the right direction.

Working on the yard.........

2010-04-28T08:56:00.002-06:00

One of the many things on my to do list was to fix up my yard. It used to be really pretty had a little landscape going on with timbers and rocks, there was flowers and ground cover, my trees were trimmed and I HAD grass!
I used to love to pull weeds and water, keep it nice and neat and pretty, make changes and even mow I could never do the weedeater ugh I was horrible at it but my son would do that for me. Anyway, it was almost therapeutic i'd start to work on the yard and forget about my problems or whatever was going with me and next thing I knew my mind was clear and whatever I started working on is done and it looked great!

Moving to Colorado I had an apartment and did NOT have to worry about lawn work, Oh My Goodness, I got so spoiled! My "yard" was a balcony covered in flowers and plants that weekly I would attend to and was happy doing it.

Fast forward 3 years and here I am back to doing yard work and UGH THIS was therapeutic! This is what I would spend evenings and Saturday mornings doing?! AND enjoy it! so spoiled and so not into it anymore!
BUT about two weeks ago I went out one beautiful evening with absolutely no intention of doing yard work and just wanted to enjoy the beauty of the weather. Next thing I know i'm pulling weeds around the tree, then I moved to the roses, pruning, pulling and then off to the garden area and there it was my bliss, my calm, my therapy.

Alena came over and said "mom whatcha doin" and I stopped and looked up and saw what I had done and it felt so good and looked so much better and so it began my inspiration to make my yard pretty again.
So I talked to Paul and shared with him some of what I wanted to do, and he said he would help, so yesterday he came over helped me clear out the backyard are behind the garage! I was going to do before and after pictures, but again my embarrassment was far to great to share. I shudder now thinking about what it looked like before *shivers*.
I have so many ideas and i'm really hoping that I have follow through, stay focused and determined to finish it and have a beautiful yard to enjoy for the rest of the spring and summer!

Lisa Leonard Designs

2010-04-28T08:49:00.004-06:00

Found this really great website I love jewelry especially jewelry that is handmade, unique, and inspirational.

Paityn and Ayden

2010-04-15T08:29:00.000-06:00

2010-04-10T18:20:00.002-06:00

Paityn went to the zoo today

Paityn found a turtle

2010-04-06T09:27:00.000-06:00

Look what paityn found

Ayden Having a Snack

2010-04-05T08:25:00.000-06:00

Paul and Paityn

2010-04-03T15:58:00.000-06:00

Look what paityn is doin

Scale success

2010-03-26T16:25:00.001-06:00

1 small success got my scale! haven't stepped on it yet yeah right give me a break! Ha like i'm going to take that bullet today that is a success for yet another day.

Scale people vs non-scale people

2010-03-25T09:59:00.004-06:00

I've made the decision to buy a scale. I've never been a scale person but I thought maybe it would help with the push and give me some drive, plus certain members of my family that would like to start working out are definitely scale people!
So off I go today to purchase a scale, today this will happen today!

Another Step in my movement for change

2010-03-25T09:35:00.004-06:00

This is two stepper I would post pictures but I am utterly ashamed and type this with my head hanging low.
Step 1: I have a fairly large room in my basement that has successfully become the catch all for myself but also other members in my family. Now if it was catching and neatly organizing the "catch all" that wouldn't be so bad, but what started as a neatly organized storage area has now turned into the equivalent of a small junk pile, that once the door is closed I can uncomfortably ignore it. Ugh!
So what to do? Purge! Declutter! Organize!
My goal is to have this completed by Monday.
step 2: Once step 1 is completed I will continue to utilize 1/2 the room for storage because it is nice and convenient having it but I will commit to keeping it neatly organized, but I will utilize the other 1/2 for a workout room. Members of my family have also decided that they would like to join the endeavor to become healthier and fit. So between us we have all kinds of workout equipment and tools that would beneficial so I have volunteered my home as the new meeting place for workout equipment and people.

2010-03-24T14:54:00.002-06:00

I have been talking and talking about starting to workout again yet each day goes by and still nothing. Guess I keep thinking motivation will just sneak up on me smack my bumm and ta-da instant inspiration! Sadly this is not happening so after giving myself a good talking to plus putting on a pair of jeans that well lets just say are not attractive at all, i've decided that YES most definitely I need to take a walk, do a sit-up, maybe some squats!
So there I said it i've committed out loud, verbally, in writing there's no going back, no putting it off any longer!
I CAN DO THIS!

Ayden turns 1 year old

2010-03-16T18:47:00.002-06:00

Green Day

2010-03-13T18:58:00.000-06:00

The 5th graders decided that since they would be on Spring Break for St. Patricks Day they did not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate so they decided to wear green and have a green day party. Unfortunately, you can't see the green nails polish and she hadn't donned her green jewelry yet.

Alena's version of the Hubble

2010-02-13T18:51:00.004-06:00

Alena had to build a "space themed" container for Valentines Day and she decided she wanted to build the Hubble satellite and here is the finished product. I think she did pretty good. She even added a little bling to make it really her own and in the spirit of Valentines Day.

I love it.

2010-01-27T11:22:00.002-06:00

I was at the Dr.s office with Paityn my granddaughter and Trina. Paityn's Dr. used to be Paul's and Alena's Dr. and now he is taking care of my grand-baby's. Anyhow, Dr. John comes in and we share hello's, the first question from him is "so how does it feel being grandma?" I just don't know that by saying the simple sentence "I love it" expresses enough how much I truly adore, love and cherish each moment I have with my grandchildren and how much I worship them. Hearing Paityn yell "grandma" when I she sees me or Ayden's little face lights up with a huge smile and he wobbles to me makes my heart leap. I get so excited and emotional when I get to see or hear about the things that they do, saying new words, taking first steps, getting a first haircut or doing a funny little dance. I truly believed that being a mom was the best thing and it is I love it, but this, this is so different a feeling that "I love it" only touches the outer edges of my emotions.

Taking a snooze

2010-01-26T21:30:00.000-06:00

2010-01-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

2010-01-22T17:05:00.002-06:00

The two 5th grade classes at Alena's school decided that they wanted to raise money for Haiti. They decided to place a wager just to make it fun, so they bet that they losing teacher would have to eat mealworms. They started on Monday and it ended today and yeah they raised $1471.58 that will be sent to Haiti, and Alena's class won by over $20.
The teachers and staff also placed a bet against the students that they wouldn't raise more than $1,000, so those that bet against them will also have to eat mealworms.
Those little suckers are gross but they have two flavors to choose from BBQ or cheddar cheese.

2010-01-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

Create your own visitor map!

Ran away from home

2010-01-19T14:54:00.002-06:00

Alena and I just packed up and ran away. Didn't go far or any where that we haven't been before so for some that might not be a great runaway experience. For me is was grounding and reminded me of just a few of the things that I love and and places that I miss.
I love the big open sky and tons of trees, the chance of seeing deers (yes in plural)walking across your backyard, not being able to see a neighbor right next door, and stars that flood the night sky.
It's not that I do not love the city I find it exciting and beautiful in it's own way. I love walking down a grounded city street and being surprised when you unexpectedly get a smile or a hello. When there's so much going on you just have no idea which direction to go and what to see first.
It is confusing but I would love to have the luxury of both and i'm going to try and figure out just how i'll get it.

2010-01-11T13:43:00.002-06:00

I have decided that I have lost my goals and just simply do what I must do to survive each day. I've tried to think about what it is that I really love to do. Honestly and sadly I no longer know! Goal for this year remember what I like, love and enjoy doing. Discover me again.

2009

2010-01-03T22:42:00.003-06:00

So I was uploading pictures from my camera and came to a sad realization and I began to ponder. I realized that 2009 was an even sadder year then 2008 for me and I want to honestly believe that I am going to make a change. In thinking about all that has happened I also want to believe that if I try just a bit harder I could have made a difference and had better outcomes.
As most of my friends know I was extremely sad to return to Kansas but I truly believed that if I stayed positive and focused it would all turn out alright and I would come to understand the reason behind the fate of my unfortunate return.
So here's my admission of guilt I have not stayed completely and totally focused all of the time. I have not stayed committed to staying positive and having a positive attitude.
Now what to do about it? Kick myself in the ass! Change my attitude! Remind myself that although I may not love it here I do love being close to my son and grandbabies that should count for something, right?
It is a new year and with that I will have new goals, new opportunities, new dreams and of course new failings to learn and grow from.
I will make time for myself I don't really know that I remember who I am any more.
Rediscover Me!

One of the pumpkins we grew

2009-10-19T16:57:00.000-06:00

Paityn and Ayden

2009-08-26T13:58:00.001-06:00

Ayden at the park

Fwd: DSC00689

2009-07-13T09:53:00.000-06:00

Volleyball camp

I love to swing!

2009-07-08T10:30:00.002-06:00

Fwd: Look at me!

2009-06-23T20:55:00.000-06:00

Look at me!

Fwd: DSC00485

2009-06-10T11:36:00.000-06:00

Paityn and Ayden

Fwd:

2009-05-30T13:12:00.001-06:00

Artist day downtown

Scoring! Were winning!

2009-05-29T18:30:00.000-06:00

Scoring! Were winning!

Ayden onesies

2009-05-29T15:01:00.001-06:00

2009-05-29T14:56:00.002-06:00

Cousin getting married tomorrow have to go shopping for outfit

My coworker and I went on a scavenger hu

2009-05-19T14:20:00.001-06:00

My coworker and I went on a scavenger hunt and ended up in a cemetary

Loving This!!

2009-05-19T13:54:00.002-06:00

2009-05-12T07:45:00.000-06:00

EverLife

2009-05-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

Alena was so excited to hear that one of her favorites groups would actually be playing in Wichita!!! This was amazing to her since we've moved her none of groups she likes has come here. As anyone that has lived here knows you have to drive to do anything. So off we went for an afternoon of music in the park beautiful day and the biggest smile on her face.

Apple Blossom Festival

2009-04-28T11:58:00.000-06:00

Movie Sunday

2009-03-22T15:39:00.000-06:00

In jammies all day, lounging on the couch and watching movies what a way to spend the day. I felt just a moment of guilt when I looked outside and saw that it was gorgeous but I got over it and went back to relaxing on the couch.

Twilight

2009-03-21T03:41:00.000-06:00

sigh..........

Ayden Lane

2009-03-17T19:31:00.000-06:00

Ayden Lane born Monday 16March2009 @ 0756 he's 6 lbs 13 oz 19"

2009-03-12T13:38:00.002-06:00

this is Diesel (black) daddy and Zira mommy of the new puppies. This picture was taken a year ago they are both bigger but look pretty much the same. I have new ones of them but this one is just so cute.

We have puppies!

2009-03-12T13:09:00.002-06:00

So Trina my son's girlfriend calls and says she thinks Zira is in labor but she's not exactly sure after she explains what's been happening I let her know that yep she sure is! So Trina loads up Zira in the truck and heads to town to pick up Alena from school we all kinda figure we have a little while before this happens. YAH right!

They get home around 3:20 and the first puppy was born close to 3:30 and about every 20-25 min after that a new puppy. Alena she's such a good girl, was right in the middle of it all helping and soothing Zira cleaning up the puppies and getting Trina extra towels and other things and watching Paityn too.

By the time I get home it's 5:30 and we have four puppies (2) red merles (2) black bi (just like daddy) and they are all BOYS! We had guessed around 3-4 puppies and being her first litter we figured that's a pretty good amount. So we are helping with the puppies and she's(Zira) is being such a mommy cleaning and being so protective of her puppies when people come over to see them.

I asked Trina to feel and make sure that she was done because I just didn't think she looked right, Paul feels and then I do and we all agree that her stomach shouldn't be so full still. So they decide to stay for dinner so that Zira can stay laying down and rest. So we get some dinner ordered I get laundry going and i'm playing with Paityn, Alena is getting ready for bible class and as I sit down to pet Zira I notice that her stomach starts to quiver and we know she's going to have another one. 6:30 and puppy #5 is here and it's a little blue merle girl!!! The little girl doesn't seem to want to breath very well and she's full of fluid and won't give even just a little squil so we are all on pins and needles waiting to hear something anything. Alena doesn't want to leave but really wants to go to bible class so I promise lots of text messages to keep her updated.

We eat, Alena goes to class and we are starting to clean things up and i'm looking for a box to get the puppies home in and clean towels to wrap them up and keep them warm cuz hey it's freezing here!!!

7:32 and puppy #6 arrives to the shock of us all! Another boy and he's black with a little white stripe down his face and white chest he's so cute.

So what an exicting evening all the puppies and mommy are doing fine.

2009-03-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

Pictures not so great sorry. Alena participated in the blind fold speed stack competition she won if the picture was better you could see that her and her partner completed it in less than 24 sec.

CLO - Chief Laughing Officer

2009-02-26T14:12:00.002-06:00

this will be a blast from the past for some of us. He was great to work with and work for. In my opinion one of the most amazing men I will ever know. Follow the link below to see a familiar face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7DSAZmtVrQ

Twilight/Pocket Edward and Lauren

2009-02-26T08:56:00.005-06:00

I read the Twilight books at Christmas LOVED them can't say that enough! I found myself completely immersed in the story line and OMG the characters are wonderful. Anyway, no one from work or in my family have read the book sooooo no one can really share my enthusiasm for this overwhelming addiction I have come to have. EXCEPT my wonderful friend Christy, she loved the books and has seen the movie uhm i'm not sure how many times and on her blog she posted a link to this blog about Pocket Edward. OMG you have to check it out its great and hilarious and makes me want to get myself a Pocket Edward. So go on click the link, read, laugh and follow the Adventures of Pocket Edward and Lauren!
http://www.laurensbite.blogspot.com/

2009-02-23T16:16:00.002-06:00

One of the only really fun things about being here in KS is the fact that we get to spend all kinds of time with Miss Paityn. She is such a character and she adores her Auntie Alena, she is by far one of her favorite people in her little life. We spend weekends with them sometimes and this is how her and her Auntie spend a lot of their time in the playroom tonight grandma (that would be me) had to tuck them in and then put all the babies all around them. Paityn ever so carefully would show me exactly where she wanted each baby to be. Alena (the best little Auntie)sat quietly and patiently while Paityn made sure that everyone was where they needed to be.

This lasted all of about 5 min and then it was "Auntie comon" and with a little wave of her hand off they went onto something new.

Saturday with the W's.........oh and Heather

2009-02-22T09:59:00.001-06:00

Went to drop off the Pampered Chef order to my friend in El Dorado had not intention of spending the entire day but we did and we enjoyed the change of pace. When I left KS I pretty much severed ties with just about everyone EXCEPT, the Comers' and the Carnes' funny huh n then me Campell lol ok im having a dork moment right now ;). Shortly before I moved back to KS so did my wonderful friends the Comers' which was phenominal news to me and didn't leave me feeling so untterly alone because my other wonderful friends the Carnes' only 2 short months before my return had packed up and moved to CA. The live in El Dorado which isn't far from Newton but being is KS it is an extremely boring drive but we both have made the trek back and forth to visit each other and it has been enjoyable.

I don't normally get adult conversation after 5:00 during the week and many times even during the weekend cuz it's normally just me and Alena so it's nice to sit and talk with another adult. Heather has 3 young boys and husband J.C. works a lot of hours so I think she enjoys the change of company and conversation too. Alena is not used to being around boys or younger children other than her neice Paityn, and she is so funny to watch with them and they are funny to watch with her too. It's that older girl thing going on ;).

Every time i'm with them that saying "boys will be boys" consistently comes to mind because they are such boys and I have to laugh because although I only had one son he always friends over so I remember boy do I remember the energy, activeness and constant movement.

So all three boys names begin with W which is cute to me all by itself, but to watch them together for some reason it makes it just that much more cute. They all are the perfect 50/50 split of both of their parents and every time I see them it amazes me how I can see both Heather and J.C. in each of their little faces.

Girls Night Out

2009-02-21T09:40:00.000-06:00

2009-02-19T09:21:00.000-06:00

Gonzalez Family Reunion

2009-02-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

I volunteered to take on the Family Tree wow we have so many people now it's seems like I just competely lost site of the fact that we were already big and now all those cousins that are younger than me are now old enough to have children. I'm excited I hope that everyone will like what i've done I think it'll look good BIG but good. I'm taking print outs to the next meeting so we'll see.

2009-02-15T11:12:00.003-06:00

spent the day at the Equifest saw so many beautiful horses. the day was wonderful, the girls had such a good time, there was so much to see and do.

These were a couple of the hundreds of horses we saw these two gorgeous creatures are Friesians they were huge and big babies too. The man standing on the side of his horse stood about 6'3" probably and the horse was just a bit taller than him.

The other horse was an american gypsy wonderful patient gorgeous but they cost as much as a vehicle!

Aunt Ramona

2009-02-11T11:32:00.002-06:00

Ramona Sifuentez, our beloved great-great Aunt who has been very sick passed away this passed weekend. Since our return to Newton Alena and I only saw her once and she was extremely sick and going to the doctor I regret that I allowed for our lives that at the time seemed to very busy right now I realize really weren't that busy and we could have made the time to visit her.

I always loved going to her home, it wasn't anything fancy but we always walked in feeling like it was home, we were always greeted with open arms, smiles and laughter, there was music or talking and a constant buzz that was just comforting.

I know that she will be missed but I also know that she is okay now and with our Uncle Joe her wonderful husband.

Alena and the Moon

2009-02-07T13:40:00.002-06:00

Alena has always had a fascination with the moon she loves to read about it watch it learn what the phases are, she felt so luck that this year for her big 10th birthday it was a full moon and she loved it so very much she believed it to be the second most beautiful moon she'd ever seen.
So for her i've added her glorious moon

2009-02-07T12:57:00.002-06:00

Miss Paityn my wonderful little granddaughter has taken to singing, lol very loudly, offkey but full of passion and expression. She loves Pinks So What and Aleshia Keys, No One BUT on any given day she will belt out just about anything, the names of her dogs, all the animals, our animals everyone in the families names or just random words. Anyway she gives me a smile so i'd thought i'd share it hoping it give someone else a smile too.

Ugh me in a picture Part II but for good reason

2009-02-06T15:21:00.006-06:00

In the wonderful picture from L to R you will see Phil, Anna, yours truly, Kevin and Levi (who we oh so lovingly refer to as Little Levi the LVER). Phil, Anna, Kevin and myself are DVOPs, Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist...hold on why I catch my breath or how bout just veterans representatives and of course there's Little Levi our LVER the Local Veterans Employment Representative see why we just say LVER?!

So anyway, we just recently found out that the Vet Staff (that would be us :)) in Wichita has been awarded the Local Office of the Year, Phil has been awarded the DVOP of the year, and Levi the LVER of the year.

Now I know that i've only been with the office staff 4 months out of the year 2008 but I'm taking the attaboy right along with them!

whoohoo US!!!!

Ugh me in a picture part 1

2009-02-06T15:08:00.004-06:00

Okay so i'm usually not one for pictures I hate them I think I look horrible, but considering this is the only picture of me in oh about 7 months I figured I'd share it and at least give my children and grandchildren something to look at. So here I am in all my glory that would be desk and nice cushy chair, yeah I have a window well three windows to be exact and are you ready........I have a door!!

What to do

2009-01-30T09:58:00.004-06:00

How do you handle having family that believes they do no wrong! they blame everything that is wrong on everyone else adn will no take responsibility for anything they say or do and honestly they say things like "I really don't know what happened" and their the ones that did it or said or they were involved somehow!!! It's nuts crazy absolutely insane and here I am living in the middle of all their utter insaneness.
What the heck kinda family ignores the fact that family members are living, breathing existing less than 10 miles away.
I always believed that I came from a strong, loving, caring family was I so very wrong!!! Sadly I have to say that I was very wrong!

Oh the joy of taxes

2009-01-28T09:17:00.003-06:00

I'm so nervous to file my taxes between unemployment and having two different jobs UGH! Crossing fingers that I won't owe

Pampered Chef

2009-01-22T19:26:00.003-06:00

So to help my friend get lots more free stuff I booked a party UGH!!!!!! I have no idea why I barely know anyone here anymore the consultant sent me 40 invitations 40!!!!!! who in the heck am gonna send 40 invitations to even with family i'm still only at 18 geez. Then the woman calls like twice a week and not to mention the emails which if I had my choice would be my sole source of contact with her ever so chipper my life is so grand cuz I have all sorts of money peppy voice on the other end that makes me just want to vomit! So i cannot wait til this is over everyone else that I have invited is so excited to be coming and just can't wait oh yippy for them
i'm going to need a cigarette and a bottle of Jim to through this!

Evening with the Comer's

2009-01-18T09:04:00.003-06:00

My house was clean my laundry every piece was washed, dried, folded and put away. My candles were lit and I get a phone call from my friend Heather. She wants to know if we want to get together it sounds like a great way to spend the evening so I say sure!
So I look and oh yeah I have everything to make enchiladas and black beans, Heather's making rice oh yummy!
Alena and I go to blockbuster, get a ton of movies cuz we just can't decide which one and a couple games for the WII they have 3 boys and Alena is so excited to be able to play her new WII with someone.
So they get here and uh well my enchililadas don't turn out have bad for rushing to throw it together my beans are so yummy tasty and Heathers rice is pretty good too! The kids are having a blast playing games and running from one of my house to another.
Oh those were the days of boys in my home.
We talked and laughed til and listened to our children play.
I had a really wonderful time and it goes down in my book as one of the best nights since i've been here.

2009-01-17T12:09:00.002-06:00

I have absolutely nothing to say when I woke up this morning I was full of energy and just knew that I would have something great BUT as my day has droned on i've gotten things done yes and i'm grateful for that but my creativity has slowly seeped away and all my thoughts have clouded over.
well maybe later

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-07T21:25:00.002-06:00

Hello and my sincere apologies for being so absent and not taking the time to keep this updated. School has been crazy and i've had extra training at work AND even more homework BUT with the new year i'm going to do my best to keep ya'll updated.
love you all and hope that 2009 has started out wonderfully for you.

First Volleyball game of the season

2008-09-22T22:25:00.003-06:00

THEY WON!!!! they did so good Alena was a little nervous and didn't do so good on the first set but got warmed up and did great on the 2nd and 3rd. She served 4 straight and got a point every time. Hit the ball a few times and made it over the net for a couple points.
Both teams were really doing a fantastic job on serving and making the attempt to get the balls and help each other.
I think they are going to have a great year

GO BEARS!!!!!

GO Railers!!!

2008-09-19T23:46:00.001-06:00

Alena had her big time in the spot light on the football field. The weather was fantastic just a little nip in the air great sweatshirt weather, the game was exciting and Alena had so much fun! They got to stand on the sidelines with the older cheerleaders and they would prompt them when to cheer. During the half time they did a little dance and cheer and they did little three girl lifts onto their knees boy did they think that was something!! They were all so cute with their little shirts on and jumping up and down, trying to do what the big girls were doing.
We had a really great time she was so happy out there.

Clothes

2008-09-19T07:24:00.008-06:00

I'm sorry to all of you that have to wear normal clothes!! This is horrible getting up everyday or really I try to go through this horrible endeavor at night!
You gotta pick out the pants and the top does this go with that no that what about this, and then like that's not enough you gotta get the shoes.
Ugh I so miss my uniform my hardest decision was hmmm should I wear a jacket or sweater today and gosh do I miss my boots!
I know it'll take time to get used to this but geez i'm not sure i'll ever really like it.
whew okay I feel a little better

Raiders First Game

2008-09-19T07:24:00.005-06:00

We get to the field 5 minutes late so we are both irritated gotta love those trains!!!! But she runs out, gets her flags and gets into position.

The game before her is running late so her coach and team have some extra time to talk and practice and calm down a little. I take a walk and look around the fields at the other teams and I notice two other teams that have one girl each, they were all so cute and i'm glad that Alena isn't the ONLY girl on the whole league and I think she'll be happy too.

game was suppose to start at 715 but didn't get started til 740.

So off we go the game is under way and they start with a bang!! Touchdown on the first play!

Alena seems to be okay doing what she's suppose to be doing blocking like a champ so much so that a couple times the play was over and she was so intent on what she was doing she didn't know it.

She snagged a few flags!!! She knew her job was to stop the GB from throwing that ball she got through and snagged that boys flag.

At one point a mom stops to talk to one of my friends that happens to be there and she tells him that her son came off the field saying "that girl hurt me" I had to laugh a little :)!

Last plays of the game and the coach gives Alena the chance to run the ball first time she gets down field a little not much but the next time she does pretty good and gets just a little farther.

She did great and I think she had a good time and They won!!!!!

We've started Awana's

2008-09-18T07:24:00.000-06:00

Another activity is under way last night she started Awana's and she seemed to really enjoy it. She is tasked with learning and memorizing different passages and they have all kinds of children's activities during the evening last night they were all so cute it was some kind of obstacle night and they got to wear camoflauge stuff.
She knows a lot of the children from the bible school and there are some in her group so that made her happy.
Her first booklet that she has to get through has seven sections and each section has two passages from the bible that she must memorize and understand what they mean, I love it we lay in bed and read over the passages and then talk a little about what they mean to her.
Once she gets through this they she graduates into a larger book and gets her T and T tshirt that they are suppose to wear every week unless there's something going on that they get to wear something else.
Oh and by the way T&T is Truth and Training that is the level she is enrolled in.

State Fair

2008-09-15T15:11:00.000-06:00

Mom worked her bum off during the fair and scored us some tickets whoohoo Alena and I got bored and took off Saturday evening to go to the fair! It was starting to get dark and lights of the rides were starting to glow, the music was playing and you could hear the screams of everyone already enjoying the rides. The smell of cotton candy, popcorn, corndogs and funnel cakes filled our noses and made our tummys growl and mmmmm yummy come out of both of us as we starting running to the ticket booth.
We bought our tickets and started walking round making a mental note of the rides that we wanted to go on. Alena of course picked the first fast, spinning thing she saw(my stomach and head already hurts), I pick this handglider ride and yes goes in a circle but not that fast AND THEN we both turn around and see the greatest ride ever! This ride looks like a pendulum there isn't swining back and forth almost to the point of flipping completely around but just when you think its going to it drops back the other way. We stand and watch for the ride to end and everyone seemed so pysched! The seats are positioned four to a side and there are 6 sides total so we are all facing inward if the sides would have been connected it would have been like a hexagon, so your bum is on the seat but your feet are hanging down. what Alena and I had missed was the fact that at the beginning of the ride you spin in a circle right in the middle and then slowly at first the ride starts to sway side to side, the spinning slows down but the intensity of the back and forth motion gets stronger. Right before you reach the highest point of the swing upwards you turn just a little so you are either facing straight up and looking at the sky OR you are facing straight down and looking at all these peoples faces looking up at you or maybe just the ground.
Okay so we decide that we are going to save that ride for last cuz it looks the best! We move on.
We see the boat that simply swings you back and forth which is cool and then we see this cute ride it has little cars that are shaped like mice and the tracks are hot pink Alena thinks this looks like a cute ride so she picks that as our first ride BOY were we WRONG!! We get on this thing and take off it's very slow and has resembles a roller coaster click, click click slowly up the track and wham it drops you down the other side you come to a bend which the people that are sitting on the outside seats are hanging over the edges the turn is extremely!!! sharp!!! and only happens seconds before the bend almost giving you the feeling that you are NOT going to turn. A couple more turns and dips and you think okay this is fun, but Wham another shocker your car starts to spin just before the turn so now you may or may not be facing forward when you make that sharp turn.

Anyway, it was a blast Alena and I had soooo much fun!!!

RAH RAH RAH

2008-09-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

She's off to cheer clinic for the day, I walk into this gym filled with little girls bouncing everywhere! in shorts, skirts t-shirts and their all done up in ponytails high on top of their heads so when they bounce around their hair follows right along. Mom's sitting on the bleachers yelling and clapping cheering their little cheerleaders along.
Alena of course is shy and just tries the best she can to blend in and then they start to play a game to get the girls warmed up and involved break the ice a little and most of them get this look of utter fear on their face and you can tell they are all thinking please don't pick me!!!
So they form this big circle and the older cheerleaders start to chant, clap and dance around the circle and Wham they stop in front of a girl do a little clap or kick or jump whatever and then they are suppose to switch places and the girl from the circle is suppose to mimic what they did and then start clapping and moving around the circle until the chant stops and Wham they get to pick a victim, Ahem I ment next little girl.
But by the time the game is over almost all of them are laughing and participating so hey the game worked and most of the moms left.
So i'm off to clean and do laundry

Volleyball has begun

2008-09-12T20:00:00.002-06:00

The first volleyball practice she's so excited and i'm happy for her really hope she likes this sport cuz I think she'll be good at it and it's one mom really likes! Her coach is nice some of the girls are a bit snotty but hoping they'll warm up they also have an advantage over some of the other girls because they went to a volleyball clinic over the summer. This can be good or bad cuz they do act like they know everything and they get annoyed when the coach is showing everyone what to do and they don't feel they need to be shown.
Alena did really well she can serve it's a little crooked at times, she can bump with her arms and return pretty well too. She needs to relax a bit so she move around a little more but hey its a work in progress and so far she loves it!

2008-09-11T23:56:00.000-06:00

So all activities are in full swing and our calendar is FULL!
Mondays volleyball games, Tuesday football practice, Wednesday AWANAs, Thursday football games, Friday cheer at football game following volleyball practice, Sat cheerleading clinic followed by volleyball practice.
Sunday sleep, rest, clean, rest, eat, rest yah right she'll have that day filled with something soon i'm sure.

Flag Football

2008-09-04T23:01:00.001-06:00

Today was the first practice for football, Alena was excited and nervous. The lady that signed her up said that normally there are a few girls that sign up to play so she's excited to see who might be on her team. Everyone starts to arrive, practice begins and guess what Alena is the only girl, I ask a couple of the parents if they know of any other little girls and they said no not on this team. I asked about the other teams and again no not on any of those either but there might be.
So with a little attitude she's out on the field and not so happy to be there. Her brother encourages her and gives her a thumbs up when she does a good job at something so she begins to warm up a little and by the end of the practice she's got a fan club going on on the side lines and not just her family some of the other parents are clapping when she catches a ball or runs it out.
She tells me that she may not want to finish the season she doesn't want to be the "ONLY girl" but she promises me that she will keep going to the practices and give it a chance then decide.
So we'll see how this goes.

First Day!

2008-09-02T21:18:00.004-06:00

It started off really good up at 0545, out with my dogs in at 0600, in and out of the shower 0610, coffee made getting clothes on and my wonderful Alena up on her own at 0640. I'm doing good......right?!
Then without notice or any reason things started going down hill next thing I know it's 0705 and i'm not quit ready yet I still have a few things left to do and I HAVE to be out the door in less then 10 min so that I won't be late and neither will Alena she still needs to eat breakfast.
THEN......for no reason I start bawling just broke down uncontrollably and realize my little vacation and time with my daughter is over and it's time for me to be a grown up.
Anyway, i'm at a training conference now meeting dozens of people that I don't know and listening to a bunch of stuff that i'm trying to decipher so that I can understand....UGH :(.
My day is done and i'm hoping that tomorrow will be better and without tears.............okay well maybe not so many tears.

Changing of the earrings

2008-08-22T22:32:00.001-06:00

The earrings are fine!! We made it through the 6 weeks and have changed them and all seems to be going great! crossing fingers that it stays that way

I Have a Job!!!

2008-08-22T18:30:00.002-06:00

4 months and 3 weeks after officially filing my unemployment I have a JOB!!! I was offered a position with the state of KS as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Consultant, in short I will be assisting veterans. Pretty much a job right down my alley don't you think?!
I'm employed..........oh boy time to be a grown up again

Our goldfish has died

2008-08-19T12:35:00.003-06:00

One more bad thing that we can add to our list of while in KS.........
It was just a little fish but it was Alena's valentines present and we enjoyed watching him it brought me peace and a calmness I can't really explain. It was also something that we had gotten in Colorado and now as silly as it may sound that's gone one more thing that is gone.

Alena's various sides

2008-08-17T10:50:00.001-06:00

Alena has decided that she would like to play volleyball this year i'm happy it'll keep her busy and maybe she'll meet some new friends! Great!
So three days later Alena also decides that she would like to play flag football although i'm more thrilled about volleyball and don't get me wrong I do love football I am a little more leary about this decision, but okay I give i'll sign her up for football too, hey more active and maybe more friends.
The next week Alena has now decided that she would like to participate in the cheerleading clinic with the high school cheerleaders, this one not so thrilled about at all but she loves cheerleading and has always done clinics when they are available because i'm trying to be the supportive mom and let her explore all interests and hey even more active and maybe maybe more friends.
We are almost done this past week she found out that one of the girls in her class goes to AWANAs (church youth group) so NOW she would also like to be a part of that.
Whew OMG so to recap flag football, volleyball, cheerleading and AWANA's yep that's everything...............for now.
Now all I can hope for is that she meets lots of new friends and enjoys all these activities she has signed up for.

Got my grades

2008-08-12T20:35:00.002-06:00

I have finished two more classes whoohoo I just got my grades on my finals and I got A's on both!!! So I completed both classes with A's, whew. I'm taking two more classes and one of them is a little harder but i'm crossing my fingers that I keep my grade point average up.

Ronald "Ronnie" Schmidt

2008-08-11T14:59:00.000-06:00

This is the handsome, young, brave man that placed his life in harms way to fight for this country. His funeral will be held in a couple days and i'm finding out more and more as time goes by. We just found out that one of my mom's friends has been taking care of him for the past few years, he needed a family and a place to call home and he found it with them. The were notified of his death on Sunday morning, and I can't imagine the pain they must be feeling.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends and family that know this young hero.

Today is good!

2008-08-05T13:37:00.003-06:00

I had a fantastic morning I had an interview with a district court judge and he was so nice and made the interview so much fun. Anyway just wanted to share a really good moment for me!

One Month

2008-08-04T19:43:00.002-06:00

It's been one month and I wish I could say i'm feeling better about being here, BUT i'm not. It's one of those emotions that I can't explain very well. I can only say that I feel bigger then this place, I have dreams and goals that seem larger then I can accomplish here. I feel suffocated, like I can't breath and when I look at tomorrow I don't see anything, not a better day, not a bigger dream, nothing.
Maybe i'm just being an over dramatic bitch cuz i'm living in a small town, but I feel like i'm just stuck in this small town. I do love small town living my biggest problem is this town there is no small town living it's just a town that won't grow.
I really do hope that when I get my job, please keep fingers crossed for me:), that these feelings will go away and I can find some peace especially for my daughters sake.
Alena seems to be doing well and i'm going to try to not be so negative because I know that some of my emotions will affect her and then it won't be the way she truly feels.

KIA from Newton

2008-08-03T22:41:00.001-06:00

Paul text me this evening and told me that one of his buddies from high school was killed in Iraq. Don't really know the details right now and even though I don't know this young man I feel a small loss. Not only is he from the community that I live in, my son knew him but being in the military, I'm not sure that others feel the way I do but no matter what branch of the service I feel like we are all bonded like brothers and sisters.

Enrolled

2008-08-01T15:54:00.004-06:00

We enrolled Alena for school Slate Creek Elementary I'm not sure that it's the one she wanted but it's the one that had the room and was in our district. She has also come to the realization that school here is so much different then in Aurora, they don't as many breaks and the school day is longer, and there are no buses. We get to meet her teacher and see her classroom a couple days before school starts which by the way is officially in 2 weeks. We'll keep you up to date on how things are going

UGH i'm in trouble

2008-08-01T13:39:00.000-06:00

I get this phone call that Alena has won a prize she entered a contest a long time ago and she has won a prize for her entry, this should be great news right!?!? Well the contest was entered in Colorado through her school, and the big party is going to be on Wednesday, so I had to tell her and man is she NOT happy with me!!!
I contacted my friend and she's going to pick it up and mail it to her but boy that's just not the same thing!

Hello Again

2008-07-15T12:25:00.002-06:00

We have been back for a week and a half and I have been overwhelmed with emotion, anger, depression, regret and excitement and I feel insane I go back and forth and still can't decide if us moving back was the right decision.
Just a small sign that this was even a good decision would be nice.

The ears are pierced.....................Again

2008-07-10T21:27:00.001-06:00

Alena's first attempt at getting her ears pierced did not fare so well, there were put in crooked and got infected and after painful nights and swollen days we took them out and decided to try again later when she was older.
So later and older are here and my mom and her went to get them done tonight, grandma had to go first she did the second hole and then it was Alena's turn.
She did great! and she's extremely happy that she did it.

2008-06-26T09:26:00.003-06:00

I've been up since early, i've taken the pictures off the walls and taken the big pile of junk to the trash and now i'm just sitting here looking at our home. Thinking of all the fun times Alena and I had here and how excited we always were when the family would visit bringing a small piece of home with them.
We were so excited to have a fireplace and remembering how hard it was to start the dam thing ha that higher elevation thing is nuts! Over the years i've gotten it down though roasting marshmellows, when we had no electricity bringing the pillows and blankets out and camping in front of it. Watchig the snow fall outside, making a huge pot of soup, getting a nice warm, fresh loaf of bread from Paneras(oh yeah only 3 1/2 minutes away) and hearing the fire snap.
Our little patio, When we had no furniture or plants nothing that was Alena's playground she was too scared to go play outside, so I bought her paint and chalk and she'd color and play with her dolls out there. Getting up early just to sit out there and drink my coffee before the day started, feeling that cool breeze. Once we got our little table we'd sit out there and have dinner, eat our popsicles or when it was snowing just watch the snow fall with our little white lights that made it glow so warm and inviting.
We've had parties for her friends, my friends, her first communion, birthdays, two Thanksgivings, Easter and many other celebrations just because.
Our home was the common meeting place for all her little friends, the popsicle house summer, spring, winter and fall they always knew Alena's mom has popsicles in the big freezer!
Sitting on the stoop downstairs with the other parents watching the kids play.
The blizzard that hit us hard in Dec 2006 Alena and my brother had barely made it out of the state the day before and I woke up feeling horrible, lonely, depressed and looked outside to a beautiful winter wonderland. THAT didn't end for 3 days by the time it did we had been snowed in for 3 days and had about 3 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. The city had pretty much shut down and you'd better hope you had food, wood and a shovel. Well I had two of the three, that's how I ended up meeting a bunch of new neighbors and we've been friends ever since.
It was a community effort we took turns with what few shovels we had, buckets, brooms or whatever you could find and started digging each other out BECAUSE our leasing office didn't have anyone to clear the parking lots. It was fun we'd all meet outside with our coffee or later in the day something a little stronger and start digging. By the end of day 2 we had the parking lot pretty much cleared and had made some really good friends.
There are so many wonderful memories we'll be taking with us and the joy of knowing that even though our lives may not have been perfect out here we had quit an adventure.

Remember when

2008-06-24T22:59:00.002-06:00

So i've made it through Alena's closet, the hall closet, front closet and mine, taking down pictures and boxing up things to get ahead start. Looking through all our things it's been crazy between the laughter and tears. A week from today we'll be back in KS back to the one place I have always fought so hard to get away from.
Anyway, i've actually made a small dent haha well at least I think I have.

Last Day at Eastridge

2008-06-20T07:50:00.002-06:00

Alena's last day of school at her beloved Eastridge. She's excited and sad she keeps talking about if I stay next year......or if I did come back for 4th gr..... I feel so horrible I only hope that i've made the right decision to move back and fight just a little harder to stay here.