These are the good ol' days

Life in the fast lane

2009-08-29T14:54:00.003-05:00

Go Devils!!!!

Dress Up

This summer has FLOWN by... Presley made a lot of adjustments this summer... moving into her new house, being potty trained, stopping the use of her "fy" (pacifier), adjusting to a new man in the house (Mommy's Matt)... next step... DANCING!!! She will be starting dance on the 14th of September!!!

ZOO and Wedding

2009-08-03T18:43:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to my cousins... Brandon and Angie... Their wedding was beautiful. Presley had a great time dancing at the reception. She outlasted me!!!

YUMMY CAKE

Presley, Heather, and Matt

Beautiful little girl

New house, Big Girl Potty, and more

2009-08-03T18:31:00.002-05:00

WOW-- It has been a long time since I have updated this! We have been busy. Presley and I moved into our house July 17th and have been busy unpacking since then. She loves her new house! She has her own room and her own toy room! She now sleeps through the night and is almost potty trained!!! (only diapers is a night). She LOVES to go big girl potty and makes a HUGE deal about it!!! It is nice to go to Sam's Club and NOT buy diapers.

This is the front of our new house!

My KITCHEN
She is getting so big.

My family all went to Wis Dells at the end of June. My niece danced there, so we all went to watch and play!!! Here is Presley being a goof. She loved being in the water.

Mommy met a new friend... his name is Matt and he has become one of the family. He actually moved in with us! I know it seems early, but when things are right... ya just know!! :)

Lots to update

2009-05-25T14:22:00.002-05:00

I have been terrible at updating this... so here we go--- the past 6 weeks. :) Presley and I are moving out of my parents house!!! We bought a new townhouse about 3.5 miles from my parents. Projected closing date is July 17th!!! We are super excited for our new house!

I ran my first 5K!!! I actually ran the whole thing. It was for the Susan Komen breast cancer on Mother's Day. I was amazed and moved by the number of people who were there to run! Below is the group I ran with... Shannan, me, Tiffany and Aimee.
Presley, John, and I flew to Arizona at the beginning of May. Presley actually spent the whole time with her dad and his family and had an amazing time with them!!! She went swimming and played with baby Grant and Andrew... got to know her aunts and uncle and grandma Linda!!! She talks about the airplane all the time! I hung out with an old college buddy and saw some great friends from high school!!

Below-- she was getting ready to go to the zoo with her dad!

Dominik's graduation from preschool

Recently, she fought another ear infection. This one was BAD... drainage for 8 days, 4 different antibiotics (oral and ear)... finally it's undercontrol. Poor kid!

First time on the lawn mower with Papa.

Shaking her booty!

That's all for now. Hope are all enjoying your Spring!

Spring has Sprung

2009-04-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

I never thought playing outside would be so much fun! My parents have spoiled the grandkids again... they bought a wooden playhouse for the kids to play on. Of course, Presley has to have her dolphin swing up. She loves to swing and like going "higher and higher."

Do you think she needs help getting to the slide??? Nope... she goes up the rock wall and down the slide all alone!

See Mom... I don't need you!

My baby girl is growing up, but she is still a goofball! She has the best personality.

My Dora Birthday Party

2009-04-05T12:37:00.005-05:00

Mommy gave me a Dora the Explorer birthday party yesterday. We had it in the garage because it was cold outside, but it was still lots of fun.

Mommy spent 5 hours making this cake for me!!! It tasted really yummy and it made me all blue!!!

My second cousin, Lauren, helped mommy. She came all the way from Iowa to help her. She made the cupcakes pretty! Those were yummy too!

I got to eat with my friends and cousins. We had pizza and fruit and CHIPS...

I didn't really get why there was a Dora hanging from the ceiling and then I pulled a rope and candy fell out. HMMMMM.... Oh well, I got my sucker

Me and my friends playing in me new house... Oh and Maisy, the puppy, was there too!!!

This is the car me papa and grammy gave to me. I can do it by myself.

Yesterday was so much fun! Boy was I poopered last night... so was mommy!

Her new house

2009-04-04T14:51:00.002-05:00

We decided to get Presley a play house for her birthday. She was with me when we picked it out... from the store it went into the garage in the box. Since MN has amazing weather, we had to keep it in the box for a few days. Everytime we walked past the box..."me house, papa build me house??" So cute... she spent last weekend with John and while there, Papa built her house and left it in the garage- because of the weather... she saw it and screamed... "ME HOUSE... PAPA BUILD ME HOUSE" She was so excited and LOVES it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESLEY!!!

2009-04-01T16:10:00.003-05:00

My life changed for the best two years ago... my baby girl was born. I can't believe she is two! I will post more later with some pictures...

Happy Birthday, Scooter!!! (love, Mommy)

Long time catch up

2009-03-15T17:20:00.002-05:00

I don't know where time goes, but gesh... Spring is finally in the air and I can't be more excited. I took Presley outside today and she was in heaven!!! Running around, swinging, and just playing. It was very nice!

A little update- Presley is almost 2!!! She is growing like crazy- learning new words all the time. Last weekend, my parents and I took the three kids (Presley and my niece and nephew) to Disney on Ice. It was so fun! We had amazing seats and the kids LOVED it. I can't wait to go to DisneyWorld with them!!!

NEMO.... this is Presley's favorite

Waiting for it to start

My goofball!!!!

That's all for now-- I will get more detail up in a bit.

Been a long time

2009-02-07T07:28:00.003-06:00

Life has been a bit crazy for us lately. January was a rough month of health, again. Presley got her tubes put in on the 19th, a week later she ended up with Croup... which lead to a doc visit then an ER visit due to her breathing. Then two days later, another doc appt... this time she has croup, a viral infection AND an ear infection... gesh... can we ever get a break??? She is doing much better now, still has a stinkin cough and one of her ear tubes is blocked from the infection, but overall she is doing much better.

I am been busy with work- moving into a new position and taking on more responsibilities. I also joined a gym and got a personal trainer. I am doing this along side a friend from work! Hoping for big results... so far so good :)

It's looking like the divorce should be final here in the next month. Things with John and I are ok. We have decent communication and Presley gets to see him atleast once a week.
We are finally starting to get outside... it has been FREEZING cold. We had 5 mornings in a row of NEGATIVE 20 or below!!! The parts of MN I HATE!!!

Just some pics of Presley...

Yes she has a "fi"-- it was the comfort during the illness.. now it's time to hide it!! :)

Her favorite... dishes with Papa

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T20:48:00.003-06:00

***I posted three new ones tonight***

I can't believe this Christmas has come and gone... where did the time go?! We didn't even get to put out all the decorations because we ran out of time! This year was so much fun! Presley finally got into opening the presents and getting excited about it. She left all the gifts alone. She did want to open them a few times, but did well with waiting.

Santa came... he brought her a Dora doll, a shopping cart and a Elmo purse...

My dad and Presley with her new Little People doll house

Pushing her baby in her new stroller

Yes- I got her a doctor kit... want her to think BIG now!!!! HA HA

Opening one of her MANY presents...

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas with your loved ones!

Iowa Christmas

2008-12-27T20:45:00.000-06:00

Mid December we drove to Iowa to my grandparents house to celebrate Christmas/Thanksgiving with family. The trip is about 6 hours and Presley did awesome both to and from! Thank goodness for DVD players and Dora the Explorer!!!

She wasn't too sure of the snow gear!

She HATED the snow on her boots!!!

Eating a cookie with Grandpa Pat

Putting on her new Dora PJ's!

Daddy's day with Presley

2008-12-27T19:00:00.000-06:00

John took Presley to the Children's Museum a few weeks ago...

The little shopper

Making Friends

Tis the Season

2008-12-07T19:19:00.003-06:00

So we FINALLY got our tree up! This season has flown by... Presley didn't know what to think of us putting the tree together, but she thought the lights were "pretty!"My little hamball in front of the tree!

Ok- so I decided to finally post a picture of me.

Hope you are all enjoying the season... we have about 6 inches of snow and expecting more this week. WHOO HOO!! Safe travels for those who do...

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:54:00.002-06:00

Today is a day of thanks... I am thankful for the amazing family I have! Without them, right now I would be lost!!! I am thankful for my beautiful daughter... she is my world! I am thankful for having a job.. in this economy!!! :) I am thankful for the friends I still have from 10+ years ago... I love you all!!!

Hope this day brings lots of love and thankfulness to you!!!

Time Flies

2008-11-14T20:17:00.002-06:00

We have been busy... with what I am not sure, but time has gotten away from me. Posted are some recent pictures of Presley and activities we have done. She is at the "terrible two" stage. She throws tantrums, ignores me, throws her dinner plate... all resulting in the time out chair... so far no repeats of anything she has been scolded for!!! She may look like an angel, but holy crap--- she is just like her MAMA!!!

Such a big girl... 19 months

Below are pictures of my parents with the grandkids at an apple orchard.

Presley playing... yes that Barbie car is from when I was younger!!!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-01T19:37:00.002-05:00

This was Presley's first year really out and about. She had fun going up to the 7 doors we went to!! She said "peas" and "shashshu." She is so polite- I LOVE IT!

This is my dad pulling our "kitty"

Pulling her tail

My kitty

Trick-or-Treating at Uncle Matt's

Been busy

2008-10-30T20:07:00.003-05:00

This month has FLOWN by... it looks like I am a bit behind on posting. A few weekends ago, my brother and his family invited Presley and I to go to Wisconsin Dells with them. We had a blast! It was nice to get away from work and "life" for the four days and spend some quality time with Presley and the others. It took Presley three days to actually like going into the water areas, but she still had fun. I don't have any pictures of the water parks because of the water!!! We did have a minor set back... yes she ended up in the ER for her stinkin ear again! I lost track on what number ear infection this is.

The three kids in the back- driving to the Dells.

Presley "sleep walking"... she's a goofball

Last weekend, Presley had her 18 month pictures done. They turned out amazing.. she is such a HAM! I will post those once they come back.

Presley is growing like crazy and learning new stuff all the time. She has fallin in love with "DoraDora" She knows it comes on after dinner, so she will eat then go to the couch with the remote and yell "DoraDora" She is too much sometimes.

That's all for now. I will get better about taking pictures!!!

Yummy Fall

2008-10-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would post some pictures of the fall season of Minnesota!!! I LOVE THIS TIME!!!

Hand Foot Mouth

2008-10-13T19:43:00.002-05:00

How many times will she get it? The night after her check up, when she was spiking fevers... I thought she was just reacting to the shot. But come to find out... she had HAND FOOT MOUTH disease AGAIN. This time it was BAD! Her poor lips, tongue, under the tongue, and throat were COVERED in blisters! She wouldn't eat for three days! The nights were TERRIBLE! The treatment... NOTHING. Tylenol and Motrin for fevers and pain. I will give a tip if you child ever experiences this... give them 1/2 tsp of Mylanta. They can swallow it or spit it out, but it sooths the blisters.

18 months

2008-10-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

I haven't taken any pictures lately. I guess I am too busy running around with Presley. She sure is busy these days. She had the 18 month check up yesterday. She weighs 24 pounds, is 31 inches tall and her head is 18 and 3/4. All were about in the 50% for her age. She is doing awesome with vocabulary. It's amazing what an 18 month old retains. She is still adjusting to our "new" home at Grandma and Grandpa's. I had her sleeping through the night before we moved out and now she's up anywhere from 1 -4 times a night!! AAAHHH!! Last night, she was up about 8 times. She always get a fever with shots and she got a shot last night!! Poor kid. I will get some new pictures up soon.

First Haircut

2008-09-28T10:59:00.002-05:00

Presley's hair FINALLY got long enough to cut. We needed to get the hair out of her face, so we took her to "Aunt" Jenny.

Here is the first cut...

She really wasn't sure what was going on. She sat still, for the most part, and didn't cry!
ALL DONE!

McCollough Hayride

2008-09-23T20:30:00.002-05:00

It was that time again... McCollough Family Fall Festival!!! The hayride, the BBQ, and the fun!

On the hayride, Madeleine and Presley playing with corn.
Presley is actually feeding the horse!!!
Yes- we fed the cows too!
My cousin Chad and his son Augustus (who is only 6 weeks older than Presley). In the background is my dad and Presley.
We had a great time!!! See you next time.

MN State Fair

2008-09-13T19:30:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, my parents and I took Presley to the MN State Fair. It was a beautiful day. We were there by 8:30 AM and got see what we wanted to before the crazy people showed up.

I think this was Presley's favorite part of the day! She LOVES corn on the cob!

These pictures are of her in the little farm area. She had fun with all the stations... getting some corn to "feed" the animals.
Riding the tractor... JOHN DEERE!!!
Picking the garden
"Feeding" the sheep
Picking apples with Grandpa
We took her to the animal barns- she saw the horses- which she was terrified of-- the cows, and the pigs. She LOVED the pigs. She plugs her nose and says "PEJEW" I love it!

Grandpa took her on a couple rides. Two was enough for her and for the pocketbook!!! GESH!!!Just a side note: things are going pretty good considering. We are getting settle in at my parents house and she is back on a routine. Now if we can just get the 8 teeth she has to come all the way in!!!

Update on Life

2008-08-30T14:14:00.002-05:00

This summer has been a true roller coaster. Times with Presley are amazing. She has grown and learned so much. She started talking more and moving around. She has the best personality. I have tried to do as many activities as we can (see older blogs). Despite the fun with her, there has been a HUGE dip in our life. For those of you who don't know... John and I are separated and are in the process of divorce. We both knew this was coming sometime or another. We have tried to work on things, and no luck. So instead of hating each other, we decided to go our separate ways. Things will be hard with Presley at first, but she isn't the first child in the world to go through this.

Presley and I are now living with my parents in White Bear Lake, MN. About 1 mile from my brother and his family... so you can imagine the family support she and I are getting. John has chosen to stay in Hugo with the townhouse.

Emotionally, I am doing okay. I have sort of braced myself for this for quite some time. Plus I have an amazing support system... family and friends. I look back 10 years ago and think... I was just starting my senior year of high school (on crutches)... and I would have NEVER thought I would be married, one kid, and DIVORCED in 10 years. I don't think that is in anyone's 10 year plan. But it is here and it's something I have to face and move on with.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers and encouraging words. I will continue to post pictures of Presley and myself on here... and keep everyone updated on life.

Here and There

2008-08-17T20:54:00.003-05:00

Life seems to throw curve balls once in a while... we are at one of those times.... so here we are at the local "beach" playing in the sand and water (with Grandpa)

Como Zoo

2008-08-10T09:04:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, my cousins came to MN for a short visit. We borrowed my niece and nephew for a day and went to Como Zoo... mind you this zoo is free... We LOVE this zoo because you can get so close to the animals!!!

Inside the butterfly exhibit... Presley thought they were amazing. She would just stare at them!

Thanks, Trent and Lauren, for a fun day!

Growing up...

2008-08-10T09:01:00.001-05:00

Presley has learned that when she says "poddy" she can sit on the toilet and pretend to go and wipe. We just have to learn that you sit on the potty BEFORE you go... :)

My baby girl is getting so big.

ValleyFair... lots of pictures

2008-07-27T11:22:00.008-05:00

The McCollough/Haigh's took a mini-vacation to ValleyFair (an amusement park in MN- about 45 mins from home). We spent the night friday night in a hotel with a few indoor waterslides. Presley thought the frog slide was lots of fun. She, however, didn't like the sleeping arrangements and only let Mom have 3 hours of sleep!!!

This is her going down the frog slide...

I had to help her so she wouldn't go under!
Saturday we spent the ENTIRE day at ValleyFair... there were lots of kids rides. Madeleine was such a big cousin and rode the rides with Presley. Dominik was there too, but most rides were only two seaters.

Busy Bees...
My Miss America daughter (waving)... riding a fish... by herself!!! She is getting so big! Video of her riding the fish...

This was a "big-kid" ride... Madeleine and Dominik
Rub-a-Dub Tubes!
Speed Boats... not very speedy, but they loved them!
Presley thought this train was wonderful. Madeleine again sitting in there with her!
Video of Madeleine and Dominik on the mini-roller coaster. They are the second pair from the front... yellow and orange shirts.

While John, Matt, Brenda and I rode some roller coasters, my parents took the kids into this Foam Ball Factory... They had a ball!!! Throwing them, picking them up... they went nuts!

Presley and Daddy

She FINALLY gave in and took a 45 min nap. Mind you she was up at 7am and no nap until about 2, then no nap until the ride home. She was a trooper!!!
Madeleine wanted to go on the Wave... this is us dry...
This is us SOAKED!!!
Even Dominik, who was too short to ride, got wet by standing on the side!!!
Waiting for the train
We had a blast... we will definately make it back there. But this time we will spend the night after spending the day there :)

Mid year resolution

2008-07-24T08:52:00.003-05:00

Remember when looking good was easy. When maintaining weight wasn't a problem because we were so active in sports... then we hit college and started to pack it on a bit, but then we lost it again... then engagement came and we HAD to lose the weight to look good for our wedding... then the first year of marriage came and the pounds slowly crept on... then pregnancy came... OK FORGET ABOUT IT.

John and I have said for the past two years, "We need to lose weight..." Well, I was looking back at some pictures from high school and college and got very depressed. I can't believe I let myself go this bad...

So, we are doing something about it... we joined the local YMCA and have been working out!! This is only week two... so we will keep you posted. I am putting my goal out there so all can help me achieve... I want to lose 50 pounds!!!! I have lost 6 already!

Anyone else want to join the mid-year resolutions???

Girls night out

2008-07-19T19:11:00.002-05:00

Last night, I went out with a group of girls from work. It was really the first night out alone for a LONG time... we had a great time. Spent some time at Boston's for free pizza and "entertainment" by the Viking Cheerleaders... then hung out at a bar- across the street from where we work. That got pretty crazy... boobs being compared... 75 year old man being kissed by one of the girls... professionalism going OUT the door... men's anatomy being examined... let's just say I can't post any pictures on the family site... (BTW)-- I was sober cab, so I watched all this craziness!! I LOVE MY GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-10T20:51:00.006-05:00

Sorry I am a bit late posting this stuff, but I have been a little busy. Presley is VERY mobile and does NOT like to sit still!!!

4th of July weekend was very busy. Below are some photos and videos of the activities we did.

This is Presley playing with her beauty salon!!

Eating corn off the cob...
SHE LOVED IT!!!

The McCollough/Haigh family went to Chucke Cheese for lunch on the 4th. We had the whole place to ourselves and had a great time. This is Matt and Dominik playing air hockey while Brenda and John watch.
The kids...
BBQ at Matt's houseMadeleine going down the water slide

Saturday-- we spent the afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandpa decided to take the kids on a ride in the wagon.

Then each got to drive

Madeleine all by herself

Crazy DominikWATER FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

We all had a great 4th of July weekend. Presley did see some fireworks at Uncle Matt's house, but she didn't like them too much. We were all in bed by 9:30... man are we old or what??? :)

Busy weekend

2008-06-22T19:42:00.007-05:00

We had yet another busy weekend. Don't you love those weekends where nothing is planned, but yet it fills up with fun stuff!!! John was in Chicago this past week for his second stage of training for UPS sales. He had a great time and is doing well with his new position. Presley and I had a week of just the two of us. Although we spent every night with my family!! :) Gotta love being so close to them.

Friday night, we all (my parents and brothers family) went to a local parade. We had a great time. Presley enjoyed the Popsicles and the Dum Dum suckers. She HATED the fire trucks and ambulance!!! I didn't get any good pictures, we were too busy getting the goods.

Saturday morning Presley, I and Grandma Pat went to a HUGE garage sale and found some great deals. "New" toys and clothes... Saturday afternoon, Presley went swimming. She had so much fun in her "baf."

I LOVE the little footprints.

Sunday, we decided to go to the MN Zoo. All and all, Presley had fun. John and I were a little disappointed, but we still had a good time.

The first thing we did was watch a dolphin show. Presley was glued to those things the whole 10 minutes!!! She would scream and clap!!!

This is a Prairie Dog... she thought they were funny.
The newest exhibit there was the Grizzly Bears. Who knows what next weekend will bring?! If it's another sunny, warm weekend, we will be outdoors I am sure!

Hugo Days

2008-06-08T13:54:00.003-05:00

We took Presley to Hugo Days today. She went NUTS in the petting area. She was a little shy at first, but once she saw we weren't too far, she had so much fun.

There was also pony rides. She wasn't too excited about the helmet...

Let's just say the ride was short. She did okay, but wanted off sooner than later.

Tooddeling around

2008-06-03T19:29:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we finally had a beautiful day. We decided to go out on White Bear Lake with my brother and his family and my parents. This was Presley's first time on/in water bigger than the bath tub. Once she got used to the life jacket, she had fun.

Uncle Matt let Presley drive the boat. She like to play with all the buttons and levers.
After we docked the boat, we let her play in the water. She has NO FEAR about going into the cold water. She took the bucket and headed towards the water.

Holding my hand, she managed to walk out to the boat! She had a blast... you would think with all the sunshine and playtime she would have slept through the night... but NO!!!

Memorial weekend...

2008-05-27T13:33:00.003-05:00

We headed south to Iowa for Memorial weekend. Visited the cemetery to pay our respects to my grandparents and aunt. My mom, along with some others, did an amazing job at making it beautiful. They sure are missed.

The trip was rather LONG... on the way there, Presley decided to puke her breakfast up. I actually managed to catch it all in my hands. After pulling over and cleaning up, we were on our way. We stopped in Story City to celebrate Lindsey's graduation from college. The BBQ was at the park with the carousel. Of course, we took Presley on it. She wasn't too sure about it. Didn't cry or scream, but didn't smile either.
Sunday we spent the afternoon at the park in Vail with the McCollough crew. All was well there, except Madeleine, my niece, spent four hours in the ER getting fluids for dehydration. Other than that, it was a good time.

The trip home on Monday was NOT FUN. Presley ended up spiking fevers and screaming most of the way home. Ended up taking the day off (Tues) and took her to the doctor. She has hand, foot and mouth disease. Not much you can do for it... poor kid. Needless to say, our next trip to Iowa will be a long way out.

While we were in Iowa, I got a call from a co-worker telling us about the devastating tornado that riped through Hugo... where we live. The actual destruction was about 3 miles north of us. We ended up having minor hail damage to the siding and to the car. Nothing compared to those who lost everything... including the life of a two year old boy. Please keep the families of the devastation in your thoughts and prayers as they work to collect and rebuild.

The next phase

2008-05-22T19:06:00.002-05:00

So some of you may know I was contemplating on going back to school for my RN. We I got into the program here in MN and I will be starting the classes in the spring. I am pretty excited about it. I think it will open up lots of doors for my future. I will keep you all posted on the progress as a full time MOM, WIFE, worker and student!! I always said I like challenges...

Spring has finally sprung

2008-05-12T05:39:00.003-05:00

Mother's day weekend-- we had brunch at my brother's house Saturday morning. After eating, we went outside and let the kids play. I love this picture of her!!

Thought I would start her early...

Life is Beautiful

2008-05-10T19:55:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you wonderful mom's!!! Being a mom is the best gift life could give! I absolutely LOVE being a mother and wouldn't have it any other way!

So when you wake up tomorrow... thank your husband for making you a mom, then hug your kids for being their MOM!!!

HUGS

Lovin the outdoors

2008-05-03T20:29:00.002-05:00

Recently we have been able to get out and enjoy the outdoors. I have a feeling there will be lots of posts from the outside. Presley LOVES to be outside. She can now reach the ground on her car!! Ready, set, GO........................

Superstar

2008-05-03T20:24:00.003-05:00

Presley is a nut... she makes us laugh every day!!!

She's a lover!!! :)

Snow on the 26th of April!!!!!!!!

2008-04-26T16:14:00.001-05:00

This is what we woke up to this morning... it finally stopped at about 3pm!!!!!!!! None of it will stay long, but the green lawns look funny white!!!

Only in Minnesota

A day at the park

2008-04-26T16:02:00.003-05:00

We took Presley to the park last weekend... when it was nice (it's snowing right now- April26). She had a blast playing with her cousins and in the play area.

She found a pine cone and decided to bring it to me!

Sliding with Madeleine
Enjoying the day
Swinging with Grandpa
What a cutie???!!!
Madeleine and Prelsey
Dominik and Presley

VENTING

2008-04-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

I am a bit frustrated right now... I need to vent. I spent 5 and half years of my life getting a bachelors degree that is doing NOTHING for me right now, except putting me in debt. I just got a "denial" letter from the nursing program at the college I applied to. How much more qualification does one need to get into a demanding field???? I have a BS and I am working in the field and have been since 1999!!!! I guess I wasn't denied as much as I was put on the alternate list... come on people! Now what do I do with myself? Continue to work a job I am well over qualified for and make nothing for pay?

#2... why do insurance companies RUN our health care system? John recently moved up with UPS and now has a different insurance company, so there was a transition period of changing over... normally there is not a lapse in coverage and there shouldn't be, but somehow it all got mess up and now we have all these outstanding claims and claims that have been overpaid and the list goes on........................................

#3... sometimes men need to understand what women do on a daily basis. Could you imagine if we stopped doing what we do??? The would fall... HARD!

#4... Presley STILL isn't sleeping through the night. I know this is probably my fault.. okay it is my fault, but it's still frustrating. I haven't had a solids night sleep in over a year!

#5... why is it so easy to get fat, but so hard to lose it.

Now that I got all that off my chest, maybe I can see clearly and make some moves... Love you all!!!

Just for Fun

2008-04-09T20:47:00.000-05:00

I found this cute post and wanted to do it-- thanks Stef. It's similar to most but different in some ways! Everyone who reads this......DO IT!

20 Years Ago...
1. I was 7 and in second grade at Ar-We-Va... in Iowa.
2. I was playing softball and being outside.
3. I was being a pain the butt!

10 Years Ago...
1. I was 17.
2. I was getting into trouble
3. I was playing softball.

5 Years Ago...
1. I was working my butt off in school. (Go Sundevils)
2. I was working as an account manager.
3. I was coaching 6th grade volleyball.

3 Years Ago...
1. I was a newlywed living with my parents.
2. I was new to MN...
3. I was looking for a job.

1 Year Ago...
1. I was a new mommy!
2. I was EXHAUSTED... wait I still am today!
3. I was watching my baby girl!!!

So Far This Year...
1. My baby turned one!
2. We bought an Explorer.
3. ... come on- it's still early!!!

Yesterday I...
1. Watched Biggest Loser
2. Dealt with a sick kid
3. Paid bills, wrote thank you's, and worked

Today I...
1. Worked
2. Played with Presley
3. Searched the internet...

Tomorrow I will...
1. Work
2. Make dinner
3. Play with Presley

In The Next Year I Will...
1. Lose weight
2. Go on vacation
3. Pay off some student loans :)

Presley's Birthday Party

2008-04-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

We had Presley's birthday party this weekend. Had a beautiful day, considering this past Monday we got 8 inches of SNOW! That was all melted and the sun was shinning! Presley had a great time and thank you for those of you who could make it.

This was her cake. I had the bottom made and I did the top!!!

She was pretty confused when we started singing Happy Birthday to her!

YUMMY... CAKE!!!
Off and "running"-- okay just walking

Party hat and all
Thanks to my brother, the kids got to jump in his bouncy pit... Presley had SO much fun. Laughing and screaming... those big boys didn't bother her, she just gave it right back.

Grandma and Grandpa gave her a wagon... this is Dominik (her cousin) and her in the wagon. This summer is going to be a lot of fun!
So many presents...

My baby turned ONE

2008-03-30T10:33:00.001-05:00

I can't beleive it's been a year! No- we aren't planning number 2 anytime soon. We want to enjoy her and get some other things in order. I got this idea from a few friends... I thought I would share some her pictures from the year.

one month

One month... she was so tiny
3 months... starting to fill out
6 months... what a HAM

6 months
What a mess
Valentine's Day

She LOVES to brush her teeth!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEANUT!!!

A little late posting...

2008-03-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I am a week behind on posting Easter pics. She had a great time finding her first basket. She went right to it and started unpacking it!!! We spent the morning with just us three and the afternoon with my family at my parents house. It is so nice having family around to spend time with.

Easter Dress
She had a little trouble finding her eggs!

She is so much fun

2008-03-14T20:02:00.000-05:00

Time goes by way to fast. I know when you are pregnant people are always telling you how fast it goes, but until you have a child you don't realize how fast it really does go by! Presley is almost a year and she is doing new things everyday!
She LOVES the phone! This is her with Grandma Pat.
Walking with the lion.. no steps on her own, but she is close.
This ball pit was the best $15 I spent. We gave it to her for Christmas and she has so much FUN! She LOVES it. That's her with her buddy (cousin) Dominik.

Grandma and the grandkids... Dominik, Presley and Madeleine.

Walker

2008-03-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

For those of you who can't see her "grow-up"...

This may seem gross, but....

2008-03-02T11:14:00.000-06:00

Last night I was giving her a bath... she started tooting, then pushing... so I plopped her onto the toilet and...

this is what she did!!!!!!
Then she wanted back in the tub to play. I know it's kinda icky, but FUNNY!!!!

Daddy time

2008-03-02T11:11:00.001-06:00

She loves to play with the exercise ball. This picture isn't very good with her eyes, but it shows how excited she gets!!!
Standing alone!
Presley and Daddy

First Teeth

2008-03-02T11:07:00.000-06:00

Presley is 11 months and just got her first tooth popping through... a couple days after that the second one on the bottom started popping! Between the two pictures, you should be able to make out the two "tefers"

Working days

2008-02-27T19:27:00.000-06:00

John FINALLY got an opportunity of a lifetime right now... he will start working days for UPS sales starting MONDAY (3/3). The interview process for this postion started last June and he FINALLY got offered the position!!! We are so excited to finally be able to spend quality time together... no more going to bed alone!!!!!!

Bubble Bath

2008-02-14T20:35:00.000-06:00

Playing in the bath tub
The look on her face... she is a MONKEY!

She has a thing with bubbles... she like to EAT them! She also likes to pull the plug and let the water out. That what she is doing when she is reaching down through the water.

She's 10 months already!!

2008-02-05T19:13:00.000-06:00

Time sure does go by fast... Presley is 10 months now and boy is she BUSY! She is crawling all over the place, pulls herself up on everything, and will stand alone at times. She eats like there's no tomorrow, and so far she's not too picky. She babbbles all the time.. no real words. She just started to clap and wave "buhbye"... SO much fun!

Presley in Action

2008-01-22T21:08:00.000-06:00

She's on the move... and it so much fun!!!

She's eating peach puffs

You will be missed

2008-01-18T17:17:00.000-06:00

Thank you Grandpa for 27 amazing years... you will be missed!!!

Nov. 21, 1929 - January 13, 2008

2008

2008-01-07T20:14:00.001-06:00

2007 came and went... now are are here with 2008 to enjoy. Last year was about additions... a baby, a car, some toys... 2008 needs to be full of transformations. I want to drop the added weight... so does John. Presley will continue to change and grow. John is to change jobs... work days instead of nights... I am going to take on more school and more work... We are going to finish "moving in" to our place (which we bought in 2005)... some painting, new light fixtures, more storage shelves...

Then the dreaded parts of the years... as the years go by, so do people's ages... I am lucky enough to still have three living grandparents. But I know time is limited... we just pray they did what they want and are happy with life as it is... We spend as much time in Iowa as we can right now

Maybe 2008 will take us to other states... maybe to Wisconsin to the Dells... or to Vegas for family and good times... or to Florida to see long lost friends... or to Arizona to see old buddies... or to Maine so I can see the East coast... or maybe just here... I guess we wait and see...

To all.. I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2008!

Playing in the Snow

2008-01-07T20:09:00.000-06:00

We have taken Presley out in the snow a few times this year. She seems to enjoy it, although she can't really move much in her snowsuit!!

Mommy and Presley

Mommy and Presley going down the hill

All bundled up!

We pulled her in a blow up sled... she didn't move much!

Christmas Photo's

2007-12-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

Here are the holiday pictures we had taken. She did amazing!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-19T12:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Great Grandma's!!!

This is a very exciting Christmas for us. The first for Presley!!! It will be exciting to watch her open presents and play with all the new toys. We did get Christmas pictures taken, but I can't post them until after Christmas because they are a gift to my parents!!! :) I will post lots of pictures of her first Christmas soon!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Thanksgiving... random thoughts

2007-11-19T20:42:00.000-06:00

I guess it's this time of year that I really sit back and realize what I have in my life. I am very thankful for the amazing family I have! The blessing of a beautiful baby girl... the love from my husband... the support and cherishing of my parents and brother's family... the closeness of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and most of all my grandparents. Without family, I would be lost! Thank you all and I love you!

I am grateful for the job and co-workers I have, who have also become my good friends. They keep me sane and insane all at once! :) Thanks girls!!!

The other day I asked my niece and nephew what they were thankful for...
--my niece "...God because He is in my heart..." That is coming from a 6 year old... made me realize- yup He is in our hearts!

--my nephew... "My dinosaur..." Coming from a 4 year old- appreciates his toys! :)

Life itself is pretty amazing and sometime we try to move through it without seeing it! This holiday season take the time to do the little things in life that mean a lot!!! You could change someone's life!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

6 months

2007-11-04T08:26:00.001-06:00

Halloween 2007

2007-11-04T08:08:00.001-06:00

OUR LITTLE LADYBUG

Cousins... Dominik, Presley, and Madeleine

Vegas Trip

2007-10-20T08:12:00.000-05:00

Mid October, John's sister got married in Vegas. Presley took her first airplane ride and did very well!!!

First plane ride

With Aunt Jean... the bride

She liked the cold can!!!

Doctor

2007-10-08T20:16:00.000-05:00

We took Presley to the doctor for her 6 month check up on Friday. She is doing great! Weighs 16 pounds 7 ounces and is 25 inches long. Still in the 25% for length and 50% for weight, but she is doing wonderful! She did well after getting three shots. Pour kid... she ran a fever all weekend, but we still got her 6 month pictures in on Sunday!!!

She's Amazing

2007-10-03T19:07:00.000-05:00

Time flies... I can remember last year at this time, I was "glowing" from pregnacy and now she is 6 months old!!! She is the best thing that has ever happened... as you can see, she is developing quite the personality...

She loves the bath!!

Her cousins, Madeleine and Dominik, and Grandpa Dale

5 months

2007-09-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

Presley is 5 months now...

Yummy... carrots!!!
We started her on solids because she was always hungry!!! So far so good with the food!!!

She has started sitting up and playing with alot more toys!

She's 4 months old

2007-08-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

Presley is now 4 months old... and growing like crazy. We had her in for her check up and shots this past Friday. She is now 14 pounds 10 ounces and 24 inches long. She is learning how to sit up and roll over. She does roll over from tummy to back, but not back to tummy. She loves being outside and seeing people. She is in daycare most days and loves the kids and sitter.

February 26, 2005

2007-08-01T17:12:00.000-05:00