Wow Chistmas Day!

Before we went to bed we all agreed on 6:30 for a wake up call. (haha) Tia woke up at 4:30 to go to the bathroom and checked out her stocking. Well then she was so excited she couldn't go back to sleep. She then had a bowl of cereal and killed time. I think she was able to contain herself until 5:30, I'm still in bed, but aware that she is not sleeping. I finally told her she could see if the others could wake up. It didn't take asking Tara twice (my little late riser). I put the battery on the camcorder and we started passing out presents. It took awhile, we watched each other as a present was opened. We needed a new answering machine and cordless home phone. I hooked them up after the kids went to bed. I did mention wake up call, Tia had to try them out. Tara called Grama Snyder a couple of times early in the AM. We asked Grama & Grapa down for dinner. After dinner the girls put their clothes on and played outside. We have melting snow and ice, so it was slick.

It's Finally Christmas Eve

She's not sure what Christmas is, but it is getting closer. I got off work early and actually brought presents home with me to put under the tree. When I was carrying them in (Tara's favorite words) too many! We hadn't got the Christmas socks out yet, so I found those. Tia had a sign on hers, so it was easily spotted. I had picked up a few new ones just incase the boys brought home girls (didn't happen), so Tara got to pick out the one she wanted. Was kind of funny that it was like Tia's. Tara tried it on to see if it fit. She didn't quite understand what the stocking was for. I also had picked up new outfits for Christmas Eve service. Tara loved hers, Tia's was too small and she said "Mom you know I don't like sweaters". Well I do now. They weren't quite the cute outfits I had planned, they must not make them anymore. You have to search hi and low to find something that doesn't have Hannah Montana on it. (I'm being sarcastic here) Gene ran the girls in early for the service so they could practice there lines, they were a little nervous. All went well, Tia helped Tara read her script, she was a great big sister (another heart melting moment)
Jeff was home when we got home and let Tara open a present early. It was a basketball hoop to hang over the door and they had alot of fun with it.
It was 10 when the girls were off to bed, Tara was so excited.

Getting Lots Done

Just not house cleaning. Tia had her first basketball game Saturday. They played two games, the first was with a team that has girls with natural sports talent (we refer to it as stacking the deck). The second was with Tia's classmates (I-35 has 2 sixth grade teams). She lost the first and won the second. She had invited Chey home after the game, the original plan was to drop her home on our way Christmas shopping. Well plans are made to be broken, she ended up riding along on our shopping trip. She's such a sweet kid, she was able to get her mom and dad something on our outing. Gene bought his own present plus something he and his dad will benefit from. For me and the girls this was buy for the great nieces and nephews. We didn't get everything done we had intended, the weather is very, very cold. We got home early; Gene and Tia watched TV downstairs, while Tara and I watched Elf on Big Bertha.

It has been really hard keeping the house warm on a day like today. I am glad there was no new precipitation. I brought home some left over shrimp from work and am learning how to cook with it. We tried garlic shrimp, it had a little to much lemon...even so it was good. Then shrimp scampi, Tara liked this best. Tia and I both liked fettuccini shrimp alfredo. Gene turned his nose up at most of it. Oh well can't please everyone.
Tara let me take her down for the first time today. Probably only because I had to take Tia down first, she just makes it so easy. Tia can be such a loveable doll when she wants to. (this is a tickling fest :)
The girls weren't excited about putting their laundry away, but got the task done if they wanted the table to eat dinner. Tara tried to wash her first load of laundry. She loaded her coat and snow pants, put the softner in the wash tub and soap in the softner spot, turned the button to time and didn't know why it wouldn't start. I gave her E for effort and showed her what she should have done. Next was getting Big Bertha to the basement. I enjoyed watching it and will miss having it on the dining table. I don't venture to the basement very often. Might give me an excuse to use the treadmill??
The girls put their clothes on after dinner and went sledding. I told them since it was so cold they couldn't be out very long. The dogs and cats tried to join them. they may have been cold, but it warmed my heart:)

A Busy Month

There has been a lot of things going on and not enough time to update. We had cookie day with Aunt Marcia. Not sure, but I think the grown ups enjoyed it more than the kids did. We frosted, ate, visited and ate more cookies...what fun :) Wasn't sure we were going to make it. Cookie day was planned well in advance, but due to winter activities the girls weren't able to have basketball practice on their usual Monday night and the coaches called a practice for cookie day. With luck we were able to fit it all in. After cookie decorating Gene wanted to go Christmas shopping. We didn't have alot of time, but one of his favorite stops is Barnes & Noble. It was our first stop and we all enjoyed going there.

Poor Tara, her tumbling night is Thursday and for whatever reason things always happen where her night gets cancelled. She missed again this week due to bad weather. The girls didn't have school again due to an ice storm, luckily this year we didn't loose electric for 5 days. I did go to work, it wasn't terrible. I was glad though the girls were home.

We had a vendor bring us a plate of shrimp this week. There was so much I brought home some for Tia and Tara. I knew Tia loved it, but she was lucky to get some. Tara had a plate full and wanted Tia's too. I knew we would have more at work and told her I would bring her some more...I have no idea how to prepare shrimp and have never attempted to learn. It may just need to be a special treat with someone else's preparation.

UPS Delivery Anyone??

The UPS truck showed up Wednesday afternoon and rang the doorbell. When Gene answered he asked Gene if he would help carry in a package. Gene asked if he was sure he had the right house. He showed Gene the paperwork. Gene then called me to see if I knew anything about it??? We now have an HD big screen TV. Tia called when she got home and wanted to know what??? I told her it was the converter we have to have in February...she bought it for a little bit, telling me that it was 90 times larger than Grandma's converter box. (it was good for a laugh) She called me back and was screaming when she read the box and figured it was a TV. I told her it was mine and I wasn't sure where I was putting it. She still doesn't know that she will get to watch it often when it gets hooked up to cable. Thanks Curt, you shouldn't have! But we love it!!

Tuesday December 9th First Snow Day

Gene woke the girls up to tell them they didn't have school this morning. And then he went to bed. It took him extra time to get home because of the ice. He wanted me to go in late (which sounded good, but traffic is even worse if I wait). I left a little early, took it slow and it wasn't bad.

Tia made lunch, after a note and a few phone calls wa la...hamburger, green bean casserole. There was little left when I got home and it looked very good. Tia said Tara watched TV all day. I thought maybe they would go outside and slide around on the ice. Tia said it was toooo cold. Tara was hoping there would be another snow day on Wednesday...I don't think so.

A Week Later

The tree has been up a week now. I was trying to decide whether we would finish decorating it or use it as an example. I don't hold grudges, but I am having trouble getting over the trophy tantrum.

Since this is Tara's first Christmas I want it to be memorable, so out came the lights. Tia helped and it was even a pleasant moment. Tara exclaimed how pretty the lights were...it was worth it!

We are under a winter weather watch. Tia said buses may be on hard surfaces only, we needed to watch the news. Tara is wanting to know what?? She has no clue about the weather being so bad school can close. She thinks it sounds fun to stay home, watch tv and play games. She is becoming Americanized fast.

The Squirrel Story

We have been burning wood for 28 years to heat our house. Gene was cutting down a tree when he noticed his saw had furr on it. He had dropped the tree and decided to take a look in it. Shortly out ran a squirrel he noticed it was missing some hair on his neck, it ran up a tree and sat and watched him. A few minutes later out ran another one, this one had a shorter tail (yep, the chainsaw shortened it). There were 5 in all. When the tree fell it must have stunned them. One of them let Gene pet it. In 28 years this was a first.

Sunday with Mom

I had offered to take my mom to see her brother on Saturday and she wasn't up for an outing, so I told her I would check with her on Sunday. (we really would have pooped her out) I threw a roast in the crock and called Mom. We decided to meet in Indianola and go early to miss some of the traffic. Mom started off with a bang. When she got out of the car at the hospital she was trying to be careful on the ice and shut her finger in the car door. I haven't been around anyone doing this since my boys were little. Kids just cry hard and you get ice. Mom's you have to set down so they don't pass out. Yikes! She smashed it good with a jagged cut. We put a band aid on it and headed inside. She mentioned her finger later to the nurse and the nurse said it was too late to put a stitch in it. We laughed that you set longer in the emergency room then what we had been visiting with my uncle.

My uncle (my mom's brother) had surgery on Wed for a tumor in his mid section. Wow my hysterectomy was a walk in the park after hearing what he had done. He was up moving around and setting up, I thought he looked good. If I would have had my scissors I could have given him a haircut, but may try to catch him on another day. I hope we didn't wear him out with all our female chatter, but then he has plenty of time to rest. We had a late lunch at Fazoli's. Gene leaves early on Sunday for work, so I didn't take time to shop with Mom for a humidifier. I did stop at Dollar General and grab a new pair of reading glasses, the eyes aren't what they used to be :(
Our thoughts are with them now as they start talking Oncology. The talk has been good, let's just hope it stays that way!!

The First Saturday of December

This is the first deer hunting season. I ran to Winterset early in the AM, checked out Ben Franklin's 5 & Dime, grabbed a few groceries, changed the windshield wipers and picked up our meat at he locker. Got home just in time to run Tia to basketball practice. Returned home to put the meat in the freezer(glad it's cold out). Ran back to Truro to pick up Tia. (there are pickups full of hunters everywhere) Gene had tickets to the Iowa vs Iowa State wrestling in Iowa City. The girls and I did our chores and headed to Des Moines. Tia would like a pair of black boots for dress. We started with our chore of recycling cans. Then we checked several stores for boots, but had no luck(I say no spiked heels or pointed toes, remember she is only 11 with my size foot). Tara did get a pink pair that remind me more of slippers. Next was the Asian grocery store. Tara is in heaven here. Tia wasn't coming in unless I gave her the sign it didn't have an order. It didn't and she enjoyed looking around. She made the comment she had never tried pot stickers. I told her she had to try them before we bought them and tried to make them ourselves. I did get another skillet that will be excellent for sauteing vegetables. The girls were happy with there snack treats. Two doors down from the Asian grocery was the House of Thai. I had got take out years ago for lunch and we decided to try for dinner. Tia got a half order of pot stickers. The lady told us they are usually made with pork, but they use chicken. They came with a sauce, I would say soy sauce, garlic and butter??? Tia loved them! I didn't have my glasses, so just told the lady what I liked and she brought me chicken and vegetables. Tia got basil chicken and Tara had shrimp and vegetables. It was all good, but a little bland. It was almost twice of what I am used to paying, so probably won't go back there again. Our last stop was Walmart, we grabbed cat treats, a movie, the girls used their money for gum and beef jerky. We headed home, got comfortable in our chairs and popped in our movie. It was a good day!

Putting Up the Tree

We had a night with a few hours. I got the tree out, Tia separated the branches and put them on. She thought since Jeff wasn't home she was going to put the tree up all by herself. Needless to say Tara wanted to help, but had no idea what she could or should do. Well this is where the night of festivities was ruined. When I informed Tia Tara was going to help she threw a tantrum and told me I favored Tara over her. Tia stormed to her room and I started hearing loud noises. When I went to check Tia was slamming her tumbling trophies in her dresser drawers...now let me draw you a picture...she would open the drawer, put the trophy half in the drawer and slam it shut. I haven't looked closely at the drawer(don't want to), but the trophy was in many pieces. More were broken, but the one I caught her with was a second place National double mini tramp competition from Louiville, Kentucky. I - I was livid!! After alot of screaming from me (some of which I probably shouldn't have said) I told her to get in bed and not move, of which she cried herself to sleep. I am seriously rethinking the "wish list".

More Turkey

Today was with my side of the family. The snow started yesterday and I heard it wasn't really suppose to accumulate, but it did...Tara woke up this morning and said WOW and couldn't quit looking out the window. We only had a few inches, but to someone who hadn't seen it before it was wonderful. We packed all the snow clothes and headed to grandma's. We had 4 new family members-how awesome. Three great nephews and Tara. Next years Christmas should be really nutty. After we ate the kids got dressed to go outside. Tia and Katelyn made snow angels. Tara, Leah and Brandon made a snowman. And they all shared in a snowball fight. Tara came in to tell on Tia, I just told her to get even. Marcia brought a Ginger bread house for the kids to decorate. Tricia, David and Nicci were in the mood to play games. Brandon and Tara made monkey bread. Food was good and family is precious. We missed Tim in Oregon, Curt in Delaware, Jeff working in Cedar Falls, Mandy working in Iowa City and my Dad.

Tia colored a picture for Grandma and forgot to give it to her, so we are sharing it here.

Not a Shopper

My little one wanted to go shopping, but she isn't good for long. She got up at 8:45 and was ready to go at 9. We started at the Asian grocery store. I love the way her face lit up when we walked in the door. We walked around for a little bit before she started loading my arms. We left with Funyons(Chinese style), jellies, cotton candy(green apple flavor), a cake, Meiji YanYan-vanilla and strawberry flavored cookie treat, egg rolls(these were also a cookie, not the egg rolls I eat). Needless to say I spoiled her. We then went to MerleHay Mall; Target, Children's place, Justice, Old Navy, Payless Shoe Source and Kohl's. I thought I might have to carry her to the car. Today was suppose to be shopping for other people, but Tia needed black pants and I wouldn't have been able to get the right size so she tried on what she liked. Tara tried several pairs on, but poor thing couldn't find anything she liked. If they fit in the waist they were too long and she isn't fat by any means. I did find out she doesn't want any more pink, she told me orange, green or yellow. When we came out of the mall it was snowing right down, but very wet. We just got our car back from Jeff who borrowed it while Gene worked on his car. Guess what - the windshield wiper was shot, so we had to find NAPA.(thankyou young man for changing it for me!)Tia choose fast food-imagine that. Tia and I eat the same, we ordered the whopper jr. I traded my fries for a side salad and ordered Tia a side salad. Tara wanted Chicken fries and ate more than she usually does. We ended at Hy-Vee and recycled cans, the cats needed food or they wouldn't let us come home. There was a bell ringer and I had Tara put some money in the bucket. She wanted to know why we did that :)

I forgot one thing Tara picked up at the Asian grocery store was seaweed soup. She just thought she was getting dry seaweed to eat like beef jerky. That is what she wanted for supper...she ate it dry before she mixed it in her bowl of soup. She is chewing the dry seaweed in the picture before making the soup. I have to say it smelled reallly bad. She ate all the seaweed, but left most of the broth. (don't blame her)

Black Friday

I met Denise at Murt's house and her sister Shirley joined us. We started at Kohl's 4am. With this being the first stop there was a few things I forgot to look for. Checkout at Kohl's is awful. Next Walmart at 5, they are open 24 hours, but they block off items and don't release them until 5. Again this place was nuts. Onto Target at 6, we thought we would get in quicker in the grocery door...Wrong. They forgot they needed to unlock it. I was excited I got everything I was after here and check out was great. We were right next to Radio Shack and I had something on my list here. What a joke. They put you in line when you walk in and then they go get what you need. I think we were there and hour and stood in the same spot the whole time, Yuk!(I did get what I went in for) Denise had an item she wanted to look at-at Kays, they didn't have it, so onto JC Penny's (this is work clothes for me...yes every year). We checked out jewelry at Younkers, smelly stuff at Bath & Body and onto Big K-mart. Everything and I mean everything was gone...waisted trip. Lunch after we had spent all our money was Mickey D's. Not the most tasty, but in the budget and enough to keep us going. We headed to Altoona from here, Murt had therapy for her arm. I headed to the other Big K for the stuff on my list...Yeah they had it!! Home at 3:30 and exhausted. I was asleep in my recliner by 8.

First Thanksgiving

I think the part I enjoyed the most was Tara meeting Gene's brother for the first time. I had told her before we went to Grandma's that Dad's brother Gail would be there and she hasn't met him yet. When Gail and Gene were in the room together for the first time Tara says, "Dad here's your brother", (kind of like he didn't know).

I tried to take a pic of her at the table and she kept ducking the camera. Ugh! I don't remember seeing her eat too much turkey. (we call it turkey day, although I am very thankful for all my family) she probably ate a half head of sautee broccoli and not much else until desert was butterscotch rolls. Tara would eat the outside with frosting and give the middle to me to finish.(I was okay with it)

I like to shop black Friday, so I got up early and went to the gas station for a paper--lots of ads...after dinner I started putting my shopping list together. Tara gave me a few ideas that I wouldn't have guessed. Then a little whisper behind me ask if she could go shopping toooo??? She ask several times and I had to tell her no, it was momma's day. She could go another day. I got the phone call that we were meeting at 3:30, which meant I had to get up at 2 to be able to drive there.

The Nutcracker Ballet

To start I couldn't believe how good the kids were:) They had the I-35 kids there first to be seated first. The school fed the kids a sack lunch on the bus ride to Des Moines. They arrived at the Civic Center at 11 (parents were asked to meet at this time as well). I walked from work and the first session of the ballet was just releasing. I easily found the group and joined them. We didn't have to wait to long when they ushered us to our seats. Now for the wait, the kids sat quietly visiting for close to an hour before the place started to fill up. Tara and her friends played with each others hair. The performance started at 12:30 and the place (full of 4th-5th graders) was quiet. I don't sit still very well and I knew this was the only way I would be able to watch it. It was the abridged version. I had told Tara she could leave with me if she wanted and she was pretty set that she was staying with Mrs Benedict and going back to school. I said my goodbyes and walked back to work. I asked Tara if she liked it and she said no, but I will try this question a few more times.

She truly is a Snyder and acts like her older brothers. They aren't very talkative either or photo genic.

Burnt Fried Rice...oooh

Tara found a box of chicken helper in the pantry on Saturday. We had plans to attend a wedding and reception, so I told her she could make it Monday night for supper. She has done pretty good cooking, so I trusted her. I explained the directions...I guess I didn't emphasis enough to turn the burner down on low after adding all the ingredients. Monday when I got home from work and walked in it smelled like burnt cookies. Tara had her coat on and I told her she still had 20 minutes before basketball practice. That was when Gene told me he had all the windows open trying to air out the smell. I think there was a quarter inch of black char in the bottom of the skillet. I will have to buy another box and give a cooking lesson on this one. I think I have mentioned before that she likes to cook on high...I think she thought she could do it this time also.

She was excited for basketball practice and had a good time. She does pretty good at listening and can do what the other girls can do. After her practice she had to wait until Tia was finished before we could go home. She played with a ball on the side and seems to forget at times that it is Tia's turn with the floor.

When we got home Tia called the bathroom, but then started messing with the TV to record a show. Tara was trying to be patient, but she needed to get ready for bed. I had her butt in front of Tia. When she was in bed she was telling me she wanted to trade Tia in for a little sister, maybe 6 would be good. I told her she had to talk to her dad. Too funny :)

Mowing in November

It was another gorgeous day. Gene had a load of wood cut that needed stacked. I was expecting it to be cold out, but was nicely surprised. Tara came out with me and I had her pick me up some walnuts to crack. She moaned, but did it. I had to yell at Tia to get her butt outside. Once she was outside and forgot about the TV I think she enjoyed raking the leaves. Running in and out of the house - one of the house cats snuck out. They are animals and love to prowl. Tara hates them going outside. I am not sure, but I think I was being cussed out in Mandarin. I really need to learn the language. Tara and I had a pile of leaves from the last time we raked, so we threw a match on them and they were gone. After the wood was stacked I got the lawnmower out and mulched and blew the leaves out of the yard. Tara and I had to pick up several buckets of windfall apples. I hated to see them go to waste, but we use as many as we can. I'm not sure how many times I heard "I'm tired", what she is really saying is I don't want to do this can I go ride my bike?? She took off while I hauled several wagon loads of leaves out of the yard. The next time I saw her she had a towel wrapped around her head, her pjs on with her coat riding her bike. I had to yell at her to get back in the house. Ahrggg, that's all I need is another sick child. This was about 4 in the afternoon.

When I came in I worked in my closet straightening my clothes. Tara came in and wanted me to curl her hair. Wow alot different than Tia's. It curled easy and fast. Tara was fastenated with her curls. She enjoyed looking at my barettes. Gene has a small Hy-Vee semi on our headboard. Tara wanted to play with it, it is still in the box. So I took her to a bucket of the boys matchbox cars where she enjoyed seeing what we had.

Tia has Sinus Infection, Jeff has Surgery

Gene took Tia to the doctor last week, so she has been taking her horse pills all week. She was counting them and thought they shorted her a day (she sounded disappointed) but quickly realized the pharmacist can count. This is the most school she has ever missed (of 4 days, most of which she was running a temp). Tia missed last week and this weeks tumbling (it was nice to be home). Gene and I were both nervous and didn't want to catch it with Jeff's upcoming surgery. Which finally happened Monday and all went well. Jeff had his left adrenial gland removed with a 3 cm tumor in it. They think it is genetic and he will have to watch his right one. I was not real impressed with the hospital in general. It was a good thing I didn't get to spend much time there, although I may have come to like it better??? I was out of vacation with our trip to China, so Gene was on Dad TLC watch. We knew ahead that he would go to ICU to watch his blood pressure and heart rate, but he got stuck there after he was able to be moved on Tuesday morning. Spent all day Tuesday and didn't get a regular room until Wednesday noon and got to go home Thursday noon. Gene said the bed next to him in ICU gurgled alot(misery and pain, you feel bad for them, but do you want to listen to it 24/7). Then his roommate in the next room was an alcoholic that was told he was killing himself. He was in denial and told all his visitors he had the flu...wake up buddy!!

We had a nice surprise while we were waiting on Jeff's surgery. Tim was driving through Iowa with a friend that was moving to Georgia and stopped by long enough to say hi. He wasn't able to see Jeff and Jeff wouldn't have remembered it anyway. Curt checked in and is off to Rota, Spain again. Wasn't sure if he would be home in time to have turkey with Ryan, Nykki and Kathy or not in Alexandria, Virginia.

This week was American Education Week...Great Public Schools-A Basic Right and Responsibility. Not sure what that has to do with wearing certain colors to school each day, but it was great for Tara. Each day she had a color she was suppose to wear to school, so we went in looked in her drawers and picked out the clothes for the next day. She wore things she wouldn't normally wear and now maybe I will see them more often :o)

Grandma Got the Roll of Mom Duties

With Jeff's surgery we had no clue how the week would go. We needed to leave Monday morning at or before 6AM the girls don't have to get up until 6:30 or 7. Tia was in Gene's face at 4 asking him when he needed to leave. She again got up at 5:30 when we were getting ready and asked if she could stay home from school. We told her she was in charge of getting Tara ready for the bus and yes she could stay home. She has such a tickle cough that is annoying, she wouldn't have gotten much done at school. So I asked Grandma C. to meet the girls after school and spend the evening with them (Tia scared the crap out of her when Grandma got here and Tia was home). At that time there wasn't anything scheduled. Well it never fails, I got an email from Tia's basketball coach practice would start that night. Then came the phone call from Tara's coach. Yep her too :)

When you miss school you can't attend evening functions. So Tia missed her first practice, but she had to help grandma drive the roads after dark and get Tara ready...Ready for her first basketball practice ever. Grandma said she did a pretty good job keeping up with the other girls and she made at least one basket. Yeah!
Thanks Grandma!!

This year has flown by

I can't believe we are so close to the end of 2008, where did the time go. It is slowing down at work. Whether it is the economy or just plain old winter time of year setting in. I am still trying to put the files back in place from being gone in China and having come so close to having a flooded office from Spring rains. It will be nice to start 2009 with clean drawers and knowing where everything is.

Our high temp today was suppose to be 49, I never saw it get off 31. It was cold, but Tara and I worked on cleaning outside. She swept the garage and I blew the leaves into a pile and we worked on hauling them with the wagon out of our yard. I definitely think we could use a bigger wagon to make less trips. It is funny to see the look on her face when her glove gets a little bit dirty. Her coat is one that can't be washed weekly and I think it pushes her over the edge to see the dirt on the cuffs. She was in a giggly mood when we came inside. We have apple trees, so I started peeling a bunch to make a pie. Tia joined in and we had them peeled in no time. Tia watched the oven for me while I was outside. I found out Tara likes the crust. She wouldn't eat a whole piece, but tried to pick the top off.

Jeff checked in, he gets to take meds to clean out the bowl and fast after midnight. He sounds like he has very little energy. Thank goodness for Sunday football. Curt called and is trying to install a pocket door on a bedroom in his house. It will be fun to see the changes he's made since we were there last.

Tia has been home sick since Wednesday. Wow in 9 yrs I have never seen my baby this sick. Thursday Tara brought her homework home. Tara didn't think it was fair she has to go to school and Tia get's to stay home and watch TV. Thursday Tara fell wrong on her ankle on the tumble tramp and was favoring it Friday, but it isn't bothering her today. Gene took Tia to the dr Friday and she has a sinus infection. She is taking horsepills and not very well I might add :(

Nice Surprises

Isn't that a sad face :(
Tara was acting bored last night and was ready for bed at 7. I told her too early and ask her if she needed something to do. I had picked up several activity books; alphabet, numbers and such and pulled them out again. They have been laying on the table since she came home, but she hasn't touched them since. They had today off school for quarter end and when I got home from work she showed me she has most of them done and neatly I might add:) I am very proud of my little one. She had a school library book laying on the counter and it has been there for a week, so I suggested she put it in her bag and take it back to school. I told her I would read it to her or she could read it to me. So she read it to me...YEAH!!! Tonight I was trying to put away the extra boxes of clothes and one had dolls and stuffed animals in it. Tara had not been in the mood, but AHHH tonight she was. She took every doll and every animal, but two and put in her bed. She now has lots of new friends. The doll that looked the nicest is now sporting a new coiffure (not sure why we little girls have to always redo the hair)

The girls said they had ate by the time I got home for work, so I made a plate of fried rice for myself. As I am eating it Tara comes to the kitchen and says smells good. She climbed onto my lap and shared my plate with me...(happy mom)

Yesterday we went through winter outdoor clothing. Tia needs snowpants and Tara needs boots. Today's lunch was a shopping trip. Tara was excited to see her new boots. Tomorrow they are predicting inches of snow...Uhggg.
Days like this make it sooo worth while!!!

Determined

Okay for some time I have wanted to update my dashboard to include Tia. This scrapbook crap is hard. I love art, but this brings things to a new limit. I was working in Paint.Net and nothing was as easy as it should be...needless to say it's not done yet. I gave up :(

I didn't get the house cleaned like I had planned today...but then I didn't make it to church like I had planned either. We burn wood for heating the house and we are behind schedule cutting and getting it stacked. Today was Tara's first trip to the timber. I think we are in the 30's today. First she was pretty set that she should wear crocks. I should have boots that Tia has outgrown, but to no avail I can't find them. Well tennis shoes will work, it is muddy out and they will wash. Next a hooded sweatshirt, easy the Iowa State one. Then coveralls or snowpants, yea they fit (they looked to big, they were perfect). I tried to pull up the hood to put on her head and tried to strangle her. The opening is way too small, I felt so bad I chin chopped her. I had her dressed and ready and she got mad which led to taking off the coveralls. Finally we found gloves and a stocking hat. Gene and Tia brought the tractor & trailer down and we jumped on. The ride out was fine - plenty of room. Gene usually does the cutting and Tia and I load the wood on the trailer. Tara started out helping pretty good, right until she saw Tia sluffing off. She then took her turn sluffing off. We are hot, then cold...coats are off, then on. The ride home wasn't as easy the trailer was heaping. I tried to boost Tara onto the pile when she resisted, we fell backwards. I will probably be sporting a nasty bruise on my leg. Must have been paybacks for the chin chop thing. The trailer is now unloaded and partially stacked. The house is quiet and very, very warm

Observations of Food

It has only been four months, but here are a few thoughts.

Bread - one bite is enough, although add a little sugar and make it a muffin, very good...I'll have another.

Meat - loves chicken, asks for chicken. Roast smells really good, small portion is plenty (I get "hey mom, too much"). We've had pork chops, okay nothing special. Won't eat a hamburger. Loves eggs, mostly scrambled or boiled :) I did ask her is she has eatn dog and she replied yes...oooh. Cheese...not so much.

Potatoes - loves fried (french and otherwise). Tia made mashed for her first time, Tara ate a huge helping and had seconds (must have been starved, it's been the only time she ate them). Check back we are having baked for lunch today?? Okay she peeled it and ate it like a boiled egg (kind of like an apple) no good sour cream here.

Veggies - Oh Yes! Loves...fried cabbage, all corn, sauteed broccoli, mushrooms, sauteed peppers & onions, peas, sauteed greenbeans...but boiled not so much.

Pasta - doesn't need any unless it is attached to the word Ramen.

Rice - she didn't want any when she first arrived in the U.S. Now I make about 1 to 2 cups uncooked a week. Store in a ziploc in the frig. Tia wouldn't eat it before Tara, now she also adds it to stir fry breakfast.

Fruit - likes apples, grapes, watermelon, musmelon, strawberries, asks for oranges.

Junk Food - Little Debbies Nutty Bars, Nestles candy bars, M&M's, Skittles, chips...all kinds, gum (her choice is spearmint), peanuts, chex mix, cookies. Tara will eat pizza if she's hungry, but would rather not. Ice Cream is the BOMB :)

Beverages - likes Coke and diet Coke, diet Mountian Dew, water...Yeah, gatorade, chocoate milk for lunch at school (white I haven't seen yet).

Condiments - has to have ketchup for fries, soy sauce is good on rice, don't even try to make gravy...it's yuck. If you put mayo on that I won't touch it.

Tara likes to sautee her breakfast consisting of peppers, onions, mushrooms, eggs, rice and maybe some meat. It is very good! She used way toooo much oil in the skillet to start with, but she is getting better.

I will keep adding to this post as things change.

Happy Birthday Curt

Kids getting older...it's not much fun to celebrate your childs b-day when they live hundreds of miles away. Curt turned 25 today. I tried to call him, but got voicemail. It could have been that he was watching the Iowa State football game. I listened to it on the radio. We had the first half and took it down to seconds in the end, but couldn't hang on. Unlucky him I did sing happy b-day to his voicemail. For those that don't know me, I can't carry a tune.

First Snow

The girls didn't have school today with end of quarter and we had our first snow. I wished I could have been home to see Tara's face. I asked her when I got home what it was and she put her hands in the air and made a sprinkling gesture with a smile. I asked her if she went outside and she said no...cold. She ain't seen nothing yet.

School Conference

It has been a very busy week and I am glad there is just one more day of work. I have been taking meds for 3 days for a lung infection that goes back to our trip to China. I notice side affects from the meds in little doses at different times through the day. Yesterday I was really grouchy, today not so much. But I feel like I am back peddling, my voice comes and goes.

We had it all figured out. Gene would pick up Tara at school, take her to Osceola and get 1 to 4 immunizations. Tia would stay after school, I would do Tara's conference at 5 and then we would go to hers.

All went as planned, but I felt like I was running full speed ahead. The teachers are very pleased with the progress Tara is making. While I was in Tara's conference Tia went to the commons and ate taco's for supper. We then started with a new science teacher Tia has, next English and finished with math. The Social Studies teacher wasn't available and we ran out of time for the others. We stopped in the office and dropped off some medical reports I had on Tara and picked up Tia's report card. I should have started there, but didn't think I had time (I would have). Gene called when we were in the office. He said all went well on his end. Whewww! Two nurses each took an arm. Gene held the feet. They were able to do 2 shots in each arm. Yeah! She cried a little, but said ow several times. Dad made it all better by taking her to the Chinese restaraunt for supper. I checked with the nurse ahead of time and she recommended Tara do tumbling so her arm wouldn't get stiff and sore. When I got home Tara had taken her shower and had her jams on. I told her she needed to go to tumbling, she quickly changed clothes and was ready. I never heard any complaints at tumbling. The ride to tumbling was like she had been given a truth serum. Tara was chatty Cathy. (she was kind of funny) I will try to elaborate more on school later. For now I am signing off...good night.

A Day that will go down in History

Not sure if it was readable, but this was Nov 6th at $1.84 for the cheap stuff.

A President of color or a female Vice President, either way history will be made. I did my Civic duty early starting my day. Tia called me and told me to fill up with gas and take a picture of the pump. She is expecting the price to go up soon. I got gas for $2.81. It is so much more doable on my pocketbook. I spoke with Jeff on the phone and he said he didn't get registered, but in our state it can be done at the polling site. So let's hope he took the time. It irritates the crap out of me that the media has so one sided the whole Presidential campaign. Journalism died in 2008. If you are a journalist you should be ashamed :(

Tara had a makeup night tonight with tumbling. I had to leave early to catch a church meeting an hour before (she thought she got to go to tumbling early, boy was she disappointed)She sat at the meeting and stared at the clock and kept giving me the look (Oh yeah she is good at it). On the 5 minute drive she would tell me as each minute passed and go faster. This from the one I couldn't get in the door the first couple of weeks.

I got a call from my SIL and we have a new baby. My nephew's partner went through a long day of labor today making me a great Aunt for the 6th time. She equaled it out with a great nephew...Jaydon Ray Chandler weighing in at 6lbs 13oz 20"...Welcome to the family!! I hope Momma gets a good nights rest. I will try to add some pics later.

The weather was once again gorgeous, now if it could only stay this way for a few months. This is my favorite time of year hands down :)

Daylight savings time

I thought I was late getting to work, everyone was here early this morning. Too funny!

Kase & Kelse turn Sweet 16

I didn't even think twice about a time change and as I was about to go to Mike and Murts, Gene ask why I was leaving so early...I had another hour. Hey!

So hard to believe these little girls (twins) have grown up. They are such beautiful people. Where has all the time gone. They shared their day with Tara and it was a nice day.

They have their car purchased and drivers training over. Now to just make it to the DOT to get the proverbial license. Good luck girls and Happy Birthday!!

Sad Day

I went to my first Catholic Funeral. I don't like funerals, as much as I should attend I usually avoid them. It left me with a couple of questions. With the exception of length, they are not alot different from any other I've been to. They started by sprinkling the casket with water, that I can understand. But then finished with swinging incense over. That I had never seen or heard of. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family as they say goodbye to both their parents this year. One is hard enough, can't imagine both.

The day is beautiful, with the exception of way too many Chinese beetles. Or better known as lady bugs. I hung laundry on the line and had to run them all through the dryer as I brought them into the house long enough to shake the bugs off. Yuck!

We finally got Tara's drawers figured out in her room. Tia had to give up a few more. Good thing I still had that party thing to use for attitude ajustment. Tara picked out pants, long sleeve shirts and sweat shirts to have when it gets cold. I don't think she ever wore a nightgown. We put one in her drawer...let's see if she ever wears it :)

Tia's friend C had a birthday party tonight. She started making her a bracelet last night and finished it this morning. I like to play with beads, so she designed one and put it together. She doesn't take critism well, I would try to make a suggestion and she would flip out. She has to quit yelling at me, it is going over like a lead balloon. The snotty mouth also has to go. A little respect will go a long ways. I had to threaten the b-day party and hayride that she was invited to. Tara rode along as I dropped Tia off. Tara thought we should go back tonight and pick her up.

Tara has found starfall.com. I had to kick her off the computer tonight. She is doing so well with her English and this will be a good reinforcer.

Gene gets to have a colonoscopy on Monday and started the process this evening. I am totally not looking forward to doing this myself. Fast for a day and a half...what no food. I would wither up and blow away.

A Month for Drs

It was my turn. In August I went to the dr for my sinus and he made an appt with a specialist. The appt I could get was for October 31st. Well needless to say there aren't alot of symptoms left. I do still have occasional problems and was curious. They did give me a breathing test. He thinks I may have had a deep infection in my lungs and has suggested pretizone and an innebulizer. Not sure of the right word or spelling. It is for 20 days and doesn't sound like much fun.

We didn't do our usual run of going out for supper. It is going to be a busy weekend and the house needs some TLC.

Aunt Terri's Pumpkins

Aunt Terri for many years has painted pumpkins for our family. She visited at the right time this year and once again...painted us pumpkins. Naturally the girls were in an ornery mood to try and get a pic of the pumpkins...And this is what I got. Thanks Aunt Terri :)

Tara's first Halloween

She didn't have a clue, but just went with everything we told her to do. We explained how the night would go last night. Tonight when I got home from work I dug out all the old costumes from each of the kids. She looked through all of them and chose Minnie Mouse. It lacked a mask, but for her first year was pretty good. Tia was a soccerer, the outfit was a little small...but we didn't have alot of choices since she has grown so much this past year.

When the boys were little we did the neighborhood and called it good. We live in the country so it was allllooot of driving. With Tia I started taking her to town and we walk around. They are small towns Truro and St Charles, we know most of the people of the houses we stop at. And it has been a way to see where people we know live. We stopped at Tara's principle's house and neither girl would take a treat...hmnnn. The wife and two small children were with him on the porch. We left home at 6, it is a 20 min drive and Tara was pooped at 7:15. Tia did a few houses on her own and we hit BJ the neighbor on the way home. I had to see pictures that he took with a motion camera in our timber (deer and bobcat) Wow! Maybe Gene's x-mas present. Grandma Snyder's is always last. Tia is in 6th grade this year, I wonder if she will do it again next year?

I did ask Tara if she wanted to call Xiao Ke in New York this weekend to compare notes and she had a big smile. She told me 44...me with a puzzled look. She had 44 pieces of candy that she liked. The ones she didn't like--didn't count!

As for me I just had a really big handful of malted milk balls left over from our drive home from Iowa City on Tuesday :)

Tara's First Football Game

Again it was hard to make plans. Gene mentioned the volleyball team would be playing and it would be fun to go, that was at 2 in the afternoon. The football game was at 6:30.

The neighbors called Thursday night and ask if Tara was going. They were going to this game and we could try to meet up. Levi and Tara are in the same class at school. Kristi checked in and they didn't think they would go early and weren't sure on parking with all the rain we have had this week and parking in a grass field. We ended up getting to Mike and Murts at 2, loading the truck and all eight of us heading to Ames. Two more weeks and the girls could have followed us in their car. They are the proud owners of a white Cavalier. It was a little crowded, but nothing unbearable (I like togetherness :) I also should mention it is a short ride from their house. Not too long after we arrived the Sandquists found us. Levi brought Tara a pom pom and they played catch with the football almost until it was time to go into the game. Gene had to find a co-worker and headed to the other side of the stadium while the girls and I settled into our spot. She squatted on the bleacher for the beginning of the game, so when everyone stood up she could see over them (by standing on her seat) She is a very good fan. When we had all piled into the truck to head home she was head checking, missed Tia and was worried. Tia and I had switched spots. All was good!

The Friday Usual

When I got home from work I ask the girls if they wanted to go out for supper. They were slow to answer. It has been a couple of weeks since we have ventured to our favorite Chinese restaurant. We also took in our recycling and pop cans. The girls split the money from the pop cans. We didn't have many so there wasn't much. Tara brought hers home and put in her new piggy bank and Tia spent hers on candy. The laundry is sorted and the washer is going. I ask Tara to sort her laundry and she told me tomorrow. I ask her how bad she wanted clean laundry, cause I may be done by the time tomorrow comes...she did it :) Today is cold and wet.
Tia pretty much has her spinks done for her clay project. It looks pretty good. she wants to paint it, but I don't think paint will stick to this clay.
Alright the boxes of clothes are driving me nuts. They're everywhere. I tried to sort them. I have a pile of sweaters, jeans, sweats, long sleeve t's, tooo big, tooo small and pj's. Now to get them put away and cleaned up. Uhgg!

Sweat Pants

Okay Tara has worn capri's all week. Tia is wearing jeans. Tia called me and asked me to stop after work and get clay. She has a double project due in a week and since Tara would be at tumbling she could stay home and work on it. I made a deal with her that she had to make a pot of chili. I have dug through the boxes and can't really find any pants I think will fit Tara. After finding the clay (which by the way is in the scrap booking isle??) I headed to the girls section...stretch pants, jeans or sweat??? I ended up with sweat pants, if you aren't sure of the size your chances are better they will fit. And they did, she wore them to school. And yes they were pink and they looked very nice on her :)
I did ask Tara on the way to tumbling if I get a hug yet. At least tonight she told me China Mom. I totally understand, I know I will get one some day. For now I am waiting....
Tia laughed when I came in, she said it was dad's fault. Me with a puzzled look. Gene told Tia to put some water in the tomato juice container to rinse it out and she filled it up and dumped it in. By the time it was done and cooked down, you could't tell. nice job Tia!

Hand Me Downs

It is getting colder and it is suppose to rain all week. First I went to the garden and dug up my pepper plant. I want to see if it will give me peppers in the house?? Tara loves to chop them up and scramble them with her eggs.
I didn't get all the boxes out yesterday, so I tried to find all of the clothes that I have been saving from Tia. I didn't count the boxes, but...Tara keeps telling me too much. I can't quite convince her she needs to go through these boxes. She did wear one of the pairs of shoes to school. They are her size, but she says they aren't that comfortable. (that's because she is used to flip flops)
We got the phone call on Jeff and he will be having surgery to remove a tumor on his adrenial gland (which is causing his high blood pressure). He has to be on meds for 2 wks, so hopefully it will fall on x-mas break.

Late Birthday Wishes

Since we had our Wu reunion on Friday, we missed cake with Gene #51. Since Tara had tumbling we missed cake with Tara...So tonight was the night. The girls didn't have school today. I had made them dentist appointments. They got their teethe cleaned and checked, dad got to take them. The Dental Hygenist said she would have liked to work on Tara's tartar, but wanted to be gentle this first time. So next time won't be as fun. The dentist was pleased with Tia, but she still may need braces.
Tia made a cake when they got home and Tara joined Gene as they put up a fence behind the house to turn the cows out to graze. They both helped grandpa and grandma crank the freezer of ice cream. It is tradition at the Snyder's to have homemade ice cream for your birthday (except me, I don't like it) I should mention Tia loves candles, I'm not sure how many there are-but there are way too many!

It is getting cooler out and we have had our first fire in the fire place to take the chill from the house. I dug out the boxes of hand me downs to see if there are pants for Tara. She wasn't interested in the pants, but tried on the shirt that we brought Tia home in at 3 yrs. She could get it on, but it was skin tight. She got tired before she got all the boxes gone through. Well she now has 3 more pair of shoes and lots of sweaters, but still No Pants!

Jeff had a scan today on his abdomen. I haven't heard from him, but I checked with his dr and will check back on Tuesday for the results.

Camper goes to storage

Okay I have finally noticed an extra body in the house. I can not believe how much laundry I do. I was almost done washing when Tara decided to bring her hamper to the wash room. Everyone is in charge of getting their dirty things to the washer. It was funny though...I had been talking on the phone making arrangements to take the camper to moms to put in her shed for the winter. I told her we would be over as soon as the laundry was done. I like to hang the clothes on the line when the weather is good and it maybe one of the last ones for this year. As soon as I would get them hung up, Tara was taking them down and putting them in the dryer. I think maybe she was in a hurry to go see Grandma:)

We also had team work picking up walnuts. Tara and I picked them up and Tia was stirring them in water and rinsing them off. We all like to pick them out and eat them.

Happy Anniversary to my Hubby of 28 yrs!!

Iowa State vs Nebraska

It's hard to make plans when you never know until the last minute just what can happen. Curt had tickets for the game and had hopes of being in Iowa. His car is being painted and wasn't done, plus he didn't have approval to work with the Airforce recruitors in Iowa. So maybe next month. Gene has been working on Jeff's car the past couple of weeks. He has a new tire, tires alligned, new breaks, oils changed, antifreeze checked and something else (I've lost track). We were suppose to change back vehicles, but Jeff stayed in CF to study for classes. Mike and Murt headed to MO to watch Kelsey play softball.

It was a small crowd for the game. We met Greg and Kristi in Indianola (Gene, Tia and I) and rode together. It was a sub sandwich kind of day. The weather was just right for football. We were in Ames at 9:30 for an 11:30 game.
Another lousy game. Well the Cyclones showed up for the 3rd qtr this week. Gene and I both sighed with relief when we finally made a TD. We weren't sure it could happen.

Tia's Crib Mate Reunion

I am not sure who likes these visits more Tia or Mom. We recieved an email the Ohio family would be in Iowa, could we get together? Well Surrrre! Okay Mo is coming up I need to plan a meeting place and time. I am the worlds worst planner. My first thought is a place that is quite, but somewhat entertaining. Tia asked for eating Chinese. I couldn't think of the name of the place she wanted to go and we ended up at PF Chang's. Somewhat pricey, but we have tried it now and know. The service was good and the food was good.

My first thought when I saw Wren was Ohhhh...she's so grown up and Fuyin. They look closer in age now.(sisters) And when Lily arrived she confirmed it, our babies aren't babies any more. Happy and sad moment all at once. Fuyin is taking Chinese language classes in school and tried to practice on Tara. She was nervous and got a little tongue tied. Tara just laughted. Then Wren practiced what Fuyin helped her with and Tara was too shy to tell them her name. This was the first year I think I can say the girls acted like they have never been apart, but hadn't seen each other for awhile. They immediately started chatting like best friends. My heart smiled!

The Mo family (the Martins) have other people they know in Des Moines, so they got a hotel downtown and the girls had swim suits and went swimming for a couple of hours. So much laughter and screaming, not sure how the dad's could take it. They must be used to it. Exchanging gifts, having hot chocolate...it was a Wonderful Day...Thanks Martins and Hellwigs!

11th Birthday

What a fast paced day and not the day I had quite dreamed for her first birthday with us. She pretty much took it in stride. Tara was very happy to take her cupcakes to school. She originally told me "Tia no", I asked her how many she needed and she told me 22. We counted the cupcakes and she saw that she had 2 extra, I told her Tia and Baba. She was happy :) After school I called on the way home, it seems I stop at the grocery store almost nightly. Tonight they ask for Chinese take out from Hy-Vee. I kind of guessed that is what Tara wanted for supper. I wasn't sure whether to leave Tara's gift for her to open when she got up or give it to her when I got home from work. She doesn't get up until after I leave, so I went for the second option. She loved her piggy bank. I also grabbed her some more hair ties and this bunch had a watch on it. She immediately started telling me the time and it was time to leave for tumbling. We still had 20 minutes, but she was ready! At tumbling we took skittles to pass out after class, usually they do swivel hips on the tramp to your years of birth. Tara hasn't learned that yet, so we tried for straight jumps (yes we were to embarrassed for that too, maybe next year)

More Family

Tara got to meet her first cousin and her family today. Nykki has a son that is a little younger than Tara, but they are in the same class. It will be fun sharing the kids experiences as they grow.

Gene has most of his corn chopped, he hopes to finish tomorrow if the rain holds out. As he was working yesterday he saw the neighbor boys with a catch. They told us they have a picture of a large Bobcat in our timber. He sold his Goldwing motorcycle today, never really liked that bike.

Last Sunday we picked up walnuts at grandma's. This week I cracked a few and Tara was getting into picking out the nuts until I took a picture of her doing it. Tia was quiet and had disappeared to her room. Come to find out she was playing Monopoly with her imaginary friend Bob???












Stuart came home today. He went out at bedtime Friday and decided to stay away all Saturday. I was in the dog house, Tara and Gene love that cat. This morning he announced his arrival home under the kitchen window.

Good news! My screen is normal again. I can't believe I didn't think to google it. Thanks for the suggestion to ctrl, alt up arrow :)

Need Help??

Okay, I have a new computer (it is a Dell). While I was away Tara was working on the computer and now my screen needs rotated. I took the screen off the stand and have it leaned against the stand to be able to view it correctly. Ugghh! Any suggestions will be looked into.
Jeff had a good eye dr visit, he thinks they will correct themselves. Yeah! He is not happy that all his appts. fall on his class days.
Curt called to check on Jeff. He had good news, he was promoted to staff sargent in August. He also had bad news, he needs to re-roof his house next summer (that is also good news, cause we may get to go visit and help). The El Camino is being painted and the Grand Am is listed in the paper.
Tara came home on the bus for the first time without Tia. Tia went home with Cheyanne after school. I picked them up after work and they haven't stopped laughing since. Now they are playing hide n seek, Tara hasn't quite got the hang of it. It is Tia's favorite game, so she needs to learn. Tara was a little out of place when the girls first got home. Wonder when we will get to go to bed tonight???
I received an email this week from Tia's crib mates. Our family from Ohio will be visiting Iowa next week. We are trying to plan a reunion for the girls. Any suggestions are welcome.

I think it is Hereditary

What a day. Jeff had an eye dr appt., after his appt he called me to say his eye dr has made a dr appt for him. He thinks he is diabetic. He calls me from that appt to tell me they have admitted him to the hospital. I got the call from his internal dr first, she says he's in good hands. He had really high blood pressure and he is not diabetic, but they would like to know what is causing the high blood pressure. We hang up and the eye dr calls. He has made another appt for Jeff with an eye specialist on Tuesday at 2 and would like us to be there to hear what the dr has to say. With his BP being so high it made the blood vessels in his eyes seep and he now is near sighted. Gene and I started for Cedar Falls Tuesday morning and got 1/2 hour from home when Jeff called and said we didn't need to come up, his eye appt had been cancelled. Gene and I talked fast and decided to go ahead. It poured on us all the way. When we got to the hospital and ask for his room we found out he was in intensive care, huh?? He was having a test when we got there. He looked fine when we finally saw him (maybe a little grouchy with the whole thing). They had taken out his IV early AM and given him 3 pills and by afternoon his BP was 136/80, not great but alot better than when he was admitted. We waited until the dr made her afternoon rounds, the nurse warned her the indian was restless and she started with he will be released. BUT he needs to fill a med prescription and make a follow up appt. They are requesting a stress test and he sees the eye specialist on Thursday. Meanwhile he's missing 2 days of classes. I had the nurse write down his test and meds and now I lost my cheat sheet. There is still one test that won't be back for a couple of days. It was close to 7 pm before we left the hospital and then to grab a few groceries, supper and the meds. On our way home at 8. The girls were home, Tia checked in a couple of times. She made frosting for the cake that was baked the day before. First time, she did a good job. Grandpa says he tried to call threee different times and they didn't answer so he came down to check on them. They were outside playing catch.

Mamma's Happy

When I came home from work Monday Tia and Tara were playing catch with a tennis ball in the living room...WOW! After a while they moved outside. They had to have played for more than an hour. I didn't get in a hurry to make supper. Tara needed to put the dishes away, but I didn't say a word. This was a day I had been waiting for--for some time. A Good Day :) !!

So Many Things to Do

We had an invitaion to make apple cider. We have 3 apple trees and could have donated some of our apples. We had a home game with Iowa State and Kansas, the point spread was 13. Cade Taylor and Scott Williams will be getting married and Cade had a bridal shower. And Kelsey Williams was playing a softball tournament. Gene was able to get Jeff's car into the shop to be aligned on Monday, but we had to get it there. It was a tuff decision, but we ended up going different directions. Gene and Tia went to the football game, the cyclones were ahead the first quarter and ended up loosing 35-33. Tara and I started with watching Kelse play ball, they lost that game and we headed to Indianola. First we dropped off the car at the tire shop, had lunch at A&W and headed to Cade's shower. Tara thought it was great and enjoyed it. Cade got to chew 7 pc of gum at one time, because she didn't know answers to questions about her husband to be...too fun!! We had Kasey checking in often with her dad on the score of the game. The Cyclones went slowly downhill and ended up losing, but beating the point spread. After the shower we headed back to watch Kelsey's last game for the day. The day was beautiful, but when the sun went down it was quite chilly. Jamie watched the game we weren't at with Kelsey, he wasn't happy that every where he turned they were talking about the ISU game. He had it Tvoed and wanted to be surprised :( At the end of the day Tara and I ended up falling asleep in the recliner.

A Good Night

Wow, it's been 4 wks of tumbling. We missed last week, cause coach Sue had a toothache. Tara wanted to know if she could go Monday night. I told her she would have to wait until tonight. I gave her a leo and capri's and ask her to get ready. She smiled and said no. I left the room and she came out dressed and ready to go....Wow! She was so excited about tumbling when we came home she was rolling all through the house. I hadn't planned on having her compete this year with her being new, but I think she may want it. It will be fun to see where we go from here. Tia on the other hand, stayed home tonight. She tumbles on Wednesday night. Tia gets very nervous in competition, but excells with exhibition. Tia only missed one on her Social Studies test. Way to go girl! She showed me her bridge she made in industrial tech class. I said it looked like a sled, she was offended. A very good sled!!

It's a Dell

I haven't posted for awhile, the old computer refuses. I finally got the dial up loaded(on the new one)...yes we still have dial up. I tried to show Tara Babelfish, but it wasn't as wonderful as I thought it should be. Tara told me she couldn't read it. Funny we use the translator from BBK and it looks the same.

So much has been happening to journal, let's hope I can remember it all.

The school met last week with AEA (area education)to discuss Tara. It was the worst timing for me and I wasn't able to attend. There are stages to learning for Tara and she falls right in the middle, which means it isn't as far up the hill as it could be.

Tara lost another toothe tonight. (3 since she has been home)She lost one last week. Tonight she ask for her toothe to take to school, she told me she will get money. Not sure what?? I will have to check in with the teacher. She has a dentist appt in one month, so I will be curious to see what he thinks.

Homecoming was last week. Each day the school has a theme for the day. Tara loved pajama day (but who doesn't). I came home from work and she was ready for the next day of school. I explained that she should probably wear another pair to bed and put the ones on she wanted to wear to school in the morning. LOL :) We attended the parade and coronation. She had a nice amount of candy from the parade. We didn't have tumbling since Sue had a toothache. We would have been able to do it all, but it was nice we didn't have to. Tara asked me last night if she could go lastnight. I said she had to wait until Thursday. I had planned on the Friday night football game. I asked the girls if we were going Friday and they said they would rather go out for Chinese, so we did.












Tara was able to meet Aunt Kathy from Tennessee on Tuesday and Uncle Greg and Aunt Terri from Colorado on Saturday. This last week and weekend went sooooo fast. To raise money for the peewee football team, they hold an alumni game. The first 10 yrs out of school plays anyone else they can get to play. My guys love football! They didn't get to play much in high school, but make up for it now. Sunday wasn't bad, but ooooh Monday :(

Big Decision

I ordered a new computer today. There are so many brands and so many choices of options to put on a computer. I went with Dell. Tim and Curt both have Dell laptops and my computer at work is a Dell. Is it the best...probably not, but I know my IT at work can fix it if I run into a problem. I payed a little more for it than I had intended, but hope I get my money's worth.

Tara was having a good night. Jeff called and ask to talk to her. She didn't say much, but enjoyed listening to him. She knew who it was when he started talking. I get the feeling she is second guessing her speech. Usually when we get her to talk she says the words correctly and the meaning is correct. We just need to get her to feel confident in her speech. Tara told me Stu was her baby, I told her she was my baby and then I named each of my kids. I told her they all give me hugs. Then she asked about Kase and Kels I said yes they give me hugs too. Then she started asking about Murt, Bailey and Joe & Jamie. We took a sack to the apple trees and picked some from each tree to take to work. Tara and I agree the yellow or green apples are the best. She had 3 problems in math to finish. She attempted to create a word problem. I wrote it and explained it and then she tried to copy it. She forgot half of it, but at least she made the attempt at it tonight. She took her lunch to school today. I asked Tia to help her make ramen noodles to take, she had a banana and a piece of roast. Well Tia told on her...she had 6 snack sz Nestle's crunch. She forgot her piece of roast and I don't think she ate her ramen noodles. I think we will try to get her to eat the school lunch. I told Tara she has a birthday coming up and asked her if she wanted a present. She asked me tomorrow, I had to tell her next month (one month from today). I got the calendar out and showed her (she was receptive and hasn't been in the past to the calendar) she wanted to know when Tia's was and then went through each of us. She hasn't met her elder brother yet and hasn't quite grasped that she has 3 brothers.

Tia called Monday morning and wanted to know why I didn't remind her she had the day off. I made her go to bed early Sunday night. She missed the end of Desperate House Wives. I laughed because we both forgot. It wasn't until the bus didn't come that it dawned on her. The girls ended up making grape juice with Grandma Snyder. She has a stuffed up nose this evening and used my netti pot. Let's hope it helps!!

Another Busy Week

On Monday Gene took the coon dog that was dumped at our house to the vet to become an it. I wish people would quit dumping dogs at our house, we didn't need another dog. My cousin that I am double related to's husbands mother passed away and the visitation was held. Our thoughts are with them! I had to help Tia with her Science test the next day. I have no clue how she can remember this stuff. For me so boorring!

Tuesday when I got home Tara was on the phone with Alyssa from New York. I don't know how long they had been talking, but it sounded like they had a nice conversation. It has been awhile since they have talked. Tara hung up on her last time. I wrote a check for Tara to take to school for lunch. I left it for Tia to give Tara. When I asked Tara if she delivered it okay she had me lost in the conversation. Something about a pink ticket (from video rentals??)We heard from Uncle Greg, he needs information on the alumni football game.

Wednesday Tia had tumbling. Each nite I have been telling Tara we have to go. She put up no fuss and came into the gym and watched Tia. I brought the game gear and she played while she watched. She even thought I needed to learn the game. (if I haven't with the last 4 kids, I don't think I will with this one)she then tried to teach Laura Beeler. Laura thinks as much of the games as I do, but had fun with Tara. Tia was having a bad night with being mouthy...ooooh. Tara's teacher called before bedtime and told of a story that they had worked on in class. It was about their favorite place or thing to do. It was riding her bike to Grama Snyder's and feeding the chickens. Now she is so wound up, I'm not sure she will go to bed. We had just finished her math homework. She totally does not get the concept of a word problem in math. Explain that one??

Thursday, each day I have been trying to ask Tara what she was wearing. It's picture day. She would shrug her shoulders. If I'd have known I would have ironed her shirt. Hope it doesn't have to many wrinkles. Tia thought she needed a grey shirt under her sweater, but worked around it. Hope that gum stuck to Tara's face came off.?? Tonight is Tara's tumbling night wish me LUCK :)
Okay, I feel good about tonight. Tara made the usual "do I have to do this gestures" in her way. I said yes come on and she got in the car.(No leo) oh well. I told her she had to come into the gym and watch. She threw her book on the floor of the car and started to slam the door, I caught it. I had the kids on the trampoline and she was in the bleachers. Tia came over and said look Tara's with Sue...Yeah! She didn't make it to the trampoline, so after class I let her jump a few minutes. Tia was mad when we got home cause Tara stayed up until 9 how terrible.

Friday we made another evening of it shopping and eating out. We headed to the local Chinese restaurant. The girls were in, so we had a good visit and Tara gets to use her Manderin. Then we head to the grocery store and stocked up on fruits and veggies. Also a treat of some kind, Tia chose beef jerky and Tara gum. Tia needed a gray shirt for phys ed so we headed to Wally World in the rain. It is swampy out. Tia wants to know if it is thanks to hurricane Ike??

Saturday was cleaning day. Since we didn't have plans for Sunday we were spreading things out. It was an overcast day. Marcia called and wanted to know if we wanted to work apples on Sunday. Needless to say chores didn't get done.

Sunday we finished laundry in the morning and headed to Aunt Marcia's after lunch. Mom was there and lots of buckets of apples waiting.