Winter at the barn, Jake........

Happy Holidays!!!!! I can't believe it's almost here! The kids are so excited. It's wonderful to be off for xmas break =)

We woke to snow yesterday. The grass isn't totally covered so we didn't get much. I went to the barn yesterday and the horses were so pretty with the snow and it started to snow while I was there. Here are some pic's......the 2nd pic is Dynamite and the donkey the rescue has. This is Dynamite's first snow, so when I led him out of the barn he stopped and wasn't sure what was going on. Dynamite is so cute! He's a stud muffin and the rescue is going to use him to 'stud out!' The other pic's are of Black Jack. His owners couldn't care for him or Power Motion anymore. They're both $40k horses and they have real shoes. They are some of the bigger horses the rescue has. I was nervous leading him out to the field-I didn't need one of us to slip! For his size, he's very gentle and sweet. I had to hold my phone up to take his pic-he is so tall. One of the girls that helps got kicked in the thigh yesterday by Dover. She walked into a group of horses which can't say I'd suggest doing. She's ok but quite sore. The horses are so sweet and gentle but I'm sure to not forget what they're capable of. They get testy around each other especially when it comes to food and you need to watch out.

And Jake..............the vet called last week and Jake is clean and healthy!!! The vet was certain that Jake's tumor was cancer because it burst. We were so happy to hear the news!! He's doing great and his incision is healing. Our kids and Dori's (our neighbor) 3 kids were out playing in the snow yesterday. Jake was out playing with their puppy Toby. The kids made a fort and came in for hot cocoa and Krispy Kremes. It's in the mid 30's and to reach 40 in the next week, so the snow won't be around long. YEAH!

I'm off to get ready for church-we have to greet too. I have xmas shopping to finish today too!

Jake

Jake came home last night around dinner time. He was still groggy. His surgery went well and he did fine. Everyone's glad to have him home. We'll know later this week the results of what type of cancer he has and if it's the type that spreads. For now his bed is in the laundry room since his hip is oozing and bloody. The incision is probably 5 inches long or so. He was more alert and ready to go out this am.

I started my job on Monday. It's fun w/ the kids and always something to do. I take the kids down to lunch, bring them out to recess after and so on for 2 more lunches. Down here, there's no outside recess if it's 30 degrees or colder. Today we have the storm Mn had. It's windy and only to get windier and the day goes on. It was raining over night so hopefully it won't freeze as the temps are supposed to drop today. I'm bummed that I didn't get Brent's lunch group =( but I still walk by and see him in class and in the hallway. There's lots of kids I know from Brent and Maddy's classes. I have free reign to run things that work for me. It sounds like they need some new, proactive people working. There's another monitor so we split the building and she has Brent's half of the classes. I have some 2nd graders, but mostly 1st grade. One recess, the music teacher is on the playground too. She and I talked about Brent and his 'musical abilities!' She sent a note home with him saying he's 'in tune to pitch and beat more than other kids!' She thought he could pursue some musical things outside of school. The kids plays football and can hold a music rhthym (sp?) =) it's great to be with the teachers and here how Brent is doing. Well, I'm off to shower and go to work!

Jake

I spoke with the vet yesterday and the results from Jake's small biopsy are in. The bump under his chest is a fatty cyst. The mass on his hip they believe is cancer due to how the cells are reacting. He goes today for blood work and will have surgery on Tues to remove the whole mass and have it tested further to see which type of cancer it is and if it's spread. Keep him in your prayers! I'll keep updating.

My New Job!

It's official as of yesterday, I'm a permanent employee of the Loveland School district!! My new job is the Student Activity Monitor at Brent's school-1st and 2nd grades. I will be the monitor in the lunchroom and playground and I start Monday. I'm excited! My hours are every day from 10:30-1:15-Perfect! Brent's excited too to have me there. It will be nice to have set hours and days. It makes it easier to volunteer in the kids' classrooms. I have the holidays off (with pay) the kids do and summer's off. They average my pay so I'm paid all year-even in the summer when I'm off. YEAH!!

Thanksgiving was fun and relaxing. Our turkey turned out AWESOME and we had pie, mashed potatoes and all. YUM! The kids were off Wed-Friday so it was nice to be home with them.

We took Jake in Monday to have his bumps tested-he has 2. Well one is a flat mass. We should know today or tomorrow what the test shows. Many prayers for him!

Jenny and I went to see New Moon on Tuesday. WONDERFUL as I figured it would be! Hayley wants to see it so I'm taking her this weekend =) She's read the 1st & 2nd books 3 times and Eclipse once.

Well, I'm off to get Maddy ready for school. No call so far for work today so I'm enjoying a day off!

Halloween!

The kids had a fun Halloween! The weather was beautiful as usual. We went to our neighbors down the street and had dinner outside and the kids went out trick or treating. Our block sits at the end of our street so the trick or treaters don't have to walk down every street. We have a bonfire and drinks and chat. Here are some of our neighbors, we brought our pumpkins down to light. We caught up with Katie and her family-they were the cat girls. We brought a bunch of candy to our church who then sends it to military folks. Better they eat it than us =)

Grandma and Grandpa left this last Monday. We had lots of fun. The kids love having them here and for them to be here for Halloween. We found a new town called Waynesville we like w/ lots of little shops and antiques. We bummed around there last Saturday after the whole family went to the barn. The kittens loved grammy's lap and Hayley's while the boys and I brought horses in/out. Lots of great time spent with them. Today we went to the barn and Scott fixed one of the gates and Maddy and Brent cleaned stalls! Maddy was looking for other stalls to clean-she liked scooping the poop! It was too funny.

On Tuesday, Jake had a 'thing' burst on the back of his hip. It was bloody and oozing. I brought him to the vet and they cleaned it, shaved it and we bring him back next week to have it tested to see if it's cancer or not. It's a mass underneath and he's on med's now to get rid of the infection and have the swelling go down but there's more there than just being swollen. Hopefully it's nothing. Otherwise he's his old self and acts fine.

I can't wait for New Moon to come out on Friday! It looks better than Twilight. My neighbor and I are already planned a night to go see it. Hayley now has read 3 of the 4 books. She may be hooked too.

I'm off to help Scott put the garage back together. He's cleaning, airing the boat out.

Happy Birthday Paige!!!!!!!! ;-) Hope you had a great day!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. It was 50 degrees but it was so windy it was cold. Sunday it was beautiful-65 degrees and sunny and it's been like that since. Tomorrow and Thurs it will be 70!!! Anyway, it had rained Friday so it was very muddy. We took a tractor ride out to the pumpkin patch. They drive through the woods and have fun decorations up. On our way back, our tractor got stuck in the mud. Another tractor came and pulled us out. We all had fun and shoes, truck, clothes were muddy =-) The kids are so excited for Halloween and no one is sick!

Hayley is feeling better and was back at school last Wed. Brent and Maddy were home thru Friday. Maddy still had a low grade fever Friday afternoon. Everyone is better now and back to school. The kids receive their h1n1 vaccines today. Hayley's not to bothered, Brent i'm not sure. Maddy i'm picking up from school and going in to get hers. She was crying walking home from the bus yesterday so i'm not sure what she would have been like. So we'll do it together after school. She cried getting ready this am and to the bus stop =( poor baby girl.............we're going to get ice cream tonite! It's been hard to decide yes or no on the vaccine. B & M will receive their 2nd dose in the next 30 days.

Gma and Gpa arrive tomorrow night!!!! YEAH!! The kids are counting down.

Well, i need to go finish cutting the grass. it's supposed to rain this afternoon and it's LONG! I love this Ohio weather!

Sick Kidlets.....

Well, the bug has finally caught up to us! The combo of H1N1, colds and other crud has been awful here. Tons of kids out at every school. Any day the kids will be vaccinated AT SCHOOL for H1N1 at the cost of the school. Obviously with parental consent. Hayley was sick Sat-Monday. Fever, aches, cough. By Monday she was starting to feel better-only low grade fever. I kept her home yesterday just to have 1 more day to get her immune system back before going back to the sickly school. Maddy came home yesterday after her book fair. I went up for it and she looked awful and tired. We went to the nurse to check her temp and it was 101. Brent woke up this am burning up and so they're both home today. Hopefully their's will be short lived like Hayley's. We don't want sick trick or treaters!! Plus gma and gpa are coming!!!!!!!! YEAH!! Grandma is retired!!!!! Last Thurs was her last day =) So we're not sure how long they're staying. We've all joked about staying till turkey day so we'll have to see. They haven't said so it will be a surprise! Way to go Granny!!!

So what else is new.................Hayley's last ftball game is Sunday. Scott & I are liking our bible study. Lots to learn. It's nice to have nights free to hang out and play outside. I miss sports but don't. I like the simple, non hectic life! I've been working almost everyday at the high school. Love it and keeps me busy! Last Friday Cindy (Katie's mom), Katie and the girls and I went to see the play Beauty and the Beast at the high school. Very talented kids! It was really cute. The girls liked it. School is going well for all. The 1st quarter ends this Friday! Where does time go??

The weather is warming up to 65-70 degrees this week. It's been 55-60 or so. Colder than normal.

We all went to the barn a few weeks ago. The kids LOVED the kittens and played with them. Scott helped bring in horses to feed =) it was quite muddy as it had rained. I was bringing blind Dolly in and she stepped right in a mud puddle and splashed my pants with mud. Quite disgusting but worth it! Scott got a laugh out of it! It's a great family place to volunteer. We fed the chickens and the rabbits. I've never been that close to a chicken. The kids thought that was cool.

Take care!

Loveland's Homecoming parade

The black truck is the one the players and Hayley's squad rode on. Their truck went by so fast, they were past before I knew it was them. Hayley's standing up by her coach w/ the funny hat. The other truck is cute w/ the tigers =) The girls getting ready........they went early to decorate the truck and the trailer and have pizza. Hayley had a blast! The parade was fun. Brent & Maddy got a ton of candy!

Rocky!

Brent decided he wanted a fish! He's been talking about it for a while and while running other errands, Scott brought Brent to pick out a fish. Here's Rocky! Brent takes good care of him-feeds him every am and remembers too! Brent bought him w/ some of his bday money. Brent had some friends over last Sat for his friend bday party. They played football, dodge ball with water balloons and other games. Scott was in charge and participated in all =) The boys had pizza and cake. Brent and the boys had lots of fun!

What else is new..................I worked 5 days this last week and 4 the week before. It's a great job and 3-4 hrs/day. Works great with getting the kids to and from school. I've mainly worked at the high school running one of the registers. Serving food a couple times too. I stay really busy and the time flies by. The ladies are really nice to work with-the kids are pretty respectful too. I for once actually enjoy going to work!

School is going well for all. We had midterm reports come home for Brent & Maddy. They're doing great! A few comments on Maddy's that she's very talkative! Brent had the same report last year too =) They're very chatty but can also get their work done while they talk! They've all settled into their routines, homework and Hayley getting up early. They all enjoy school and are making friends.

I'm still helping at the barn. Bo is up and back in the pasture! It's such a relief to see him healed! There is another horse Dolly who is also blind-very sweet horses. I have to walk out in the pasture to see my gal Cinnamon. The horses have been staying out at night and she doesn't come in to eat so I walk to see her.

Loveland's Homecoming parade is Thursday and Hayley's cheer squad will be riding on a float with the ftball players. It should be fun to watch! Last year it was canceled because of the storm.

Scott & I are in bible study on Wed's nites at church. We got lucky and our pastor is leading this. Usually this class fills up quick and it's only offered once a year as it runs the length of the school year. It's pretty interesting-learning lots already!

Maddy's riding her bike!!!!!!!!!! She hasn't wanted to try because she's scared she'll fall. I may have mentioned this as she tried a few weeks ago. Well I had her out 1 night and Scott last night and she's got it! She turns and can stop w/ control! She was so proud of herself!! Us too =) It's great that she can ride w/ Brent & Hayley and the other kids outside!

=)

Happy 8th Birthday Brent!

The big guy is 8 yrs old! He had a fun day despite the fact he was in school. He brought cookies to share and got to pick some goodies from the office. He wanted home made mac n cheese and pumpkin pie. The recipe I have makes 2 pies so he was excited one was all for him =) He got Lego's, some books, golf balls, and $$ from grandma & grandpa. His Lego collection is growing! Oh and he did get a new set of golf clubs a few weeks ago. We didn't have 8 candles so we improvised! Next Saturday he's having some friends over for a party. Happy Birthday Brent!!

Meet Cinnamon!

Here she is, my love!! I lay my head on her face and rub both sides of her. Isn't she sweet and beautiful! I'd adopt her in a minute if I knew what I was doing. Bo is still hanging on this week! The vet was up yesterday taking his gauze out. He's still trickling blood but alot better than last week. The fact he's still here is wonderful and he should pull thru. I love it up there!

We had a good week. I'm tired with being back at work, the kids in school, getting up before the birds, etc. I worked everyday this week! UGH! =) boo hoo huh??? I worked at the high school a few days-interesting. Fun and a bit of a shorter day.

Hayley had LYF Youth Night at the high school Friday. We all tailgated w/ pizza and snacks before the game. All youth ftball and cheer teams went on the field to be recognized. Loveland's hs team got trampled but it was fun anyway. The kids liked watching the marching band. Hayley of course liked the drums.

Today we're just hanging out-great lazy day! I sat outside and read and took a snooze. It'll be great to have tomorrow off.

Brent is oh so excited for his bday! Me too =) he wants pumpkin pie for his bday instead of cake! So I will make him one fresh on Thursday.

Well, off to get kids in bed. Take care!

1st Day of School

Hayley 5th grade

Brent 2nd grade

Maddy 1st grade

Maddy and her BFF Katie on the bus together. Katie is in Kindergarten.

The 1st day of school was last Tuesday. Hayley was up and at 'em early with excitement. She has to get up an hr earlier than last year so it's quite an adjustment for her. She had a great 1st day-likes her teachers and her new school. She knew 1 girl from last year in her class and is making new friends. She's in band this year and is playing bells. She wants to play drums and bells is the start to work up to drums. She gets home 45 min before Brent & Maddy so it's nice for her to have some quiet time in the house-just her and I time.

Brent had an adjusting week as well. He's at a new school this year too. His teacher is very nice and he likes her. He also knows a few boys from last year in his class. He says his playground is boring. The playground at LECC is huge compared to the one he has now so I can understand. He rides the bus with our neighbor and his friend Mason and a few other friends from the neighborhood. He catches the bus earlier but he doesn't have to get up earlier. He's always up in the am.

And Maddy has had a good week too. She has Brent's teacher from last year so that's helped her ease into school I think. So far she seems ok to be gone all day. I miss her (all of them) and it's weird to have her gone all day. I can't believe my kids are in school now. She rides the bus with her friend Katie =) and Mason's brother Max.

I've been busy working...........................yikes, work after 8 yrs of being home! I worked 3 days last week at Hayley's school and the middle school which is connected to hers. I served food, washed dishes, cashiered, and lots of other things. The people are really nice to work with. I've been working 9:30-2. The time goes fast as there's always something to do. I work today and tomorrow at Hayley's school and the h.s. on Wednesday. It's nice to keep busy.

Hayley cheered yesterday. Her team played Lakota which is a tough team at any age for Loveland to beat. The kids are big-farm team =) I think the h.s. team is ranked 2nd in the nation. Scott heard that..................anyway, her team only lost by a touchdown which isn't bad for playing a tough team.

I was at the barn on Saturday. I missed my horse pals! Raja died while we were in Mn. The am feeders found her in the pasture and had to put her down. She was Bo's friend. He's blind so he would follow her around. She would 'winny' for him as they walked so he knew where she was. He fell over her also and tore his femeral (sp?) artery and had surgery on Friday. He was bleeding Sat when I was up. His owner was there and concerned. The vet said it could happen. He has gauze hanging from his incision to let it drain. The poor horse had blood running down his leg and pooling. It would start and slow and kept on. The owner had her kids there to say goodbye as she didn't know what would happen. He may bleed to death or it would stop and some point and clot and start to heal. The vet was on his way when I left. I haven't heard anything so I hope he made it. If he made it thru 48 hrs he would have a chance to live. I'll have to take a pic of my favorite horse Cinnamon. She's so sweet and wants love. I rub her head and her neck. I brought carrots Saturday and she loved the treat. Bo had lots too to get better =)

Well, gotta go to work. Take care!!!!

Hayley and Paige!

Here is a cute pic Paige sent us of the girls back in preschool. It was their xmas show. Look how much they've changed! Hayley and Paige had a sleepover when we were in Mn. They had a lot of fun. The girls went and played laser tag and pizza for dinner and watched a movie and played. It was so fun to get them together. They're great friends!!!!!!!! Hayley had so much fun and misses Paige! We miss you and Sarah!! I love these pic's of them =)

Hayley's cheer squad of '09

The football season got under way last weekend. Today Loveland played the Sycamore Aviators. Score was 0-0. It was great to see Hayley out cheering again. She really likes it! Our neighbor Hunter who is in Hayley's grade is on the team she cheers for. The girls did a great job!

We're back!

The kids looking for sunny's

Lego Land

Whew, it's been a while since our last updates! The summer has flown by. I can't believe we start school the day after tomorrow =( I think we're all ready but not ready. I start work on Thursday and work on Friday! After that we'll see how much 'subbing' they need.
The Edward pic's are our niece Stephanie's room. A Twilight fan heaven =) The kids at soccer practice and cousin Abby with Hayley.

We had a great week up nort =) We spent a few days with Carol, a few days with gma-quiet with our men gone. Great to spend time with gma! The kids had fun playing with gma & gpa's 3 cats. Not a lot of fresh air when I'm allergic to them. Maddy started to wheeze and sneezing along with Hayley. Gail and I took the kids to Under Water World at the Mall of America. I told Brent about Lego land and he was so excited to go. His eyes were huge when he saw it! He bought a Star Wars set. We also took Hayley & Maddy to the American Girl store. Hayley got to see Paige her friend. They've been back in touch for awhile as with Tori. We went to Space Aliens with Paige and Sarah-how fun! She saw Tori too. Those girls have grown! We spent time with Lisa and the kids. We went to the beach. The kids had so much fun in the water and sand. We packed lunches and sat at the beach all afternoon. It wasn't too warm-wonderful afternoon to be out. Erika and Brent and the other beach goers were trying to catch the sunny's swimming around. We went blueberry picking and to the park for lunch on Friday. The boys came home on Sunday with 4 walleyes each and wonderful stories and pic's of the week. Scott caught a 35" Northern! He sent it back. We had a good trip back. Lots of storms we hit in Ill and Indy. It's been nice to unpack and settle in after being gone. Jake and the kids were so excited to see each other! The neighbor girls who watched Jake even vacuumed our house for us!