Back on Track

Yeah!! We're back on track, we on our doing took a detour and of course it threw off our schedule or should I say Matthews'. He was in the process of being potty trained and was doing a really great job but then we went away for a mini vacation to a water park/ hotel as we try to do something fun and family oriented each year for Valentines Day. This year though Jr. made a surprise stop, something he normally wouldn't do~~ It was to the Jelly Belly Factory. We did the tour, I won't say how that was, for I don't want to spoil it for those that might be going, but I did find some good deals in their store, and I never really realized how great those Jelly Belly's tasted, very yummy!, Okay, back to the original reason I'm writing. The days following our return home, He (Matt) had to get readjusted to the routine and thus had several accidents, but now We are back on track.

I'm still here !

Hi blogging world , bet you were all still wondering if I still had the Internet. The answer is yes, but I hardly ever get to use it, the bigger and the mini computer monsters are usually here. I'd snuck in here sometime ago, because Matthew went to sleep early. I've been busy though and it wasn't exactly fun. I was in the search for some papers, documents and the like, and well lets just say I'm no way organized in that department or more importantly wasn't.
My husband and I have burned, shredded, and cut many many papers. The filling cabinet has nothing in it, the two totes are gone, and anything left over took 1 milk crate. It was a long, aggravating process and I'm glad its done. I've only been meaning to do it for the last 1 and 1/2 years, I've done countless pages on line for a personal matter, which I'm not going to worry about, I've given that to the Lord, and He will do as He sees fit. This week was the taxes, which I do myself, and now a few hours free time. I've also got some sorta good news, my weight is slowly going down, I've limited my salt and soda intake and just need to remind myself to leave the chips alone (hard). Wait! There's More...... Now the scary stuff....
Jackie has to pick her classes for sophomore year, and Driver's Ed is right there in black -n- White, I sure hope her daddy is ready..... because I'm not!! I remember those days like yesterday and driving w/ my mother was extremely hard, ( no wonder I waited several more years to get my license). Oh, okay to be truthful, I failed at all my previous attempts, but they were good years, I got plenty of exercise. Well I hate to go, b/c there is so much more to share but there will eventually be a next time. So til then take care and stay warm.

Family Christmas

Merry Christmas, my family and I celebrated over the weekend. My brother informed me it has been since 1998 that we all have been together and what fun it was. We got to meet the newest little member and that was baby Morgan, see an old friend that I haven't seen in many ages and meet his daughters~ I hung out w/ his sisters, I practically lived there during the later elementary years ( Jr high know) and had lost touch w/ all of them. Cindy did an outstanding job w/ the food as usual, the older boys were as goofy as I remember but it was loving and fun. Matthew got the biggest box in the house, which I had been hopping wasn't going to one of my children. It was Elmo's restaurant and what fun it has been. It was so good to see my sister again, I've missed her and come tomorrow I'll have to miss her again since she and her family are going to Iowa and then back home to Arkansas. I've posted pics below , and I'm sure to blog again soon.

My family @ Christmas

The Sones, Grosse, and church friends

This year we mixed things up a bit, we stayed home for Thanksgivng~ normally we would have been in West Virgina . It was a busy week of get togethers. On Thanksgiving Day we went to my brothers and the great thing is my other brother is stationed here in Illinois and he got to join us. and on that Saturday we went to my sister-in-laws. Tomarrow we will gather again with my family to celebrate a Special Birthday~ Paul is turning one! and Next Saturday will be very special indeed~ It will be the 1st time in a long while that we will all come toghether to celebrate Christmas. My sister and her family are coming home and this will be their first time at meeting the little guy and his mommy. We are all so excited!


Happy 1st Birthday Pauly!

? Amanda, Jackie & Matthew

On the day b4 Thanksgiving. We made a special trip to Lombard to visit Daddy on his work break.

These last few weeks have been somewhat fun, Matthew is talking more & more. The other day while we were lying in bed, ( me somewhat asleep) he told me "get up , I'm done in bed and I'm done sleeping". how cute is that? and when saw a picture of a pool He asked me where his swimsuit was b/c he wanted to go play~ now that took me by surprize! It's so nice he can communicate with me more~ sam = anything with a siren, flow= flavored milk just in case you ever hear him refer to those things but he usually is pretty clear on what he wants.

I just had to share that! Well I Hope everyone is doing good & staying warm. I'm off to bed . Good Night.

Hi, figured I'd update while time allows. Where as before it was just the girls I was contending with, but Matt and Jr have taken a liking to playing& researching things on the computer as well, so I take my few short moments here and there to just play simple games. ~ Today though any computer time was limited~ It was to much of a beautiful day to waste. I took the children and my nephew to Isle la Cache for a picnic and to sight see and it was an added bonus b/c my nephew says he never has been there, and he loved it, we also stopped of at a couple parks to play so hopefully everyone sleeps well tonight. and I was a newbie to something to, I voted for the 1st time ever, and thankfully Jr made it home in time this year to vote as well. ~~
As to the last time I blogged, I've since had to take my digital camera in for repairs, and I'm extremely grateful that this time I had a warranty. and have found fairly good deals on disposable ones for the time being. ~~and I have other great news too, regarding two people we have been praying for, Bob ( my moms boyfriend ) is doing good strength wise , so far so good. and for Daven Edwards, who has that rare lung disease , he is doing really good, had the privilege of spending time w/ him and his family this past Friday evening, I've known of him and have met him but never have really talked w/ him. He is a really nice guy. Well that it'll do it for now~ hope everyone is having a good week.!

This past Saturday was a real treat, My mom, my brother and his family came out to visit and boy was it a busy day. First we headed to an open house at the fire department, that didn't go as smooth as I had planned, Matthew was afraid of the fire trucks so we cut that visit short. Our next stop~ the pumpkin patch farm which the kids really enjoyed~ I too enjoyed myself but I really wasn't into it~ it was hot and very crowded, Matt wanted to ride the horses but the line was very very long so he settled on a train ride with Jackie and then home to a very yummy dinner which my husband had prepared, and to really visit w/ my guests. It was a good day in general and I couldn't be more thankful. (see photos below)

Homecoming / Freshman year.

Jackie above & below w/ her new do Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?great dress, great hair & a beautiful smile

I have to brag about how beautiful Jackie looked before I get to the actual posting, She was just stunning in her new dress w/ this hairdo all compliments of Grandma (Nana) . My mom went all out for Jackie's 1st homecoming dance and I'm so thankful for the bond they share.

I'm excited for Jackie, b/c she'd struggled some all through out elementary and Jr high years, and didn't make friends easily. Her & the girl friends she was reunited w/ have been busy, w/ going to the powder puff football game, the big dance and getting involved w/ clubs at school, she liked student council last year and is currently serving on freshman council, she hopes to play soft ball in the spring. Another reason I'm excited, she's involved and taking opportunities as they come.

Keep up the good work Jackie, I'm proud of you and love you.