Christmas Break

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

I have to start by saying...sorry for not posting for over a month. Dang school gets in the way of sooo much lately. Secondly, I am happy to report that I did well this semester!! Out of my five classes I ended up with four A's and one lonely B. Not bad for sure, but I have to admit I was a lil sad to see the B. With all that said...it is still over and time for BREAK!!!

Today Jayson is helping some friends move so I'm home alone with my girls. We have played some games, done some dishes, cleaned a lil, and now they are off playing while I blog...cause it's a bit theraputic for me. :-) Sunday we have dinner in Mt. Vernon with my step-mom's family right after a stop at the VFW for a Christmas thing there. Monday however, starts the FUN!!!

Monday through Wednesday is non-stop cooking, baking, mixing, spreading, tasting, stiring, just lots and lots of fun. We make cookies, treats, desserts, and yummy stuff for a select few of our friends and family. Not because we don't love them all, but because there are only so many days in the week before Christmas. So if you happen to be a family that does NOT get treats, please don't think we don't love you...there are just five of us and lots of you. We will get ya next year!

As a final word, I have to say how thankful I am to have my husband. I cannot fathom making it through this semester without him. He makes me laugh even when I don't want to, fixes my problems even when he doesn't know he's done it, and best of all...he loves me no matter what. I am NOT the easiest person to be around sometimes, and he loves me regardless. We have our trials and we have our moments, but I would not trade him for anything, and I love him more and more each day. Thank you Jayson for all you do....

Ok, one more thing...I miss my mom a lot this time of year. I know that's normal, and I know that it will get better with time, I'm just wondering...am I wrong to try and avoid it? I used to go out to the cemetary EVERY Christmas, birthday, Easter, 4th of July...like every holiday and put a little something on the gravestone and just "be" there for a minute. Since I started school I keep making excuses to not go. In fact, I have not been out there since the anniversary of her death...in July. Part of me feels bad, but another part of me feels so much better for not going through the pain as much this year. Any thoughts???

Happy 8th Anniversary

WOW!! Eight years has really flown by! That's right as of tomorrow around 5pm-ish we have been married for EIGHT YEARS!!! Not to mention the fact that we were together nearly eight years before getting married. :o)

It has been a fun ride for sure. There are days I'd like to scream at him, and days I'm sure he'd love to scream right back. There are days I can't imagine life without him, and days I'm certain if I love him anymore my heart will burst. Then there are days when I'm sure I'm about to wake up and this has all been some wonderful dream...and yet here I am still.

No doubt about it, I'm a lucky lucky girl...and most of the time I know it! He's an amazing man, a stupendous husband, and the BEST father I have ever known...our girls are so lucky to have him. I sure hope he doesn't read this, his head will never fit through the door again.

Have a wonderful week everyone, and Happy November!! And just in case he does decide to "check out" the blog...

I love you Jayson Bradley Fletcher!!!

Alexis Paige Fletcher

Happy Birthday to the coolest, most amazing, cutest, most adorable six year old I know...

ALEXIS PAIGE FLETCHER!!!

<~~2008 <~~2009

WOW!!! What a difference a year (And a haircut) makes!!!

The main purpose of my blogging this evening (cause heaven knows I am too busy to be doing this) is to remind myself, lmy daughter, and others just how lucky I am to have this girl in my life. She has been such a sweet heart, a terrible terror, and my biggest fan...and that's just yesterday! ;o) Words cannot explain the love I have for her (and all my girls) and just how thankful I am to have them as my children. I know this is sappy, but hey...I'm a momma.

I know I'm not keeping up with the blog nearly as well as I should be...but man school is challenging. For instance...tonight I am studying for a midterm in psychology tomorrow. Tuesday I have a test over 9 chapters in language and literacy for toddlers. Thursday I have a paper due in one of my online classes, then next Tuesday I have a portfolio of a child due in infancy development. I'm breaking a sweat just typing it.

So for those of you who know what I'm talking about...thanks for understanding! For those of you who don't...wanna help me with some homework???

September Already?

It is September...in fact, September is nearly half over! Fall classes are in full swing, and I've even taken my first test. Psychology...yuck yuck yuck. It's a very interesting class, don't get me wrong...I just don't retain a lot of the information the professor lectures on. I'm not sure if it is his awesome stories that distract me, or the obsession I have with writing every thing down in notes. Either way, I miss a lot of lecture...hope that doesn't hurt me.

Biggest news I have to share is this upcoming weekends event. An amazing couple (Jason and Danielle) are getting married this Saturday!! Jayson is the Best Man (of course I already knew that) and I am the Matron (cause I'm old) of Honor. I'm so excited for these two!!! Like Jayson and I, they dated for ever before deciding to tie the knot. As of Saturday September 12th at 5pm...ITS OFFICIAL!!!

In secondary news...this has been a trying time for the health of my family. I'm not exagerating at all when I say I have spent 2 of the past 3 weekends in the ER with one family member or another. Jayson was first on Aug. 30th. He was severly dehydrated, and they said he had a stomach bug...not sure about that one though. Anyway, he rested and rested, drank gallons of Gatorade and within 2-3 days was back to his old self. Unfortunately...a week later (Sept. 5th)Rebecca felt she needed a trip to the ER as well. She went to bed with a stuffy nose Saturday night, woke up around 1am claiming her chest hurt. Next thing I know she is turning blue on me and crying because it hurts...run to the ER...bronchitis. Sent us home with a rescue inhaler, antibiotics, cough medicine, and tylenol for fever (she never got a fever).

Now, as I mentioned before...this weekend is special. Our friends are getting married. I cannot afford another trip to the ER with yet another child and/or husband. What I'm saying is this... quarentine anyone??

Five - Ohhh

AHHHHHH!!!

I did it, I got A's in both my classes this semester, I am soo excited!!

I have to say, I was so freaked out waiting for grades to come in. Jayson was making fun of me for staying up late and checking Blackboard every 30 minutes. Anywho, it's over now and I'm happy that late nights and hard work paid off.

Hopefully it will not be another full semester before I blog again, but just in case it is...Love Ya!!

**feel free to harrass me via email if you just really need an update on my life**

One Down...Four To Go

I did it, I did it I did it!!!! That's right boys and girls, one semester is done. Put into the books, study time over, finals taken...I mean it's done.

I'm so terribly excited to have finished a semester of college (even if it was just on-line courses) that I feel the need to blog. Well, the fact that I haven't written since April helps that too.

Sorry about that really!! I had NO IDEA studying would take up so much of my time. I guess it's true what they say about teaching an old dog new tricks.

So I'd love to tell you that I got an 'A' in both classes, but the truth is, I don't know yet. Grades are due today for the teachers, so hopefully I'll be able to post them tonight. In other words, stay tuned...I'm so excited!!!!

The Secret is Out

I have had a thought in my mind for some time now. An idea that someday when my kids were somewhat grown, and they all attended school, that maybe my life might become my own again. Letting my mind wander with those thoughts let me imagine something that only a VERY FEW close friends knew about. That small idea has grown into a full blown plan and today, I set the plan in motion. I'm sure most of you have no idea what I'm rambling about, so I'll get on with it. It is official, and there is no turning back now, we are going to see what happens...

I know, I know...it's about time right?!?! Oh, and for those of you don't know me really well, you may still be in the dark, so I'll clarify a bit. My nickname is De Mouse, so the funny cartoon is implying (and honestly so) that we are going to see what happens if you take (me) to school.

That's right boys and girls, I'm finally going to school to figure out what I wanna be (besides a momma) when I grow up. It's got me going through quite a roller coaster right now I have to admit. I'm soooo excited to be getting out of the house and doing something that I want to do, and doing it just for me. On the other hand...I'M THIRTY years old. The people at John A. are going to seem like kids to me I just know it. Oh well, better late than never right?!?!

There is yet another aspect of this adventure that has been a bit worried. Yep, you guessed it

Homework!!!!

You would think that after all this time helping Jayson and the girls, I'd be pretty well used to it right? Only, not so much when the homework I'm doing deteremines MY grades or when the homework is above a 3rd grade level. I know, I'm just being silly... At any rate; it's official, I start school this summer in on-line courses, then full time student at John A. Logan in the fall. So wish me luck, pray for me often (he he) and if you have any tips or hints, let me know!!!

Happy Easter 2009

Eggs, and Bunnies, and Candy OH MY!!! Yep, that's right, its Easter time again. Time to break out the plastic eggs, the fake grass, those adorable baskets, and of course the "dye everything in its path" egg coloring kit. This year, we had a picnic with Jayson's family the day before Easter at Paul Ice. The weather was great, just a bit chilly, and the kids had a blast! Here are some "yummy" pictures of the days activities....
Prepare for the egg hunt!
The first egg...RUN!!!
Chelsea and Cole.
Rebecca, Alexis and the same egg.
Tanya and Rodney helping the kids.
This egg took the kids a long time.
The following day was Easter and we had a picnic in Mt. Vernon with Stacy's (step-mom) side of the family. They are really nice people and the girl always have tons of fun there. Stacy's mom makes these amazing cheesy potatoes, and her aunt makes the 2nd best ham ever. The only better ham I've tasted is my dad's...so really no one will ever top that!! Again, I offer you cute pictures of Sunday's fun!!
Rebecca, not sure about the face...
Chelsea found an entire bucket.
Alexis, I caught her eating candy!!
Rebecca was the first to fill her basket.
The kids were searching.
This is my girls very very early Easter morning.
They woke up, saw the Easter baskets and just KNEW it was time to go out and hunt for the 3 DOZEN eggs we had colored and some "bunny" hid. It was an early morning, but it rocked...they make every holiday a little more special. I'm so blessed to have these girls in my life. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and tried to remember the real reason we celebrate this holiday. May you all stay helathy and enjoy the Spring weather...if it ever gets here. Have a wonderful week, blog ya later!!!

March already...

Whoa!! So I looked at the kid's school lunch calendar today and it hit me...MARCH. Well, actually the middle of March already!!! I'm not sure just where this month went, but it has really flown by. We spent all of last week with the girls and Jayson on Spring Break...which was AWESOME!!! We have not had a lot of family time with him lately, so it was a nice change to eat dinner with dad each night.

It seems like the girls were just as busy over break as ever though...birthday parties, sleepovers, church activities, etc. Not that I'm complaining...thier being gone a lot left some time for Jayson and I to catch up to each other a little. Turns out, I did actually marry a person 7 some years ago...I was begining to wonder I tell ya.

Now, we are just a few hours away from Jayson's 32nd birthday, and where is the birthday boy??? School of course...go figure. I mean really, homework over Spring Break; what kind of evil professor does that? Anyway, he is there working diligently while I sit and "play" on the computer...I really should not complain huh.

This has been a good year for us so far...we are still working on our "diet" that we refer to as body training. Its something like training ourselves to eat differently more than restricting ourselves from food. We started a new portion control thing this month, that quickly fizzled out. Turns out it is amazingly difficult to eat valid portions of food and not over-do it when you have NO IDEA what portion sizes are supposed to look like. So now we are on a search to find some information and start portion control in April.

Other news in our life...we are going to be in a wedding. Our GREAT GREAT friends Jason and Danielle (Dee) are getting married this September. They asked Jayson and I to be in thier wedding as best man and matron of honor!!! What an honor for us to be able to stand up with our friends and watch them as they join thier lives together. They are such a cute couple and really work great together...I can't wait to see the cutie baby dolls they have!!!
I guess that's about it for this update, my natives (kids) are restless and really need to get to bed. Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day, enjoy this month, and...SMILE, it makes people wonder what you are up to!!

Haircut Time

My oldest daughter, Chelsea decided it was time to donate her hair again to Locks of Love. She has done this once before and loved it, so here we are again cutting off 12" of hair!! Naturally, when one child gets something, the others belive they too deserve said item. So in good form...all three kids got haircuts tonight. Because they turned out sooooo stinkin adorable, I had to blog about it and of course post pictures. So, without delay, here are the new and improved version of my three beautiful girls and thier haircuts. Enjoy!!!

Change in Habits

Now that it is a new month, it is time for another change in my "dieting" habits. This month Jayson and I decided to go for a challenge, and begin the one plate of food rule. According to the "book" it does not matter how much food is on your plate just as long as you only have the one plate. No seconds, no snacking between meals, and I am also keeping the idea that started all this, and having no sweets, chocolate, candy, etc. except on Sunday.
I know everyone is probablly tired of hearing about my habits, chocolate weakness and the like, so thanks for bearing with me and in some cases even supporting me. Have a great week, and stay warm!!

Discipline

Ok, so my thought is that if I blog about something I am somehow "accountable" for sticking to it. Therefore...I'm blogging to let everyone know I am beginning a new "diet" of sorts. It's less of a diet and more of a way to teach myself self-control and discipline. I began on January 1st having no sweets, candy, chocolate, etc. except on Sundays. And now, three full weeks later, I am still sticking to it!!! Not a big feat for some I'll agree, but for me, it's a huge deal.
In April I start drinking soda only one day a week (prolly Sat. or Sun.) along with the sweets thing. Then if I can conquer both of those, I move on to having only one serving of food (ie. one plate of food) at each meal. Supposedly practicing these things make them a habit and help you to become more in control of what you put into your body. The hope is that while doing all this, I can shed some yucky belly along the way.
And just to give him props, my wonderful husband has stepped up and agreed to go through this with me. Now the sweets thing isn't tough for him, but once we start that one plate of food thing...he might rethink his plan to help me. :) So to all those "dieters" out there who struggle just like me, let me know if you have some ideas or hints or tips, or if you would just like to share your story, I'm all ears. But not bunny ears, cause those would be chocolate. Mmmm, did you say chocolate?!?

Time for a change

Gah!! I am a horrible blogger, I can't believe it has been almost a month. Suprisingly...I have very few updates to talk about. The biggest change in the past month has been my release from Young Womens. I was secretary for right around a year, and got released right after the New Year. I'm both happy and sad about the change. I am thrilled I get to spend some time in Relief Society and get to know some of the new sisters. At the same time, I'm really going to miss the girls I got to know during my time in the YW program. For now, I am a free spirit, with no Sunday calling...sshhh, don't tell anyone.

January also means back to school for yet another semester for Jayson. A bright note to that is, we are "unofficially" at the half-way point of his school career. That is, his school career before his Masters degree anyway. His got a tought work load this semester with his studio class, a steel structures class, and then physics with physics lab. Basically what I'm saying is if you would like to speak to the blur formerly known as Jayson, please leave a message, he'll get back to you sometime in March!!

On another note, Chelsea just turned 9 this past Friday the 16th. It's amazing how fast our girls are growing up. I know it wasn't that long ago they were sitting on my lap asking me to read bedtime stories, and now they barely want to sit beside me...ahhh!! I'm posting a few pics of my "all grown up" girls, and I'm off to bed. Have a wonderful week all.