What a difference a week makes....

Wow..last week we had snow and now it feels like spring. Today was just so pretty. Jeff and I went to the movies and lunch while Ian stayed with the sitter. We stopped by Toys R Us to look at b-day gifts for Ian and ending up buying a bike and giving it to him early. He rode his other one yesterday and it is too small for him, so we knew this was what he actually needed rather than just wanted...like must of the things he asks for on his b-day. He was very surprised and spent a little time today riding his bike. He says he is riding all day tomorrow...guess you know where I will be all day. We knew his grandparents would like the video and since they are having dinner together tonight, I decided to put it on there for them. We are looking forward to Florida, the sun, the sand, the shopping, family time, watching Amanda run, and Illinois...it won't be long now.

Enjoy watching me Grandma Carol , Grandma Carole, Grandpa Johnny, and Grandpa Eddie. I miss you all and love you very much!!!

My personal trainer....ugh...

I know this isn't the best picture, but it the only one I could get right now....anyway the one in the middle...that is my trainer. Her name is Shalmenio Paper and she is 1# in fitness for 2007 and #15 for something else in 2007...I can't remember. She puts me through heck and back...I would never have come this far without her. I was just thinking this morning during my 4 mile warmup before lifting weights that a 4 mile warmup would have been a great workout last year at this time. I must say my body is not what I thought it would be, but I like it better. I wanted to work on being slim...she wanted to work on being tone and defined..the two don't go together. Anyway...I went with what she wanted..and I am addicted....I can't get enough of it. I love working out and feeling my muscles burn...it is so sick, but I like it. I do notice a huge difference in my body tone wise...I now have a butt that is pure muscle rather than fat....I have no giggle under my arms, my legs actually have muscle when I run...not two bones and my keg is becoming a SIX PACK!! She always said it was under there...we just had to find it. I can now do things that I never thought possible. It does feel a little weird working out with all the free weights and such not, but I do really enjoy it vs. the machines and classes. I just hope that I can keep this up because this is great for my future...ya know...40!!! Anyway...her she is...she is strict, smart, demanding, rides me nonstop, etc....everything I needed and more.

I finally did it....

I have been messing with this at least half of the day...I still have a few things to iron out, but overall it was not that difficult. This is someone that barely knows how to turn on a computer!! Anyway...watch and enjoy a few photos I put together of Ian....

Happy Easter....

We awoke yesterday morning(Easter Sunday) to snow!! Who needs the Canary Islands when you have snow for Easter?? Ian and Jeff made the best of it and went out into to snow to build a snowman. The snow melted soon after it came down, but it did make for a fun morning.

Ian had so much fun outside. He loved playing with his dad. I somehow got hit with a snowball...while inside...well I was going to mop anyway...so I let it slide.

What would Easter be without an Easter basket?? Ian got a few pieces of candy and some little toys. He was most excited about the two sharks he is holding up. Jeff is in the process of putting batteries in Ians remote control spider. I always pictured myself buying dolls and purses....who would have thought...I know more about bugs than I ever wanted to know.

We went to the Keisers for dinner. They had several ISE couples over for dinner. We had a great time. Ian had so much fun. He was so tired last night. The kids all had an egg hunt in the snow and they all had a good time.

Ian kept saying that he bet they sure were shocked when they went to that tomb and Jesus was gone....hearing him say the words....EMPTY...and this facial expression is too cute.

A really "good" Good Friday......

I hope everyone enjoyed the day today. Ian is feeling much better, but is still under the weather....we are glad that we canceled our trip. We did take him outside a little bit for some fresh air and he is sound asleep now....good!! He knew today was Good Friday and he knows what it means...he is listening!! The only problem was he got upset when people already knew that today was the day they nailed Jesus to the cross. He thought he was telling others that didn't already know...he was like...they already know..who told them?? He asked alot of questions about nailing Jesus to the cross...like did it bleed....did they break bones...did they use a hammer...good questions for a 4 year old. I think he was so focused on Jesus dying so that we could live...he didn't think about how he died.
I was just thinking of the gift that God gave me...us...you...sending his Son to die on the cross for our sins. As I saw yesterday...seeing your son in pain is hard...even if you know the outcome...it hurts while it is happening. I thought alot today about Jesus and the price that he paid for me to live. I sometimes get so caught up in the flesh world that I wouldn't say I forget...but, I just don't realize just how BIG that is....wow!!! I have been offered the gift of eternal life....PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!

Life....Life...Life....

Today has been one of "those" days...ya know...we've all had them. I dropped Ian off at school, went to exchange my pounds for euros, pick up some last minute snacks for the flight, etc. I came home to finish our packing before heading to Staceys for a playdate with the kids. The school called and Ian was sick. I had just dropped him off only one hour ago..anyway...he was sick!! He was shaking and had a fever. He still wanted to go to Edens, but I had to nix that plan. Anyway, to make a long story short...Canary Islands...canceled!! Ian has the flu....doctor thinks it will pass in 48 hours. I will write about that visit later...for all of my Democratic friends that think Socialized medicine would be great....HA...HA...HA!!! I will save that one for later.
Jeff and I are not upset for some odd reason...we both were like ok...we are not going. We were both looking forward to this trip, but we will have others. We do have plans for the weekend...you know it is our anniversary and Easter. We already have plans to stay home and enjoy ourselves for our 11th anniversary and on Easter we are going to celebrate with friends here in the UK...if Ian is feeling up to it.
I think the main problem is I have PMS....yes, I do!! I have cried about 5 times today. Not for long, but I have cried. I missed my mom, than I missed my Aunt Bea, than I talked with my sister about something and I said Amanda is like my daughter (Grant like my son), than I cried because I have great friends here, than I cried because I have great friends at home...you get the point...I guess it was more than 5 times. The only thing I didn't cry about was not going to Canary Islands.
I am going to hold my little baby somemore. He is sound alsleep by me and I just want to cuddle him up in my arms and...probably cry again. I can say that all of my tears have been good ones today because I am have all these great people in my LIFE!!

Growing up so fast....

It is amazing how quickly Ian is growing up!! I am in the process of sorting pictures for his baby book and scrap books. Jeff and I couldn't believe how much we had forgotten about Ian. He was such a good baby...not sleeper...good baby. He wore the cutest little clothes..I couldn't find one picture with the same outfit on him. It is amazing all the we forgot...first smile, first tooth, first haircut, first soild food, etc...each one was so cute. He is now approaching 5 and it just seems like yesterday that we were on our way to the hospital. I have loved every stage for something different....each one also comes with difficulties also. He is really a special little boy. He comes up with such funny things....what you ask.....
1. he wants to marry me because he thinks his dad is getting old and may die soon
2. he doesn't EVER want to get married because girls are too much trouble
3. he wants to be a firefighter, doctor, vet, and work at Cat...he will be busy
4. he doesn't want to get old because "old men" can't hear....unless they get hearing aids
5. he has the prettiest mom in all the world (melts my heart)
6. he doesn't need school...claims he already knows everything he needs to know

I could go on and on....he makes us laugh every day. The best is a little personal but I will share...he happened to come in while I was in the shower. He asked later what had happened to my penis...I explained I didn't have one because I was a girl. He talked about "ba-ginas" for a couple of weeks and moved on..until yesterday!! A girl at school had an accident and took it upon herself to take off her tights, underwear, and shoes. She had her dress lifted up and she was exposed while getting her new clothing on....I didn't even think Ian noticed. When we got home he was like...do you think she was born that way...with no penis?? I explained that all girls are born like that....he nods and says ok. I ask him what he thought before...he thought your penis fell off in the toliet when you have a baby?? I have no idea where he gets this from, but he was dead serious. He than wanted to know if his dad knew this...I said he does...that was it..not mentioned again...at least for now.

Photos and Vocab.....

This is a photo of the front of our home. I keep forgetting that most of you that read this haven't been here so I thought I would give some insight...we live in a very small villiage...only one street. We really like it here...great neighbors, very safe, and very close to Oundle...next town over...only about a 1 minute drive.

This is located at the end of our street. We also have a bus stop that is used my many in the village. A double decker bus comes around several times a day to pick up and drop off. Yes...people do use this...I still can't figure out why.

Our post box. They don't take your mail at your home...only deliver. We walk down to the post to mail our letters and such.

I thought life here was going to be so easy because they speak English....think again!!! When they talk fast....I don't have a clue. The ISE's here have gotten a list of words together that are commonly used, but they are not our words...I will share a few with you each post for awhile. I am getting used to those words now, but I would just stand and stare at the beginning. The phrase that mixed me up most is...Are you alright??? I was like....yea, I am fine...I couldn't figure out why everyone thought something was wrong with me. OK....it basically means...hi...how are you...not is everything ok.

More vocab....

bangers-sausages

bin-garbage can

biscuits-cookies

bloke-guy

bonnet of car-hood

boot of car-trunk

canteen-school lunch room

cellotape-scotch tape

cheeky-naughty

cheers-thanks

chemist-pharmacy

chips-french fries

chuck-throw

coach-bus

cooker-over

cot-crib

cotton buds-q tips

crisps-potato chips

These are only a few of the many more to come....

The Joy Of Giving Birth.....

Ian had a field trip today at his school. We went to a sheep farm. We had a GREAT time. We got to see a couple of baby lambs being born. It was so cool. I thought that Ian would get sick with all the blood and mucus, but he was fine. The top photo is the lambs that are pictured below after being cleaned by their moms. She has one, starts cleaning that one, has another one, and continues to clean the first one. After the first one is clean she moves to the second one and starts to clean. All the while she makes eye contact with the first one and makes a sound(sheep talk) for the first one to come to her and nurse. That encourages it to stand on its own!! It does and than she does that with the second one. After she cleans them they look so cute!! The are so white and wooly...it makes you want to just hug it!! Anyway, it was amazing to say the least...it was a wonderful experience that we will remember for a long while.

See all the mucus and blood. It didn't even make it gag...he gags at anything. He asked if that was what it was like when he was born. I only wish I would have popped him out in some hay and went on about my day. I wonder if sheep get post depression after giving birth??? I will go back next week and see if any of them is crying, complaining of sleepless night, sore nipples, etc...I think we are probably the only ones that do the complaining.

Isn't he sooo cute!!!!

Girls Night Out.....

We went to dinner at Beckys house last night and had a great time. It is so nice to get together and just visit without husbands and kids. We do end up talking about husbands and kids, but we have alot of laughs while doing it. We usually try to do something about twice a month. Their are loads of great people here from the states, but our busy schedules don't allow us to get together as often as we would like to visit. The food was great!! I ate way too much, but that is part of the fun.

I also found out that some of you may be seeing my writing in blue. I don't know why this is happening. Everyone that it has happened to has a MAC compter so assume that is the issue. Anyway...I am not writing in blue on a brown background!!

Tomorrow we go on a Field trip to Melbourne Farm. Ian is very excited about it. I assume it will be a mud pit with lots of animals...just what I like...yea!! I will be sure to take some photos.

You are going home again.....

Ian and I only have one month left and we are in Florida and Illinois!!! We are so looking forward to getting to the beach and enjoying family time. Our trip to Illinois will also be great because I will get to spend time with my parents and other family members. Amanda will be running track at Metamora...it should be a good season. I would love to see her win state...again...but I will be back in England by than...well...I will be there for your senior year!! Ian can't wait to plant some flowers with my mom and dad. He loves doing stuff like that and I will take pictures and video...a little overboard...yea...but I do this for a reason. I really never talk about this much in detail because I hate to get the pit in my stomach and various other emotions that rip me apart.

Three years ago I remember sitting in the ICU waiting room and thinking...this can't be me...I am too young to lose my mom...we just had lunch yesterday...it was all like a nightmare. One day she appeared ok and the next day laying with a machine give her the ability to breath. I just kept asking God for some direction in this...my sister, my dad, and I where at the hospital around the clock. I had this baby at home and I (we) needed her to live. It is still like a whirl wind of them telling us she wasn't going to make it through the night on her own...remind you...we just had lunch the day before!! Time was at a stand still....except when they would call a family back...to unhook a machine...they would come out and cry...gather belongings and go home. It just didn't seem right...the world was still going on and my mom is on her death bed!!!
I remember the doctor giving us our options...alive with machines or take her off and see if she can do it. I will never forget driving home and thinking that we had a decision to make. I remember climbing into my bed, holding Ian, and just begging God to give me another chance with my mom...I started thinking crazy thoughts...she could live with all these machines..we could make it work...I think I was trying to bargin with God. I had lots of support, but only my sister knew how I felt. You only have one mom!!!
That night we Tammy and I talked for hours and finally settled on take her off and let her live without them or die. My dad agreed with this decision. The next day...it was surreal...it was only the 3 of us at the ICU...unusual because we had so much support. They came out and told us to go in and visit with her. I remember we were telling her it was up to her...my sister and I left and gave my dad a few moments and than we returned to the waiting room. They came out and asked if we would like to stand outside the room while they did it. My dad declined...my sister and I accepted the offer. We held hands and said a pray that he would do his will and we would understand and move forward. As I looked in one last time I again said that if given a second chance...I would never let a day go by without telling her I love you, I would enjoy a cup of coffee with her when she felt like it, I would make some memories for Ian, I wouldn't take her for granted, and so many other things that are too much too list.
I still remember standing there for what seemed like hours...but it wasn't...they uphooked the machine. SHE DID IT!! The next few days again where crazy. We had machines delivered to the house, she would have a wear oxygen, and various other things that are so the norm nowdays. I still look back and can't believe she was almost gone. I know that when she does leave this world...I will be sad..but I got my second chance...what a gift!! There is so much more to this story, but most of you whom are reading this already know the whole story. I really cut this one short...
I guess what brought all this us is because someone asked me why I go home so much when I could travel all of Europe. My answer is...my above story...when you almost lose something than get it back...it is all the more important to me. I know in my future I will enjoy those family photo albums rather than my travel ones....no questions asked!! That is not to say we haven't enjoyed our trips we've taken thus far...we have!!!
I really do wish my parents could come here..I think my dad will, but my mom just couldn't make the trip...too much involved.
Anyway...the joke is...I go home everyother month....I only wish it was that much!!!

I need more sleep....

I finally had to be the "bad guy" and put a stop to all the late night partying going on between Ian and his dad. Ian has been staying up until about 8:30 everynight and getting up at about 8:00 in the morning. He has been a real grouch to say the least. I finally explained bedtime is 7:30!!! We read our Bible as a family and than it is lights out for Mr. Ian. He is so much happier when he gets his sleep...just like mommy! He needs about 13 hours each night.
He has been wearing this hat to bed. Mind you it is a size 2T and he is 4 years old. He saw it on a show and thinks it is cool. I take it off when I go to bed because it would get too hot. Kids look so innocent and sweet when they sleep. He is just so fun. Today we went to the park and he kept telling all the girls that they could go first because the rule is.."ladies first"...all the moms loved it. We have been going over good manners around other and it must be working. I just need to work on good manners around the house. He has started burping...saying excuse me...than laughing...ok...not funny. I know it will pass, but my fear is it will start at the other end. Not pretty.

Are these guys "hot" or what.....

A couple of weeks ago we got together for dinner and drinks with some friends. Here is a picture of the guys (Kent, Jeff, Dan, and Dave) I also have a picture of us girls, but I need to find it in my files. Anyway...just thought you may like to see some of the people we hang out with while in England.
By the way, it has been said that these are 4 of the "hottest" guys in England. Andy Kieser is on the list also, but he was ill that night...we are some lucky ladies.

Ian's eye is doing much better...he is kind of enjoying having the cut and bruise. He always wants to look at it. He is getting so much more social...I know some of you didn't think that was possible...well it has happened. He keeps inviting people over to the house. I don't mind having friends over, but strangers are another story. I keep telling him that he needs to stop doing that because one day someone we don't know will take us up on that offer....his response...them we will know them....yep...he is my son.

A couple of days ago Jeff called Uncle Louis's cell phone to hear his voice one more time. Ian heard us discussing that Jeff missed him and had wanted to hear his voice so he explained that we should just call God and ask to speak with Louis. Kids come up with the cutest most innocent things ever.

Happy Mum's Day--in England that is...

This weekend was one of those weekend when I really got stuff done!! I went through my clothes, Ian's clothes, and some more of Jeff's...we are getting rid of 3 big bags full. It is amazing how much we have and don't use...I love getting rid of stuff. I got the house and cars cleaned also...I was on it this weekend!!

I must say that I was in a BAD mood yesterday. Do you ever just wake up and your in a mood...well...I did and I was!! I got over it somewhat quickly, but still I just hated ENGLAND yesterday...the traffic, the cost of everything, the size of everything, etc..I just wanted to go to Target and shop. Although, the mood I was in I would have hated wherever I was yesterday.

Today was much better...Ian and I were alone most of the day because Jeff went fly fishing. We cleaned the cars and ran some errands. Jeff returned home about 4:00 with dinner...yes...dinner!! He caught 2 rainbow trout. Since it is Mum's Day here, I headed off the the gym to workout and they stayed home. When I arrived home dinner was cooked, a glass of wine poured, and flowers on the table. It was very nice. I really hadn't planned on celebrating Mum's Day. The day ended with Ian running into the post of the stairs. It now looks like he has been hit in the eye. I am sure the neighbors will assume it was by me when I was in my "bad mood"...it really looks bad. That is my weekend...only a few more weekend until the Canary Islands...of yea...and a bikini...better hit the gym tomorrow!!