It's a Pierle Hamily Fug!

I am alive

2009-05-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

I know...it's hard to believe. I miss blogging. I really do. I miss capturing all those moments, but lately, I haven't even had time to think about my moments.

I'm done! I did it! I made it through taking 11 hours of classes, working full time and raising a family (with a TON of help from Eric!!)! But, I did it!

I'm so glad my semester is over, but I'm ready to keep on keepin on. Gotta love Joe Dirt!

Things are great. I have 2 weeks off before I start summer school. I am quitting working full time and will hopefully have more time for the family and for studying. I'm anxiously awaiting the beginning of June when I will find out if I made it into the program...so keep your fingers crossed.

The kiddos are doing GREAT! Mason is getting way too big and so is Savannah. I seriously can't believe she is going to be 2 in about a month. That's just messed up. I'm going to go find some pictures to post because it's been awhile! :)

I totally suck!

2009-03-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Seriously. I suck.

I haven't blogged in over 3 months. :(

However, when you think about all the things and accomplishments that I have had in the last 3 months, that may explain it! ;-)

First off, I started back to school in January. I'm taking 11 hours of classes on top of working full time. So, my free time is spent with Mason, Savannah, Eric, My anatomy book and notes, my statistics book and notes and psychology. Nuts! :) Classes are going GREAT! I'm loving it, even though it's a TON of work! I just keep saying that it'll all be worth it in the end!

One of my other major accomplishments is that I've lost over 20 lbs! YAY ME! I started back on weight watchers and it's been GREAT! I haven't been this skinny in over 5 years! I'm very excited about it! :) I'm also super proud of Eric...he's lost 20 lbs too and is going to run the Mini Marathon! I think that our losing weight and exercising together has been really helpful individually!

The kiddos are doing great! Savannah is starting to really talk a lot! I was getting worried, but she's coming around. She's got one HECK of an attitude, which makes every day a little more interesting than the next. :) Mason is going through a little bit of a testing phase. He's always testing Eric and I and how far he can go. It's fantastic! NOT!!!!

Here are some updated pics....I'll try to update more often!

My quirky little girl.

2008-12-31T05:12:00.001-08:00

Let me start with this...

Here is my Vannah on Sunday morning. Just playing along with her new kitchen set. Keep in mind, Santa CHOSE this kitchen because of all of the features on the bottom including the refrigerator, oven, etc. however, the only thing she wants to play with is the microwave...so after catching her climbing on top of it a few times, we brought a step stool over...and now she's content.

Please note...the shoes. This girl LOVES shoes. Seriously. What's even more interesting is that the shoes that she loves the most are Mason's! She gets home from school everyday, takes her shoes off, and puts a pair of his on. It's insane!

What I'm trying to say is that she cracks me up! I guess it makes her so loveable...even through her drama queen fits that she throws!!!!

Tell me Santa...by Mason...

2008-12-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

We had another Santa encounter, this time at my work.

Check us out...

Here are just a few of the MANY questions that Mason asked Santa Claus.

Santa, why do you have boots on OVER your tennis shoes?

Santa, why do you have a hat on?

Santa, where do you live?

Why do you live in the North Pole?

Where is the North Pole?

Where are your reindeer?

Where is your sled?

Where did you get my present at Santa?

He sure is ONE inquisitive little boy!

Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a BOW!!!

2008-12-22T11:25:00.001-08:00

I was just a little (jumping up and down screaming) excited!

I know...I know...

2008-12-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile. Eric and I went to Vegas and it's been crazy at work and I've lacked the time to update my blog. :(

Let me start with a funny post.

Mason and Santa. :)

Ask Mason what he's asking Santa for Christmas and he says everytime...a Lighting McQueen Race track. And for 3, saying the same thing and being that consistent means a lot!

So, last weekend, at Eric's work, they hosted a Breakfast with Santa...and Mason was SO excited to see Santa and tell him what he wanted. So, he gets on Santa's lap....

tells santa what he wants..."A Lightning McQueen race track" and chit chats for a few.

Mason gets down from Santa's lap...looks at me and says..."Well, where's my race track?"

I had to explain to him that Santa doesn't bring the presents until Christmas, etc. It was hilarious! I love that kid!

Treats on Thursday!

2008-12-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

I will continue my theme of things I love about the winter to add one of my favorite winter treats.

If you don't know already...I am addicted to candy cane EVERYTHING!

I bathe myself in Candy Cane scented body wash. Spray my candy cane perfume. Burn a candy cane candle and indulge in these fantastic creations....

That's right my friends....some DE-Lightful Candy Cane Kisses. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love them.

If you love me...go out and buy me a bag for Christmas now. :) I'll wait.... :)

YUM!!!!!

Confession: I LOVE snow!

2008-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

I do.

I admit it.

I LOVE snow.

I love the chill in the air, and the beauty it brings to outside. I love how pretty snow on top of Christmas lights are. I love getting all bundled up to go outside and play in it!

It just makes me feel cozy and I really appreciate the beauty of it!

I remember sitting at our front window and just watching it come down when I was growing up and later hoping for at least 5 inches so we could have a snow day! :)

Granted, its not fun to drive in and it makes people forget how to drive, but I really do love it!

There's only about 1/2 an inch outside right now, but it just makes me happy. :)

A touching ending to a trying day!

2008-11-26T06:32:00.001-08:00

So yesterday was one of those days that is just hard on a mom.

Taking the kids to school yesterday was just awful. Savannah had a major breakdown and wouldn't stop crying for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Mason, fighting for my attention, started doing the same exact thing. It was heartbreaking. Again, Mason had to be pulled off of me when I left. I HATE that part about working...I really do. We did however get to go have a special Thanksgiving day lunch with the kids, that was overshadowed by another rough leave by me with Savannah. I was just spent emotionally the whole day.

Now...to the touching part. :)

Eric was bowling so the kiddos and I hung out and had a fun evening. Wherever Mason was, Savannah wanted to be. It was about Savannah's bedtime and I was trying to get her to sit with me on my chair. She wanted nothing to do with it. She walked over to Mason on Daddy's recliner and just kept patting to get up there. Mason looks up at me and says, "momma...I don't have any room!" Cue the Savannah crying breakdown. Mason then moves his sleeping bag, Toby and car out the way and gently pats his lap for his sister to join him. It was the sweetest thing.

So, I helped Savannah up and she was instantly at ease on Mason's lap. They just laughed and watched the show together. Mason would occasionally look down at his sister and cuddle up closer to her. It was so adorable. A few minutes later, Vannah was asleep...happy and content with her big brother Mason! :)

I am very thankful that a moment like that overshadowed the trying episodes of earlier that day. From the hardest parts of being a mom to the BEST parts of being a mom. What a way to end the evening. :) It is really just an amazing thing watching my children protect and love each other....amazing!

Fun Christmas Get to Know You! :)

2008-11-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
For the majority of gifts, I prefer to wrap...I don't like to challenge myself too much so if it's a hard item to wrap, I will use a gift bag!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial and Pre-lit

3. When do you put up the tree?
I was just talking to Eric about this today! I was hoping to do it this weekend! Usually right before Thanksgiving or the weekend of Thanksgiving!

4. When do you take the tree down?
New Year's Day or right around there

5. Do you like eggnog?
YUCK! No thanks!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Not sure...maybe my Barbie McDonalds set. Those little cheeseburgers were DEFINITELY a choking hazard!

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Usually Eric, or my Grandma!

8. Easiest to buy for?
The kiddos...I have a hard time stopping!

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope.

10. Do you send cards or email cards?
Send cards. :) usually with pics of the family on them. :)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Wow...don't know or remember!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Definitely National Lampoons Christmas Vacation! DEFINITELY! I am one of those that HATES...I repeat HATES The Christmas Story and I don't see anything remotely funny about it!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually the day after Thanksgiving

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yep.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Delicious potatoes, buckeyes, delicious yummy food! Oh, and Peppermint White Mocha's from Starbucks. :)

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes, and they are colored

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (although my favorite at the moment is This Christmas)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
We travel to visit the families on christmas...

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Of course....Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitsen and of course Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Neither...I do a snowman! :)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The Christmas Story movie! :)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I LOVE Snowmen...I have them EVERYWHERE!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Delicious potatoes...:) Have I mentioned I love them???

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I want to really enjoy the time with the kids this year! I'm looking forward to it!

A Humbling Day!

2008-11-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Today, I am not going to work! YAY! :)

Ok, that's not what's humbling.

About 5 years or so ago, after hearing the Make A Wish Request a thon on a local radio station, I decided that I really wanted to get involved with the Make a Wish Foundation, a foundation that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. Something about the tears and the joy in the voices of the parents and the kids who had their wishes granted struck me. I felt compelled to help with not only donations, but my time.

That is when I became a Wish Granter volunteer with the MAW foundation. I've been fortunate enough to help over 8 children with their wishes over the past few years. It is truly one of the most rewarding experiences that I've ever been a part of. I get to meet the families and find out their wishes, and the joy and excitement and awe that these families have knowing that we take the time and the organization funds this family trip make it all worthwhile.

I will say that when I first started, I was not a parent, and now that I am a parent, I feel even more compelled to help because I am SOOOOO fortunate that both of my children are healthy. The strength that I see from the children I have met is amazing. AMAZING!

So, this afternoon, I'm heading to the WZPL studios to answer phones for a few hours for the Request a Thon. I've done it every year since I started volunteering and I love it! The goal is to raise $199,000 dollars in the 36 hours! They've exceeded their goals every year. :)

So, if you're in the Indy area...call 317-239-1099 to donate and you get to request ANY song too! Who knows, maybe I'll be the one to pick up the phone! :)

Warning...You Might Pee Your Pants!!!

2008-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

So, my good friend Shannon posted on her blog that she is currently obsessed with the website Cake Wrecks.

Intrigued, I decided to visit it myself.

Seriously, I've spent a good 45 minutes CRACKING UP! There are photos of how cakes have gone horribly wrong (spelling...things don't quite look right etc.)

I can't stop laughing.

Please, I beg you...if you need a laugh...check it out...

One of my favorites...

The cake is supposed to say, "Happy Birthday You Old Bastard!"

You'll thank me later. :)

Amazing Series!

2008-11-11T12:52:00.001-08:00

If I haven't already told you about my love for reading....

I. LOVE. TO. READ.

My favorite books right now are the Twilight series. After hints (PLEADING) by my friend Kris to pick up Twilight and get sucked in. I did it. I bought the book. It was awesome. I love it! I am now 1/2 way through book 2 (new moon) and book 3 and 4 are on their way {hurry Amazon...hurry!}

It's been awhile (Harry Potter) since I have gotten so caught up in a story. I dream about it. I think about it, a lot! It also doesn't help that the Twilight movie is coming out on November 21st and I'm seeing movie trailers!!! :)

So, if I haven't hinted enough already, to those of you that haven't read it yet.

Pick up Twilight. You'll thank me. :)

{End of Public Service Announcement}

Whoopins.

2008-11-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

Last night on the way home from school (when all the deep conversations about life take place) Mason was telling me all about his day. He was telling me about how he saw a HUGE Jet at school and how loud it was. He then went on to talk about how when we go to Disneyworld someday, HE's going to fly the jet.

I calmly explained that he can't fly the jet now, so he corrected and said that he wants to do it when he's bigger.

Then, being the super mom that I am (:-)) went on to tell him, "Honey, you can be anything you want to be...anything in this world!"

Cue complete silence in the backseat.

Mason then says, "Well, than I want to be Piderman (his rendition of Spiderman)"

Mason continues, "I'm gonna be Piderman and I'm gonna shoot Whoopins and get the bad guys."

"Whoopins" I say? I'm of course thinking of getting spanked, etc.

Then I realize he means WEAPONS! I immediately cracked up. I like Whoopins a whole lot better anyway. :) The things he says just CRACKS. ME. UP.

I Voted!

2008-11-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Whoo hoo! I've got my sticker to prove it. Unlike many lucky people here in Indiana, I had to wait over 2 hours (including 1/2 hour outside at 7:30 a.m.) to rock my vote!

I will admit that I felt very PROUD to have casted my vote! YAY me!

I was also excited that I got about 200 pages of New Moon read while in line too!

Seriously? November?

2008-11-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

What the HECK happened to October...or September for that matter. It's November. There are officially 51 days until Christmas.

Where does the time go?

October was a crazy month for us...filled with exciting times...such as:

My first FALL Vera trip! Whoo hoo!
A very exciting Pizza train ride with Grandma and Grandpa, which whenever Mason thinks we are going to go to a park, he thinks we are going on a pizza train too! :)
A fun birthday party!
TWO trips to the pumpkin patch
Beautiful family pictures were taken
Mason's 3rd Halloween and Vannah's 2nd halloween!

I'm tired just thinking about it, and those were just on the weekends! If the trends follow, I'm sure that November will be just as exciting and busy. :)

I have so many things that I hope to get accomplished in November... how about you? What are your goals for this month that will be over before we know it?!

Halloweens of Past!

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! One of my favorite holidays! I thought it would be fun to go through and find some old halloween pictures...let's see what I've got! :)

One of my all time favorite pics of Eric...him and his scary faces! :) You can see right there why I married him! :) (I can't even begin to tell you how long it took him to get his hair to do that. It was so stiff... {that's what she said! (I couldn't resist!)}!!!

Mason in 2006...Arrrgh!

Last year...my little unicorn angel! :)

Mason LOVES to dress up in costumes....Here his is a monkey...and as Tigger:

Tonight Mason will be Spiderman...a muscular Spiderman at that, and Vannah will be a witch! Pictures to be posted soon!

I actually had to dress up for work today. We have to decorate our area and we are doing a haunted pumpkin patch. I will be a cowboy. Stay tuned for that excitement! :)

Happy Halloween to my favorite ghouls and goblins!

Thursday Threes

2008-10-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

Three of my Halloween candy favorites that we’ve been known to steal from my kids’ trick or treat bags…

Twix!!! YUM!
Sixlets...I LOVE these! I remember these were my favorite when I got these trick or treating!
Sweet tarts! I can't refuse!

What are YOURS?

I've been RANDOMLY Tagged!

2008-10-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

The Godmother was so gracious to tag me! Now I need to post 7 random facts about myself and tag 7 people.My 7 random facts are (in no particular order):

1. When I eat waffles, I am very particular about how I put the syrup on them. I have to fill up each hole one at a time and so no extra goes on the plate. Wierd...I know. :-)

2. I was never a big sports person, but got involved in Karate in high school. I was in it for 3 years and actually competed in some national tournaments.

3. I am the worlds biggest nerd. I LOVE school. I miss it. I once took a extra semester of anatomy and physiology in college just because I liked it so much!

4. I have never been to Europe but have always wanted to go!

5. I HATE to cook.

6. I love giving my kiddos funny nicknames...(ie I call Mason "chicken face" for some ungodly reason!)

7. I really don't like what I'm doing right now and I'm seriously considering changing my WHOLE career!

Ok...I'm tagging:

Amy, Julie, Leah, Justin , Cheryl, Jean and Karen!

He's a Pierle!

2008-10-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise. My son has come from a long line of boob men.

Last night...we were getting ready for bed.

One of my bras was sitting on the nightstand in my bedroom.

Mason: "Momma...what's that. What is it used for?"

Momma: (not wanting to go into this explanation tonight) "Honey, don't worry about it, it's just something that momma wears."

Mason (smiling with an evil grin...he grabs the bottom of my shirt): "Is it for your BOOBS???!"

I seriously snorted I was laughing so hard.

At 3, the boy sure knows boobs and all that goes along with them. I have a long 15 years ahead of me!

Have You Ever???

2008-10-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

What I have done is in red: There are a lot of these I've never done, but I would LOVE to do! :)

Bought everyone in the bar a drink
Swam with wild dolphin
Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
Been inside a Pyramid
Held a tarantula
Taken a candle lit bath
Said I love you and meant it
Hugged a Tree
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightening storm at sea
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
Seen the Northern Lights
Gone to a huge sports game
Walked the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Grown and eaten your own vegetables
Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars
Changed a baby’s diaper
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Watched a meteor shower
Gotten drunk on champagne
Given more than you can afford to charity
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Bet on a winning horse
Asked out a stranger
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Held a lamb
Seen a total eclipse
Ridden a rollercoaster
Hit a home run
Danced like a fool, not caring who watched
Adopted an accent for an entire day
Actually felt happy about your life, even for a moment
Had two hard drives for your computer
Visited all 50 states
Taken care of someone who was too drunk
Had amazing Friends
Danced with a Stranger in a foreign country
Watched wild whales
Stolen a sign
Hitchhiked in Europe
Taken a road-trip
Gone rock climbing
Midnight walk on the beach
Gone sky diving
Visited Ireland
Been heartbroken longer than you were in love
In a restaurant sat at a stranger’s table and ate with them
Visited Japan
Milked a cow
Alphabetized your CDs
Pretended to be a superhero
Sung karaoke
Lounged around in bed all day
Posed nude in front of strangers
Gone scuba diving
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Played in the rain
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
Toured ancient sites
Taken a martial arts class
Played a computer game for more than 6 hours straight
Gotten married
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Gotten divorced
Gone without food for 5 days
Made cookies from scratch
Won first prize in a costume contest
Ridden a gondola in Venice
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Been on television news program as an “expert”
Got flowers for no reason
Performed on a stage
Been to Las Vegas
Recorded Music
Eaten shark
Had a one-night stand
Gone to Thailand
Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Buried one/both of your parents
Been on a cruise ship
Spoken more than one language fluently
Performed in Rocky Horror
Raised children
Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
Picked up and moved to another city
Walked on the Golden Gate Bridge
Sang loudly in the car and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
Had plastic surgery
Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have
Wrote articles for a large publication
Lost over 100 lbs
Held someone while they were having a flashback
Piloted an airplane
Petted a stingray
Broken someone’s heart
Helped an animal give birth
Won money on a TV game show
Broken a bone
Gone on an African safari
Had a body part below the neck pierced
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Eaten mushrooms gathered in the wild
Ridden a horse
Had major surgery
Had a snake as a pet
Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Slept for more than 30 hours over 48 consecutive hours
Visited more foreign countries than US States
Visited all 7 continents
Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
Eaten Kangaroo meat
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the paper
Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
Gone back to school-I'm in the process of this! YAY!
Parasailed
Petted a cockroach
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Read the Illiad
Selected one important author who you missed school to read
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Skipped all of your school reunions
Communicated with someone without sharing a common language
Been elected to public office
Written your own computer language
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
Had to put someone you love in hospice care
Build your own PC from parts
Sold your own artwork to someone that didn’t know it was yours
Had a booth in a street fair
Dyed your hair
Been a DJ
Shaved your head
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life

My beautiful girl!

2008-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday and I caught this beautiful pic of my baby girl! :) I could seriously take pics of her all day!

Things you never thought you would say

2008-10-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

"Vannah! Get your hands out of Mason's bootie!"

As Mason was standing at the potty going, Vannah reached out for his bootie...laughing.

The things you never think you would say during a normal day! This motherhood thing is pretty funny sometimes!

What a GREAT Weekend!

2008-10-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

We had a blast! :)

On Saturday, we headed to Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch and had an awesome time! After that, we went to catch the train at the Indiana Transportation Museum. He hopped aboard the Pizza Train. It was a 45 minute ride up to Tipton where we hopped off the train and went to the Pizza King and had dinner. We caught the train back a few hours later! Mason loved the train. It even rocked him to sleep on the way down there! :)

Here are some adorable pictures!

I do want to give a HUGE shoutout to my friend Cheryl who made the adorable shirt that Mason's wearing. "All Aboard the Pierle Express! How perfect was this shirt for Mason's first train ride?! :)

Gloomy Wednesday

2008-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a crazy week! It started great! I came fresh out of my Vera weekend for the Fall outlet sale! We had a BLAST! I had such a good time and spent way too much on vera! :) Surprise, surprise! :)

On Tuesday, we got a call saying that we had our first offer on the house. It wasn't a great offer, but we were excited still. Fast forward to this morning at 9. The other party decided to reject our counteroffer and pull out of the housing market all together. :( Boo!

We were getting excited at the prospect of moving, especially as I'm continuing to make plans for my new exciting endeavor. It would be nice to be moved, although, I don't think it's going to happen.

Ugh!

All in all, it's a gloomy Wednesday here in Indianapolis and for the Pierle family!

Boo! Welcome October!

2008-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am to wake up to the crisp fall mornings! LOVE THEM! I know, I'm one of those rare people that loves the cold weather! I love sweatshirts and sweaters....LOVE IT!

I'm so excited about our fall activities that we have planned for this month already! Most of them are focused around Halloween for my Spiderman and my adorable little witch, but it's going to be great!

To celebrate the start of fall and to welcome the creepy ghouls and goons, let me share with you a give-away my friend Cheryl is having on her Wishing Star Creations blog! She's giving away three personalized Halloween Trick or Treat Bags. She does the embroidery herself, and her stuff is top quality and altogether too cute.

Click HERE to see the contest. All you have to do is submit a comment to be entered to win. Check out her other goodies while she's over there!

While you're at it, you should also check out her other business, Wokits - gorgeous, educational toys and other personalized things for your little one.

Question of the day...

2008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Is it sad that...???

On the radio this morning, they were asking trivia questions in a game. One of the questions was, "Name 3 of the 5 members of NSync."

Is it sad that I could answer it?!

Is it also sad, that once I got to work, I picked NSync on my iPod and jammed away to the wonderful boy band songs that they produced?

This is a rhetorical question, of course :)

Works for Me Wednesday

2008-09-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

It is Wednesday right? Forgive me, I'm fighting a beast of a cold! This week's WFMW is a book. A book that always makes my kiddos laugh....

SkippyJon Jones...Up and Down...

I feel it's necessary to tell you that there are actions associated with each page. Vannah and Mason's favorite is sniffing NEAR and FAR...it is then that I proceed to sniff like a dog each of them. I think more than the book, I treasure the page before, when they both know the sniffing page is coming up and they get all tense and excited! I love it!

My second favorite thing...seeing Vannah wrinkle up her nose and try to mimic the sniffing.

It's PRICELESS!!!!

I've been tagged! My First Baby:

2008-09-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

Wilma tagged me!

Me and My First Baby

Were you married at the time?
Yep...we were married for over 2 years...

What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant?
SOOO excited! We had been trying for awhile!

How old were you?
24

How did you find out you were pregnant?
Home pregnancy test.

Who did you tell first?
Eric was there when we took the test, so he knew first, then I told my mom at lunch that day.

Did you want to find out the sex?
Oh yeah!

Due date:
September 4, 2005

Did you deliver early or late?
Almost 3 weeks early

Did you have morning sickness?
Nope...I was one of the lucky ones..

What did you crave?
Sour candy...sweetarts, etc.

Who irritated you the most?
People that kept asking me if I was having twins...

What was your first child’s sex?
An adorable little boy!

How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
Probably around 40 lbs.

Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
Nope!

Where did you give birth?
At Methodist Hospital

How many hours were you in labor?
Around 19, and then ended up in a c-section.

Who drove you to the hospital?
Eric.

Who watched?
Eric was in the surgery with me for the C-section. My mom and Eric were with me when I was pushing before that.

Was it vaginal or c-section?
C-section

Medication?
They gave me Nubain at first...then I asked for the REAL drugs...an epidural. I got a 2nd one when I went in for my c-section.
How much did your child weigh?5 lbs 15 oz, so very very very tiny.
What did you name him/her?Katelyn Joanna (Kate)
How old is your first born today?Three in a few days!Tagging Debra, Leah, Jean, Jenni, KarlaIf you are new to tagging, link the Tagger to your Meme and then the links/names of the people you are tagging!Copy and paste the questions and put in your own answers.Looking forward to reading yours!

My adorable kiddos! So cute!

2008-09-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

We NEED a doctor in the family.

2008-09-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

If I've said it before, I'll say it again.

WE. NEED. A. DOCTOR. IN. THE. FAMILY.

Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have someone, a family member that you can just call with symptoms? Can you imagine the amount of $$$ you'll save in copays???

I am willing to take one for the team. I have always had a ridiculous love of medicine and my dream is to be a doctor. I just changed my major my senior year and have pursued a marketing career for fun (IDIOT!)

So, someone, anyone out there....please donate to my medical school fund?

Please!

Seriously, how do people do it? How could I start over and go back to school? How do people afford it?

Again, I'm asking for donations. Every cent counts. :)

My guarantee to you...I won't charge you $20 or $30 for a medical consultation. I promise!

More to come.....

Found a GEM!

2008-09-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

As I was dowloading the pictures of the cousins from my IL's puter....I found this in their folder. A pic that was taken of Savannah on her birthday....

OMG...I know I'm partial...but she's such a pretty little girl! :) I think this is my new favorite picture of her! :)

On a side note...she's getting way too big...her once adorable chunky legs aren't so chunky anymore...she's getting taller...her legs are getting skinnier....and I don't like it at all! :(

If only I could get taller and skinnier. Oh well.

Hangin with the cousins!!!

2008-09-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend we got together to celebrate Eric's mom's birthday and we had a great time! We got some good pictures of the cousins all together! Here they are...Desiree, Jacob, Mason and Vannah...

Please note...the boys were eating M&M's...hence why their mouths seem a little brown! ;-) You'll also notice Vannah's scratched up chin...where Mason bopped her in the head with his stepstool! :)

Life Lessons By Mason

2008-09-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

Last night in the bathtub, amongst the suds, Mason decided to lay one of his life lessons on me...

Mason (with the most serious face): "Momma....big boys don't fart.....it's nas---tee!"

Momma (cracking up and begging for him to say it again): "I think you better explain that to your dad.

Mason: "It's nas-tee!!!"

Being a mom...

2008-09-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

My previous post spurred a thought I had last night that I wanted to share. Last night I was talking to my mom on the phone (as I do religiously every night). I was sharing with her my thoughts, frustrations, and trials and tribulations of being a mom right now to my 2 adorable, yet needy children.

It hit me.

That was me. I was that same little drama filled needy child...and I'm sure my mom would agree adorable. ;-) But, my mom went through the same trials, tribulations, experiences that I'm going through.

I can't imagine what that must feel like as a mother to hear your daughter relaying the details of their lives...the joys and hard times they are going through as they go through this ride they call motherhood...and you have the same flashbacks of 28/29 years ago and feeling the same exact thing.

I had to say thank you. It was yesterday that I realized...when I was three or one for that matter, all that my mom had given up to make sure that I was that happy little girl that proudly sang "new york new york" to ANYONE that would listen. The time that she gave up, the dinners that she cooked even though she was exhausted and didn't feel like even walking to the kitchen, the sanity that she lost, the attention that she lost, the $$$$$ that she put out, the energy that she gave us, the love that she constantly showed always with a smile...

I'm not saying that it wasn't rewarding...I was a good kid....until I got to be older (yeah...I know...throwing the "I hate you" on a paper plane wasn't my best moment) ...but wow. I realize it now.

To all my mommy friends that are reading this that are going through this ride with me....THANK YOU for being there as I talk about losing my mind and the drama and the good times I'm facing. You're keeping me sane. Really.

To all of you wonderful mothers that are watching your grandkids grow up...thank you for making us the mothers that we are and for giving us the strength to watch our children grow.

To my wonderful (most of the time) Mason and Savannah...I can only hope that one day...30 years from now, when you are raising your own kids...it'll hit you...how much joy, love, attention and time I've given you and the sacrifices I've made to make sure that you're the smartest, brightest, well-rounded, happiest dang kids in this world. Maybe even tell me thank you...I sure as hell know I'll love to hear it! :)

Works for Me Wednesday

2008-09-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

This is Savannah's favorite book right now. I have to read it at least 4 times a night...

It's fun for her b/c it's got the cute and cuddly little bear that she can touch, and it also has flaps that she can pull down...

What I'm listening to...right....now...

2008-09-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the 3 albums that I'm listening to the most right now...

I'm warning you...it's an interesting collection...

Probably my favorite album of all time....Counting Crows..their first album...August and Everything After. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing lyrics...amazing songs. Did I mention it's an amazing album?

Album #2. Jason Mraz....We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. Great album...again...a great songwriter. :)

Finally, the odd one out...this one is for the kids...The Wiggles. Yummy Yummy. It's worth every crazy song to watch Mason and Vannah shake it. I promise you this. :)

Friday Smiles!

2008-09-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute smiles of the kids that I got: Mason looks entirely too old in this picture by the way and I DO NOT like it!

Quote of the Day!

2008-09-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

I can't resist.

We're sitting down getting ready to eat our gourmet meal of McDonalds for the evening. The kids all have their food, and they are ready to eat.

Cue Snickers.

Snickers comes over and vomits all over the floor.

Cue Smores.

Smores comes over and proceeds to EAT the puke. De-licious.

Cue Mason and his hilarious comment and his SUPER serious Mason face:

"Momma. We don't eat YAK...Ok, momma! "

Man, I love that kid. :)

3 going on 13...

2008-09-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I would have to deal with this yet! I really didn't.

Talking back and attitude have entered my house big time.

Granted, Mason, Savannah and I had a lot of alone time this weekend, but Mason was just downright crazy! He would run around like a crazy person and then jump on the table.

Me: "Mason...get off the table!"
Mason (smiling and pointing at me): "No...YOU get off the table."

OMG....Lord...help me!

Me: "Mason, stop saying poop!" (his favorite word these days)
Mason: "No momma....YOU stop saying poop!"

And that same conversation continued the whole day yesterday! Everytime I would tell him not to do something, he always had the same response. It was INSANE!!! Where did my cute innocent little boy go? I don't want the teenager, talking back attitude, constantly testing me.... yet.

Memo to Mason: I want the cute little boy that says, "I love you momma" and "airpork" and tells his sister "I love you Savannah." Come back to me. Just come back! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah...he's going to hate me for this when he's older. :)

He's such a cute ballerina though! :)

Airshow at the Airport?

2008-08-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

We took the kiddos to the Air Show on Sunday to see the airplanes and the amazing F22 Raptor that they had. Mason hated the Raptor. It was way too loud for him and he just sat in my lap with earplugs and his hands over his ears telling me that he doesn't really like airplanes. He's so silly.

Sunday night:
Mason: "momma, I had lots of fun at the Airpork today."

Momma: "What did you say buddy?"

Mason: "I had fun at the air PORK"

Momma: (LAUGHING) "Honey, it's the air POR-T"

Mason: "Air POR-K"

I personally like air PORK a lot better anyways! :)

Better late than never...

2008-08-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, the long awaited Birthday post! UGH! It's been a busy week. I had the first week at my new job, which I'm LOVING! YAY! But this isn't about me, it's about Mason.

On Sunday, my adorable little boy Mason celebrated his third birthday. I seriously can't believe he's 3. He's so grown up and he is always talking and acts like a big boy. If I could only get him potty trained...that would be a whole other issue. We had a huge party for him on Saturday and all of the family and friends that love him came to celebrate. It was of course a Lightning McQueen Cars party...which is his favorite thing right now (and the past 6 months or so!)

Here are some pictures from the party:

Mason opening presents:

Mason's AWESOME cake:

Mason blowing out his candles...with me and my mom holding his hand! :) Loved it!

Vannah in a sugar coma after eating her cake. :)

My first baby!

2008-08-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

1. Were you married at the time? Yes

2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? We were SOOO excited! Eric was with me when I took the pregnancy test!

3. How old were you? 25

4. How did you find out you were pregnant? took a pregnancy test before Eric went to work!

5. Who did you tell first? Eric was with me, but then we told my mom first.

6. Did you want to find out the sex? Of course!

7. Due date? 09/04/2005

8. Did you deliver early or late? EARLY by almost 3 weeks!

9. Did you have morning sickness? Nope...i was one of those lucky ones that didn't get sick!

10. What did you crave? Sour candy. I ate a ton of sweet tarts...etc.

11. Who irritated you the most? People that were always asking me if I had TWINS in there!

12. What was your first child's sex? Boy

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? Gained about 40 lbs.

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? I just got a fever during labor, which caused Mason to be in the NICU.

15. Where did you give birth? Methodist Hospital---NEVER again!

16. How many hours were you in labor? Almost 19 hours

17. Who drove you to the hospital? Eric...but his sister beat us to the hospital!

18. Who watched? In the labor room, my mom, eric's mom, eric's sister erin, and Eric were there. My friend Renee did end up popping in while I was pushing...Eric was the only one in the surgery room for the C-sect. though.

19. Was it natural or c-section? C-section

20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Yep! They gave me Nubain first, and it did
NOTHING for me, so I was like, bring on the heavy artillery! I need an epidural!

21. How much did your child weigh? 7 lbs. 11 oz.

22. Did your child have any complications? Mason was placed in the NICU because he had a hard time taking his first breath, and I had a fever during labor. He was there for 5 days for jaundice and other issues. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to deal with.

23. What did you name him/her? Mason Adam Pierle

24. How old is your first born today? He turned 3 on Sunday!

25. Who does your child look like? He is ALL Eric!

My NEW Backseat Driver!

2008-08-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

So, Mason has turned into quite the backseat driver. It's getting a little frustrating.

While sitting at a stopsign full of traffic, Mason yells..."GO Momma!" I explain to him that I can't go, and he continues to yell...Go Momma! Go momma!

Once I get going he yells...GO FASTER MOMMY!!! GO FASTER!

I will admit there have been several times that I've said to him out of frustration, "Mason, do you want to drive?!" Of course, he answers YES!

Cincinatti Bound!

2008-08-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Cincinatti with Eric for a few days. He had meetings for work and Mason, Savannah and I decided to go have a VERY overdue playdate with Cori and Josiah! :)

We went to Totter's Otterville, a very fun play place for the kids. They had a blast and I'm sure we could have spent DAYS there! We had a great visit!

Here are some pictures!

Trip to the Zoo with the Kiddos

2008-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Eric was on his annual guys camping trip this past weekend. I have been cooped up in this house for over a month and I decided to be brave and take the kids to the zoo by myself. We had an AWESOME time! It was great!!!!

Here are some cute pics. :)

Boob Man Jr.

2008-08-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

(Mason sitting on my lap and looking at me....Mason starts rubbing on my chest.)

Mason: "Momma....these are your boobs!!!" (laugh, snicker)

Momma (holding back a laugh and pulling his hands off of my chest): "Mason, we don't say that."

Mason: "Momma...what are these???"

Momma (trying to be anatomically correct and teach my son something in this hilarious moment): "Those are my breasts."

Mason: "No momma...those are your boobs. Boobs. Boobs. Boobs!!!!!!"

Momma: "Mason, stop saying that."

Mason: "Momma, I need some juice."

10 days to 3!!!

2008-08-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

In only 10 days, my little boy Mason Adam will be 3. It seems WAY too crazy to comprehend. It seems like just yesterday I was holding him and giving him bottles and putting him in his crib.

Time moves WAY too quickly. Although, I love the boy he's become and I love watching him grow everyday...

I found these HILARIOUS and unflattering photos of me a week or so before Mason was born....Wow..I was HUGE!!!

God, I loved being pregnant! Although, I was one of those lucky people that never got sick or anything. I miss being pregnant so much. Enough to have another one...I don't think so!

What does a fish smell like???

2008-08-06T12:54:00.001-07:00

Mason went camping with grandpa a few weekends ago and he's still talking about it!

Turns out, Mason is quite the fisherman and caught a fish about hmmm...3 feet long (as wide as his arms can go). Yeah...he's exaggerating already!

While talking to grandma di on the phone last night, we asked him what his fish smelled like.

His response....

"Poop and slobber."

:-)

Unemployed NO MORE!

2008-08-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been one heck of a ride here at home, doing housework, non stop laundry, cutting the grass, cleaning out closets, etc.

I"M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got a great job offer yesterday! Whoo hoo! I can't wait to get back to work and feel like I'm contributing to something!

Thanks to everyone that's listened to me complain and whine about not having a job. It was rough! :)

Playing at the park

2008-07-31T06:53:00.001-07:00

So, we went down to the playground the other day and I got some cute pictures of the kids playing! :)

Deep Thoughts Thursday

2008-07-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you remember the old Deep Thoughts skits that used to be on SNL in the late 90's...but everytime they were on, I made a point to remember them. I'm feeling a little dark and need a laugh, so I thought I would make it a Deep Thoughts Thursday! :) Enjoy...I know I will!

One of my favorites...dark, I know...

Sometimes when I feel like killing someone. I do a little trick to calm myself down. I go over to the person's house and ring the doorbell. When they come to the door, I'm gone, but you know what I've left on the porch? A jack-o-lantern with a knife stuck in the side of it's head with a note that says "YOU" After that I usually feel a lot better and no harm done. :)

Her Future's So Bright....

2008-07-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

She's gotta wear shades!

He's his fathers son...

2008-07-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Eric that is. Wow. When he pulls stuff like this...he's so his dad!!!! Check it out! Oh Mason...the times you have ahead of you! Watch OUT!

My Baby Girl is WALKING!!!

2008-07-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Check her out!!! She's also gotten good at making fish faces! hee hee :)

I apologize for my blogless ness...

2008-07-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week! Last Thursday I was called in and my position was eliminated after less than 3 months at my new job!

I was shocked to say the least.

So, I've been putting all my spare time into jobsearching, etc.

I am just so angry that they even hired for the position. It's just a huge waste of time for me. Oh well...everything happens for a reason right?

I just hope that everyone keeps sending their prayers and positive thoughts that I find something quickly!

I'll have something happy to post soon, I promise! :)

Wordless Wednesday....

2008-06-25T05:27:00.001-07:00

A HUGE shout out goes to my FIL for taking this adorable picture....I just love it!

Happy Birthday Savannah Grace!

2008-06-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Savannah's 1st birthday at the beach...so I didn't get to post to her while I was gone!

Savannah,

In just one year, you've changed our lives so much!

You're the most amazing little girl and you make my heart smile everyday! You are surrounded by a wonderful family that loves you so much! So much that your niece Desiree came up with the fantastic idea to write "Happy 1st Birthday Savannah!" in the sand for you. Daddy, Grandpa, Aunt Erin, Kyle and Uncle Dave all helped. It was quite the task! When they finished, everyone (even strangers in other rooms watching from their balconies) clapped for you!

Thank you for adding so much joy, love and excitement to our lives! I can't wait to watch you grow up to see the beautiful lady you'll become. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Drama in the Cool

2008-06-23T11:14:00.001-07:00

So, this week, I'll mostly be recapping our trek to Myrtle Beach last week. Today, I'm going to highlight the drama in the pool or the "cool" as Mason so affectionately calls it.

Mason and I were playing in the pool and he was jumping off the side and I was catching him. Well, some boys jumped and splashed behind me, and I turned around really quick to give them a dirty look. I turned back around to Mason and I didn't see him jump and he didn’t tell me he was jumping, but I felt him hit my head.

Immediately I felt warmth on my forehead and there was blood everywhere. I mean...EVERYWHERE. I managed to get Mason and get out of the pool, but I had no idea where the blood was coming from, if it was him or I that was bleeding. Come to find out, it was me.

Of course, everyone else (all 12 of them) were at the beach and poor Mason was flipping out. Never during the whole trip were there just 2 people by themselves...but that day, I was lucky I guess. Some wonderful ladies came to help me and I sent one of them out to get my family. Eric was ALL the way out in the middle of the ocean riding the waves.

Eric ended up taking me to the ER (can’t wait to see the bill for that one!), and I got 7 stitches in my head. It's right at my hair line, and it looks like Mason's teeth banged on my head. I checked Mason out, but he seemed fine....it was just so scary not knowing who was hurt... :( I just kept asking the ladies that helped me, was it him or me…him or me?? I honestly have never seen that much blood or been so scared that Mason was hurt in my life. I'm just really glad it was me.

A special Seriously? WTF? moment happened as I was bleeding profusely from my head. In the commotion, the lovely lady that came to my aid grabbed the first towel she could find to put pressure to stop the bleeding. As I'm sitting with my head back and my head is bleeding...this beast of a woman walks up and asks my room number. I tell her and she replies, "Well, I'm in room 604, so when you're done using my towel, will you please wash it and return it to me?" Hello??? I'm bleeding...the last thing on my mind is washing your flippin towel.
Seriously? WTF!?

Fathers Day Tribute

2008-06-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

All you hear are the horror stories of in-laws. How horrible they are...how mean they are...how they meddle in your marriage...etc.

I am proud to say, that I am out-of-this-world lucky when it comes to my Father In Law and my MIL for that matter. But, this is a Father's Day tribute...

I get very emotional when I think about how important he is to me and my family and I haven't been the best at telling him how much he means to me, but that is something I'm trying to get better at.

With my dad living in CO, I rarely get to see him, so my FIL has really taken over as my dad. I get so excited when I know I am going to see him. He just makes me happy. He makes me smile every time I see him. I love spending time with him and I love just talking to him.

From day one, he and mom have made me feel like and have always treated me as part of the family and that means so much to me. How many FIL's will just randomly call you because they haven't talked to you in a week or so and check to see how YOU are doing? Not many.

He is more than I would have ever imagined as a grandpa to Savannah and Mason. He lights up when he is around them. He's always wanting to hold and be with Savannah when he's with her. He and mom have taken Mason this past week, and he's been brave enough to take Mason on runs in his truck to Louisville and Cleveland...these are trips that Mason will never forget. The kids LOVE grandpa! I never really had a relationship with either of my grandpa's so it's so cool for me to watch the kids with him. He's amazing.

So, Happy Fathers Day dad! Thank you for being an amazing father to me and Eric and a wonderful grandpa to Mason and Savannah. I appreciate all that you do for us and I love you more than you'll ever know!

Works for Me Wednesday!

2008-06-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today's Works-for-me Wednesday highlights one of our favorite new outdoor toys! SG got a new water table for her birthday on Sunday and it's GREAT! Even Mason and the bigger kids like it! She loves to just splash around in the water and get SOAKING wet! It keeps her busy for a long time and it's something she can do with her brother! Love it!

Peek-A-Boo!!!

2008-06-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

PEEK....

A....

BOO!!!!

She's so beautiful...:)

Tackle It Tuesday!

2008-06-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

I am VERY excited about vacation...don't get me wrong...but I have to pack. Not just for me, but for Mason and SG also....

And...you know what packing involves...yes...my most dreaded chore of all. DUH DUH DUH...doing laundry.

I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

Have I mentioned I don't like it?

So, for me, my tackle it tuesday is going to involve finishing up the laundry that I have and start packing for me and the kids for vacation.

What do you want to tackle today???

Little Love Story Part 2

2008-06-09T10:30:00.001-07:00

So, Erc-man and Schmitinator went away to different colleges...they talked over e-mail constantly, and over IM....they came home every weekend they could and spent as much time together as possible.

You know what they say about long distance relationships though...they are hard. VERY HARD...after their first year of college, over the summer, they decided to see other people. Both dated others, but they stayed in touch constantly. Schmitinator had a feeling that he was the one and they would end up back together, but she didn't know when or how it would happen. Right before their Senior year of college, they got back together and stayed together.

Erc-man proposed on June 8, at 12:58 2001...in Schmitinator's driveway. She had her "Best Buns in the Business" workout shorts on and everything....it was very romantic. They got married June 8, 2002, and had their first child August, 17 2005 and their second child on June 18, 2007.

If you haven't figured out already, and I'm sure you have...this story is about me and my husband. :) To many, it may seem simple, but to me, our story is a everything. We have had many plot twists and turns, character changes and additions, but after 6 years (our anniversary was yesterday) there is no one else that I want to share my main character role with. I love being married to you and I love sharing my life with you. I can't wait to see what the next chapters of our love and life holds.

Happy Anniversary baby! :)

A Little Love Story Part 1

2008-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

A long long time ago (about 12 years ago) a short little girl named Schmitinator met a cute boy named Erc-man in their Sophomore year geometry class. Their friendship developed quickly and within a few weeks, they were best friends. Not only did Erc-man help her with her work in geometry, he also would kiss on her arm, which Schmitinator thought NOTHING of. They ate lunch together everyday and Erc-man would always try to throw straw wrappers down her shirt. It was there in that lunch room, that they decided to walk together in graduation a few years later.

Schmitinator said goodbye to Erc-man and his little red truck for the summer, and she went off to spend that time with her boyfriend. At the end of their Junior year, E and S were still the best of friends and got together with other friends to celebrate being Seniors the next year. They made T-shirts and had so much fun together. It was in those few days that S started seeing Erc-man in a different way and started feeling more than friendship for him. In true high school girl fashion, S told her best friend and made her call him and ask him what he thought about her...Erc-man had been enamoured with Schmitinator for a few years and was very excited. The next day, they went on their first date...putt-putting. They were INSEPARABLE...on on June 8th 2006 at 12:58 a.m. Erc-man asked Schmitinator to be his girlfriend. She whole-heartedly accepted.

Their Senior year was amazing...they were voted cutest couple by the Senior class, and they did everything together. It was love. and it was wonderful. They walked down the aisle at graduation together, but dark thoughts were looming in their minds. For, they were both going to different colleges and what would happen to their relationship?

To be continued....

I like apples?!

2008-06-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

So, Mason is now at the age where he LOVES to talk on the phone...or at least hold the phone up to his ear and "try" to talk on the phone.

Last night Grandma called and he was "talking" to her...

The conversation went as follows:

Grandma: "Mason is that you?"

Mason: (((Shakes his head yes)))

Grandma: "Mason???!"

Mommy in the background: "Mason, you have to say hi...grandma can't hear you shake your head."

Mason: "Hi!"

Grandma: "What are you doing Mason? Are you getting ready for bed?"

Mason: (((Shakes his head yes.)))

Grandma: "Mason????"

Mommy and daddy in the background: "Mason, you have to talk...grandma can't see you."
Grandma: "Mason???"

Mommy and daddy: "You have to say something Mason...you took the phone."

Mason: "I like apples."

There you go....how do you like them apples?! When he decides to talk, he pulls out the most random thing to say...that's my boy. :) Eric and I laughed and laughed about that for a long time.

Things a Mother Should NEVER do Alone!

2008-06-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

#1 on the list....let me take Savannah to get pictures BY MYSELF.

Dear LORD I got a little crazy, but with this georgeous face...can you blame me?

She's just TOO beautiful and Portrait Innovations did an AWESOME job! I was in and out of there WITH my pictures in 1 hour! It was great!

A Night of Sunken Treasure!

2008-05-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to dinner with 4 of my good friends. We went to Cheeseburger In Paradise and it was YUMMY! I celebrated our reunion with a little Sunken Treasure.

It was very yummy. I had a wonderful time with the girls, but I left very sad. Very sad that I don't get to spend every "working" day with them anymore. They are simply some of the best friends I've ever had, and I sincerely hope that we continue to get together for dinner just to spend time together. :) Love you girls!

My Buddy

2008-05-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

The most adorable thing happened last night.

Mason was excited about getting outside to help daddy cut the grass. He was getting on his grass cutting boots (yes, he already has a special pair JUST for cutting grass!) and was talking to Savannah.

Mason: "Vannah, you help me cut the grass with daddy?"

Momma: "Honey, Vannah can't help you cut the grass, she's going to stay inside with me."

Then, Mason reaches over to Savannah, smiles and gives her a big hug and says,

"Momma, she's my buddy....Vannah's my buddy."

Awwww....how flippin cute is that.

Of course, I got all weepy eyed and told Mason how awesome of a big brother he is.

Days like that make me forget all about Mason's constant "NO's!" and acting up and reminds me how much I love being a mom. :)

Tag, I'm IT!

2008-05-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friend Jessica has tagged me. Oh no! :) Is it Chinese Freeze Tag or TV tag??? Nope, it's Blog Tag!

So here are the rules as to what I had to do and if you are one of my lucky 7 below then you need to also do the following:

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog .

Here are my seven, some random and some wierd facts:

We were talking about the list of concerts that I have been to in my life this past weekend, and it's pretty funny actually, I'll share. In order: Debbie Gibson, New Kids on the Block, Mickey Mouse Club (the one with Justin Timberlake, Kerri Russel etc.), Boyz II Men, Garth Brooks (Indy), Garth Brooks (Evansville), Counting Crows, Matchbox 20, Counting Crows and most recently the May Day concert this past weekend featuring Finger 11, 3 Doors Down and Seether.
My favorite ice cream is butter pecan with the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. YUM YUM YUM!
I was a Starbucks HATER until I discovered Java Chip frapuccinos.
This weekend, I went to a 500 lap race for radio control cars and my hubby WON!
My LEAST favorite chore of all time is doing laundry. I hate it. I despise it. I dread it.
I was a Biology major for 3 years before I switched to communications and I regret that decision every day of my life. I'm dying to go back and get my science degree!
My favorite TV shows are the Office, Grey's Anatomy, America's Funniest Home Videos, Desperate Housewives and House.

The lucky people I'm tagging are:

Kim
Karen
Jean
Jen

Ok, this isn't fair...I'm toward the end of the blog list and everyone I have has been picked already...hmmm....

JoAnna (although i know she's spending time with her hubby right now)
Dawn
Tamra

I dont know if you know it or not, but I'm kind of a big deal.

2008-05-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

My husband that is! :)

Eric does it again. I'm telling you, my husband is good at EVERYTHING he does. I have never in my life seen anyone succeed at everything he tries like my hubby does. He's pretty amazing and definitely a big deal.

So, yesterday he competed in the Guynn 500. It's an annual race that is held by his Uncle John's family. His brother has a huge race track that he built in the backyard of his home just for Radio Control cars. Eric competed in the event last year and came in 2nd. This year, in a close race, he WON 1st PLACE!!!

Check him out with his car and his trophy! :)

I am so proud of you honey! Congratulations! :)

Being Extraordinary

2008-05-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

As I sit here about to fall asleep because I had a late night last night. no, the kids weren't up. I was up until 11 watching the Grey's anatomy finale. It was wonderful.

I fought and fought with myself the whole time I was watching as to if I was actually going to stay up, but I made it, and I'm so glad I did. It was an awesome finale for all those Grey's fans out there. I highly recommend the Grey's writers blog if you haven't checked it out yet. So, Meredith finally understood that her mother wanted her to be extraordinary, not in her career, but in love.

It made me wonder about my life and the opportunities that I've been given to be extraordinary, and these are all (ok, some) of the things I'm most proud of.

Eric and I's 6th anniversary is coming up and I truly believe that our love is extraordinary.
I try hard every day to be an extraordinary mother to Mason and SG. It's not always easy, but I hope one day they will reflect back and know that I loved them so much and did everything possible to make them happy.
I truly believe that my love for learning is extraordinary. I'm dying to go back to school and if I could be a professional student I would. My goal in life is to get my doctorate degree and I WILL do it! :)
I have developed some extraordinary friendships in the past few years. For that, I am unbelieveably thankful.

I know there's more, but my lack of sleep is clouding my efforts to be an extraordinary blogger. :)

Bitter Tuesday

2008-05-20T05:29:00.001-07:00

Excuse me for a minute while I vent.

So, our house has been on the market for 17 months, and 2 days. Not that I'm counting or anything. :)

I AM OVER IT!!!!

Yesterday, Eric gets the call that they want to show our house...HOORAY...from 7 to 8 p.m....BOO!!! Eric appropriately told the the agent, the lookers apparently don't have kids. What our onlookers don't understand, and I know don't care about is that our daughter goes down for her beauty sleep between 7 and 8. So, I picked the kids up from school, rushed through the drive through and got home to do some last minute cleaning on the house. At 6:55, the kids, Eric, the stinky wet dogs and I all climbed in the van for an hour of driving around aimlessly. It was great for the first 15 minutes. Following that, the constant question of "where are we going momma????" Where are we going momma? Where are we going momma?" and the fussiness and crying by SG started to get to me. At that point, Eric climbed in the back seat and tended to Savannah, who of course had a poopy diaper and needed to be changed and was ready for a bottle. The passenger seat opened up for none other than my stank dogs. UGH. It was awful.

I hate it. i hate it so much! I hate that I have to drive around for an hour, for people to sneak in and look at my house for 5 to 10 minutes. I hate that my whole van is now COVERED with dog hair. I hate that I had NO way of knowing IF these alleged onlookers even showed up. There needs to be a signal. Turn the kitchen light off. Open the garage door. Write "Your mom was here!" on my wall in lipstick...SOMETHING!

So, we will patiently wait until this weekend or later for feedback on what they thought of our home, only to hear that they really wanted a 4 bedroom or a basement or not to be on a corner lot or if we only had an escalator leading to the 2nd floor, they would have bought it.

I'm begging you, housing market, please turn around. Or, at the least show a little bit of love to Noble Drive! PLEASE! For my sanity's sake!

I've been more than patient!

I have a date with McDreamy! YUM!

2008-05-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

So, tonight I'm going on a date with McDreamy. Ok, I know we just saw each other last night at Seattle Grace, but tonight, we have a wedding date. I know, I have issues.

I'm looking forward to my Girls Night Out with my friends tonight. We are going to dinner, and then out to see Made of Honor with none other than, Senor Pizza's delivery man (Loverboy movie reference for those who aren't up on their Dempsey trivia!) True, the story does sound the exact same as My Best Friend's Wedding (one of my favorite movies by the way) but what a fun movie to go see with the girls!

It sounds like it's going to be a quiet weekend at the Pierle house, we'll see how it turns out though. Tiger is playing in a golf tournament in the morning and the kids and I are planning to make a trip to the outlet mall, which Mason mistakenly believes is the "grocery store." No honey, the grocery store is NOT fun, but the mall IS! :) For his future wife's sake, I hope he continues to believe that the grocery store is EXCITING! :)

Works for Me Wednesday: Stationary Hubby!

2008-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful new blog, rocks in my dryer...you'll have to check it out. Today's Works for me Wednesday is inspired by my good friend Jenn. Her husband just returned today from Iraq. After knowing her as I have, I can only imagine the excitement that her and her children are feeling knowing that he is safe and sound and back at home.

What works for me is, having a husband that doesn't travel. Military wives and single moms for that matter are amazing women. Eric has been out of town for 3 days training for his new job and it's been crazy. I've been taking care of the kids all by myself, and consoling Mason who's been miserably missing his daddy. I can't imagine having my husband gone for months and months at a time and to add to that knowing that they are risking their lives to protect our country. wow.

So to my wonderful friend Jenn, you are an amazing friend and an amazing momma to your three beautiful children. Your husband is definitely a hero to our country. However, you and your positive attitude, your ability to handle it all alone and make it work for you.....well, that makes you one hell of a hero to me! You're an astonishing woman!

Simple Things I Find Very Satisfying

2008-05-13T05:57:00.001-07:00

Cuddling in the blankets in bed with my hubby.

When my dogs are outside and NOT barking.

My kids laughing at each other in the car on the way to and from school.

A clean house (Ok, this isn't as simple as I want it to be!)

Driving my hubby's car and not being a minivan momma for a little bit!

The silence in the house at 2 a.m.

Opening up my favorite book and reading.

Logging into hotmail and seeing a full inbox. :)

Knowing I don't have to decide what to do for dinner.

Talking to my mom on the phone everyday.

The smell of the kids after they get out of the bath.

PJ's!

What are some of your most satisfying simple things?

My wonderful little flower!

2008-05-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's a picture of my mothers day present from Savannah!

How cute is this?

Wonderful Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

I had a WONDERFUL mother's day! :) On Saturday night, we took my mom and grandma out to dinner to celebrate! We had a great time despite waiting an hour to eat. On Sunday, Mason woke us up at 7:30, and then Eric got Savannah Grace up and she came in with a Mother's Day card. i got a beautiful card from Eric and from the kids, and I got a full day spa gift certificate! I'm so excited!!

We then went over to mom and dad's for a mother's day lunch! We had a great time and the girls weren't allowed to do anything. The boys did a great job!

I got the cutest gift from Savannah from her teachers at daycare. It was an adorable pot with a flower and a picture of her adorable face in the middle. On the outside of the pot, it had "You are my sunshine" printed on it. ADORABLE. I immediately started crying when I saw it! I'll have to take a picture and post it.

Eric is on his way to CO today. I'm going to miss him. I know Mason's going to miss him. He's obsessed with his daddy right now. This morning he asked where eric was and I told him he was at the airport. Mason said, "Daddy's going to be flying in an airplane! I go with him." I said, "yeah, we'll go with daddy on an airplane soon." He said, "no momma, not you. Just me. Just me and daddy." The boy LOVES his daddy!

What I'm thankful for!

2008-05-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mother's day is coming and I want to pay tribute to the people that make me a better mother.

Thank you to my wonderful husband for getting me into this situation! :) hee hee

Thank you to Savannah and Mason for teaching me something new everyday. I never thought I could feel so much love and pride for anyone in my life!

Thank you to my mom. You're the strongest woman I know and I've learned so much from you. You're one of the few people that are constantly telling me how I'm a good mom and I need to hear that so thank you! I love you!!!

Thank you to my in-laws (my other parents!) You are always willing to help out and spend time with the kids. That means more to me than anything! I'm so excited that Mason and Savannah are lucky enough to have grandparents like you. I love you both so much!

Thank you to my friends for constantly giving me advice and guidance as I go through this amazing experience!

I took these pictures the other day and everytime I look at them I think how lucky I am to have a wonderful family!

Letting Go and Being Brave

2008-05-05T11:31:00.001-07:00

I'm amazed everyday as I watch my kids grow up. Everyday there is something that I am in awe about. SG has definitely caught my attention these last few days. Now, I watched Mason grow up and it's funny how I don't remember him doing this.

Savannah's started letting go. She'll stand up and lean against me and then she pushes off to stand on her own. She's testing the water and seeing how far she can go. Sure, sometimes she falls right on her butt (kinda like her mom) but then sometimes she just stands there tall and amazes herself AND me. I hate that she's growing up. She's getting so brave and independent and it's fascinating to watch. I guess it's nice that she's still leaning on me for support, but she's growing up so fast!

It's funny, we all get so comfortable with our day to day lives, but my daughter's lack of fear has prompted me to question myself. What is there that I need to step out and be bold and brave about?

Thank God for wonderful people!

2008-05-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

As I was driving home yesterday after a lunch with friends, I got to thinking how important friendships have become in my life lately. A lot has changed for our family in the last month. I got a new job, Eric got a new job, Savannah's getting tubes, Mason's growing up and just being himself. Without the support of my IRL (in real life) friends and my wonderful online friends (many of whom I haven't met yet) I don't think I could handle all the day to day changes in my life.

In the past, I was one that would consider myself having just two or three really close friends, but I feel like things have changed and I have so many people in my life to be grateful for.

My OneAmerica friends
Thank you to my OneAmerica friends for lunch yesterday. I miss you and the laughs we all have together every day! Each of you means a lot to me and I'm grateful that we've been able to stay in touch as I changed jobs!

Susan, E and Melissa especially...thank you for your friendship. I have never been so close to my friends at work as I was with you 3. I love you girls!

My Vera Vixens
Thank you for sharing this unique obsession with me! I love that I can be myself and we can all be crazy together!

My Online friends
I must say that a lot of people don't understand this relationship that I have with these wonderful ladies. We all met on a message board some 3 or 4 years ago. The group of us has become extremely close through e-mail and thanks to them, I usually have between 300-400 emails in my inbox everyday. We talk EVERY DAY! We share everything, the good, the bad and the exciting changes in our lives. We've been through a lot and we support each other through the everyday ups and downs in our lives. Honestly, I don't know how moms can make it without friends like you. I love you all and your children as if we get together every weekend for dinner or to hang out with our kids! I respect you all more than you'll ever know and I can't imagine my life without you in it. I can't wait until we finally can meet!

My best friend
Eric, I love you more than you know. Thank you for always keeping me laughing. Thank you for sharing my sense of humor. Thank you for all of the support and love that you've given me in the past 10 years! I adore you.

It's Picture Day!

2008-04-29T07:05:00.001-07:00

SMILE!!!

It's picture day for the kids at daycare. I was giving them both a bath last night and I was pondering what fabulous outfits to dress them in and it got me thinking about picture day when I was in school.

It was stressful. I remember a few weeks before our pictures were scheduled, I would begin stressing over what to wear, and how I was going to do my hair, and hoping and praying that my skin wouldn't break out and I would have the most wonderful picture ever. Wasn't that what it was all about? I will admit that I rarely had a fantastic photo...(I may be brave enough to track one down and post it tomorrow...:) ). I remember when we got them back and I had to persuade my mom to buy the biggest package so that I had enough pictures to give all my friends or people I thought were my friends. Why did we do that? Like we didn't see them everyday?! I admit, I still have a few stacks of pictures of my "friends" from high school.

It continues. I woke up and stressed about if I could tame Mason's crazy bed head or if I could find those perfect pink tights to go with Savannah's adorable dress. I'm sure they'll look great, they are the cutest kids in the world after all. But, I'm not biased. :)

My name is Jenni, and I'm a Vera Vixen.

2008-04-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's almost the beginning of May...and that means...The Vera Bradley Outlet Sale! There is one time during the year, when I look forward to a night of no sleep. I know, a rarity considered I have 2 little ones.

I admit, I have not always been obsessed with Vera Bradley. However, a few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dana and Crissy and they pulled me to the dark side. About 4 years ago, I went on my first Outlet Sale trip. No, you don't just walk in and shop. We cuddle up in our blankets and camp out on Friday night before the sale, so we can be the first (or second) group in the door. We make our 2 a.m. runs to Steak n Shake for a late snack. At 5:30 a.m. we pack up and get ready for when they let us in the doors at 6 a.m. Then we get inside and wait nervously until the clock strikes 8 a.m. as we chat with the security guards about what product they have. They don't know it yet, but both Savannah and Mason were there (in utero) for 2 sales. :) In fact, I was over 8 months preggo with Savannah last year and the security guards were all VERY worried I was going to go into labor. ;-)

My first year, I was amazed at the way that women become so fiesty over some beautiful pieces of cloth. They open the doors, you run in and grab garbage bags and fill them with as much product as you can get. You block out and grab. Sometimes, you have to get a little mean. Our group establishes a meeting spot and we all drag our heaping full bags and decide what we really want. Meanwhile, the vultures swarm around you. The vultures are the women that weren't fortunate enough or crazy enough to get in line early, and they watch closely for what your toss aways are.

I love it. I love every minute of it! It's so much fun!

I am a vera vixen. This if my 4th year going to the sale, and I have added another "V" to my T-shirt. Thank you so much to Crissy and Dana for including me in this crazy tradition of yours!

I'm looking forward to this weekend and all the treasures I will find and don't forget as it says on the back of my shirt, "If you can read this....the bag is MINE!"

Today I am unemployed

2008-04-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day of unemployment. I don't start my new job until next Monday. What am I doing on my exciting day off? Laundry. My least favorite chore of all. I hate laundry. Hate it with a vengeance. I'm washing clothes, sheets and everything else there is to launder. Have I mentioned that I hate laundry?

We had a wonderful weekend. My wonderful MIL called on Friday afternoon and asked for Mason and Savannah to go and spend the night. So, we dropped the kids off at their house and we enjoyed a nice dinner together. We had a nice time and even got to sleep in a little. Saturday Eric decided to play golf with his friends I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself. I ended up shopping and watching some TV. Yesterday we went to get the kids and helped mom put her patio furniture together. ;-) Both Mason and Savannah ended up getting sun this weekend and they look entirely too cute with little red cheeks.

SG started walking behind toys yesterday and she is growing up entirely too fast. I HATE it. Where did my baby girl go? I had to lower the crib mattress this morning, a task designed for 2 people with a doctorate degree, but I DID it! :)