Not Your Average Girl

TheKnot

2009-11-03T08:06:00.000-06:00

2009-08-13T22:32:00.004-05:00

So I have offically started my job! So far I'm loving it! The boys are super cute and very sweet. I find myself missing them when I'm not there! Today was a little rough, I had all three of them while Laura took a nap (she had only gotten 1 hour of sleep!!) and they were all crying for their bottles at once. It's amazing what you can do with two hands and a knee! I was also peed, pooped, and puked on today. Oh well, that's pretty much a normal day in the life of a nanny. Brock is still on Oxygen, which is a little complicated, and scary at times, but he is doing really well and growing. He is up to 6 lbs 10 oz!! Bane has a hernia and will be having surgery next Wednesday...please pray for the little guy, and all of us who love him!!

All together at last!!

Bane...I LOVE his chubby cheeks!!!

Brodie
Brock

Everybody asleep at once! Doesn't happen too often!

Tonight I cut Tim's hair for the first time. At first I was nervous, but then I had a lot of fun with it. I think it turned out pretty good for my first guy haircut! He said he liked it, but I don't think he would have told me if he didn't.

Other then working I'm not doing a whole lot...this working business makes me TIRED! I come home and plop down on the couch most nights. It was nice to have Tim here tonight to veg out with me. Wish he could be here all the time *sigh*

This weekend Tim and I are going to the State fair and meeting up with some friends. I'm excited for some fried oreos!!! We also told Laura and Cory we would watch the babies for a few hours for them one night so they could go out on a date. I don't know if they will take us up on it, but I think it will be fun to have Tim there with me! I'll have all my boys together!! (except for Jackson!)

Well, I'm off to bed...another long day with the boys tomorrow!

Catching Up

2009-06-08T00:20:00.013-05:00

I've been repremanded for not blogging for a while...sorry...it's not like I don't have the time...I guess I just don't make myself sit down and blog! SO....here's some catching up!

My dad was honored as the Employee of the Year, so we went to the courthouse for a special celebration.

Tim's brother Michael was married on May 16th. We had a wonderful time with the whole family!

The Regers have a hard time calling Heather and I by the right names, so Tim made us some shirts to help them out!

It was fun to see Taylor and Renae together!
Heather and I at the salon the morning of the wedding
Taylor's new pouty face. LOVE IT!
Mr. and Mrs. Reger!
Tim's "other date" McKenzie. She was in love with Tim and followed him around all day. At one point she came up to me and asked if she could talk to me for a minute. I said sure and she said "I just wanted to let you know that you are SO lucky to have a guy like Tim." I couldn't agree with her more!!
Timmy and I at the reception
Tim eyeing all the leftover candy from the wedding favors....can you say CAVITY

I watched Jenny's boys for her one day...we had LOADS of fun! I spent most of the day laughing at all the cute things Caleb said!

Caleb LOVED Buddy! He went home and told his mom he wanted a dog named Buddy!

The boys in the hammock with Nana Joan. Caleb lasted about 2 minutes and then said, "I'm bored of this." How does a 3 year old even know to say that??

Sweet little Isaac

Jackson and I hung out one day and I was once again reminded what a SWEET boy he is!
Of course spending the day with your Auntie means you get lots of great treats!

Every Memorial Day weekend, my family rents a church camp in Derby, IA for a big fun-filled family weekend. We do puzzles, play games,EAT, play softball, have a gong show, EAT, do a sing-along around the campfire, EAT, make crafts, and then we EAT SOME MORE! It's one of my favorite weekends of the year!!

Tim taught my little cousins how to play poker. They didn't have any chips, so they used toothpicks. I think they thought he was pretty cool after that!

My ADORABLE cousin Liana!

Tim and I were elected to cook dinner one day...we were cooking meat for the tacos

This little guy decided he wanted to join in the fun! We found him outside of the dining hall...apparently skunks don't stink until they are older! He was such a cutie! His mom came and got him at the end of the weekend...we didn't think she was quite as cute!

We did a skit for the gong show...Tim was Mr. Potato Head. Bj was Mr. Beetroot. They were fighting over Erin. It was pretty funny!

Tim and I in the "Laugh Expert" skit

My dad and Jacksoon hanging out

Where's BJ? You can't see him, can you?? I don't know what it is about the men in my family and camo....

This past weekend, Tim and I went out with our good friends Amber and Robert. We had dinner at CiCis and then went Mini-Golfing at North Forty (or as Robert likes to call it, Back Forty). They drove their jeep and it was a BEAUTIFUL night out, so that was lots of fun! (although a little cold on the way home!) Amber beat Tim by two strokes (we think it's because she's pregnant...she's got some extra weight to help her out!) and Robert and I trailed behind...I will admit, sadly, Robert beat me by two strokes. Sad, I know. Tim played Skee Ball afterwords and won me two Lollies and a pop!! What a man!!!

Tim's birthday was Saturday, and we were able to spend the whole day together. It was such a perfect day!! We slept in, ate ciniman rolls (with b-day candles, compliments of my mom!) and then played the Wii with my parents. After Tim had kicked all of our butts at bowling, we went out the lake for an hour and enjoyed the gorgous weather. Then we headed up to Jordan Creek. I wanted to get Tim some new shoes for his b-day, but I thought he should be with me when I got them to try them on, so we went to Kohls. I showed him the ones I liked, and he said, yep, let's get 'em, without even trying them on! MEN! I don't understand them!

We went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner...yum. I only ate my dinner so I could get some cake after!!!

After dinner, we walked around the plaza at Jordan Creek. It was SO nice out! I had my mini tripod with me, so we took some pics. We actually got several that we both like!!

We ended the night on the porch swing at my apt. Ahhh....

And finally, last, but CERTAINLY not least....a lot of you have been asking about my job. I still don't know when I will start working, BUT the boys are here!! They were born Friday, June 5th. They are all doing well, breathing on their own. Laura, their mom is a little sore, but should be coming home tomorrow, or the next day. The boys will prob be in the NICU for 4 to 5 weeks. I cannot wait to meet these little guys!!!!

Brock 2 lbs 9 oz

Brodie 3 lbs 14 oz

Bane 3 lbs 12 oz

Keep praying for these boys and their parents...and me! What have I gotten myself into??

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way!

2009-04-05T08:46:00.009-05:00

A little birdie told me Taylor and Addyson would be at Nana and Grampy's this weekend, so guess where Tim and I were??? =P Friday Heather and Tyler met me in Ankeny and we did a little shopping, then we were off to Ames. We went to Happy Joes on Friday night and there were LOTS of tickets won! (I'm pretty sure Timmy and Mike helped out a lot!)

Taylor feeding Uncle Timmy

After Happy Joes we were all worn out, so we watched Pineoccio (or however you spell it!). I had not seen that movie since I was little. I had forgotten how many times they say "stupid" and "shut up"!!

Saturday morning Wendi helped the kids make Resurrection tombs. They tasted and smelled yummy! (although, sadly, part of Jesus was still in the tomb, opps!)

Tyler is ALL boy! That kid can make SO many fighting/war noises!

Then we were off to the Easter Egg hunt! It was fun, but COLD and WINDY!

Taylor loved, and I mean LOVED the real bunnies. The "Easter bunny," not so much. She almost clawed me to death trying to get away from it!

Addyson of course went straight for the coloring table!

Hunting for eggs is HARD work!! Good thing there are uncles who love to snuggle!!

He's gonna be a wonderful daddy someday!!

Taylor getting a ride from Grandpy

Timmy and I...I have decided I will never get a "normal" picture with him!

Tim and Addyson playing the music tune thing at Reiman Gardens

Tyler looking for some eggs

They were skipping along, talking about the gay marriage law. They are SO weird sometimes!

I'm pretty sure Taylor is saying "was that??" Since she says it 959 times a day!

Heather and Michael...it's almost as hard to get a normal picture of them as it is Tim and I!

Brotherly love!

Tonight was the Easter Musical at our church. It's called The Tale of the Three Trees. It's really a childrens' musical, but we adults thought we would have more fun doing it! It was such a blast! It's the neatest musical. One that makes you laugh and laugh, but then drives home the point at the end and makes you bawl! We video taped it if anyone wants to see it!

We are singing about our dreams, and seeing past the forrest for the trees

I think I am saying "Leaf me alone, get it leaf???" This play has a lot of my kind of humor in it!

The whole cast...my uncle was the woodcutter and he did a rap. We wore our shades and did a little dancing!

Time for a quick family photo. The one with the Axe is my uncle (Woody the Woodcutter), my mom is on the left, then there's me (Stump), my brother's girlfriend Erin (Annibelle), and my aunt (Sappy). Does this help you understand why I am who I am????

Early this morning I got a call from Jenny telling me that her water had FINALLY broke and she was ready to have Grace!!!

Grace Ester Wood entered the world at 10:48 AM.

Caleb LOVES his baby sister!! He told me he was so glad that she finally came out!!!

Auntie Tarica with baby Grace! She is SO cute!! Poor girl has a bruised up face from a fast delivery, but she is still beautiful!

Tim with Grace...he's a natural!!

After this weekend, I am READY for bed!!!!! I'm drinking some tea, and heading to bed!

Okay, okay, I'm FINALLY blogging!

2009-03-23T21:21:00.011-05:00

I know it's been FOREVER since I've written.(and Wendi reminds me of that frequently!!) I could give you some great excuses as to why I haven't...but the truth is, I just haven't made the time! I love reading everyone elses' blogs and get sad when they don't update for a while, but I guess I'm the pot calling the kettle black!!

Tim and I a year ago...after our 2nd date (at Chuckee Cheese!)

Celebrating our first year!

This month truly has been March Madness for me! I started the month out with celebrating an WONDERFUL year with Tim. He is an amazing, sweet, Godly man and I am super blessed to have him in my life! Tim planned the whole night....first he surprised me and took me to the same restaurant we had our first date at. He even got us the same table!!! When I opened my menu, he had printed out special menus just for us, with pictures, and scripture. All through dinner we reminisced our first date and how nervous we both were. After dinner, we went to Jeff and Jenny's (they set us up and after our first date, we went back to their place). Jenny came running/waddling (she's VERY pregnant!) down the stairs, thinking we were coming to tell her we were engaged. NOT YET! Poor girl, I think I almost sent her into early labor! After visiting (and Caleb informing us that he is using the potty now, and that day he had "pooped in the toilet like an old man"), we went back to Tim's to exchange gifts. I gave Tim a "storybook" of our year together, some toys (YES, TOYS...he's a kid at heart!!). Then I opened my gift. It was a video that Tim had put together. It was SO cute!! About half way through the water works started and I didn't think I would even be able to see the end of it! He wrote a lot of sweet things! At the end there was a picture of "my" triplets. They were holding signs that said "Happy 1 year anniversary from Tim" WOW. He knows how much those kids mean to me, and for him to track them down and get that picture made was the best ever!! I continue to thank God for such a great guy!

The week after our anniv, I had to take my insurance licensing exam. That was pretty stressful! But God is good, and I made it through. I passed half of the exam so I felt pretty good about that!

I just recently found out that my job is being eliminated and am once again looking for work. NOT FUN! It's strange, I didn't freak out when I found out, I had this incredible peace that only could have been from God! And boy has He shown up lately! I have hardly had to do anything and have already had 2 job offers, and one really good lead on another job!!! GOD IS GOOD!

Heather and I went and registered for her and Michael's wedding. We got a little "trigger happy"!

Jenny is getting ready to have baby Grace any day now!! Can't wait for baby girl to get here!!

As always, I have to throw in a picture of Jackson! He is growing bigger every day! He's such a happy guy and such a joy to be around. He has started "giving 5" and waving! I love that little guy!

We took Jackson to get his picture with the Easter bunny and Erin and I just couldn't resist!!

Ahh...it's over!

2009-01-07T10:15:00.001-06:00

All the craziness of the Holidays are over!! What a wonderful time with family and friends! I always love seeing everyone and celebrating Christ's birth, but I'm not gonna lie...I'm glad when it's all over and I can get back to "normal" life! Christmas started for me on Christmas Eve with my dad's family. The 24th is also my dad's birthday, and my parent's anniversary, so it was a busy night for us! We had our annual Christmas Eve dinner...steaks on the grill...MMMM. Then we rushed off to church. We enjoyed the special music and candlelight service with our church family.

My cousins Zach, Shyanna, and Destiny singing at the candlelight service

After chruch, we did birthday and anniversary presents. Bj, Erin, Tim, and I got my parents the Wii Fit for their anniv.

I think they liked it! Erin, Bj, Mom and I stayed up until 3:30AM playing. I take that back...I stayed up until 3:30, I don't know how much longer they were up!

They were playing house. Destiny was 'directing' all of us

Jackson was really good at opening his presents! Smart kid!

I think this was my dad's favorite gift!

My dad and Brian blowing out their birthday candles

Erin eating Mom's Special K bars. We call her THE TRASH COMPACTOR because one day my brother was mad that she had eaten some and there weren't many left for him and he called her a trash compactor.

Christmas moring was spent with my parents, brother, and Erin. around noon, Tim came and exchanged gifts with my family. Then we headed for Ames.

It was a tight squeeze in Tims' little truck!

A pretty picture of Wendi, taken by Addisyn

Michael...as he opens his gloves "what are these for?" Heather, are you SURE you know what you're getting into???

Santa....er...I mean Rick

Scott being a nerd!

Timmy openning up his gifts from me. I got him a webcam so he can see he 3 favorite girls...Taylor, Renae, and Addisyn!

Julie and Taylor. Beautiful girls!

One of my wonderful gifts from Tim! Isn't he sweet???

Taylor jammin to Nana's IPod

Addy being a sugar plum fairy

This little cutie pie made my day!

Rick and Wendi boxing on the Wii. The women DOMINATED the men!

Timmy playing with the girls

Addisyn and I shared a room. She thought that was pretty special!

The bowling scores...see the winner?? Huh huh?? Yeah, that's me!!!

I left from Ames and met my parents in Des Moines for another family Christmas, this time with my mom's family. We stayed at a gorgous hotel, Staybridge. It was great to see family who live far away. There were almost 70 of us there!! And that's not everyone! We played lots of games, sang our tradional '12 Days of Christmas' and had our "H" gift exchange. (we all had to bring presents that began with the letter H). Sunday morning we worshiped together and had our own "church service" with different ones speaking and leading in songs. It's so wonderful to be part of a family who loves the Lord!!

Sunday I left right after lunch, ran home, unpacked and repacked in 5 minutes, and was off again!! Sunday through Tuesday was our annual Winter Retreat for our youth kids. It was a fun time, but SO tiring!! Teens wear me out! Here are some pictures from our Super Hero Banquet, and Silly Bowling

Our first place winner...Lindsay as Captian Underpants

Oh the drama of 7th grade!!! These girls were having a melt down moment, so our youth pastor joined them

When I got home from retreat, I went to my parents' and saw this adorable site when I walked in! New Years was spent at my cousins' house with my family and Tim. We played lots of games and were able to stay up past midnight!! I think Tim and I were the party poopers...we were both So tired! Things are slowing down (for now!!) and I am getting ready to buckle down and study hard from my Insurance Licensing Exam. PRAY for me!!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-08T13:41:00.000-06:00

This weekend we did our annual Christmas Tree hunt. It is the one time of the year that I get TOTAL control. My parents let me have the final say on which tree we cut down. I have a habit of picking the tallest, fattest tree I can find! Every year my dad tells me it's the last year, but I know he enjoys it as much as I do!! This year my dad was hunting and Erin had clinicials, so it was just my mom and I. We walked around and around...and I just wasn't finding "IT" the perfect tree. It was freezing, and we didn't have a lot of time, so I settled on one (I NEVER settle...I should have known better!) The tree was a little thinner then I ususally go for, but it was nice and full and very tall, so I said...THIS ONE! I was excited as the man was sawing my tree down....

I was happy with the tree at this point....BUT....then the guy cut it down...and I mean CUT IT DOWN. He basically butchered the poor thing! I was disappointed!! Tim kept telling me it was a pretty tree and I kept telling him, "you just don't understand!!!" To prove my point, 5 different people have been at my parents house since the tree went up and EVERY one of them has commented on how small it is!! Sad...

I promised Tim I was done whining about my tree...and I GUESS I can admit, it IS a pretty tree!! And we had a fun time decorating it!!

This was Tim's contibution to the tree...it's a Fareway reciept. I had to follow him around and rearrange most of what he did! One time I found 4 ornaments on one branch!! And every hawkeye ornament was either upside down, or underneath the tree!!!

It's tradition...I always put the star on top!

Here's the finished product....it is pretty...especially with the "fire" by it!

I don't know why....but I love this picture!!

Our Stockings waiting to be filled by "Santa"

Erin and I

Timmy and I

Yeah, We're nerds!

That's my dad....you can't see him because of his Camoflauge!

Tim being an Elf

He's a goof, but he's my goof!!

The Jolly decorating crew...my brother is on the phone...it's the only way we could get him in the picture. He was there until we started playing the Christmas music and then he left. He's kind of a scrooge!

My mommy and daddy!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-01T10:31:00.000-06:00

I can't belive it's December already!! This year has flown by!! I had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with my friends and family! Thursday we had lunch at my Aunt Nita and Uncle Dave's house. They have been wanting to add on to their house for 20 years and they FINALLY did it! It was SO nice having such a big space to gather together! We ate TONS of food (Tim saying to me...do you think you've had enough yet??? I had to *polietly* remind him that it was THANKSGIVING and you are SUPPOSED to overeat!). After Lunch, we sat around the living room and had a time of praise and worship, with Brian, Mandy, and Bj playing guitar. I know we made a joyful noise to the Lord, but I'm not sure about to the neighbors! We were getting ready for a second round of food, and to play some games, when I got a call from one of my BFF's, Jenny. She is 20 weeks pregnant, had the flu, and was having strong contractions. her two little guys were sick with the flu, so her husband didn't want to take them to the hospital. SO...Tim and I drove up to Ankeny and took her to the hospital. I was scared!! I didn't know what to do when she was having contractions!! It turns out that she was super dehyrated and just needed lots of fluid. They put an IV in and pumped all kinds of stuff into her. I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was really neat!! By the time I got home Thursday night, it was late, and I was pooped, so I went right to bed!

Friday was my mom's birthday, so our friend Julie and my mom and I went shopping. NOT like those crazy people that go at 4 in the morning...we slept in and went around noon! We had fun doing a little Christmas shopping and then ate at Bravo. It was yummy!

Friday night was date night! Holly and Elijah were in town so Tim and I met up with them and Amber and Robert for a fun night. We went to the Holiday Light Festival, downtown Des Moines. After driving around for half an hour, trying to make a decision...we ended up at The Racoon River Brewery. We ate some dinner and were hoping to play some pool, but the pool tables were all reserved for a private party. =( After our dinner, we went ice skating. What an adventure!! I hadn't ice skated for a LONG time! Tim and I were pretty slow...but we never fell! We were surrounded by teenagers and the music was pretty crappy...a lot of swearing. I was disappointed! I thought they should play Christmas music!! Regardless, we had a great time. I always love seeing "my girls." We ended the night at Village Inn for pie. Let's just say the only thing that tasted good was the water!!!

2008-11-25T14:41:00.000-06:00

Oh the drama! Do you ever feel like you just want to plug your ears and not hear one more thing one more person has to say?? That's me right now. I am weary with people, with relationships, with always being the bigger person and doing the right thing. Sometimes I wish I could just not care about doing the right thing! It SEEMS like it would be easier, although I know in the long run, it wouldn't be. As the holidays near, I am determined not to let people or circumstances steal my joy!! But that is going to take daily, minute by minute prayer. It will ONLY be by God's grace that I will be able to stop stressing about the negative and look at the blessings in my life. My true friends, my family, A Godly boyfriend, a job I love, and SO so much more!

Just me

2008-11-21T14:33:00.001-06:00

Here I am...let's see how I do at this blogging thing! I used to be pretty good...but I've fallen off the bandwagon! But I SO enjoy reading about everyone else's lives (maybe I'm just a snoop!), so I thought MAYBE, just maybe, someone would want to read about mine!