A Glance at the Gardners

2010-11-18T19:49:00.007-05:00

Fall Semi-Formal

2010-11-18T19:30:00.004-05:00

2010-11-18T19:15:00.003-05:00

The Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon Dunlap Finishers!!!!!

Randy, Kristi, and me......WE DID IT!!!!

Kristi and I ....very tired....but incredibly happy!!!!

Truly one of the highlights of my entire life. I ran the entire mini-marathon (13.2) miles without stopping!!!!!!! This picture is when I saw Libby and Dave standing in the grand-stands cheering me to the finish line!!!

Some July 4th pictures

2009-07-07T18:34:00.003-04:00

Some Recent Pictures

2009-05-21T20:47:00.003-04:00

I love this picture of Libby and her violin

My spring flowers

Yes.....I am strange. I like these!!

I have not done well at keeping up my blog. I keep busy with my studies and playing taxi to the kids and their many activities. I am on facebook and actually do better at keeping up on that site. See ya there......

Disney 09

2009-03-30T18:04:00.003-04:00

Some Disney Pics

Santa Rosa Island

2009-01-25T21:06:00.002-05:00

I was able to go to Santa Rosa Island FL for an organizational excellence conference put on by Studer Group. My room was right on the beach and had a balcony. Even though it was not as warm as I would have liked it was still beautiful!!! Loved it.

Random Pictures from the past month

2009-01-13T16:55:00.005-05:00

Alayna with her silly face at Dads

My dear little daddy. I made him a coconut cream pie while I was home.

Alayna opening her iPod

Austin with his shirts, his main gift as a small flat screen TV that he had been wanting for his room.

Jordan loved this t shirt he also got his guitar hero

Libby with her iPod Touch

Dave opening his gift from Alayna

Alayna got me this red scarf set, she said she got red because red makes her heart beat faster!!

Here are a few pictures from the last month. As much as I look forward to Christmas it is always a relief when it is over. We had a total of 4 Christmas celebrations to attend this year!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-18T21:29:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Gardners!!

This is a mixture of pictures from this holiday season. We have been blessed beyond measure this year and we are thankful to the One who came to earth for us so long ago. I will try to post pictures of the other kids as I get them when they are dressed decently and looking at the camera. To see other holiday pictures you can visit our myspace page or facebook.

Pacers Game

2008-11-09T20:01:00.003-05:00

We went to a Pacers vs. Suns game on Wednesday. It was a first for me to go to a 'real' game. I did play a little basketball in high school, but probably haven't played since. I didn't really know or care what was going on most of the time and even cheered for the other team a time or two...but all in all had a great evening. I guess you don't have to know what is going on to have a good time. Kristi and I thought we were probably the best 'cheerers'!!! We thought Shaq probably would be an awesome player.....but he spent the majority of the game on the bench, we were not impressed. We got his picture though, just to prove we saw him. Kristi, Andy, Susan, and Randy went along as well as the kids. We want to go back and get better seats next time.

Crazy moments

2008-11-04T17:54:00.006-05:00

Here are a few of the crazy moments on my trip. When I look at these they just make me laugh. It is good for the soul to just act crazy at times. There are very few people with whom I can truly be myself, these are the few!! I don't have very many pictures of me, as I was the one with the camera. Esther also had a camera and it seems I don't have many pictures of her either.

I am back....tired!!

2008-11-03T20:52:00.005-05:00

I am back from my great weekend in NC with the gals. We had a wondrous time and plan to do it again. The four of us settled in and it seemed we had never been apart. We figured that it had been at least five years since we had seen each other. We had big plans to go to the women's conference in Greensboro, and even had our costly tickets, but alas.....we got to talking and never made it to the Colosseum. I do have the ticket though...I guess it can go in my scrapbook as gold!! We really didn't do all that much except talk, laugh, act stupid, shop, eat, and drink coffee. I drank more coffee than any sane person should drink. I will post a few pictures here, and maybe more later when time allows.

I am off for a great weekend

2008-10-29T22:08:00.004-04:00

Well....it has finally arrived!!!!! I am leaving tomorrow morning for my weekend with the gals!!!! I will be flying down to NC to meet up with my dearest friend Iva, otherwise known as Stellie...and then we will meet up with Tricia and Esther, also our friends from high school. I have never got a chance to do this and had promised Stellie that I would go see her over two years ago. Well, that never happened....and I am just now keeping my promise!! We plan to shop, eat, shop, drink coffee, eat, laugh, gossip, eat....you get the picture!!! Sooooooo tata for now my dearest readers....I will bring back lots of pictures of our wild time!!! Here is a picture of Stellie that I stole from her site.

Stellie and her lil' Sweet CornStellie Mae

Our Day at Turkey Run State Park

2008-10-11T21:42:00.004-04:00

Starting the long hike on the 'river trail'. Randy is still feeling good and showing his skills!!

Still feeling good in the caves.

Dave and I.....lookin' kinda funny in this pic.
The whole bunch of us taking a rest on the trail.
Chelsey came along with us for the day. I am convinced she thinks we are crazy people.

Sitting taking a rest before we go up yet another hill.

Me and my girls tired after the long climb.

A restful scene at the end of our journey. Love, love, love this picture (except for the guard rails). It is so calming.

Pix with my new camera

2008-10-09T20:54:00.003-04:00

These are some neat pix I took of the kids with my new camera that Dave got me for my B-day. I really like it....but really don't know all it can do for me. Guess I need to read the manual....that always helps!! My kids are growing way too fast, it is always more visible to me when I see them in pictures. Sometimes I wish time would stand still....notice I said sometimes.....but for sure not when they are fighting!! :*)

Fall Days

2008-10-04T22:28:00.005-04:00

My little Maxine....she looks so cute in this picture!!!

This spider lives on our front porch.....He is sure pretty, but I don't know if he is a bad guy or not.
Austin found this fungi in our woods......it is huge

Mickhi loves to ride the four-wheeler.....and Libby just loves Mickhi!!!

Kristi thinks she can run faster than me!!!

I have been jogging daily (almost) hoping to someday get skinny.
While we were talking, jogging and being silly the guys were out shooting each other with paint balls.......just doesn't make sense!!
Dave has a great big nice ole' red mark to prove he was hit, not my idea of fun!!!

This post is just a mixture of pictures from today. It was beautiful outside and our family came out to enjoy a big fire, food, and fun. I have always been a believer that weekends are for fun and family....and this was no exception. We ladies sat around talking and being silly and the guys rode the four-wheelers and played paint ball. I see no fun shooting each other with little balls and leaving big bruises....it must be a guy thing!!! All in all it was a great day!!!

A better post......NOT!!

2008-09-10T22:27:00.004-04:00

Just thought I would post a short line letting everyone know that all is well in 'ole PA. The fam is doing fabulously well and probably was very glad to see us pull out of the drive venturing back from whence we hailed. (that sentence is for my good friend Stellie) We got back on Monday (Labor Day) after an enjoyable long weekend. We were able to pull off the surprise 25th anniversary party for my sister Teresa and her husband, proving I am capable of keeping a secret after all. About 75 people from the church there and family members attended. She didn't have any idea what I had planned and wanted to smash me for not warning her ahead of time. I am sure she would NOT have worn her yellow shirt to her party had she known she was having one!! However it will make for some good laughs for years to come. I will soon have some pictures to share, proving I am capable of decorating a teeny tiny little tad and also showing the infamous yellow shirt!! Thanks to Catrena for loaning me some supplies...it was a huge success.

Now I am back to reality, responsibility and some other r word that I am incapable of thinking of at this time.....probably research would work. I am two weeks into another 4 credit class on research and stats...it promises to be quite fascinating. My nightly diphenhydramine is kicking in so I best close before I get too irrational.......to all my faithful friends and lurking readers....a hearty Good Night!!!

Ramblings of a crazy woman!!

2008-08-27T17:13:00.005-04:00

Well....really nothing to post, but I just finished up five more credits toward my MSN...and received a much needed and unexpected mini break from my studies....so I thought I better post. Labor day is coming up and we are planning a trip to good ole` PA to see the fam. We plan to leave on Friday after work. The kids are settling into a routine of school and homework and really seem to be enjoying it so far.

As I am writing this my older kids are allllllll arguing back and forth over who changed the cat litter the last time, who changes it most, who changes it best and who loves the cat more!!!!! WHEN WILL THE FIGHTING EVER END??????????????

I am looking forward to some girl time coming up the end of October.....so it is far away....a gal's got to have something to look forward to!!!! I am planning a trip to NC to see my best friend Iva and Esther and Tricia, girls from high school. When we get together, it seems like we are all teens again and we laugh, gossip, and reminisce for hours on end!! We tend to forget that we are actually old ladies with real jobs and responsibilities!!!! Even though it is only a short time, it does this old lady good now and again to have that kind of fun!! So........Stellie......can't wait.....I have already got prices on tickets so it is a for sure thing....count me in!!

I am sorry I have no pictures this time.....my computer is at the electronics hospital getting medicated for a huge virus, so I am using Jordans. He doesn't take the same kind of pictures that I take....his are usually pix of motorcycles.....four wheelers....basket ball games....you get the idea. So....maybe next post!!

If you read all of this post you must either be my good friend, family member, or crazy, because it is nothing but rambles. Maybe it will be better next time....after my brain is refreshed from my short hiatus.

Camping

2008-08-19T23:28:00.005-04:00

We had our last big fling last weekend at the camp-ground. The kids had a great time. Alayna and Mikaila had a blast collecting locust.....GROSS!!! Guess I don't have a girlie girl.....sigh!! They collected several and put them on a tree in a orderly fashion to show us all!!! The rest of us swam, biked and just generally enjoyed food, relaxing, and the campfire.

Alayna and Mikaila with the Locust shells

At least they displayed them neatly!! :*) Jordan and Andy
Randy enjoys the food!!!

First Day of School 2008

2008-08-19T22:34:00.005-04:00

The kids started school on Thursday. They are going to Clinton Prairie again, as we had a great experience last year. They were excited and so was I!! I am ready to have a clean house when I get home from work!! :*) I am posting some pictures of them ready for school and as they were waiting for the bus.

Alayna is in second grade
Jordan is a big bad 10th grader!!!
Libby is in 5th grade
Austin is in seventh grade....his first year on the high school side

Waiting for the bus

Libby is 11!!!

2008-08-13T16:49:00.001-04:00

I stole these from Kristi's site....but she had the camera on Libby's birthday. She turned 11 years old last week. I can not believe it!!!! My beautiful baby girl is no longer a baby!!!

Jordan is 15!!

2008-08-05T17:51:00.003-04:00

Proof you are never too old to blow out candles!!
Proof you are never too old to hug your ole mama!!

Proof that all parties must come to an end!!!!

Update

2008-08-04T19:06:00.003-04:00

You asked for an update.....but sadly I do not have pictures to go with it at this point. We have been busy as everyone always is in the summer. We have done some house remodeling and moving of rooms, painting and scrubbing.....always a much bigger job than I would like!! I have been plugging away at class and have only two weeks to go in my current Nursing roles today and tomorrow class. My job has been very stressful in the past few weeks....some days I wonder why I ever wanted to be manager!! Dave has been exceedingly busy with his business, work seems to be busier than last year at this time!! It is good on the paycheck, but bad for family time. The kiddo's have been busy being kids. They have enjoyed this summer to the fullest. This past week my sister came and spent the week with us. Everyone enjoyed a clean house and supper on the table ! She takes such good care of me!!!! :*) Jordan just celebrated his 15th birthday on Saturday.....(I will post a picture when I can locate my usb cord) I can't believe he is that old already. We had cake to celebrate the event with cousins. I guess that sums up my update.....I will try to do better!!

DONE!!!!

2008-06-19T21:14:00.004-04:00

I am officially done with my Management Communications class!!!! YYYAAAAA!!!!! The stress is finally over......I thought I might crack last weekend I was sooooooo stressed. I got my research paper with the power point submitted on Tuesday and got my grade back today. I got a perfect score!! Quite amazing considering that this instructor told us at the beginning she would not be giving perfect scores!!!! I am so glad she changed her mind for mine. However, I did work for my grades....... this class required about 15-20 hours/week of study so I am glad it is OVER!!!! Sunday I start a nursing class and also a one credit technical success class. They will go for 8 weeks.

In other news......Sunday through Tuesday was spent in southern Indiana at the French Lick Resort. I was there for a Indiana Rural Health Association Annual Conference. It is fun to meet other professionals from like hospitals and network together. The facilities were beautiful. This picture is French Lick Springs hotel......I failed to get pictures of West Baden....it was even more beautiful. A man told me that $400 million....yes MILLION was just put into the restoration of these beautiful hotels in the past five years. The ceilings were hand painted and actual gold was used for the gold gilding. I was able to spend my evenings in the quiet peace of the massive front porches. It was a wonderful opportunity.

Florida Trip

2008-06-11T17:41:00.004-04:00

OK....Kris has been bugging me to post pix of our Florida trip and I am just now finding the time to poke my head out of my school hole to do so.....Kristi....enjoy!!! We stayed at the Peabody Orlando the first night and got to see the famous ducks do their march to the Sousa March. It was really neat. The hotel was beautiful and the kids were impressed. Next we went to Hobe Sound to see Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Terry. Dave got to see cousins he has not seen in forever!! We spent the day playing at the beach with family. It was ton's of fun. We then went back to Orlando and stayed at Summer Bay Resort for the week. We went to Sea World and Aquatica four days then just played at the resort the other two. It was a great relaxing time. Libby and Alayna at Sea World

Alayna in the sand
Dave and I at Sea World

The Ducks at The Peabody Orlando
Austin at The Peabody Orlando
Jordan and Austin Surfing at Hobe Sound

Gaylord Opryland Resort

2008-05-21T20:32:00.002-04:00

I went to a conference on patient safety for the hospital. They put me up in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference center. It was simply beautiful. If you get the chance to go take advantage of it. I really would like to go back. Stellie....this is the ideal place for our girls weekend!!!

Austin's Honor Banquet

2008-05-21T20:22:00.004-04:00

Austin had his 6th grade honor banquet. He was so excited. They sang I believe I can fly. They had cake and punch and a chance to meet all the teachers. He was so excited. This has truly been a great year!! He will be in the high school next year. He had the chance to sign up for chorus, band or study hall. guess what he chose????? yep.....study hall!!!! My child who has a voice to die for......he picked study hall. Oh well.....he has to want to do it. In the picture in front of the face picture, he did a self portrait.

my indulgence

2008-05-21T20:17:00.003-04:00

A very wise lady once told me, "life is too short to not own a pair of red heals." So......I indulged!!!

I am alive....but barely

2008-05-07T16:54:00.003-04:00

Well....IvyWoody tells me it is time for an update. My life is crazy right now and I have not had time to be on this site. I have started another class. It is a class in communications and it is requiring a lot of work. I had twelve post last week, as well as a research paper.
In family news: Dave had a birthday last week and he is now older then....well.....29 year old dirt. The kids are winding down school, I think they are actually going to miss it this summer. Libby has been practicing for her recital, it is slow going right now, but I hope it will get better. Jordan cam home today with a 92% on his Biology test, he made me proud!!! Austin has honors banquet on the 13th, he has done so well. Alayna is doing good too,she just had Spring Musical and got to sing "Aint nothing but a hound dog!!" The picture is fuzzy, but I thought it was cute. She has also won first place on two art contest. Her poster is on display at the Library for the Conversation Club, she won a first place ribbon for it. I will be flying to Tennessee on the 14th for a patient safety conference. I am staying at the Gaylord Resort. It sounds like it will be quite enjoyable to have some alone time!! My work is very busy right now, we are expecting our Joint Commission Survey any day now. Just when I think we have it all covered something else pops up. But I do really enjoy my job.
Well......I need to get to my class. I will try to not be so long between post since I know at lest Iva is reading them!!!
To all the Moms out there, Have a Happy Mothers Day.

Pioneer Day

2008-04-16T20:50:00.006-04:00

Libby informed me that forth grade Pioneer day is next week and she needs a Pioneer Girl outfit ASAP!!! Doing what most working moms would do.....I decided to buy the outfit. I got on EBAY and some other costume sites and decided quickly that I was too cheep to spend my hard earned money on a store bought costume. (yes I know Iva....got to go get in line....you can come too!!!!:*)
I went to Walmart and bought material and made my daughter a beautiful Pioneer Girl outfit. I have not sewed much since high school home-ec class (even then my skills were less then wonderful).....so my confidence was not real high. Lib wanted to tell her teacher about it, I told her to wait to see if it even looked like a dress when I was done!!!! However, I found it is much like riding a bike....you don't forget. I even made the bonnet and apron and am very pleased with the results. She is more then happy and has been skipping around the house like Laura Ingles Wilder. My mom would be proud....she taught me well!!!!

Getting to know me.....guess I was tagged

2008-04-16T20:12:00.005-04:00

Where was I ten years ago today....
I was getting ready to move from western Pennsylvania to Frankfort with my husband and three little kiddo's.

Five things I need to do today....
Work
Finish Libby's Pioneer Dress up outfit
Cook Supper
Clean up
LAUNDRY

Five snacks I enjoy....
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Starbucks Carmel Lite Fraps
Flan
Chips
butter toast

If I were a billionaire what would I do with the money?
Love this question......this is my favorite way to pass time......DREAM!!!!
I would buy a BIG house on lots of land in the middle of nowhere.
I would take lots of my friends on a cruise just for fun
TRAVEL
Put away money for my kids college
invest
give to my church
I could go on and on.......but I think you would rather I not!!!!!!!!

Five bad habits I have....
sitting and just thinking (being very non-productive)
sniffing
letting my mind wander when someone is telling me a story
shutting out my friends when I am stressed
STRESSING

Five places I've lived...
Pennsylvania
Indiana
Thats all!!

Five Jobs I've had....
Babysitting
Cook at a Personal Care home
Nurse Aid at a personal care home
Nurse at Venango Manor
Floor nurse at Franklin Hospital
OB nurse at Meadville Hospital
OB nurse at St. Vincent Frankfort
Agency nurse for Assured Nursing
OB nurse at Witham
Quality Improvement Manager at St.Vincent Frankfort

Welll.......guess you know me a little better now......however I am kinda boring, guess I haven't lived enough~~!!

more pix from the cruise

2008-03-24T17:09:00.006-04:00

I am really wishing for Spring, and see it has no intention of coming to Indiana any time soon..........So as my own little rebellion, I will post more pix of the cruise. I see that the pictures are all out of order after posting, so please excuse this annoying detail. Of interest, if you enlarge the bottom water picture you will see the black spiny sea anemones(not sure if that is spelled right) and also the blue eyes on the fish....it was incredible!!! Just like swimming in a giant fish aquarium.

Back from the deep blue sea

2008-03-12T18:24:00.004-04:00

Well, for those of you who knew I was gone (Jenny for sure!!), I am now back!!!! Dave and I got to go on a cruise to the southern Caribbean.... sans kiddos. We flew to San Juan Puerto Rico and then sailed for a whole week of beach bliss. We got to see St. Thomas, Barbados and Dominica again, then got to see three new islands.....St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Maarten. It was a truly relaxing week. Jenny and Steve got to be Aunt and Uncle of the Year (or probably Ten Years), as they got the privilege of watching all our sweet and perfect :*) children and wonderful pets. I am eternally grateful to them for doing this for us!!!!! I thought I might loose my dear husband in Puerto Rico, he was truly on his last leg. On our last day sailing, he got a horrible outer ear infection with a tremendous amount of pain. He had a great amount of swelling and blisters and still has absolutely no hearing out of his left ear. We did find that you can get medications in PR without scripts, so I was able to play doctor and get him some antibiotics, drops and pain meds. I am quite certain that he was thankful that I knew something about medication and got him a measure of pain relief. As do all good things, vacation came to an end and we returned to cold and dreary Indiana on Monday. Reality hit when we returned to work on Tuesday. I was hit with about 379 emails and a whole string of voice mail!!! Such is life after vacation......however I am not complaining it was worth it!!!!!

Please pray for Amy (Pharris) Balty

2008-02-28T21:54:00.004-05:00

I have never done this on my blog, but think this is appropriate. I have a friend that I went to high school with, that has been suffering some real physical problems. I had not had contact with Amy, since she graduated a couple years prior to me. One day while browsing web pages, I found hers and have reconnected via this media. She has three little boys who need their mommy, and she really needs a Touch from Jesus. There is a possibility that she might lose her eyesight and she is battling a serious infection. Amy's blog has been a real inspiration to me, and I have loved the way she has been so 'real' with her post. Even in the midst of this battle she has remained true and strong. I am sure that she would appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers for her as well as for her family. You can read her blog here:http://amy-claudine.blogspot.com/ .

This picture was copied from her web site.

Libby's Pic

2008-02-19T22:11:00.003-05:00

This is the picture that I promised you several weeks ago of Libby and her teacher. This lady is a real jewel, and has helped Libby tremendously. Thank You Mrs. Whitlock!!

Jordan is going to sectionals wiht the B-Ball team!!! He is so excited and I am happy for him.

Alayna brought home her mid tearm with all A and B's!!!! I was so worried about her..... all for nothing!!!!! She is doing well!!

Austin is also doing good and is flourshing in this school environment.

In other news my stats class is done this week!! Surprisingly I have really enjoyed the class and have learned useful information. The best news about the class...is that I will finish my class with a 99% Hopefully I will be able to maintain a high grade average as I continue. I have found that as I am a older student, I am expecting perfection. When I went to nursing the first time right out of high school I really didn't care.....I just wanted to pass. Now I want to pass, but only with a perfect score. Probably a good trait....but causes lots of stress~~!!! My next class will begin on Monday. It is a management communications class, it sounds interesting.

My life is kinda boring right now, I will post more as it gets exciting....hopefully with more pictures!!!

Mama is proud!!

2008-02-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

CAUTION......If you don't want to hear a proud mom brag on her child don't read this.....it is my blog so I can do it!!!!

I am so proud of my 'lil Libby!!! Libby is in forth grade and has an awsome teacher that she loves and seems to love her back. She (her teacher) has been working on building up Libby's self confidence. She knew that Libby has been taking violin lessons, so she asked her to bring it in and play Amazing Grace for her class. I was surprised, as I didn't think in public school that they would want a hymn.....however that was the request because it was mentioned in one of the stories they had been reading for story time. So.....on Friday Libby toted her violin in to class. She played for her room first. Her teacher was so pleased that she asked Libby if she would play for all the forth grade classes. So......Libby got to play for all the forth grade!!!!! Libby was so excited (I was too!! can you tell!!). She said she was shaking like a leaf!!! Anyway.......she made this ole mama proud!!!!!!! I will post pics later.

In other news....I have a ten page critique due this week, so I am working like a crazy woman to try to complete it. I am preparing a hospital for a Joint Commission Survey, I helped to make a paper mache' gorilla this week, helped a franic firstgrader to read the word watermelon, assisted with the making of a milk jug bird feeder and have been taxi service too many times to count!!!!! This is the life that I love.....truly!!! :*)

Please don't look at my spelling......I can't get spell check to check!!!! grrrrrrrr

I am surviving

2008-01-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

Well....thought I would let everyone know I am actually alive!!! A lot has changed but we all are doing actually pretty well. My classes are going good and I am really doing quite well. It is not near as boring as one would think and I have learned a lot about research and stats. I am maintaining my grades and hopefully will be able to keep them there.

The kids are doing real good in school as well. Some of you may not know that we put the kids into school after Christmas. Home school has it's advantages....but not for two working full time parents. So.....yes, I guess we failed at homeschooling. The kids really missed other kids their own ages and really wanted to go, so we put them into school. They are going to Clinton Prairie, the county public school. They absolutely LOVE it!!! We are very pleased with the teachers and the way that they want to help our children. Alayna has never liked school, not even the first day....however now she is totally thrilled and excited each day!! Hopefully that will continue!!! Jordan is able to play the sports that he loves so much and is part of the JV basketball team!! He has made lots of friends and is glad to be back in school as well. He has made me proud. Libby and Austin are also doing good and have adjusted very well. It is just a relief to know all the educating is not on my incapable shoulders. The fact that they have real teachers rather than Dave and I, relieves my little mind.

My life for the next three years!!!! :*(

2008-01-05T23:09:00.001-05:00

Just wanting to warn everyone that the post will be few and far between for awhile. I have started back to school again, this time for my Masters Degree in Nursing. I think I am probably a few bricks shy of a full load to even try such a thing.....but I have always wanted to do it, and at least wanted to attempt it. If I can not do it, at least I will have tried. My first class is Introduction to Statistics and Research Methods. If I can make it through this class, I think I actually might survive!! We started Jan 2. and will go for 8 weeks. Then I have one day break and another class starts. This will be my life for the next three years!! If you think of my family say a prayer for their sanity......I am sure it will be just as hard on them, if not harder. Dave has been extremely supportive of my educational endeavors throughout the years.....I have promised him that after this, I will be DONE!!! He just smiles....he knows me too well!!

New Years!!

2008-01-05T23:02:00.000-05:00

Anyone see these people before????? They showed up for our New Years party.......:*) We had fun.....it is amazing what fun you can have at 1am with a set of fake teeth, uno attack and a cranium game!!! I have a feeling I will be punished for this post.....sorry Catrena......it was too good to pass up!!!!!!!!

Christmas at Dads

2008-01-05T22:51:00.000-05:00

Jared (my nephew) at dads.

I thought I would share some pics that I took when I was at dads. We had a very busy trip, but it was fun!!!

My sister Teresa and her husband.

Kristi (my niece) and I doing a self pic
Mason and Alayna "fixing" the tree.
My dear little daddy!!

Christmas Pics

2008-01-05T22:38:00.000-05:00

Thought I would post some Christmas Pics. This was a good Christmas, the kids loved every minute of it and their joy was worth every penny!!

Libby and Alayna each got a different color DS as their main gift along with several games

Jordan got a drum set that he has been wanting for a long time. Thankfully it has headphones so the whole house doesn't have to listen!!!
Austin was the most surprised......he got the Wii that he had wanted and didn't think he would get. Well worth the extra money just to see his face!!!!

Before the big rush to open gifts!!!!

Over the River and Thru the Woods......

2007-12-27T17:23:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to wind our way "home" to Pennsylvania, to spend some holiday time with my family. The van is packed, the dog has been bathed, the presents are wrapped and the kids are scrubbed.....we are ready to go. We are just waiting on Dave to make it home from work and then we can leave!! It will be about an 8-9 hour trip, so we won't get there in too much of a big hurry. Most all of us will be together this year. The only one missing will be my niece Alicia and my nephew Randy Jr. It has been such a long time since we have all been together. It promises to be a fun chaotic time!!!! I will post pictures when we return!!!

To All

2007-12-24T16:41:00.000-05:00

A very Merry Christmas to each of you.......my friends and family!! I wish for you peace and joy during this holiday season and into the New Year.

Libby's first recital

2007-12-15T23:57:00.000-05:00

Libby's first recital was Thursday evening. She has just started taking lessons this school year and this was the first ever for her. She played the "Twinkles" with two other little girls, and then did a solo, "Jingle Bells". I was so proud of her, I thought she did very well for a new student. I always wanted to play a violin, but did the flute and piano instead, so I guess she is living my dream!! Anyway, just thought I would brag a little, guess I can do that since this is my blog!!

Florida was Wonderful!!!!

2007-12-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

Yep.....unfortunately I am now back in Indiana, just in time for a snowstorm!!!! The hospital sent me to Orlando for a huge (7000 people) Quality Improvement conference. The conference was really good and I learned so much but the weather was even better!!!! It was so nice and warm and not one cloud could be found in the beautiful blue sky!! Then on Wednesday night reality hit, and I came back to the freezing cold, grey Indiana winter!!! We are now in the middle of a snowstorm and church has been canceled for tomorrow!!! Wish I was back in Florida!!! The picture is one I took of the park all decorated for Christmas...wish it was palm trees decorated instead!!!

Past......and the not so past

2007-12-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday we celebrated sixteen years together!!! It really has gone very fast and its hard to imagine our lives any other way!! I thought you might like to see pics of us then.....we sure have changed...... now a little older and a little wiser ........... hopefully!!! I think we look so young!!! Jordan got the "now" picture.....we just got done from a day of crazy Christmas shopping........ so we look a little weary!!!! Sorry about the pic quality, it is a picture of a picture.

My idea of Christmas housecleaning!!!!

2007-11-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

1. Open a new file in your PC .

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want To delete Housework permanently?"

6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press mouse button firmly.....

7. Feel better?

Works for me!

Thanksgiving Post

2007-11-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

I found this Thanksgiving article, and thought it very thought provoking. Hope you enjoy it too.

Dressing Down Thankfulness by Brendan Bruce
Novemeber 15, 2007
As turkey day approaches and we’re reminded to count our blessings and be thankful for anything and everything, it’s important to remember why we’re thankful. First of all, I’m biased a bit in that I believe we should be thankful towards someone (i.e. God… you know, he invented turkey and all the trimmings in the first place) instead of just roaming around in a tryptophan-induced haze of general thankfulness towards all.
Take our trendily dressed ancestors, the Pilgrims, for instance. After barely surviving in the new world, they sat down to a sparse meal of items they brought to the table by their own hands. They hunted the bird, picked the berries, grew the veggies and managed to defend their families from Indian attacks, cholera and small belt buckles. The most dangerous work the modern pilgrim faces is fighting through the Sam’s Club parking lot and figuring out one of those do-it-yourself credit card machines in the checkout. Our turkeys come dressed, plucked, stuffed and with a magic button that pops out of its chest to tell you it’s done and dinner is served. Kids, in the “old days” turkeys came home covered with feathers and still had a head.
A few hundred years later, the fashions had changed a little, but putting a meal on the table was still pretty much the same. The typical American would sit down to a dinner still cobbled together from whatever was grown out in the yard or hunted in the woods. I know people today who couldn’t put a meal on the table that didn’t come out of a box or wasn’t wrapped in the latest logo of a fast food chain if you held their cell phone ransom.
It wasn’t too long ago that microwaves weren’t part of the typical kitchen either. People did things the long way: churned their butter, milked cows, and drank Sanka! My great grandmother used to make a batch of biscuits in a giant bowl made from a hunk of tree by simply pouring the milk directly into that white stuff you make biscuits out of (someone tells me it’s called flour). I’ve tried to keep up the tradition and for the past three weekends in a row, I’ve whacked a round can on the edge of the counter and made biscuits too, sorry granny.
I don’t mean to disparage technology or imply the Americans of today are necessarily lazy. What I do mean to say is with all this convenience and ease, it’s easy to say “Boy, I’m thankful for the cordless vac – I can clean up the dirt from the floor mats of my SUV after soccer practice.” Hardly what our forefathers meant when they got together and planned the first Thanksgiving Day parade and lobbied for a two-day holiday. They were thankful to the Almighty for leaving a few of them around for one more year; realizing that His providence alone had spared them through the long, cold winter, a grueling summer and another football season without cable TV.
Think of the last time someone gave you a fur-lined ice scraper or a pound of coffee beans costing more than a Guatemalan family makes in a year. Did you sit amidst the shredded wrapping paper musing to yourself and those around you about how thankful you felt or did you hop up and hug Uncle Charlie and thank him over the sound of the football game? You thanked the person, right? Instead of encouraging everyone this year to “Be Thankful,” why not just say “Thank Him?”
As you’re laid out on the couch this Thanksgiving, your belly strained to the breaking point, a bony carcass of a once proud bird drying on the table and in-laws piled around like firewood, take a moment to think of the past. Think of what is was like for those who started this palate-pleasing tradition. It wasn’t about the goodies of life, the 401k rebounding or plastic wrap that clings like polyester pants on a cold winter day. Thanksgiving was directed heavenward for the blessings of another year, another crop and a land where opportunity was as boundless as the wilderness to their backs.

Costume Party

2007-11-01T20:11:00.000-04:00

We were playing the gross baby food relay!!!! Randy was eating sweet potatoes!!!!!

Mikhi was the sweetest little pooh bear bee!!! Kristi went as Kelly Osborne and Libby is the grandma.

Dave was an Afghan man

Jenny loaned us these Afghan outfits, actually mine was quite beautiful and sooooo comfortable. So if you see me running around town in this outfit, just smile and act like all is normal!!!!!

This is my rough and tough biker brother.....he even had a heart tattoo with "mom" on his upper arm!!!!

I haven't had time to post about our costume party last weekend. Kristi had planned to have a party at her house, but quickly realized she needed more space. Since I am such a wonderful Aunt, I offered to have it at our house!! :*) We had a big bon fire, some crazy and some very gross games and lots of fun

Our Dentist will be going on vacation!!!!

2007-11-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Well.....our kids just like many of yours, hit the jackpot last night, or so our dentist thinks. They wanted to go around the square first, so we did that. It was really an absolute waste of time, but they enjoyed it. Then we went to our church. They had a trunk or treat planned. It was absolutely crazy. People were handing out full size candy bars and my kids got way more then their fair share, as did every child there. When the kids got home they sorted their candy and I am guessing they have a total of about 10 or more pounds of tooth rotting, sickening sweet, hyper-stimulating pure sugar!!!!! They went as a princess, nurse, vampire and basketball player. I am sure you can guess who each one was.

I really do HATE Halloween. Not for any noble reason as do some, but I guess I have always hated begging and feel Halloween is begging at its best!!!! We try to teach our kids to never ask people for gum or candy, then we take them to others houses and ENCOURAGE them to do just that......it just doesn't make sense!!!!! The only reason I do it, is to make my kids somewhat happy with me!!!!
This year was no exception, I think I grumbled the whole way. When it was finally over I still had an entire living room floor covered with candy wrappers and unwanted candy to clean up. I did insist that they put up a good portion of it for weeks later, and the funny thing is they did so without complaining. So now I have a whole basket FULL of candy just waiting for little, and not so little goblins to gobble up..........anyone want a SNICKERS, MOUNDS OR MAYBE A MILKY WAY??????????

A sad day

2007-10-16T21:44:00.000-04:00

Eleven years ago today I lost someone very dear to me, a beautiful person.... my mother. My mom died very suddenly on a Sunday afternoon just prior to the evening church service. She was only fifty four years old. We had no time to say good bye, have a final fling or give a good bye hug. It was something that we did not plan on, wish for or want to happen, death is just so final and ugly!!!!
She was a wonderful person..... my best friend really. She was my cheerleader and always believed in me. I am just so thankful that we had the relationship that we did, and I have nothing to regret. There wasn't a day that went by that we didn't talk on the phone or see each other. I was her "baby" so I suppose she spoiled me just a little. She loved to watch the boys and spoiled them too. She was just a great mom!!
I miss her beyond words and still grieve the loss of such a loving mother. So today, just like every year since that day, I am sad, and wish for what will never again be.....my mom at my side.

Queen Ruby

2007-10-16T21:21:00.000-04:00

Alayna was invited to Connor Davis' birthday/costume party. She was so excited that she was invited. She went as "Queen Ruby". ( I thought it ironic that she decided on that name..... as my nick name in high school was Ruby!!!!.......Remember that Stellie???) She was so anxious to get out the door, that she had the dress on all day long. When I walked in the door from work she informed me that she was ready to go!!! After much persuasion she finally agreed to take shower and let me comb her hair. Her crown completed her look, and she dubbed herself Queen Ruby. She looked so cute, just thought I would share a serious pic that I stole from Angies blog site.

An Old ladys week at a glance....or maybe two

2007-10-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been putting off blogging because I didn't have pictures....but that might take forever, so here is a blog entry. This week has been very, well challenging!!! Monday I had a birthday, I now am an old lady of 35, as if that wasn't enough, my day at work was horrible. Generally, I really really like my job, but on Monday I was thinking that floor nursing might look good again!!! Finally I was able to go home, and walked into a NOT CLEAN house. The kids had done their normal and not cleaned up after themselves.....thus a very messy house!!!!! I really wanted to sit and cry, but realized that it would not help the situation, so I started in cleaning up the mess before I even shed my lab coat!!! Dave tried to redeem the situation when he got home, and took us all to Olive Garden for dinner!!! All those carbs can really cheer up a bad situation!!!
On Wednesday I was scheduled to go out with some ladies from church for my birthday. I haven't been out with friends sans kids in a LOOOOOOOOONG time!! We were to leave my house at 5:30 and meet Heather at 6pm. Jordan had called me at work telling me we needed dog food, so I went to Walmart after work. I was slowly browsing the aisles and then finally left. I stopped at the shoe store just for fun .....then realized it was 5:22 and I had totally forgot that we were going out....in 5 min. I ran to the van calling all the way stating that I was coming...I did manage to make it home before they came but only by 2 minutes!! This just cemented the fact that I am getting OLD and Forgetful!!! We had an wonderful time, I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.
On Thursday I had to go to Indy all day for meetings. I was treated to some gourmet food that had names that I never heard and truthfully would rather not try again. My dear husband left for a four wheeler trip with some guys from the church while I was in Indy. I am praying that he returns safely on Saturday, with all his arms and legs intact. He called me to tell me that they were having fun, one guy had to be life lined out because he rolled the four wheeler and his leg bone was sticking out.....but they were having fun!!!!!
Last night life finally slowed, I took the kids to Lafayette and got the movies for a late night. I also got myself a beautiful new Vera bag. I am truly a Vera Bradley fan, and have been eyeing the new pattern since it came out. After the week I have had, I believed that I deserved to treat myself.......so I did!!!! I will post pics later.
I really need to clean my house today....but think I will take the kids to the zoo instead. So.....off to wake some grumpy Gardners and have a good day at the Zoo!!!!! The house really doesn't know any better anyway!!!!! :*)

Austin turned 12......a month ago :(

2007-09-25T19:33:00.000-04:00

Well, in looking over my blog I realized that I never posted on Austin's birthday!! Bad mom, I know!! Austin's big day was September 3. He is now 12 going on 20!!! Austin is our little comedian. He has a real sense of humor and is very witty. He can make me laugh even in the darkest of times.
As a baby he was so sweet!! He made his surprise appearance a week early and in a big fast hurry. My labor only lasted less then two hours with him, and I never really had any pain. He came out screaming, weighing in at 7 pounds 10 oz 21 inches long. He was our only surprise baby...he was modest and kept his legs crossed each time we tried to see what he was!!!! He was much smaller then Jordan, but just as feisty. From the start he held his own, never letting himself get run over!!! He had beautiful blond curls, and was my chubbiest baby/toddler. He sucked his thumb and was content to sit on a blanket and play with toys. My dad always said that he never heard Austin cry, he was just a really good baby. He loved tractors and he would play outside all day when I would let him.
Austin was not hard to fall in love with. He was adorable and I thought him the cutest baby in the world. He liked to give "lovies", and He would pat my face with his chubby little hands and say "luv ew ma ma". When he got bigger he would bring me fists full of weeds/flowers every chance that he got. He loved hugs and would respond with the tightest squeezes around my neck.
Austin is growing up, he is not my little baby anymore. He is turning into a wonderful young man. I sometimes wish I had those baby days back. I miss his fat little fist, and his grimy chubby cheeks. I wish for the sloppy kisses just because he wanted to, and I wish I could feel his bear hugs tightly around my neck. I would love to hear him say "luv ew ma ma" again....but wait.....he does do all those things, he just does them in a more grown up way. Many times each day I hear him quickly say "love ya mom", and feel a brief touch of his lips to my cheek. I get a quick squeeze as he heads out the door to play with his friends, and yes he still brings me flowers and they no longer are smashed and bruised. He still loves, just in a more grown up way. I still have my baby....just in a bigger package!!!
I am amazed at the talents that Austin has been blessed with. He is very musical and has a real talent for music/singing. He is still very shy about that, but someday that will change. He is artistic and can draw very well. He also can write stories and articulate well. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him. It never ceases to thrill me when I see him singing when he thinks he is unobserved. God has truly given him talents.
I don't know his future, but I do know that God has a great plan for him. I also know that I am truly blessed to be called his mother, I can think of nothing greater. Each day I thank God for giving me this "man" to raise for my Master. My prayer is that I will do it well.

Tagged.....times two!!

2007-09-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally have time to post, only to realize that I have been tagged....not once but two times!!! I guess I better think up 7 things about me that you might not know.
1. I DO NOT like brownies or chocolate ice cream
2. I hate to drive or fly in airplanes....but love to travel and see new places
3. Brown is my favorite color
4. I always dreamed of having 4 kids...2 girls and 2 boys
5. I love Victorian houses filled with antiques
6. I learned to swim after we were married, even though I had a pond in my back yard all my life.
7. Before I die I want to hand quilt a patchwork quilt and write a book titled.....(drum roll please) "Life in the Fat Lane"
Well, that is it for me...now to find 7 people to tag might be a slightly different story!!!

A Hoosier Comes Home!!!!!

2007-09-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

No, not what you think....no one died....although I feel as if I did die and go to heaven!!! On Saturday Dave called me on his way home from work and said to be in the van waiting for him when he got home...he was taking me to Frankfort. I asked what the occasion was and what we were doing. He said we were meeting a man about a business deal. I immediately bristled and declared that we were NOT buying another van!!! (he has a habit of buying new vans, with or without my consent!!) He laughed and said, don't worry, this won't be a waste of a trip. I still thought he was taking me to look at a van and continued to let him know that we would not be buying it. He said to calm down and just enjoy the ride. We finally came to a falling down garage and in he pulled. I said, "What on earth are we doing here?" I looked and no van was in sight. He said, "This man refinishes furniture and has a Hoosier cabinet for sale." Now that was more my line!!! In we went and there was my own dear beloved Hoosier cupboard in the process of being refinished/refurbished!!!! I was sooooooo excited....you see this cupboard has a long story. My sister bought a new house and this ugly black/green/cream cupboard was in the basement. She didn't want it, and I immediately said I would take it!!!! Dave had no desire to bring it to Indiana from Pennsylvania, he said it was beyond repair, but I persisted and he reluctantly brought it along. It landed in the garage, and that was the end of it. Many times I would go and check on it,just making sure it was still there. I was hoping that he hadn't taken it to the burn pile!!! Then just a few weeks ago, we were dreaming. We were just talking nonsense, saying what we would do first if we suddenly got a million dollars....I said that I would get my Hoosier Cupboard refinished!!!! He laughed and said, "that thing is beyond repair and will never look good, you better think of something else to do first!!" WRONG!!!!!!!! He decided that he would at least get a quote on getting it refinished, thinking that they would tell him it was not worth it. To his surprise, the man said that under all the layers of paint it was solid oak!!!!! He then decided to surprise me with it as a early birthday present!!!! It is simply beautiful. The neat thing is that although it came to Indiana via Pennsylvania....it is actually coming home....when the man took off the porcelin top it was stamped with Frankfort, Indiana 1920 on the underside!!!!!!!! It is a Sellers, so the actual cupboard was made in Elwood, IN (about 1/2 hr away) but the tops were made in Frankfort!!!!!
I am soooo excited, and all I want to do is just set and look at it!!! Crazy I know, but it is really beautiful!!!!! Teresa, these pics are for you.....I know you are wishing you had kept it!!!!! Thanks to you, I now own a fabulous little piece of Indiana history!!!! Dave, this is the nicest birthday gift ever....THANK YOU!!!! You are the best!!!

Just Chillin'

2007-09-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

Get Funny Pictures at pYzam.com

Old Event...New Pictures!!

2007-09-01T17:39:00.000-04:00

In July Aunt Marjorie, Uncle Terry and Kimberly came by to see us, all the way from the Sunny state of Florida. What began as a small cook out turned into a large family reunion. Dave's mom and dad and all his siblings turned out for the event as well as David and Joy and their kids. We had loads of fun that lasted well into the night. It was Aunt Marjorie's birthday...I won't say what one!!.....maybe 29.....so Jenny brought a cake and we got to sing to her. Aunt Marjorie is one of those people who is happy ALL the time!!!!! She never is grumpy and my kids totally love her. Uncle Terry is the same witty person that he always has been. We are thankful that his health has improved and he is feeling much better now. Kimberly is all grown up and has accepted a teaching position at a large private school in Florida. We always enjoy the time we get to spend with them. It takes me quite awhile to finally get pictures to the computer, but I thought you might enjoy them even if they are a few weeks old.

BIG Answer to Prayer

2007-09-01T14:52:00.000-04:00

I am feeling very grateful today. Last week my sister-in-law, Susan was diagnosed with stage three invasive ductal carcinoma. This is a very aggressive cancer and not a beginning stage. It was a huge blow to them, and to us too, as we are close to them. It is hard to watch people you love worry and suffer. I don't think I went a day without a few shed tears over the situation. This past Monday she went through a mastectomy, and all the grief and emotions that entails. The doctor gave them a positive report, but told them they would know for sure if they got it all after the pathology report came back, in about five days. This has been a week of high emotions and cries out to God. Just yesterday she called with the news that none of her tested lymph nodes have cancer cells, and that they believe she is cancer free at this time. What an answer to prayer!!!! She had been anointed several times at church, and isn't that just like our God to answer our cries. Just thought I would share that, as it has been a great boost to my faith that He truly cares about us and ALL our needs.

School pics

2007-08-23T20:33:00.000-04:00

These are pics from today. This is morning pledges. This evening Alayna drew a picture of a flag on the board and said tomorrow that would be the new flag. She is working hard on her reading and her worm gets a new bump for each new book. Libby loves math.

"I pleadge allegiance to the......desk?????

2007-08-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

Well...this week marked a milestone for the Gardner's. Monday was our very first day of homeschooling. We are now an official homeschool family. We are finished with day three and they have all decided that this is the way to go!!! We are mostly using a CD/DVD curriculum. Dave does the supervising and tutoring for math/Algebra I prior to going to work around 12:00. I finish what needs to be done, like listening to reading or helping with the computer, and do any grading when I get home from work (very little, as the computer does most of it). I also plan for the next day. This seems to be working so far.
As I was walking out the door on Monday morning, I heard them all reciting the pledges. Instantly I had nice warm fuzzies....you know..... the picture perfect homeschool scene, with one organized, happy family all doing school together without a glitch (not reality I am sure). Then I remembered one important detail.... we didn't have our flags yet!!! I quietly tiptoed back, to peak in the schoolroom to see what they were pledging to...... It was Libby's desk!!!!!!!!! :*) Libby's desk is painted to look like a flag and that was the best available in a pinch!!!!!!!!! Creativity is the hallmark of all homeschoolers isn't it??????!!!!!!!!!!!:*) I had to laugh and it will be a scene I won't soon forget. The looks on their faces were all serious as if it was most normal to pledge to a desk!!!!!!!!!!
Dave seems to be enjoying his new role, and makes the day fun with relay races at break and cooking at lunch. I know all weeks won't be so good...and some days I will for sure threaten them with the big yellow bus, but this week has gone well, and this is one thankful mom.

(I will post pics of the temporary 'flag' and some pics of them at work, later when I am not falling asleep from benedryl.)

Libby is 10!!

2007-08-17T20:54:00.000-04:00

Well....I haven't had time to blog because life has just been too busy, but my little Libby had a birthday since my last post!!!!! I will never forget the day we found out we were going to have a little girl, it was one of the happiest of my life. Libby was not ....well.....planned, she just sort of happened. Oh, I know I am a nurse, I should know how these things happen....but I guess I didn't :*). We found out we were pregnant and both of us really wanted a girl, but figured it would be another boy. My mom had just died two months prior, and I really wanted to name a little girl after her, as she was due on my moms birthday (today)!!!!!!

On the day of the ultrasound my stomach was in knots. The tech said....well....it looks like...... you have a little princess!!!! I felt hot, dizzy, cold, palpitations and fear all at once!!!! Yes, fear because I had no idea how to raise a princess! Boys I could do, I already had two, but a GIRL, what if she acted like me???!!!!!!!!!! What about the mood swings, what about the tears, what about the shouting and the drama? Well, Libby came along about 8 months later, all 7lbs 3oz and 20" of her. She was my smallest, but had the most dark brown hair I had ever seen on a baby!!!

We loved her from the start....she was a fun little gal, and oh so beautiful. It didn't take long to realize a girl wasn't much different from a boy. Her moods and tears were not much more frequent then the boys, the shouting never came, ....and as for the drama....wellllllll...lets just say we are surviving !!!!!! And to top it all off it was a lot of fun to dress her in frills and bows. She really wasn't a demanding baby, she smiled alot and made us love her more and more.

She had daddy's heart from the very first, I think he didn't know what hit him. He would lay with her on his chest and just look at her and smile. The boys loved her too and we all were thankful for the perfect little gift from God, Elisabeth Jane. We often said we thought my mom sent her because she knew I wanted a little girl so bad!!!

Libby has grown to be a beautiful young lady. She has a tender heart, and always tries to please others. She likes to bake and does a real good job helping me with the house. She is a little mother to Alayna and helps her out in lots of ways. I am convinced that God has big things in store for Libby. It is exciting for us to watch her grow up to be the young lady God wants her to be. She wants to be a nurse when she grows up. Whatever she will be, I will ever be proud and thankful for the beautiful gift from heaven sent my way on August 9, 1997 .

Jordan Lee Gardner is 14!!!!!!!

2007-08-03T17:55:00.001-04:00

After I posted last, I remembered that I should have posted about Jordan's birthday.

August 2 1993 @5:32 p.m. our lives changed forever!!! A beautiful....or should I say handsome ....red head, chubby baby boy made his way into the world and our hearts. He was 8lbs, 9oz and 21 3/4" long and the most beautiful baby in the world (Susan will have a different opinion on this!!). We were young and never expected the changes that he would bring. We never expected the instant and overwhelming feelings of love that we would feel. We never expected the protective feelings we would have. We never expected the feelings of pride over each little accomplishment. We never expected the dreams for his future would be so big or the desire to see him succeed so intense. We never realized that our example and our attitudes would impact his little life forever. We never realized he would change our lives....for the better.....forever!!!!!

Yes....he did give me many sleepless nights in the beginning.....and maybe more will come.......but he gave me such a desire to be the best person I could be...because a little guy was watching my every move!!!! He gave us unconditional love in a big conditional world. He gave us a reason to go on!!! He made me proud to be his mom!!

Now he is not so little... in fact he is bigger then me, but the feelings are the same...I love him unconditionally, I am proud of his accomplishments and want to see him succeed, and more importantly I want be an example and help him make it to heaven.

When he reads this, he will be all embarrassed....but....I just want everyone to know .................this is my favorite 14 year old!!!!

Nothing to post.....

2007-08-03T17:19:00.000-04:00

I really have nothing to post, however i am really excited because I just bought the kids their math curriculum, and it is all it promised to be. In the past, my kids have not really liked math, and I have been searching for something to motivate them to excel. A friend in Pennsylvania has used Math U See for several years and recommended it to me. I bought Jordan his, then hoped that I could find the others new on EBay. Sure enough, I found Libby and Alayna theirs, and have a watch on a set for Austin. We watched a portion of the first few lessons for Algebra, and it actually makes it easy.....and fun too!!!!!!!! Jordan is so excited, he wants to start right away. I hope he will grow to really enjoy it. It is so refreshing to see him excited about school......hope it continues.....maybe he is growing up!!!

New Pictures

2007-07-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

Last Friday night we got our pictures taken. We only do it once a year, due to the huge ordeal that it turns into. This year however, I do believe it was a little easier!!! My kids must be growing up. The bad part was shopping to find new matching clothes for everyone. I like to go shopping when I need nothing, then if I don't find anything....no big loss. But this time I needed six matching outfits and only one evening to find them. It was stressful to say the least...but all in all I do believe it was worth the effort. Heather Jones took the pictures at her mom's. I think she did a great job!! The kids all smiled and she made us look good. I will only post a few of them....I have like 60 to choose from....hard choice!!

Garden Delight~~

2007-07-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

Well....my little garden is finally giving us some produce. We got it in kind of late, so we are just now getting cucumbers, zucchini and hot peppers. The beans are growing fast and I will probably have a mess next week. I have never seen such big misshapen cucumbers. We have probably 50 or more butternut squash!!! We planted supposed cantaloupe and they came up squash and even more came up volunteer from last year. They are taking over!!!!! I always say my garden is my therapy session. After a crazy day at work I usually find a little peace and quiet among the vines and squash!!!!
In other Gardner news.....Jordan has been helping Dave a couple days a week. Dave has taught him to touch up cars and buff them. He is so excited about the work and more importantly ....the PAY!!! He is saving for a laptop. He came home today so excited because he got to touch a Ferrari. Guess I don't care much if I ever touch one....must be a guy thing!! Jenny has been asking for the other kids to come for the day now and then, so they too have been having fun while I am at work. It makes my day go a little better knowing they are having a good day too. Tonight Kyler is spending the night with Austin, he really likes him and they have fun together even though there is a big age difference. Libby has been baking allot lately. She made an angel food cake for Church last night, and not one bite came home!!! She said that must mean she is a good 'baker lady'. My job is going good. I am learning so much in a big hurry. It gets frustrating sometimes because everything has a mnemonic. IHHA, IHI, CMMS, QNet, HCAHPS, JACHO then dashboards and scorecards and core measures all over....the list goes on and on.....I wish they would just call things what they are. That would make my life soooooooo much easier if they would. :*)
Well, enough rambling...thought I would just let you know what we have been up to.

First day back to work.

2007-07-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

Well.....my first day on my new job and I survived!!!!! I actually had a really good day and expect that I will really enjoy it. I got my feet wet by attending my first meeting today....one of many for the month. It was fun to see everyone again and catch up!!! The CEO actually came to my office and welcomed me back!!!! My new office is large and even has a view!! I will have to discreetly get a picture without Lacey thinking I have lost my marbles!!! Lacey is the gal who took my auditing job, she has the office right next door. We have been friends since we worked on the floor together.
The kids were real excited to have me home this evening, as I usually work on Monday nights!!! We finally can feel like a real family again.
Well, I just read through this and realized I am making my job sound all rosy... it really isn't, it is just that it is new and different. Remind me of this post in a few months when the newness has worn off and I am stressed to the MAXX!!!!

I am home.....and still alive!!!

2007-06-26T15:34:00.000-04:00

Well.....I made it home in one piece from PA!!! It was a very tiring but profitable trip. My sister and I left on Thursday evening for Columbus OH for the CHEO (Christian Home Educators Ohio) Convention. I guess it finally hit home...... after I unloaded a little ton of money.... that we are doing what we said we would never do.....HOME SCHOOL!!!!! I bought all the needed materials and learned a lot of tips from the convention. It was a huge encouragement to me, and I found out that homeschoolers do not necessarily look like my mind pictured them to look!!!!! NORMAL people home school...all for various reasons. We won't actually be teaching....because we will be using a CD curriculum....but it is still a HUGE responsibility!!!! However, we know it is the right thing to do for this year, and we will let time tell for the future. Some...actually many.... have set us up to fail, but when we know God is leading we know it will not.

Dave stayed with Dad and Nancy with the kids.....he helped dad cut some trees and do a little yard work. He has his own "war" stories to tell!!!!! Old people are just too funny!!!!! Teresa and I came home on Saturday, then we left for home on Sunday night!!!!! The pictures are of us at dads having fun together.
Needless to say we are tired, but wanting to give the kids a time of vacation. We went to the zoo again on Monday then plan to camp and go to Holiday World the rest of this week. I start my new job on Monday!!!! WOW, lots to do in a small amount of time!!!

Life Expectancy Decreased

2007-06-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

Well.......believe it or not I am actually on my way to PA, and my broadband card is actually working!!!!!! I have just been fired from the drivers set.....my husband declares that I just took several years off his life. I was attempting to pass a semi on the right rather then the left, and got stuck between two. He told me I could fit between the two. I said I didn't think I could, but then decided to try.........to make long story short I almost got smashed. The semi driver I am sure shouted some choice words because he slammed on his brakes and laid on the horn. I put the pedal to the metal and lived to tell the story!!!!!! Thus......the firing!!!! I usually am not "permitted" to drive.....however, I am POSITIVE my driving days are over now!!! So.....now I am happily blogging....oblivious to all.....

Leaving for a much needed vacation!!!!

2007-06-20T18:13:00.000-04:00

I am going to PA for about a week to see my family. I will probably not be able to access my computer. So..........ta ta for now!!

The Perfect Cookie!!!

2007-06-19T16:40:00.001-04:00

I am not really a cookie fan....however I do love to bake and on occasion like to eat a good cookie. I have for many years wished I had my moms' recipe for her Cowboy Cookies. I have made many a recipe with high hopes, only to once again be disappointed with the taste. But today I think I have found it. I was looking on line and found a recipe, did a little "tweaking" and the result is superb!!!! I only wished that I had some raisins because hers always did, and that would have made these perfect!!!!!! But even san raisins these taste really good. We are going to Dad's tomorrow.....I will tote some along and let him do the taste test!!!!!

Rain!!!

2007-06-19T14:50:00.000-04:00

YAAAAAA, It has rained today!!!!!! It has been so dry this year and our garden has been crying for rain. We do water it each day, but it is just not the same as a soaking rain. After it stopped I went out and checked on the plants, I thought they looked so happy and green!!! :) I even saw a few baby tomatoes and my little chili pepper is getting bigger!!! Thank you God for the rain!!!

Libby's Play Day!!

2007-06-19T14:36:00.000-04:00

Libby had a friend over today to play. I thought they might do "girlie" things like play house, tea party or such....but no, not even close. They have been outside the whole day getting dirty, riding the four wheeler and playing in the rain!!!! They have had a blast. It has been fun for Libby, because usually it is the boys who get to have company and she never does. Alayna cracks me up she keeps calling Anna "the guest". :*) They have had a fun day!!

Zoo Day

2007-06-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

Today I took three kids (minus Austin, he is in PA) to the Indy Zoo. Kristi and her three kids went along. We had a wonderful day. We get season passes and always have a great time there. Today the animals were in rare form and they were all putting on a show. Even the rhino's were moving around. Alayna really liked the shark petting and lost count of how many she got to touch. I was just glad she kept all ten fingers!!! I must admit at first they made me a little nervous there. They also got to touch the elephant and all commented on his horrible smell. I enjoy watching the baboons, and could have spent the day there!!! Mr. Tortoise was also moving around....slowly, Jordan said, "mom he even chews slow!!" :*) However, he made a great photo!!. We took the group photo at the end of the day and we all look spent....but it really was a great day. We came home a tired but happy bunch!!!

Happy Fathers Day!!!

2007-06-17T22:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Fathers Day to the men in my life!!!! My Dad probably won't see this...but he means the world to me. Even though we have our differences I know I can always count on him to support me in all I do. He is proud of me and lets me know it. I have always been and always will be "Daddy's little girl". The other man in my life is my husband. Dave is a great husband and great father. He loves his kids and I, and works hard to make us all happy. The kids adore him and enjoy spending time with him, even if it is just rolling on the floor and using him as a punching bag. He works very hard every day, yet still has time for me to pour out my heart when he would rather be sleeping. He stands up for his kids when the world is against them and lets them know he believes in them no matter what others may say. He is the spiritual leader in our home, and he loves Jesus with all is heart, for that I respect him. He is a great dad!!

Relaxation to the Max!!

2007-06-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

I went to the dining room today and this is the sight that greeted me!! I have never seen a cat sleep like this but Chester does frequently. Usually when I walk in he jumps up as if guility, but this time he just kept sleeping.

Now I know Angie will see no merit to this photo....but those of you who like animals will enjoy it!! :^)

Summer Fun!

2007-06-15T16:52:00.000-04:00

The kids are enjoying summer!!! My dad had given the kids money to help buy a four wheeler and this is what they got!!!! They have gone non-stop on the bike, sometimes making my hair turn more grey then it already is!! Dave has been gardening, he has done it all this year....planting, weeding and watering. The potatoes he planted look real good and so do the tomatoes. My small contribution was the addition of this hot pepper plant. I have a small one already. I want to make some salsa when the tomatoes are ready. I wish summer could go on forever!!

My Last Night Shift!!!!!

2007-06-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

Tonight is my last night full time at Witham Hospital. I will have two weeks off, then I will start at St. Vincent as Quality Nurse Manager. I have mixed feelings about this change, and have been sort of feeling sad about leaving OB/LD. The staff at Witham has been great and I have made lots of friends in the short time that I have been there. I also really enjoy patient care and being allowed to share in such a special time with my patients. The down side to all that is that I have been working nights from 6pm-6am three nights a week, usually Monday through Wednesday. I feel like I sleep all the time, yet never feel rested. My body must be getting old, and I just can't do it anymore.
When Frankfort called me and offered me this new opportunity I felt like it was a true miracle, I hadn't even called them about a job and totally unexpected they called me with a position that I could have only dreamed about. My new hours will be "normal" day shift hours, with no weekends or holidays and the extra pay is a nice too!!!! :) I am sure that I will have many more responsibilities and stresses as manager, but with that will come a lot of new education and good experience for the resume`.
Anyway.....I shouldn't be feeling sad, but I have been anyway because of the mixed feelings about leaving Witham. Dave must have noticed that I needed a "pick-me-up", because when I got home at 6:30 this morning the was cleaning the house, even mopping the floors!!! Nothing is better then knowing your house is clean.......and you didn't have to do it!!! He really is a great guy. He probably does not read my blog.....so he probably won't see this....but if he does THANK YOU!!, the clean house made my day!!!

Libby

2007-06-11T00:56:00.002-04:00

I just realized that Libby is the only one that does not have a picture on my blog yet. I thought I would add one from when we went to the Children's Museum. She is getting big and is a great help to me!!

Camping this weekend

2007-06-11T00:40:00.000-04:00

We went camping this weekend. We take our camper to a local park and leave it for the summer. This year we have a great campsite that is really private and in the woods. There is something about a campfire that can really bring down the stress level (must get that from Aunt Marjorie!!:) These pics are from a couple weekends ago when we went.....can't find this weeks....the fire looks pretty pathetic..however it was beautiful!!!

An Early Morning Wake UP

2007-06-08T19:12:00.001-04:00

This is what I woke up to!! Alayna loves to make me breakfast in bed, however she doesn't always know what is appropriate breakfast food. She saw this idea in a kids cookbook and did it all on her own and brought it in for me to eat for breakfast. It is made out of two stale pieces of bread with a slice of cheese, pickles, catsup and mustard and day old french fries!!!!! What a mom won't do for love of a beautiful little gal!!! She was so proud of her creation , I just thought it would be a fun to share.

My first blog post, and a little about us.

2007-06-08T15:31:00.000-04:00

I am taking the plunge. I am going to try my hand at the blog thing. I will try to keep you all posted on the crazy days at our house.....actually some of them are quite boring.... but others make up for it.

Now for a little about us, for those of you how don't know. I have been wife to one good guy for almost 16 years and mom to four lively kids ages 13, 11, 9 and 6, two girls and two boys. I am a seasoned (15 years!!) OB/LD nurse, and just recently accepted the Quality Nurse Manager position at St. Vincent Frankfort. I plan to go back to school this fall for my Masters studies. My husband owns his own business as a Certified Paint Bull Technician. He works mainly out of Indy/Carmel. We live in the country and love every part of country living. I love all animals, (Dave does not!) and we have three dogs and a beautiful cat.

When I figure out the picture thing I will post some of us and our crazy animals.