Yount Family Blog

Halloween and Election 2010

2010-11-04T22:26:00.001-07:00

We went trick-or-treating with Caleb and Jacob. The boys had fun!! Then on Monday we headed to Bloomington. Ben covered Bill Brady in the gov race. We spent time with my mom, spent the night in a hotel, the boys got to swim and we hung out at the Brady camp for awhile. It was a fun few days for us and a busy few days for Ben!!
Now that Halloween and the election are over its time to focus on the holidays!!
We are taking it easy this weekend and then next weekend we are headed to Mikaila's bday party.
Wow the holidays will be here soon!!!!

Fun with the boys doing Fall projects:)

2010-10-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

We spent a fun night carving pumpkins and putting together mini graveyards and haunted houses:) It was so much fun:)
We are having a fun fall here at the Yount house:)
This weekend we are headed out to Monticello to ride the haunted train!!!
We love this time of year!!!!

Great Day at the Great Pumpkin Patch!!

2010-10-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day in Arthur. We did some window shopping, went to eat at Yoder's and then spent the afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch.
Now were home watching "Fool's Gold" and relaxing.
I can't believe the boys are already finished with the first 9 weeks of school. Before we know it Christmas break will be here!!!
Next week I am having movie night with Joni and a lunch date with Elin:) I SO love my friends:)
It was so nice to get away today and enjoy time with the family:)

Time Flies!!!

2010-10-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe it's the middle of October! First, Andrew did really well in Cross Country even though he hurt his knee. He LOVES middle school and is getting all A's and B's. He is looking forward to running track in the Spring. Second, Matthew is doing very well in 4th grade. He also made Showstoppers. It's a group that travels locally and sings for events. His first performance will be at the Festival of Trees the Sat after Thanksgiving. Ben is doing so well at work. He has been mentioned in several articles and blogs and is riding high as an awesome reporter:) I am enjoying being a stay at home mom:) I'm back to working out every day and feeling good. Things are really really good here at the Yount house:)
So now on to the fun stuff......we leave in 11 weeks for New Orleans. It is going to be an awesome trip and we also get to see our friends Dee dee and Jimmy. Then....were taking my mom with us to Disney World in Feb. She is so excited:) Then...oh yes there's more....we are going to stay with my aunt in VA in June for a week and driving into DC for 3 days to show the boys all the history. After 5 days there we will be going to VA Beach for 3 days. Vacations vacations vacations:) I LOVE IT!!!!
Oh...Andrew has been going to youth group at St John's church and he loves it. We are going to start attending there and I am really excited about it. Also, I am still doing a movie a month with Joni and now I have added lunch once a month with Elin:) I am lovin life:)
For now we are looking forward to a day at the Pumpkin Patch in Arthur this Sat.
Now on to some pictures:)

School is in and the Yount family is very very BUSY!!!

2010-09-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy month. The boys started back to school on August 23rd. Andrew started middle school and Matthew started 4th grade. Andrew tried out and made the Cross Country team. He had to earn his jersey and that meant running 2 miles in under 20 min. It took him about three weeks but on Monday he finally earned his jersey and competed in his first meet on Tuesday!! Matthew tried out for a play at the theater center and even though he didn't get a part he was very proud of himself and wants to try again in the Spring for another play.
Both boys are doing very well in school. So far they both have received really good grades.
Andrew has started going to youth group at St John's church with Jacob and really likes it. We are planning to start going to church there as well.
Ben has been working a lot and I have been busy keeping up with the house,the kids and everyone's schedule.
I went to see a movie with Joni a few weeks ago. Were still doing our monthly movie. I also went to lunch with Elin. Today Elin and I walked 2 miles.
Big news from the Yount house.....we made reservations to head back to Disney World in February. We're going to take my mom. We will be staying at Animal Kingdom and I made our dining reservations today too!! I LOVE Disney!!!!
The boys are off school tomorrow and everyone is exhausted. I don't think any of us have been able to catch up since we got back from Texas. We are taking this weekend to relax and spend time together as a family.
Next week I am tackling a big project....I am redoing the boys room. It really needs to be done and they are really excited about it too.
Until next time........

We had a wonderful trip through the Lonestar state!!

2010-08-18T21:39:00.001-07:00

We spent 2 weeks traveling through the Lonestar state. We made a stop in Dallas to visit Ben's mom and Aunt. We also visited with our friend Carlisa. We went to see where Kennedy was shot and then took a tour of Cowboy Stadium.
Then we took a short trip to Houston where we visited with my college friend Daphne and her family. Both our families took a trip through Johnson Space Center.
Then we spent a week in South Padre Island. We spent time relaxing on the beach. We visited a sea turtle rescue center, took a dolphin cruise and ate at some amazing places. We went searching for crabs after dark and saw some amazing sunsets!! A wonderful trip that we will never forget.
It's time for Back to School!!! Andrew is practicing for Cross Country every day and gearing up for middle school. Matthew is ready for 4th grade!!!
An amazing summer has come to an end.

Six Flags....More Flags More Fun:)

2010-07-30T20:22:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful day yesterday at Six Flags with Elin and her boys. Matthew faced his fears and rode Evil Kenevil and Tony Hawks Big Spin. I am so proud of him. Andrew rode all the big coasters by himself and I am so proud of him as well:)
Today we ran a lot of errands and picked up new shoes and school supplies for the boys. It was a good day.
Tomorrow I have to get a mani-pedi and clean house.
Sunday is all about packing.
Monday I'm headed to a movie with Joni and then finish packing.
Tuesday we hit the road to Texas:)

More Pics from the Dells:)

2010-07-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting more pics from our trip to Kalahari in the WI Dells. We had a wonderful time and the boys really loved spending time with their cousins.
Andrew had his 6th grade physical last week. He passed out while getting his shots and it scared me to death. Other than that we have been laying low this week. Just trying to relax before next week. We are headed to Six Flags with Elin and her kids on Thursday and then its a list of stuff to do before we head to Texas!!!
It's gonna be a great trip and then when we get back we are gonna hit the ground running for another school year!!!!

Havin fun at the WI Dells!!

2010-07-09T19:57:00.001-07:00

We got to the Dells this evening and hit the pool:) The boys beat Ben and I in a game of chicken. It was so sweet to watch Ben play basketball in the pool with the boys. It was a fun night with lots of laughing:) Tomorrow we meet up with the cousins at Kalahari for a day of indoor and outdoor waterparks:) My new motto...The family that plays together stays together:)

Baseball season comes to an end:(

2010-07-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

It was a good baseball season and the boys learned a lot. They had their last game last night. I can't believe the season is over. We said goodbye to Coach Hal last night as well:( This was Hal's last yr coaching our team. He has coached for 4 yrs and has done a wonderful job with the boys. After the game Coach Hal bought the team ice cream at Sonic. It was a wonderful way to end the season!!
We are packing for the Dells for this weekend. We leave on Friday:)

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2010-07-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful summer so far!! The boys have enjoyed lots of time with friends and we have enjoyed a lot of family time as well!!
Last week Andrew had his last 2 baseball games. His team has a baseball tourney next week and then the season is over.
Yesterday we let our boys and our friends boys babysit each other while all the adults went out for a few hours. It worked really well and the boys proved that they are becoming responsible BIG kids:) Ben and I went out with our friends Elin and Jason. We went to see the movie "Grown Ups" which was really really good:) Then we went out to dinner. It was a really wonderful day:)
Today is the 4th of July and I salute all our men and women that serve our country. We are hanging out at home today and relaxing.
Next weekend we head to the WI Dells with Josh and Sara and the boys cousins. We are all really looking forward to a wonderful weekend:)
It's hard to believe we leave in just 30 days for our big trip to Texas. School starts in just 7 weeks!! The summer is flying by!!!!

Andrew's baseball game and team cookout!! And lots of plans for the rest of the summer:)

2010-06-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

It was SO hot this weekend!! Andrew had two baseball games. Won one and lost one. We had a fun cookout with the team on Saturday.
My calendar is full for every weekend until the end of summer.
This week Andrew has games on Tuesday and Friday. Wednesday is all about running errands and getting the boys hair cut.
This weekend we are going out with Elin and Jason and all the boys will be babysitting each other:) It should be a fun day out for the adults!!
Next week we have a baseball tourney and then next weekend we are headed to the Dells with Josh and Sara and their boys:)
And that's just the next 2 weeks!!!!
We still have a 3 day trip to my mom's, a camping trip with friends, a day trip with friends to Six Flags and our 2 week trip to Texas:)
I LOVE summer:)

More Disney Pics:)

2010-06-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I miss Disney already! We honestly had the best vacation:)
My calendar is so full for the rest of the summer. We are headed to Caleb's bday party tomorrow night. On Tuesday night we are going to the drive-in with 3 other families to see the A-Team. Wednesday Andrew has a baseball game. Friday CJ is spending the night and we are taking the boys to see Toy Story 3. And that is just next week......We are going to the WI Dells with the boys cousins in just 4 weeks and then a big 2 week vacation to Texas in just 7 weeks!! I LOVE summer:)

Our amazing trip to Disney!!!

2010-06-05T17:13:00.001-07:00

We spent 7 days at Disney World and 3 days aboard the Disney Cruise. It was an amazing vacation. This is a trip we will never forget!!!

An amazing day at Disney World!!

2010-05-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

We left yesterday after we picked the boys up from school. We were on the road by 3:30. The boys are now officially done with 3rd and 5th grade and summer is officially here for them:)
We arrived here at Disney at 10am this morning and actually got into our room right away. We started out swimming here at our resort Old Key West. Then we pool hopped over to The Polynesian resort. The Polynesian is a beautiful resort with a fun volcano pool and slide as well as a sandy beach. We had a wonderful day. Tomorrow we head to Downtown Disney. Thursday we set sail on our Disney Cruise and then were back here at Disney World next week!! We are having a blast already and its only day 1:):)

Time to hit the Road!!!!!

2010-05-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Today is the boys last day of school. We are saying goodbye to 3rd and 5th grade and Andrew is saying goodbye to elementary school. There is no better way to end the school year than to head to the happiest place on earth. This afternoon we are off to Disney!!!! I hope to post some pictures along the way but the next 2 weeks are all about spending time as a family. The majority or pictures will be posted when we get back!!!

Matthew as Albert Einstein and New Bikes:)

2010-05-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

What a crazy few days. First, on Wednesday during Andrew's baseball game he broke his thumb tagging a runner at 3rd base. We went to the orthopedic doc today and he was going to have to cast it....after I told the doc about our vacation next week he was so sweet and came up with a solution. Andrew has a thumb splint. He has one to swim in and one for when he's not swimming. The only bad part is he is now out for 4 weeks of baseball:( But he can swim on vacation so thats good:)
So, my mom came into town last night. She bought the boys new bikes which made them very happy!!
Today we went to see Matthew's wax museum performance at school. He was Albert Einstein. He did a wonderful job:)
Tonight we are going to watch Avatar with my mom. Tomorrow mom and I are headed to see a movie. Then Sunday we will finish packing and Monday its off to Disney:):)

Andrew's music program!

2010-05-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Andrew's music program was tonight. The 4th and 5th graders did a wonderful job. Andrew's music teacher pulled me aside after and told me my son did a wonderful thing today. He stood up for another student that couldn't or wouldn't stand up for himself. I am so proud of him.
Tomorrow were getting the oil changed in the van and Major is getting his rabies shot. Andrew has a baseball game tomorrow night.
Thursday I am getting a mani-pedi and then my mom is coming to spend the weekend with us.
Friday is a busy day. We are going to Matthew's school for his wax museum project and then were having lunch with him. Then we have to head to Andrew's school so he can say goodbye to all his teachers and take some pictures.
Saturday I am taking my mom to dinner and a movie.
Sunday we need to finish packing.
Monday is the boys last day of school and then we head to Florida at about 4pm.
Vacation hurry up:):):)

Fun with Friends:)

2010-05-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

Today Andrew had a baseball game. They played in the rain but they Won 13-4. It was actually fun to laugh and talk with all the moms while we sat in the rain with our umbrellas. Tonight we went to our friends Dan and Carla's house. Kim,Dennis, Paul and Temesha were there too. All our boys had a great time hanging out together. Tomorrow I'm headed to a movie with Joni. We have a very busy week ahead. This is the boys last week of school and we have 3 games this next week. Only 7 days left until vacation:)

Andrew's 5th grade reenactment at the Old State Capitol!!

2010-05-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Every year the Iles 5th grade class performs reenactments at the Old State Capitol. Andrew's group was assigned to the Tinsley Store which is above the Lincoln Herdon Office. His group did a wonderful job today. They performed all day....every 10 min. I can't believe in a few weeks he will be out of elementary school and headed to junior high!!!

Happy Mother's Day 2010!

2010-05-09T14:38:00.001-07:00

It's been a great day:) Every Mother's Day the boys plant flowers in my flower bed. It's a great gift and I look forward to it every year.
This week is going to be crazy. Tomorrow Ben and I are headed to Indy to pick up his birth certificate. Tomorrow night Andrew has a baseball game. Tuesday is Andrew's big project at the Old State Capitol and Wednesday I have to take Major to get his rabies shot. Andrew has another game on Saturday and then Joni and I are going to see a movie on Sunday. Crazy week ahead but vacation is only 14 days away:)

Andrew's first baseball game and we won!!! 15-2!! Go Cardinals:)

2010-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Andrew's baseball team did awesome tonight:) I can't believe they won 15-2. This is the 4th year we have been on the same team. Same kids...same parents and same coaches:) I love our team!!! We have another game on Friday.
Andrew has a big project at the Old State Capitol next Tuesday. Then he has a music program on the 18th. Matthew has a big school project on the 21st of May.
Ben is wrapping up session this week so he is very busy.
I have now lost 25 pds:) I am still working out and eating right:)
We leave in 2 1/2 weeks for Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Life is so so so good!!!!!!

My puppy got a new haircut:)

2010-04-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

Chester got all his hair cut today!! He is so cute. I didn't recognize him when I picked him up from the groomer today.
It was a crazy day. I got my nails done,hair cut,finished shopping for stuff for the cruise,went to lunch with Joni, picked Matthew up from school and Chester from the groomers. We got dinner and finally made it home!!!
Ben is in Chicago for Ryan's wedding all weekend. I really miss him:( He will be home on Sunday.
Only 24 days until we head out on vacation. Until then we have school projects and school presentations along with lots of baseball games.
Life is good:)

In 28 days we will be headed here......

2010-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to head out on vacation!!! Only 3 1/2 weeks now until we leave.
I have so much to do before we leave. Ben is headed to Ryan's wedding this weekend in Chicago. Andrew has baseball practice on Sat. and Matthew and I are going to Caleb's soccer game. We are going to pick up Ben's birth certificate in IN on Monday. I'm going to start packing soon too.
I'm still working out every day. I'm losing more inches than weight at this point. I have doing zumba so I switched up my workout a little.
Other than that just busy busy:) Life is crazy but fun!!!

Our day in St Louis!!

2010-04-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

We all took a trip to St Louis today. Ben went to a Cardinal game with Ryan and buddies for Ryan's bachelor party. I took the boys and we went to eat at the Spahgetti Factory, then we watched a movie on how the Arch was built and last we took a trip to the top of the Arch. It was a good day all around. Ben left the game during the 10th inning. We drove home and we are now watching the game in the 18th inning on tv LOL. This is the neverending game!!!

What a great week....and it only Wednesday:)

2010-04-14T09:45:00.001-07:00

The pictures above were taken by my BF Joni at the park on Monday:)
On Monday I picked the boys up from school and took them to the park. We met up with Joni and Jovita and her kids. Then we grabbed some subway and headed to the baseball field. We had some dinner and then Andrew had baseball practice. Ben is assistant coach again this year. Matthew played while Andrew had practice. Once again the other baseball moms and I walked the track. I LOVE our team and all our parents.
It was a long day but it was so much fun. I ran 3 miles Monday morning and walked 2 miles with the moms Monday night.
Yesterday I ran 2 1/2 miles in the morning. Ben's old boss Ben Avery was in town and was nice enough to take our entire family out to dinner at Outback. It was a wonderful dinner and a great time!!!
I have been working out so much that I am so sore!! I ran 3 1/2 miles this morning. I am stuck at a loss of 23 pds.:( I am losing more inches though. And I'm wearing shorts again:) I haven't worn shorts in 4 yrs.:)
We are relaxing today. Nothing on the agenda.
Tomorrow I have to find a dress for the cruise and pick up our birth certificates too.
This Saturday Ben is headed to a Cardinals game for Ryan's bachelor party. We are all going to St Louis. We will drop Ben at the game and then the boys and I are going to the Arch and out to dinner. It should be a fun day.
I have so much to do before we leave for vacation in just 39 days. We will be gone for 12 nights. This is a much needed vacation for all of us!!!

LOVE this time of year!!!!!! And counting down to vacation:)

2010-04-10T17:47:00.001-07:00

I love this pic of the boys with Lilo and Stitch. This was taken on our first trip to Disney in 2007. Now we are counting down to our 4th trip to Disney World and our first Disney Cruise! We leave in just 6 weeks:)
OK so I LOVE this time of year. The weather is warm, the flowers are blooming and its baseball season!!!! Now I love MLB but I love little league even more:)
Once again Andrew is on the same team he has been on for 4 yrs. I love the kids and parents on our team. I love hanging out with all of them during baseball season.
The boys started practice last week. Today we all went to practice. Ben is an assistant coach for the team. Matthew played and watched puppy Chester while I walked the track with baseball moms Kim and Tamesha. We are in for a competitive season but it should be a lot of fun.
I am down 23 pds and feeling great:) I am thinking of running a half marathon next March with Jenny in Disney:)(gulp) That's a HUGE commitment for me but I might just be up for the challenge!
The boys are counting down to the last day of school. They will miss the last 4 days of school because were leaving for vacation so they only have 33 days left.
We are really enjoying watching American Idol---Go Crystal and Lee and also the Jamie Oliver show as a family.
Next weekend Ben is headed to St Louis for Ryans bachelor party. The boys and I are going to go and do some sight seeing in St Louis while Ben is at the Cardinals game.
I hope everyone is doing well:)

WOW it's been a long time!!!!!

2010-04-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

I know its been a long time since I have updated our blog. I'm going to start updating it on a regular basis again:)
So much has changed in 6 months. First, I am still only working 3 hrs a week at WNNS and ALICE. Having my hours cut was actually the best thing that could have happened. I LOVE being at home. I am able to get so much accomplished. I have also started losing weight:) I have lost 22 pds in 3 months. I started working out with wii fit plus right after Christmas. I have also cut out sugars and all white pastas and breads. I feel so much better. I hope to lose 20-30 more pds.
Second, Ben has a new job:) He was offered a job at a new company called The Franklin Center. It's basically web based news. He started at Franklin in November. He got a major raise which has been really nice. He does work a lot but that's another reason I am glad I'm home with the kids after school and in the evening.
The boys have done really well in school this year. Good grades and they both have such wonderful friends:) I fought to get Andrew into Franklin Middle school next yr and finally we got the ok. I can't believe he will be in middle school next yr.
We bought a new puppy:) We got him around Christmas. He is a Shitzu-Maltese. His name is Chester and he is a cutie:) So now its 2 kids....3 dogs and a cat!
We had a wonderful Christmas. We spent time with family and the boys enjoyed their break. Matthew had a roller skating party for his 9th bday. Andrew had CJ spend the night and we took him out to dinner for his 11th bday.
My wonderful friend Elin and I had a girls weekend the first weekend of March. We went to Pheasant Run near Chicago. We went to see a play and spent 3 hrs at the spa. We went shopping and had a very relaxing time.
Joni and I still see our movie once a month. I love our movie nights:)
The boys are out of school in 35 days. The school year went by so fast. The winter went by slow but now the sun is shining and the trees are starting to bloom. I love this time of year. We just spent Easter with my mom in Bloomington and baseball season is under way for Andrew.
By now your probably wondering why I posted a picture of Disney Characters as pirates. WEll......we are going on a Disney Cruise:):) We are leaving May 24th for Disney where we will be staying at Old Key West resort for 2 days. Were just going to swim and hang at the resort those 2 days. Then we head out on the Disney Cruise May 27-May 30. We stop in Nassau and Castaway Cay. Then we are heading back to Disney World from May 30-June 4. We are going to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. We are soooo excited and ready for vacation.
We are also going to Texas in August. Dallas...then Houston and then South Padre. We decided to do some traveling this summer.
Well, I will be putting up lots of updated pics soon so please check back!!!

We are on vacation:):)

2009-09-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

The boys at Magic Kingdom!! They are dressed in their Halloween costumes because we went to the Halloween party! As always the party was fabulous!!

We are on vacation and having a wonderful time!!! We spent 4 days at Animal Kingdom resort in Disney World. It was virtually empty and we walked on all the rides. The resort was amazing and we had a blast. I have lots of pics to put up when we get home. We got to Vero Beach on the Atlantic ocean yesterday. Its beautiful and relaxing here!! We have spent the last 2 days at the beach or at the pool! We have 3 more days here! We leave for home Thursday but I don't want to talk about that yet LOL!!

WOW.....a few weeks and everything has changed!!!

2009-09-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

So many emotions...so much change!!!!
I went into work on September 3rd like every other day. I knew something was wrong because everyone looked so somber. One by one my coworkers were called into the General Manager's office and fired!! First a saleswoman...then a traffic girl...then our entire morning show!! Then a talk show host from our sister station. I had no reason to believe I would be next. I kept thinking....I am just part time...they won't let me go. No such luck. I was next on the chopping block. They cut my hours from 24 a week to just 3 hours on the weekend. I was devastated. I had worked at WNNS doing mid days for 20 months. I loved my job!! I cried and cried. I received so much support from my wonderful hubby and from all my friends. So many people reached out to me to help me find work!! I went from being sad to being down right MAD!! Now that's its been over a week I am at peace with what happened. I don't understand it....I mean I know the company is hurting and we were all laid off due to budget cuts but I was only part time. They could have kept me around. Oh well....I am honestly better off! Ben is the breadwinner...mine was extra money. For now I have turned in a few resumes but I am not looking very hard at this point to find a part time job. If it comes to the end of October and something hasn't come along then I will find something for 10 or so hours a week.
Ben has some irons in the fire....that's all I'm going to say on that subject for now!
God always knows the future. Sometimes we don't have any idea what path God is leading us down. I know that there are some wonderful things in our future. I am excited about some possibilities that may pan out. I wish I could say more:) I wish I could explain the opportunities on the horizon but I am not at liberty to say right now:) Even if NONE of these things come to pass I know we will be just fine!! I have faith that God will lead us where we need to go!
I think sometimes we get stuck in a rut and it takes something like losing a job to make you think about something new or different.
The boys are doing well!!! They love school and their teachers.
We leave for vacation tomorrow! This vacation comes at the perfect time! We need to get out of here and just have fun as a family and relax.
I added another day to our vacation. We had the vacation points so I figured we should use them.
We leave tomorrow after the kids get out of school. We should be on the road by 5pm. That should put us in Disney at about 11am Tuesday. Here is a breakdown of our schedule:
Tuesday: Arrive--Swim at resort
Wednesday: Hollywood Studios for the day
Thursday: Breakfast buffet with the characters and pool hop to other resort pools
Friday: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party
Saturday: Leave Disney head to Vero Beach(only 2 hours away on Atlantic side)
Saturday-Thursday---Vero Beach--relax, swim and build sand castles

We will be gone 9 nights and 10 days!!
I can't tell you how excited we are:):)
We are all packed and ready to go. Now we just have to wait till tomorrow!!

Back to School:)

2009-08-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

A picture of the boys on their first day of school! Andrew is off to 5th grade and Matthew is off to 3rd grade.

WOW what a week!!! We made it through the fist week of school. It's hard getting up so early but were working on it:) The boys love their teachers and their best friends are in class with them so they are both happy.
I have been sick this week with a terrible cold:( I have been at work but been a bit miserable. I'm feeling a bit better today.
The boys and I took Ben out to dinner the last 2 nights for a few early bday dinners:) We also gave him his present....wii resort sports. It is soooooooo much fun:) His bday is on Sunday and we will celebrate then too:) He turns the big 3-5!!!
We leave for vacation in 17 days. I SO need a vacation right now. I keep telling myself its only days away.
Tonight we are going to have family movie night. Tomorrow I have to work all day. Sunday is Ben's bday.
Have a great weekend everyone!!

What a great way to end the summer:):)

2009-08-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

Our family hard hats and all in front of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition house!!!

Andrew and Matthew with their hard hats....the Extreme Makeover Home Edition house is in the background!

This was the VIP tent we spent the day in....it had furniture and lots of food:)

The guy in the grey shirt is Michael the designer from the show and my favorite:)

Boys having fun watching as the house is built!

Here is designer Jon walking to the site.

OK if you look close you can see one of the designers down in the mud pit....it's Jon from the show!!!

This is the side of the house!

The boys with their Extreme Makeover Home Edition hats. The bus that Ty and the crew ride in is in the background!!

I don't even know where to start....today was so much fun. First let me say that our family watches the show Extreme Makeover Home Edition with Ty every Sunday night. So, when I found out they were doing a house here in Central IL I wanted to visit the site!! Ben scored us some VIP passes so we were able to go today!!! We got to hang out in the VIP tent which was set up with elegant furniture and lots of food. We saw as they were buliding a house that would normally take 75 days to build in just 5 days!!! They are on day 3 of the house and it looks amazing already!! We saw designers Michael and Jon and we even got to see them shoot segments for the show:):) It was lots of fun!!! I learned a lot about the show....behind the scenes kind of stuff.
This was a great way to end summer:):) We wrapped up out at the State Fair yesterday. It was a fun but tiring week.
Today Andrew said this has been the best summer ever....that was great to hear:) Some things from the summer we will never forget....an undefeated baseball season for the boys, boating on Lake Springfield, Peoria Chiefs game, Chicago Bears training camp, today at the Extreme Makeover House. Andrew went to Six Flags and spent lots of time with friends and Matthew had a blast with his buddy Caleb this summer. WOW school starts Monday!!!!! Time to kick things into high gear for the school year. We found out both the boys have great teachers and Andrew is in class with best friend CJ and Matthew is in class with best friend Caleb YAY!!!!!

It's been awhile.....A LOT to catch up on:)

2009-08-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Matthew and Caleb with Bill Brady who is running for Gov.

Andrew and Matthew enjoying the golf cart at the fair:)

Caleb went to the fair with Matthew today!! As you can see they are BIG fans of WNNS:):)

My old boss Robb came to see me at the fair while I was broadcasting:)

Here we all are in front of the practice field at Bears training camp!!

OK its been awhile since I have updated the blog. I don't even know where to start. A few weeks ago we went with my brother and his family to Bears training camp. It was a lot of fun!!! We plan on going every year.
The State Fair is this week and Ben and I have been running ourselves ragged. We have worked out there every day and the kids have been troopers. They have gone to the fair every day and just kinda hung out with Ben while he was working. Today Andrew went his buddies Mulan and CJ to ride the rides at the fair and hang out. He's spending the night with Mulan and then hanging out with he and CJ again tomorrow. Matthew had Caleb come to the fair with us today and they had a lot of fun. I am beyond wiped out!!!! It has been a fun and crazy week at the fair....weather has also been wild!!!!I am SO glad tomorrow is Friday. Ben and I are headed out to the beer tent tomorrow with some friends:):) Saturday Joni and I are going to get our nails done:):)
I never got to tell by bff Happy b-day on my blog so Happy bday Joni:):) Her birthday was last week and I took her to see the movie "Julie and Julia". It was really good.
WOW....what else.....the boys start school Monday!!! I can't believe 3rd and 5th grade!!! They are ready and so are we!!!
We leave for Florida in 3 1/2 weeks and I am SO ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before that I am headed to the Mrs IL International pageant with my mom over labor day. It's going to be a crazy couple of weeks leading up to vacation!!!
We had a wonderful summer!!!! Some highlights were an undefeated baseball season for the boys, going to a Peoria Chiefs game, boating on Lake Springfield, Bears training camp and lots of time with friends:):)
I am totally exhausted and I promise to keep up with the blog better now:):)

What a FUN day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Matthew with their medals and trophies for an undefeated season:)

Andrew getting his trophy from Dan.

Matthew getting his trophy from Dan.

Andrew with Coach Hal!!!

Sliders on the field!

Ben and John enjoying a beverage LOL

Andrew and Matthew's baseball team watching the Sliders game!

We had a blast at the Sliders game with Andrew and Matthew's baseball team. I LOVE our coaches and all our parents. We have become great friends with the parents and are planning a "kid free" night soon:):) The boys watched the game and ran around while I enjoyed great conversation with the other moms:):) Ben and John enjoyed themselves too LOL!!! I am sad baseball is over....on to football. Bears training camp next Friday:) We are grilling and swimming for the rest of the night:):):) Oh how I LOVE summer:):)

Getting ready for back to school and vacation!!!!

2009-07-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

We have started back to school shopping and plan on finishing up this next week!!! Andrew has grown so much this summer. He is now 5'1!!!!!!
So much is going on its hard to keep up. Tonight I am headed to the movie "The ugly truth" with Joni. Tomorrow we are going to a Sliders game with the boys baseball team.
Next Friday we are going to meet up with my brother and his family and go to Bears training camp to watch them practice. Then were spending the night in Bloomington with my mom. Matthew is then staying with my mom for 3 days. Then he is coming home and Andrew is going to spend 3 days with my mom.
The State Fair starts the 14th and Ben and I will be working every day at the Fair.
Then the kids head back to school on the 24th of August!!!! It is CRAZY how fast summer has flown by!!!
We have changed our vacation plans a bit. We were going to Disney World for 7 days and go to all 4 parks. Since we have already been to all 4 parks the last two yrs and Ben and I are desperate for some relaxation we decided to spend 4 days at Disney World and only 2 days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Then were going over to Disney's Vero Beach where we stayed in April right on the ocean for 4 more days. Vero Beach is only and hour and a half from Disney World so no big drive! We will be gone for 8 nights on vacation and NOTHING sounds better right now:):):)
OK so now I have to eat and get ready for movie night with Joni:):):)

A day at the park!

2009-07-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

We took the boys and the dogs to the park today. The dogs loved getting out and the boys played catch with Ben. It has been a relaxing weekend!
Next weekend its movie time with Joni on saturday:) Then Sunday the boys baseball team and all the parents are headed to a Sliders game. It should be a fun weekend:)
We are only weeks away from the start of another school year. And we are only weeks away from another trip to Disney:):)
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Boating on Lake Springfield:)

2009-07-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

Me and my hubby enjoying a day on the lake!!!

Lance and Robyn. They are so cute:)

Andrew, Matthew, CJ and Ryan!!

View looking out the back of the boat!

Matthew fell asleep for about 30 min.! It really was relaxing on the boat.

Andrew and CJ about to jump into the lake!

Andrew and CJ acting silly:)

Boys swimming in the lake!

Boating on Lake Springfield!

Ben driving the boat!

Andrew, Matthew and CJ ready to head out on the lake.

Getting ready to hit the lake for the day!

Sunday we rented a boat with our friends Robyn and Lance and their kids. It was honestly the most fun and relaxing day we have had in a long time. The kids loved the boat!!!! We stopped twice for them to swim and cruised the lake the rest of the day. We will be renting a boat again that's for sure!!! Hopefully a few times a summer from here on out. Then we grilled out at Bridgeview park. Robyn and I beat the boys and the husbands in ladder ball:):) What a great day!!!
Today the boys are swimming with their friend and baseball teammate Anthony!! They are having a blast. We ended our baseball season undefeated last night. We have the most wonderful kids on our team. Their parents are also just awesome!!!!
What a great summer this has been so far!!!

A fun weekend ahead:)

2009-07-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

WOW I have been working so much lately! I have had 3 remotes in a week and a half. Were sticking away money for our Disney trip. We leave in just over 2 months.
This summer has flown by! I can't believe its already July. We have had a wonderful summer so far.
There is basically 6 weeks left of summer and were busy almost all those 6 weeks.
This weekend is going to be soooooooo much fun:) Tomorrow we are going out to eat and then the boys have a baseball game at 8:15. Saturday Matthew and Ben are cooking dinner. Matthew's recipe.....cheese sandwiches and hot dogs:):) He is excited to make his own menu and cook with Ben:) Then on Sunday a BIG surprise for the boys:)It is going to be a blast:) Stay tune for what it is and lots of pics.....
Next week the boys have 3 baseball games.
Then we will have 2 weeks where we hang around here and swim and chill.
The first week of August the boys are taking turns going to my mom's in Bloomington. Andrew is going for 3 days and then Matthew for 3 days. They are really looking forward to it!
Then its the State Fair.
Then Back to School!!!!
WOW time flies!!!!!!!

Memories!!!

2009-07-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

I have joined facebook and I am so glad I did. I reconnected with my 3 best friends from high school:) Its been so fun to catch up with them:) This pic was taken on my 15th birthday!! It's me with yvonne, casey and cassandra! Oh the memories........we had great times!!!!! I luv those gals and always will!

What a week.........and Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T20:09:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July 2009 from the Yount boys:)

Joni and I with Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block!

OK so its been a crazy week!!!! I had to work a LOT this week. Ben was also busy at work. The boys spent the day Tuesday with friends Jacob and Caleb. Then Andrew spent the night with CJ. Wednesday afternoon Joni and I headed to St Louis. We ate at White Castle then headed to the New Kids concert. The concert was amazing once again and we had great seats!!! After the concert we headed to Waffle House. Donnie has been going to Waffle Houses after their concerts to eat and meet fans. We went to 5 different Waffle Houses. It took us till 3am but we found Donnie. We got to meet him and get a picture. He was really sweet and very good-looking:) We didn't get home till 5am. I was off work on Thursday and slept on and off all day. Today I had to work and then had a remote!! It was a long day. We got home and grilled out and hung out as a family. We normally have a 4th of July party but this year we are exhausted and have been way to busy!!! This weekend we are going to relax and hang out as a family. The boys have 3 baseball games next week. Then at the beginning of August the boys are taking turns going to spend time with my mom in Bloomington. This summer is flying by!!! Only 7 weeks till school starts again and only 11 more weeks till we leave for Disney:):)

SOOOOOOOOOO Busy!!!!!

2009-06-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Tents all set up at the campgrounds!

Matthew skateboarding at the campgrounds.

Matthew and Thomas hanging out around the campfire!

Ben and the boys went camping with Thomas this weekend. Even though they weren't able to spend the night due to a storm they had a great time while they were there:) I went to see the movie "The Proposal" with Joni this weekend and it was awesome!!!
It has been a crazy week and this week will be crazy too:) I have remotes for the station tomorrow and Friday. Wednesday is the New Kids concert!! My third New Kids concert in 10 months:)) We are leaving for St Louis about 3 and headed to White Castle to eat before the concert. After the concert we hope to catch up with the band at the Waffle House!!! I am off work on Thursday!!! Rock the Dock is on Friday night. Ben and the boys and I are going and looking forward to some great fireworks:)
So far its been a great summer!! Where did June go?? The boys have 3 baseball games next week and that will wrap up a wonderful season of baseball for them!
Then its just 3 weeks before they head to my mom's in Bloomington. They are each taking turns staying with her for 3 days. The State Fair is mid-August and it's only 8 weeks till school starts up again!!!! Time FLIES!!!!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009-06-21T13:06:00.001-07:00

Ben and the boys relaxing in the pool!

Major taking a swim in the pool:)

The boys having fun in the pool!

We spent today at home swimming in the pool and were grilling out steaks tonight:) Happy father's day to all the dad's out there:):)

Take me out to the ballgame.........

2009-06-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

Andrew and Matthew in front of Chiefs sign!

Andrew and Matthew with players Mike(catcher) and Chris(pitcher)

Players signing balls for the boys!

Coach of the Chiefs talking to the boys in the dugout.

Ben and the boys right outside the dugout.

Me with Matthew and Andrew in the suite watching the game.

Here I am interviewing the coach of the Peoria Chiefs!

WOW what a day!!! I had a remote at the Peoria Chiefs stadium this afternoon and I took Ben and the boys along. We met the President of the Chiefs and he was so nice. He took us down to the dugout and we had a chance to watch batting practice and meet the players. He gave the boys balls that they were able to get autographed. Then one of the players gave the boys real wooden bats. We all got hats too:) I did my remote from a suite overlooking the field. It was so nice!!! Then we watched the game. If your not familiar with the Chiefs they are a minor league team. They have produced some Major league players. They are a Cubs affiliate but they have players that have gone on to play for the Cardinals as well. It is an amazing field and everyone there was so nice!!! It was a day the boys will never forget:)

WE WON!!!!!!!! THE BOYS WON THEIR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT:)

2009-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

I AM SO PROUD OF OUR TEAM!!! THEY WORKED TOGETHER AND WON WITH INTEGRITY!!!

REDBIRDS ARE #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW what a crazy last few days!!!!! Lots of baseball:) The boys played and won their last game today. So they won the tournament:):) We still have the rest of the season to play so were gearing up for more baseball:):):) GO REDBIRDS:):)

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

OK so we head back to Disney World in about 3 months. But I just booked our vacation for next year:) We have been trying to figure out where to go and when. We finally settled on a 2 week vacation next summer!!! We will be heading out August 2, 2010. We are going to make a stop in Dallas. Dallas is where Ben's mom lives and also my best friend from high school. We will visit and take a trip to the aquarium. After 3 days in Dallas were going to head to Houston where my best friend from college lives:) Were going to spend 2 days there visiting. They have an awesome science and history museum that we will visit while we are there. Then its off to South Padre Island for a week of beach fun as a family:):) Were going to stay in a 1-bedroom condo. I have been told South Padre is like paradise so I am SO excited!!! We will be there from August 8-15. It will be a 2 week trip with lots of fun and visiting friends and family as well:) So, instead of 2 vacations next year we will take a two week vacation!!! Although, we are thinking of taking a few days in Feb. 2010 to head back to the WI Dells:):)

Our camping adventure!!!

2009-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Matthew and Mikayla in the tent:)

Our campsite!

Josh and Andrew cooking hotdogs!

Josh(my brother) and me:)

Joni and me:)

Matthew and Zack(Erin's son)

Erin(my brother's girlfriend) and Mikayla(my niece) blowing bubbles.

Ben and Josh putting up the tent LOL:)

I have more pictures I will post later. We got to the campsite at about 4 yesterday. My brother and his family were right behind us. We set up camp and the kids played. It was a really nice campground. There was a playground and swimming pool for the kids. There were lots of kids out there so they all kinda played together. Our friends Joni and Chad and their kids came out to roast some hotdogs with us. We had lots of fun:):) I REALLY enjoyed it. The part I DID NOT enjoy was sleeping in the tent. I got about an hour of sleep all night. Between the owl(which I still think was a cyote lol) and some creature eating something outside the tent I was ready to scream "I'm a whimp get me outta here". The kids LOVED it:) The next time we go camping I'm getting a cabin:):)

Fun night full of baseball, friends and fireworks:)

2009-06-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

My little boy is growing up so fast:)

Matthew and Daniel.

Andrew and Toby!

All the boys:) Andrew, Toby and CJ....and Lance:) Lance is the only one who looks happy in this picture LOL!!

Matthew and Ryan(CJ's sister)!

Andrew and his glow sticks!

What a fun day:) It was the boys first official day of summer. They swam and hung out with Ben while I went to work. Then it was off to baseball tonight. We won AGAIN and both boys got hits. Our team is undefeated!! After the game we went to meet Robyn and Lance and their kids at Pasfield golf course to watch the fireworks. Toby and his mom Sara came too:) It was lots of fun and the weather was perfect:):) Big day tomorrow.....my bro and his family are coming in town to go camping with us. It has been a great start to Summer 2009!!!!!

First day of summer for the Yount's:)

2009-06-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Matthew swimming for the first time this year!!!

Matthew relaxing in the sun after a swim:)

Major swimming!

Dirty Dog!!! After he got out of the pool he went and rolled around in the dirt!

Poor Puppy is worn out:)

I wish I could have taken pictures at the LPGA but they wouldn't let me:( It was a blast broadcasting out there today. Then we came home and finished cleaning the pool. We all went swimming for a bit even though it was kinda cold:)
The boys last day of school was today. They both did very well on their report cards:) Another year is over. I can't believe it!!
Tomorrow the boys have a baseball game. Then after the game we are headed to Pasfield golf course to watch the Carollion fireworks with our friends Lance and Robyn and their kids.
Saturday my brother and niece will be here. We are all going camping. Our friends Joni and Chad are coming out to the campgrounds to roast some dogs with us:) It should be a great weekend:):)

More pictures from the farm:) Thanks to Elin for these pictures:)

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Matthew with Mrs Sarff at her farm!

Matthew and Caleb with their 2nd grade teacher Mrs Sarff!!

Matthew with Caleb and Wrangler:)

Matthew will never forget his day at Mrs Sarff's farm. He is going to miss Mrs Sarff next year. He calls her his family teacher!

Matthew's day at the farm!!!!

2009-05-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Matthew LOVED riding the horse:)

Matthew on "Pete" the horse at Mrs Sarff's farm!!!

Matthew and Caleb on an ATV.

Matthew on an ATV.

Matthew and Caleb at lunch with Mrs Sarff.

One of the dogs at Mrs Sarff's farm taking a swim in the creek:)

Mrs Sarff's horse at her farm. Picture was taken by Matthew:)

Matthew and Caleb with Wrangler the dog:)

Caleb and Matthew had such a wonderful day at Mrs Sarff's farm yesterday. They both said "it was the best day ever":) A HUGE thank you to Mrs Sarff and to Caleb for asking Matthew to go with him!!!!

A very busy but exciting weekend!! Lots of pictures coming soon:)

2009-05-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Today Matthew went with his friend Caleb to Mrs Sarff's(their teacher)farm. Caleb won the day in an auction and he took Matthew with him:) They had such a good time. They shot bb guns, went horseback riding and rode ATV's. I sent a disposable camera with him so I will get the pictures developed tomorrow and post them.
I had to work all day. I had a remote and then our big giveaway party. Ben is still at work. They are wrapping up session this weekend at the Capitol.
The boys only have 2 and a half days of school left. Then summer is officially here:):) We have a busy month ahead. Next weekend my brother, his girlfriend and niece are coming in town to camp with us. Then the next weekend is father's day. The 20th is Relay for Life. Every year we take the boys and each one gets to take a friend to a movie........our treat. This year we are taking Andrew, CJ, Matthew and Caleb to see Transformers on June 25th. They are so excited. The best part about summer is Ben will be working from home. And I only have to work 10-1 every day. We are looking forward to lots of family time in the pool:):)
We are in the middle of opening the pool now:):) We hope to be swimming by next weekend:)
Tomorrow we have lots of shopping to do. We have pool stuff to buy and lots of camping stuff too:):)
Look for pictures soon:)

NEW BUNK BEDS:):)

2009-05-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

The boys new bunk beds:)

Andrew's desk with all his stuff LOL!!!

We have needed to clean.....I mean REALLY clean the boys room for awhile and we finally got around to doing it. They also desperately needed new beds. These were a little expensive but well worth it. I LOVE how their room looks now:):) Were slowly getting the things we need. Last year it was a new couch.....in February we got new appliances and now the boys got new beds. In January we are getting a new bed for Ben and I:):) Slowly checking things off my list!!!:)

A baseball game, 2 wedding receptions and lots of fun for the kids:) All in one weekend:)

2009-05-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

Me and Ben all ready to go to Leanne's wedding reception!!

Me, Lynette and Vikki. Lynette is the President of George Lopez's film company and a total sweetheart:)

Ben with Leanne and her new husband Jodi!

Me and Leanne at her wedding reception.

Ben and Ben Walz dancing together LOL!!

Ben dancing at Ben Walz wedding reception:)

Andrew, Matthew, Gabe, Liam and Toby at Toby's house.

The boys having fun on the slip and slide at Toby's house.

We had such a wonderful weekend. Friday night the boys had a baseball game. They WON AGAIN and both boys got a hit. Then Saturday while Ben and I were at Leanne's wedding reception the boys went to hang out with their friends Caleb and Jacob. They had a wonderful time. Then Sunday we took the boys to Toby's for the day while Ben and I headed to Ben Walz wedding reception. We had a wonderful time at both receptions. The boys had a great time at Toby's. After we left the reception we went to pick up the boys and ended up hanging out with Toby's family for a few hrs. Today we cleaned the boys room and our room. Both rooms look really nice:) The boys new bunk beds will be delivered on Wednesday:):) I am totally exhausted!!! Trying to get some rest and relax a bit before heading back to work tomorrow!!!

A fun and busy holiday weekend ahead!!

2009-05-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

WOW talk about busy. Yesterday my wonderful friends Joni and Robb came and ate lunch with me at the downtown studio while I was on the air. Do I have a great job or what??:):) Then Joni and I went shopping. I bought a dress for a wedding were going to this weekend. Then is was off to old navy to buy some clothes for the kiddos. Got home and went shopping with Ben. We bought the boys new bunk beds. I am so excited. Were going to gut their room and REALLY clean it on Monday. Their new beds will be delivered on Wednesday.
Today I am at work. I have to voice track 4 shifts for the holiday weekend. Then its off to get my hair cut. I have to get the boys after school and then they have a baseball game tonight at 6:15.
Tomorrow we are going to our friend Leanne's wedding. Its so awesome to see Leanne get married. We have known her for 10 yrs. She lives in LA now and actually works for George Lopez. She is friends with big stars like George Clooney. You would never know she hob-nobs with the stars because she has never let it go to her head. She is getting married here and I am so excited we get to attend the wedding.
Sunday we are going to Ben's reception. It should be lots of fun!!!
Monday we are cleaning LOL!!! We will grill but its our cleaning day too. Were waiting to open the pool until next weekend. There just is not enough time!!!
Have a great holiday weekend. Look for lots of pictures coming soon:):)

Thanks Andrew:):)

2009-05-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Every year Andrew plants all the flowers in the front yard. I NEVER ask him to he just loves to do it:) This year our flowers from last year came back???? OK REALLY WEIRD since when we planted them last year they were annuals. They shouldn't have come back this year. Not that I am complaning. They came back more beautiful then ever:):) So, all Andrew had to do was mulch them this year:):) My front yard looks so nice:) Now, its working on the back yard and opening the pool in 2 weeks.

Game 3 and we WON!!! So far we are undefeated:) Here are some cool baseball pics from tonight!

2009-05-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Matthew was just standing on the tracks watching the team practice tonight before the game and I took this picture. I LOVE how it turned out:)

I snapped this picture as Andrew was headed to the game and I really like it!

The boys won their 3rd game tonight!!! I LOVE baseball season. It was such a wonderful night and lots of fun:):)

A great day and great pics thanks to Joni:):)

2009-05-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this pic of Andrew!! Thanks Joni for such wonderful pics!!!

Joni did such a great job with these pics!!

Andrew on a bridge downtown!

Andrew and I went downtown with Joni today. We walked around the art fair. We ate lunch and then Joni did a mini-photo session with Andrew!!! It was a beautiful day and lots of fun!! Ben and Matthew spent the day together. They went out to lunch and spent some quality father-son time together! Were at home for the afternoon and then Joni and I are going to see a movie. Our May movie is "Ghosts of girlfriends past". We are trying to go see a movie a month for the rest of the year. Our Feb. movie was "Bride Wars" and we missed March. Our April movie was "17 Again". Its fun to get out and have some girl time:):)

The countdown to Summer begins!!!

2009-05-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

I can't believe its only 12 days until the boys are out of school for the summer. It seems like just yesterday the were starting school this year. Where does all the time go???
Were looking forward to opening the pool.....it just needs to warm up SOON!!! We have already started grilling almost every night and eating outside.
Ben will be working from home all summer!!! My brother and his girlfriend and my niece will be coming the first weekend of June. Andrew has golf camp in June as well. We are looking forward to swimming, grilling, watching the boys play baseball and taking in some movies all summer long:):) We leave in 17 weeks for Disney World once again:):) Yes, we are obsessed with Disney:):) We are trying to figure out where we want to vacation next year. We are kicking around some fun ideas:):)
Have a great weekend everyone:)

First game of the season.....AND WE WON:)!!!

2009-05-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Matthew...brothers and teammates:)

Andrew up at bat!

Matthew showing his excitement:)

Our team the Redbirds!!!!

I LOVE this time of year! It's baseball season:):):) Tonight was the boys first game. This is the 4th year we have played on the same team. All the kids know each other and all the parents know each other.......it's really nice. This is also the 2nd year Andrew and Matthew have played on the same team. It was a nice night....except for those pesky gnats!!! The boys both played really well!!! The best part was WE WON!!! We won by 10 runs!!! We have another game tomorrow night. Have a great week everyone!!

Boys, Boys and more Boys:)

2009-05-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ben's grandma has 7 grandsons and 7 great-grandsons!! Here are all the boys. We are only missing 4 boys in this picture!!

Ben's dad and the grandkids!

We had a fun Mother's day weekend. We went to see "Monsters and Aliens" in 3d with my mom yesterday. It was such a cute movie. Then we ate with my mom. After that we went to spend the night at Ben's grandma's house. Today Ben's brothers came over with their kids. It was a fun time for all:):)
We have a busy week ahead. The kids have school and they also have baseball games Monday and Tuesday. Ben's boss(actually the big....BIG boss) is coming to take him to lunch on Tuesday!! And that's just the first two days of the week!!!
I hope all you mom's had a wonderful mother's day:):)

Happy Mother's Day weekend:)

2009-05-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

WOW what a week!!!! Let's just say it was very busy:) Ben and I spent some quality time together on Tuesday and that was really nice:) Today was totally busy. I had to work...then we picked Andrew up early from school....we all went to Matthew's school for his play. It was really cute:) Then it was off to buy sandals for the summer. Boys go through shoes like crazy:) We are trying to get everything done around here before we leave tomorrow. I have to go to work for an hour in the morning. Then the boys have baseball practice. Then were off to Bloomington. Were going to see the movie "Monsters and Aliens" in 3d with my mom followed by dinner with my mom. Were spending the night at Ben's grandma's house. Sunday all Ben's family will be at Ben's grandma's for mother's day dinner. The boys are excited to see their cousins:) It should be a great mother's day:) To all you moms out there........Have a wonderful mother's day!!!! Relax and enjoy yourselves:):):)

My new obsession LOL!!!!

2009-05-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

All our vacation photo books:)

I was never good at scrap booking. When I found shutterfly online and realized that I could basically scrapbook online I was thrilled!! I love all our vacation photo books:) Each one holds so many wonderful memories:) I just received our Vero Beach book today from the vacation we took in April. It turned out perfect:):)

Andrew's last day of IMSA!!!

2009-05-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

Andrew and his buddy Parker with their bridge at IMSA.

Andrew and Parker's bridge made of toothpicks and glue!

Andrew and Parker inspecting their bridge!

It was Andrew's last day of his after school program IMSA. Ben, Matthew and I went to show our support and take some pictures. They had made bridges out of toothpicks and then they got to see how much weight it took to destroy them:) Andrew has learned sooooooo much in this program. He throws out science and math terms and Ben and I just kinda look at each other and say "What":):) I am so proud of him for taking such an active role in this program. He is looking forward to applying again next year and we pray he makes it in once again for 5th grade:)
We have been so busy I can't even see straight. Last weekend was crazy with work. I did take time out to go see the movie "17 Again" with Joni on Sunday:):) It was so cute!!!!
The boys still have 3 weeks left of school. They also have baseball games starting next week. It will be crazy with 2 games a week until the end of school. They are at practice now. This is the first time I have sat down all day!!! I am rambling right now:)) LOL!!!
We have almost finished our yard and I am so proud of how it looks:) We put up new lights in the backyard and last night was the first time we ate outside this year. All we need to do now is mulch the flowers in the front and plant our tomato plants.
Have a great rest of the week everyone:)

I found my 2 favorite pictures from when Matthew went with Ben to work:)

2009-05-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Matthew looks like such a little man in his coat and tie:)

Matthew with Senator Larry Bomke!!

My little man:):)

2009-05-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Matthew with his blue book:)

This is Maggie Crotty who is a Senator from Oak Forest showing Matthew the ropes:)

Matthew sitting in the Senate President's chair:)

Matthew got to bang the gavel as if he were Senate President!!

Matthew got the chance to go to work with Ben last week. It was "take your child to work" day. He had soooooo much fun:) He thinks his dad has the ooolest job in the world:) He was able to meet a lot of House members and Senators. I am still trying to locate the picture of Matthew with Senator Larry Bomke. He was also in a story on news channel 20 that day as well:):) He had a great time. Last year Andrew had the chance to go to work with Ben for the day so this year it was Matthew's turn!!!

Getting rid of the drama and living life with lots of friends and FUN!!!

2009-04-29T20:18:00.001-07:00

I am getting rid of the drama in my life!! Life is WAY to short. I am totally changing the way I look at things. To those who don't want to come with me on my new quest so be it............to those who are with me Let's Go!!!:):) So many exciting things are on the horizon. Some I can't talk about publicly at this time:) Great friends and family and the knowledge that God is with me and is leading me!!! I know that a lot of times we can't see the winding path that God is leading us down but I know that if we have faith that path will lead to amazing things:):)

The boys are down to 4 and a half weeks left of school! They are well into baseball season......games start in a little over a week. Ben and I are closer than we have ever been and that is so nice:):) Movie night is this weekend with Joni!!! We are going to see "17 Again". Mother's day weekend looks to be lots of fun too. We are going to take the boys and head to Bloomington. Were going to go see "Monsters and Aliens" in 3-D with my mom. Then were going to see all of Ben's family. His dad and step-mom are coming in from New Jersey!!!

Well, its off to bed for me!!!:):)

A happier post:):)

2009-04-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

So,today Andrew is on a field trip in St Louis. His class went to the Science Center. He was so excited this morning. Matthew went with Ben to work(its take your child to work today).
The boys only have 5 weeks left of school. Time flies!!!! Andrew will be a 5th grader and Matthew a 3rd grader. WOW!!!
We open the pool in a little over a month:) We are also planting our garden in the next few weeks.
We have confirmed that my brother, his girlfriend and my niece and my mom will be coming June 6th and 7th:) We are renting a cabin here in Springfield and even taking the dogs:):) It should be a fun weekend!
It is shaping up to be a great start to the summer:)
We plan on doing a lot of grilling.....a lot of swimming and were going to take in a few movies over the summer. The boys are looking forward to the June release of Transformers 2!!!!
We are very much looking forward to our next Disney vacation in September. My bestest friend from college...Daphne...is planning a trip to Disney next year with her family!! It was great to hear from you girl and we will make it to Texas to see you soon:):)
I will post some pics of Matthew at the capitol later today:)

I love my crazy life:) And need to vent!

2009-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

OK so first let me say that I had a wonderful day today. We were broadcasting live at the PCCC all day. Then tonight we had the "World's largest office party" and Joni went with me. It was actually a lot of fun:):) Ben had to run the kids all over town. Matthew got off school at 3:30 and then Ben had to run errands. Andrew had IMSA until 5 and then they headed to baseball practice from 6-8.
I want to say that I just found our my friend Nicole was in the hospital last week. I just want to say that I am here for you Nicole and I know everything will be OK!!! I am praying for you:):)
So now I have to vent for a sec. I am NOT from Springfield. I did NOT grow up here and I am glad I didn't!!! Now Springfield is OK but its not the end all beat all. Ben and I will NOT retire here. We hope to move to Florida or somewhere in the south. Both the boys have told us they want to go to college somewhere other than IL. I lived in Arkansas so I have lived in some small towns but Springfield is the biggest small town I have ever lived in. The first question anyone asks you in this town is "what high school did you go to".......UGH!!!! I can't stand how if you are not from here you are an outsider. It drives me CRAZY!!!! And Unless you live in Panther Creek we all somewhat live in questionable neighborhoods. That is the nature of Springfield so can we get on with it already!!! I have met so many families that have chosen to move out of Springfield because they moved here thinking it would be a nice place to live only to find out how judgemental people can be here and how others keep them at arms length. I just really think the judging needs to stop! It is not that I hate Springfield. It's OK. The boys have good friends here and I have met a friend for life in my dear friend Joni:):) Ben and I have other friends and are well established but if we had it our way we would be living in Florida tomorrow!! OK I'm done now!!! Time to move on:):):)

Crazy Week back!!!

2009-04-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

First let me thank my BFF Joni for watching my kitty while we were gone:) When we got back Pouncer(our cat) was mad at us for about 2 hours. She kept looking around for Joni....it was so cute!!! It's funny to see how animals react after you have been gone awhile. We picked up the dogs from the kennel on Tuesday and they were so excited:):)
It was back to work this week!! Not a bad week overall!! I actually enjoyed being back at work:)
Our trip was SO much fun:) We will NEVER forget it!!
The boys only have 6 weeks left of school! We are changing our plans a bit. Instead of going to the WI Dells were going to stay here and get a cabin at the KOA campgrounds here in Springfield. We want to take the dogs too:) Were also trying to get my brother, his girlfriend and my mom to come too:):) It will be a fun little staycation:)
The boys had baseball practice today. Andrew was SO ready to play ball. He LOVES baseball. His perfect weekend would be to play baseball and then golf with CJ:):) Matthew is spending the night with his friend Caleb tonight.
Ben and I and Andrew are hanging out and grilling out!!!! Have a great weekend everyone!!!

We ended our vacation in TN!!!

2009-04-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

A picture of our family at Ruby Falls Cave!!

This waterfall is at the center of Ruby Falls cave. It is NOT man made. No one knows where the water comes from. It is honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!

The boys touch some really neat formations in the cave.

The boys in Ruby Falls cave!

Picture from inside the cave!

We spent the night in Chattanooga TN last night. This morning we went to Ruby Falls cave. I think this is something everyone should experience once in their life. It was amazing. Then we drove home *SIGH*. It's cold here....Ben keeps saying "I was in paradise for a week and now I have to come back to the cold":) It was an AWESOME family vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We LOVE this vacation!! We don't want to come home!

2009-04-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

The boys with Goofy at the character breakfast at the resort this morning!

Boys with Donald!

The boys with Max.(Max is Goofy's son)

We played mini-golf today. Here are the boys taking a little break:)

Andrew and Matthew take to the pool with their snorkel gear:)

Andrew walking on the beach!

Ben decked out in his beach shirt and hat:)

Matthew sitting at the tiki bar!

They have an entire tiki hut set up where you can grill out at the resort!! We grilled out the other night and it was so fun!

WOW what a great vacation!!! I am refreshed and relaxed. From walking on the beach to laying at the pool. To playing board games and mini golf. What an incredible week. We went to the only character breakfast they have at the resort this morning. It's also the ONLY time you will see any characters at this resort. We have met some wonderful people here. Lots of families from MI. Some of these families come each year at this time and have for years. Ben is all about coming back:):) The boys don't want to leave. BTW---Happy Easter!! We will hit the road tomorrow morning and stop in Chattanooga. Were going to Ruby Falls Monday morning and then we will be home Monday night. I am not looking forward to heading back to the Midwest. You never know.......in the next few yrs I may actually talk Ben into moving down here:):)

The most relaxing family vacation!!!!

2009-04-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! I think I may blow it up and frame it!!

Walking down the beach as a family!

Andrew and Matthew building a sand castle.

Andrew building a sand castle!

Matthew running down the beach!

Ben in the ocean....need I say more:)

Matthew playing in the sand.

Matthew and Ben in the pool!

Boys in their snorkel gear:)

Disney knows how to do things right!! This place is VERY secure. You need a key card to get into the pool and the beach. This is the PERFECT way to spend Spring Break. This is a family resort. All that is here are families with kids. It reminds me of the movie Dirty Dancing.....you know where they have all the family activities and its all families...ok without the dirty dancing LOL!!! The boys did a scavenger hunt today. They are doing archery and kick ball tomorrow:)We spent the day at the pool and then at the beach on the ocean. It was AWESOME!!! The weather is perfect here. Not to hot and not to cool!!! I LOVE this place. Andrew says he is moving here as soon as he is 18:):) Tonight we are grilling out and then were going to take a walk along the beach at night:):)

A day at Kennedy Space Center!

2009-04-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

Our family at NASA!!

Andrew and Matthew touching an actual rock from the moon!

This is a mock up of the actual rocket that took the Apollo Astronauts into space.

That is the shuttle sitting on the launch pad. The next launch is in about a month.

The boys in front of the memorial wall. It has all the names of all the astronauts that have lost their lives. It was very touching.

I only posted a few pics from today but I took a ton!! We spent all day at Kennedy Space Center. It was so much fun and we learned so much! The boys really enjoyed the shuttle launch experience. It is really something everyone should see at least once in their life.

Pictures from today:)

2009-04-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some signs that point to how many miles we are away from all the Disney resorts in Disney World!

Andrew in his snorkel gear! The boys got to keep the gear after they went snorkeling:)

Andrew and Matthew putting on their flippers getting ready to snorkel!

Andrew snorkeling:)

Matthew snorkeling in the pool!

Here is a picture of the pool with the resort in the background.

This is the waterslide at the pool.

View from our balcony!

We woke up and had breakfeast on the balcony and watched the ocean roll in....it is so relaxing here! Then we headed to the pool. It was a little cool here today but the pool is heated. The boys enjoyed the pool and the waterslide. They took a snorkeling class this afternoon. Ben and I met a wonderful couple from Canada and enjoyed talking to them. That's one thing I love about Disney is all the wonderful people you meet at the Disney resorts:) Even though this is a Disney resort you are not overwhelmed with Disney stuff....but if you look you will find hidden Mickey's all over:) They also have the same Disney service and everyone that works here is a Disney cast member. I LOVE this place and I am so NOT STRESSED:):) Tomorrow we head to Kennedy Space Center and the boys are really excited about that!! The ocean is literally down the sidewalk from the pool here at the resort it is sooooooo cool!!!

I just HAD to post some pictures:)

2009-04-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Boys walking down the beach!

The boys on the balcony in our room. You can see the ocean behind them:)

Matthew plays in the ocean.

Playing in the ocean!

Ben and Matthew enjoy the ocean:)

First I have to say that it was a LONG drive here. It's only about an hour and a half past Disney World but with traffic and stops it ended up being about 3 hrs more than the drive to Disney.
With that said.....it was totally worth it. We got here this afternoon. We went to eat at a cool place that overlooked the ocean. Then we went down to the beach. The boys have never seen the ocean and they were so excited:):)
You can see and hear the ocean from our balcony its so relaxing. This is a relaxing vacation so we have no real plan were just going with the flow. There are tons of activities for the kids so we plan to take advactage of some of those tomorrow. For now we are relaxing in the room with the door to the balcony open listening to the sound of the waves:):)

Rest and Relaxation are only hours away:):)

2009-04-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

So we leave Sunday evening. I have SO much to do before then. Today I am at work and so is Ben. I have to take our car to get the windshield replaced(huge crack) at 12:45. Then have to get kids....they get out early at 2 and 2:30. Have to get Andrew's hair cut. Ben is off to Ben's bachelor party tonight so while he's gone I need to clean the house. I ALWAYS clean the house before we leave so we can walk into a clean house after vacation. Still have some packing to do too. Tomorrow we have to take the dogs to the kennel and pack the car. I can't wait to GET OUT OF HERE!!!!! My doctor told me I needed to relax and he thought it was really good we were going to the beach where I can destress!! So now I can say its "doctor's orders" that I have to go and relax LOL!!!! The boys are so excited they couldn't sleep last night:) Brandi and Joni....I hope you gals have a great time at the New Kids concert and I want lots of pics via cell phone while were headed to Florida:):) Joni....thank you once again for watching my kitty. I really appreciate you taking care of my baby kitty while were gone:):) I will try to post pictures but i'm going to be honest.....I really want to get away from it all......texting, phone calls and computers. I just want to concentrate on relaxing and spending time as a family so I don't know if I will even turn on the computer while were gone. Check back for pictures but if you don't see any that's why:) I will post lots and lots of pictures when we get back:):) My vacation starts in 3 hours and after that I don't care if the ex-governor is arrested or makes another statement and I don't really care what is going on in the news. I am focused on Ben and the boys and having a great time on the beach:):):) 6 days of sun, the beach, heading to the Kennedy Space Center and a trip to Chattanooga on the way home. Have a great week everyone!!!!!!!

MY BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN:)

2009-03-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

So I was really bummed because I can't go to the New Kids concert with Joni and Brandi this coming Sunday in Champaign. Ben and I and the boys will be headed to Florida during the concert. Brandi and Joni....I know you gals will have a great time. Say hi to Jon for me:):)
So today New Kids announced their summer tour.
The group is launching the Full Service Tour, which kicks off May 28 in Atlanta. Joining the tour are America's Best Dance Crew winners JabbawockeeZ, as well as other surprise guests. "Full service! You want it, you're gonna get it," member Donnie Walhberg says in the band's vlog.
They will be in St Louis on July 1!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go see them once again!!! It will be the 3rd time in less than a yr. I will have seen the New Kids:):)

A lazy weekend!

2009-03-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a lazy weekend. I have had a few female issues this weekend so I have been on the couch most of the weekend. At least the weather was awful so I don't feel like I missed out on much:) We all sat around and watched movies. I have to say a HUGE thanks to my wonderful husband. He has really taken care of me this weekend. I was on a hormone for 10 days and then off the pills for 4 days so I knew what was coming. I am back on another hormone and I am feeling better tonight. I talked to my doctor yesterday(he was on call thank God) and he said I should be better by tomorrow or Tuesday. I will be fine by the time we leave for vacation next Sunday:):)
It's hard to believe we leave one week from today. The boys have already packed their things:):) It's really cute how excited they are.
Terri, I know you leave for Florida next weekend too so have a wonderful time and we will have to share pictures and stories:):)
Next Monday we will be sitting on the beach:):)

Boys will be Boys!! A funny story!!

2009-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Andrew at the downtown studio hanging with me while I was working!

Yesterday Andrew and CJ played golf. After golf they decided to play around on the golf cart. All was well until CJ started pulling Andrew behind the golf cart....on his BUTT. Needless to say Andrew had 2 huge asphalt burns on his butt. He couldn't sit down so I took him with me to work today. I was at the downtown studio so he laid on the floor and was BORED. Ben and I both had to laugh. Boys will be boys and I know we have a lot more of these incidents to come:) I mean really.......think about it.......a butt burn.....that is just funny!!!!:):):)

Prayers for a friend and catching up!!

2009-03-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

First I need to say that my prayers are with my wonderful friend Brandi. Brandi, we love you and we will be here for you.
This week has been a bit crazy. If you ask me yesterday I would have said things were not good. Today I can honestly say that God is good and everything is going to be fine. Terri, I SO wish I could go with you in Sept. to the Joyce Meyer conference. I will plan on going with you in 2010 for sure:):) I need that inspiration for sure!!!
Today the kids only had a half day of school. Andrew went to play golf for the afternoon with CJ. He LOVES golf:):) I decided Matthew and I would do lunch together:) We went to Sgt. Peppers cafe and had a wonderful time.
10 days and counting until we head to Florida!!! The Yount's NEED a relaxing vacation!!!

So Excited!!!!!

2009-03-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

We have added a day to our vacation in 2 weeks. We are going to stop on our way home in Chatanooga TN. We are going to stay a really cool hotel called the Chatanooga Choo Choo. Were also going to go to Ruby Falls!!! Kristy I am sure you will appreciate this since you use to live there:):) We have always wanted to stop and see some of the amazing things Chatanooga has to offer! Right now this is our schedule:
Sunday April 5th--Leave around 4 or 5 at night and drive over night.
Monday April 6th--Arrive at Vero Beach
Tuesday April 7th--Hang out at resort
Wednesday April 8th--Go to Kennedy Space Center
Thursday April 9th--Again hang at beach and pool at resort
Friday April 10th--Play mini-golf, hang at beach and head to the resorts campfire that night.
Saturday April 11th--Since it is a Disney resort they have 1 character breakfeast on Sat. mornings. So I made reservations. Its a buffet with Goofy and Donald.
Sunday April 12th--Head to Chatanooga. Should get there around 6 or 7. Check into the Chatanooga Choo Choo.
Monday April 13th--Go to Ruby Falls for the day. Leave for home around 2pm.
I am soooooooooooo excited about this vacation!!!!

Working in the yard and hanging around the house:)

2009-03-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Andrew working in the yard:)

Matthew and Pouncer!!

Every year at this time we start working on the yard. I am very picky about my front yard. I really love to plant flowers and make it look really nice. For some reason Andrew loves to help in the yard. For the past 3 yrs he is the one that rakes and cleans up the yard and then he plants all the flowers. We have never ask him to do it.....he asks every year to help:) Today he was playing outside and he came in and ask for the rake and shovel. He said "mom we need to work on the yard". So, he's been cleaning up the yard for 2 hrs now. He is such a wonderful helper. We won't plant more flowers until the end of April but for now my yard looks so much better and were all ready to plant in about a month!!!

Report Card Day:):)

2009-03-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

The boys got their 3rd quater report cards today. They both did AWESOME!!! You can tell how different they are by looking at their report cards. Andrew is good in science, math and art. Matthew does well in spelling, reading and music!!! It's fun to hear the wonderful comments their teachers have about each of them!!! I am soooooooooo proud of both my wonderful boys:):)
On a side note I have lost another pound:):) I am so excited:):) I know its only a pound but every pound counts:)
This weekend is all about cleaning! I am also going to start packing. Only 15 days till we leave for the beach:):)

There's a great big world out there:):)

2009-03-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was talking with the boys yesterday and they are so excited to see the ocean. They are also really excited about going to see Kennedy Space Center. Then we started taking about how we drive to Florida instead of fly. The boys both agreed that they love the drive to Florida. Andrew said he loves the mountains in TN and likes seeing the different states as we drive through them. Matthew said the drive is exciting and he looks forward to it!! I thought that was so cute!!
Andrew was hilarious the other day.....he said "Mom there is nothing in Springfield. I'm going to go to college somewhere like Florida or New Jersey". I am REALLY happy he feels that way. I want him experience as much as he can. Ben and I have told the kids that they have 3 months to live at home after they get out of high school and then they either have to go to the military or go to college. When Ben's dad was here a few weeks ago we ask the boys....."what do you do after high school" and they said......."military or college". They know the expectations we have for them! Matthew REALLY wants to go into the military. Now, he's only 8, he could change his mind but he talks about it all the time:)
I don't want to push them to grow up to fast. I LOVE the ages they are now but we just want them to be prepared and to understand what we expect. This way they understand they are not going to live in our house and lay on the couch and live off of us:):)

Happy St. Patty's Day!!! Oh, great news and exciting news too:)

2009-03-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

The GREAT news is that I have already lost 10 pds!!!! I went to the doctor today and he was very impressed. We have been eating a lot better and I have been working out at home and walking!!!
The exciting news is that I am making our Disney Dining reservations for September tomorrow. If your going to Disney a great tip is to make your dining reservations 6 months in advance. This year were going to eat at lots of fun places. We are going to eat in Mexico and Canada at Epcot, the 50's Prime time cafe at Hollywood Studios, and at a character breakfeast at Cape May Cafe!!! I love planning our Disney trips:):) Have a wonderful St Patty's Day everyone:):)

Fun at the parade and lots of pictures!!!

2009-03-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

I LOVE this picture of the boys! Andrew, Matthew and CJ!!

Andrew, Matthew and CJ waiting for the parade to start!

Schamrocks with steamers.....I look like an alien LOL!!!

Me and my hubby:)

Solomon, Kyra, Andrew, Matthew and CJ take a minute for a picture.

Iles(Andrew's school) marching band!

The kids watching the parade!

Ben....a hat....a beer...and a cabbage!

It was a nice day for a parade!!! We ended up hanging out in the downtown studio where I work on Thursdays until the parade started. Another nice perk of my job:) Last night CJ spent the night and we took all 3 boys to the parade today. Brandi and Ron and their kids met up with us downtown to watch the parade. It was a fun time for all!!! Now Ben and the kids are at John and Kristy's house. I HAVE to get some cleaning done!! Have a great weekend everyone:)

LIFE IS TO SHORT!!!!

2009-03-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Two people in the radio business passed away this week. Now, I don't know them personally but it really got me thinking. One of them was only 48 and the other in her early 40's. I realize that it seems to some that we take a lot of vacations, go to a lot of movies and do things that seem frivolous. The way I look at it I want my kids to see and experience lots of different things. Ben and I decided some time ago that we want to live life to the fullest. We LOVE the memories we have made and will continue to make on our vacations. I am so proud of Ben. He works so hard to allow us to do all these things. I appreciate him more than he will ever know!!! I realize now more than ever that I can't take anything for granted! I love our life and thank God everyday for the family I have and the experiences we are able to enjoy!!!!!

Another vacation in the works:)

2009-03-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Have I said that I LOVE this time of year LOL!!!:):) Anyway, Its only 12 wks until the kids get out of school for the summer. Time really does fly!! We have decided to go back to the WI Dells as soon as the kids get out of school. We had such a wonderful time last year!!! Were going to go back to Kalahari. We are planning to leave the day the kids get out of school like we did last year and spend 3 days in the Dells!! I'm still in the middle of nailing down everything for our Vero Beach trip in just 3 and a half weeks. I also have to make our dining reservations for our trip to Disney in September at the end of the week:) That's in the middle of trying to get the kids ready for baseball and golf. We are about to kick off a HUGE promotion at the station so I will be really busy until the end of May at work. This is also a really busy time at the Capitol for Ben as well. I'm loving every minute of it:):):) Life is to short not to have fun and enjoy going lots of places and seeing lots of things:) The boys are talking about how when they get older they want to go to Costa Rica, Paris and Japan!! I tell them all the time I want them to go experience all those things and more!! Life is all about experiences!

Fun with the boys and the dogs:)

2009-03-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

I LOVE this picture of Major. You can tell he's sprinting across the tennis courts:)

Matthew shows off his skateboarding skills!

The dogs LOVE going to run at the tennis courts!! They look so happy in this picture:)

Andrew having fun on the scooter!

What a fun day!!! I went to tan again today and ended up burning!! I decided to jump to the mega bed to quickly. I am dying to get tan before we head to the beach!!
Then Ben and I took the boys and the dogs to the tennis courts down the street for some exercise. The boys rode on their skateboard and scooter and the dogs ran. Then we went for a walk around the block!!
It's been nice to start walking again and I am going to start doing mini workouts at home. We replaced all our food with what I am suppose to be eating. It hasen't been bad so far and I really do feel better!!! It's such a nice weekend I am so bummed its going to get back down to the 40's next week:(
At least we know Spring is on its way!!!

Tons of fun and lot of shopping:)

2009-03-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Matthew skateboarding:)

Andrew with Major and Nelson!

Matthew and Camden took a break from skateboarding for a picture:)

It's been a fun and busy few days! It was so nice on Thursday that Andrew went to play 9 holes of golf with CJ. They had a blast!!! Then I have been clothes shopping for myself the last few days:) I don't do a lot of shopping or really anything for myself so its nice every now and then to splurge. Today I took Matthew to his skateboard lesson. His friend Camden met us there. It was so much fun for the boys to skate together:) After skateboarding Camden's parents along with Matthew and I went to Mcdonalds for lunch!! It was a nice day. We are having pizza and spending tonight watching a movie as a family!!! Have a great weekend everyone!!

NICE WEATHER....VACATION COMING SOON...LIFE IS GOOD!!!:):)

2009-03-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

OK so I will post some pics this weekend:) I am LOVING this weather. We are going to start working in our yard this weekend. We have had a great week:) I am meeting with my nutritionist sometime next week. I love having someone to tell me what I should and should not eat. She is such a sweetheart. I have already spoken with her several times. I also LOVE this time of year because I am a HUGE American Idol fan. I really want Danny to win!!! I am rambling but I am in a great mood:) I am ready to go clothes shopping tomorrow:) I am getting clothes to wear to the beach. I also can't wait to start tanning tomorrow too:):) This post is all over the place LOL:) Oh well, I am just really excited about getting healthy and going on vacation in just 4 weeks!!! The kids have never seen the ocean so I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something is up with my blog:(

2009-03-02T16:29:00.001-08:00

Hopefully my blog will fix itself. My postings are not coming up:(

KEEPING UP WITH THE BOYS IS CRAZY!!!

2009-03-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

About 2 yrs ago the boys really started getting into sleep overs and getting together with friends!! Its been crazy ever since LOL!! It just gets more hectic as they get older. Trying to keep up with their schedules and what they want to do with their friends is nuts. Andrew spent the night at CJ's last night. Matthew and Ben went over to John and Kristi's for the afternoon. This morning Caleb called and wanted Matthew to head to his house for the day(kids are off school today). Ben ended up leaving here to go pick up Andrew from CJ's and drop Matthew off at Caleb's. I love that they get out of the house all the time LOL!!! I actually get lots done around the house and enjoy some "me" time:) Ben and I have taken on projects around the house that we couldn't do when they were little. I feel like Ben and I have really gotten to spend some quality time together over the past year. I also feel like we are in such a wonderful place as a family right now. The other night we all curled up on the couch and watched a movie. The boys like to watch Nick-at -Nite with me on the weekends when they get to stay up later. They love Home Improvement and George Lopez:) We have been taking the dogs down to the tennis courts to let them loose and run. Yesterday we went as a family. The dogs ran while Ben and the boys played catch. Their getting ready for baseball season:) Then we took the dogs for a walk around the block. I am hoping this is a daily excursion for us:) The dogs LOVE it and so do we:):) I am off work today. It's my last Monday off. I head back to work 5 days a week next week. I am looking forward to The Bachelor tonight. I have heard there will be LOTS of drama on tonight's show:) Have a great week everyone!

Spring is on the way and everything is starting to look up:)

2009-02-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

After a CRAZY start to 2009 things are starting to look up and calm down:) Ben is still working some crazy hours but only Tues-Thurs so that's much better! I am loving my job:) I have really settled in to working during the day. Not only do I LOVE what I do but the extra money is nice too:) I am also seeing a nutritionist next Wed. I have to overhaul my diet with this metabolic disorder I have. I am excited about it and Ben is going with me since he cooks LOL!!!
The boys are doing well. Matthew is taking skateboard lessons on Saturdays and guitar lessons on Tuesdays. Andrew has IMSA on Tuesdays through the end of school. It's hard to believe the end of school is only 13 weeks away. This fall we have to start looking at junior high schools for Andrew!! WOW that's crazy!! Baseball season starts soon and both the boys are excited about once again being on the same team:)
Nice weather is only weeks away and I am so excited about that as well!! We are shopping next week for new lights for the back porch and new chairs too!!
With our beach vacation only 5 weeks away I have been doing some shopping for myself:) I am also going for a manicure and pedicure next month and I'm going to start tanning next week!! A week on the beach with just Ben and the kids will be heavenly! We are REALLY looking forward to just relaxing on the beach and by the pool. One day were going to Kennedy Space Center but other than that it will be a slow-paced and very relaxing vacation! We NEED relaxation right now:):)
Oh, went to see the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" last weekend with Joni and it was really good:) Joni and I have decided we will go to a movie a month:) We already know every movie we are going to go see through July LOL:):)
Have a great weekend everyone:)

Getting well and getting healthy!!!!

2009-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Well, after numerous doctors visits and lots of tests I FINALLY know exactly what is wrong with me and more importantly how to fix it!!!
My insulin levels are very high. I am NOT diabetic. I have a metabolic disorder. It can come on suddenly which is did for me 3 yrs ago. It is the reason for the weight gain and all the female problems I have been going through.
The great news is its fixable!!! I am taking meds to regulate basically my entire system. It should put everything back in order in the next 2 months or so!! The meds come with some unpleasant side effects but I just keep telling myself that they are helping me and I will get through it!! I am also watching my intake of carbs. This along with the meds should help me FINALLY lose the weight. I have already lost about 3 pds in just a week so I'm pleased:) I feel like I am on the road to getting my life back!!!!:):) I am praying that by September Joni and I can take a road trip to the 2010 Mrs IL International pageant....just to watch:):) I would love to go back as a former queen. I just need to drop the weight first which I am on the road to doing:):) Have a great rest of the week everyone!!!

A cleaning we will go........

2009-02-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

Andrew in front of his desk!!

Matthew with Stitch and all his webkinz!

Also, here is an extra picture of Matthew petting a snake:) Some animals from the zoo came to visit Matthew's school on Friday. Matthew didn't mind the snake but was terrified of the tarantula.

Lots of cleaning today. We cleaned the kitchen, bathroom, pantry and the boys room. Andrew spent 2 hours cleaning out he and Matthew's closet. Andrew is so excited to have his own space in their room now. We set him up a desk with all his rocks and he organized everything. Last night we went out to dinner. After dinner we went to MC Sports. The store is closing and they are having an amazing sale. We got Andrew his baseball pants and cleats for only $25. It would have cost $55 without all the discounts so if you need sports stuff head to MC Sports.
Work is going well for me....I am still off Mondays until March 9th. Then I will be back at work 5 days a week until the end of May. For the summer I will be off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays just like I was last year:)
They are back in session at the capitol so Ben is still working some crazy hours. I say it all the time but I mean it.....we are blessed he is paid overtime!!! I am amazed at how much he is actually paid to do what he loves to do:):)
Tomorrow Joni and I are going to see the movie "Confessions of a shopaholic". It should be a fun girls afternoon:):)
Have a great weekend everyone:)

EVERYONE LOVES DISNEY:):)

2009-02-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

First let me say that I am always soooooooooo happy when I hear that someone is going to Disney:) I think Disney is a magical place that EVERYONE should experience!!!
Ben and I are taking the boys to Disney's Vero Beach in April. Brandi and Ron are now going to Disney's Vero Beach in May(have a great time guys:)). Then within the next year we are going to Disney World in September 2009.....Joni and Chad and their kids are going to Disney World in March of 2010 and Brandi and Ron are taking their kids to Disney World in the Summer of 2010. I am so excited for everyone that gets to enjoy Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish we could all go at the same time:):) Now that would be a BLAST:):)
IF ANYONE ELSE IS GOING TO DISNEY LEAVE ME A COMMENT!!! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT ANYONE ELSE VISITING THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH:)

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

2009-02-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

I MADE OUR DISNEY RESERVATIONS FOR THE FALL TODAY!! WERE GOING SEPTEMBER 15-22. WE GOT THE RESORT I REALLY REALLY WANTED. WE WILL BE STAYING IN DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM RESORT. WE WILL ACTUALLY BE STAYING IN THE NEW SECTION WHICH IS ONLY FOR DISNEY VACATION CLUB MEMBERS. THE ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF THE RESORT AND YOU CAN SEE HOW CLOSE THE ANIMALS ARE TO THE BALCONIES!! IT'S A 1 BEDROOM SUITE WITH A SAVANNA VIEW. THAT MEANS OUR BALCONY WILL LOOK OUT AT ALL THE ANIMALS. WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE GIRAFFE'S FROM OUR ROOM!!! OMG I AM SO EXCITED!!!! HERE IS A LITTLE INFO ABOUT THE NEW PART OF THE RESORT:)
Kidani Village (opening early 2009)
Barbecue Pavilion
Shuffleboard, Tennis and Basketball Courts
Community Hall
Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center
Safari so Good Arcade
Samawati Springs Pool - zero entry with 128 foot slide and two whirlpool spas
Uwanja Camp - Children's interactive play area
Johari Treasures Gift Shop
ANDREW HAD CJ SPEND THE NIGHT LAST NIGHT AND NOW HE IS SPENDING THE NIGHT AT CJ'S. MATTHEW PLAYED OUTSIDE WITH OUR NEIGHBORS ALL DAY!!!!!!! A GREAT DAY ALL AROUND:):):) ONLY 7 MONTHS AND WERE BACK AT DISNEY WORLD!! OH, AND WE HAD EXTRA DISNEY VACATION POINTS SO I ADDED A NIGHT TO OUR APRIL VACATION. NOW WE WILL BE STAYING 6 NIGHTS INSTEAD OF 5:):) AFTER A CRAZY COUPLE OF WEEKS WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME IN CHICAGO AND NOW EVERYTHING WORKED OUT PERFECT TODAY:):):):)

Happy Valentine's Day.....and lots of pictures from our trip!!!!!

2009-02-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

The boys on the balcony right outside our room at the hotel!!!

Andrew, Matthew and Henry with lions made of legos:)

Matthew and Henry with R2D2 made of legos.

Andrew with a giant spider made of legos!!

City made of legos!!

A neighborhood made of legos!

Andrew and Matthew with their cousins Henry, Peter and James.

Ben wrestling with nephews Peter and Henry:)

The boys with their cousin Mikayla.

We had an amazing time on our minivacation:):) Yesterday we went to legoland. My brother-in-law brought my nephew and we had a blast. Then we went to the mall where the boys bought lots of legos!!! We headed back to the hotel where the boys spent several hours putting together their legos. We had yummy UNO pizza for dinner. We headed down to the lobby where we watched baskeball on the big screen tv and played cards with the boys. We played Gin and had so much fun. The boys are at such a wonderful age:):) Ben took them swimming and then we relaxed in the hotel. Today we went to my brother and sister-in-laws for lunch and the boys were able to spend some time with their cousins. Then we stopped in Bloomington to see my mom, brother and my niece. I LOVE LOVE LOVE going on vacation. We can't wait to go to the beach in just 7 weeks:):)

Happy 10th birthday Andrew:):):)

2009-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Our hotel is beautiful!! Here are the boys in front of the fountain in the lobby.

We LOVED the Rainforest Cafe!!!

Andrew looking at the fish at the Rainforest Cafe!

Me and my birthday boy!!!

Ben and Andrew take time out for a picture at the Rainforest Cafe!!

And to top it off.......Volcano cake:):)

We got to the hotel around 4 today. We LOVE our suite. It's big and roomie and it has 2 flat screen tv's:) We are on the 7th floor and the balcony looks out over the fountain. The boys love the glass elevators LOL!!! We headed over to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. It was so much fun!!! Then we came back to the hotel and the boys went swimming. We have spent tonight relaxing in the suite!! Tomorrow we head to Legoland!!! It is so nice to be on a minivacation:):)